branderson925

Hey there Fodor people,
I know this type of thing gets done frequently but I figured you could impart some wisdom. I am just starting to spur of the moment look into a 3-4 week trip backpacking mid February to mid March. I want to absorb one country and make a little getaway to a second. So like 20 days in Spain and 5 in a city in Italy with a nice day trip. I am. 24 year old thrill seeker who is looking to do this pretty close to the lower end of backpacker budgets including couch surfing if necessary. I will however splurge for a few Michelin starred meals and some vineyard sightseeing if possible. I know this is broad but a little about my interests, I enjoy museums history art food wine beer outdoors hiking culture in general. I am sometimes looking to spend as minimal money on certain days in foreign countries (for instance hiking a mountain or visit an old Viking settlement)
I'd appreciate any help you can give me, and this would include a flight round trip from Boston to Madrid/Venice/Barcelona wherever was most convenient

bilboburgler

Hi, welcome to Fodors.

I suggest you go look at thorntree website as you will get better advice on cheaper deals and what younger guys might do.

nytraveler

Not sure Feb is the best time for outdoor, thrill seeking activities. Weather is often cold (even in Spain and Italy - and there won;t be Viking settlements), rain and fog are common and days are quite short. While the south of Spain ha more moderate temps the mountains and even Madrid get a real winter. And some places are open shorter hours in the off season.

Agree you need to check some of the student/budget resources - but also do consider what you want to do/see and the local conditions.

sandralist

For a winter trip to Italy on a budget, I would suggest Napoli given the way you describe yourself. I would not recommend a Michelin star meal in Napoli because the best food in Napoli, even on the high end, is classical seafood feasts which are not the sort of thing for which Michelin gives out stars, but they are memorable. Or you can eat your Michelin meals in Spain and stick to local fare in Napoli at low prices, which is delicious. Lodging is cheap, weather can be nice, there are day trips to Pompei or Paestum and the Amalfi coast if the weather is dry, but there is plenty to do in Napoli itself. Even just crossing the street can be a thrilling adventure in crazy Napoli.

More expensive and colder but fun would be Torino, with a day trip to the Alps if it is dry, or maybe a vineyard near Asti. But usually Torino is more expensive, for both entry fees to attractions and food.

There might be vineyards in Spain that are nice

msteacher

I know you want to go to Europe, but given your interests, time of travel, and budget, I'd encourage you to also consider Latin America. It will be summer in South America, and it's pretty much always warm in Central America. For example, Buenos Aires has a very European vibe, is super cheap, and you could combine it with a trip to the beach and/or mountains, and/or Iguazu Falls. Rio is a fabulous city too. Or there's always someplace like Guatemala, Costa Rica, or Belize. Of course, Europe is fabulous, but just wanted to give you options that might better suit your particular situation. Happy travels!

sandralist

Sorry, I hit the button too soon. There might be vineyards in Spain that are nice, but there are also vineyards near Torino and Alba that are legendary, and you can get a Michelin meal in Alba. But you would be looking at an extremely expensive day of travel outside of Torino that included a winery visit and a Michelin meal.

As a solo traveler you also might want to think about how much you would enjoy the typical Michelin star style of meal these days, which is a very long procession of fancy plates that stretches out over hours in a very hush-hush setting. There is really fabulous fun food in both Spain and Italy in informal settings, and for Italy, you might check out doing a Home Food meal (look up the website) where you could dine with some locals and have them cook for you. They really knock themselves out to make travelers feel welcome and have terrific home-cooked meals with very old recipes which many people who know Italian food will tell you are better than Michelin meals.

branderson925

Hi thanks for the replies!
While I described myself as a thrill seeker I'm not really saying my trip is planned on related activities that's just kind of who I am. I think my activities I listed are pretty indicative of what I like to do.
The Michelin restaurant thing is not dropping. I work in one of the top rated fine dining restaurants in my respective city and am a sommelier. So wine related trips arent essential they are just strong leanings. I lived in Italy for 6-7 months and definitely want to return to Europe mostly to see a lot of the parts of Spain I ran out of money and resources for while also making a quick return to Italy just for a small small peak at somewhere different. I know there are myriad dining options on every pricing level; I will be enjoying many of the cheaper options for the crux of this trip. How does $3,000 US sound as a low estimate for three weeks including 8-900 for a flight?

I am kind of tho liking South America may also be possible as I love the different cultures, fluently speak Spanish and love Pre-Colombian history and hiking.
Hmmm

msteacher

Given your interest in wine and the Spanish language, Argentina might be calling you. Perhaps Mendoza and the surrounding area for Malbec and mountains, then BA for city life and excellent steaks? Check out the South America board for ideas. You might still prefer Europe, but you should at least know all your options.

sandralist

Ok, I haven't got a position against Michelin but you need to know, in all fairness, that the measures by which Michelin awards stars are based on certain values of French "restauranteurship" that often lead Michelin astray when it comes to evaluating Italian restaurants. This has turned out to be less of a problem in Spain, I think, but what is "stellar" at the upper reaches of Italian restaurants is often not accurately judged by Michelin.

All that said, if you aren't going to warmer South America and plan to return to Italy, it would be good to know whether you mind being in someplace really cold, or if you would prefer to stick to places that tend to have milder winters.

As for your budget, I can only speak to Italy, but if you were to go to say, Torino, and lodge in a cheap airbnb or couch surf, it would still be the case that a winter's day excursion from Torino to a Michelin star restaurant and a winery could run you 500e for just that day. If you pick Rome, your Michelin starred meal will probably run you 200e or more, but your winery excursion probably less.

Hope that helps with the Hmmmm-ing.

branderson925

Definitely starting to think more about the South America idea. Always wanted to see Chile and Argentina a great deal (Peru and Colombia have also been on my list) Im almost positive my dollar would stretch further in South America. Buttttt now that the dollar is so strong in Europe I feel like now is the time. Sorry I'm quite the indecisive person.

I don't really want to go anywhere too cold if I stick to Europe. My plan was to travel from mid Feb to mid March so Id start in the south of Spain and move north as the month progresses. Would love to see Barolo or Barbaresco so I'm thinking that OR a Tuscany revisit (Brunello) as my Italian segment of the trip. I've done a decent bit of Toscana while living in Firenze so I'm a bit hesitant but Brunello is sooooo awesome to me.

sandralist

Cold is subjective, so I don't know what is "too cold" for you, but Barolo country is definitely cold in the first half of March, including the possibility of snow and ice. Brunello country might be warmer -- or might not be. It varies from winter to winter, but there have been some incredible snowstorms in March in Tuscany, and ditto Piemonte.

http://www.centrometeoitaliano.it/fo...-9-marzo-2010/