First time travelling to Europe.
Jul 19th, 2013, 02:05 PM
#41
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"Except for flight time."
Sure. But if the non-flight time of the travel is four hours as a best case, I don't care much whether the flight time is one or two hours. And since I experienced a lot of times delays of several hours due to traffic jams or fligt delays, the additional hour of flight is in my opinion even less of an issue.
Sure. But if the non-flight time of the travel is four hours as a best case, I don't care much whether the flight time is one or two hours. And since I experienced a lot of times delays of several hours due to traffic jams or fligt delays, the additional hour of flight is in my opinion even less of an issue.
Jul 19th, 2013, 02:31 PM
#42
yes, i agree that flight times within Europe don't matter but the number of times you fly within a holiday does.
you lose at least half a day every time you fly from one place to another [at least on the train you can look at the scenery] and most of that is made up of getting to the airport, hanging about before boarding, getting through immigration and customs when you arrive, and getting to your new hotel or apartment. you can't do all of that in less than about 3 hours, to which you have to add at least an hour's flight time.
so if you fly 4 times in 14 days, you lose 2 whole days of you trip. plus there's the time to orientate yourself in your new place, find the nicest bars and cafes, where to have breakfast, the little shop to buy your mineral water rather than paying a fortune for the mini-bar, where the metro or bus stop is, etc. etc. and again, and again. So really a whole day can taken up just by moving from one place to another. it also adds to the cost of the trip.
My other difficulty with trips that flit from one place to another is that it is very difficult to remember what you saw where by the time you're half-way through the trip. Where was that wonderful picture by Botticelli? and was that portrait by Raphael or Rubens? IMO you get a much better sense of a place and absorb a great deal more if you stay long enough really to experience it at your leisure instead of having to cram it all into a short period.
in a month, the OP actually has the luxury of being able to spend a reasonable length of time in a few wonderful places.
you lose at least half a day every time you fly from one place to another [at least on the train you can look at the scenery] and most of that is made up of getting to the airport, hanging about before boarding, getting through immigration and customs when you arrive, and getting to your new hotel or apartment. you can't do all of that in less than about 3 hours, to which you have to add at least an hour's flight time.
so if you fly 4 times in 14 days, you lose 2 whole days of you trip. plus there's the time to orientate yourself in your new place, find the nicest bars and cafes, where to have breakfast, the little shop to buy your mineral water rather than paying a fortune for the mini-bar, where the metro or bus stop is, etc. etc. and again, and again. So really a whole day can taken up just by moving from one place to another. it also adds to the cost of the trip.
My other difficulty with trips that flit from one place to another is that it is very difficult to remember what you saw where by the time you're half-way through the trip. Where was that wonderful picture by Botticelli? and was that portrait by Raphael or Rubens? IMO you get a much better sense of a place and absorb a great deal more if you stay long enough really to experience it at your leisure instead of having to cram it all into a short period.
in a month, the OP actually has the luxury of being able to spend a reasonable length of time in a few wonderful places.
Jul 19th, 2013, 11:17 PM
#45
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Thank you so much for all the feedback.
We are into history, and want to see all the main attractions... But also as we are young (born in 86) we do love the occasional drink.
also traveling as a couple.
We are now thinking of eliminating Greece from this trip.
Maybe 5 days in London, 5 in Paris, 2 in Amsterdam, 3 in Berlin and then the rest in Italy.
We want to travel around Italy, a few days in Rome, Venice, Florence...want to see churches and eat some great food ��
We are into history, and want to see all the main attractions... But also as we are young (born in 86) we do love the occasional drink.
also traveling as a couple.
We are now thinking of eliminating Greece from this trip.
Maybe 5 days in London, 5 in Paris, 2 in Amsterdam, 3 in Berlin and then the rest in Italy.
We want to travel around Italy, a few days in Rome, Venice, Florence...want to see churches and eat some great food ��
Jul 20th, 2013, 12:17 AM
#48
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London is expensive, in Paris you need to speak French, Amsterdam is Amsterdam, Berlin a must, Those Italian cities: a happening but crowded (Venice is an experience, stay on an island, use the waterboats).
About food. Depends on your budget. On my budget, Berlin is my favourite. My wife favours Italian food (read into it with primo, secundi etc!)
