Europe in 2009 ?
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barrett7890
<font color=red>Donna is flippin awesome! I wish I
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I would start with working out what countries you want to visit, and where in that country. Weather wise, it could be really hot in Italy at the same time it's freezing in Scotland!!!
cami
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cami
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R.S.Winters
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hey i live in europe. seems strange to hear ppl say "we're GOING to europe" lol
id say start with the money. ur $ is mega low for u at the mo (good for us guys tho!!)
what about london and paris?
you can travel between them on the train and you can visit disneyland on the same trip!!
3nts london / 3nts paris / 2nts DLP
sounds good to me!! lol
ok, i'll shut up now haha my travel agent side is coming out again lol
D.
id say start with the money. ur $ is mega low for u at the mo (good for us guys tho!!)
what about london and paris?
you can travel between them on the train and you can visit disneyland on the same trip!!
3nts london / 3nts paris / 2nts DLP
sounds good to me!! lol
ok, i'll shut up now haha my travel agent side is coming out again lol
D.
Well, I would narrow it down - that's like saying 'I am going to North America for vacation' 
Pick one or maybe two countries, and look for places that can connect easily. (ie Amsterdam to Paris to London is fairly easy; but if you want to see Normandie and Paris and Vienna and Prague and Munich and Switzerland in a week or two you will exhaust yourself)
Visit a bookstore and browse (don't buy!) travel guides to get some ideas. Go to flyertalk.com or frommers.com and browse.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, then you can look into how to best get between cities. Often flying is cheaper and faster than driving or taking a train nowadays.
I am going on a driving holiday for almost three weeks shortly. Even though I am German and have seen much of Germany in my life, and worked in Paris, I am finding it difficult to squeeze in just a corner of Bavaria, Paris, and day trips to Austria/Italy into my trip. So you can imagine how much of a challenge for someone who doesn't know the countries and/or doesn't want to drive.
I would also pick two places to be your base and consider day trips from there. There was a long thread on the budget board awhile back about budget travel around Europe - CarolA, nbodyhome and I have all travelled around quite extensively and are happy to share information once you get to that point.
Happy planning!
Pick one or maybe two countries, and look for places that can connect easily. (ie Amsterdam to Paris to London is fairly easy; but if you want to see Normandie and Paris and Vienna and Prague and Munich and Switzerland in a week or two you will exhaust yourself)
Visit a bookstore and browse (don't buy!) travel guides to get some ideas. Go to flyertalk.com or frommers.com and browse.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, then you can look into how to best get between cities. Often flying is cheaper and faster than driving or taking a train nowadays.
I am going on a driving holiday for almost three weeks shortly. Even though I am German and have seen much of Germany in my life, and worked in Paris, I am finding it difficult to squeeze in just a corner of Bavaria, Paris, and day trips to Austria/Italy into my trip. So you can imagine how much of a challenge for someone who doesn't know the countries and/or doesn't want to drive.
I would also pick two places to be your base and consider day trips from there. There was a long thread on the budget board awhile back about budget travel around Europe - CarolA, nbodyhome and I have all travelled around quite extensively and are happy to share information once you get to that point.
Happy planning!
As to 'not freeze' part - you will need to again narrow it down a bit. In November in Paris I rarely wear a jacket. A little cooler in parts of Bavaria, but the chinook wind can make it very warm and humid.
In comparision, this July it was 12 degrees while I was in Paris on many days and last November it was 20 degrees on many days. Much of France and Germany is mild most of the year, but there can be really bad heat waves lately in summer (and little or no air conditioning will make it feel much warmer to you). Also there is little air conditioning in shops and restaurants, and maybe not your hotel room either, so you will feel bit warmer than in the same temperature at home.
In comparision, this July it was 12 degrees while I was in Paris on many days and last November it was 20 degrees on many days. Much of France and Germany is mild most of the year, but there can be really bad heat waves lately in summer (and little or no air conditioning will make it feel much warmer to you). Also there is little air conditioning in shops and restaurants, and maybe not your hotel room either, so you will feel bit warmer than in the same temperature at home.
Agreed about the "choose your countries" then you can look at climate. I would suggest September or October. Airfares are insane in the summer.
Do you want to see art? Cathedrals? Nature? Historical sites?
Go to the site of a tour company, like Globus, and request some of their free brochures. This will give you a great idea of what sort of itinerary to plan, how much you can accomplish in a certain time, and what sights there are to see.
