7 wk trip, questions on eurail/hostels/itinerary
Jul 6th, 2011, 10:23 AM
#22
While I'm a big fan of Switzerland (I love the Lac Leman area outside Geneva, the towns of Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux myself) I think it would be an excellent idea to cut it this trip. That frees up 6 days that I would add to the places you already have on your list. Cutting Provence adds another 2 days.
I can understand an ADD travel style (lol) but there's a reality about sitting on trains for hours and hours and hours or spending a large percentage of time on many of your days getting to and from train stations or airports, checking in and out of hostels, etc.
I think if you spread out the 'extra' 8 days you just gained to your original itinerary, you've got a pretty fantastic trip planned!
I can understand an ADD travel style (lol) but there's a reality about sitting on trains for hours and hours and hours or spending a large percentage of time on many of your days getting to and from train stations or airports, checking in and out of hostels, etc.
I think if you spread out the 'extra' 8 days you just gained to your original itinerary, you've got a pretty fantastic trip planned!
Jul 6th, 2011, 12:37 PM
#23
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Hi,azhawk08!
Congratulations on getting through law school!
In answer to your several questions:
1) Should you book your accommodations in advance?
ABSOLUTELY! Definitely. August is when Europeans go on vacation en masse. Good luck trying to book anything decent even a week ahead of time.
Use Hostelworld and read their reviews. You should try to find something that has a rating of at least 90% or higher. These go fast, but they are the best hostels. (Personally I find the rival Hostelbookers' reviews are not that accurate). When you have found something you like, book it and check the box for cancellation insurance. It costs one euro per booking but the advantage with Hostelworld is that a) you can usually cancel 24 hours ahead of time, and b) they only charge you 10% up front (unlike some websites which debit from your credit card the entire amount when you book). Hostelworld also has some kind of "card' they sell for about 10 euros which gives you added protection. Sorry, can't remember off the top of my head what the exact benefits were - been awhile since I bought that "card", but i seem to recall it has something to do with refunding you the 10% upon cancellation. Don't quote me on this, check out their website to make certain you want this benefit.
Oh, and the better hostels have free wifi, which is going to be critical for your needs.
Your idea of "just winging it" is nice but not practical for the time of year you are traveling - when the best and the better would have been booked months ahead by others. You'll be left with the hostel dregs for last minute bookings.
2) The Eurailpass. I can't advise you very well on this, as I usually get the global pass which allows unlimited travel for a set period (one month, two months, three months) and I always get the First Class pass because the slight difference in price between first and second class is more than made up for by the benefits that you get in First Class - better seats, free newspapers (at least in Germany), an attendant who will bring your orders of light snacks and drinks to you instead of your having to go to the dining car, an individual plug for your laptop, etc. etc.
Be aware that in some countries (Germany, Austria) you can just board a train and show your Eurail Pass, but in other countries (Italy, France), you still have to make a seat reservation even with a pass. This said, since you are traveling during peak travel season, booking a seat ahead of time would be advisable. On some of the more popular routes, all the seats may be booked and you may still get on but will have to stand during the entire trip or sit out in the corridor and have others step over you.
If you travel by train, be aware that large European cities have several stations in each city. Make sure you go to the correct station. maybe this won't happen to you, but I've gone to the wrong station a couple of times and it's just such a panicky feeling not to find your train listed!
Flying is not a bad idea. Try looking at skyscanner.com for good rates. If you do decide to fly, travel light to come within the mandatory single carryon (only one carryon allowed and it could be just your purse! You can't carry a suitcase AND a purse. Not possible on the budget airlines). Again, you get the best prices by booking air travel as soon as possible. Huge penalties for cancelling on the budget airlines, so be certain of your itinerary before booking.
3) Safety while traveling on a European train.
