Europe captured my heart during my first visit to France at age 18.

While I enjoy discovering places across the US, crossing an ocean quickly shifts my mindset into full vacation mode by distancing me from everyday pressures.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge to travel internationally returned, leading us to France two years ago. Last year we expanded to France and Italy.

This year I suggested an even bolder plan: three European countries over eight days plus travel days on each end. The schedule featured two full days in London plus two and a half days each in Amsterdam and Paris.

The experience proved unforgettable and packed with activity, yet several errors highlighted important takeaways.

Security and customs details received too little advance attention

The Eurostar journey from London to Amsterdam required an hour for thorough security and customs checks. Expecting comparable procedures on the route from Amsterdam to Paris, we reached the station well ahead of time only to find no checkpoint at all.

The miscalculation wasted an hour, which I regretted because an earlier train might have been possible. Travel between EU nations proves simpler than entering the union from the United Kingdom.

With limited time available, every minute counts, so greater focus on requirements during planning became essential.

Delaying a hotel reservation created unnecessary stress

A centrally located Amsterdam property near the main station caught my eye. Although I normally reserve early, I waited hoping rates might decrease.

When booking time arrived, no rooms remained for our dates because major events had filled accommodations quickly.

Past success with last-minute options on Booking.com led me to select another hotel reachable by short train ride. The choice succeeded, yet it reinforced the need to check for large events beforehand.

Reserving early and canceling if better rates appear later offers a safer approach.

One trip cannot cover every attraction, and that is acceptable

Limited days in each city require focusing on personal priorities instead of every popular site. My husband and I often bypass art museums in favor of architecture, gardens, and meaningful activities.

Choosing independently rather than following fear of missing out initially caused concern, but the freedom to select what matters most proved liberating.

In Amsterdam the Anne Frank House remained an option, yet we chose the Heineken Experience to honor my late father who loved the brand.

Although I do not drink beer, participating in an activity he never experienced felt deeply satisfying.

Walking reveals a city best, yet practicality should prevail

I favor exploring new places on foot rather than using public transit.

With only two days in London we walked an hour from our hotel to Kensington Palace.

The route would have been pleasant on a clear day, but unpredictable London weather brought rain and wind that made the walk uncomfortable.

Although train stations were nearby, sporadic showers encouraged us to continue. Next time I will board a train promptly rather than risk poor conditions.