Once in a life time 3 month Europe Trip
Apr 30th, 2016, 12:21 PM
#21
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I suspect that you are correct that this may be the last 3 month trip you may make in a long time but it is highly likely you could travel for shorter times in the future if you wish. I have done three 2 month trips and you can actually cover a lot of territory in a few months time. Are you by any chance under the age of 26?
May 1st, 2016, 12:06 PM
#22
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When I first went as a young whipper snapper for two months - three years in a role in summer when I was a teacher and young - I coverd a lot of ground and LOVED it - the thrill of travel too and not just seeing every darn museum in Europe. 2-3 days in cities and then in the future come back and spend time where you liked it the best.
Again overnight trains can help cover wide swaths of ground at night - you could go from say Amsterdam to Zurich in one night and many more examples.
Again overnight trains can help cover wide swaths of ground at night - you could go from say Amsterdam to Zurich in one night and many more examples.
May 1st, 2016, 03:18 PM
#24
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Dreamer, are you still reading?
It is perfectly understandable that family commitments may preclude travel. I have cancelled so many trips in recent years because of family situations and illness.
You asked for personal opinions. So, all simply "opinions" and personal advice.
Some advice you are getting may seem negative, but even negative can be useful.
No one has a clue who you are, so being more specific about money won't hurt you and will garner the best advice. If your funds are within the $8,000 range, and must cover international airfare and transportation within Europe, as well as entrance fees for museums, food and lodging, even with some stays with friends, it may not be enough for 90 days.
Another poster once wrote, "If you can't take the trip you want, take the one you can."
Someone suggested a shorter trip. Good advice!
Here is another idea for planning. Plan two, 4 week trips with a connecting week with friends in between or something similar, maybe 3 weeks travel, 1 week with friends, 2 weeks travel, 1 week with friends, 2 or 3 weeks travel. It will be easier to focus and plan that way.
Maybe your new job will allow some flexibility. Maybe you can combine some travel with family visits. Some places are easy to visit, so not absolutely necessary to put them into such a major whammy of a trip to Europe. Example: Wow Air has RT flights to Iceland from Baltimore for $351.00. The flight is under 6 hours, so could be done if you could take 2 days along with a weekend for a 4 day trip, enough for Iceland.
Ireland is another place that you could do as a cheap, one-week package from NYC. Personally, I would not spend the extra time and money for the average sights in Dublin unless I had time to explore more of Ireland, and you don't have that time on this trip.
Transportation may be cheap flights between cities, but mostly trains, especially in Italy where trains are cheap, trips are short and the train goes city center to city center. A car (rental costs, gas, tolls, car free zones with fines, parking, insurance, drop charges, etc) for one person is probably the worst choice anywhere unless you want a rural road trip. Allow a half day for each change of place, time getting to station or airport, travel time, time getting to next hotel.
Italy has everything you seek. Art, Architecture, archeological sites, gorgeous landscape, wonderful food, history. Allow plenty of time there to see major cities and sights and include some trips into the countryside for smaller towns perched on hilltops.
It will be super hot, but Spain might interest you for Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona, the Cathedral in Toledo, the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada.
The longer the trips, the slower the pace. You can race around like mad for a few days, but the more you do it, the more of a blur it becomes. It also costs more in proportion to what you actually see. Travel less, see more.
Examples of suggested stays
Rome (4 nts, 3 days minimum)
Sorrento (3 nts, 2 days minimum for Pompeii and trip down the Amalfi Coast)
Florence (3-4 nights with a day trip)
Venice (4 nts, 3 days - allowing a day to Vicenza for architecture
It is perfectly understandable that family commitments may preclude travel. I have cancelled so many trips in recent years because of family situations and illness.
You asked for personal opinions. So, all simply "opinions" and personal advice.
Some advice you are getting may seem negative, but even negative can be useful.
No one has a clue who you are, so being more specific about money won't hurt you and will garner the best advice. If your funds are within the $8,000 range, and must cover international airfare and transportation within Europe, as well as entrance fees for museums, food and lodging, even with some stays with friends, it may not be enough for 90 days.
Another poster once wrote, "If you can't take the trip you want, take the one you can."