I've done dozens of night couchette trips all over Europe - some with a family member/friend, some alone. Here are my preferences: book a second class couchette because the price difference between first class and second class is huge and I don't sleep well on trains anyhow. you'll find that most Europeans book second class couchettes and that some trains have only second class and no first class sleepers. Book in a four bunk compartment, never six. Six bunk compartments are for families because they like to stick the young kids in the middle bunks. Book in an all-female compartment. If you insist on this there's a 50% chance you'll be in an all-women compartment. There's usually only one or two of these all-women compartments and they're usually booked by a gaggle - I mean - group of young female backpackers traveling together. You'll most likely end up in a mixed compartment. Do not fear. Men or women, if you talk at all with your fellow compartment mates you will find them some of the most fascinating people you'll meet on your trip.
So, what is there to fear? Thieves. You MUST lock the compartment door when all the occupants are in. The conductor will tell you in German, French, broken English, Croatian, whatever... that you must lock the compartment door. Heed that advice. There is a knob at the top of the door, turn that knob and lock the door. There's also some kind of lock lower down, sometimes it's a sliding lock, sometimes it's a chain lock - whatever the lower lock is, lock that one too. The more secure lock is the upper one, but it's good to have two locks.
If you really want to feel more secure, book an upper bunk. There's a fairly large storage space above the door and you can put your things up there. I have a TSA-approved lock and always lock my suitcase when traveling by train.
The only problem I have with night couchette is the pillow. It's so thin as to be almost nonexistent.
4) your itinerary - you've gotten some very good input on this section already. All I'll add is that you should plan an "empty" day, a down day, a slack day every two weeks or so. Not only do you need time to stop, sip coffee at a sidewalk cafe and do nothing for several hours to regenerate yourself but also things happen. You need to have some slack time to rearrange, to adjust and to take care of unexpected events - a flight may be cancelled or you get on a train going in the wrong direction. (You'll be surprised how many Europeans themselves do this!)
One more thing (there's always one more thing, isn't there?) - if you cut out Switzerland, maybe you could substitute the Dolomitis in Northern Italy. Absolutely gorgeous mountain country there.
Sounds like a great trip in the making! Have fun!
Congratulations on getting through law school!
In answer to your several questions:
1) Should you book your accommodations in advance?
ABSOLUTELY! Definitely. August is when Europeans go on vacation en masse. Good luck trying to book anything decent even a week ahead of time.
Use Hostelworld and read their reviews. You should try to find something that has a rating of at least 90% or higher. These go fast, but they are the best hostels. (Personally I find the rival Hostelbookers' reviews are not that accurate). When you have found something you like, book it and check the box for cancellation insurance. It costs one euro per booking but the advantage with Hostelworld is that a) you can usually cancel 24 hours ahead of time, and b) they only charge you 10% up front (unlike some websites which debit from your credit card the entire amount when you book). Hostelworld also has some kind of "card' they sell for about 10 euros which gives you added protection. Sorry, can't remember off the top of my head what the exact benefits were - been awhile since I bought that "card", but i seem to recall it has something to do with refunding you the 10% upon cancellation. Don't quote me on this, check out their website to make certain you want this benefit.
Oh, and the better hostels have free wifi, which is going to be critical for your needs.
Your idea of "just winging it" is nice but not practical for the time of year you are traveling - when the best and the better would have been booked months ahead by others. You'll be left with the hostel dregs for last minute bookings.
2) The Eurailpass. I can't advise you very well on this, as I usually get the global pass which allows unlimited travel for a set period (one month, two months, three months) and I always get the First Class pass because the slight difference in price between first and second class is more than made up for by the benefits that you get in First Class - better seats, free newspapers (at least in Germany), an attendant who will bring your orders of light snacks and drinks to you instead of your having to go to the dining car, an individual plug for your laptop, etc. etc.
Be aware that in some countries (Germany, Austria) you can just board a train and show your Eurail Pass, but in other countries (Italy, France), you still have to make a seat reservation even with a pass. This said, since you are traveling during peak travel season, booking a seat ahead of time would be advisable. On some of the more popular routes, all the seats may be booked and you may still get on but will have to stand during the entire trip or sit out in the corridor and have others step over you.
