3 Months till Europe backpack/camping trip
Mar 25th, 2013, 12:34 PM
#41
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People who keep traveling around the world do it in one of several ways:
1) they keep moving so they don;t outstay their legal limit in various places (90 days in Schengen and 6 months in the UK for americans - other areas you would have to check)
2) they are wealthy and have bought business interests or have enough funds (typically at least half a million $) that they can obtain a residence permit in a few countries
3) they are students enrolled at approved institutions and can stay fo their term of study
4)they work for a multinaional that assigns them to an office in another country )either english speaking or the employee is fluent in the local language)
50 they are illegal and under the radar - couchsurfing, working illegallly (increasingly hard to do) and risking large fines, deportation and even jail
Separately, $2000 will get you nowhere. My 19 year old d went summer before last with 2 friends and she spent about $8000 in 6 weeks. This was modest hotels. cheapest train fares bought in advance, student pubs and no shopping.
It is possible to live more cheaply than this - but europe is more expensive than the US - sometimes WAY more expensive (and I'm talking NYC - not a small town) and no one will let you in if you don't have the money to support yourself until the date of your return ticket.
1) they keep moving so they don;t outstay their legal limit in various places (90 days in Schengen and 6 months in the UK for americans - other areas you would have to check)
2) they are wealthy and have bought business interests or have enough funds (typically at least half a million $) that they can obtain a residence permit in a few countries
3) they are students enrolled at approved institutions and can stay fo their term of study
4)they work for a multinaional that assigns them to an office in another country )either english speaking or the employee is fluent in the local language)
50 they are illegal and under the radar - couchsurfing, working illegallly (increasingly hard to do) and risking large fines, deportation and even jail
Separately, $2000 will get you nowhere. My 19 year old d went summer before last with 2 friends and she spent about $8000 in 6 weeks. This was modest hotels. cheapest train fares bought in advance, student pubs and no shopping.
It is possible to live more cheaply than this - but europe is more expensive than the US - sometimes WAY more expensive (and I'm talking NYC - not a small town) and no one will let you in if you don't have the money to support yourself until the date of your return ticket.
Mar 25th, 2013, 12:39 PM
#42
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I realize you guys aren't trying to crush my dreams or anything but this has been an eye opening experience. I'm grateful that you guys are so honest and showed me the ins and outs of planning such a large trip. I'm not going to count out traveling this summer but I am going to say that Europe doesn't look like it's in the cards. I might try to check out some Asian trips. But all these rules and regulations for traveling are so insane. I would never of thought it would be so inexplicably hard to just go over to another country, especially an ally country. Again thank you for being so honest. I feel a but naive thinking I could plan such an extensive trip on such a small budget with no experience.
Mar 25th, 2013, 12:55 PM
#45
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Sorry but there's nothing "inexplicably hard" about it. Here in the UK we have a massive, complex problem with illegal immigration and over-stayers (many of whom are from other English-speaking countries who think the rules don't apply to them). You are very welcome to visit on holiday, provided you have enough money to support yourself and don't work illegally.
Mar 25th, 2013, 12:58 PM
#46
Just how easy do you think it is to get into the US??? It is easier for you to get into other countries than for their nationals to get into the US.
Glad you have listened to us - not all new posters do. There are lots of good books out there on how to travel - in addition to the ones I listed above you might try "Practical Nomad".
BTW, cheapest NYC-LON flight in early July is $482 on Icelandair with an all-day layover in Iceland. Cheapest LON-NYC same airline in October is $560. Cheapest round-trip leaving same day and returning in October is $918 on Aer Lingus, less than two one way tickets. Did your $2,000 include flights?
Glad you have listened to us - not all new posters do. There are lots of good books out there on how to travel - in addition to the ones I listed above you might try "Practical Nomad".
BTW, cheapest NYC-LON flight in early July is $482 on Icelandair with an all-day layover in Iceland. Cheapest LON-NYC same airline in October is $560. Cheapest round-trip leaving same day and returning in October is $918 on Aer Lingus, less than two one way tickets. Did your $2,000 include flights?
Mar 25th, 2013, 01:57 PM
#47
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Take a look at http://www.wwoof.org/ - Willing Workers On Organic Farms. Doing this in a few places might help you extend your food and lodging budget.
I would still save up some more money before you go, but WWOOFing might be useful.
Lee Ann
I would still save up some more money before you go, but WWOOFing might be useful.
Lee Ann
Mar 25th, 2013, 02:23 PM
#48
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Good advice above. Consider going for a shorter time (does it really have to be "about 3 months"? - even half that would be a very good hit out compared with the travel experience of most Americans), and assume you'll be back (many times hopefully), certainly more savvy (most of the fossils here are still learning), and probably a lot better placed financially. Definitely get your return ticket, consider hostels as Pal above suggests (some of us here still have favourites 
from our distant memories), and use the discipline imposed by a shorter trip frame to get a better idea on where to go and what to see and do.
from our distant memories), and use the discipline imposed by a shorter trip frame to get a better idea on where to go and what to see and do.