Someone suggested a shorter trip. Good advice!
Here is another idea for planning. Plan two, 4 week trips with a connecting week with friends in between or something similar, maybe 3 weeks travel, 1 week with friends, 2 weeks travel, 1 week with friends, 2 or 3 weeks travel. It will be easier to focus and plan that way.
Maybe your new job will allow some flexibility. Maybe you can combine some travel with family visits. Some places are easy to visit, so not absolutely necessary to put them into such a major whammy of a trip to Europe. Example: Wow Air has RT flights to Iceland from Baltimore for $351.00. The flight is under 6 hours, so could be done if you could take 2 days along with a weekend for a 4 day trip, enough for Iceland.
Ireland is another place that you could do as a cheap, one-week package from NYC. Personally, I would not spend the extra time and money for the average sights in Dublin unless I had time to explore more of Ireland, and you don't have that time on this trip.
Transportation may be cheap flights between cities, but mostly trains, especially in Italy where trains are cheap, trips are short and the train goes city center to city center. A car (rental costs, gas, tolls, car free zones with fines, parking, insurance, drop charges, etc) for one person is probably the worst choice anywhere unless you want a rural road trip. Allow a half day for each change of place, time getting to station or airport, travel time, time getting to next hotel.
Italy has everything you seek. Art, Architecture, archeological sites, gorgeous landscape, wonderful food, history. Allow plenty of time there to see major cities and sights and include some trips into the countryside for smaller towns perched on hilltops.
It will be super hot, but Spain might interest you for Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona, the Cathedral in Toledo, the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada.
The longer the trips, the slower the pace. You can race around like mad for a few days, but the more you do it, the more of a blur it becomes. It also costs more in proportion to what you actually see. Travel less, see more.
Examples of suggested stays
Rome (4 nts, 3 days minimum)
Sorrento (3 nts, 2 days minimum for Pompeii and trip down the Amalfi Coast)
Florence (3-4 nights with a day trip)
Venice (4 nts, 3 days - allowing a day to Vicenza for architecture
May 2nd, 2016, 11:16 AM
#25
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Ah - but when PQ did that . . . the trains were still powered by steam>
Yup so now with about 200 mph modern trains I could have covered twice as much ground as I did!
Actually there were still some steam trains when I first went - very few but I remember one up the Brennero Pass in Austria - several steam engines hooked up to get up and over the pass and one in France near Perpignan.
At least janis dear when I went they had trains
Yup so now with about 200 mph modern trains I could have covered twice as much ground as I did!
Actually there were still some steam trains when I first went - very few but I remember one up the Brennero Pass in Austria - several steam engines hooked up to get up and over the pass and one in France near Perpignan.
At least janis dear when I went they had trains
May 2nd, 2016, 11:39 AM
#26
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If your budget includes not yet purchases air fare you are working with very little for a 90 day trip.
The longest trip I have taken was about 60 days and I felt I got a good beginning sense of France, Ireland and England.
We spent 4-5 days I many different locations and though I was in my twenties at the time by the end it was a blur.
So instead of randomly picking every country you can think of ask yourself what you most want to see.
The longest trip I have taken was about 60 days and I felt I got a good beginning sense of France, Ireland and England.
We spent 4-5 days I many different locations and though I was in my twenties at the time by the end it was a blur.
So instead of randomly picking every country you can think of ask yourself what you most want to see.
May 2nd, 2016, 12:21 PM
#27
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When I get tired I get homesick. Being gone that long and by yourself, is it a possibility you will start to feel that way. I find that short trips work for me; when I get home I get to savor and remember what I've done and seen and not have it all be a blur.
Also be careful of walking on cobblestones - I made the mistake of wearing ballet flats in Stockholm and got planter's fascitis which lasted about 8 months.
Also be careful of walking on cobblestones - I made the mistake of wearing ballet flats in Stockholm and got planter's fascitis which lasted about 8 months.
