Thread: Has Anyone Here Toured Europe?

wtf? three times?

Originally Posted by JohnnyCakeDC

wtf? three times?

Dude, apparently in Italy, going on strike is like, the national pass-time.

Luckily, there is some advance notice. I just never CHECKED.

Don't plan to visit too many places, lest you spend the time sitting in trains. Also, plan beforehand, listing what you want to see - there's too much to see everything.

Expect the unexpected, ie leave margin for errors/delays/cancels etc. Make sure that you will manage, even if everything goes pear-shaped and you lose all your gear (a far-fetched chance, but IMO it is good to be prepared for all eventuality).

Also, prepare well with all the important information, for example phonenumbers (own contacts, family, local contacts, embassies, bank), addresses, critical numbers (how to cancel your creditcard/phone if it's nicked etc), photocopy your passport and memorize the number. Stash important bits to somewhere you can get if you lose all your gear. I used my email-account when I did my tour.

Get good travel guide and read it beforehand. I'm particular to lonely planet (but learn how the phonenumbers go beforehand, they usually list only the local format).

Book the hostels/hotels early - many of the favourite spots may be booked solid, especially during special events.

Prepare language-wise: not everyone will speak or even understand english. However, they're usually very gracious towards tourists. You usually get a bit better response too if you break the ice in local language.

There's good tips for travelling in those guides. Also see the net for what you should take account travel-wise.

I hope you have an excellent trip. Definitely worth it.

*raises hand* Oh yes. Did it for quite a long time.

If you really plan on movin' and shakin', yes the Eurail pass is a good call. But one recommendation.

GET IT INSURED.

It may sound obvious. But I didn't. And I got mugged 2 weeks after landing and there went $1200 right down the drain.

At any rate, I am personally a fan of travel at what I call "ground level." I don't see the point in tour buses, monument gawking, and the like. Some people enjoy it, but for me, I want to get in at the ground floor and see the place I'm in the way the people who live there see it.

Am I correct in thinking you're planning to spend 90 days total in Europe? If so, IMHO, I wouldn't go to any more than 3 countries and 5 cities. Spending 3 days in a place is not enough time to get to know it, and you can look at pretty buildings anywhere. If you're going to go somewhere, get to know the place.

Do hostels. I'm sick of them now, but I'm glad I did it. Go for the ones that seem just a little bit strange. They throw great parties.

Walk a lot. Hell, walk everywhere. Take out the headphones and pay attention to what's going on around you. You may just stumble into the time of your life.

Travel light. Really light. In addition to being easier to deal with, it also forces you to get out and see the world.

Talk to people. Even the kinds of people you'd walk right past at home. Traveling is about exploring your own mind as well as the world.

And most of all, have fun.

Originally Posted by gugi

I agree. Including in Italy, during train strike which is about every other week

One of the reasons I said usually! Although when they're working the trains in Italy afford some incredible views. I got a night train from Rome to the south of France a few years ago and the sunrise was one of the most magical experiences I've ever had while travelling.

I wouldn't miss eastern Europe and specially Baltic States (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia). They are beautiful and idyllic places. Distances are short and cities are quite small. Lots of history and culture to see. Prices are much lower than in Scandinavia or western parts of Europe. I will happily give you any more info if you are interested in those.
In general, once you find out where will you visit here, then you'll get the best information from the local SRP members.

should you come to switzerland look me up ill even loan you my scuddle for as long as your here. the dollar has taken a nose dive as you well know. europe on 5 bucks a day has gone the way of the do do and honest politics.the train pass is the way to go and get around. but realy if your planning to come to switzerland . ill give you the 50 cent tour. and were i you i would keep this in mind, spain rocks

I didn't travel extensively, but I've seen most or western Europe.
Imo, Belgium is definitely the best place to be

If you don't mind the relative lack of privacy, youth hostels are a very good way to sleep. They're cheap, serve decent food, and are generally reachable via public transportation. You might want to make reservations in advance though, if you plan to be in the cities in the summer holiday season.

If you like hiking, luxembourg and Germany have some beautiful places to walk through the forest, interesting castles etc.

If you do come back to London, send me a PM as I am more than happy to be a tour guide...!

Edinburgh is also well worth a visit, and its a very pretty city.

Madrid is a great place to go to, as well as Barcelona. Both are very pretty and have great night life!

I could talk about Italy till the cows come home. Where to begin? Rome and Florence are must sees. If you can get out to Sorrento you can go see Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius which are all well worth the trip. Tuscany is beautiful as well.

Perugia is a pretty little town, and a draw for straight razor shavers as its where Mastro Livi has his shop..!

Croatia, Prague and Latvia are all great as well, and are very pretty.

I've not been to Berlin, but my dad's company is headquartered there and I've heard thats another great city to visit.

Wherever you go, I hope you have an amazing time..!

Thanks to all for the tips guys. I'll keep everyone posted and up to speed as my time comes closer to my trip. If you offered stay or a tour to me, I may infact take you up on it. All the best, and again thanks-J