Summer 2010

I don’t think 2 days is any where near adequate for any of these cities — well, maybe for Helsinki, although I spent nearly 5 counting a day trip to Turku. Travel time will cut the available time to less than 1 1/2 days in each city.

I don’t think you need a visa for a 2 day stay in St. Petersburg, but I’d check that now as getting a Russian visa takes a fair amount of time, effort and money.

Not sure if my first reply went through or not(I was having computer issues) … I plan on revising the time spent, thought I would try to get a list of cities down first. Any suggestions on either omisions or addons?

Does anyone know of a ferry from St. Petersburg to Helsinki?

Anybody have suggestions on single travelers as far as meeting people?

Don’t worry — you will without a doubt meet people at hostels as long as you’re even a little bit outgoing.

Anyone have any tips on taking a laptop on the trip? Just curious about how safe it is and weather the extra weight is worth it or not. I like the idea of being able to backup pictures and communicate.

You should have a check on the packing forum it’s been discussed many time’s. Also try a search to find older threads on that subject.

I would shorten up the time spent in Italy and Athens. Maybe re-allocate that time to Munich or Prague, or of course St. Petersburg or Moscow.

If you’re a beer drinker you could easily spend a week in Munich, but 2 days will give you enough time to see the sites, nightlife (Hofbrauhuas is a must http://www.hofbraeuh… )hit a beer garden (Englischer Garden) and be on your way

I am a beer drinker and do anticipate spending quiet a bit of time in Munich. The times I have allocated in each city are guesses, I figure it will change when I get there.

Thank you all for your input and I anticipate I will have a lot more queistions as the time nears!

The great part about being a human traveler is that there are humans EVERYWHERE! No worries my friend. You will meet many people; if you let your guard down. The question is what types of people do you want to meet? Locals? boring American tourists (however after a few months it is nice to talk with people about home)? Circus folk? Whoever these people may be, you will find them if you look. My best suggestion: keep your eyes and ears open, invitation to adventures happen all around you.

…and don’t be afraid to ditch w/o explanation if things get weird!

…don’t accept invitations to play ping pong at a Spaniards house or sleep on beaches