Backpacking Europe for my first time and by my self

I'd suggest getting some good travel guides, preferably ones geared to your age & interest. (Rick Steve's Through the Back Door, Let's Go Europe, Lonely Planet Europe, Rough Guide, etc). There are also web sites such as Nomadic Matt, bootsnall, & wikitravel. If the 6000 is in US$, then that's over $150/day, more than enough if you are using hostels. The web site seat61 has detailed info on train travel. If it were me, I'd go to fewer places, spend more time in fewer areas, maybe 2 or 3 countries. There is always next year.

You are going to LOVE Amsterdam...it's a young, lively city with great nightlife and other recreational options! You will love Berlin for the same reason...very art and fashion forward with great clubs and bars.
$6000 should be plenty but does that include airfare and train costs? Be sure to factor those in. You are more than covered for lodging, food & drink. It would be worth it for you to take some time and find specific examples of hostels in each city to map out your costs and look at point-to-point train tickets for the same reason. Use the previous poster's advice and look at seat61. Great website! The most expensive country you are visiting is France and the cheapest is Greece. There will be a difference in your expenses for each place.
My husband and I backpacked Europe over many summers and my main piece of advice to people is to make sure to plan laundry mornings every 7 - 8 days or so! Otherwise you'll cut into your sightseeing / partying time and THAT would be unfortunate!

Hey Anita thanks for your feedback, that sounds really great! I am even more excited now! If I plan to stay in each city anywhere between 3-5 days is that plenty of time for each city. Also I plan on doing some of my train traveling through out the night so I can save some money from staying at hostels. Also around how much does a trail pass cost and can I get to every city I display by train . And around how long each trip on a train will it be ? Specially to get to Greece, and what island you suggest to go to ? That they are known for partying in Greece . Also the $6,000 does not include airfare that is separate. But it does include train cost and all the other stuff , little shopping ex. You think that will still be enough.

Danny,
You will have a great time. I spent a month traveling in Europe on my own after college. Evening meals were difficult when you don't find someone to eat with. Often it is easier just to grab something fast to eat. Two of my best memories were when I splurged and went to two really nice restaurants in Switzerland and in Paris. I hope you will treat yourself to a nice restaurant every now and then.

Connection to Greece: by ferry from Italy, otherwise fly. I am not aware of train connections to Greece. Party Greek Island: Mykonos.

No party place for your age is the Pink Palace on Corfu, look it up, that where my dd and her friends are going ( they are 19 and 20)

Mykonos, look up Paradise Beach, they are goi g there too. Cheap and fun.

Flights to greece can be cheap if you book well in advance. ( from any big city on europe, look at vueling from spain, easyjet from anywhere, and Aegeon airlines.

It's difficult to tell you how much time to allow per city without knowing what your interests are. As long as you aren't super interested in museums (many of your cities have a lot of very large, very good museums; they suck up a lot of time), you may have time to cover that territory. However, you'll keep meeting people as hostels who tell you about fascinating places they've been, places that are a lot easier to reach than Greece. Rome is also a long slog from your other destinations. Unless you consider Greece an absolute must on this trip, I'd hold off on booking a flight there until you're more sure about how you'll spend your time. One of the great advantages of being young and footloose is that you can go where the wind blows you.

Are you flying to Europe from the US? I assume you know that you do not have to fly to and from the same European city. If you decide that Greece is a definite part of your trip, beginning or ending with it could save some travel time.

I did my backpack Europe trip more tha 30 years ago. I had 60 days. I covered the same places more or less. When I did it, I had to choose between Spain or Greece (chose the latter) because both were at the extreme ends of my itinerary map. I think you may have to make the same choice. There is a lot of distance to cover and time and money is very limited. It is not to say that you can't do it, but once you put together your itinerary you may find that you will be very rushed to cover all that distance. Half the fun of a vacation is planning and anticipation.

I am really not planning to go to any museums I am planning to mostly sigh seeing during the day, and find places at night to go have a good time and couple of beers . And yes I am flying out of the US, plan to land in Barcelona and from Barcelona go to Ibiza and back to Barcelona than take a train to Paris after to Amesterdam take another train to Berlin and take a train all the way down to Rome and from Rome take a ferry to Greece will that be a lot of time consuming ? I am trying to do all this in about 35 days with a $6,000 budget you think I could do all that ? Wouldn't booking a flight like that will be a lot more expensive if i land in Barcelona and leave from Greece ?

My idea is to start in Barcelona go to Ibiza take a ferry back to Barcelona. From Barcelona take a train to Paris after go to Amsterdam than go to Berlin, from Berlin take a train all the way down to Rome or flight which ever is cheap and from Rome take a ferry to Greece and in Greece take another ferry to Mykonos . All in about 35 days in a $6,000 budget is that manageable ?

Flying in and out of two different cities normally costs about midway between what the two round-trips would cost. But you're going to an island (I assumed Mykonos) rather than Athens, and that seems to be causing difficulties with the pricing. A round-trip to Barcelona may be the logical thing to do after all. Go to kayak.com and play around with departure dates from your home airport. See what you get.

My guess is that your budget is OK, because you plan to stay mostly in hostels, but you won't know until you try your own data for the transportation legs. I live in a major city on the east coast, so I tend to assume cheaper fares that you will find if you live on the west coast or in a small city.

To stick to your budget you should be careful about your trips between cities. Those are mostly very long and potentially costly trips. For a really rough idea, go to Rome2Rio.com and plug in the starting point and ending point for each leg. You will get a range of prices for travel by bus, train, plane, and ferry. You will also see an estimate of how long the trip might take by each method of transportation.

If you buy non-refundable tickets way ahead of time for planes and trains, you may get significantly lower prices (and flying might be cheaper than the train, especially if you travel with a small suitcase), but you will be stuck with the specific trains and planes you have chosen. I repeat: You are going to meet people and may want to go where they have been, or accompany them to their next destination. If that happens, you may be sorry you already have all your transportation pinned down. You have to decide how much you are willing to plan ahead in order to save money. You could save several hundred dollars (at least) by buying all your major train tickets and flights soon. Is it worth it to you? Most young people don't travel like this (they visit places that are closer together, taking shorter trips), so they don't face this decision to the degree you do.

