How the heck do you guys do it??
Feb 5th, 2005, 04:37 AM
#1
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How the heck do you guys do it??
Hi everyone! Can any one tell me how a girl from FL can figure out how to plan a trip to Europe? I look online and just get dizzy! Where to go, when to go, how long to go, what airline..etc etc etc...
I just wanna family trip to Europe and experience a new culture and scenery for a few weeks and have no clue where to start.
How did you guys figure it out? seems like the more I read the more confused I get.
Thanks for any advice
I just wanna family trip to Europe and experience a new culture and scenery for a few weeks and have no clue where to start.
How did you guys figure it out? seems like the more I read the more confused I get.
Thanks for any advice
Feb 5th, 2005, 04:50 AM
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Most posters here plan their own trips, but I will say that we took an escorted tour our first time just to get beyond that "overwhelming" feeling. I was worried about any language barriers, and all the logistics, dealing in several different currencies and overall lack of experience. I loved that trip, and have gained the confidence to 'do it myself' ever since.
If you want to go to Europe, you must have some ideas why it appeals to you. Go to a travel agent office and pick up some tour brochures (Globus, Trafalgar, Insight). Find some itineraries you like. Then, book a tour OR start planning a similar itinerary yourself, using the tour company's as a guide. You can travel less expensively than the tours if you don't have a need for high-end hotels.
Also, it might be easier to pick only one country for your first visit. Then look for a tour or a package (flight + hotel) - see www.gotoday.com - as an example. Research the hotels they offer so you can make a good choice.
If school sessions are not an issue, it is very nice in April/May or Sept/October, not so hot, not so crowded. But if you must wait until school is out, then try for late May/early June.
Don't worry about the "best" airline. Use www.orbitz.com to see which airlines are offering good prices, then look up the actual airline website to see if you can get it from them directly. Always book using a credit card (not a debit card) for consumer rights. Consider flying into one city and out of another city (open-jaw) to save from backtracking.
Also, consider visiting 2 or 3 major cities for 3-4 days each, and taking day-trips to smaller towns or countryside. This makes the travel part easier, less moving around, less packing/unpacking, fewer hotels to book, etc.
A good timespan for a first trip might be 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on your budget, do you need a petsitter, are your kids good travelers, etc...
If you want to go to Europe, you must have some ideas why it appeals to you. Go to a travel agent office and pick up some tour brochures (Globus, Trafalgar, Insight). Find some itineraries you like. Then, book a tour OR start planning a similar itinerary yourself, using the tour company's as a guide. You can travel less expensively than the tours if you don't have a need for high-end hotels.
Also, it might be easier to pick only one country for your first visit. Then look for a tour or a package (flight + hotel) - see www.gotoday.com - as an example. Research the hotels they offer so you can make a good choice.
If school sessions are not an issue, it is very nice in April/May or Sept/October, not so hot, not so crowded. But if you must wait until school is out, then try for late May/early June.
Don't worry about the "best" airline. Use www.orbitz.com to see which airlines are offering good prices, then look up the actual airline website to see if you can get it from them directly. Always book using a credit card (not a debit card) for consumer rights. Consider flying into one city and out of another city (open-jaw) to save from backtracking.
Also, consider visiting 2 or 3 major cities for 3-4 days each, and taking day-trips to smaller towns or countryside. This makes the travel part easier, less moving around, less packing/unpacking, fewer hotels to book, etc.
A good timespan for a first trip might be 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on your budget, do you need a petsitter, are your kids good travelers, etc...
Feb 5th, 2005, 05:00 AM
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Hi
there must be some givens or restrictions, right?
You mention a 'few weeks'--really, that's wonderful. How long really?
Then, what time of year? Anytime you like? Do you want beaches (as in Greece, France, Spain, or Italy) and gardens? If so, then think about September or June. They are a little crowded still, but not as bad as some other months.