We are in the early planning stages of a 2010 trip and although we're planning on going on our own, the brochures have been lots of fun to pour over. We did go with Globus before and enjoyed it very much. We were able to cover a lot more territory than we would on own own, but we had a different agenda for that trip. DH had never been to Europe and we wanted to see everything possible in the time we had. A tour will drive you up to the major attractions, let you out, and then collect you in a certain amount of time. They handle all your luggage. All you have to do is show up
However, you don't get to experience as much of the local culture, nor do you have the option to leave early if you're bored or stay longer if you're interested.
You'll have to weigh out which is best for you
Our Globus trip covered 17 countries and of course we just hit the high points of a few major cities. Our upcoming trip will be Germany, Austria, and Italy, and we want to go at a slower pace. Also, we're comfortable using European public transportation. A tour is prepaid, so even if the dollar falls, your price doesn't go up (usually...if you're paid in full); on your own, you're hostage to the exchange rate a little more.
Do you want to see art? Cathedrals? Nature? Historical sites?
Go to the site of a tour company, like Globus, and request some of their free brochures. This will give you a great idea of what sort of itinerary to plan, how much you can accomplish in a certain time, and what sights there are to see.
We are in the early planning stages of a 2010 trip and although we're planning on going on our own, the brochures have been lots of fun to pour over. We did go with Globus before and enjoyed it very much. We were able to cover a lot more territory than we would on own own, but we had a different agenda for that trip. DH had never been to Europe and we wanted to see everything possible in the time we had. A tour will drive you up to the major attractions, let you out, and then collect you in a certain amount of time. They handle all your luggage. All you have to do is show up
However, you don't get to experience as much of the local culture, nor do you have the option to leave early if you're bored or stay longer if you're interested. You'll have to weigh out which is best for you
Our Globus trip covered 17 countries and of course we just hit the high points of a few major cities. Our upcoming trip will be Germany, Austria, and Italy, and we want to go at a slower pace. Also, we're comfortable using European public transportation. A tour is prepaid, so even if the dollar falls, your price doesn't go up (usually...if you're paid in full); on your own, you're hostage to the exchange rate a little more.
Laura
DIS Legend
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You have to choose what country(ies) you'll visit. Some are cheaper than others, some have completely different weather than others, some have a familiar language, some don't, etc. Food, scenery, culture should all be factors in your decision. Other thoughts: places you've particularly wanted to see, any European language you're familiar with, what kind of trip you want to take (tour museums or lay on a beach), periods of history you've been fascinated by, ancestors from a particular country, and so on--these might spark some ideas in your mind of where you want to go.
From there, you can figure out a budget, what time of year to go, for how long, etc.
1. Apply for your passport now.
2. Save money
3. Save more money
4. Think about what you want to see. You could go to just one country and spent years and not see it all. What is your interest? Art? Food? Beer? Scenery? History?
4. Hit the library and get lots of books and videos/DVDs. Though he drives me nuts, Rick Steves' stuff is very good.
2. Save money
3. Save more money
4. Think about what you want to see. You could go to just one country and spent years and not see it all. What is your interest? Art? Food? Beer? Scenery? History?
4. Hit the library and get lots of books and videos/DVDs. Though he drives me nuts, Rick Steves' stuff is very good.
I watch his television program occassionally, but only with the sound turned off. Yesterday on his radio show he asked a guest if it was offensive for him to call him a 'kiwi'. All I could think was 'as opposed to the hundreds of other times you have been offensive to non-Americans?!'
But his website does have some good beginner traveller advice. However a few people here have said that his recommended places to stay are chronically booked out by Americans now, so you may have a challenge actually getting a reservation.
Katy Belle
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Start reading. I like Fodors and Frommers Guides. Get some from the library and get an idea of where you would like to go. I agree with the tip about looking at Tour Groups Itineraries and then copying it for yourself. They give you an idea of popular places to visit.
The message boards on frommers.com, fodors.com and tripadvisor.com are helpful. Go read others posts until you know enough to ask your own question!
As for weather....we did Paris in March one year and barely wore jackets(unseasonally warm), we were in London this June and froze in our sandals as it was rainy and cool the whole time. We were in Italy in March this year and it was light jacket weather the whole time.
Also, I would recommend that you start your trip with London. Its an easy place to visit, due to being able to read and speak the language. Its a great city, full of great things to see. This will help you get used to all the differences before being thrown in full force to a place where you can't read anything.
Good luck! Have fun with the planning!
Katy
The message boards on frommers.com, fodors.com and tripadvisor.com are helpful. Go read others posts until you know enough to ask your own question!
As for weather....we did Paris in March one year and barely wore jackets(unseasonally warm), we were in London this June and froze in our sandals as it was rainy and cool the whole time. We were in Italy in March this year and it was light jacket weather the whole time.
Also, I would recommend that you start your trip with London. Its an easy place to visit, due to being able to read and speak the language. Its a great city, full of great things to see. This will help you get used to all the differences before being thrown in full force to a place where you can't read anything.
