Hello, all. I'm new to international travel and I need all the information about western/northern European travel I can get. I've got questions. A lot of them.
I'm an 18-year-old American with big plans (and two friends with the same plans)...
In September, I'm going to Mali, Africa for two months with to friends. Upon leaving Africa, we desire to journey north into Europe before we return to the States. Here are some of my questions/concerns:
- How does the Eurail system work? If I buy the Eurail Global "Saver" pass for 15/21 days, can I travel freely (without restriction) throughout any of the participating 18 countries for my 15/21 days?
- How much can I expect to spend for, say, a month (generous estimate) of living on a super-tight budget in western/northern Europe? I plan to spend money only on (cheap) food, hostels, and the occasional small souvenir? (This total should not include the Eurail pass, unless there are additional rail-related costs I need to consider)
- Where should I go? For my first European travel, what are the best places to visit if I'm ona time limit?
- Passports/visas: My passpost is processing as we speak, but what about visas? What will I need? Is it a complex process if I want to visit several coutries?
Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Anything I need to consider that I left out? (I'm sure there is...)
I'm sure I'll think of more, too...
Thanks!
- Tyler
Reply to this Hi!
So what's questions!
I can''t reply of all but I will try.
- The eurail system function by period and sectors. Means that if you want one sector (like latin which is France-Italy-Spain and Portugal I guess) who can travel for ... ok seems that it changes and you buy only the period you want now.... let's check here http://www.interrailnet.com/index.html
If you come from Mali, why don't go from south to north? spain is really a beautifull country, especially Madrid and Barcelona (but, I love more and more all country and cities and countryside...). Some friends said that Lisbonne is great too, if you prefer this way, make a stop in san sebastian, near the frontier between spain and france. Then ... let's say I live in Bordeaux since 4 years, and it's really a great city. From here you can visit vineyards with guide and that's nice, you can learn a lot and taste too!
Then I think it's impossible not to go to Paris, seems that it's the only city in France for americans because all the people ask me if I come from Paris. So if you don't go, we will be consider like a looser.
It appears that Bruxelles is quiet a great city, and maybe you can stop here for one day to join after Berlin. Because you have to go to Berlin!!! It's an amazing city, especially the east part which is not already built again but with a soul and very nice people. From here, by interail, we went to copenhague and you can join quiet easily Stockholm.
I made these three last country in 20 days, so I thought it will be enought for the first time. There is a lot of other staff to see, I'm not found of UK but east europe is quiet good. And I don't tell you about the cheaper country. For my travel, I think I spend 1 000 , but Berlin is cheap compair to Paris. Madrid and Barcelone begins to have quiet the same prices than France... So I don't know... And I lived in friends houses! Let's say between 1 000 and 1 500 after your hostel.
I don't know more about visa, I'm french...
Have a good trip!
Reply to this Hey,
If you're on a budget in terms of living costs France and Spain are great. Good, cheap food and wine and cheap hostels, excluding major cities like Paris.
Austria is stunning (esp. the Salzkammergut region; think Sound of Music) and much cheaper than Switzerland if you want some Heidi-type alpine action.
Sweden and Norway are just about two of my favourite places on earth (so far) but seriously dear! Especially norway.
London is a good starting point, but also costly.
Ireland is pretty, but expensive. It's v. popular with Americans.
That's about all i can give you from my Euro travels to date...
Reply to this Check out www.couchsurfing.com and www.hospitalityclub.org for free accomodations.
Its also easy to hitch hike in europe and for me its the most exiting way to move around. Also planes are fairly cheap for example Ryan air you can go from barcelona to germany for 20 euros.
Travel on!!!
Reply to this Hi, Tyler. My best advice based on observation of others? don't try to cram too much into your trip. I've seen many younger folks treat it like a game to see how many places they can cram into 3 weeks, so they'll spend 1 day in Paris, 1 day in Prague, 1 day everywhere. Sure you can brag to your friends that you've been there, but did you really get to know a place? At 18 years old, you have plenty of time to see the world, so make sure that you really get to know the places you are visiting. Try to make friends with locals. You will find many of them eager to make friends with folks from other parts of the world too.
I know this information is very general. But I see that others are giving you more specific advice. Enjoy your trip and take your time.
Reply to this That's great advice! I spent 6 weeks travelling around Ireland (a pretty small country) and felt that it was just long enough to see everything I wanted to. Even then I had to skip a few things that would have been great.
My advice, if your time is limited, would be to avoid making too many plans. I think you don't need a visa for the EU so just go somewhere to begin, like Prague, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself to move on. See how you go, what you like... if a town sucks for you, leave... if it's great, stay a bit longer. I've had to leave a few places sooner than I wanted (usually the last place on my trip) and they always go on the repeat list. If you short change everywhere you'll only want to go back again, of course, you probably will anyway but at least you'll feel like you gave the places a good run. Kind of defeats the purpose of speed travelling.
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