claudia

My partner and I are planning to be in E. Europe in late July/August. We'll have 5 day Eastrail passes so here's the question: <BR>We have to be either in Rimnicu-Vilcea Romania, or Balchik, Bulgaria on Aug.11. There is no fudging this date. We really want to see Prague with an overnight in Cesky Krumlov and Budapest with an overnight in Eger. We've allocated about a week for each of those two pursuits. <BR>However, it is not clear whether it is a better bet to fly into Budapest and go directly towards the Black Sea, thus starting our trip in August, or if it is better to start earlier, fly into Prague and slowly make our way east. <BR>Recommendations anyone? (eg is one of the two airports markedly safer or convenient than the other?) <BR>Also, is there such thing as a non-party hostel, guaranteed not-to-be-swamped with drunken partyers in either Prague or Budapest?

s.fowler

Neither airport is a prize. My sense is that both function capably. There is a new terminal at Budapest's Ferihegy Airport. So far I think only Malev and Lufthansa use it. It is markedly better than the bus station atmosphere at the old terminal. <BR>I'd made your decision on the basis of whether you want to wander slowly towards your set date... or save your wandering for afterwards. <BR>

claudia

Sister Fowler, <BR>From your experience, are there distinct pros or cons in starting from the heavily touristed areas towards the the less expensive, and somewhat grittier locales? <BR>Also, from one of your previous posts, what/where is Kampa Island? I can't find it on any map. <BR>Thanks!

s.fowler

Again it's personal preference. For me it would depend on the length of the trip as well as the purpose. If you're going to a conference, for example you might want to work first, play later. It can also be difficult to go to a country with less of the comforts we expect AFTER a stay in a hotel in a major tourist city. Or it can be a learning experience I notice you are interested in hostels. I don't know much about hostels, but I DO know that hostels in the Romania/Bulgaria part of the world can be less than safe, both sanitation-wise and security-wise. Money spent on a decent hotel in that part of the world is money *necessarily* spent. <BR>I know I'm avoiding your question... I think the answer is in your preference. Each way has advantages and disadantages. How the transportation works may help you make your decision.

claudia

As always, excellent advice dispensed. I am actually going to check out the August 11th eclipse, so this is pure vacation all the way around. <BR>But one question remains. <BR>Do you know where Kampa Island is? I can't find it on any of my maps of Prague.

Helena

To find Kampa Island, walk over the Charles Bridge from the Old Town side to the Mala Strana side, and it will be on your left. There's a nice park, river access, and a really good restaurant called "Kampa Park" (which is actually on the right, as you cross the bridge). Kampa Island starts just under the Charles Bridge and goes over towards Ujezd. Enjoy!

Linda

Try http://www.avetravel.cz for listing of good hotels/penzions in all price ranges. Also, in Budapest, we stayed with Dr. Walter Fleps, retired English-speaking lawyer. His home overlooks the city. You get a bathroom, bedroom with terrace view & big breakfast (by Mrs. Fleps) for around $40. His address is Bogar utca 20b, 1022 Budapest, Hungary. The phone number is 36-1-326-8170. They are very nice & you take a bus to the metro & 3 stops you are downtown.

Bela Lukacs

For Dear S.Fowler! <BR> <BR>Please, don't be that tough on the Budapest airports. <BR>In comperison with a few European airports and a lot of American ones, ours is a 21Century, compared to a 15Century, like for instanse the Zurich international. I spend 2 and a half!!!!! hours in a line at the transfer desk just to informed that the last flight to the USA (where I was supposed to travel) left 5 minutes ago. And it wasn't my fault that I missed the connecting flight. <BR>Last time I spent that much time in a line was like 15 years ago during communist rule. And I can tell similar experienses about Amsterdam and a few other western cities, not to mention the USA. <BR>As for the new terminal, it is only for foreign air companies. <BR>The old Ferihegy 2 is for Malev only. <BR> <BR>For Claudia! <BR>From Budapest a round-trip ticket to almost any European destination is roughly $US 250.00 <BR>In Budapest I can offer you 2 fully furnished and equipped Flats for cheaper than any Hotel, even in High season. <BR>One is next to the famos Basilica, 50 meters from that, the other one is near Astoria (2 minutes from the heart of the city). Both have two rooms. <BR>Regards, <BR>Bela