If you travel by train, be aware that large European cities have several stations in each city. Make sure you go to the correct station. maybe this won't happen to you, but I've gone to the wrong station a couple of times and it's just such a panicky feeling not to find your train listed!
Flying is not a bad idea. Try looking at skyscanner.com for good rates. If you do decide to fly, travel light to come within the mandatory single carryon (only one carryon allowed and it could be just your purse! You can't carry a suitcase AND a purse. Not possible on the budget airlines). Again, you get the best prices by booking air travel as soon as possible. Huge penalties for cancelling on the budget airlines, so be certain of your itinerary before booking.
3) Safety while traveling on a European train.
I've done dozens of night couchette trips all over Europe - some with a family member/friend, some alone. Here are my preferences: book a second class couchette because the price difference between first class and second class is huge and I don't sleep well on trains anyhow. you'll find that most Europeans book second class couchettes and that some trains have only second class and no first class sleepers. Book in a four bunk compartment, never six. Six bunk compartments are for families because they like to stick the young kids in the middle bunks. Book in an all-female compartment. If you insist on this there's a 50% chance you'll be in an all-women compartment. There's usually only one or two of these all-women compartments and they're usually booked by a gaggle - I mean - group of young female backpackers traveling together. You'll most likely end up in a mixed compartment. Do not fear. Men or women, if you talk at all with your fellow compartment mates you will find them some of the most fascinating people you'll meet on your trip.
So, what is there to fear? Thieves. You MUST lock the compartment door when all the occupants are in. The conductor will tell you in German, French, broken English, Croatian, whatever... that you must lock the compartment door. Heed that advice. There is a knob at the top of the door, turn that knob and lock the door. There's also some kind of lock lower down, sometimes it's a sliding lock, sometimes it's a chain lock - whatever the lower lock is, lock that one too. The more secure lock is the upper one, but it's good to have two locks.
If you really want to feel more secure, book an upper bunk. There's a fairly large storage space above the door and you can put your things up there. I have a TSA-approved lock and always lock my suitcase when traveling by train.
The only problem I have with night couchette is the pillow. It's so thin as to be almost nonexistent.
4) your itinerary - you've gotten some very good input on this section already. All I'll add is that you should plan an "empty" day, a down day, a slack day every two weeks or so. Not only do you need time to stop, sip coffee at a sidewalk cafe and do nothing for several hours to regenerate yourself but also things happen. You need to have some slack time to rearrange, to adjust and to take care of unexpected events - a flight may be cancelled or you get on a train going in the wrong direction. (You'll be surprised how many Europeans themselves do this!)
One more thing (there's always one more thing, isn't there?) - if you cut out Switzerland, maybe you could substitute the Dolomitis in Northern Italy. Absolutely gorgeous mountain country there.
Sounds like a great trip in the making! Have fun!
Jul 6th, 2011, 01:21 PM
#24
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I used to travel on the constant move, now that I've been out of university for some years, have slowed down a bit. So I do understand about packing a lot in 7 weeks, and I actually don't unpack all of my stuff, as I've traveled so much on the move. Take out what I need, keep it in one place, and done. Traveling with a backpack keeps one from bringing extra items that are rarely used.
In the past few years airline fares have gone up all over, but I still see that fares on the low budget carriers are still inexpensive. I once paid about $12US including taxes, fees, surcharges and all for a flight from Paris to Barcelona. I think the actual fare was 0.5Euros, the rest of the cost were fees, taxes, etc.
Low budget airlines that I would check:
RyanAir
EasyJet
WizzAir
AirBerlin
Transavia
Flybe
If still no good flights, try GermanWings, and SmartWings
In the past few years airline fares have gone up all over, but I still see that fares on the low budget carriers are still inexpensive. I once paid about $12US including taxes, fees, surcharges and all for a flight from Paris to Barcelona. I think the actual fare was 0.5Euros, the rest of the cost were fees, taxes, etc.