May 2nd, 2016, 07:38 PM
#29
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Yes, I am still reading and am working on narrowing my choices by reading all your advice, talking to friends and family, as well as continuing to do research. Thank you again everyone, especially Sassafras, Suze, and Vicky. Sassafras, thank you for your itinerary suggestion for Italy. Those are the main cities I would like to go and is a greater guideline. Thank you! No, I am not 26-why? In fact I am older. I hope this is not my only trip, but as I said it is pretty much 15 years in the making, which makes me think it is possible it may be my only trip. I plan on adopting 1-2 kids in the next 5 years and between that and family back east, time and money make me think it may not happen. As soon as I have my list more narrowed, I will let you all know. I love the feed back about your favorite places and advice. I am not much of a sleeper and have more energy than many teenagers today so I am not worried about being burned out. As for homesick, I have been away from my family for a long time now and do move states fairly often (usually for work or school), so I am not too worried about becoming homesick. And, unless I take take between jobs again (usually doesn't pay to well, but I sold my home so have a good chunk of money this time), I cannot take more than 2 weeks a year off...at least not for another 10 years or so if I take the plunge to be my own boss.
I do not have to pay for my flight to Europe (yay miles). and my ticket back is pretty affordable.
I am planning on wearing Sketchers (great to walk in and usually look good with most outfits
I am planning on eating big at lunch and light at dinner and breakfast (except when I feel like cooking in a hostel).
I do plan on spending 1+ weeks in each country with a minimum of a few days in my top cities/villages. I know 21 countries is too many...my goal is and was to have no more than 12 (hopefully less). I have been advised of a few countries I should cut, because either the main cities I was planning on seeing are "overrated" and/or I could get a similar experience of what I am looking for in other (and sometimes less pricey) countries and cities and am willing to take their advice.
Yes, I hear from many that Switzerland is overrated- primarily from people who didn't get out of the major cities (Zurich, Geneva..), but I plan to spend most of my time there in the villages and mountains. I want to go for the scenery more than anything else there (and to see my friend). England, Italy, Germany, and Greece are my primary places for history, architecture, and art and are on my list for that purpose.
I do not have to pay for my flight to Europe (yay miles). and my ticket back is pretty affordable.
I am planning on wearing Sketchers (great to walk in and usually look good with most outfits
I am planning on eating big at lunch and light at dinner and breakfast (except when I feel like cooking in a hostel). I do plan on spending 1+ weeks in each country with a minimum of a few days in my top cities/villages. I know 21 countries is too many...my goal is and was to have no more than 12 (hopefully less). I have been advised of a few countries I should cut, because either the main cities I was planning on seeing are "overrated" and/or I could get a similar experience of what I am looking for in other (and sometimes less pricey) countries and cities and am willing to take their advice.
Yes, I hear from many that Switzerland is overrated- primarily from people who didn't get out of the major cities (Zurich, Geneva..), but I plan to spend most of my time there in the villages and mountains. I want to go for the scenery more than anything else there (and to see my friend). England, Italy, Germany, and Greece are my primary places for history, architecture, and art and are on my list for that purpose.
May 3rd, 2016, 08:07 AM
#31
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A comment on train travel -- I *love* Europe's train system, and we relied it for 99% of our transportation while we were there this month (just got back a week ago, sadly).
However, after just two days of morning/evening commutes by train, plus one longish round trip, everyone in the family was grumbling about "living" at train stations. You spend a lot of time waiting for trains, waiting for connections, hauling luggage, changing platforms when the schedules change, using up the free WiFi that some train stations allot, hunting for open seats when the train is fuller than you expect, etc.
Transportation is a huge gobbler of both time and money, and although it *is* efficient, it can be a real buzzkill if you overdo it. If I had our trip to redo, I would decrease the quantity of destinations and focus more on quality of time.
However, after just two days of morning/evening commutes by train, plus one longish round trip, everyone in the family was grumbling about "living" at train stations. You spend a lot of time waiting for trains, waiting for connections, hauling luggage, changing platforms when the schedules change, using up the free WiFi that some train stations allot, hunting for open seats when the train is fuller than you expect, etc.
Transportation is a huge gobbler of both time and money, and although it *is* efficient, it can be a real buzzkill if you overdo it. If I had our trip to redo, I would decrease the quantity of destinations and focus more on quality of time.