Budget? Unlimited? Or do you have a figure in mind, either for the whole trip, or per day?
Who's going? Young adults, young kids, seniors, teenagers, a mix?
How do you imagine spending your time?
Art museums? Historical sites?
Perhaps just the 'greatest hits'of sightseeing plus browsing and strolling? Beaches? Fine dining? Shopping?
Maybe we should all make up a standard questionnaire.
The thing is, I've planned a lot of trips to Europe, and they mostly still start off with that overwhelmed feeling, until I actually put pen to paper or finger to keyboard.
there must be some givens or restrictions, right?
You mention a 'few weeks'--really, that's wonderful. How long really?
Then, what time of year? Anytime you like? Do you want beaches (as in Greece, France, Spain, or Italy) and gardens? If so, then think about September or June. They are a little crowded still, but not as bad as some other months.
Budget? Unlimited? Or do you have a figure in mind, either for the whole trip, or per day?
Who's going? Young adults, young kids, seniors, teenagers, a mix?
How do you imagine spending your time?
Art museums? Historical sites?
Perhaps just the 'greatest hits'of sightseeing plus browsing and strolling? Beaches? Fine dining? Shopping?
Maybe we should all make up a standard questionnaire.
The thing is, I've planned a lot of trips to Europe, and they mostly still start off with that overwhelmed feeling, until I actually put pen to paper or finger to keyboard.
Feb 5th, 2005, 05:12 AM
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Hi mich,
I shall save you a whole lot of trouble.
Time: Mid-May or Mid-Sept.
Duration: 2 weeks
Venue: Fly into London - 6 days, take the Eurostar to Paris - 6 days, fly home.
What to do in London, see
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34548473
What to do in Paris, see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236
Eurostar tickets may be purchased at www.eurostar.com. The cheapest fare is the one-day Return ticket.
Airfare at http://airtravelcenter.com/onetrav.htm
In Paris, stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 rue Bonaparte
Hotel Bonaparte
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
Enjoy your visit.
I shall save you a whole lot of trouble.
Time: Mid-May or Mid-Sept.
Duration: 2 weeks
Venue: Fly into London - 6 days, take the Eurostar to Paris - 6 days, fly home.
What to do in London, see
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34548473
What to do in Paris, see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236
Eurostar tickets may be purchased at www.eurostar.com. The cheapest fare is the one-day Return ticket.
Airfare at http://airtravelcenter.com/onetrav.htm
In Paris, stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 rue Bonaparte
Hotel Bonaparte
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
Enjoy your visit.
Feb 5th, 2005, 05:14 AM
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Start with a trip to the library. Check out guidebooks, both with lots of text and lots of pictures (coffee table travel books are great for inspiration). Read them and you'll be surprised how soon you start figuring out what "grabs" you.
Take it from there. And keep in mind that you WILL have to make some choices even though you'll want to see it all!
Take it from there. And keep in mind that you WILL have to make some choices even though you'll want to see it all!
Feb 5th, 2005, 05:52 AM
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It all starts with a process. Elaine is on the right track. You will go crazy if you do not set the parameters first. They are:
When? How long? How many? How much?
Then, pick a region that inspires you--such as the UK or the Alps. Pick your destinations and set your trip timing based on these rules:
Average at least 3 nites per location
A max of 4 hours travel time to the next destination
Spend half your time in big cities--half in rural settings or small towns
It takes a process discipline to keep your sanity. Hope this helps.
When? How long? How many? How much?
Then, pick a region that inspires you--such as the UK or the Alps. Pick your destinations and set your trip timing based on these rules:
Average at least 3 nites per location
A max of 4 hours travel time to the next destination
Spend half your time in big cities--half in rural settings or small towns
It takes a process discipline to keep your sanity. Hope this helps.
