solo guy traveling to europe help please :)
Jan 28th, 2017, 12:16 PM
#43
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
sorry for missing some info. was originally going to do train the entire trip. then after looking into it more some train rides will be very long like from venice to barcelona being around 20 hours so yes my plan is to fly from venice to barcelona, unless i decide to make a stop between venice and barcelona for a night or 2 say in Nice perhaps. But i am also going to look more into the main explorations i want to make in venice, as in saying do i need to go to venice this time around? would it be better to save venice for another trip in the future for returning to italy possibly? still trying to figure that one out. But yes for train rides id say taking longer than 3-4 hours if it is more affordable and more convenient i will fly from place to place. im still in the planning stages of hopping from one place to another.
therefore i am open to suggestions of what any of you think i should do that would be a better plan.
also if anyone has any hostels or locations they recommend to look into for lodging. I am mainly looking at hostels and airbnbs that are located close to the main part of the city.
therefore i am open to suggestions of what any of you think i should do that would be a better plan.
also if anyone has any hostels or locations they recommend to look into for lodging. I am mainly looking at hostels and airbnbs that are located close to the main part of the city.
Jan 29th, 2017, 09:20 AM
#44
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What was your itinerary again, the latest one?
If you have only one destination in Spain but several in Italy, then it's a pretty easy decision which one to eliminate.
Which one has other destinations nearby, Barcelona or Venice?
Trains within Italy should be easy to keep under 5 hours. So you'd make more efficient use of your time if you're also planning to visit Rome or Florence in addition to Venice.
The main factor against Venice might be costs. Very expensive place unless you stay way away from the main canal. Maybe stay in Mestre and day trip in to save money.
If you have only one destination in Spain but several in Italy, then it's a pretty easy decision which one to eliminate.
Which one has other destinations nearby, Barcelona or Venice?
Trains within Italy should be easy to keep under 5 hours. So you'd make more efficient use of your time if you're also planning to visit Rome or Florence in addition to Venice.
The main factor against Venice might be costs. Very expensive place unless you stay way away from the main canal. Maybe stay in Mestre and day trip in to save money.
Jan 31st, 2017, 01:39 PM
#45
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK here is some more suggestions. I'd simplify the number of places you would like to see, you are adding on cost, fatigue and will enjoy it less as you "speed" thru these countries. I'd fly NON Stop to Amsterdam from Detroit, spend 3/4 days there or even more/lots to see/do there, train to neighboring country, Belgium, Germany/Bavaria, France,bus.. chunnel to England London. I'd do trains much of the trip. If into hiking consider Switzerland which would fit into this itinerary, small villages for lower cost (Murren/Wengen in Switzerland). Some of the loveliest experiences have come from the smaller towns. I'd then consider flying back out from London/or some other city, to avoid backtracking costs. I found that I saved a lot of money on Delta by flying into Amsterdam and back out from Zurich....by NOT booking round trip, it was less expensive, which I did not expect. You have to do this as two separate trips to book and to check on the cost.Get a freq flyer card to rack up points for later trip for your airline. It takes a lot of planning to get it figured out. Book some lodging on Internet after researching it in Books/R. Steves/ and asking on this Fodors site for lodging. Cut down on the clothing, extra pr shoes, bag that has rollers. money belt. Good luck. Sue
Feb 1st, 2017, 12:29 PM
#46
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The main factor against Venice might be costs. Very expensive place unless you stay way away from the main canal. Maybe stay in Mestre and day trip in to save money.>
The Lido or beach area of Venice often has real bargains outside of July and Aug and is a short boat ride from St Mark's Square.
The Lido or beach area of Venice often has real bargains outside of July and Aug and is a short boat ride from St Mark's Square.
Mar 1st, 2017, 06:01 PM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey everyone it has been awhile, but to catch you all up to speed on what I am now doing for my trip.
I will be leaving/flying from Detroit to a 1 hr layover in Boston, then 8 hr flight to Lisbon, then another 1 hour layover then fly into Rome and land there. All on April 25 but because of the time zone change i'll land on April 26th. My plan is to stay in a hostel for 12 days in italy Im planning 6 days in Rome and 6 days in florence. Venice I would love to see but it is far out of the way and will cost extra therefore I think I am gonna cut it out for this trip and plan Venice for another trip. So from florence I will fly to barcelona and spend a week there. I am thinking of maybe stopping in the city of Ronda, Spain for a night or 2. The city looks incredible sitting above a canyon thought it would be a cool experience. So i would then either fly from barcelona or out of Ronda to Lisbon Portugal where i will spend the remainder of the trip and then fly back home to detroit on May 23. It will be a total of 28 days abroad.