The trips from Berlin to Rome and from Rome to Greece will probably be the most expensive. I think that's where buying plane tickets really early would save the most money. Flying is pretty much required between Rome and Greece and will almost certainly be the cheapest way to travel between Berlin and Rome.

Assuming that you do not want to buy everything now, you may still opt to buy one or two flight legs early to save money. If you do the trip backwards from what I believe we've all been thinking (I mean US-?Barcelona?-Greece-Rome-Berlin-Amsterdam-Paris-Barcelona-Ibiza-Barcelona-US), buying the Greece-Rome plane ticket soon might be less risky. Wouldn't it be easier to guess when you want to be at your second destination than when you want to be at your seventh? You would be committed to going to Greece (either directly or by flying to Greece the day after you arrive in Barcelona) and to Rome, and you'd have to be in Barcelona for your flight back to the US. The other dates and destinations would be open, so you could stay longer in a city you especially liked, add a city, or skip a city without wasting a non-refundable train or plane ticket.

It looks like the next most expensive transportation leg will be Rome-Berlin, so I suggest you consider buying that one early as well, assuming you are certain you want to go to Berlin and will not want to stop off in Florence, Venice, Switzerland, Munich, etc.

I don't know when you plan to travel, but if it's much later this year, you may find great fares for some legs of your trip and decide it's worth it to take a chance on buying tickets really early simply because buying plane or train tickets after you begin your trip is likely to be much more expensive. If you stumble on a $50 ticket (I'm just making up that number) and you change your mind later, maybe you can afford to throw it away and go somewhere else if you change your mind later. Your call.

I'd say skip Rome and add Prague after Berlin. Prague, due to the cost and quality of its beer, definitely attracts the international 20-something beer drinking crowd. Beautiful city for daytime sight seeing.
I see that Air Berlin has direct flights to Mykonos from Vienna, which is also worth a visit of a few days.
Traveling with advance purchase nonrefundable tickets is the most cost effective way to travel. This will require a compromise of choosing travel days, since if you miss the planned train you loose the ticket for the most part. But it saves a lot versus buying an expensive rail pass. With your tight budget, it is the way to go. You can get local transport passes for the cities you visit along the way.
Where are you traveling from? Look at discount airlines like Icelandair and Norwegian to get to and from Europe.

There is no ferry from Rome to Greece.. you would take train to Brindisi and then ferry and its not fast or fun.
Flights from Rome to Greece can be as cheap as 40-50 euros and fast.. why take the train?

Danny, with your preliminary itinerary if you can go to France and only visit Paris and go to Italy and only visit Rome, then you should be able to fit in Greece. Most people would be inclined to add in other cities in these countries (and in Germany, Spain etc) which would eat into their time and make fitting in Greece more difficult. Flying from Rome to Greece is a great time saver especially if you can get a cheap price. The ferry from Brindisi was slow in my day and it probably still is but I would guess that it is still full of young like-minded backpackers. And a stop in Corfu was a lot of fun.

There is a faster overnight ferry from Bari, Italy to Patras, Greece; www.superfast.com, covered by rail passes, takes 15 hours. The suggestion to fly makes perfect sense, though.

Cities I have been to that have great (and comparatively cheap) nightlife: Berlin, Budapest, Prague. Budapest is known for "ruin pubs", which are clubs housed in dilapidated old Soviet buildings. Prague has a reputation among twentysomethings as a place where beer is cheaper than water -- our hostel had a cool basement pub that served half-liters of lager for less than $1.50 (same prices on bottled beer in stores). Berlin also known for its clubs, the most well-known probably being Berghain, and generally plentiful opportunities to stay out all night if you want to. All three of these cities are very cheap compared to most Western European cities, which attracts a lot of young people.

As for hostels, one thing I'd recommend is to stay away from the "official" Hostelling International hostels. I've stayed in a few in my day, and they tend to be quieter and have stricter rules. There are usually a lot of chaperoned kids staying there -- not exactly the greatest places to hang out. "Independent" hostels are what you want, and if you don't care about staying in a room with like 12-24 people, you can get a bed for super cheap. Also, I can safely say that in almost any hostel, you will at least find some Australians to party with :)

I'd add Rimini since you'll be in Italy. But I'd cut something (probably Greece) since you have a lot of different countries and you have more years ahead of you to party in Europe.

Agree with Anna. Skip the official Hosteling International places. HI/YHA places tend to attract older people, families with young children and chaperoned school groups (middle school/high school age, not college kids). Read through reviews on Hostel World to get a sense of what other travelers have to say about a place. In your case, an independent hostel that touts having a bar somewhere within the hostel, or "happy hour" or "beer night" is probably more up your alley. Whatever you do, if you are staying in a dorm room with others (not all of whom are there to party), just be a considerate drunk once you are done with your evening pub crawl and keep your noise level to a minimum when you return. Don't be the drunken d-bag yelling in the hallway at 2AM and then flipping on the lights to look for stuff in your suitcase.

If the $6K doesn't need to include your flight, you should be fine with money since a hostel bed in a shared dorm in major European cities is going to average you about $25-$40USD per night. Yes, you might be able to do it for cheaper, but some of those places that are cheap are total dumps or in a not so great neighborhood. It's up to you to vet the place as much as you can by reading reviews and looking at ratings on hostelworld.com before you book. Some days you will spend more than your daily allowance and some you will spend a lot less.

You'll need to figure out if a rail pass is more economical for you than just buying point to point train tickets, taking a combo of local trains if you aren't in a huge rush, and/or supplementing your rail time with cheap flights to cover longer distances.

Enjoy 5 nights at each destination to ensure some sights are seen (as well as bars and clubs)
Substitute Prague for Rome, as Rome is definitely not known for its night life.
Split your time in Greece between Santorini and Mykonos.
Concentrating on youthful (party) destinations, I would do something like this ...