Low budget airlines that I would check:
RyanAir
EasyJet
WizzAir
AirBerlin
Transavia
Flybe
If still no good flights, try GermanWings, and SmartWings
Jul 6th, 2011, 02:36 PM
#25
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So after beating yourself up studying for the bar, you will take a relaxing 52 day, 6 hour and 33 minute tour of Europe. And then upon your return enter the restful existence of a first year associate.
No mater if you fly, take the train or walk, you will lose time travling.
We travel with the idea that we would rather see a few places well, than many poorly. And I assume you will travel again to Europe, once the partners unlock your shackles. Pick three countries and learn their culture, people, and the history. Luxuriate at a cafe while others are racing to work.
Everyone here has there favorite counties and you will get conflicting advice. I personally would skip Switzerland.
Two more cheap-o airlines are Vueling and Spanair(which could help with Spanish legs of the trips.) And if you think diversity jurisdictions are confusing wait until you read the rules of these cheap-o airlines.
No mater if you fly, take the train or walk, you will lose time travling.
We travel with the idea that we would rather see a few places well, than many poorly. And I assume you will travel again to Europe, once the partners unlock your shackles. Pick three countries and learn their culture, people, and the history. Luxuriate at a cafe while others are racing to work.
Everyone here has there favorite counties and you will get conflicting advice. I personally would skip Switzerland.
Two more cheap-o airlines are Vueling and Spanair(which could help with Spanish legs of the trips.) And if you think diversity jurisdictions are confusing wait until you read the rules of these cheap-o airlines.
Jul 7th, 2011, 02:56 PM
#27
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I think the speed at which one travels is personal preference. My first few overseas trips I did cover a lot of ground, and have since slowed down, but I can see coming out of university the faster movement. When I had the back to back several country trips, I wasn't as concerned with seeing sights as I was just having a good time. I ended up getting a lot of sights in anyway.
Priorities change with experience, so if one knows ahead of time that they can deal with constantly being on the move, and being more rushed than not, then that is for them to enjoy.
Different strokes for different folks. Three years ago I went to Europe, and only knew where I was landing and leaving from, the other three weeks in between depended on which flights would be the cheapest at that time. This was a last minute trip and we went into it ready for the adventure. My friend and I had a general outline of we would like to see, but were ultra flexible and we had a great time. Not stressed about our next location. We got amazing deals on airfare from city to city (ie Berlin to Madrid, etc.), modifying our basic outline as we went.
There have been other trips that I had to predetermine our location and overnight accommodations, so as long as the person knows going in what pace they are going at and make peace with it, I say enjoy.
Priorities change with experience, so if one knows ahead of time that they can deal with constantly being on the move, and being more rushed than not, then that is for them to enjoy.
Different strokes for different folks. Three years ago I went to Europe, and only knew where I was landing and leaving from, the other three weeks in between depended on which flights would be the cheapest at that time. This was a last minute trip and we went into it ready for the adventure. My friend and I had a general outline of we would like to see, but were ultra flexible and we had a great time. Not stressed about our next location. We got amazing deals on airfare from city to city (ie Berlin to Madrid, etc.), modifying our basic outline as we went.
There have been other trips that I had to predetermine our location and overnight accommodations, so as long as the person knows going in what pace they are going at and make peace with it, I say enjoy.
Jul 8th, 2011, 06:54 AM
#28
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Book in a four bunk compartment, never six. Six bunk compartments are for families because they like to stick the young kids in the middle bunks>
IME many overnight trains only have 6-person couchettes - France does have 4- and 6-person compartments but usually it seems the next step up from a 6-person couchette is a T-3 or a triple - these are sex-segregated usually but IME most couchettes are not sex-segregated at least I've seen only a few in hundreds of couchette trips.
easytraveler has given a wealth of great info!