May 3rd, 2016, 09:32 AM
#32
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I've done a lot of train travel and have to agree with Kandace. I once did a 5 week trip and while it was absolutely wonderful and no one loves to travel more than I do, I was done with the commuting part by then. Most cities will offer a variety of day trips and local tours which makes staying longer in one place an very good option. Please realize that while the train system allows one to cover a considerable area, doing so is not always a positive.
BTW the idea that Switzerland is overrated must have come from what I consider a travel snob. You should ignore such blatant comments, gossip and hearsay.
BTW the idea that Switzerland is overrated must have come from what I consider a travel snob. You should ignore such blatant comments, gossip and hearsay.
May 3rd, 2016, 10:38 AM
#33
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Yes, I hear from many that Switzerland is overrated- primarily from people who didn't get out of the major cities (Zurich, Geneva..), but I plan to spend most of my time there in the villages and mountains.>
Not taking it out of context as Janis did makes a different meaning to what her friends said - they only went to Geneva and Zurich and cities - and thought it were overrated- she wants to go to the hills where the high rating of Switzerland as an awesome destination comes from - not its cities.
Its cities are nice but IMO are not so whatever as many European cities - maybe too spic-and-span and modern and yes so so expensive on hotels and everything- so put the 'overrated' in the full context.
Now if anyone says the Alpine wonderlands are overrated then I'd take issue - but yes its cities are meh to me - nice and there are things to do but I always felt were more boring than most European large cities - the early closings of stores, etc and being ghost towns at night often causes that feeling.
Not taking it out of context as Janis did makes a different meaning to what her friends said - they only went to Geneva and Zurich and cities - and thought it were overrated- she wants to go to the hills where the high rating of Switzerland as an awesome destination comes from - not its cities.
Its cities are nice but IMO are not so whatever as many European cities - maybe too spic-and-span and modern and yes so so expensive on hotels and everything- so put the 'overrated' in the full context.
Now if anyone says the Alpine wonderlands are overrated then I'd take issue - but yes its cities are meh to me - nice and there are things to do but I always felt were more boring than most European large cities - the early closings of stores, etc and being ghost towns at night often causes that feeling.
May 3rd, 2016, 10:47 AM
#34
I didn't take anything out of context . . .
The OP mentioned that people 'told him Switzerland is overrated' - but he plans on ignoring them visiting anyway.
So what exactly was out of context . . .
The OP mentioned that people 'told him Switzerland is overrated' - but he plans on ignoring them visiting anyway.
So what exactly was out of context . . .
May 3rd, 2016, 10:58 AM
#35
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Big Swiss cities leave me rather cold, but it would be really hard to argue that the scenery of the Swiss countryside is anything less than spectacular. On the other hand, there are places with equally, or almost equally, beautiful scenery that are far less expensive.
May 3rd, 2016, 01:38 PM
#36
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The OP mentioned that people 'told him Switzerland is overrated' - but he plans on ignoring them visiting anyway.
So what exactly was out of context . . .>
you wrote
OP wrote: Yes, I hear from many that Switzerland is overrated-
NOW THE PART YOU EDITED OUT
primarily from people who didn't get out of the major cities (Zurich, Geneva..), but I plan to spend most of my time there in the villages and mountains.>
Now if this is NOT taking something out of the whole context I guess you just do not know what that term or concept is as what you did is exactly taking it out of the whole context- talking about cities and I can see that someone who just goes to Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, etc expecting it to match the dreamy Alpine Wonderland of Switzerland you see on brochures and in guidebooks then one could understandably say Switzerland is overrated. But the OP qualified that - the part you decided to edit out.
Now if they said in general Switzerland is overrated as you wrote they said or meant it then yes that would be something I would object to - but as I try to explain to you that was not the whole context of what was writ.
Got it? Now tell me WHY what you (and others) who took umbrage with that whole statement why someone could not readily think that - especially if they'd been mainly to Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and a zillion cities many would call much better than Swiss cities.
So what exactly was out of context . . .>
you wrote
OP wrote: Yes, I hear from many that Switzerland is overrated-
NOW THE PART YOU EDITED OUT
primarily from people who didn't get out of the major cities (Zurich, Geneva..), but I plan to spend most of my time there in the villages and mountains.>
Now if this is NOT taking something out of the whole context I guess you just do not know what that term or concept is as what you did is exactly taking it out of the whole context- talking about cities and I can see that someone who just goes to Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, etc expecting it to match the dreamy Alpine Wonderland of Switzerland you see on brochures and in guidebooks then one could understandably say Switzerland is overrated. But the OP qualified that - the part you decided to edit out.