5 nights in Barcelona, Spain
5 nights in Ibiza, Spain
5 nights in Paris, France
5 nights in Amsterdam, Netherlands
5 nights in Berlin, Germany
5 nights in Prague, Czech
Fly via Athens to Santorini, Greece
3 nights in Santorini, Greece
3 nights in Mykonos, Greece
1 night in Athens, Greece

That sounds perfect what you just told me to spend 5 nights in each city but wouldn't that be more expensive specially like in Paris and Ibiza ? How much you think my budget should be for spending 5 days in each city ? Also can I catch a flight straight from Prague to Mykonos ? And how cheap can I get one for ?

I really can't comment on budgeting, as that depends on what style or amenity of accommodation you require. You may need to lower your expectations and downgrade your accommodation to suit your funds available. My opinion is that travel is pointless unless you can afford what you want to do and how you want to do it. Drinking and clubbing in Europe is expensive, and you could easily blow €100 in one night on the town.
With Aegean Airlines from Prague to Santorini (via Athens) a fare of €268 shows for a random dummy date in July. Visit their website with your exact dates ... http://en.aegeanair.com/

btw. There is no advantage in opening a new post for this trip - keep it all as one.

Danny

1. I agree with the last poster. Delete the other thread or this one to reduce the confusion. Just go to the top of the thread and delete your post and everything should disappear.

2. Regarding your request for help to find cheaper flights from Texas in your other thread, you need to provide which Texas city you plan to fly out of and your approximate dates of the start and finish of your trip. Then at least people can help you look for cheap flights. Of course, you could also do all of this yourself using a site like Kayak to find and compare various airfares.

Danny,

Consider spending time in some small towns. The big cities are extremely crowded, especially in the summer, but if you go to small towns or get to more eastern places in Europe you'll save money and I would guess meet more people. Someplace like Hvar in Croatia would be a good choice I think. Reddit.com/r/travel could be another good resource for you.

You should really pick up a copy of Rick's Europe through the Back Door book http://amzn.com/B0122780UA and watch his Travel Skills series: https://youtu.be/uz0UCZkPqbA

While you can save money by getting a rail pass or booking tickets ahead of time, it sounds to me by your priorities, you would benefit from booking your roundtrip ticket and first three nights, but then book and plan based on who you meet and ideas you get when you are there. Besides "anywhere in eastern Europe," you should really add Munich, Dublin and the Berner Oberland to your trip. Don't worry about missing stuff or spending too much time or not enough. You can always come back to Europe. If I didn't spend some time on a beach or in the mountains in the summer I'd go crazy. Crowded metro trains and traffic get old very quickly even in cool cities.

Besides trains and cheap flights, there are also buses that are cheap and much higher standard than here in the USA. Rome2rio.com is another website that can help.

Last but not least, watch out for pickpockets and scams: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams/tourist-scams

Good luck!

Also can any of y'all help me , where can I find a cheap train rail pass . One that will work so I can take from Barcelona to Milan,Berlin,Amsterdam, and Paris please and thank y'all. Can I even find a rail pass that will work in all those countries ?

Danny,
In most cases "cheap" and "rail passes" are mutually incompatible.
Read the web page: http://seat61.com/Railpass-and-Eurail-pass-guide.htm#Should%20you%20buy%20a%20railpass%20or%20pay-as-you-go
Yes you can find a rail pass, but it will not be cheap, you will still have to make reservation in advance (which costs) on many trains, and it is probably cheaper to book each train in advance (though this requires more preparation and planning in advance).
Then read the rest of the http://seat61.com website.

Sorry, but it is in most cases a lot cheaper to buy advance purchase tickets than to buy rail passes. And for long hops cut-price airlines will be cheaper. You will have to decide on your itinerary, and do some homework.

You still have not divulged where ya'll are intending to fly from. On your deleted post, I suggested that Dallas to Amsterdam was your cheapest option.
Cheap rail passes went out before you were born. There is a Global Eurail Pass, but it ain't cheap. And now a lot of the routes you mentioned require mandatory reservation fees. With some planning, you will get you cheap tickets bought in advance for specific trains. They operate just like airlines nowadays, buy ahead for specific trains or pay through the nose to wing it.
For info on Eurail passes, click on the "Travel Tips" on the upper left, then "Transportation", then "Trains and Railpasses".

Okay thank yes I am flying out of the DFW airport . My plan was to fly into Barcelona but if it's cheaper to fly into Amsterdam I will take that route. So in my case since I want to go to all these different countries is it better to buy the rail pass for the train or buy each ticket seperatly . What y'all suggest will save me a little more money ?

I know that you are not interested in museums BUT.....my son did a similar trip in is 20's and he has wonderful memories of a free opera in Prague, art in Amsterdam, music in Berlin. And while in Barcelona it would be great to visit La Sagrada Familia. Maybe one cultural site in each city?

Hi,

There are certainly hostels in Berlin where young folks are the overwhelming majority. They are newer and are located in the eastern section of the city. Try the area of Berlin-Alexanderplatz., a major junction point on the S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. I don't recommend those in the western part of the city either too far out of the way, such as out in Wannsee or Berlin-Charlottenburg, not the A&O at Bahnhof Zoo, mediocre reviews or I've checked them out myself. The HI hostels have one advantage, they serve meals aside from breakfast, they're Vollpension ie, all 3 meals are served), but they have a curfew, etc. Dinner isn't bad if you want to eat at the hostel, hot food and vegetables. If you want to avoid class groups, stay at the independent private hostels. Class groups stay at HI hostels. I know I've run into a few of them.

Now, for those hostels mainly for youth...yes those with an age limit, ie, those independent private hostels where the ages allowed are 18-35. The HI hostels have no age limit since 2009 when it was abolished in Bavaria.