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:03 PM
#49
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You have all be so helpful! I really appreciate all the information, but when I go to Europe it is going to be on a long trip. So I'm just going to start my fund and try to go next year. I have an opportunity to visit a few other countries such as China or Australia where I have friends staying. I am taking everything you guys/girls have to say and using it to make myself a better prepared traveler when I do decide to go over to Europe. It isn't out of my sights yet but I do think it is on a bit of a delay.
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:11 PM
#50
>>but when I go to Europe it is going to be on a long trip<<
Might I ask why? You can go for 2 or 3 weeks for $3000-ish not counting airfare. If you want a 3-4 months-long trip you'll need 10's of thousands of $$$$$$.
Might I ask why? You can go for 2 or 3 weeks for $3000-ish not counting airfare. If you want a 3-4 months-long trip you'll need 10's of thousands of $$$$$$.
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:21 PM
#52
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I want to be over in Europe for a long time mainly because I want to try to find a job while I'm over there. So I'm going to apply for work Visa' before going. I can't explain why I want to be over there for so long other than just wanting to be away from home for a longer time. And are China's worse? Why do you say it like that?
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:28 PM
#53
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Nik, you can't get a visa for Europe on the basis of "wanting a job." You have to have the job lined up in advance! They're not going to let you in hoping you'll find employment. Is this not clear? And if you think telling a border official "I want to be over there for a longer time because that's what I want" is going to fly, well, just be prepared to be put on a flight right home again.
And yes, China is even tougher. I'm not sure what it is you don't understand about immigration law, but no-one, anywhere in the world, has the right to just go to another country and stay as long as they like. Why would you be special?
If you want to stay in Europe for a long time, then get busy finding yourself a legitimate job there and getting the proper visa and work permit from an employer. Otherwise, it's just NOT going to happen (without potentially dire consequences). Spend your time pursuing legitimate alleyways, not bellyaching about how unfair it all is.
And yes, China is even tougher. I'm not sure what it is you don't understand about immigration law, but no-one, anywhere in the world, has the right to just go to another country and stay as long as they like. Why would you be special?
If you want to stay in Europe for a long time, then get busy finding yourself a legitimate job there and getting the proper visa and work permit from an employer. Otherwise, it's just NOT going to happen (without potentially dire consequences). Spend your time pursuing legitimate alleyways, not bellyaching about how unfair it all is.
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:47 PM
#54
>>I want to be over in Europe for a long time mainly because I want to try to find a job while I'm over there.<<
Ain't going to happen.
If you want to stay in Europe a 'long time' you need to do some heavy lifting - get a job w/a multinational company and work your way up to 'transfer to Europe seniority', or get a teaching credential and apply at DOD schools, get fluent in other languages, etc.
You simply can't go to Europe (or most other parts of the world) hoping to find a job.
And yes - China has even more regulations/red tape. You'd need an 'invitation' from your Chinese employer.
So long story short . . . Forget about working overseas and just be a tourist like most people.
Ain't going to happen.
If you want to stay in Europe a 'long time' you need to do some heavy lifting - get a job w/a multinational company and work your way up to 'transfer to Europe seniority', or get a teaching credential and apply at DOD schools, get fluent in other languages, etc.
You simply can't go to Europe (or most other parts of the world) hoping to find a job.
And yes - China has even more regulations/red tape. You'd need an 'invitation' from your Chinese employer.
So long story short . . . Forget about working overseas and just be a tourist like most people.
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:53 PM
#55
What StCirq said about Europe. Unfortunately, while massage therapy can be practised anywhere, and I have a wonderful therapist myself, it's not the kind of profession that gets you a work visa.
WRT China:
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/adr/
Note: "photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation."
As I said a while back, go to SE Asia.
WRT China:
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/adr/
Note: "photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation."
As I said a while back, go to SE Asia.
Mar 25th, 2013, 08:57 PM
#56
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If you are intent on working and given that it will be your first trip abroad it may be best to explore the possibilities in an English speaking country. Here in Australia some of us seem to be all the time hearing that half - OK, maybe an exaggeration - the staff in cafes and restaurants and resorts are overseas backpackers (young Irish currently in droves apparently). Who knows, maybe there is an unmet demand for massage therapists in some of our regional areas or remote resorts where it can be difficult attracting good staff (as some of our overseas visitors can attest). So you might like to investigate this visa for young people (subclass which includes USA - there are other visas for other country groups) who wish to holiday and work in Australia -
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/work...ligibility.htm
Note especially the evidence of funds, return ticket, visa fee, and be aware of the unfavourable exchange rate/ relatively high cost of living many Americans seem to experience; don't rely on getting a job and of course don't do anything to infringe the visa conditions that might jeopardise your chances of staying, coming back, or going anywhere else for that matter. Other than that, we're a friendly laid back well-travelled bunch and most of the young people who come here seem to have a great time.