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:16 AM
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For me part of the fun is the planning that goes into my trip. I will sit for hours poring over websites with airfare deals getting familiar with what's out there, looking for that one low fare that will inspire me to commit and go forward with the next stage of the plan, which for me is booking my first night's room. I prefer to take it a day at a time unless I'm planning a long-term stay somewhere so I book a room for one or two nights so I can take a look around and find something not listed on the internet. I find the best deals that way. This process isn't for everyone, obviously. Many, if not most, travellers prefer to have their itinerary fixed so they don't have to worry about such details. If that's the case with you then spend some time sending emails to hotels and pensions asking for their 'best price' for your chosen dates. Sometimes you'll get a better rate this way.
Obviously you need to have chosen the countries you want to visit and the route you want to take beforehand, but once that's figured out the rest will fall into place with a little diligence. Travel methods through Europe will also help shape the approach you take to travel. Trains allow a comfortable and scenic way to pass through a lot of otherwise unseen countryside. Buses do the same but aren't as comfortable. If you just want to get from "here to there" then cheap European airlines work well. Easyjet, Ryanair, Aegean Air, German Wings--there are several that will provide you with cheap and fast movement througout Europe.
Be methodical. Start with your itinerary then find a ticket to Stop #1. The rest will fall into place. Figure out a route that will not double back on itself if possible. There's something called an "Open Jaw" ticket that allows you to fly into one airport and return home from another. This is a great way to move around and use your time most efficiently.
If this is all too much for you to do for yourself, consult with a local travel agency for assistance. Try to find one that someone you know has used before and who has a good reputation for thoroughness. They're trained to handle the details (Hopefully!!)
Obviously you need to have chosen the countries you want to visit and the route you want to take beforehand, but once that's figured out the rest will fall into place with a little diligence. Travel methods through Europe will also help shape the approach you take to travel. Trains allow a comfortable and scenic way to pass through a lot of otherwise unseen countryside. Buses do the same but aren't as comfortable. If you just want to get from "here to there" then cheap European airlines work well. Easyjet, Ryanair, Aegean Air, German Wings--there are several that will provide you with cheap and fast movement througout Europe.
Be methodical. Start with your itinerary then find a ticket to Stop #1. The rest will fall into place. Figure out a route that will not double back on itself if possible. There's something called an "Open Jaw" ticket that allows you to fly into one airport and return home from another. This is a great way to move around and use your time most efficiently.
If this is all too much for you to do for yourself, consult with a local travel agency for assistance. Try to find one that someone you know has used before and who has a good reputation for thoroughness. They're trained to handle the details (Hopefully!!)
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:22 AM
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Agree that planning a trip to europe is like writing a proposal, or essay or even story. Where/how to begin when everything in flying in all dirctions?
The anwser is simple. Write it down. Start anywhere - the end or middle is just fine. Just start somewhere with a single decision (how many weeks, or one place you must see) and everyting else will start to form around it.
If you never write anything down - you will make no progress whatsoever.
And once you have written down a few facts: how long, who, what budget, one or two things you must see - come back here and people will help you organize it logically.
The anwser is simple. Write it down. Start anywhere - the end or middle is just fine. Just start somewhere with a single decision (how many weeks, or one place you must see) and everyting else will start to form around it.
If you never write anything down - you will make no progress whatsoever.
And once you have written down a few facts: how long, who, what budget, one or two things you must see - come back here and people will help you organize it logically.
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:37 AM
#9
For me it usually starts with a fantasy. Speaking French, walking where Socrates walked, seeing Pompeii. When I was in college I planned a whole summer in Europe after dreaming one night of eating sacher torte in Vienna. So I would think about what excites you and your family.
Then I would go to a book store and browse through the travel section. Something may catch your imagination. Some area may jump out at you. Look at the pictures, read the history. If you still can't narrow it down, look at the general travel guides to Europe, buy one or two (or borrow from the library) and read about all the options. Once you've narrowed down where you want to go, you can work on the logistical details.
