Erin

I'm going to travel overseas for the first time. We're going to England for a wedding and will be there for two weeks. What do you suggest seeing? Also, what are some good ideas on gifts to bring back to the States? After the two weeks in England, I've been allowed two extra weeks on my own to explore Europe. I am mostly interested in seeing France for now, as this won't be my only trip to Europe. What can you advise on seeing and doing in France? Can you give me any tips on sightseeing alone? I'm only 18, so i'l be staying in youth hostels and any advice you can give on hostels is greatly appreciated. Does anyone know how long the train rides are beteewn Paris and London? Any advice on Europasses? Any safety tips? All the advice is greatly appreciated and I thank you.

Jennifer

Hi Erin,<BR><BR>Quite honestly, I would suggest you pick up a travel guide to England and France. What one person may consider an "absolute must see!" is a "waste of time" to another. Read about what is offered. Most travel guides will give you specifics on hostels, on restaurants, on transportation, and on sightseeing. <BR><BR>It can seem overwhelming! But getting a good grasp by reading an overview of the areas where you'll travel is a good start.<BR><BR>Jennifer

Emma

I vote for beautiful and friendly Spain. You'll have the time of your life.

Erin

Thank you for your advice Jennifer. Emma, why do you advise Spain? Just curious.

carol

Hi,<BR>I also agree that Spain is a good bet because it is friendlier and therefore less overwhelming for a first visit to Europe. There are lots of interesting cities all over Spain and also lots of beach resorts for some relaxation. The south of the country in particular has a lot to offer - beach resorts like Nerja (one of the prettier towns), Marbella or big, brash Torremolinos and cities like Granada with the Alhambra, Seville and Cordoba. Anyway, have a look at a few guide books.

Christina

I can't give you advice on Spain or much specific on hostels throughout France (except the best complete listing throughout the country is on www.gaf.tm.fr in their hostels section, you can get them by city and map and even reserve some online). I know some more sites for Paris but since you haven't narrowed things down much won't look them up now. However, I'd suggest for your type of trip, some good boards for hostel info etc are: www.eurotrip.com, www.hostels.com, www.backpackEurope.com, www.thebackpacker.net<BR><BR>

Erin

Thank you again for your advice on my travels. I was trying to keep in France b/c i have to return to London for my plane departure to the US. Do you think I could go to Spain and spend enough time there for it to be worthwhile and make it back to London for my flight? You mentioned that Spain is friendlier, am I jumping in over my head in France? Thank you for the hostel sites.

Grasshopper

I think France would be wonderful... which is just what Jennifer said about one person's opinion being very different from the next's! I think you should read back posts for as long as you can tolerate it and then go to a bookstore and look at guides (Eyewitness has great guides with lots of pictures) to see which country grabs you the most. Also, the "Let's Go" series is written by college students and gives you a ton of info on hostels and rooms on the cheap. If you have a Barnes and Noble nearby, spend the afternoon in the travel section and see what tickles your fancy.<BR><BR>

bram

Erin, <BR>I'd stay in France, and travel around the perimeter. About 10 summers ago, after University, Ibackpacked for a couple of months staying mostly in hostels and cheap hotels. One of my favorite places was Biarritz on the Atlantic coast of Spain and France-the Costa Basque. I stayed at a great hostel in Bayonne, just outside of Biarritz and <BR>had a blast.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Bram

elvira

Grasshopper, you make a pretty broad assumption that Erin has a fancy to tickle. She may be fancy-challenged, or she might not want it tickled even if she has one.<BR><BR>With just two weeks to spend, I would stay in France if using trains only. If you can find a cheap airfare, then you can fly anywhere in Europe to spend your two weeks. Spain or Portugal would be a doable timewise and moneywise; ditto Greece.<BR><BR>Personally, I'd do Normandy, Paris, Brussels/Bruges and maybe Amsterdam (if taking the Eurostar, you could do London&gt;Paris then Brussels&gt;London both about 3 1/2 hours but there's one hour time difference between London and the Continent so leave London at noon, arrive Paris 4:30).<BR><BR>Don't sweat bringing back "gifts" for every acquaintance, friend, second cousin's uncle's mother's gardener...bring back something for your parents, your siblings, your best friend. Food, like Dutch cocoa or French wine or Spanish olive oil, is always good; kitchen magnets; calendars; keyrings...good general gifts from just about anywhere.<BR><BR>Choosing a rail pass will depend on how much train travel, and what countries. Once you have an itinerary, go to http://www.raileurope.com/us/ to check out the various passes, point-to-point tickets, and the costs.<BR><BR>Safety tip: use your common sense. Europe is the real world, not Disneyland. If you don't go home with strangers in your daily life, then don't go home with strangers while in Europe.<BR><BR>Things to see in England: all depends upon where you're based, and how much of the two weeks is free to travel. <BR><BR>

Erin

Thank you so much for all the advice, especially Elvira. Anything else you can think of is also greatly welcomed.