Need some help planning a 3 month trip to Europe

Question

I'm planning a 3 month trip to Europe(Ireland, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, and maybe Spain)

1. What would be the most inexpensive way to travel to all these countries? I have heard mixed reviews about the Eurorail Pass and I'm not really sure what other options there are.

2. What is a reasonable budget for this trip if we plan to stay mostly in hostels? I was hoping to stay somewhere around $10,000 but I'm not sure if that is reasonable or not?

Basically I don't really know much about going to Europe or what is a must see so ANY input would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!!

Answer 1

Like the others said defiantly stick to the train. It is normally quick, reliable (very little delays) and probably the cheapest. Also yes Switzerland is pretty expensive and Greece and Spain are out of the way (Like some other guy said) but you could still see them if you planned it right. A lot of the cities in Europe are beautiful such as Dublin (Ireland), Britain has a lot of nice cities alone but I am guessing you are going to London (sorry if I am wrong) and well I live close to London (20 mins by train) and I can tell you there is a lot to do there and a nice place to see. France has the gorgeous city of Paris which I liked very much. I have never been to Belguim but ofcourse they have very nice chocolate =D. I have only been to Amsterdam in the Netherlands and it was nice and some good stuff to do and see. Germany is very nice especially Berlin which has a very good nightlife and there is some nice museams to see there. Never been to Austria but I am looking to visit there soon. Italy I have only been to Rome but it was really really nice with some fun stuff to do and nice food imo =D. Now Czech has Prague which was just WOW, I mean I don't know what to say except it is extremely beautiful and it defiantly worth a see. Also I see you haven't listed Hungary but I do recommend Budapest just do some research and see if it tickles your fancy. I think your budget will be perfectly fine aslong as you don't eat in fancy places and like you said sleep in hostiles. From my experience a lot of smaller resturants and non fancy resturants do really good food anyway.

Sorry if I went on to much and good luck with your trip and just enjoy yourself.

Also research is properly and try and plan your route and stick to a certain time routine.

C ya

Answer 2

u lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!can i come =D

tip:buy as many chocolate boxes in switzerland their the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I don't know too much about the whole cost but I would stick with the rail or subway to travel. Renting a car is to expensive, especially in European standards, also flying is h**l now and more expensive. Going by train is really inexpensive and lets you enjoy the scenery of the countryside and old school, not to mention more relaxing then a car ride or a busy international airport in London or Frankfurt. Always make sure you use the subway when you can, in Germany it is cheap and is the main way for transportation, and very precise. it can take you from one end of Berlin to the other very fast.

Also don't spend your money on 5 star eateries like many European cities have, eat local, where the cultural food is. Remember, the Euro is worth more then American money now that most European nations are part of the EU and share a common economy and currency. Also American stuff is overpriced in Europe so buy European stuff that is further away from tourist parts of towns so you don't get ripped with large pricetags.

Have fun and enjoy I envy you sooo much!

Answer 4

You should absolutely get the eurail pass. www. eurail.com It also includes a free trip with a bunk bed on the ferries to/from italy and greece. The ferries are more like cruise ships, but not as fancy, than what you picture when you think ferry.Czech Republic and England are not covered with the pass. I think my exta fare to Prague from the German border was 11euro; getting to or from England is quite a bit more. Taking a ferry is cheaper than using the chunnel, but it takes a lot longer. You can get cheap flights within Europe from www.easyjet.com.

I think your budget is absolutely reasonable. I went for 5 weeks all over for about 3,000 including air fare and eurail pass, and a new digital camera, backpack, and special travel clothes which were a stupid thing to buy. One special purchase I would highly reccomend if you are staying in hostels is a packtowel. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/10/... It is soft, suprisingly absorbent, folds up tiny, and dries fast.

You will find get tired of going to all the museums, so just go to the big ones. They start to run together so sav.e your money for something else. To save money on food, shop for sandwich stuff in the grocery stores. Many hostels also offer a breakfast which usually consists of wonderful bread and some spreads. When going to restaurants, walk around a little more and go down some side streets until you get out of the touristy area. If you hear a lot of English, look a little further. The food will be MUCH cheaper and more authentic. Have a great time and email me if you have any other questions, I love to give advice about going to Europe and have  LOTS more.

one more thing- the most memorable experiences will be meeting and hanging out with the people you meet on the trains, in the hostels, while at cafes, and wherever. all this is free and a better experience than seeing all the sites. That being said, you must see some of the sights, but don't worry if some get left out.

Answer 5

Dude, scratch Switzerland (expensive), Greece (out of the way) and Spain (as painful as it is fo me to say that, it is out of the way and not practical.  Spain is great!!!).

Then I would opt for the Eurorial pass, and utilze the sleeping waggons, then up your budget by something between $US1,000 - $US5,000 and you can have a great time.  

The train is the best way to go where you want when you want and not get messed up too much.  You can alos go to the "Mitfahrzentrale" or whatever it is called in other languages, but then you are dependant on strange people driving strange cars ..... sometimes a great experience, sometimes funny, many times just downright annoying ....

A total budget of USD 3,333 per month is now only about €2,000, and you ain't doin' much on that if you are paying hotels and train tickets with it.

Answer 6

with $10,000 you will have a blast , it could last you a year if you live frugally and only drink bread and wine.

if you stay in youth hostels whic are cheap and well run, you could save alot of money, also the train is the best way to get around.

Eurorail is fine, and most trains are very modern.

places to go london , all over it, paris the same, they have brochure sin all the hostels of places to visit, also you will meet hundreds of other american travellers, who will tell you places to visit.

rome is pretty nice, as is madrid. pretty much all of europe is great.

have a ball.