As of right now this is the plan... Now i need to figure out if it is a good or doable plan and all the places/sights I would like to see and visit.
What do you all think of the layout I have, and are there certain attractions or places anyone can recommend in these locations that I have to go and see and not miss out on?
Also if anyone has been to these locations, are there any hostels you recommend I stay at or possibly avoid? I am looking into hostels or AirBnB.
Thanks for all your help!
I will be leaving/flying from Detroit to a 1 hr layover in Boston, then 8 hr flight to Lisbon, then another 1 hour layover then fly into Rome and land there. All on April 25 but because of the time zone change i'll land on April 26th. My plan is to stay in a hostel for 12 days in italy Im planning 6 days in Rome and 6 days in florence. Venice I would love to see but it is far out of the way and will cost extra therefore I think I am gonna cut it out for this trip and plan Venice for another trip. So from florence I will fly to barcelona and spend a week there. I am thinking of maybe stopping in the city of Ronda, Spain for a night or 2. The city looks incredible sitting above a canyon thought it would be a cool experience. So i would then either fly from barcelona or out of Ronda to Lisbon Portugal where i will spend the remainder of the trip and then fly back home to detroit on May 23. It will be a total of 28 days abroad.
As of right now this is the plan... Now i need to figure out if it is a good or doable plan and all the places/sights I would like to see and visit.
What do you all think of the layout I have, and are there certain attractions or places anyone can recommend in these locations that I have to go and see and not miss out on?
Also if anyone has been to these locations, are there any hostels you recommend I stay at or possibly avoid? I am looking into hostels or AirBnB.
Thanks for all your help!
Mar 1st, 2017, 06:10 PM
#48
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ronda is stunning -- but IMO, not worth the time or expense to get there on this trip. Wait until you visit Andalusia.
Otherwise, should be a <b>great</b> trip, and FWIW, I think you've done a fantastic job of paring your wish list to a manageable set of wonderful destinations!
(For a stunning view from on high, consider spending a night on Montserrat -- it's very easily reached by public transportation. Not the same as Ronda, but stunning in its own way.)
Do, definitely, consult guidebooks. I think several of us already recommended the Rough Guides....
Otherwise, should be a <b>great</b> trip, and FWIW, I think you've done a fantastic job of paring your wish list to a manageable set of wonderful destinations!
(For a stunning view from on high, consider spending a night on Montserrat -- it's very easily reached by public transportation. Not the same as Ronda, but stunning in its own way.)
Do, definitely, consult guidebooks. I think several of us already recommended the Rough Guides....
Mar 1st, 2017, 06:42 PM
#49
Those layovers look too short to me, especially in Lisbon where you will need to clear passport control.
Romda is lovely but will complicate matters.
I would choos Venice in preference to Florence - the trains in Italy are fast, it's not really out of the way. If you are a big fan of Renaissance art you might prefer Florence, but Venice is unique.
Romda is lovely but will complicate matters.
I would choos Venice in preference to Florence - the trains in Italy are fast, it's not really out of the way. If you are a big fan of Renaissance art you might prefer Florence, but Venice is unique.
Mar 2nd, 2017, 09:05 AM
#50
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Agree with Thursday about the short layover in Lisbon. If you can change your flight, all the better. But sounds like you're locked in at this point so you'll want to plan ahead for how you'll react should your Boston flight be delayed or there is a long passport control line in Lisbon.
I think you mentioned originally about this being your first time overseas. Considering the countries you are visiting and that you'll be staying much of the time in a hostel, (non private, I assume), please be sure to get and use a good under your shirt or around your waist money pouch. Visit a AAA store in Day-trois to review options. Again, I say this not to frighten you but to arm you in advance. Italy, Spain and I assume Portugal are probably the European countries with the highest pickpocketing rates (along with Greece and Turkey, perhaps). Use common sense at all times and minimize your risk by limiting the amount of cash and ccards you carry at any given time.
Have a great trip!
I think you mentioned originally about this being your first time overseas. Considering the countries you are visiting and that you'll be staying much of the time in a hostel, (non private, I assume), please be sure to get and use a good under your shirt or around your waist money pouch. Visit a AAA store in Day-trois to review options. Again, I say this not to frighten you but to arm you in advance. Italy, Spain and I assume Portugal are probably the European countries with the highest pickpocketing rates (along with Greece and Turkey, perhaps). Use common sense at all times and minimize your risk by limiting the amount of cash and ccards you carry at any given time.
