First time Europe and any forum-please be patient:)
Jun 21st, 2012, 06:54 PM
#1
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First time Europe and any forum-please be patient:)
First solo Europe trip. TOO much info out there on this. People tell me fly into Dublin from LAX (reasonable fare) because I want to then go to
Kracow, Vienna,Venice,Switzerland,Paris, and fly home from Germany. Best way to fly open jaw, people say. I have no order in which to visit except I don't want Poland to be my last destination. I realize this is 7 countries, but advise on how long I should take in each .Is 4-5 days good and not be exhausted??
I know about "too much in too little time"--I am planning YEARS ahead, so will save proper amount of money for traveling I appreciate your time. I heard I can take many regional flight to many cities. I will listen to all suggestions and appreciate them
Kracow, Vienna,Venice,Switzerland,Paris, and fly home from Germany. Best way to fly open jaw, people say. I have no order in which to visit except I don't want Poland to be my last destination. I realize this is 7 countries, but advise on how long I should take in each .Is 4-5 days good and not be exhausted??
I know about "too much in too little time"--I am planning YEARS ahead, so will save proper amount of money for traveling I appreciate your time. I heard I can take many regional flight to many cities. I will listen to all suggestions and appreciate them
Jun 21st, 2012, 07:29 PM
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You are correct open jaws would be best.
How much do you plan on saving? If you were going to take a 2 week trip, how much could you spend?
One of the things about planning years ahead is that airfare could double. Do you plan on staying in great hotels and eating in expensive places?
Tell us more about your travel dream. I don't spend as much as you'd think to go to Europe.
How much do you plan on saving? If you were going to take a 2 week trip, how much could you spend?
One of the things about planning years ahead is that airfare could double. Do you plan on staying in great hotels and eating in expensive places?
Tell us more about your travel dream. I don't spend as much as you'd think to go to Europe.
Jun 21st, 2012, 07:37 PM
#5
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Soo excited really. Thinking 1200.00 for airfare and another $5k, plus inter country airfare. I really need a number to save-hahah. No great hotels or expensive food budget------- I want to do B& B or local homes. I signed up for Servas too??I am very good at budgeting, but the travelling from different countries is sooo hard to gauge??
GREAT to hear it can be done without spending 10K, right?
GREAT to hear it can be done without spending 10K, right?
Jun 21st, 2012, 07:40 PM
#7
Rather than designate a randomly decided number of days in each place/country, you need to know what you want to see and do in each place, how much time that will require, and then find out how long it takes to get from place to place. Flying isn't always more time efficient than taking a train. Make sure the things you want to see are open on the days you'll be there. Factor in a half day or more every several days to give you a cushion of time for sightseeing you hadn't anticipated and then figure out when you're going to do laundry because a trip like the one you're contemplating will be several weeks long.
If you're "planning YEARS ahead," don't assume the LAX-Dublin fare will always be the cheapest. Since you say you don't want to end in Poland, you may want to consider heading there first (via Warsaw).
Do you know what time of year you would be going?
If you're "planning YEARS ahead," don't assume the LAX-Dublin fare will always be the cheapest. Since you say you don't want to end in Poland, you may want to consider heading there first (via Warsaw).
Do you know what time of year you would be going?
Jun 21st, 2012, 07:45 PM
#8
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Yes I need to know geography/transportation better between countries. My broad thought was 18 months from now. LAX to Dublin , then to Krakow, Vienna,Venice, any part of Switzerland,Paris and Black Forest Germany. I know this is very hard to help but I wonder which website to go to on such a lengthy country hopping dream. I can change any part of trip, just starting my travel dream-thanks so much
I was thinking September?
I was thinking September?
Jun 21st, 2012, 08:17 PM
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Okay, 18 months makes sense.
September/October is a great month to travel.
You're good at saving. Will this be your first major trip?
How do you know you want to be away from home for that long? (this is my own feelings coming through
September/October is a great month to travel.
You're good at saving. Will this be your first major trip?
How do you know you want to be away from home for that long? (this is my own feelings coming through
Jun 21st, 2012, 08:24 PM
#10
I would drop Dublin if the only reason you are going there is because you think the flight will be cheaper. It will cost you to get from Dublin to the next city so there really wouldn't be any savings.
If you are traveling Sept/Oct I would start with the northern areas and head south.
If you are traveling Sept/Oct I would start with the northern areas and head south.
Jun 21st, 2012, 08:38 PM
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Really good advice and questions so far.
If you'd like, you can look at a couple of websites like skyscanner.net and whichbudget.com to get an idea about discount airlines in Europe, and where they fly.
