First Solo Euro Trip -- August 2014
 

Hi All!

I'm planning my first solo Euro trip (scheduled for August 2014). I'm a 22 year old who's hoping to get some travel in between graduating college and starting work full-time. I've been to Europe twice before and have experience travelling in central Mexico and Ghana. I've never explored Germany or Eastern Europe before, and have outlined the following preliminary itinerary:

Munich (and Bavaria, Neuschwanstein) - 4 days
Salzburg - 2 days
Hallstatt - 2 days
Vienna (and river trip from Krems to Melk) - 4 days
Budapest (and day trip to Szentendre) - 3 days
Krakow (and day trip to Auschwitz) - 4 days
Prague (and day trip to Cesky Krumlar) - 4 days
(fly to) London -4 days (plus 2 day trip to Bath)

The only city I've visited before on this itinerary is London (but I've never been to Bath), and I am unfamiliar with the other places I'm hoping to visit.

I have a couple of questions because I'm starting to look at my budget/other logistical arrangements for the trip:

1) Do any seasoned travelers see any potential problems with this itinerary? Am I trying to see too many places? Am I spending too little time in each place?

2) Are there any other cities in Eastern Europe I should try to squeeze in? Are there any place you think I should cut out?

3) Would train travel between all of these cities be best? Any tips about rail passes?

4) Do you see any issues with a solo female traveler visiting any of the cities above?

My trip is in the early planning stages, so I'm OPEN to any suggestions or other tips you may have!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Question- are those the actual days in each city, or the nights? I ask because two nights really nets about 1.5 days and often less. For instance, you say 3 days in Budapest to include a day trip to Szentendre. So are you staying 4 nights? If it is only 3 nights you'll have about 1.5 days free in Budapest.

But the overall plan looks very.

3) Would train travel between all of these cities be best? Any tips about rail passes?>

Yes between cities trains are about the only practical way - fastest and there is one railpass that will make a great deal for you as you are traveling on several trains in various Eastern European countries - the European East Pass, valid on trains in Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - just about all of your trips except Munich to Salzburg and for that you can get discounted fares at www.bahn.de/en - the German Railways site or use the Bavarian Pass for about 30 euros for an unlimited day of travel in Bavaria on regional trains which do take about an hour longer but this would be much cheaper than full fare.

If going the discounted ticket route on bahn.de/en note that those are train-specific and cannot be changed nor refunded and as they are sold in limited supplies on each train must be booked in stone weeks in advance to get - but you can then use the much faster and more comfy ICE faster trains.

The European East Pass lets you hop on any train just about anytime in the countries covered - complete flexibility to hop on any train anytime and full fare tickets that allow that can cost a lot.

For excellent IMO sites about Eastern European trains check out www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com. The pass must be bought in your home country before leaving as I believe they are not sold in Europe - the Bavaria Pass you buy at the station in Munich and covers travel in full to Salzburg, even though that is a few miles inside Austria. Check if that Eastern European Pass has a Youthpass version as many passes do for those under 26 - but really for that many trains the pass would seem to be a great bargain.

Agree with janisj, you need to check travel timings between places, and plan accordingly.
You could see the oebb website for Austria train schedules and timings. I booked many train tickets a little in advance(2-3 weeks) and they came out really really cheap(with oebb).
www.oebb.at/en/ (for Austria and and a little of germany).
You could also look at buse services like studentagency, they do have cheap bus tickets between places,buses aren't very comfortable, but passable for a few hours. Have a look at westbahn too, they have a few train services in Austria.

I did a fairly similar trip(with krakow and budapest), you could go through it here: www.oebb.at/en/
Plan looks good enough, I would like to recommend this place close to Halstat,Gosausee, do visit it from Halstatt.
http://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com/...blic/gosausee/

The only problem I see could be Krakow. I am finally going there next summer but am flying in/out. I've tried to include it in other trips but the length of the train from anywhere else (Budapest, Prague) was too long for my liking (I really hate train rides over 5 hours). Just check the times and see if it's worth it to you. Krakow sounds amazing and I am really looking forward to it. But with the limited time you have for all those other places you might decide to scratch it for this trip and then you could add those days to other places. Budapest does seem to be shortchanged. Although it makes a difference as Janis says if you are talking days or nights total.

there are overnight trains between Prague and Budapest and Krakow. Krakow is to me amazing - not only it but the Wieliczka Salt Mines a UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of town and of course Auschwitz/Birkenau about an hour by bus or train from Krakow.

A European East Railpass costs about 30 euros a day for a day of unlimited travel and unlike the discounted tickets that I believe have restrictions on them with a pass you can just hop on most any train in all those countries (except Germany) - so if the six train trips in your OP are realized the pass would certainly seem to be a great deal.

BTW there is no Youthpass as I thought a possibility in an above post with this pass. Just 2nd and 1st class passes - solo passes.

By all means, don't miss Krakow. Book the overnight train from Prague, and as a solo female, get a private berth. I booked it from a travel agency in Prague and got a good rate, better than online.

I have been to all those cities, except Munich, as a solo female and always felt very safe.

