Hello. I'm currently a college student planning on going to Europe this coming winter.
This is my first time going to Europe and I have no idea what to expect nor how much I should bring.
I have already bought my flight tickets and is now saving up to book a hotel in Paris and in Barcelona/Madrid.
So, other than my flight/hotel fees, how much should I bring with me to have a comfortable and fun stay? I don't plan on going shopping or eating at expensive restaurant(well maybe once or twice a week?)but am planning on going to all the tourist attractions and museums.
Thank you.
Going to Paris/Barcelona/Madrid for three weeks for the first time
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I have no idea of prices in the countries, but i think you would be best to check out reviews or maybe go on some gap year forums?
im sure people would have plenty of recommendations for cheap...er accommodation.
This sounds like a great opportunity, and i wish you all the luck !
I budget 100 euro a day but that is because I never cook when on vacation so that covers about two meals at a restaurant with some money left over for snacks and change in case I need a taxi or something. For shopping, I almost always use my credit card so I don't have to bring lots of cash with me around all day.
How are you going between Paris and Spain - by air or by train - though you can nab cheap flights sometimes also consider taking the overnight Elipsos hotel trains between Paris and Barcelona or Madrid and the high-speed AVE trains between Madrid and Barcelona.
The night train will save on the cost of a hotel and you can nab cheap advance discounted tickets at www.elipsos.com - much cheaper than full fare. If traveling around France and Spain very much then investigate the France-Spain Railpass - if under 26 there is an especially sweet Youthpass - anyways for loads of great stuff on trains in those countries check out BAM these fine IMO sites - www.voyages-sncf.com (official French National Railways site); www.renfe.com (official Spanish Railways site); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com for info on passes and train travel in general and www.seat61.com - a font of info on discounted advance tickets (which are generally train specific and non-changeable nor refundable but can save a ton of money - for flexible travel to chose trains once there the pass could be a great deal.
Also check out Thorntree message board as there are likely more people your age that can give you ideas etc.