22 Year Old Canadian Female who is ready to explore the world! First big trip Europe. Countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic.
In Germany my roomates and I will have visited three cities. What I hope to gain from my time in Germany is a better understanding of German culture and a giant history lesson on Germany's troubled past. I want to gain the feeling that I really learned something about how Germany is different from Canada (if it even is at all). I want to meet new people, both locals and other travelers, to hear their stories or learn about why they are in Germany. I have this pre conceived idea of what Germany will be like (old buildings, beautilful landscapes, tons of food and beer, kind people), and in a sense I am hoping that Germany turns out pretty much how I picture it. Overall I think Germany will be a very memorable experience for all ... read more
On May 21st we will be arriving in lovely Munich Germany. Munich is home to many luxurious castles and because I have never stepped foot in a castle I pretty much have to do that. Also I have read that Munich is famous for beer, sausages and surfing..... definitely something to keep in mind on this trip! Places I hope to visit in Munich are: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof- these are two castles that were built for King Ludwig II. Apparently Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. In that case it's kind of like walking through a fairytale! And I mean what girl doesn't want to be a Princess in a castle once in her life! Perhaps my roomates and I will have to do some improv ac... read more
In my research I have read that the best parts of Frankfurt are not in the city centre but rather in the surrounding neighbourhoods. This is interesting considering that most of the time the action occurs right in the middle of the city. On this day I want to explore the hustle and bustle of the "outskirts" of Frankfurt. Sachsenhausen-this is apparently a very happening neighbourhood with many shops, cafes, pubs and mansions. I think it will be interesting to encounter a residential neighbourhood that also exists as a popular tourist area. I also think this will be a good opportunity to directly connect to the locals and taste local food. Cathedral of St. Bartholomew- A free tour located in Frankfurt of a beautful structure. I am mesmerized by the architecture involved in old Churches. I ... read more
On this day we will begin our tour of Frankfurt. Much like Berlin, Frankfurt has lots of history to explore and therefore many attractions to view. On the list of things to do today: Frankfurt Main Tower: It is one of the highest buildings in Frankfurt at 200metres. One is able to walk or take an elevator up to the top and have a complete view of Frankfurt. Although I am slightly afraid of heights I feel like this is perfect to conquer that fear and I figure I am in Frankfurt I may never get this opportunity again! I mean that's what traveling is all about; doing things you wouldn't normally do. (4.6 Euros) The English Theatre- the play "Rain Man" will be showing at this theatre at night. It is in English so language ... read more
I have decided not to make any plans for the last day in Berlin. This day will be free. My roomates and I will use this day to go to any place suggested by locals or other travelers we have talked to throughout the previous two days. I feel when people travel they get caught up in the "tourist" attractions and forget to actually dive in and experience the culture. I am hoping on this last day my roomates and I can discover the hidden, not so main stream, treasures of Berlin. We will travel "wherever the wind takes us" so to speak. This could be the most educational day yet!... read more
I am really excited for our second day in Berlin. On this day I would like to keep with the historical attractions as well as try some great food! Of course while keeping the cost down. Choice of Travel- The U Bahn (6.8 Euros for the day) Attractions for the Day: Ddr Museum- This museum focuses on the life behind the Iron Curtain. It teaches visitors what life was like for people in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is perfect to fulfill my culture crave! Price 5.5 Euros Okowerk- on the Eastern shore of Teufelberg (Devils Mountain), its a manmade rubble mountain contructed from piled up debris from WWII. It is now a place to have fun, having many activities such a mountain biking, hiking, or tobaganning. Okowerk is a nature ... read more
After just finishing up our tour in Amsterdam we will arrive in Berlin on May 14th via Eurorail. Goal of the first day: explore historic sites in Berlin, meet locals and other backpackers, taste traditional German food Mode of Transportation: bicycle ($12) Locations to Be Visited along the Path: 1. Reichstag- Today it is home to the Federal German Parliament but historically it was a sight used by the Germans to suspend freedoms. Not only is this buildiing meaningful but being a political science student it intrigues me not to mention how cool the design of it is! 2. Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas aka. The Holocaust Memorial- Clearly one cannot go to Germany and not recognize the brutality of the Nazi's. I am such a history buff so this site is very important for ... read more
I have now lived with my University roomates for 4 years! We are all best friends and surprisingly (being 4 girls) we have never fought, which many people are completely shocked by! I am hoping this trend continues on our trip! We have been planning our ideal trip to Europe since second year so we are very excited to go! Therefore in planning my ideal trip to Germany I will be keeping in mind the desires of my friends as well as my own! There are no other people I would rather travel with than these three ladies so it only makes sense that they are included in my ideal trip to Germany! For me this trip is more than just a vacation or the end to University but its the end of four years with ... read more
It is roughly 2 months before I arrive in Germany. Today I must decide how much money I am going to spend in Germany. Let's be honest I am graduating from University which pretty much means I ain't got a whole lot of funds! But this fact will not stop me from pursuing my dream trip, it just may alter it slightly! My goal for Germany is to spend the least amount of money while still being able to see everything I want so that is what I intend to do! Total Budget For Germany: 600 Canadian Dollars 1 Euro = 1.30397202 Canadian Dollars Rough Breakdown of Budget: Accomodations: $150 Food- $150 Travel: $100 (Because Germany is one country among 6 on my Europe trip I will not include the Eurorail pass price in this) Other: ... read more