May I suggest that you make an overview for yourself with places to see, travelling distance, means and time between them? We learned to skip things and taking a bit more time for everything became our motto. Or, in other words, traveling isn't about stress about transportation, time tables and check ins. More about discovering and having time to wonder about all those other things, people, and and and.
About food. Depends on your budget. On my budget, Berlin is my favourite. My wife favours Italian food (read into it with primo, secundi etc!)
May I suggest that you make an overview for yourself with places to see, travelling distance, means and time between them? We learned to skip things and taking a bit more time for everything became our motto. Or, in other words, traveling isn't about stress about transportation, time tables and check ins. More about discovering and having time to wonder about all those other things, people, and and and.
Jul 20th, 2013, 04:12 AM
#50
London is not more expensive if you do some research and you do not have to speak French in Paris...although its best to learn a few polite phrases!>>
jamikins - we had an interesting conversation with a lady in a bakers in France on our recent weekend in Brittany. as we were buying our baguettes, she asked us where we came from [our french being such as to give away that we are not of french origin!] and when we said England, she said she'd never been because she can't speak english! we of course said that it isn't at all necessary but I'd never heard that idea before. perhaps a perceived need to speak the language deters more people than we think from travelling.
Jessica - you'll have gathered that your proposed itinerary has caused a bit of a kerfuffle here, with just as many of us being pro as were against your going to Greece. I hope we haven't put you off going there for no good reason.
as for Italy, it isn't just cities. Given that you will have seen a lot of cities before you get to Italy, I'd suggest spending some time in the countryside or possibly beside one of the lakes, though it might be too early in May for them to be in full swing. you could fly into venice, spend a few days there, then pick up a car and set off. with just two of you and in May, you wouldn't need to book, just see where your wheels take you.
have a great trip!
jamikins - we had an interesting conversation with a lady in a bakers in France on our recent weekend in Brittany. as we were buying our baguettes, she asked us where we came from [our french being such as to give away that we are not of french origin!] and when we said England, she said she'd never been because she can't speak english! we of course said that it isn't at all necessary but I'd never heard that idea before. perhaps a perceived need to speak the language deters more people than we think from travelling.
Jessica - you'll have gathered that your proposed itinerary has caused a bit of a kerfuffle here, with just as many of us being pro as were against your going to Greece. I hope we haven't put you off going there for no good reason.
as for Italy, it isn't just cities. Given that you will have seen a lot of cities before you get to Italy, I'd suggest spending some time in the countryside or possibly beside one of the lakes, though it might be too early in May for them to be in full swing. you could fly into venice, spend a few days there, then pick up a car and set off. with just two of you and in May, you wouldn't need to book, just see where your wheels take you.
have a great trip!
Jul 20th, 2013, 04:44 AM
#51
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Jessica, London does not have to be expensive if you find reasonably priced accommodations. After all, most of the museums and some other attractions are free. It is absolutely not necessary to speak French in Paris. After 8 trips we have never had a problem not speaking French. As Jamikins notes, learning a few polite phrases makes for pleasant exchanges with the Parisians. Although you may run into some crowds in Venice, Florence and Rome, all are well worth a visit.
I agree that you might consider adding a visit to the countryside while in Italy. Think about the Amalfi Coast - you can easily visit Pompeii from there; Tuscany is beautiful in May so would be a nice stop. Since you are thinking about skipping Greece this time, you have more time to devote to Italy.
I agree that you might consider adding a visit to the countryside while in Italy. Think about the Amalfi Coast - you can easily visit Pompeii from there; Tuscany is beautiful in May so would be a nice stop. Since you are thinking about skipping Greece this time, you have more time to devote to Italy.
Jul 20th, 2013, 05:27 AM
#52
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Another who says it is not at all necessary to speak French in Paris. Silly. BUT manners do matter, and learning to say "bonjour" as you enter a shop and "Merci" as you leave is a leg up with the French. If you try to speak French, they will also try to help you--and many speak English, but don't speak thinking it is not so good--just as we do with our foreign languages!!