Have a great trip!
Mar 2nd, 2017, 12:23 PM
#51
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know you are on a budget but it seemed like a highlight to you was the Roman Coliseum, so I would recommend doing a good tour. We did Walks of Italy Underground Tour and it was amazing. I believe it was 130 euro. We got to go under the Coliseum and into a few areas you can't get into normally. If you don't have a tour or quick pass tickets, the lines are just miserable. It is incredible. If you haven't booked lodging yet, check out the Monti area which is close to the Coliseum (I found it to be really reasonable in price).
Additionally, we absolutely loved Florence. (Been to Venice too....not sure which one I prefer but I do agree Venice is pricier). In Florence, there is lots of cheap good options for food. Pizza by the slice, cheese and meats, breads, and stupid cheap but amazing wine (vino della casa...aka the restaurants house wine). You would be amiss in Florence if you didnt walk up to the top of Piazza Michelangelo. It is beautiful and has incredible views over the city.
Additionally, we absolutely loved Florence. (Been to Venice too....not sure which one I prefer but I do agree Venice is pricier). In Florence, there is lots of cheap good options for food. Pizza by the slice, cheese and meats, breads, and stupid cheap but amazing wine (vino della casa...aka the restaurants house wine). You would be amiss in Florence if you didnt walk up to the top of Piazza Michelangelo. It is beautiful and has incredible views over the city.
Mar 3rd, 2017, 01:30 PM
#53
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also if anyone has been to these locations, are there any hostels you recommend I stay at or possibly avoid? I am looking into hostels or AirBnB.>
Let's Go Europe the guidebook by Harvard students is a superb source of such objective info - critiquing zillions of hostels and youth hotels -airbnb are isolating - you meet no one but in youth hotels or hostels you mix around with folks your age from all over the world -many now have cafes (bars) on premises for convivial meeting areas.
Google Let's Go Europe for more info on hostels too.
Let's Go Europe the guidebook by Harvard students is a superb source of such objective info - critiquing zillions of hostels and youth hotels -airbnb are isolating - you meet no one but in youth hotels or hostels you mix around with folks your age from all over the world -many now have cafes (bars) on premises for convivial meeting areas.
Google Let's Go Europe for more info on hostels too.
Mar 4th, 2017, 06:15 AM
#54
>>>Detroit to a 1 hr layover in Boston, <<<
I hope you haven't booked these flights as the layovers are very short. Transatlantic flights are much bigger than domestic flights and take far longer to board. They start boarding an hour before the flight time. I've never flown into Lisbon, but I doubt a 1 hour layover is enough there. Hopefully, it's all on one plane ticket and you aren't taking a budget airline from Lisbon to Rome. If you did book a budget flight Lisbon/Rome, have a backup plan in case you miss that flight. Budget airlines are very strict about check-in times.
I wouldn't eliminate Venice if you really want to see it. Simply take the train from Rome to Venice (3 1/2 hours) and spend a couple of nights before catching a train to Florence.
http://www.ostellosantafosca.it/en/
I suppose you've discovered a railpass is not cost effective for Italy (it rarely is). You can book discount tickets in advance on directly with the two companies that run the trains between your city choices - Trenitalia and Italo. Tickets for fast trains are train/seat specific (mandatory seats are included in the price of tickets, but not included if you bought a railpass). Use the Italian spelling for cities.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
http://www.italotreno.it/en
You haven't listed what you intend to see in cities, but in some, a tourism pass might be beneficial while in others it's very hard to get the value. If you post a list, we can help you figure it out.
I hope you haven't booked these flights as the layovers are very short. Transatlantic flights are much bigger than domestic flights and take far longer to board. They start boarding an hour before the flight time. I've never flown into Lisbon, but I doubt a 1 hour layover is enough there. Hopefully, it's all on one plane ticket and you aren't taking a budget airline from Lisbon to Rome. If you did book a budget flight Lisbon/Rome, have a backup plan in case you miss that flight. Budget airlines are very strict about check-in times.