IME many overnight trains only have 6-person couchettes - France does have 4- and 6-person compartments but usually it seems the next step up from a 6-person couchette is a T-3 or a triple - these are sex-segregated usually but IME most couchettes are not sex-segregated at least I've seen only a few in hundreds of couchette trips.
easytraveler has given a wealth of great info!
Jul 9th, 2011, 12:12 PM
#29
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Thanks to your GREAT advice, I think I'll cut out Nice and Provence and instead go up to Switzerland from Cinque Terre, then fly from Geneva to Barcelona (found VERY cheap flights, thanks for the tip!).
Does anyone have recommendations for where to stay in Cinque Terre? I'm told that Monterosso is the best village, but I'd like to hear other opinions too.
After Cinque Terre, where should I spend 4 days in Switzerland? I've done some reading on other Fodors posts, and it sounds like Lauterbrunnen might be a happy medium between Interlaken and smaller villages like Wengen or Murren.
So, the new itinerary:
Paris 4 days
Bruges 2 days (Hostel booked)
Amsterdam 3 days (Hostel booked)
Prague 4 days (Flight booked, still need lodging)
Munich 4 days (Hostel booked)
Salzburg 2 days
Venice 3 days
Florence 3 days
Siena 4 days
Cinque Terre 3 days
Somewhere in Switzerland 4 days
Barcelona 4 days
Madrid 4 days
(# days does not include travel time- just actual time in the city)
I think this is a much better pace than what I'd proposed earlier. Would love advice on good hostels (I've done a lot of research on this, but always open to more opinions!), and city bases for Cinque Terre and Switzerland.
Thanks again everyone!
Does anyone have recommendations for where to stay in Cinque Terre? I'm told that Monterosso is the best village, but I'd like to hear other opinions too.
After Cinque Terre, where should I spend 4 days in Switzerland? I've done some reading on other Fodors posts, and it sounds like Lauterbrunnen might be a happy medium between Interlaken and smaller villages like Wengen or Murren.
So, the new itinerary:
Paris 4 days
Bruges 2 days (Hostel booked)
Amsterdam 3 days (Hostel booked)
Prague 4 days (Flight booked, still need lodging)
Munich 4 days (Hostel booked)
Salzburg 2 days
Venice 3 days
Florence 3 days
Siena 4 days
Cinque Terre 3 days
Somewhere in Switzerland 4 days
Barcelona 4 days
Madrid 4 days
(# days does not include travel time- just actual time in the city)
I think this is a much better pace than what I'd proposed earlier. Would love advice on good hostels (I've done a lot of research on this, but always open to more opinions!), and city bases for Cinque Terre and Switzerland.
Thanks again everyone!
Jul 9th, 2011, 12:28 PM
#30
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In 2007 I stayed at the Hotel Du Commerce http://www.commerceparishotel.com/ in Paris. I just put in a random August date and a single room w a shared shower (private toilet) came out at 44E. It looks like it has been renovated since our stay, it is was perfectly nice then. I would stay there again. The best part was the neighborhood, it was in my mind, perfectly Parisian! Around the corner there was a butcher, a wine shop, a cheese shop, a bakery, a bar/cafe etc.. Also plenty of cheap eats around.
Jul 10th, 2011, 07:03 AM
#31
From Geneva you could take the train (about 1 hour) out to Vevey). This is a very nice hostel right on the lake there: www.rivieralodge.ch
Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux are a beautiful part of Switzerland, right on Lac Leman ('lake geneva'), very picturesque, in the French-speaking part of the country.
Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux are a beautiful part of Switzerland, right on Lac Leman ('lake geneva'), very picturesque, in the French-speaking part of the country.
Jul 10th, 2011, 09:32 AM
#32
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with that much rail travel IMO a Eurail Youthpass of some kind is a no-brainer - either the 15-day in a 2-mo period flexipass or a consecutive-day one and then you could use it to do day trips from your bases if the fancy strikes you - like in Munich to Fussen and Mad Ludwig's fantasy castles or to Rothenberg - a fine fine walled medieval-looking town, etc.
