My best friend and I are traveling to Europe this summer. We are starting with an EF tour in England and Scotland and then going the the 'mainland' after the EF tour for some traveling of our own. We have started planning and seem to be completely overwhelmed with all the possiblities/places to go. We are both look around for suggestions as so travel locations and planning tips( hostels and transportation booking).
What are some places you consider "must see" in Europe? We want to see some 'main stream' stuff but also go "off the beaten path" ( and be safe).
Any suggestions for making the arrangements or deciding the
itinerary?
Also, We want to stay for about 3-4 weeks so what would be a good goal for saving money? We will stay in hostels so I think our biggest expense will be the transportation and eating/shopping...
Any help you can offer would be great. Thanks!
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Visit Macedonia
http://www.exploringmacedonia.com/
Have a nice vacation
As you see a good bit of west Europe in England and Scotland you might want to go to the eastern part of the continent for a little, you will also travel into a cheaper area.
There are many flights from the British airports to the east, if you book early they are cheaper than taking the train just across England.
You could do a few weeks just roaming around, and end with the town(s) you have on your list as must do's.
Depending what makes Europe for you, you could plan to go to Vienna, or Venice to round up your travels.
But most people do think that Paris, Rome and Amsterdam are musts too.
(I think that it is too easy to overfill your travels and that you can safe a bit to come back for.)
Anyway, if you combine the well known towns with small towns and villages you get a better sense of Europe, and get of the beaten track, whichever part of the continent you plan to travel.
Staying in hostels is a good idea, but in some places a cheap hotel for two is as cheap or expensive as staying in a hostel.
I find the Lonely Planet series very good books, telling where you can stay and what it will cost, museums and sights and their opening times, travel to and in towns and where to eat, shop and go out for a drink.
By now you can get them second hand or in the library, so you can look at different editions before deciding which to buy new.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
If it's your first time in europe, I suggest that you visit the Capitals first. Like Paris, Geneva, Rome, Amsterdam, Brussels. Maybe the train is the best means of transportation. From the station, look for the double deck buses( for London, Paris & Rome), it will take you practically in all the must see places. Their itinerary is really fabulous. Check their rates on the internet, you'll be surprise, spending too little for seeing the best places.
It depends. Do you prefer art and culture, partying, or outdoor activities?
"must sees" are Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, The Alps, Venice, Prague.
Here is what you can do to save money:
Buy an interrail pass.
Travel in Eastern Europe.
Stay away from bigger cities and sleep in private B&B style accomodation.