Ok, Here is a suggestion:

Amsterdam, 3 nights then rail 39 euro
Berlin, 5 nights then rail 29 euro
Prague, 5 nights then rail 20 euro
Vienna, 2 nights then fly 166 euro
Mykonos, 5 nights then fly 74 euro
Rome, 4 nights then fly 91 euro
Barcelona, 4 nights then ferry 60 euro

Ibiza, 3 nights, then ferry 60 euro
Barcelona, 1 night, then rail 49 euro
Paris, 4 nights , then rail 35 euro
Amsterdam, 2 nights then fly home
Total 38 nights with inter Europe transport cost of 623 euro
Costs are for discount advance purchase nonrefundable tickets

Okay Sam thank you , I was wondering if I have to go to Prague and than Vienna to catch a flight straight forward to Mykonos? Really don't want to do Prague so I can add more days in Ibiza and Barcelona. Was just curious ? And you suggest flying from Rome to Barcelona you can not take the train from Rome to Barcelona . But if I can find a airflight that cheap I will take it. And you think I should be good with all this transportation with a $6,000 budget ?

$6000 total budget, $1300 cost to get you between Amsterdam and DFW, plus $700 inter Europe leaves you with $4000 to burn in 38 days. That'll be hostels and eating at kabob stands with a bit left over for partying.
Make no mistake, it's your trip. Go where you want, I'm just showing you the way I think about it. But that is the kind of detail planning required to make this happen. Planning resources.
http://matrix.itasoftware.com/
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?country=USA
http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/?DISTRIBUTED_COUNTRY=GB
http://www.directferries.com/barcelona_ibiza_ferry.htm
https://www.cd.cz/en/

No Sam I appreciate you so much for your outline going to use it while I am planning for my trip really helped out . Thank you so much. Hopefully I have a little more to eat at restaurants than to just eat at kabob stands haha. Going to try to go with $7,000 out there for 38 days, so I won't be much on a budget . What you think Sam that will be a better budget ? For 38 days

If Amsterdam is your best arrival point in terms of airfare then make sure you look at returning from Paris, if this is your chosen route. The Dutch Airline, KLM and Air France are the same company, so if this is the ticket you are considering then there is definitely no price penalty by choosing different arrival and departure points, and booking 'open jaw'.

Consider the following options for your travel segments within Europe.

Train Amsterdam > Berlin ... Book thru German Rail (DB) http://www.bahn.com/i/view/overseas/en/
Train Berlin > Prague ... Book thru German Rail (DB) http://www.bahn.com/i/view/overseas/en/
Train Prague > Vienna ... Book thru Austrian Rail (OBB) https://tickets.oebb.at/en/ticket
Fly Vienna > Mykonos ... Niki flies direct Mon/Wed/Fri, Austrian flies direct Sun
Ferry Mykonos > Athens ... Seajets offers high speed ferry service https://www.seajets.gr/en/
Fly Athens > Barcelona ... Check Vueling, Aegean for direct flights
Fly Barcelona > Ibiza ... Check Vueling for direct flights
Fly Ibiza > Paris ... Check Vueling, Transavia, Easyjet for direct flights
Train Paris > Amsterdam ... Book thru Thalys https://www.thalys.com/nl/en/services/before/your-train-ticket

Also what other cities are good to visit Italy , other than Rome and Milan? That are known for also great nightlife for young people ?

How does the running of the Bulls work in Pamplona in Spain ? I know it's in July . But do you have to reserve tickets or is it free ? And how far away is Pamplona from Barcelona ? Can you take a train there ?

As far as I know, you just need to be young and crazy (stupid?) and have medevac insurance.
Pamplona is a bit less than 4 hours from Barcelona on the train. 5 direct trains every day.

Alright I been doing a lot of research lately and came up with a rough draft for my trip let me know what y'all think about it. Please feel free to criticize my rough draft if y'all think it might not work. Once again I am going for 6 weeks from June 6- July 17 . With a budget of $6,000 american dollars for my spending out there.

Okay here it is
1. buying my flight from Dallas to New York and another one from New York to Barcelona. ( save me couple of hundred dollars)

1. Barcelona for (5 days).

2. Taking a one way flight from Barcelona to Ibiza that will cost me $ 29 Euros with Vueling Airline ( is that a good airline anyways? ) . (4 days )

3. Taking another one way flight from Ibiza to Paris that will cost me $ 50 Euros with Vueling Airline again. ( 3 days )

4. Taking a train to Amsterdam ( do not know the cost yet ) ( 3 days )

5. Taking another train to Berlin ( do not know the cost either ) ( 4 days )

6. Take a one way flight from Berlin down to Rome that will cost me $ 51 Euros . Italy for 5 days ( Pisa 2 days, Rome for 3 days )

7. Take a one way flight from Rome to Athen for $ 50 Euros with RyanAir Airline. ( 1 day )

8. Take a cruise from Athens to Mykonos ( do not know the cost yet for the Cruise ) Mykonos for ( 4 days )

9. buy a flight from Athens to Madrid for $ 105 Euros, take a train to Pamplona.

10. Pamplona for 3 days for the the running of the bull festivity.

11. Take a train to Pamplona back to Barcelona (2 days ) and fly back home

What y'all think about my rough draft give y'alls honest opinion please. I can always change my routes if y'all think i am trying to do too much in 6 weeks and with a $6,000 budget of American money.

Do y'all think my route is pretty reasonable ? Do y'all think I am going to be spending too much money on airplane tickets or I'm i getting them for a good deal ? Should i even buy a rail pass? or just by tickets for the train separate also ?

I'm concerned about your apparent plan to buy two separate tickets to get to Europe (and to return). Do you understand that if there is a serious problem on that first (domestic) flight and you miss the transatlantic flight, neither airline will have to do anything for you? You'll almost certainly have to buy a replacement ticket to Europe. That would be very, very costly. Think carefully about whether your projected savings are worth the risk.

I'm not sure why you are flying in and out of Rome and making a side-trip to Pisa. Are there no good deals to or from Pisa? I believe that's a pretty major airport, serving Florence.