Then I would go to a book store and browse through the travel section. Something may catch your imagination. Some area may jump out at you. Look at the pictures, read the history. If you still can't narrow it down, look at the general travel guides to Europe, buy one or two (or borrow from the library) and read about all the options. Once you've narrowed down where you want to go, you can work on the logistical details.
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:47 AM
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If you truly have NO idea or preference about which country you'd love to visit some time soon, I think it would be best not to plan a trip to Europe yet. You don't HAVE to go to Europe and shouldn't feel pressured to see Europe or to take trips or to love foreign cultures if you simply don't. Wait a few years, and maybe your interests will develop and change. Meanwhile, you can help speed the process by reading, looking at picture books, taking a foreign language class, seeing foreign movies, trying new foods, listening to different music, and in general, getting yourself into a state of mind where you crave exposure to foreign cultures.
But, I think you probably DO have a little more of an idea of where you want to go than would appear from your first post. Your choice of destination for a first European trip might be influenced by the foreign languages you studied in high school or college, your ethnic ancestry, periods of history that interested you, the type of scenery and activities that appeal to you, or many other factors. Many Americans like to start with the UK, especially England, because so much of our hisotry is rooted there and because we share a common language. Many like to start with Italy, because there are so many fasincating cities and towns that it would be difficult to be bored or run out of sites to viti. Many like to start with Paris. But there would be nothing wrong with taking your first trip to Portugal or Norway, for example, if that's what you're most drawn to.
If by "family trip" you mean with school-aged children, I assume you mean a trip in the summer. If you are not taking school-aged children or college students, you might want to consider a trip in spring or fall. If you work, the length of the trip will depend on your vacation time. Two weeks might be a good place to start. Shorter might feel too rushed, and if you're not used to changing time zones, you may feel that you "lose" a few days to jet lag. Longer is great if you can manage it, but might possibly feel too long if this is your first time traveling and you're not sure yet whether you would even like it. Budget is a huge consideration for most of us in deciding whether to go at all, and if so, for how long, and where to stay and how to get around. If you have pets, remember that kennel boarding, while not terribly expensive per night, can amount to a substantial addition to the cost of a longish trip.
That's about all I can say not knowing anything at all about you or your tentative plans.
But, I think you probably DO have a little more of an idea of where you want to go than would appear from your first post. Your choice of destination for a first European trip might be influenced by the foreign languages you studied in high school or college, your ethnic ancestry, periods of history that interested you, the type of scenery and activities that appeal to you, or many other factors. Many Americans like to start with the UK, especially England, because so much of our hisotry is rooted there and because we share a common language. Many like to start with Italy, because there are so many fasincating cities and towns that it would be difficult to be bored or run out of sites to viti. Many like to start with Paris. But there would be nothing wrong with taking your first trip to Portugal or Norway, for example, if that's what you're most drawn to.
If by "family trip" you mean with school-aged children, I assume you mean a trip in the summer. If you are not taking school-aged children or college students, you might want to consider a trip in spring or fall. If you work, the length of the trip will depend on your vacation time. Two weeks might be a good place to start. Shorter might feel too rushed, and if you're not used to changing time zones, you may feel that you "lose" a few days to jet lag. Longer is great if you can manage it, but might possibly feel too long if this is your first time traveling and you're not sure yet whether you would even like it. Budget is a huge consideration for most of us in deciding whether to go at all, and if so, for how long, and where to stay and how to get around. If you have pets, remember that kennel boarding, while not terribly expensive per night, can amount to a substantial addition to the cost of a longish trip.
That's about all I can say not knowing anything at all about you or your tentative plans.
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:48 AM
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Ira, on our first trip to Paris (1960) we stayed at the Angleterre and our friend stayed at the Boneparte. We paid $4.07 for our room including breakfast. The Boneparte was cheaper. Those were the days!!
