Denise Van Dusen

I am traveling to Europe for the first time next summer (in '99) and would LOVE any information about what to do/not to do, where to avoid, tips on safety (I am traveling alone), advice about trains, etc. Pretty much any information would be great. Thanks! Denise

wes fowler

Denise, <BR>If you haunt Fodor's forum, you'll find many knowledgeable, experienced travelers who will be more than happy to help you with ideas, dos and don'ts, where to go, what to see, ad infinitum. I think, though, that you may become horrendously confused by responses you receive. Everybody has a favorite country, city, area, hotel, gasthaus, inn, mode of travel, restaurant, unforgettable experience to share. That sharing can lead to a great deal of confusion on your part unless you give us more information about yourself and your plans. How long do you plan to spend in Europe? What are your primary interests? Where would you like to go? What guidebooks, resources have you explored? Are you on a student's budget? Give us some more information and we'll overwhelm you with meaningful, relevant and useful suggestions and advice.

Denise Van Dusen

To Wes -I will be traveling to Europe for about 5-6 weeks next summer. I want to see as much as possible in the time I will be there since it will be awhile before I ever get to go again (once I graduate in December I actually have to be out in the "real" world). I love to see old castles and places that are out of the way. Don't mind the "regular" tourist attractions, but I would rather get out and about and experience more of the culture and people. I plan to stay in as many hostels as possible or at least until I absolutely HAVE to have a hotel. I am 29 and like I said, I will be traveling alone. I really am interested in the train system. I am under the impression that it is quite extensive and a good way to see alot of different countries. Oh, and I also LOVE to see the countryside. So maybe this will help answer some of those questions you asked? I really hope so. And, just in case anyone is traveling to Europe next May and would like a companion, let me know. Maybe we can work something out. Thanks! Denise

Jenn

Denise, <BR>You may want to check out www.eurotrip.com. They have alot of boards that cover many subjects. The people are very helpful, and the boards are subject related (eg. hostels, favorite places, travel, cheap flights, etc.). This will help give you an idea of what other people like. It sounds like you have alot of time on your hands, so start deciding on where you want to go, and we can help with what amount of time we would recomend for those places, if there are any side trips, or if we prefered another destination entirely. I would recomend getting your hands on some travel books (get 'em at a used book store, or go to Barnes and Noble and just browse) and have fun. There is alot to see and do, and planing it is half the fun. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me, and I'll try to help out. Enjoy!

Glenn

Denise, Yes, you are correct that the train system is very extensive. You can get to most everywhere in Germany, Austria by train or bus combination. It may take a little longer, but you can get there if you want to. I know that the Rhine area is easy for train travel and is loaded with castles and other sights. I would say that a rail pass would be the best thiong your your trip. Nothing is easier that walking on to a train and just flashing your pass. No tickets to buy, no lines, no money problems. One key to travel is packing light. This would be very important in your case. Read up on the suggestions, load up your backpack ahead of time and take a good walk around town to see how it feels. If you go to hostels in Germany, you will have a problem in BAveria. They enforce a 26 year old age limit. If you have some spefic areas of interest or special attraions, post them. I am sure you will get lots of information. We just need to know what you want to know !!Glenn

wes fowler

Denise, <BR>Here's a lengthy bunch of suggestions for planning your first trip to Europe. Consider it to be a homework assignment! First, purchase a good map of Europe. Hallwag publishes a good one. Study it with the following in mind: the distance from Amsterdam to Brussels is about the same as from Waco to Tyler, Texas; from Paris to Frankfurt about the same as Waco to Tulsa, Oklahoma; from Zurich to Munich about the same as Waco to Houston. Distances are relatively short, as you can see. Select four or five (at the most) countries to visit. I'd suggest Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland or Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland and northern Italy. Once tentatively settled on where to go, select some guide books. Start with the "Insight Guides" for each of the countries of your interest. They're published by APA Publications and will give really give you "insights" into history, culture and traditions of each country all in an informal writiing style and with fine color photographs. If a country lacks appeal, select another. Since you're traveling on a budget, ignore the Fodor, Frommer and Birnbaum guides; they're not for you. Instead look for Rick Steves guides, the "Lonely Planet" Guides and the "Let's Go" guides written by Harvard and Radcliffe students. <BR> <BR>Use the internet. Check out "city.net/regions/europe" for European countries. There's a phenomenal amount of information there and links to even more knowledgeable and useful sites. Check out "raileurope.com" and "bahn.de/pverkehr" for information on train travel. While Fodor's forum seems to me to be the best site for knowledgeable information, check out "expedia.msn.com/forums/europe" for additional insights. <BR> <BR>There are two other guides that you might chase down: "On the Rails around Europe" is a good guide to European train travel. It's a Thomas Cook handbook published in conjunction with Passport Books. Finally, the Steinbicker "Day Trips" guides for France, Italy, Germany and/or Benelux countries gives one day itineraries by rail. <BR> <BR>Contact the national tourist offices of each country you plan to visit. Tell them your interests and plans for traveling, i.e., hostels, train, budget restaurants, and be prepared for a deluge of mail. National tourist brochures will contain the addresses of regional tourist offices as well. Contact them, too. All are accessible on the internet, as well. <BR> <BR>Finally, there's a forum subject I introduced some weeks ago for travellers such as yourself. It's "How do you plan your European trips?" If it's still posted, I'll bring it to the top. There's some extremely valuable advice contained in it. <BR> <BR>This note has become lengthy. If you'd like some specific suggestions of places to visit, Email me directly. I'll be glad to help <BR> <BR>

Linda

You may want to include one of the previous Eastern nations as they are less expensive than the West. Also, you will want to splurge a few times on a single room with toilet & shower, trust me. I would suggest Prague, Czech Republic. It is a beautiful city, close to Germany & Austria, & very inexpensive. If you go in the summer, I would suggest splurging here as it is less expensive & you would be safer--not that Prague is unsafe, but there are more "gypsies" at that time of year. Going north from there is Dresden (about 2 1/2 hr train ride) and Berlin (about 2 hr train). Both are great cities & not as expensive as the west. Florence and Interlaken were favorites of mine. Do be careful on train not to be alone in compartment (yes, even in 2nd class, they have separate comparments for about six)--I found single women from the country we were in would be sure to sit where other women were. Also, when you have to leave the compartment, you either have to take your things with you or feel comfortable enough to leave your things with your compartment mates. Check out bahn.hafas.de German Rail site. It is has timetables from all over Europe & detailed info as to stops, times, etc. Plan well & try to find a friend to travel with you. Otherwise, plan to phone or email home often. Leave an tentative itinerary (you will change it while you are there, but there is nothing more fun that to have the freedom to stay or go as you like it). Email me if you have any questions.