If you want to work out a complicated train schedule, no one is more helpful than Byron at budgeteuropetravel.com
If I call them I try to buy from them. Up charges are minimal, and the knowledge is fantastic, especially when I'm a bit confused or have a more complex route, timing, etc. If you have plenty of time, I believe tickets and itinerary will be sent to you.
I think I would be playing with air and rail websites to see just where you can go, and how easy it is to get there. My thoughts are that I can usually find a place to stay, but getting from place to place requires planning in order to fit a budget.
If you'd like, you can look at a couple of websites like skyscanner.net and whichbudget.com to get an idea about discount airlines in Europe, and where they fly.
If you want to work out a complicated train schedule, no one is more helpful than Byron at budgeteuropetravel.com
If I call them I try to buy from them. Up charges are minimal, and the knowledge is fantastic, especially when I'm a bit confused or have a more complex route, timing, etc. If you have plenty of time, I believe tickets and itinerary will be sent to you.
I think I would be playing with air and rail websites to see just where you can go, and how easy it is to get there. My thoughts are that I can usually find a place to stay, but getting from place to place requires planning in order to fit a budget.
Jun 21st, 2012, 08:42 PM
#12
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I have been to Mexico and Hawaii about 10x, never Europe-I believe I would love to experience a long trip to places I have dreamed of for 30 years-I could be wrong
I would love to go to Ireland,I'm Irish- if i could see a portion in 4-5 days-you think would be worth that short of stay? Yes, I can fly into whichever city is most convenient to travel-its hard to decide. I definitely want to go to Poland, so trying to figure out where to start and finish literally>
I would love to go to Ireland,I'm Irish- if i could see a portion in 4-5 days-you think would be worth that short of stay? Yes, I can fly into whichever city is most convenient to travel-its hard to decide. I definitely want to go to Poland, so trying to figure out where to start and finish literally>
Jun 21st, 2012, 08:49 PM
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Wow-thanks so much everyone------------I will check out those websites. I don't have specific places to see, because I know very little about the transportation problems of getting from one country to another. I have planned 10+ trips, but never country to country. I will be happy just to be "there"-where that may be in each country
Jun 21st, 2012, 08:58 PM
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There are many cheap airlines in Europe. The catch is they have more rules than a monastery and more fees than a bank against a bounced check.
They are strict about the weight of luggage with stiff penalties.
Ryanair flies from Dublin to a number of cities in Poland.
http://www.ryanair.com/en
Get yourself a map of Europe to understand where you want to visit. Do not compare traveling times in the US. Europe does not have the car culture the US has and relies more on trains.
Certain places demand more time, so do not think of 4 or 5 days but what you want to see.
And remember you are going to lose time traveling even if you have 5 weeks. It always takes time to pack, unpack, check out, check in, get to the airport or rail station, the actual train trip or flight and getting to the new hotel.
They are strict about the weight of luggage with stiff penalties.
Ryanair flies from Dublin to a number of cities in Poland.
http://www.ryanair.com/en
Get yourself a map of Europe to understand where you want to visit. Do not compare traveling times in the US. Europe does not have the car culture the US has and relies more on trains.
Certain places demand more time, so do not think of 4 or 5 days but what you want to see.
And remember you are going to lose time traveling even if you have 5 weeks. It always takes time to pack, unpack, check out, check in, get to the airport or rail station, the actual train trip or flight and getting to the new hotel.
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:18 PM
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The advice for you to look at what exactly you want to see in each location is really good advice. Instead of saying "I'll budget XYZ days for abc city", you need to know what are the attractions that you want to see first, then you'll automatically know how much time you want to spend in that particular city.
Going generally north-south is another excellent idea. You may, however, want to fly out of Frankfurt, as the rates from Frankfurt to LA may be cheaper.
As for lodging, B'Bs or "pensions" are very prevalent in Europe and can save you a great deal of money as well as offer you an opportunity to meet up with other travelers, particularly Europeans.
Servas is a possibility, not so much for lodging but for meeting up with local people. I'd be careful, tho, in your selection of whom you wish to meet within Servas.
For local transportation, I'm assuming that you will be spending about a month on continental Europe after your visit in Ireland, so look into getting a Eurailpass for a month, particularly a global pass, since you want to visit so many countries. As a general rule, a Eurailpass allows you to hop on any train within certain countries, so that will allow you the flexibiilty of changing your plans, should you decide to stay one day more/less in any particular location. If you purchase single tickets, you are stuck with the particular train on a particular day.