Maybe a better itinerary, and since the OP has revealed her youth, a trip that features Greece could be in her future!! LOL
Maybe a better itinerary, and since the OP has revealed her youth, a trip that features Greece could be in her future!! LOL
Jul 20th, 2013, 06:45 AM
#53
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Pure nonsense you need to French in Paris, but don't try speaking French in Paris if it is rudimentary or your accent is pure New Jeresy. You will be admonished or ignored with great immediacy.
They are, however, much more accepting of imperfect French outside the precincts of Paris.
We are experienced travelers and cannot crack the code of finding a decent cheap place in London or a decent inexpensive meal. (We have not been to Brick Lane.) If a hotel is cheap walking along the walls or ceiling is helpful if you need to pass your partner. And have been to London maybe 8 or 9 times. Granted many of those were stays of one night as a layover.
You can get satisfying meals and extraordinary pastries for not a lot of money in Paris.
They are, however, much more accepting of imperfect French outside the precincts of Paris.
We are experienced travelers and cannot crack the code of finding a decent cheap place in London or a decent inexpensive meal. (We have not been to Brick Lane.) If a hotel is cheap walking along the walls or ceiling is helpful if you need to pass your partner. And have been to London maybe 8 or 9 times. Granted many of those were stays of one night as a layover.
You can get satisfying meals and extraordinary pastries for not a lot of money in Paris.
Jul 20th, 2013, 08:52 AM
#55
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Well, I stepped in after several posters recommended dropping Greece without giving valid reasons. Now that you have expressed an interest in history, what more can I say?
Greece has always been on the itinerary of people interested in classical history, but nowadays it is also on the itinerary of people hoping for a more hedonistic holiday. With somewhere like Mykonos you can spend the morning touring the ruins of Delos, the afternoon on the beach, and the evening out clubbing. I'm only using Mykonos as an example, but there are few other places where you can do that! May is a great time to visit Greece.
Greece has always been on the itinerary of people interested in classical history, but nowadays it is also on the itinerary of people hoping for a more hedonistic holiday. With somewhere like Mykonos you can spend the morning touring the ruins of Delos, the afternoon on the beach, and the evening out clubbing. I'm only using Mykonos as an example, but there are few other places where you can do that! May is a great time to visit Greece.
Jul 20th, 2013, 10:36 AM
#56
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You will not need to speak French to visit Paris. Like others have said, a few basic, polite phrases are essential to learn. I try to do that in all countries that I visit. Sometimes in France when I try to speak my limited French (with my somewhat Kentucky accent), they ask me to speak English. lol
Once you come up with an itinerary, we can make some suggestions for things for you to do.
Wow, born in 1986. You have your whole life ahead of you. Have fun on this trip and all your future trips to Europe!
Once you come up with an itinerary, we can make some suggestions for things for you to do.
Wow, born in 1986. You have your whole life ahead of you. Have fun on this trip and all your future trips to Europe!
Jul 20th, 2013, 12:08 PM
#57
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Jess:
If you do this trip in a way that is good for you and to your full satisfaction, you will suffer an incurable disease inflicted by the ever present travel bug which all of the above posters have endured. That's a good thing! It only becomes annoying when you can no longer travel abroad. So go now, do not tarry, take in as much as you can and then start planning trip #2 (on your way home!). My now incapacitated wife and I used to draw up possible future itineraries on cocktail napkins en route to home base, passing them to one another for comments.
Jessica, as I've said many times on this forum..."travel til you unravel!"
If you do this trip in a way that is good for you and to your full satisfaction, you will suffer an incurable disease inflicted by the ever present travel bug which all of the above posters have endured. That's a good thing! It only becomes annoying when you can no longer travel abroad. So go now, do not tarry, take in as much as you can and then start planning trip #2 (on your way home!). My now incapacitated wife and I used to draw up possible future itineraries on cocktail napkins en route to home base, passing them to one another for comments.
Jessica, as I've said many times on this forum..."travel til you unravel!"
Jul 22nd, 2013, 03:17 AM
#60
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Hi everyone. Just wondering if there are any beach areas in Italy you recommend?
We are looking to tour Italy but would also love to spend a few days somewhere close to the beach for some relaxation and swimming.
Appreciate your help.
We are looking to tour Italy but would also love to spend a few days somewhere close to the beach for some relaxation and swimming.
Appreciate your help.