In addition to filling in the rest of your inter-city transportation costs (and understanding that some of those low airfares may no longer be available when you are ready to book them), I think you should check into how you are going to get to and from each airport. The budget airlines sometimes fly into secondary airports that are far from the city. I don't know whether that's the case for the places you are going, but it sometimes really complicates finding an inexpensive way to reach the airport.

The flights I am looking at depart nearly almost 12 hours apart, I am schaldule to land in New York at 11 am in depart from JFK airport to Barcelona at 9 pm . I think I should be good, don't you think?

I thought RyanAir did not fly into Pisa but they do. I just found a one way flight from Berlin to Pisa for $20 Euros. What other places are nice in Rome ?

Taking buses or taxis to the main city is that expensive just in case it might be far apart ? It does not say what airport you will be landing at, it just says the city's name.

Yes, it should be fine. It's just that the cost of a last-minute replacement ticket would probably be 8 times as much as you're saving. Many people would make the same decision you're making, though.

danny,

A few comments on some of your questions......

• Vueling Airlines - I've only flown with them a few times, and the service has been good in my experience (so far).
• Budget Airlines - it's important to remember that the low fares you quoted are not the total of what you'll be paying. There are always extra fees, taxes, etc. so the price will be higher in each case. One other point to mention is that the fares listed are usually based on a "sliding scale", with fares increasing as the flight fills up. Those who book early get the best prices. Also note that the cheapest tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so choose carefully.
• Budget of $6000 - that's about €142 / day so should be enough. Are you paying your budget flights out of that amount also? I'd suggest taking at least one credit card in case you need extra money.
• Railpass - I'm not sure if a Railpass will be worthwhile. It definitely won't save any money in Italy, as fares are relatively cheap there. I'll leave the question of using a Railpass in Spain, Germany and France to one of the others.
• Pisa - I'm not sure Pisa is worth 2 days. Florence would be much more interesting and from there you could take a day trip to Pisa.

When you look up airline schedules online, you usually see a 3-letter airport code for each end of the trip. That identifies the precise airport you are flying out of and into.

Taxis to airports are pretty costly even if the airport is only 5 miles away. If it's 20, 30 miles away...

This is not the sort of thing you want to be surprised about. You need to know whether you can get to the airport by public transportation. If not, you need to have some idea how costly it will be to take a taxi. Otherwise, how do you know that the budget-airline flight is a good deal?

Rail pass no.

Vueling and ryanair are fine, BUT read the conditions, luggage rulesz( prepurchase checked bags, if you dont and have check you bag at airport the price there will blindyou) . Dont buy all the extras, we dont just luggage.

Train paris to amsterdam, we got our tickets for june this year, cost us 35 euros. Book now , prices go up.

FYI, Paris to Amsterdam at www.thalys.com. Amsterdam to Berlin at www.bahn.com. Buy these ticket ASAP to get the best price. Rome to Pisa and back, www.trenitalia.com (why Pisa?). I'd fly to JFK the day before, get a room by JFK, then go in to Manhatten on the subway and see the Big Apple for the evening. Extra cushion to make the flight.
You are starting to catch on.

Hey pat would a backpack the one you use for packing consider a check in since it is bigger than a regular backpack ? And if it weights about 35 pounds ? But do not have any perfume or nothing inside of it though. Just clothes and shoes, just curious . Also what website did you find the tickets for that cheap ? From Paris to Amsterdam?

Hey Sam is their a certain name you have to put for Paris and Amsterdam on the links you send me ? I try searching for them but it will not come up. Also the only reason I want to go to Pisa is for the leaning tower is that even worth it ? Should I just go to Florence instead ? See the tickets I am looking at is to land at La Guardia at 11 am and depart to Barcelona from JFK at 2 pm the same day . Is that kind of pushing it ? Since that will only give me like 3 hours ? Before the other one departs to Barcelona .

Also is it bad that I have everything pretty much plan out there ? That I am not going the flow . That I have to leave certain days sinces I have flights to catch from one city to another in a certain date ?

I would not plan a 3-hour connection on separate tickets. I think you may have to change terminals and go through security again. (I'm not sure--I've never done what you're planning.) If you have to buy a replacement transatlantic ticket, it will probably consume a very, very large part of your trip budget. Not the way to start a vacation. There have been times when, at least for some departure airports, it was recommended that passengers arrive 3 hours before the flight, and having a flight scheduled to arrive 3 hours ahead does not count.

The thing about your itinerary is that you are going to a lot of places that are very far apart in a rather short time. If you want to have reasonable time to see and experience things, you can't do the entire trip by slow trains and buses. You need a few flights and some fast trains in there. Both the flights and the fast trains probably need to be booked soon if you are going to get the good fares. That's just the way it is. Your alternative is to do a more concentrated trip, not a highlights-of-Europe trip. That is your call. I did a highlights trip my first time, too, at your age, so I understand the appeal. But I was able to stay in Europe for nearly 3 months, which made it easier to go with the flow by taking slower (cheaper) trains and buses.

As for luggage, you need to check the website of every airline you want to use for carry-on and checked-bag weight limits and size limits. They vary. I believe most of the budget European airlines have very low limits for carry-on bags.

IMPORTANT EDIT: I just realized that you're proposing to land at LaGuardia at 11 AM and fly out of JFK at 2 PM. No. Don't even think of it.

Danny, I misspelled Thalys, left out the "L" and that makes a difference. I edited in my response, but here it is again: www.thalys.com. You can also buy train tickets for that train and the one from Amsterdam to Berlin at www.capitainetrain.com/en. Same prices, but their credit card payment system is smooth. Always call you card company and let them know you are making the purchase or they will tag it as fraud (how can a guy in Texas be buying train tickets in France?).

No way will you every make a 3 hour connection from LaGuardia to JFK. Even if everything went perfect, you must be checked in for International flights 1 hour before flight time. Not standing in line but have your bag checked and boarding pass in hand.