Fodorites are generally very helpful and if you keep dialoging with us, we can help you refine your travel plans.
Sounds like a great trip in the making!
Going generally north-south is another excellent idea. You may, however, want to fly out of Frankfurt, as the rates from Frankfurt to LA may be cheaper.
As for lodging, B'Bs or "pensions" are very prevalent in Europe and can save you a great deal of money as well as offer you an opportunity to meet up with other travelers, particularly Europeans.
Servas is a possibility, not so much for lodging but for meeting up with local people. I'd be careful, tho, in your selection of whom you wish to meet within Servas.
For local transportation, I'm assuming that you will be spending about a month on continental Europe after your visit in Ireland, so look into getting a Eurailpass for a month, particularly a global pass, since you want to visit so many countries. As a general rule, a Eurailpass allows you to hop on any train within certain countries, so that will allow you the flexibiilty of changing your plans, should you decide to stay one day more/less in any particular location. If you purchase single tickets, you are stuck with the particular train on a particular day.
Fodorites are generally very helpful and if you keep dialoging with us, we can help you refine your travel plans.
Sounds like a great trip in the making!
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:33 PM
#17
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27 day tour from US$4399.00*
London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Florence, Nice, Madrid and Paris.
Highlights
Dover
, Amsterdam
, Rhine Valley
, Heidelberg
, Strasbourg
, Lucerne
, Liechtenstein
, Innsbruck
, Salzburg
, Vienna
, Venice
, Rome
, Florence
, Pisa
, Monaco
, Nice
, South of France
, Barcelona
, Madrid
, Lourdes
, Biarritz
, Loire Valley
, Paris
This is a tour for 4500-but it has 9 countries in 27 days?? Is that crazy? Its a professional company, who has staff, I don't know. I really don't want to break my trip up into 2 separate vacations.
Disclaimer
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
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Copyright © 2012 Trafalgar. All rights reserved. CST#2077132-20 Trafalgar is part of The Travel Corporation family of brands. You're visiting from USA
London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Florence, Nice, Madrid and Paris.
Highlights
Dover
, Amsterdam
, Rhine Valley
, Heidelberg
, Strasbourg
, Lucerne
, Liechtenstein
, Innsbruck
, Salzburg
, Vienna
, Venice
, Rome
, Florence
, Pisa
, Monaco
, Nice
, South of France
, Barcelona
, Madrid
, Lourdes
, Biarritz
, Loire Valley
, Paris
This is a tour for 4500-but it has 9 countries in 27 days?? Is that crazy? Its a professional company, who has staff, I don't know. I really don't want to break my trip up into 2 separate vacations.
Disclaimer
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Receive special offers and travel news
Join the Conversation
Community
Trafalgar Blog
YouTube
Find Your Trip
Search
Destinations
Offers
Our Vacations
Brochures
How to Book
Insider Experiences
About Us
Be My Guest
Hidden Treasures
Unique Insights
Travel Directors
Local Experts
Watch Our Videos
I've Already Booked
Know Before You Go
Express Check-In
FAQs
Community
London Reception Centre
Information
Contact Us
Media Center
65th Anniversary
Sustainability
Terms & Conditions
Privacy & Security
Copyright © 2012 Trafalgar. All rights reserved. CST#2077132-20 Trafalgar is part of The Travel Corporation family of brands. You're visiting from USA
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:43 PM
#18
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I guess I am odd-I do not know what I want to see I just want to go to country. This way I am not disappointed. I want to go to Krakow,Vienna,Venice,Interlaken Switzerland,Paris, and black forest Germany
"Going generally north-south is another excellent idea.I'd be careful, tho, in your selection of whom you wish to meet within Servas." Why??
Maybe I shouldn't worry about air flights to each country-just do rail-can I actually decide when I get there, or is that moronic?? How much would you bring for 5 weeks?? Thanks for all the help
"Going generally north-south is another excellent idea.I'd be careful, tho, in your selection of whom you wish to meet within Servas." Why??
Maybe I shouldn't worry about air flights to each country-just do rail-can I actually decide when I get there, or is that moronic?? How much would you bring for 5 weeks?? Thanks for all the help
Jun 21st, 2012, 09:55 PM
#19
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I have tried to plan this trip for decades and everyone bailed out on me, so I want to do it before its too late. I didn't know if trying rail all over 7 countries would be feasible in 5 weeks. I was trying not be be complicated and I didn't realize how helpful everyone is on forums, its my first time. I am an event planner, and know exactly how plans can change, thus I hoped if i could figure out how to get from country to country, I would explore whats closest, convenient and I would be happy
