I am a 25 yr old female studying abroad in Lille France for The entire month of July. I am leaning towards an organized tour either before or after my program. My best online find has been Contiki Travel. I am debating whether to do it before or after and also if anyone has any input on contiki that would be helpful I am looking for the 18-35 age group they cater to I do not want to be stuck with a buch of blue hairs!
Thank you in advance!

I have to think that with weekend excursions, you will find that you can put that Contiki money to far better use by planning a 2005 trip that draws on all you have learned.

You can go far and cheap from Lille by way of virtually all the cheap airlines right in your backyard - - Ryanair from Charleroi or Paris Beauvais, virgin-express.com from Brussels,and easyjet.com or volareweb.com (plus virtually other carrier) from CDG or ORY or even the five London airports.

And of course, by train alone you can reach SO much of desirable Europe.

Best wishes,

Rex

Rex is absolutely right. You will be able to do everything on your own. Just start planning and reading and enjoying that exciting part of any trip--the PLAN. You can even look at Contiki's itineraries to get ideas. With the internet it is very easy to get information and recommendations.

Hi brooke,

I go with planning your weekends and skipping the tour.

You will have a better idea of what you want to do, and what it should cost.

Take the tour if you want to see more than a few places. Let somebody else worry about the details of getting to trains, buses, planes, hotel, etc.
Spend the time enjoying your new companions and your surroundings.

If you are more comfortable taking a tour, why not do it after the class. That way you will be able to use what you have just learned.

Just a suggestion.