1. Should I go with a travel agent? Most likely I will be traveling with at least 2 other people so a package deal is possible if it makes things cheaper.

Consult a travel agent but purchase the best deal. Travel Agents are usually very good at finding good things to do in good locations. However, with the discount prices available online, they simply can't compete.

So, consult a travel agent but also use online services to ensure that you're getting a good price.

2. Airlines to avoid?

I don't think there are any airlines to avoid. I've flown all major North American airlines and a few smaller European ones as well.

Whatever you do, check-in online both ways as early as you can (usually 24 hours before). Use http://www.seatguru.com/ to select the best seat to ensure you're as comfortable as possible.

On the way home, I'm always tired and ready to get off the plane as quickly as possible. So, I always book a seat as close to the front as possible for my return.

3. Hotels and other dwellings - Good hotels, bad hotels, hotel alternatives?

This is a difficult question to answer. Depending on your budget, specifically what you want to see, and how long you're going to be there, hotel recommendations will be all over the place.

Personally, I recommend these 2 hotels:
http://www.lloydhotel.com/
http://www.estherea.nl/

4. Best Coffee Shop

If this is your first trip to Amsterdam, all of the coffee shops could be "the best". Locals and frequent travelers will tell you that the best coffee shops offer a good variety of options in drugs as well as in wine, music and atmosphere.

De Rokerij is a fun place to go and shouldn't be missed.

5. Best sites to see in Amsterdam.

I started to compose a proper long answer for this but quickly found that this would likely be best suited for a separate question.

6. Looking for ideas on day trips and over night trips outside of amsterdam but still close. I want to see more then just amsterdam as I have never been out of the country. So hit me with the best must see stuff. I don't need to hit up the REALLY touristy stuff, more the hidden gem type stuff.

Again, I started to compose a proper long answer for this but quickly found that this would likely be best suited for a separate question.


7. what is the best time of year to go and why?

I like the fall in Amsterdam. It's busy and fun, but rates are down slightly and the city itself isn't quite as packed as usual. Also, the temperature in October allows for a sweater meaning you don't have to worry about lugging a coat around as you see the sights. Plus, if you find yourself thirsty, October is a great time in nearby Munich where you can experience Oktoberfest.

8. what about money? should I bring US cash and exchange there? I have heard that no one takes american money over there anymore. Tips for not getting ripped off? How much is enough?

There are ATM machines in Amsterdam. Credit cards are also common.

Personally, I take about EU 500. This gives me enough walking around cash for a week. Although, I do usually use my credit card to cover some dinners.

I hope that this helps!

1. I'm not quite sure how travel agents have jobs anymore. Book a flight and hotel yourself online, and when you get to the city, wander around. Everyone speaks English in Amsterdam, so you'll have zero problems.

2. I can't say there's an airline you should avoid, but I've flown Northwest from the US to Amsterdam multiple times and I've always had a good experience.

3. I stayed at the Movenpick Hotel, which is an international chain. Definitely nice, and easy walking distance to the central train station.

4. No idea, but there's certainly no shortage of shops to try.

5. Multiple people suggested a try a traditional Indonesian dinner while in Amsterdam, so I did. It was delicious, and not very expensive (50 euros for two people, including two drinks each): http://www.purimas.nl/ I also enjoyed La Mancha, a tapas restaurant, at Geelvincksteeg 6.

7. Avoid Amsterdam in the winter. I was there last winter for a week, and it was too cold to comfortably wander around, which is 9/10ths of the whole point.

8. You can pay for a cab from the airport to the hotel with a credit card (though I suggest taking the train - and you can buy a train ticket with a credit card, too), and then take cash out from an ATM. They're all over the place (and most restaurants will take credit cards, too). Don't bother exchanging your money at the airport -- or if you're really paranoid and insist, don't exchange more than $100USD.