I took the plunge, booked a trip to Europe!!!!

[tinkerbell of winter]

UPDATE: I took the plunge, booked myself a European Road Trip for 14 days, of course I went overbudget, but it's my 30th birthday present! I am really excited, going to Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and finishing in England. I will be going to DLP for one day on my own and am very excited about that! If anyone has been to Europe in the summer and has any recommendations I would LOVE to hear them! I'm going solo, but as part of a larger group tour with college students, I just hope I won't be the "old hag" of the group. I have bought a guide-"Lets Go Europe" as well as a Fodor's book of city maps and city guides on Amazon.com. Now I just have to apply for my passport next tuesday and everything will start rolling. I was a tiny bit apprehensive about the whole solo thing, but if I don't go solo, I won't get to go!!! Besides, I ran all over South Korea by myself for a year when I was 19, is it getting older that makes us more chicken?

______________________________________________________________
Here's the sitch, I am considering taking a vacation while my daughter is at her father's house over the summer, early August time frame. What recommendations does anyone have? I have thought about a short cruise, but without double occupancy it really wouldn't be worth it. I am thinking of Vegas, but what would you all recommend. I will be traveling alone. I have also thought about Hawaii for 4-5 days or so, or Mexico. If anyone has had great experiences somewhere (preferably out of the main hurricaine lanes) feel free to share them with me! I have even considered Europe for 5 days or so. Budget is less than $1500, airfare included.

Advice about Vegas or anywhere else would be greatly appreciated, how far away is the Grand Canyon, what kind of day excursions are possible? I know it will be HOT but I don't have a problem with the heat, and I kind of miss the desert landscape.

 

[FergieTCat]

Go to Vegas! I've been there alone and it was great. I just got back with friends and we had a blast.

There's more to do than gamble. You can go shopping off the strip. They have outlet centers -- we went to a Disney Outlet (7600 S. Las Vegas Blvd., btw) and got great deals.

As for nature, if you drive 30 minutes off the strip (don't remember in which direction), you can see Red Rocks Basin. There's a $5 fee to enter the scenic route, but it was worth every penny. The Grand Canyon is a 6 hour drive (if not less) and is simply magnificent!!!! I want to go back there so bad.

Oh, and don't forget to see Barry Manilow at the Hilton (got to put in my plug!)

 

[salmoneous]

I love Vegas. August is one of the cheapest times of year to go - there are always great room deals springing up about 6-weeks ahead of time. But do keep in mind that the reason August is so cheap is that when it's over 110 degrees, its HOT, none of this, "but it's a dry heat" thing.

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

I should get a ticker for my trip! I get more excited everytime I think about it! Any recommendations????

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds great, have a super time!!!

 

[beachbunny]

For $1500 and 14 days, you won't be staying in youth hostels will you? I'm saying this with all respect to my Greek siblings - but they're kinda like frat houses.

Just remember that with the conversion rate for euros and pounds, everything, including food, will be expensive. So double your food budget and you should be fine.

Although my advice sounds like Chevy Chase's European Vacation, I recommend that you hit the highlights. You'll then know where you'll want to return to for a more in-depth experience. In London, see a show, do the London Eye, and visit the British Museum (or the V&A). If your budget allows, have tea at the Ritz or dinner at the Ivy. In Paris, take the train out to DLP for the day. Also, hit the Eiffel Tower and the Lourve. You get the picture... There is so much to do and so little time. Have fun!

 

[Freyja]

Wow. You´ll be busy in Europe. 7 countries in 14 days!!! Do you know what the itinary looks like? Where you´ll be staying overnight etc?

Have fun!

 

[LK03]

I did a 18 day trip to Europe in college and there was an older woman, probably in her 50s that tagged along and I think she had a great time! We did 5 countries, and wow it was a lot, but you will have a blast I'm sure! I tried to get some of the other travellers to go to DLP but none would go. Should have done what you did and gone alone. How exciting!

 

[escape]

I'm excited for you!

I've been to all of those places (including DLP) and you won't have any problems getting around. However, it doesn't sound like you will have very much time in any one place.

I'm assuming you will be going to Paris for the France part of your trip. How much time will you have there? Although DLP is a lot of fun, I'd hate for you to miss out on all that Paris has to offer. It's one of my favorite cities and there is so much to see and do. I guess it all depends on what you want to do but I'd take a closer look at all that is available before making final decisions.

Have fun and be sure to report back after your trip!

 

[HayGan]

is it getting older that makes us more chicken?

It is definatley the age that comes with wisdom that makes us think more about these adventures! I backpacked throughout Europe with a friend of mine right after our high school graduation. It was a blast! We went for about 6 weeks and saw sooooo much! I'm 33 now and I can't even imagine doing it that way again!

Some cities I would recommend in the countries you will be are:

Munich and Garmish Partenkirchen in Germany
Innsbruk, Austria
Rome & Florence, Italy
and definately Paris!

You will have a blast!

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

Oh I went way over my budget! We are staying in hotels, and I paid extra to have a single room. I definitely want to go to DLP, that's part of the reason I booked this trip, there is an extra day in Paris compared to the one I was going to take. The city lineup looks like this-amsterdam (2nights), heidelberg, munich, innsbruck, venice, lucerne, paris(2 nights), london(2 nights). The other trip I was considering spent a lot of time in Italy, and once I saw this one going to Germany as well as Austria and Switzerland I was hooked. I went to apply for my passport today, that was exciting. Thank you everyone for you advice! I can't wait until my travel guides arrive so I can go over them with a fine toothed comb.