I'm not sure of the best way to get to Hallstadt, b/c I had a car, but that's the only place where a train might not be convenient, but you can probably take a bus there. Once you're there, you can take a local bus to the salt mines. It's a wonderful little town.

I'm not sure of the best way to get to Hallstadt, b/c I had a car, but that's the only place where a train might not be convenient>

Trains are very convenient for Hallstatt - change off the main Salzburg-Linz line at Attnang-Puchheim for a tremendously scenic train ride to Hallstatt - the station is across the lake from that lovely town - boats scoot arriving passengers across the lake - a great way to arrive in town - buses are also available around the lake.

i see that you plan to visit Neuschwanstein from munich
just to make your visit easily i recommend towatch the videos how to get to neuschwanstein from munich:

How To Get To Neuschwanstein ( From Munich Main Station ) Ep 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKY4Ymdfuog

How To Get To Neuschwanstein ( Füssen Station ) Ep 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0_WFiXy4U4

How To Get To Neuschwanstein ( Hohenschwangau Bus Stop ) Ep 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKY4Ymdfuog

In 2011 I traveled as a 66 year old lady in Germany and Switzerland and felt very safe. I know I would feel safe in Salzburg and Hallstatt as well. I don't know much about eastern Europe as I have only been to Prague and Cesky Krumlov and that was as a couple before my husband passed away. Just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

I, personally don't think you are trying to do too much. I don't like to stay too long in any one place and like to move on and see new places.

Yes how long your should stay in any one place is a subjective question that will yield wildly varying answers - many saying you need say a week in Paris or Rome or it ain't worth it - others like me and nanaof4 like to be on the move more - travel can be exciting to me as seeing another boring museum or church in a town like Paris - what is between the big tourist meccas is more what attracts me to Europe though I love the cities as well.

King mudwig 900 - thanks for those excellent videos - now I can check my info from my last trip to Neuschwanstein several years ago.

Danke!

PalenQ and I think alike. Loved traveling the countryside and moving on. Our last trip to Rome we were ready to leave the crowds after 2 days.

Until / unless chellem22 checks back in and answers janisj's very basic question -- "are those the actual days in each city, or the nights?" -- I don't see how we can answer most of these questions.

The one we can answer: Yes, solo female travelers can visit all of these places and many of us have done so. But of course, you need to take normal safety precautions!

Yep - kja . . . the OP seems to have left the building or lost interest.

Hi again!

Thank you all so much for your advice! I apologize for being so MIA -- I've been hitting the books for my last round of college finals.

In response to janisj and kja, the number outlined on those will be full days in each location.

Thanks, PalenQ and ashwinb , for the helpful tips abut rail travel -- I'll definitely look into the links you provided.

Thanks also to panecott for recommending an overnight trip to Krakow -- that sounds like a great solution.

konig_ludwig_900, the videos about how to get to Neuschwanstein were incredibly helpful! Thanks!

Are there any Austria experts out there? In doing some research I have a few more questions:
1) Has anyone been to Innsbruck? If so, would you recommend it instead of/in addition to Hallstatt?
2) Do you think I can fit in both Melk and Krems in the same day? If not, do you prefer one over the other?

Thanks again for all of your help!!

Welcome back :)

So to finally clarify -- you are staying 5 nights in Munich, 3 nights in Salzburg, 3 nights in Hallstatt, 5 nights in Vienna, 4 nights in Budapest and so on? That is how you get the number of 'full' days you list.

Thanks, janisj! Yes, the plan is 5 nights in Munich, 5 nights in Vienna, and so on.

OK - thanks for clarifying!

"Vienna (and river trip from Krems to Melk) - 4 days" -- it depends on your interests, but I think you might be shortchanging Vienna. I think the city itself merits at least 4, if not 5, full days. But then I love art, and Vienna has a lot of that!

"Are there any other cities in Eastern Europe I should try to squeeze in?" -- IMO, no. With the exception of Vienna, I think you have laid out a very reasonable itinerary.

"Would train travel between all of these cities be best?" -- IMO, yes.

"Do you see any issues with a solo female traveler visiting any of the cities above" -- No. I am a solo female traveler and have been to all of these locations except Hallstadt by myself. Enjoyed myself immensely! As already noted, just take reasonable precautions.

Good luck on your finals!

2). Depends on what you want to experience; lots and lots of visitors to Vienna fit both cities into one day. DDSG offers a train/ship/Abbey ticket that makes for a very full day. The train departs Viennat 09:00 and arrives in Melk in time for the first English-language tour of the Abbey (11:00) which runs ~90 minutes. The 14:00 river boat would get you to Krems at 15:30. The return train to Vienna departs from Krems at 17:00.

Hi chellem22,

I'm not an Austrian expert, but I live just about 90 minutes north of Innsbruck and have been there a few times. It's not a favorite city of mine, and I don't think I would really go out of my way to see it. It's a nice enough city with a nice little river through town and a nice old town -- but most of your itinerary is already seeing cities.

