1st Time European Traveler - Questions

congratulations on your first trip to Europe. You should look into flying open jaw which will save you from having to back track, flying into London and out of Rome for example. London, Paris and Rome are definitely good locations and a great introduction to Europe but you won't be able to go "all over" Italy. With 19 days you can see a lot but you must be balanced with your plans and not try to do too much as many first timers do.

When I went on our trip, I was planning it as a once only so I compiled a list of places I wanted to see. I started in the North (Scotland) and made my way down in a relative straight line, so I wouldn't have to criss-cross or double back. I used both train (point to point) and two air flights. I extensively used Rick Steve guide book, Best of Europe and Through the Back Door. This turned out to be the best trip ever, so much so I'm now planning another one for 2013.

Remember the opportunity cost of your time, you can only spend it once. Nineteen days sounds like a lifetime when you haven't committed any of it. Once you start slicing it up, you will see how quickly it gets spent. I like to stay in one area, to keep the time lost to travel to a minimum. If you do London, Paris and Rome, for example. Day one is lost on your flight there (and day two is all but lost to jet lag). How long will you spend in London? I base it on two major sights per day. You may be able to squeeze more in, but you want your plan to be achievable. From London to Paris isn't like crossing the street. You will check out, get to the train station or airport, wait for your ride, arrive, get downtown, check in, unpack, etc. This will consume virtually all of your usable day. Paris to Rome consumes even more and you lose another day to your flight home. My rule of thumb is to limit daily travel time to no more than four hours and keep one-night stops to a minimum. Of course, that brings me back to staying in one area.

Thanks for the tips. I get so excited thinking about where I want to go. I want to see everything ha ha but I want to enjoy it too. But I agree that I dont want to waste to much time traveling/flying around either. Italy is my number one place... maybe Munich to Switzerland and then Down through Italy to rome. Or do maybe Spain, Siwtzerland, Italy.. It's hard to figure out and nail it down ha ha. I am sure I'll be going back and this wont be my 1st and only time. So that helps. It will be fun. I am looking forward to it for sure!

19 days total travel time, means bascially 17 days to spend on the ground. I would pick 2 or 3 main destinations- plan on 4-6 days in each with some day trips. Then plot your transition between them and spend at least 2 nights in each transition destination. I'll give you an example using the UK, as I know that best. I know the places I'll use are probably not your choices, but they serve to illustrate- Day 1 flight to London Day 2-6 London with day trips to Windsor, Brighton, and possibly Cardiff or Bath Day 7- train to York (2 hours) Day 7- 8 York Day 9 Train to Edinburgh (2 1/2 hours) Day 9-10 Edinburgh Day 11 train to Aviemore (1 1/2 hours) Day 11-13 Aviemore Day 14- train to Inverness (1 hour) Day 14-17 Inverness with day trips possible to Orkney or Isle of Skye Day 18-early train to Galsgow (2 hours) Day 19 flight home You see how quickly you spend your 19 days. And that's just on one small island with very good, fast rail service. If Italy is your main interst, then focus there. If you want a 'taste' of 'the whole of Europe' then pick 3 major cities (London, Paris, Rome or Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.) and spend 4-5 days in each allowing 1 day of travel between.
As Rick says- plan on going back.

if Italy is your priority you could easily spend all 19 days in Italy and travel by train within Italy. I prefer to limit travel to one or two countries at a time though I have done the whole backpack through Europe thing and did multiple countries and stayed in hostels when I was younger.
You need to decide what you want to see the most and narrow it down from there. Many people will combine some time in Switzerland with their trips to Italy (especially northern Italy) but you will have to take the weather in November into consideration.

Ryan, I'll have a closer look at your travel plans later, but I wanted to provide one initial suggestion. You might find it very helpful to attend one of the meetings of the Rick Steves Sacramento group. I believe the meetings usually take place at a local Panera Bread location. I don't have any information on when the next meeting will be, but hopefully one of the members of that group can provide the details. I'll have more suggestions later. Good luck with your planning!