Going with the flow is an attractive way to travel. Some times, you meet a person or people who are a lot of fun and want to stay with them for a while either in one place or changing your itinerary. Or you can get burnt out and just stay in one place for much longer than planned to relax. Also, there have been times when i arrived in a town, could not find an affordable hotel or just got a bad vibe and just jumped back on the next train and moved on. This was easy to do back in my day with a cheap 2 month youth Eurail pass.

In your case, you have very specific places that you want to visit and they are separated by long distances. Also, you have budget constraints. Pre-booking will keep your transport costs down and will ensure that you visit all the cities on your list. I think you are doing the right thing.

My backpack was the most important travel item in my youth. Now it is probably my mobile tablet, lol, but my priorities are different. It would be advisable to research the carry-on size and weight limits for each airline so that you can keep your pack with you at all times (to save costs, delays or loss). Keep your packing to a minimum and learn to do a little laundry each night so that all you carry is fresh clean clothes and no stinky underwear or socks. Tough to impress girls if you smell bad.

Guys I just bought my ticket to Barcelona I am supper excited!!! Leave the 31st of May! How's the weather in Barcelona during the 1st of June ?

https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/SPXX0015:1:SP

I think that link will take you to weather.com's current forecast for Barcelona. Click on "Monthly" at the right. Wait for the screen to repaint with an advertisement at the top. Now click on the left-pointing arrow above the calendar at the left. Scroll back to take a look at May 2015 and June 2015 to see what happened last year. That's just one year (last year was brutally hot), but it can give you an idea. To see the historic averages, use the right-pointing arrow to scroll forward.

I can't find an explanation on the website, but I believe the large numbers are the high temperatures (not the average temperature). My last trip to Barcelona was in June many years ago (before global warming really became evident), and it was much cooler than weather.com is currently predicting. Also rainy. You just never know.

On whether to get a rail pass or not: That depends on which you place a higher value...savings or flexibility. If yopu choose to get the rail Pass , get the Select Pass with 4 countries with Germany included. I went over the first time at your age, 21 actually, spent 12 weeks in the summer of 1971, did the HI hostel routine, no private independent hostel then. I would line up some of the hostels prior to arriving. You don't want to show up cold turkey only to be told that the entire hostel booked that night.

Was wondering can you go to the beaches in Barcelona like the first week of June ? Or the weather still going to be a little chilly ? Usually how is the weather in June ?

See my 2:21 PM post for how to access weather info. Water temperature, of course, is a different matter.

Acraven, FYI, the timestamp on posts is automatically converted to the timezone of the computer you are viewing the post on. Your post is showing on my computer as:

Posted by acraven
Washington DC
03/18/16 07:21 PM

and the original post is:

dannyascencio7
03/08/16 02:59 AM

the same applies to most websites, and to e-mails.

Oops. Sorry. Thanks for pointing that out, Chris. I didn't even think about the fact that Danny isn't in the Eastern time zone.

Any one that has been to ibiza before. Is their a party always going on in ibiza? i am planing to go from Monday through Friday . And was wondering if it also gets good durning the weekdays ?

Also is their a place nearby Pamplona that you can stay in hostels during the running of the bull event? They do not have any hostels in Pamplona. Was wondering if their is another city near by with hostels that you could stay at and that are cheap. They only have tents available in Pamplona and they charge about $85 per night not even worth it.

Pamplona is out there by itself. Tents for $85? Sounds like a great way to meet your fellow runners.
I've been to Pamplona and it impressed me as a very modern city. Did not have time to locate the old center where they run the bulls, but I figured it had to be very small.

In summer Ibiza will be partying all week long. .lol Good luck with that.. bring stomach remedies and hangover ( headache) pills.

Weather in mid to late june should be nice in Barcelona..
We are going to Mallorca( island just south west of Barcelona) in mid May and forecasts from those who go then is weather is fine. 70-75 in day.. chillier in evening.. we went in july two years ago and it was insanely hot.. so june should be just about right for you .

I would pay the 85 bucks for a night or two for the experience.

Fantastic weather in Barcelona in early June, definitely beach weather, probably swimming weather too.

Okay guys thank y'all so much for the feedbacks!
Hopefully the weather is good enough to swim when I go .
And what y'all think of this package for Pamplona .
Is with some groups call the fanatics, and they are packages for the running of the Bulls .
One is 200 euros for 5 days and 4 nights and you sleep in tents. Supposably it's a campsite with nothing but young people and really close by to the Main Street. Y'all think that should be worth it for the experience? Or is that too many days to staying in Pamplona . Is Pamplona even cheap ?

Is Pamplona even cheap ?

I dare say it will be cheaper than Ibiza. Although I would presume prices go up during the festival, especially for lodging. 51 weeks of the year Pampolona is just a small city in northern Spain. 1 week of the year, it is mobbed. Thus the requirement for tents for those on a budget. Same thing goes on at Oktoberfest in Munich. You did indicate that partying with fellow young'uns was the plan.

Or is that too many days to staying in Pamplona .

You could always bail after 3 nights. Nobody likes leaving money on the table, but if you've had your fill and want to move on, so be it.

Okay guys y'all think Europe is a safe place to go to this summer ? With all this Issis stuff going on . Since they said "the worst is still to come" . Also since Europe is in high alert ?
And I bought tickets for France vs Romania game in June 10 in Paris.
The stadium they try to bomb during the Paris attack .
Y'all think everything should be okay ?

"y'all think everything should be OK?"

No one can answer that question for you. I'm sure you know that.

Okay will y'all recommend going ? Or just get my money back from the flight .
Be honest

You just asked the question in a different way. No one can with certainty advise you on this. It is your decision to make.

danny,

Each of us has to decide what our "comfort level" is with travel, so that's your decision. A few thoughts on the matter.....

• the current situation is not going to change, as that's just a fact of life in the world we live in now. As a result, that means being more vigilant and "situationally aware" when travelling these days.
• as the picture isn't going to change in the foreseeable future, does that mean we should all stop travelling for ever more out of fear?
• these types of attacks can happen anywhere such as in San Bernadino recently, so staying at home may not be much safer.
• the places you listed above should be "safe" (even Paris) so I wouldn't have any hesitation in going to any of them. The worst thing you'll probably encounter is pickpockets and scammers.