I've never been to Hallstatt, but I personally would spend more time there, just from the photos I've seen. I always prefer to experience small towns or villages, and I'm a real sucker for a lake. I think staying in Hallstatt will give you more of a contrast to the rest of your itinerary.

Have fun as you plan!

s

2) Do you think I can fit in both Melk and Krems in the same day? If not, do you prefer one over the other?>

Of course - the famous boat ride goes between Melk and Krems - that said I think Durnstein, a cute wine village severalkns before Krems to me was the highlight of the Wachau Valley - the old ruined castle once was where Richard-the-Lion-Hearted was held for ransom after being nabbed coming from a return from some Crusade - beautiful town - then take the bus from there to Krems or the next boats.

Krems is a much much larger town I walked around - very pleasant but IMO not so much that it is a must, like Melk and its Abbey or Durnstein - take the train to Vienna from Krems and the train to Melk from Vienna- there is a ticket sold in Vienna stations that includes everything - abbey admission, boat fee, trains fees all on one combo ticket I think.

I have been to Hallstatt -- though not to the salt mines. I think one day would be plenty there. Or do it as a daytrip from Salzburg. Hallstatt is a very pretty little village but you will exhaust it in a couple hours. Still I prefer the village experience to Innsbruck.

I'm sure you can find something to do with that extra day. In your itinerary are you allowing for travel time? It takes about a half day to check out of your hotel, get to the train station, travel to your new place and find your way to your next hotel. Not to speak of getting oriented in your new base.

Thank you all again for your responses!

kja, I love art, too, so maybe I should plan 4 full days in Vienna and reserve 1 for a day/trip to Krems/Melk.

fourfortravel, thank you so much for telling me about DDSG's all encompassing ticket. Where can I purchase those? And is it something I should plan to buy in advance?

swandav2000, thanks for your feedback on Innsbruck. I prefer small town too, so will plan to skip Innsbruck and focus on going to Hallstatt instead.

PalenQ, you mentioned that Durnstein was a highlight. How long would you recommend spending in Durnstein? Is it a quick half-day getaway, or a full day trip?

Mimar, thank for you feedback on Hallstatt. Maybe I'll just spend two nights there (rather than two full days). The itinerary I outlined above is not currently allowing for train time, though you raise a good point about the amount of time it takes to check out, get to the train station, etc.

Thanks SO MUCH, everyone!! :)

"The itinerary I outlined above is not currently allowing for train time, though you raise a good point about the amount of time it takes to check out, get to the train station, etc."

??? That's why janisj and I specifically asked about the number of nights. From what you said, I (at least) have been assuming that you WERE allowing time for travel in between your listed days. If not, then your itinerary is, IMO, too rushed -- you are going to lose 1/2 day each time you change locations and that will substantially eat into the time you have to actually see these places.

My daughter is 22 and did a similar trip and she moved pretty quickly, much faster than I tend to move.

She went Budapest Prague as an overnight train trip.... I think you are ok if you take the advice on over night trains.

For that time of year, book those tickets in advance.

chellem, since you may be considering adding Durnstein to your itinerary, I would suggest a look at the ticket packages offered to find the one that works best for you.
http://www.ddsg-blue-danube.at/eng/index.php

As for buying tickets in advance, I personally would not. It's easy enough to buy the tickets at either the pier or the train station; plus, I do not know if the tickets are transferable to a different date should the weather, or a newfound interest, change your sightseeing plans.

I have done the Melk and Krems day trip and didn't feel rushed.

I think you are short-changing Budapest, where there is plenty to see, but I might reconsider the trip to Szentendre - it was hopelessly overcrowded with tourists when I did it, and that was back in 2004.

One full day is plenty for Hallstatt, very scenic but also a bit of a tourist magnet. Unlike several posters here I like Innsbruck, and I used it as a base for visiting the Ziller valey and the Stubai glacier. However, if you want another stop in Austria I also like Zell-am-See, which I used as a base for the Krimml waterfall and the Grossglockner road. (For pix see http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/E...tt-Zell-am-See )

BTW, for train schedules see: http://www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml

I too love or perhaps like Innsbruck - the Schloss Ambras - visit this interesting place and then hop the mountain climbing tram up to the old Winter Olympics Ski Jump area in a lovely sylvan forested area with many neat hiking paths, etc.

https://www.google.com/search?q=inns...=1600&bih=1075

You're making very many stops on this itinerary. But I'd suggest reversing your itinerary to save money:
Start in London-4 days fly from Gatwick to Krakow cheap on EasyJet.com
Krakow- 4 days
Prague- 4 days
Budapest- 3 days
Vienna- 4 days
Hallstatt - 2 days
Salzburg - 2 days
Munich- 4 days Fly home from there.

Krakow- 4 days
Prague- 4 days
Budapest- 3 days
Vienna- 4 days
Hallstatt - 2 days
Salzburg - 2 days>

If doing that by train then the European East Railpass would cover all those trains - just hop on any train anytime with few exceptions - except the German portion from Salzburg. A n-brainer IMO if that is the itinerary.

Budapest 4 days, Hallstatt 1 day