I'm excited for you! Your first trip to Europe is definitely worth savoring. It sounds like you're doing the right stuff read a variety of books and blogs, traveler forums, etc., for you to get a good feel for what interests you most. If you know that Italy is your top spot, I'd focus on it, and then add one (not both London & Paris) other area. Personally, Paris is my all-time fave. Of the big Italian cities, Florence is my favorite. Be sure to include some small towns and villages you can't go wrong in France or Italy. One of the things I enjoy most when in Europe is train travel and as a solo traveler, it's a great way to meet other travelers. I recommend a night train from Paris to Rome (or Florence).
Have fun!!

Ryan, Which "travel books" have you been reading? Hopefully Europe Through The Back Door as it provides a lot of information on "how" to travel in Europe. As you plan on staying in Hostels, you may find it worthwhile to obtain a membership in HI Hostels. They have properties all over Europe (and elsewhere) and the facilities are usually fairly consistent from one place to the next. Of course, there are some good independent Hostels also. Open-jaw flights would be the most efficient method (this is often called "Multi-City" on websites). For a first trip to Europe, visiting "the big three" would be good, along with other locations in Italy since that's what you're interested in. One example: > Day 1 - Depart US > Day 2 - Arrive London > Day 3 - London > Day 4 - London > Day 5 - EuroStar to Paris (Pre-book tickets - see Seat 61 for details > Day 6 - Paris > Day 7 - Paris > Day 8 - Budget flight to Venice ( EasyJet CDG-VCE, 1H:40M) > Day 9 - Venice > Day 10 - Venice > Day 11 - Train to Florence > Day 12 - Florence > Day 13 - Bus to Siena > Day 14 - Siena > Day 15 - Train to Rome > Day 16 - Rome > Day 17 - Rome > Day 18 - Rome > Day 19 - Flight home. I was going to suggest the Cinque Terre, but it will be "quiet" in Nov. The country Guidebooks will help plan your sightseeing in each city. Be sure to read the "Rail Skills" chapter in ETBD, as there are some "pitfalls" to be aware of. Don't forget travel medical insurance, and be sure to research the topic of pickpockets and scams. Happy planning!

I emphasise with Ryan, on his first trip wantng to see everything. i think we were all there. If your main interest is italy, cut back on London and Paris (say three full days each plus any travel days), and then plan an itinerary in Italy that you can do by train. (Even train from paris to Italy). You do get to see the passing scenery from the train window- so its not all "Lost time' ad air travel is. Also gives you an opportunity to talk to other people on the trains. People your age will be eager to chat, especially if they are also touring the tunnel is the most efficient way to get from london to paris, but again consider the added experience if you combine trains and a cross channel ferry

Ryan, There's now a Thread in this section of the Helpline regarding the Sacramento group meeting. They will be able to provide you with lots of good information for planning your trip.

Ryan, we would love to have you come to the meeting on the 17th. We are experienced European travelers and would love to help you with your trip. We meet the 3rd Saturday of each month, so if you can't make it this month, there is always another time. If you would like help planning, let us know where you are thinking of going. Between all of us, I'm sure we have books and maps of just about everywhere.

Beat ya, Andrea ;-) He's been PMd LOL! And thanks, Ken, for the vote of confidence! Always appreciated...

While I understand why some folks would suggest you spend the whole 19 days in one country, I also realize what it's like to be excited about your first trip. I like Ken's plan. London, train to Paris, then fly to Italy. If you are young and energetic you can pull it off. Also, it's a lot easier to keep moving when you travel alone. No, you won't see everything, but you'll see a lot and you'll have a clearer picture of what you want to do on your next trip. Have fun.

Eileen, You're very welcome! I knew that Ryan would receive great advice from your group. Brad, "If you are young and energetic you can pull it off." Even at my age (60+), I could probably manage the Itinerary I suggested. Cheers!

Thanks all. I am really liking all of these suggestions. I am excited to hear about this group meeting! I am looking forward to come and get some more trip planning advice. I really appreciate all this!