Now if they said in general Switzerland is overrated as you wrote they said or meant it then yes that would be something I would object to - but as I try to explain to you that was not the whole context of what was writ.
Got it? Now tell me WHY what you (and others) who took umbrage with that whole statement why someone could not readily think that - especially if they'd been mainly to Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and a zillion cities many would call much better than Swiss cities.
May 4th, 2016, 11:18 AM
#37
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Thank you again. One of my friends said she flew more than used the train system for time (and she said money) savings. Would you guys suggest that instead of taking a train when I leave country, I should opt to fly instead? What about city to city? When I had business in France a decade ago, I did use the train for a day trip to Nice and to smaller "towns" with castles and such. There was some craziness at the stations (and ironically the only place I ran into "rude" workers). Time didn't seem to crazy, but maybe that is just because I only went to nearby cities. Thoughts???
I have narrowed my trip, but am still working on downsizing and streamlining it. It is not in just 1 region as some of you suggested, mainly because if I don't get to come back, I want to see my friends and the areas I have wanted to see since I was a kid and added to it. Here are the countries so far (I won't list all the places I would like to go within each country because I am still downsizing/streamlining and because the major cities that attract tourists are obvious stops (London, Rome, Venice, Florence...-I am thinking of going to the Lake District and another one or 2 areas in England)...: Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Greece, Germany (Octoberfest time period), Czech Repbulic, Hungary (Budapest area), England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland.
I know it is a bit spread out. I am still trying to downsize and streamline-deciding what I am okay with skipping. As of now it gives me 1 week in each country and 1 week of "extra" days- more or less travel days. I know I have to do more "trimming" because I would like a bit longer than a week in some areas (honestly, I would love to have an unlimited amount of time and resources to stay as long as I please haha).
I have narrowed my trip, but am still working on downsizing and streamlining it. It is not in just 1 region as some of you suggested, mainly because if I don't get to come back, I want to see my friends and the areas I have wanted to see since I was a kid and added to it. Here are the countries so far (I won't list all the places I would like to go within each country because I am still downsizing/streamlining and because the major cities that attract tourists are obvious stops (London, Rome, Venice, Florence...-I am thinking of going to the Lake District and another one or 2 areas in England)...: Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Greece, Germany (Octoberfest time period), Czech Repbulic, Hungary (Budapest area), England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland.
I know it is a bit spread out. I am still trying to downsize and streamline-deciding what I am okay with skipping. As of now it gives me 1 week in each country and 1 week of "extra" days- more or less travel days. I know I have to do more "trimming" because I would like a bit longer than a week in some areas (honestly, I would love to have an unlimited amount of time and resources to stay as long as I please haha).
May 4th, 2016, 12:23 PM
#38
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If under 5 hours of train travel take the train - flying no matter how far takes several hours - schlepping out to the airport, being there a certain time before the train - getting luggage - late planes and then schlepping back into the city - trains go city center to city center and are rarely more than a few minutes late.
Add up all costs of flying - cheap airlines have so many add-ons now and the cost of getting to the airport and out of it should be factored in but yes for long train journeys flying can be cheaper and quicker though overnight trains run many routes too.
Add up all costs of flying - cheap airlines have so many add-ons now and the cost of getting to the airport and out of it should be factored in but yes for long train journeys flying can be cheaper and quicker though overnight trains run many routes too.
May 5th, 2016, 10:53 AM
#39
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Thank you PalenQ. I have an odd question...what adapters do you guys use/recommend? There are so many and there is negative reviews on all of them...I know I have to buy more than one, but wasn't sure if there are particular brands you suggest or best to get individual adapters or an universal one...From what I can tell online, Type C works pretty much everywhere, and I need to get Type G for the UK and Ireland, Type E/F also works almost everywhere. Italy is Type L, but E/F also works. Switzerland says Type J on one site, but E/F also works according to another. Suggestions??
