Backpacking Europe??

[BC69]

I know there are a few international members, and many well traveled members, so I thought I would ask some questions. Anyway, my parents decided it probably wasn't time for me to buy my own car and I should save until I graduate and get one then, one that I want.
So! I dont think I have gone on vacation in probably 5 years...being 19 I dont think there is much reason for one, life kind of is one at this age. But a close friend and I have been looking into going to Europe at the begining of the summer. I am going to give you a basic plan and then I would love to hear any ideas, tips, recommendations you can offer me.


Arrive in either London or France:
- Spend some time there, and take the train to Germany (I have a good friend whos parents are in Germany and are willing to let us stay there for free for a bit). So some time in Germany as well.
- Then we will take the train down to Italy, stop in Venice and Rome before spending the last 4 days at a real hotel in Capri.

The most money will be spent for the final relaxing days in Capri, and I know the rail passes are not cheap, I havn't quiet figured them out yet. Help there would be great! But just any thoughts on where to go, what to do and see I would love. We would be going right as school gets out in May and for as long as we can afford lol! We are going to take our time planning and probably get a travel agent. But I love to hear from people who have been. Also where to get the best deals and such!

Oh..and I only speak French as another language...nothing else. How bad is the language barrier everywhere else.

Thanks Guys!


Tim

[JamesJ]

I did it for 50 day about 3 years ago, great time. later tonight I explain but I have to run right now.

[jannes_z-28]

You will cope, you obviously speak English, that will work almost everywhere. Except maybe in France but you have that covered too. So no problemo.

For young people like you there are special railpasses that lets you go by hte train all over the place. Traintraffic is pretty slow and there are really cheap airfares now if you can plan ahead and book in advance. One example is Ryan Air, they have fares as low as €1.00+taxes (which can be €50.00).


BTW, you will not find many US-cars in that part of Europe. If you want to see our scene of it you have to go north from Germany and visit Scandinavia instead.


Jan

[JamesJ]

We left Houston and flew direct to Amsterdam 8 or 9 hours. We went at the end of June and I don’t think we ever really needed to use long pants, so the weather was always nice. This is obviously just my opinion and you may disagree but maybe it will help some. I don’t recommend hanging out in London or Paris any longer then you have to. We did all the sight seeing stuff and by the time that was all done we were ready to get out. We like London better then Paris just because it was a neater, just meaning that Paris is just a big city that has some old stuff in it.

Get an International student ID and then you can get you EuroRail pass much cheaper and if you are staying in London you can get a pass for the Underground, I would skip the Underground so you can see stuff while riding the buses. Just ride it once so you can say you did. If you can afford it get an unlimited pass, they sell them in all kinds of different configurations 3 travels in a week and 2 on Sundays and all other weird ways. I cant remember how many other travelers we saw getting harassed (not bad) because they did not fill out there Pass correctly. Well I have to get up at 5:45 so time for bed, if you want just call me after 7pm central time and I will just tell you all this crap.

[BC69]

Thanks for the info guys. Where do I get an International Student ID?
As far as France and London...that we can leave out. We have a free place to stay in Germany and could fly straight there and take the train from there to wherever. I am personally not a huge fan of France and we were not planning on going to London.

Thanks for the tips. If you dont mind James I may give you a call in the next few weeks as my plans get a bit more concrete.

Thanks
Tim

[AAW]

Tim,
About 15 years ago, I backpacked alone thru Sweden. Loved it! Some advice I can pass along from what I learned from that experience: (different location, but same idea)

1) Make friends with the bartenders and waitresses you meet there, they'll sometimes give you extra food if you get tight with money during your trip. Plus, they may end up being your nightlife tour guide & tell you all the fun places to go and what to stay away from.

2) Take a gazillion photos! Digital, 35MM, panoramic...you'll probably never have this experience again & you won't want to miss it.

3) I registered with the American Embassy when I arrived. They gave me information and points of interest which helped me map out my plan.

4) The trains, subways and taxis are the way to travel. Get student discounts & visitor discounts.

5) If you buy a souvenir - ship it home so you do't have to carry it, take it through customs or worry about its safety.

6) Listen closely to the music. You'll notice when you get back that songs become popular there before they do in America. Your friends won't have heard the music you already know!

If I think of any more things - I'll add it here..
Theresa

PS - have fun!

[Roadrage David]

hi im from the Netherlands . sandinavia germany the uk italy al great and beautifel countrys more so then ours . BUT if you whant to combine usa cars and some SERIUS CHILLING and ore NIGHTLIFE then the Netherlands is the place to be!!!! . plenty of usa car meetings the biggest one is upto a 1000 cars .in the city of Den Hague .