I face similar risks when travelling in Europe, and nothing that has happened so far has caused me to change my plans at all. With any luck at all (and some money), I'll hopefully be heading back to Europe in a few months.

I'll continue to monitor the situation, but at this point I have no worries about travel to Europe.

guys i know it's been awhile but what island between iOS and Mykonoss in Greece is known better for having a night life and good beaches also between those two islands? could y'all help .

MYKONOS.. busy .. lots of nightlife.. but not the cheapest choice of islands for sure.. however.. look at Paradise Beach camping.. ( they have cabins) .. fun party atmosphere. lots of younger folks will be there.. and much cheaper than staying in town.

Re safety.. ha .. you live in States.. far more dangerous to me.. I will be in Europe this spring-summer.. as will my 19 yr old daughter and her buddies ( on a separate trip backpacking around)..

We have never even considered cancelling.. nor have they.. and nor have we suggested it to them..

Terrorism can happen anywhere.. and .. you can die in a car accident tomorrow. on your way to work or school, . which by the way.. is statistically FAR more likely than you being a victim of terrorism.

Why would you hesitate NOT going? At your age as a backpacker ? And you are contemplating cancelling your flight?

Hey guys do y'all know by chance if their is a train that stops by Normandy beach on your way to Amsterdam ? Or kind of close by it? I will love to check that beach out for couple of hours

The answer to your last question is "NO". The five D-Day beaches extend across a front of about 50 miles and other historic sites extend a considerable distance inland. There are no train stations close to the beaches so you'd need a rental car.

Your best bet to see at least some of the sites would be to stay st least one night in Bayeux and take one of the excellent local tours. Overlord Tour is one firm that offers half-day tours, but there are many other firms in that area. Taking a tour will provide a much more rewarding look at the history. Booking these in advance is prudent, especially during the busier times of the year.

I can't recall if the station in Bayeux has a luggage storage, so that could be a problem if you're only there for the day.

Okay guys do y'all think I could add a day trip to London if I leave from Paris by train ? And if I do should I do a roundtrip or one way ?and leave from Paris to Amsterdam or just buy a one way and leave from London to Amsterdam ? I can take off a day from Madrid and add it to London instead. Do y'all think going to London for a whole day for quick sightseeing is worth it?

Ideally, I would reserve at least 5 full days in London for a first time visitor going in the summer.

dannny,

I would NOT suggest a day trip from Paris to London, as it would somewhat expensive, would waste time and you wouldn't really see that much. Spending a couple of days in London would be better. If you only have one day, don't bother. Just head strraight from Paris to Amsterdam.

hey guys I been working on this for Europe . Could y'all please tell me what y'all think of it ? Does it sound good ? Again I am going for 43 days . I decided to skip Athens and catch a round trip from Rome to Mykons . Do y'all think I shouldn't skip Athens or stick to what I am doing ? Also decided to skip Pisa and Florence , is that a smart idea or I should at least go to Pisa for couple of hours . The reason I am staying the longest in Ibiza/Mykonos is because I love the water , wouldn't mind relaxing by the beach and exploring the island for a few days. So what do y'all think be honest ?

Arrive Barcelona in the Am.

June1-4 Barcelona ( 4 whole days ) ( Flight to Ibiza )

June 5-10 Ibiza. ( 5 whole days ) Flight to Paris

June 10-12 Paris ( going to watch a game the 10th arrive to Paris at 5pm and the game is at 8. Is that risking it ? ). ( 2 whole days ) train to London

June 13 Lodon ( for the whole day, return the same day ). Train back to Paris and from Paris to Amsterdam

June 14-16 Amsterdam ( 3 whole days ) train to Berlin

June 17-20 Berlin ( 4 whole days ) flight to Venice

June 20-22 Venice ( 2 whole days ) train all around Italy

June 23-25 Cinque Terry ( 2 whole days )

June 26-28 Rome ( 2 whole days ) ( roundtrip to Mykonos )

June 29- July 4th ( 5 whole days ) ( from Rome to Madrid )

July 4th - 5th Madrid ( 1 day and night ) ( train to Pamplona )

July 5-9 Pamlona ( 4 days ) ( for the bull riding ) ( train to Barcelona )

July 10-13 Barcelona ( 3 days ) relax before I go home.

July 13th back to the United States.

Here are my comments and questions. Looks a plan is coming together.

June1-4 Barcelona ( 4 whole days ) ( Flight to Ibiza )
Cool.
June 5-10 Ibiza. ( 5 whole days ) Flight to Paris
Cool.
June 10-12 Paris ( going to watch a game the 10th arrive to Paris at 5pm and the game is at 8. Is that risking it ? ). ( 2 whole days ) train to London
What airport are you arriving and what game and where?

June 13 Lodon ( for the whole day, return the same day ). Train back to Paris and from Paris to Amsterdam
As everyone else said. Skip London. Very expensive day trip and you will not have time to see anything.

It is a waste of time. Keep your budget in mind. Maybe a day trip to Normandy beaches instead.
June 14-16 Amsterdam ( 3 whole days ) train to Berlin
Cool.
June 17-20 Berlin ( 4 whole days ) flight to Venice
Cool.
June 20-22 Venice ( 2 whole days ) train all around Italy
Cool.
June 23-25 Cinque Terry ( 2 whole days )
Cool.
June 26-28 Rome ( 2 whole days ) ( roundtrip to Mykonos )
June 29- July 4th ( 5 whole days ) ( from Rome to Madrid )
Not sure what the plan is here.
July 4th - 5th Madrid ( 1 day and night ) ( train to Pamplona )
Cool.
July 5-9 Pamlona ( 4 days ) ( for the bull riding ) ( train to Barcelona )
Cool.
July 10-13 Barcelona ( 3 days ) relax before I go home.
Cool.
July 13th back to the United States.
Cool.