Good luck! Have fun with the planning!
Katy
I think you should include Paris and Venice in your agenda. Both beautiful cities where you can get along fairly well speaking just English. If you're planning on going to multiple places look online at train schedules/routes. Otherwise you can choose two or three cities and just fly between them. I found it was easiest to fly from Paris to Venice, as the train would have been about 12 hours and involved a transfer in Milan. If you want to see Paris for several days, it's extremely easy to get around with all the trains/subways etc.
Apply for birth certificate check
Filled out the application for passport check (waiting for BC to apply)
Saving money (as always) check
Going to AAA today (travel angency)
we are very interested in starting out in London and heading to Paris and Amersterdam at some point in the trip. I of course would love to do some Italy as well but I don't know how feasible that will be.
Our time frame looks to be May of 2009
Gotta head to work. Looking forward to all your help!!!
Filled out the application for passport check (waiting for BC to apply)
Saving money (as always) check
Going to AAA today (travel angency)
we are very interested in starting out in London and heading to Paris and Amersterdam at some point in the trip. I of course would love to do some Italy as well but I don't know how feasible that will be.
Our time frame looks to be May of 2009
Gotta head to work. Looking forward to all your help!!!
Kath2003
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2006
- Messages
- 7,683
Europe's an ENTIRE continent. It's like me saying I'm going to America in 2009
Best times - well for the UK you don't want to be coming in the winter (November - March) but the southern European countries are SCORCHING in the summer (bliss!).
I would recommend starting in London - it's a great city and it's an easy (and shortest) place to fly to. Connections to the rest of Europe by boat, road, train and air are excellent.
Make a list of the places you want to go and then be realistic about how much time you have. Personally I'd do:
France (Paris)
Germany (Hamburg is beautiful)
Italy (although I've never been)
Croatia (I hear it's beautiful)
Possibly Norway and the fjords.
Iceland on the way back! I'd LOVE to go to Iceland!
BE AWARE OF THE SCHOOL VACATIONS. Yes, its' expensive to travel in the summer but school doesn't let out until mid-July here so you can still get reasonable flight prices in June and early July. Be aware that half term weeks (no school) are late May, late October and late February. There are also 2 weeks break at both Easter and Christmas. Flight and hotel prices sky-rocket during these times.
Best times - well for the UK you don't want to be coming in the winter (November - March) but the southern European countries are SCORCHING in the summer (bliss!).
I would recommend starting in London - it's a great city and it's an easy (and shortest) place to fly to. Connections to the rest of Europe by boat, road, train and air are excellent.
Make a list of the places you want to go and then be realistic about how much time you have. Personally I'd do:
France (Paris)
Germany (Hamburg is beautiful)
Italy (although I've never been)
Croatia (I hear it's beautiful)
Possibly Norway and the fjords.
Iceland on the way back! I'd LOVE to go to Iceland!
BE AWARE OF THE SCHOOL VACATIONS. Yes, its' expensive to travel in the summer but school doesn't let out until mid-July here so you can still get reasonable flight prices in June and early July. Be aware that half term weeks (no school) are late May, late October and late February. There are also 2 weeks break at both Easter and Christmas. Flight and hotel prices sky-rocket during these times.
I understand what you mean by America/Europe and I apologize for my blunder. Although if you want to travel to America I would love to guide you to some must sees.
We are thinking about traveling in the month of May. Do you think this is a feasible time weather and price wise?
The plan so far is to fly in to London and then to travel from there to our other destinations. Members in our party really want to go to Paris, Amsterdam, and I would love to visit Italy/Rome if we think we'll have time.
We are thinking about traveling in the month of May. Do you think this is a feasible time weather and price wise?
The plan so far is to fly in to London and then to travel from there to our other destinations. Members in our party really want to go to Paris, Amsterdam, and I would love to visit Italy/Rome if we think we'll have time.
are you going for one week? two weeks? three weeks?
London to Paris and Paris to Amsterdam can now be done each in under three hours. But remember that your first and last day will be taken up with jetlag and travel.
So in one week, I would only do London and Paris, and that will only give you a very small (very small!) taste of those cities
In two weeks, I would try for London and Paris and Amsterdam, with perhaps some day trips from either London or Paris.
In three weeks, I would say that London/Paris/Amsterdam and one Italian city would be possible. But I still think that if you try too much in too short a time you will only be disappointed, frustrated, and tired, and will have spent too much money to see too little.
London to Paris and Paris to Amsterdam can now be done each in under three hours. But remember that your first and last day will be taken up with jetlag and travel.
