SFdude530

My brother(21) and I(23) are planning a trip to Europe. It will be the first time for either one of us to visit Europe. We're leaving the states in the end of May or early June. We're both flexible on the amount of time we'll spend there because we both want to see as much as possible. Are there any destinations we should make sure not to miss? How long would you recommend staying? Are there any places a little bit off the beaten path that anyone would recommend seeing? We're of course interested in visiting Amsterdam, Rome as well as many other of the major destination spots but we're both feelin a little overwhelmed by all the possibilities.

sorry I know this is a pretty general post but thats exactly where we are starting. our options and plans are wide open.

thanks for any suggestions

kimerley

I have just returned with my 2 older daughters (24 & 22). They absolutely loved London, Paris and Barcelona.
As this was there first visit we stayed a week in London, a week in Paris, and 3 nights in Barcelona. It gave the girls a very relaxing entry into these fabulous place and they recommend not rushing to try and see "everything". What you miss gives you an excuse to re visit! Plus at the time of year that you are visiting the days will be lovely and long...with the sun setting around 10pm.
Next year, I am taking my other daughter (21) to Florence for 2 weeks and London for 2 weeks. She will then take herself off for further travelling.
One place that is fabulous is the Cinque Terre. I usually stay in the village of Manarola but there are more lively villages to stay at.
Another thing we liked was that we always rent apartments. Much cheaper than hotels and you can pretend to be a local for a week.
Sites such as VRBO, holidayletting.co.uk are ones that we have used with great success.
good luck with your planning.

bobthenavigator

After 24 trips to Europe I have learned some good planning tenets:
1. Average 3 days per destination
2. Make the next destinations a max of 4 hours from the last
3. Spend half the time outside of major cities
4. Plan 3 trips in advance since you will return
For your first trip I would pick one region--such as the UK, or Italy, or France and Switzerland. Think geographically. Europe is a BIG place.

SFdude530

thanks bob and kim. Your tips will help out very nicely!

bobthenavigator

See if this helps:
http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/bob_planning.htm

TravMimi

If you think this is a once in a life time trip, do lots of research so you can take it easy and enjoy lots of times in the places YOU think you will enjoy. If it's a scouting trip, pick up the pace. Keep good notes and records and when you get home then start planning your dream trips.

Momof3sons

The first thing that I would recommend that you two do is decide how you would like to travel.

Are you going to try to spend as little as possible on lodging, food, etc. or have you even thought about some sort of a budget yet?

Are you planning on "backpacking" with a loose itinerary or having a more definite itinerary?

Do you plan to stay in cheaper accomodations like hostels and pensions or are you two planning on spending more money for other accomodations like B&B's, Hotels, apartments...

You mentioned Amsterdam - are you looking more for the party life or are you interested more in seeing sights or a combination of the two.

Once you two can answer some of these questions, then it will be easier for you to begin to make more definite plans.

As others have mentioned, Europe is a big place, a fantastic area made up of so many different countries/regions. There really is no one "right way" to travel there. By planning ahead you are ensuring that you will be able to plan the trip that is right for you.