Zack

Hey, I am going to the above places starting May 31. Are there any tips you hae about the culture of these countries? i am a first time traveller to europe, so could you maybe tell me the customs, and what I should do, and not do while there,info s appreciated, thanks, ~Zack

Mark

Hi .... <BR> <BR>You don't say how old you are or what your interests are .... how long you are staying for ... <BR> <BR>All I would say is be yourself .... have a great time .... I'm English & live in Southampton, England so know more about England. Put more info then I might be able to help. <BR>Mark

Art

In Germany , the Rhein, Munich, Berlin, Neuschwanstein, In Austria; Vienna SALZBURG, In Switzerland Lake Coma; In France Paris, Monaco(side trip) Riveria. <BR>

Scott

My family and I just returned from our first trip to Europe.We spent two nights in Munich at the Hotel Admiral which was recomended in the Fodors Europe Book.This is a moderatly priced privatly owned hotel with first class service,and within walking distance to downtown. <BR> I don't know what your transportation plans are but we rented a car at the Munich airport and drove Germany,Austria,Italy,Switzerland,France,and back to Germany where we left out of Frankfurt back to Dulles.This was done within two weeks and we were able to stop where we wanted without worrying about time limits. <BR> I don't know about you but we are not big on the group tour thing. <BR> If you have the meens I would highly recomend the car rental. <BR> We also found most places spoke English , and everyone was very polite and friendly.There were even a few people that had us follow behind them in their car to show us how to get to certain places when we were lost in the cities.Yes,you can plan on getting lost at least a couple of times in the cities but the highways are very easy to navigate from city to city and country to country.The toll booths even take credit cards.Visa seems to be the most widely accepted. <BR> Relax and enjoy it is definatly the trip of a life time.

Kate

How long will you be there? It's tiring and not as much fun if you're trying to squeeze 6 countries in a couple weeks... slow down and really get to know some areas. If you're alone and young, the trains are easy to use and close to some basic lodging. Driving is fun too because you can get out into the country and stay in people's homes-- look for "zimmer frei" in Germany-speaking countries. Keep checking this bulletin board for fabulous tips on what to see & how to do it.. We've had marvelous European trips based on all the info we've found here!

Kate #2

My husband and I spent nearly a week in Austria (Vienna and 1 day trip to Salzburg)in October and we were quite amazed at surprised at how much we loved it! Vienna is such a cool, happening city. We would leave our room in the am and not return until dusk, and we never even had to rent a car. Vienna is the best kept secret of Europe; most Americans think of it as too far east and don't give it a chance. Huge mistake. My tips are: don't worry about the daunting task of learning German. All Viennese speak English as a second language, and our experience was that they welcomed the opportunity to practice. The U-bahn is the underground subway and it's the way to go for traveling around the city easily and inexpensively. Make the trip to Salzburg--it is totally worth it because Vienna, while amazing, is not in the Alps. We took The Sound of Music tour which may sound cheesy but was great, if not for anything else but the bus tour through the outskirts of the city, which is breathtaking. I have a girlfriend from Buffalo who just last summer relocated to Neuchatel, Switzerland. If you're interested in eMailing her specific questions about Switzerland, let me know and I'll pass along her info. Have a great time!

Christine

Don't wear white socks -- Americans are known for wearing white socks so blend in with some other color. <BR>Talk to as many people as you can anywhere you are, especially on the trains. Best way to travel through Europe hands down, make sure you get a Eurail pass. Everyone is very friendly and are willing to share anything with you. Also, Europeans are not to keen on short shorts. If you are travelling with women, make sure they bring some skirts and you bring some slacks. In some of the cathedrals, churchs they won't let you in if you are not properly dressed. Depending on how old you are: if staying in hostels, best places to meet other young folks. In Switerzerland make sure you get to Lucerne. In Austria make sure you get to Innsbruck.

Stacey

The best advise someone gave me when I started traveling overseas: find an Irish pub. Someone will always speak English and can lead you in the direction you want to go. If you're going to be in London, I recommend Waxy O'Connor's in Picadilly or The Swan in Stockwell. Berlin or Heidelberg - Sean Og's. Good Luck!

Linda

I hope you have a lot of time as you have a number of countries to visit. If you can, go to Berlin--really great city with so much history & culture. You will find that English is spoken just about everywhere. Pick a city & do day trips--most of the countries are small enough that you can do a lot & not have to carry around luggage all the time. Take a few little gifts from the USA, not expensive but something obviously from here. You will run into nice, helpful people & getting something from another country is always fun. Be yourself but please don't be loud & boorish--there are enough Americans who act that way. (I am from US, so I can say that). We are known as more familiar any way. Europeans are more formal. Strike up a conversation with people--they & you will have a good time & make friends. If you are in a cafe, it is acceptable to sit at a table with people you don't know or have people sit down by you if there are empty chairs. Take a "diary" along & jot down your thoughts & what you did. You will enjoy it when you return because you forget.

Patticakes

Go to Kitzbuhel - we fell in love with the charm of the city and the lovely people we met there. Stay at the Zur Tenne. It is the best.