prilly301971

Hi.. I am for the first time going to plan a trip instead of shooting off at the last moment. I was hoping someone could give me some feedback on how long I need to spend in europe to be able to cover it pretty well and the best way to plan and go. I would like to be with others like myself and meet new people... I am originally form NY and live in South Fla now (past 5 years) and I am 33 and have the time now to do soem travelling!!!I am not the best with planned itinerarys.. I have heard that there are people that will plan out your trip for you..and get to know you and what you would like.. I don't have too many budgetary restraints... any ides?

I just got back form Brazil and I was with a friends from Sao Paulo so it was great! went to Rio and Guadraja. I highly recommend brazil for it's beauty.

Dayle

Hi Prilly,

I hate to tell you, but you have just won the Vague Question Contest. "How long do I need to spend in Europe to cover it pretty well?"

For starters, what countries? All of them? How much time do you have? Forever? Give us more to go on and we can help. Even a travel agent will ask you these questions.

Buona fortuna!

prilly301971

yeah I guess... like I said I usually just get up and go and this time I want to plan...

well I definately want to see Italy, Greece, Spain, France and would love to do more such as Amsterdam, London, and have a month to do it but want to do it right. I have been told that Oct is a good time to travel. I am good with a flexible plan..

Thank you

Eloise

October can be fairly good; September would be better, although it is still high season in Italy.

You cannot hope to "do it right" if you plan to see Italy, Greece, Spain, France, London and Amsterdam in a month.

You have two options: one or two countries in a little depth, or a quick once-over (three days each) of the cities that interest you.

prilly301971

I think the quick once over of cities I would like to see would be best.. what about tours?

Eloise

I'm sorry, I can't help. I do not know any tour companies, as I always travel independently.

suze

I have only gone on my own, but read alot of travel magazines (Conde Nast, Budget Travel, National Geo Traveler, Travel & Leisure). You might pick up a few yourself and look at the tour company advertisements. There are tons of choices, but I'm not sure any that would cover the particular 4 countries plus 2 cities that you mention.

Also realize that on a tour you will most likely have to pay a "single supplement" or be paired up with another single female to share hotel rooms.

If I were in your shoes (traveling solo, 1 month, and generous budget) I would plan it myself, probably start with 5 days in either Amsterdam or London, on to Paris for 5 days, and the rest of the month spent in Italy. Fly open jaws to avoid backtracking, into Amsterdam and out of Rome (for example).

nytraveler

The territory you want to cover is about 6/8 weeks minimum - to see even the basics in some of the major cities. (To "see" all of europe you would need at least 6 months for even a cursory view.)

If you want to do a tour suggest you get a bunch of tour brochures and start checking them out. Just be aware that many of the places lsted in the booklets are either photo ops (5 minutes vs the 2/3 hour tour) or even drive-bys - so you will see much less than it appears from reading the booklet.