Nine Cities in 9 months!

Old Jun 1st, 2015, 05:08 PM
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Nine Cities in 9 months!

I'm taking a pause from working and traveling 9 months. Gonna make this happen. Always wanted to live abroad, at least 3 months straight, but could never pull the trigger because of school, money, work, family, obligations, the list goes on. This time I'm going to make it happen!

I'm not sure how to go about it though and need advice. I'm allowed 3 months in the Schengen zone and 6 months in the UK. If I leave the US in November, where would you start and which cities would you pick? It doesn't just have to be in Europe but airfare would definitely be cheaper if I stayed within.

Snow is fun but realistically I prefer a not so bone chilling environment. I can't stand the heat either. Somewhere that isn't completely dead at night. Nice scenery, good food and art options whether that's visual or performing, preferably both.

Some water mid way in to the journey, I've been to Venice, in awe of its beauty, but where else? Also thinking of 3 weeks in a wine region either Tuscany or France?

Budget including housing, flights and all other expenses, 6K a month for 2 people, less would be even better.

I will be doing this trip with my hubby to be, my biggest supporter, who can thankfully work anywhere in the world.
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Old Jun 1st, 2015, 05:12 PM
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That got sent before I finished. The last line should have read,

"who can thankfully work anywhere in the world that has high speed internet" !
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Old Jun 1st, 2015, 05:32 PM
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It might not be that easy. Unfortunately no -- he can't work in the UK or Schengen while you are on this 9 month holiday. Sure you can enter the UK and be allowed up to 6 months, but if that is your plan you may have to prove that you have the funds to stay that long without working. (6 months is the max, but no one is guaranteed 6 months)
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Old Jun 1st, 2015, 06:34 PM
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One country you may consider, that is not part of Schengen, is Turkey. We spent three weeks there and could have spent substantially more. It became one of our favorite visits.
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Old Jun 1st, 2015, 10:41 PM
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You can stay 180 days in Schengen if you break it up in the middle with 90 days outside of Schengen. You can also consider Croatia which though part of the EU is not Schengen yet.

Regarding high speed internet so your husband can do his work... In vacation rentals and hotels the connection can vary wildly. Sometimes there is a router in an apartment, sometimes it is in a hall and shared by everyone, sometimes it is in another structure completely. So ALWAYS ask before renting and tell the owner you need a strong signal for work.

Starting in November I'd begin in the south and slowly move north. There are so many places to spend a month in. It might be tough to stay in your budget in some places. Renting apartments and eating lots of meals in is the way to go.

some places to put on your radar for the first leg.. Naples, Nice, Madrid... I am sure others will chime in but it is up to up you to narrow down the plethora of options!
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Old Jun 2nd, 2015, 01:16 AM
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I'd agree that you should start further south and travel north as the weather improves, but I think I'd start in Andalucia, up through Spain, the Balearics and Southern France, Italy south to North and then wherever the vibe takes you. You may need to book some of this online, especially for the peak summer months, but I'd do a good chunk of it without reservations and stop where took my fancy.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2015, 03:24 AM
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You need to consider insurance. You may not think you need health care insurance, but you do. Europe may be cheaper with regard to healthcare costs than the US, but you will be expected to pay for any care you may need. and trust me, in 9 months you may well need some healthcare.
You partner is not allowed to work when on a tourist visa, even if that work is via internet for a company in the US.
The chances of finding free high speed internet is remote, and many hotels and holiday homes have limited bandwidth available.
Buying mobile data will get expensive, and is often only 3G with a MiFi or similar.

You may be allowed into the UK for 6 months, provided you can prove you can support yourselves without working, for that length of time, and prove you have sufficient health care insurance that you will not be a burden on the state. But then again, the border control agent may decide you are too much of a risk and only give you 2 weeks. It is entirely up to them.

How are you planning on getting around? You can't buy and insure a car, and renting or leasing one will get expensive. Same with train travel - move around a lot without pre planning and buying tickets well in advance if need be and you will soon run up a huge bill.

These are all things to consider before embarking on this trip. And do consider them carefully.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2015, 09:27 AM
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Thank you for the advice. The funds and health coverage should not be an issue. Right now the greatest concern is the weather and where to be to catch the best climate for the cooler months. Perhaps the UK during the summer? Paris in Dec might be nice? Also considering Amsterdam, Berlin and Budapest but not sure for which months. When is the best time in Croatia? November in Spain? Lots to think about but we have 5 months to plan this. I appreciate the devils advocate comments as it helps me think this through!
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Old Jun 2nd, 2015, 09:39 AM
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I've been in the UK in summer and it was very pleasant. Of course I've been in London in August when there was an unusual heat wave, also, as hot as most of the continent, but surely it is more likely to be moderate than southern Europe, and it's a good plan.

Paris in December is about like the US mid-Atlantic region in December, about like Wash DC actually. Of course it is winter and cold an gray and maybe damp a lot, but it doesn't usually snow or get real freezing temps in December.
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