Critique our European Adventure
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think so, Deb, they are leaving in 8 days.
I think you need to cut at least half of your destinations. as right now you will be spending half of your days in transit. I agree with whomever suggested you cut this down to two cities. That would give you enough time to see something of the two destinations and be able to do what you plan: "exploring, eating, and spending time together' As it is, this itinerary has no time for exploring or spending time together (other than on trains and in train stations). Remember that it takes three nights in a place to have two full days
I think you need to cut at least half of your destinations. as right now you will be spending half of your days in transit. I agree with whomever suggested you cut this down to two cities. That would give you enough time to see something of the two destinations and be able to do what you plan: "exploring, eating, and spending time together' As it is, this itinerary has no time for exploring or spending time together (other than on trains and in train stations). Remember that it takes three nights in a place to have two full days
#23
I think they will be fine. They seem to like to fly by the seat of their pants. That said, Europe is not a road trip between Seattle and San Francisco. I'd bet my last euro that they are not able to keep the original itinerary as proposed.
#24
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They are leaving in 8 days and essentially have 8 days on the ground, and that involves roaming all over a considerable amount of territory. With no hotel reservations for most of it? European cities are already jammed with tourists. You may find it really difficult to find an affordable place to stay without spending a good part of each day roaming around or waiting in lines at tourist offices. Doesn't sound like a fun honeymoon to me, but it's your choice. Personally, in the very short time you've got and the fact that it's already heaving with tourists here, I'd pick two destinations and make sure you have accommodations booked asap.
#25
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>> You may find it really difficult to find an affordable place to stay without spending a good part of each day roaming around or waiting in lines at tourist offices<<
People who road trip today use the internet to find accommodations. Websites like booking.com. For dates next week, booking.com shows 570 double rooms available in Nice for under 150 euros per night. Amsterdam: 115. Bruges: 150+ Colbenz; 20 Brussels: !40+
Some people have out of date travel info and needless anxieties that aren't relevant to other people's travel in Europe.
People who road trip today use the internet to find accommodations. Websites like booking.com. For dates next week, booking.com shows 570 double rooms available in Nice for under 150 euros per night. Amsterdam: 115. Bruges: 150+ Colbenz; 20 Brussels: !40+
Some people have out of date travel info and needless anxieties that aren't relevant to other people's travel in Europe.
#28
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think they will have any problems finding places to stay on their trip. As long as they have a internet data and phone or computer they will have plenty of time during their travel time to find a place to stay for their next destination. Should not be too much of a problem as long as they are not too fussy about price, location or quality. Won't have much time to experience much in some of their destinations but that is the nature of their MO
#29
Geez people this isn't 1972. No one needs to be wandering around in person looking for a place to stay.
My "beef" with this plan is simply there is WAY too much time on trains and in and out of train stations for my own taste. But there's zero reason they can't do what they propose to do (it might end up costing them a bit more than they had hoped would be the only catch).
My "beef" with this plan is simply there is WAY too much time on trains and in and out of train stations for my own taste. But there's zero reason they can't do what they propose to do (it might end up costing them a bit more than they had hoped would be the only catch).
#30
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Should not be too much of a problem as long as they are not too fussy about price, location or quality>
Actually during mid-May they should have the choice of many locations, prices and quality -if much later probably not.
Chain hotels like accorhotels.com IME may have liberal deadlines for cancelling -like 24 hours or less. Book these and if you find others...
Actually during mid-May they should have the choice of many locations, prices and quality -if much later probably not.
Chain hotels like accorhotels.com IME may have liberal deadlines for cancelling -like 24 hours or less. Book these and if you find others...
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello everyone. Just an update. We are on day 4 of our journey and it has been amazing. 3 nights in Paris staying at an incredible AirB&B in Monmarte (with a view of the Eiffel Tower) and now we are drinking Belgium beers in Brugges along the canal. No worries, we've stuck with the plan and are UNDER budget.
With smartphones, we've been able to manage booking rooms, navigate metro and train schedules, as well as find the best places to done.
My advice? Relax. Have the kind of adventure that suits your style. And finally, be kind. That will get you everywhere.
With smartphones, we've been able to manage booking rooms, navigate metro and train schedules, as well as find the best places to done.
My advice? Relax. Have the kind of adventure that suits your style. And finally, be kind. That will get you everywhere.
#37
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
6/23: Brugges
6/24: Brussles / Paris>
With a Eurailpass to ride Thalys Brussels to Paris costs a supplement of about $35 on top of using pass -discounted tickets can cost less!
Brussels is a city that unpluses many - especially in a day only - either drop Brussels or say do a day trip Bruges to Gent- or add another day to Amsterdam - you only have one day there counting travel from Koblenz -that day will be more enjoyable than relocating to Brussels.
From Bruges you can take IC trains you just hop on with a pass to Lille and then catch French TGVs to Paris from there (2.5 hours same as via Brussels)
I know I'm repeating myself from far above but avoiding the Thalys will save money - TGVs only charge a few euro supplement -make those reservations in Bruges or in advance online.
6/24: Brussles / Paris>
With a Eurailpass to ride Thalys Brussels to Paris costs a supplement of about $35 on top of using pass -discounted tickets can cost less!
Brussels is a city that unpluses many - especially in a day only - either drop Brussels or say do a day trip Bruges to Gent- or add another day to Amsterdam - you only have one day there counting travel from Koblenz -that day will be more enjoyable than relocating to Brussels.
From Bruges you can take IC trains you just hop on with a pass to Lille and then catch French TGVs to Paris from there (2.5 hours same as via Brussels)
I know I'm repeating myself from far above but avoiding the Thalys will save money - TGVs only charge a few euro supplement -make those reservations in Bruges or in advance online.
#38
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
6/15-6/18: Paris - Booked room in Monmarte - Depart Paris for Nice 6/18>
Again passholder reservations can be hard to get on this French TGV line - be sure to make them before going to Paris -though in 1st class it is a bit easier. But even if train is not full you may be denied a pass holder fare for some reason (folks attest to) - at least do it in Paris as soon as you arrive.
Again passholder reservations can be hard to get on this French TGV line - be sure to make them before going to Paris -though in 1st class it is a bit easier. But even if train is not full you may be denied a pass holder fare for some reason (folks attest to) - at least do it in Paris as soon as you arrive.