Hi there!
Completely new to this, first big trip overseas from Australia!

Me and my partner are looking to spend 10 weeks in Europe from September 17th- beginning of December, and we are really confused about which parts of countries we should go to, and how long for.

We definitely want to visit Italy, Greece, Spain, France, England, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.. Then we are unsure about Turkey, Croatia, Czech republic, Morocco, Ireland, Scotland, Andorra, Wales, the Canary Islands...

So many places so little time. We are looking to experience all the cultures. We are looking to backpack the whole time, our budget is pretty low. We are interested in really just seeing everything, the food, the people, the history...


Any advice at all would be appreciated on places we cant miss! Really looking to spend around $8000 between the 2 of us, keeping in mind we have family in Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland and England.

Thanks heaps!!

Hello!

10 weeks seem a lot, but I would think you have no time for more than 20 specific cities or small areas at most. Thinking in terms of countries does not really help, unless you plan to pick one, two or three for starters and plan for those...

Most experienced travelers on Western Europe agree that nowadays 50-60 euro/day/person is an absolute minimum allowing hostel stays, cooking your own meals, limited traveling around and only a site admission or a couple of beers every now and then. Maybe slightly, only slightly smaller budget for specific countries on east Europe required. Of course a lot depends on what you plan to do and see and how often and where specifically, but I would try to make this at least 80 euro/day/person in order to have some flexibility to have a seat down meal every now and then, to be able to take a side trip here and there or join some sort of activity and of course to pay admission and see at least some of the museums/sites/sights that might interest you. So make some calculations and see where your budget stands...
Slow travel is advisable for many reasons, cost is one of them.
The more time you spend in a specific place, the more you save because a) You may get better rates on accommodation, for example staying in an apartment or even small guesthouse/B&B b) You do not spend on transit costs such as air fares, trains, buses etc c) You get to know a place so you know where to shop, eat, drink on the cheap and where locals go d) You bond with fellow travelers and locals and you get info and tips on what to do and where to go to save money... and often people you socialize with will buy you a couple of drinks, or restaurant/bar/shop keepers will occasionally offer free items or better rates when you are a frequent visitor. Slow travel will help making your budget lasting longer.

Ok, for a starter for ten you also need to visit thorntree for good back packing advice, 8000$ Oz, does that include flights?

Just looking at your list I'd have sensible think about Andora and the Canary Islands (one is a little dull and the other is generally low rise tourist beach heaven, but you have better in Oz). If you want to go Island hoping you might do better in Greece or the Azores)

Then the weather and the daylight hours. Generally the north you go the chillier, wetter and shorted days will be into December. You will not believe how miserable that can be in early December in the UK for example if the weather kicks in. So I suggest think about starting north and work you way south, however hotel facilities in Turkey/Croatia/Greece tend to close out after October.

What does all that mean, well save Morocco towards the end (plus Canaries). Try and get Northern Europe done early. Do look at each of the countries websites for their tourist industry and do get hold of a bunch of guide books to read now.

I'd also suggest searching this site by country to see what people generally like doing, you may not want to do that, but people who come here normally think about cities and don't let that list become your list (without thinking about it)

I think first you and your partner need to sit down and make a list of places you want to visit in order of importance. Then come back and the Fodorites can help you iron out your itinerary to make it as efficient and cost-effective as they can.

Be sure to consider transit days into your itinerary. Depending on what you want to see, travel time alone might exceed a week when all is said and done.

I doubt many people on this message board can help you with a backpacking trip where you experience a lot of different cultures on a low budget. You need to be asking on thorntree and the bootsnall forum, and I suggest Frommer's as well for train info. There are a couple of people who know a lot about that over there.

Thorn Tree is a great suggestion, stevewith. They do cater more towards backpackers and modest budgets than here.

Your budget is $114 AUD per day, including all meals, transport, entrances to attractions, and lodging. That's not a modest budget, it's a pittance. Definitely check out the couchsurfers and backpackers on Thorn Tree.

You barely have time for your 'must' list. There is no way to squeeze in many/any of the 'maybe's'.

As I calculate you have something less than 40 euros per day each for everything from lodging to food to local transport to sightseeing - and transport from one city to another. As far as I can tell (and admit this is not our price point) this is simply not doable.

Even if ALL of your lodging (couchsurfing or sleeping on a park bench) is free - you don;t have enough money.

And I think you run the risk of not being admitted unless you have proof that you can support yourself for the length of your stay and are also covered by your own health insurance.

A couple of notes:

Some countries are much more expensive (Switz) and other much cheaper (Portugal and parts of central europe) - suggest you stick to the latter

You need to be prepared for true winter weather unless you make a large oval starting in the north and then moving south as the weather gets colder

My suggestion is to look at some of the student ravel guides and see what can be done for free and ways to stretch a $ until it shrieks (although I still don't think you have nearly enough)