[Others here please chime in if you think I may have given our young adventurer a bum steer.]
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/work...ligibility.htm
Note especially the evidence of funds, return ticket, visa fee, and be aware of the unfavourable exchange rate/ relatively high cost of living many Americans seem to experience; don't rely on getting a job and of course don't do anything to infringe the visa conditions that might jeopardise your chances of staying, coming back, or going anywhere else for that matter. Other than that, we're a friendly laid back well-travelled bunch and most of the young people who come here seem to have a great time.
[Others here please chime in if you think I may have given our young adventurer a bum steer.]
Mar 25th, 2013, 11:42 PM
#58
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Hi Nik,
Don't get so discouraged right off. You are young and have plenty of time to save up and explore the world the way you want.
For now, don't turn down a slice of a great cake just because you can't have the whole cake. Honestly, two or three weeks in two or three places might be a much better way to get a little experience and adventure out of your home country. You might be able to swing that financially. That being said, they don't involve 90 days or major moves, but there are some creative things you can do.
Easiest would be a "working" vacation. Scan the web to see what you find. Some are helping plant forests or build schools, etc. There is one that builds stoves for cooking and heating in poor areas of SA. You live with the families you are helping. Most are not in Europe. Basically, you have to pay your own transportation to the country, and get no money, but do get room and board - sometimes.
Here is one you should definitely look into: Pueblo Ingles. It is based in Spain. They have locations in Spain and some other countries. It is a school for Spanish speaking people to improve their English by speaking all day with English speakers. They provide room and board for you, and you spend the entire day and evening speaking English to your "student".
OK, you are not traveling around, but you are having a unique cultural experience in another country. Some of the programs are 8 days. Others are two 4 day sessions with 3 days off in between. You could do a bit of sight seeing then, or at the end of a session. You fly into the country and a rep from the school actually picks you up at the airport and takes you to the school's location, which looks to be in beautiful areas of the country.
Doesn't that sound great - exploring the world by really interacting with people and helping at the same time?
You might also look at Department of Defense jobs. These are hard to come by, but if you can find one, you might be able to transfer to someplace overseas after two or three years service.
Don't get so discouraged right off. You are young and have plenty of time to save up and explore the world the way you want.
For now, don't turn down a slice of a great cake just because you can't have the whole cake. Honestly, two or three weeks in two or three places might be a much better way to get a little experience and adventure out of your home country. You might be able to swing that financially. That being said, they don't involve 90 days or major moves, but there are some creative things you can do.
Easiest would be a "working" vacation. Scan the web to see what you find. Some are helping plant forests or build schools, etc. There is one that builds stoves for cooking and heating in poor areas of SA. You live with the families you are helping. Most are not in Europe. Basically, you have to pay your own transportation to the country, and get no money, but do get room and board - sometimes.
Here is one you should definitely look into: Pueblo Ingles. It is based in Spain. They have locations in Spain and some other countries. It is a school for Spanish speaking people to improve their English by speaking all day with English speakers. They provide room and board for you, and you spend the entire day and evening speaking English to your "student".
OK, you are not traveling around, but you are having a unique cultural experience in another country. Some of the programs are 8 days. Others are two 4 day sessions with 3 days off in between. You could do a bit of sight seeing then, or at the end of a session. You fly into the country and a rep from the school actually picks you up at the airport and takes you to the school's location, which looks to be in beautiful areas of the country.
Doesn't that sound great - exploring the world by really interacting with people and helping at the same time?
You might also look at Department of Defense jobs. These are hard to come by, but if you can find one, you might be able to transfer to someplace overseas after two or three years service.
Mar 26th, 2013, 06:29 AM
#59
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You can't even imagine all the trouble you have saved me. I am truly grateful for everything you guys have told me. I am going to do some more research and try to find some volunteer stuff as you said. I guess my head was just stuck in the "hippie days" when you could just go over a lot easier. I now see that you have to try to plan things and do a lot of research before such a journey. I see europe in my future someday, and I'm going to try to look for multinational countries like resorts that offer massage therapy.
You have all given me such great insight and I truly appreciate it. Yes it may be bitter to not carry out a dream right away but it is exactly like you said, I have my whole life still. I'm going to explore this great world. Just one step at a time.
You have all given me such great insight and I truly appreciate it. Yes it may be bitter to not carry out a dream right away but it is exactly like you said, I have my whole life still. I'm going to explore this great world. Just one step at a time.
