Should I plan an itinerary for next summers trip to Europe? How did you plan your international trip? HELP PLZ

Question

I'm thinking of taking me family to Europe next summer, but I have NO IDEA where we should go!

I know we want to see

the Vatican

The eiffel tower

shop!

And more, how should I plan this?

Are there any books with all the countries activities/shops/resturants/museums/chur...

Plz Help!!!

How can I plan!!!!!!

DO they have a guide book or something?!

HELP!

Tips greatly appreciated! THANKS!

Answer 1

Hey Baily,

Ofcourse important to see those famous landmarks but remember to get off the tourist track once in a while and mix with the locals...thats where you find the best international experiences...

Smaller towns in the south of france and italy are bellisima...enjoy

Positano, Sicilia, Capri, Dardorgne region in france

Answer 2

First of all, you have to pick your destinations! For example you want to visit France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy etc.

After choosing the countries you do a little research of what you want to see in these countries. Then  you search the accessibility, rail time schedule or air time schedules. By rail is very exciting and you can book tickets on-line.

http://www.raileurope.com/us/index.htm

If u feel OK driving in Europe then you can buy a map ( by the way it's easy to go around by car and you have the chance to see many things and sights) You need to do a small planning before you travel.

As far as it concerns shopping, Milan is fantastic, there are great shops, unique areas for shopping and of course designers'  stock-outlet. Also have in mind that in Germany during August they have great deals- sales ( Frankfurt, Munich, Koln etc)

Check the following links to get some ideas:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/e...

http://www.travelswise.com/

http://goeurope.about.com/

Answer 3

For a guidebook, get either Lonely Planet's "Europe on a Shoestring" or Rough Guides "Europe".  Either one will have loads of information about potential destinations, budgeting, transportation, etc.

You first need to figure out (1) your budget, and (2) how much time you will have to travel.  Then see about how much you will have to spend per day, and if that's realistic.

Once you've done that, read through the guidebook, and make a list of the destinations that interest you the most and about how much time you want in each one.  Then design an approximate itinerary (e.g. London - 4 days, Paris - 4 days, Amsterdam - 3 days, Berlin - 3 days...).  Then figure out which places (1) are too far from the other places you are visiting that maybe you might want to cut out (e.g. if you are planning to spend most of your time in Eastern Europe it might not make sense to include Spain), and (2) are potentially interesting places you haven't thought of that are convenient to other places that are on your list (e.g. visiting Belgium on your way from Paris to Amsterdam).

When you have the itinerary basically in shape, you need to decide how to get around.  Taking trains is usually the best option.  This doesn't necessarily mean getting a railpass, but the railpass does sometimes save money.  If you are only visiting a few major cities you might just want to fly between them - look at airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, or Air Berlin.  Renting a car is very expensive, both for car hire and gas, and parking and traffic are a nightmare in most major cities.  Meanwhile most large cities in Europe have excellent mass transit systems so you really don't need a car.  So basically, renting a car in Europe is rarely a good option unless you are going to a rural area with limited public transport.