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:50 AM
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Oh Michelem, lucky you. There is a positive side to all your confusion: ALL the possibilities lie before you! I'm planning my tenth trip to Europe and still have episodes of being overwhelmed with the planning; it's a normal part of the process. As you get the "infrastructure" of your trip planned it will begin to fall into place. You don't need to dwell on all the little details at this point--that comes later. Get your dates in place loosely, then figure out where you want to go. Is there somewhere you've always dreamed of? Ira's London/Paris combo, described above, would be a great first trip. Once you've made those decisions, progress to your air arrangements, then hotels. There are lots of very knowledgeable travelers here who will be glad to help you plan a wonderful trip.
Feb 5th, 2005, 07:33 AM
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Our first time in europe was Sept '04
and the way we did it? We just went for it! We talked about where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see and how much money we could spend then just started planning. We used the internet
and travel guides. We were a little rushed because we tried to take in as much as we could while there, but is was great. The planning was so much fun for us counting the days until we departed. Just do it! .Have fun
and the way we did it? We just went for it! We talked about where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see and how much money we could spend then just started planning. We used the internet
and travel guides. We were a little rushed because we tried to take in as much as we could while there, but is was great. The planning was so much fun for us counting the days until we departed. Just do it! .Have fun
Feb 5th, 2005, 07:44 AM
#14
hi Michele
I think reading and posting on Fodors, or any travel BB, makes it seem more complicated & confusing than it needs to be. Because you are collecting sooooo many opinions, styles of travels, preferences of destination.
I would start with one guidebook for Europe (Rick Steves Europe thru the Back Door is a good introduction), if you want to self plan a trip. Or buy a couple travel magazines and look at the ads for organized tour packages. Even (gasp!) go to a travel agent with a good reputation for Europe.
That is the advice I give but it's not what I do myself. As someone mentioned above, I usually go with a whim. I've planned trips around a single photo I saw in a brochure.
I never plann anything more than choosing my cities (2-3 per trip) buying a plane ticket and making hotel reservations. Train, site-seeing, restaurants, etc. I figure out after I arrive.
The long and short of it--in truth all you need to go to Europe is: 1) passport, 2) plane ticket, 3) money, and 4) one small packed suitcase (optional)!
I think reading and posting on Fodors, or any travel BB, makes it seem more complicated & confusing than it needs to be. Because you are collecting sooooo many opinions, styles of travels, preferences of destination.
I would start with one guidebook for Europe (Rick Steves Europe thru the Back Door is a good introduction), if you want to self plan a trip. Or buy a couple travel magazines and look at the ads for organized tour packages. Even (gasp!) go to a travel agent with a good reputation for Europe.
That is the advice I give but it's not what I do myself. As someone mentioned above, I usually go with a whim. I've planned trips around a single photo I saw in a brochure.
I never plann anything more than choosing my cities (2-3 per trip) buying a plane ticket and making hotel reservations. Train, site-seeing, restaurants, etc. I figure out after I arrive.
The long and short of it--in truth all you need to go to Europe is: 1) passport, 2) plane ticket, 3) money, and 4) one small packed suitcase (optional)!
Feb 5th, 2005, 09:17 AM
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Hi Michele -- If this is going to be a family trip, get someone else on board to help with the planning. My husband and I have taken quite a few trips to Europe with my parents and my mother and I throw ourselves into the planning. She is very good at planning the itinerary and I love to search for the perfect little hotel. OK there have been a few less than perfect hotels, but the process is so much fun. Back in the days before unlimited long distance phone service, we really ran our phone bills up. It was worth every dime.
The four of us leave for Florence in 4 weeks and can't wait. We are still finetuning our day to day activities, but we are now getting into the all important what to wear while we're there stage. We love it.
So, I would say, don't be intimidated, there is no such thing as a perfect itinerary or a perfect trip, you won't be graded. Find someone to share the planning with and have fun. We've found that the small glitches in the trip make for the best stories afterward.
And, of course, use this forum for information. The amount of information available, and the amount of support, are amazing.
