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First Independent trip
Fri, 12/21/2007 - 18:13
Moranz
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Hello everyone,
 
I’m planning on visiting Europe around June 08’, and as I am a complete novice and never planned a trip abroad before, especially something like this, I could use some help.
 
The countries I decided on, are pretty basic:
Italy, France, Germany, Austria, England, Ireland and Scotland.
 
I estimated the costs as 60 euro per day, which means I can’t afford more than 3 months, as this is already heavy on my pocket. 
 
My questions are as follow:
 
1. What is the best order to do this in? In terms of weather and bordering countries.
 
2. How long would you stay to in each destination?
 
3. Is a rail pass worth the cost? I know there are very cheap flights today
 
4. Do I have to pre-book the accommodation because I’m going in the summer? I really want to be spontaneous on this trip.
 
5. How do I even begin to plan this? I don’t know where to start…
 
Thank you very much in advance for anything you can share with me [Smile]
Moran.
 

Sat, 12/22/2007 - 10:22
#1
mim
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Quote:
I estimated the costs as 60 euro per day, which means I can’t afford more than 3 months, as this is already heavy on my pocket. 


Have you factored in airfare and rail with this estimate?



Quote:
1. What is the best order to do this in? In terms of weather and bordering countries.


It will probably be cheapest to fly into London (If you’re from the US), so I would start with the UK and Ireland. 

Quote:
2. How long would you stay to in each destination?


Do some research and think about what areas in each country you would like to visit.  That will give you an idea of how long you want to stay in each country.  In general, my personal opinion is that less than 2-3 days in a city is not long enough.

Quote:
3. Is a rail pass worth the cost? I know there are very cheap flights today


Probably.  The low cost airlines are not as cheap as you may think.  The prices are dependent on when you are travelling.  Again, do some research and compare prices.


Quote:
4. Do I have to pre-book the accommodation because I’m going in the summer? I really want to be spontaneous on this trip.


I would.  Atleast try to call a day or two ahead, and remember that if a hostel shows no beds avaialble on a hostelz.com, hostelworld.com, or the like, it doesn’t always mean they are booked if you call them personally.

Quote:
5. How do I even begin to plan this? I don’t know where to start…


Read through these forums!!!

Turkey and Georgia On My Mind
I am leaving from New York, NY and traveling for 64 days
Reykjavik, London, Lille, Berlin, Kraków, Lviv, Istanbul, Selçuk, Pamukkale, Kızkalesi, Göreme, Kars, Bat'umi, Akhalts'ikhe, Tbilisi, Telavi, Istanbul

Eurotrip Managing Editor

Sat, 12/22/2007 - 11:44
#2
Moranz
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Mim,

Thank you for answering Smile

The 60 euro a day is without the airfare, rail pass, equipment, etc’. Just the actual trip and cost per day Smile

I’m actually flying from the Middle East, and no matter where I start or return from the cost is the same. I think weather and bordering countries is the deciding factor. I thought that because the UK is the coldest, maybe I should get there around August? Or is this line of thinking incorrect?

I actually want to relax a bit. I do want to stay about 3-4 days in a place, not feeling like I always need to run catch a train. 

Is it right to think accommodation is about 25 euro? have you, or heard of anyone that used couch-surfing to cut on costs? it sounds good in theory, but it’s a little frightening.

Thanks a lot!

Moran.

Sat, 12/22/2007 - 12:44
#3
mim
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Quote:
I’m actually flying from the Middle East, and no matter where I start or return from the cost is the same. I think weather and bordering countries is the deciding factor. I thought that because the UK is the coldest, maybe I should get there around August? Or is this line of thinking incorrect?


Weather shouldn’t be a factor.  There will be a very slight change in average  temperature from June thru August in the UK.   Obviously you want to plan your trip based on the logical geographic route between countries.  For instance:  UK – France – Germany – Austria.  Also, unless you will be buying an open jaw ticket, you have to take into account the fact that you will need to make your way back to the same city you flew into.

Quote:
Is it right to think accommodation is about 25 euro? have you, or heard of anyone that used couch-surfing to cut on costs? it sounds good in theory, but it’s a little frightening.


25 Euro sounds about right, give or take.  I never couch surfed so I’m not the one to ask.  There has been a few threads on this already.  Do a forum search for couch surfing for more info.

Turkey and Georgia On My Mind
I am leaving from New York, NY and traveling for 64 days
Reykjavik, London, Lille, Berlin, Kraków, Lviv, Istanbul, Selçuk, Pamukkale, Kızkalesi, Göreme, Kars, Bat'umi, Akhalts'ikhe, Tbilisi, Telavi, Istanbul

Eurotrip Managing Editor

Sun, 12/23/2007 - 01:21
#4
The Clance
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I’d start in Italy and work north. Not because of the weather in the UK, but with a three month trip you be finishing in August. Italy in August is not the best, all the locals are on holidays and its often too hot.