Hey all, I need some travel help.
I'm going to Europe from Dec 27-Jan 12th. Right now, I have until Jan 2nd planned out in Rome and I depart on the 13th from Rome as well. But after that, I'm a bit overwhelmed about what to do and where to go, all on the cheapest ticket I can. I've never been to Europe so I want at least a framework of what to do before I leave. I don't know the train/bus/transportation situation over there so getting from city to city is a bit daunting. From Jan 6-12 I'll be travelling by myself so I want to go places where I'll at least keep my mom feeling safe. I don't mind going to places that aren't like Paris or Barcelona, but I do want to see/experience as much as I can. I basically want to see great places and do it as cheap as possible in Europe with a falling dollar.
So after the long preamble, the question is (relatively) simple: What are your recommendations? Thanks so much for your help! 😊
Reply to this The key word is "see/experience". You can "see" a lot in 10 days, but you don't have a whole lot of room to experience. A rule of thumb is that each location should encompass three days
minimum--an exhausting day en route, a full day to experience it (without worrying about finding your next hotel room or getting to the train station) and another day to get to your next destination. You can consolidate that by booking overnight trains; fall asleep in the departure country, awaken refreshed at your destination.
That being said, Rome is a nice hub. Switzerland/Austria/Germany is just north of you. Swiss wines are an undiscovered treat (only 3%!o(MISSING)f their production is exported), so you might want to consider Geneva. Of course, Switzerland is generally more expensive. If money is an issue, try and find your way into Prague, Krakow, or Sarajevo as they all have burgeoning tourist industries (mom won't be so worried) at former-Communist-empire prices.
Then again, Barcelona is pretty nice. A train south from their will take you to some beautiful Mediterranean coast country. Unfortunately you kind of fall in a strange location to have Eurail passes be of any big benefit to you.
Where do you fly out of when you return to the states?
Good luck!
-Fusiler
Reply to this Awesome, thanks for your suggestions. I've looked a bit at Barcelona as an option (I do like warmer weather haha) and I've been considering Nice as stop along the way, so that'd work out well. Transportation to and around Nice would need to be looked into, since there are a bunch of towns around there I'd love to explore.
I fly out of Rome again back to the US.
I guess I should clarify too that I realize seeing and experiencing are two very different concepts. I've been around the US enough to know this. I have to keep reminding myself that while this is my FIRST trip abroad, it's by no means the LAST. With that said though, there's something about the first time of being abroad that I want to maximize as much as I can and find that balance between "seeing" and "experiencing." But, I'm the kind of person that sitting in a cafe and people watching is just as great as seeing the Mona Lisa or something akin to being a "tourist." So I wouldn't mind staying in one place or region as long as there is something to keep me occupied. I'm just trying to figure out what that place is going to be after Rome.
Thanks again!
Reply to this Liz: I travel often by myself as well. You will find the train system INCREDIBLY easy. I was apprehensive as well before leaving and had no problems. I did upgrade to first class seats which were typically $20 more between cities but found the train an easy and peaceful way to travel. If you have more questions on how it works, let me know.
I'd recommend Florence and Venice as well (just got back from a few days at each as well as Rome). The florence train station is easy access to hotels and the sites. The Venice station is at the edge of Venice but you can catch a waterbus for 6 Euro about anywhere if you stay inside Venice. If you stay out in the suburbs, you'll need to take the bus. Last year, I went to Prague and Vienna and loved them both a lot and want to go back. Not sure about their train stations. Switzerland is a beautiful country if you have any interest there.
Just depends on what your interests are.
Reply to this There is lots to do in Rome (safest big city in Europe --- safer than Bern, Switzerland). Mom would be happy. New Year's is a wild time. Why not stay around to see the Ephifany (Jan. 6)? There are great churches and great gardens, too, in addition to the world-class museums.
There are alot of Christmas traditions -- all the creches are out in the churches and plenty of free concerts in churches and squares.
In the meanwhile, you can do day trips -- a hot thermal soak in Viterbo a trip to the American cemetary at Nettuno, go for a day of skiing at Ovindoli or Terminillo. You could go to Ostia or Pompeii for the day, take a train to Orvieto and taste the new wine.... I guess I can go on and on but since you are leaving from there, it may make more stress and economic sense to really explore it. The Italian Consular office in Chicago can help.
Lisa
Reply to this Thank you both for your replies. Capsfan: I'll definitely be in touch. And Lisa, thanks for the advice as well. I'll definitely be in touch with the consular. 😊
I'm definitely thinking about staying in Italy and doing something there... though I still want to explore my other opportunities. Does anyone know what the weather is like in Venice and Florence during January?
And another question is about transportation. Is there a comprehensive website that details travel around Italy by bus, train, etc.? Or maybe if someone can supply a few websites that'd be helpful I could compare across the board myself.
Thanks again, this is all very helpful!
Reply to this Venice is cold but it is the most festive in January since all the Carnevale (Mardi Gras) events are happening. Thiink of an elegant and well-behaved New Orleans, with everyone dressed in one of nine traditional 18th century costumes. This year, it starts on Jan. 26. Here is the site: ttp://www.carnevale.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1
Florence will be cold too, but not half as cold as Chicago. Lots to do indoors there.
To figure out trains, go to www.Trenitalia.it --- there should be an option in English. There must be 60 trains a day from Rome to Florence and back, and at least half that to Venice --- as long as you go to big cities, you won't need to use the pullman coaches -- there is no national bus company (like Greyhound) so you have to check many sites. The only big town that is not well-connected by train is Sienna, since the station is about 2 miles from downtown.
Enjoy yourself!
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