deborah

I recently went to Europe on my own for the first time and enjoyed going to alot of different cities instead of staying in one place for three or four days. You can cover alot of ground on your own. I was confused by the trains at first but that is where I met so many people along the way. Certainly pack light because that make it much more enjoyable but I loved being on my own. I agree with Elvira, don't miss Italy, Florence and Venice are amazing. Paris was also wonderful but certainly chilly this time of year.

This may be a blessing in disguise instead of going with the tour.

AC

Hi Lauren:
This sounds like it may be a blessing in disguise...hum where to go for 28 days???
my suggestions:
Fly into Amsterdam (4-6 including your flight day)
TGV train into Paris(5-6)
EuroStar to London (4-5)
EuroStar to Brussels (3-4)
(Eurostar has an open youth pass you might be interested in for just $79) www.raileurope.com
Then a train or flight to Italy and maybe see two cities of your choice. Good luck and have a great time planning and traveling!

Lauren

Oh you guys have been so good to me!! My travel agent called back and said the trip WASN'T cancelled after all! Sooo....My mind is a'racing for my next trip already!! I appreciate all the help, tips, and advice. I will be going on the tour, but can't wait til next time when I can do it on my own. Some of these hostels look great!

Beth Anderson

heck, you should go on your own anyway.

AC

HI:
Are you sure your travel agent is on the up and up. Why did they gice you a heart attack to begin with???
I agree with Beth--ditch them and go on your own!!! ;-)!

Patrick

Assuming that you studied the itinerary of the planned tour pretty carefully, I would guess that you liked the hotels they were staying at, certainly one of the primary reasons for selecting any given tour. Since the tour has been cancelled, those same hotels obviously now have the rooms available that your tour had booked. I would start with those for reservations, maybe even mentioning the tour that you had planned was cancelled and asking if they can still offer you special rates for those same rooms?

Lauren

Nah...LOL Can't ditch them...looking foward to traveling non-stop. I have already started planning my next trip--before I even go on my first. Once again, thanks you guys! I really do appreciate all of your help!!!!!

Nancy

Get Rick Steves travel guide(s). He has great suggestions and lists many inexpensive lodgings. I got my son hooked on his travel books and he used it for a month of travel in Europe. Met many fun people a few of whom he visited in Great Britain. Others he went out with in various cities. Check it out. I, too, have used his books for lodgings and sightseeing. Everyone raves about his choices.

Patrick

Please don't say "everyone raves about his choices". This web site is filled with comments from people who have been very disappointed with his choices, just scroll down and you will find a lot of them.

Julie

The first time I went to europe was on my own. It wasn't a very good idea because we didn't speak the language and didn't know where to go. We missed seeing alot of things nearby because we didn't know they were right around the corner. We also wasted alot of money double paying for things.
I have been on tours to Europe several times since then. I would sugeest that you take a short tour of several countries with Trafalgar or Cosmos (they're both farely inexpensive) first then stay on for the extra days. They will take you to major attractions in each city then you can decide where you want to revisit. After you finish the tour get a Eurail pass for traveling and try to stay at Bed and Breakfasts. B&Bs are cheaper than hotels, more interesting and have great food.
Also, public transportation in Madrid and Paris is great and cheap. If you spend extra time in Paris get the Museum pass and metro pass.
Remember to bring your student I.D. Most tourist attractions in Europe are cheaper (1/2 price) for students.