Good luck!!
The four of us leave for Florence in 4 weeks and can't wait. We are still finetuning our day to day activities, but we are now getting into the all important what to wear while we're there stage. We love it.
So, I would say, don't be intimidated, there is no such thing as a perfect itinerary or a perfect trip, you won't be graded. Find someone to share the planning with and have fun. We've found that the small glitches in the trip make for the best stories afterward.
And, of course, use this forum for information. The amount of information available, and the amount of support, are amazing.
Good luck!!
Feb 5th, 2005, 10:21 AM
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To Ira: why the Bonaparte? I am interested and like the location near Saint Sulpice - I usually stay in the 5th or 6th arrondisements. The Tripadvisor reviews are quite good for this little hotel - I wouldn't even mind the cat peeing on the room door! Would older kids feel comfortable there? Are there any family rooms?
Michelem4: You have been given great advice here! Read everything you can on two or three countries you may want to visit. Then narrow it down to two countries: England/France, Spain/Portugal, Switzerland/Italy. Then make your decision where to go by everyone's interests. Believe it or not, some people can go to Paris and do nothing but shop, so don't force them to go to museums every day. (Maybe just the highlights of the Louvre.) I wouldn't worry about airlines or motels until you are sure where and when you want to go.
Michelem4: You have been given great advice here! Read everything you can on two or three countries you may want to visit. Then narrow it down to two countries: England/France, Spain/Portugal, Switzerland/Italy. Then make your decision where to go by everyone's interests. Believe it or not, some people can go to Paris and do nothing but shop, so don't force them to go to museums every day. (Maybe just the highlights of the Louvre.) I wouldn't worry about airlines or motels until you are sure where and when you want to go.
Feb 5th, 2005, 11:32 AM
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Michelem4,
Where to go: The Netherlands, a.k.a. Holland
When to go: End of April through mid May or July and August
How long to go: As long as you can afford.
What airline: The cheapest seats you can find on the internet or through a consolidator ("bucket shop"
.etc. etc. etc. Buy a Michelin Green Guide, a DK Eyewitnes guide, and a Fodor's guide to the Netherlands. None of them is "complete" and each has a different perspective.
If you provide some information on your family I can give you some ideas. I've lived in NL for about 4 years and brought my daughter to a number of places she really liked, e.g. Madurodam. I like that place also.
Feb 5th, 2005, 07:16 PM
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I would start by getting Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door (most libraries have several copies, though its a pretty popular title and so you might be better off just buying it). I tend to go to the travel section of a bookstore, browse through the travel guides for various countries, then go to my local library and check out as many guidebooks as you can for different countries and Europe in general.
Once you know where you want to go, buy the guidebooks you liked best (usually one per country) and see what other traveller's recommend in terms of itinerary and transportation (this site or www.ricksteves.com). WIth the guidebooks and advice of "road scholars", I find that the details of the trip fall together surprisingly well.
Happy Travels!
Once you know where you want to go, buy the guidebooks you liked best (usually one per country) and see what other traveller's recommend in terms of itinerary and transportation (this site or www.ricksteves.com). WIth the guidebooks and advice of "road scholars", I find that the details of the trip fall together surprisingly well.
Happy Travels!
Feb 5th, 2005, 07:52 PM
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Have you ever seen a European film and wanted to visit that country?
Have you ever read a book that made you want to see that country/city?
I would agree with going to a lending library, read some travel books. Perhaps you have thought of a place that you would like to visit? Then you can read about it. After you think of a place that interests you, then you can do research online.
Of course, it will only confuse you more to research when you have no place in mind.
Have you ever read a book that made you want to see that country/city?
I would agree with going to a lending library, read some travel books. Perhaps you have thought of a place that you would like to visit? Then you can read about it. After you think of a place that interests you, then you can do research online.
Of course, it will only confuse you more to research when you have no place in mind.