So in one week, I would only do London and Paris, and that will only give you a very small (very small!) taste of those cities
In two weeks, I would try for London and Paris and Amsterdam, with perhaps some day trips from either London or Paris.
In three weeks, I would say that London/Paris/Amsterdam and one Italian city would be possible. But I still think that if you try too much in too short a time you will only be disappointed, frustrated, and tired, and will have spent too much money to see too little.
OP - who all is traveling with you? Are there children, or only adults. This will factor in BIG TIME with your itinerary. Kids aren't the energizer bunny; they can't do Europe non-stop any more than they can do Disney, and throw in unfamiliar foods, languages, etc to boot. However if they are prepared, and are part of the planning process (ie- you agree to take them to the Diana playground and the London Eye of they'll suffer through a tour of Westminster Abbey) then they can have an amazing experience 
We took our girls to London and Paris last summer. The trip was 13 days total. We went on our own. We LOVED every minute. (Well...almost every minute )
You can read about our trip on my livejournal if you like
(I hope it's okay to post the links - I didn't want to hijack the thread with my trip report...)
Day One (skip this one if you want...it contains most of the minutes we did NOT love )
http://laurie31.livejournal.com/2654.html#cutid1
Day Two http://laurie31.livejournal.com/2988.html#cutid1
Day Three http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3084.html#cutid1
Day Four http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3547.html#cutid1
Day Five http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3738.html#cutid1
Day Six http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3915.html#cutid1
Day Seven http://laurie31.livejournal.com/4278.html#cutid1
Day Eight http://laurie31.livejournal.com/4474.html#cutid1
Day Nine http://laurie31.livejournal.com/8362.html#cutid1
Day Tenhttp://laurie31.livejournal.com/8507.html#cutid1
Day Elevenhttp://laurie31.livejournal.com/8732.html#cutid1
Day Twelvehttp://laurie31.livejournal.com/8962.html#cutid1
Day Thirteen http://laurie31.livejournal.com/9307.html#cutid1
(ummm...I should probably mention that this trip report was originally written for my fellow Battlestar Galactica fan friends so it has the occasional reference to the show in there )
We took our girls to London and Paris last summer. The trip was 13 days total. We went on our own. We LOVED every minute. (Well...almost every minute
)You can read about our trip on my livejournal if you like
(I hope it's okay to post the links - I didn't want to hijack the thread with my trip report...)
Day One (skip this one if you want...it contains most of the minutes we did NOT love
)http://laurie31.livejournal.com/2654.html#cutid1
Day Two http://laurie31.livejournal.com/2988.html#cutid1
Day Three http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3084.html#cutid1
Day Four http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3547.html#cutid1
Day Five http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3738.html#cutid1
Day Six http://laurie31.livejournal.com/3915.html#cutid1
Day Seven http://laurie31.livejournal.com/4278.html#cutid1
Day Eight http://laurie31.livejournal.com/4474.html#cutid1
Day Nine http://laurie31.livejournal.com/8362.html#cutid1
Day Tenhttp://laurie31.livejournal.com/8507.html#cutid1
Day Elevenhttp://laurie31.livejournal.com/8732.html#cutid1
Day Twelvehttp://laurie31.livejournal.com/8962.html#cutid1
Day Thirteen http://laurie31.livejournal.com/9307.html#cutid1
(ummm...I should probably mention that this trip report was originally written for my fellow Battlestar Galactica fan friends so it has the occasional reference to the show in there
)London, Paris, Amsterdam is a GREAT itinerary!!!!
I was a travel agent for many, many years and planned loads of trips for people to Europe. I recommend you try to find some real authentic and European hotels. I REALLY feel that staying in a very English hotel is the best way to totally immerse in London. Location is just as important. Paris-you MUST find a charming, beautiful, well located hotel. Start looking now. Talk to everyone you meet and get online using words like 'chic' and 'charming' as well as going to the library and using the books. Amsterdam has it's share of wonderful hotels. Again, location is paramount there. I record cooking shows that feature restaurants in Europe. Giada De Laurentis has some wonderful weekend getaway shows where she features amazing restaurants.
As far as I'm concerned, the only information you need from a travel agent right now is 'what are the trends in low airfares and when might we begin to look at flights.' If you are lucky and find a travel agent with loads of independent Europe information - use them to book your trip and pay the fees. It's worth it. Start saving lots of money. You will need it. You haven't said how much time you'll have. Each of the cities you've mentioned need at least 3 days with another day into the country to do things like Cambridge, Bath, Giverny and so forth. You will also need to plug in at least 3 travel days and a day or two to just relax, pub crawl, shop and so forth. I could pm you some hotel names that I regularly used. Are you budget, first class, upscale or luxury travellers? There are perfect hotels for everyone!!!
Happy planning!
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