I wouldn't eliminate Venice if you really want to see it. Simply take the train from Rome to Venice (3 1/2 hours) and spend a couple of nights before catching a train to Florence.
http://www.ostellosantafosca.it/en/
I suppose you've discovered a railpass is not cost effective for Italy (it rarely is). You can book discount tickets in advance on directly with the two companies that run the trains between your city choices - Trenitalia and Italo. Tickets for fast trains are train/seat specific (mandatory seats are included in the price of tickets, but not included if you bought a railpass). Use the Italian spelling for cities.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
http://www.italotreno.it/en
You haven't listed what you intend to see in cities, but in some, a tourism pass might be beneficial while in others it's very hard to get the value. If you post a list, we can help you figure it out.
Mar 4th, 2017, 01:44 PM
#55
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fly from Detroit-Rome
Train Rome-Florence
Train Florence-Venice
Venice-Barcelona
Barcelona-Lisbon
Lisbon-Detroit
Yes we assume fly Venice to Barcelona
and Barcelona-Lisbon
though if he wants to stop in Madrid there is an overnight train Madrid to Lisbon.
For the above itinerary of course no railpass would be anywhere near cost effective.
But a two-month trip with just 5 cities for stops? Or did you shorten your trip expectations a lot?
Train Rome-Florence
Train Florence-Venice
Venice-Barcelona
Barcelona-Lisbon
Lisbon-Detroit
Yes we assume fly Venice to Barcelona
and Barcelona-Lisbon
though if he wants to stop in Madrid there is an overnight train Madrid to Lisbon.
For the above itinerary of course no railpass would be anywhere near cost effective.
But a two-month trip with just 5 cities for stops? Or did you shorten your trip expectations a lot?
Apr 1st, 2017, 12:27 PM
#56
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay everyone im sorry made a big mistake on what I thought i wrote down for my trip. To correct my travel plan here it is for flights.
Going there
Detroit-New york 2 hour layover in NY
New York-Lisbon 7 hour flight
Lisbon layover for 3 hours
Lisbon-Rome 2 hour flight
Land in Rome finally making it.
Coming home
Fly out of Lisbon to Newark 8hr flight
5hr layover in newark
newark to Detroit
Make it back home.
After reading about my previous posts about short layovers I was kinda freaked out. Now I am more relieved that I will have plenty of time. So there is that.
First i am looking into buying tickets online for places I want to go to such as the coliseum online. But I am wondering now If i should plan the days to see these sights a day after landing. For example I land april 26 so should i go to coliseum on the 26, 27, how bad could the jet lag be ya know?
Now I am trying to figure out a backpack to purchase to be able to carry all my possessions. I have been looking into Osprey backpacks and as well as the Kelty Red wing 50. Those are the 2 brands I have heard the most positive feedback on. But i am worried about size for it to be considered a carry on. I dont want to check a bag and run the risk of losing my bag and being totally f'ed ya know.
Therefore if anyone has recommendations on a bag, or how to go about packing like a backpack and bag on wheels, etc? I would appreciate any advice. I have also been looking into the money pouches that wrap around your waist and you can wear them under your clothes. Has anyone used these or recommend one that wouldn't cause irritation against bare skin or just in general.
Also I am looking into a power wall converter, one that I can plug any of my electronics into and be able to plug into a European outlet. I didn't realize how many different choices there are. Does anyone have advice on one to look into.
Another thing, I am trying to find out how it works in the hostels with the locker/cubbies they offer. If they come with some type of lock or key combo so you can store your belongings all day and not have to worry about anything being stolen. Anyone have experience with hostels and this concept works, please let me know.
Another, I have been informed that it is best to purchase a few new shirts was recommended to get from patagonia and get shirts that are not cotton, to look for 50%polyester and 50%nylon and to also get synthetic quick dry shirts like from under armour as an example. As well as ex-officio quick dry boxers or something similar.
It is 24 days till i leave so i am making sure I am good to go and asking all the last minute questions to be full prepared and ready to roll.
if anyone has any help or advice on what I wrote about or anything else for clothes, shoes, etc please let me know.
I am still in the phases of trying to plan out the sights and day trips as well.
Back to planning.
Thank you all for your time and help sorry for the long post
Going there
Detroit-New york 2 hour layover in NY
New York-Lisbon 7 hour flight
Lisbon layover for 3 hours
Lisbon-Rome 2 hour flight
Land in Rome finally making it.
Coming home
Fly out of Lisbon to Newark 8hr flight
5hr layover in newark
newark to Detroit
Make it back home.
After reading about my previous posts about short layovers I was kinda freaked out. Now I am more relieved that I will have plenty of time. So there is that.
