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6 replies

Thu, 02/26/2009 - 14:39

dreaming_of_europe

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Eurotrip Points: 23

Member: 10628

Joined: 02/26/2009

Hi fellow travelers,
I am a student leaving from montreal and going on a trip around France, Switzerland, and Germany in late May of 2009. I am leaving with my boyfriend and we’re staying with friends and family, so no hostels or other accomodations are needed. We are staying for 5 weeks.
I have a few questions, as this is my first trip… – What kinds of things can I leave out of my packing and purchase or borrow when in europe and what can I absolutely not leave the country without? – What is a realistic budget for me, considering we won;t be paying for accomodations? I am not looking for the cheapest way of travelling, I want to experience as much as I can, but still have enough money to continue my education…=P
-What are your suggestions for top attractions or things to do in the following cities/regions : Paris, Nice, French Alpes, Normandy, Berlin, Basel, Monaco (and all outskirts…we can get around if there are things that are worth it!!!)
-Also if anyone has any random tips or ideas, I am open minded and they are all very appreciated…
Thank you all very much for your time! =)

Eurotrip `09

I am leaving from Montreal with $3000 for 37 days
Paris, Chaudon, Épernon, Caen, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Bois-d'Amont, Basel, Berlin

Thu, 02/26/2009 - 17:54

oldlady

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Quote:

what can I absolutely not leave the country without?

Nothing but an adapter plug for your digital camera charger and prescription medications. It’s sometimes hard to find the brand or the exact same thing for OTC medications and toiletries, so it’s nice to have an adequate supply, but it’s only essential if you absolutely need (like due to allergies) a specific brand or “no perfumes” or something like that.

Fri, 02/27/2009 - 11:38

Kayling05

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Joined: 11/02/2008

depending on how long you are there, you may need some feminine products. These can be found in major grocery stores and pharmacies just like in North america. I know Monoprix in France has tampax.

Since you are staying with friends, I’d say probably about 35-40 euros a day would be plenty for food and attractions. Then you will probably need rail pass(es) covering France, Germany and Switzerland. You can look those up at eurail.com. Then of course paying for your flight.

Obviously, bring your passport, prescription meds, adapter/converter plugs. But also I would bring anything you are not comfortable without at home, whether it’s your favorite shoes you wear everywhere, or a specific bag you like to carry.

Paris attractions (only place on your list I have been, sorry):
Obviously- Eiffel Tower
The Louvre and the Tuileries gardens
Musée D’Orsay
Sacre Coeur
Notre Dame
Luxembourg Gardens
The Catacombs
Arc de Triomphe

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Fri, 02/27/2009 - 15:59

dreaming_of_europe

New Member

Eurotrip Points: 23

Member: 10628

Joined: 02/26/2009

Thank you, I guess it makes sense to bring things I use often and “need” lol
I’m really glad my budget seems ok…although I’m sure once I get there, there will be a lot of unexpected things to pay for, but I’m trying to get the most before leaving as possible…like the eurail pass…but i just don’t know whats best…
We want to fly from Basel to Berlin and then from Berlin to Paris because its very inexpensive, and its much shorter than the 20+ hours we would spend on the trains to get to those places…are the trains comfortable and reliable???
Thanks again! Smile

Eurotrip `09

I am leaving from Montreal with $3000 for 37 days
Paris, Chaudon, Épernon, Caen, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Bois-d'Amont, Basel, Berlin

Fri, 02/27/2009 - 16:01

dreaming_of_europe

New Member

Eurotrip Points: 23

Member: 10628

Joined: 02/26/2009

About the adapter plug for my digital camera…is that all I need? Or do I absolutely need a converter too???
Thanks! Smile

Eurotrip `09

I am leaving from Montreal with $3000 for 37 days
Paris, Chaudon, Épernon, Caen, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Bois-d'Amont, Basel, Berlin

Fri, 02/27/2009 - 18:10

oldlady

Moderator

Eurotrip Points: 19

Member: 778

Joined: 01/03/2007

Quote:

About the adapter plug for my digital camera…is that all I need? Or do I absolutely need a converter too???
Thanks! Smile

Probably. Check the charger. Somewhere it will list acceptable “inputs.” It will probably say 110 to 220 (or even 240) volts. If that’s the case you only need an adapter plug. If it only says 110 volts, I’d look for a different charger before I risked using a converter with my digital camera charger. There’s more about electricity under “packing” in the “travel tips” tab.

Mon, 03/02/2009 - 16:22

swill

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Eurotrip Points: 691

Member: 5818

Joined: 03/28/2007

oldlady wrote a very good article regarding electricity in europe. you may want to check it out…

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