First i am looking into buying tickets online for places I want to go to such as the coliseum online. But I am wondering now If i should plan the days to see these sights a day after landing. For example I land april 26 so should i go to coliseum on the 26, 27, how bad could the jet lag be ya know?
Now I am trying to figure out a backpack to purchase to be able to carry all my possessions. I have been looking into Osprey backpacks and as well as the Kelty Red wing 50. Those are the 2 brands I have heard the most positive feedback on. But i am worried about size for it to be considered a carry on. I dont want to check a bag and run the risk of losing my bag and being totally f'ed ya know.
Therefore if anyone has recommendations on a bag, or how to go about packing like a backpack and bag on wheels, etc? I would appreciate any advice. I have also been looking into the money pouches that wrap around your waist and you can wear them under your clothes. Has anyone used these or recommend one that wouldn't cause irritation against bare skin or just in general.
Also I am looking into a power wall converter, one that I can plug any of my electronics into and be able to plug into a European outlet. I didn't realize how many different choices there are. Does anyone have advice on one to look into.
Another thing, I am trying to find out how it works in the hostels with the locker/cubbies they offer. If they come with some type of lock or key combo so you can store your belongings all day and not have to worry about anything being stolen. Anyone have experience with hostels and this concept works, please let me know.
Another, I have been informed that it is best to purchase a few new shirts was recommended to get from patagonia and get shirts that are not cotton, to look for 50%polyester and 50%nylon and to also get synthetic quick dry shirts like from under armour as an example. As well as ex-officio quick dry boxers or something similar.
It is 24 days till i leave so i am making sure I am good to go and asking all the last minute questions to be full prepared and ready to roll.
if anyone has any help or advice on what I wrote about or anything else for clothes, shoes, etc please let me know.
I am still in the phases of trying to plan out the sights and day trips as well.
Back to planning.
Thank you all for your time and help sorry for the long post
Apr 1st, 2017, 12:35 PM
#57
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your electronics are almost certainly dual voltage, there will be a label that says 110/220. All you need is 2-3 cheap adapters:
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/...-power-adapter
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/...-power-adapter
Apr 1st, 2017, 01:59 PM
#58
Right, you need adapters, not a transformer. However, you might want something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-4-Port-.../dp/B00VH8G1SY
This is the money belt I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Pouch-.../dp/B002TZDFB0
Note that this is not something you access in public.
You need to check your airline websites to find out what size bag you can use as a carry on. European limits are usually stricter. I use Eagle Creek bags.
I believe that you need to take your own padlock for the lockers in hostels.
Ex Officio underwear is great and you only need two or three pairs.
Some people have more trouble with jet lag than others. If you're worried, and you have the time, book for the second full day in Rome.
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-4-Port-.../dp/B00VH8G1SY
This is the money belt I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Pouch-.../dp/B002TZDFB0
Note that this is not something you access in public.
You need to check your airline websites to find out what size bag you can use as a carry on. European limits are usually stricter. I use Eagle Creek bags.
I believe that you need to take your own padlock for the lockers in hostels.
Ex Officio underwear is great and you only need two or three pairs.
Some people have more trouble with jet lag than others. If you're worried, and you have the time, book for the second full day in Rome.
Apr 1st, 2017, 02:05 PM
#59
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>robdetroit8905 on Apr 1, 17 at 4:27pm</i>
You have a lot of open ends. Have a look at http://www.enjoy-europe.com/ to get sorted out. For a final punch list see http://www.enjoy-europe.com/packing-list-for-europe.htm.
Your flight itinerary is an ordeal. Be prepared for a couple of days recovery. Carry "all your possessions?" A backpack is a serious mistake, as is any bag over 22" high. Be careful with electricity. Do not assume anything. I wear cotton shirts. Plastic shirts give my skin the creeps. Bring your own combination lock for hostel lockers. For planning see the Lonely Planet "Europe on a Shoestring."
You have a lot of open ends. Have a look at http://www.enjoy-europe.com/ to get sorted out. For a final punch list see http://www.enjoy-europe.com/packing-list-for-europe.htm.
Your flight itinerary is an ordeal. Be prepared for a couple of days recovery. Carry "all your possessions?" A backpack is a serious mistake, as is any bag over 22" high. Be careful with electricity. Do not assume anything. I wear cotton shirts. Plastic shirts give my skin the creeps. Bring your own combination lock for hostel lockers. For planning see the Lonely Planet "Europe on a Shoestring."