Hey Sam the airport I am supposed to land is Paris-Orly Sud with Transavia . At 5 pm and the game I bought my ticket to is a soccer game France vs Romania it's supposed to start at 8 I believe .
And it's going to be in state de France soccer stadium about 30
Minutes from airport .

And planning to take a flight from Rome to Madrid .
The most expensive flight I am buying in Europe is the roundtrip from Rome to Mykonos . Which is not that bad is like 165 American dollars. Which I did the math . And is almost the same as, buying a roundtrip to Athens and taking a ferry to
Mykonos I actually feel like I save money flight straight to Mykonos instead of Athens .
And I appreciate it Sam , been putting a lot of thought and time to this trip , it's kind of stressful planning on your own . But I thank all of y'all , for yalls help. Y'all been really helpful seriously !!

I will really love to check out London just to say I been there you know Sam. God knows when will be the next time I go to Europe . So why not take advantage and go to it at least one day , while I am close by it you know ? Just go look at the main stuff like Tower of London and ex . I believe is like $80 roundtrip by train from Paris .

I get $133 if you book right now and take the first train out and the last train back.

Really wow? That is pricy and what website is that ? Do you think I can find any cheaper trains that go to London ?

Back to the soccer match. Do you need to stash your stuff at lodging locale before going to the game? That is what will take time. Orly is on the south side of Paris and Stade de France is on the north side. I don't know how late you can check in. Getting from Orly to Stade de France is pretty straight forward on the train with no luggage.
PS There is only one tunnel and Eurostar has the exclusive rights. Its them or fly or ferry.
http://www.eurostar.com/us-en

Well my plan Sam is that I am getting a hostel that is 40 minutes north from the airport and 10 minutes south from the Stade de France stadium.
Planning hopefully to get to my hostlel around 6 and check in and everything and hospefully leave my hostlel the latest at 6:45 or so . And head to the stadium after that . Do you think that is doable ? I know I am going to be in a rush .
And also do not know how the traffic is in Paris so hopefully that does not delay me .
It's a big match the opening for the Euro Cup .

For the most part, you'll be traveling underground on the train, so above ground traffic will not be your problem. What is the address of the hostel?

Honestly I am it sure , I haven't booked it yet . Was just one I really like. And it was 40 minutes away from the airport and 10 away from state de France . Almost the same rout it's a straight path to both the stadium and hostel I want to stay at .

You need to lay out your itinerary with arrival and departure dates for each destination, and hence the number of intervening nights spent at that destination. Never think in terms of days.

I got a question . Do y'all think it takes 2 full days to explore and do some swimming in cinque terry Italy ? Or do i have enough time if I leave early in the morning from Venice to Pisa. Stop to look at the leaning towel and leave and arrive in cinque terry like in the afternoon instead ? And spend 1 1/2 in cinque terry . The reason I am asking is because I want to start booking my rail tickets already .

You will not be able to get train tickets all the way to Cinque Terre yet as the Regionale schedules are not out yet. You can get SuperEconomy ticket to Florence now for 29 euro. There should be no problem buying the Regionale tickets when you get to Italy. Their price never changes, and you can buy them at Venice and stick them in your pocket. They are good anytime and become active when you validate them in the machine on the station platform in Florence. Ditto CT to Rome. You can buy the Florence Rome segment now, but wait for the CT-Florence tickets.
So will have flexibility to decide later on stopping in Pisa. It is between Florence and CT. BTW, where in the CT are you going? 4 separate villages with their own train stations.

Hey Danny. Is this your planned schedule ??

June 1 Arrive Barcelona – 4 nts
June 5 Fly to Ibiza – 5 nts
June 10 Fly to Paris – 4 nts (going to watch a game at 8pm – arrive Paris at 5pm)
June 13 Eurostar to London (for the whole day, returning the same day)
June 14 Train to Amsterdam – 3 nts
June 17 Train to Berlin – 3 nts
June 20 Fly to Venice – 3 nts
June 23 Train to Cinque Terre – 3 nts
June 26 Train to Rome – 3 nts
June 29 Fly to Mykonos – 5 nts
July 4 Fly via Rome to Madrid – 1 nt
July 5 Train to Pamplona – 4 nts (San Fermin – Running of the Bulls 7-14 July)
July 9 Train to Barcelona – 4 nts
July 13 Fly back to the United States

Re: Your football match on June 10
Orly Airport is on the southern outskirts of Paris. Stade de France is on the northern outskirts of Paris.
Given what happened last November I think its a given that you won't be allowed baggage at the stadium.
Transavia are a low cost airline so a flight delay would not be an unexpected occurrence.
If everything went smoothly then you could expect to be off your flight and thru the airport in an hour, at your hostel to check bags in another hour, and then to the stadium by the 3rd hour. You would need a lot of luck to go your way I think.

Re: Your day trip to London
Don't do it. It's not worth the time or expense. You are a young man. London never changes. You will be back.

Re: Extra time in Italy
Italy is not a night life centre. See the sights and move on.

My only other suggestion would be to add a 2nd night in Madrid. Get the train to Pamplona on the 6th before San Fermin starts on the 7th. Alternatively, finish in Madrid 10th-13th, and fly home from there.

Hey David it's pretty much almost my planned scheldule. But no flights are booked or train tickets yet. But I want to start booking them pretty soon since I leave the 31st of May.

I am debating between Barcelona or Ibiza to which city I want to stay 5 nights and in which one I want to stay 4 nights, what you suggest? Like I said I love the beach and I was thinking if I stay 5 days in Ibiza, about doing a day trip to formentera one day. But also their is a lot of stuff to do in Barcelona . But regardless I have to return to Barcelona to catch my flight back home so idk. What you think ?

Also you think 4 days in Berlin is a lot ? Or should I do 3 and add one day to Italy like in Venice or so ? Instead of staying 2 days in Venice I do 3 . What you suggest ?

About the game

I bought my Transvia flight for 35€ , that's what I am hopping! Praying everything can go my favorite that day . That's what I was thinking my hostel is 30 minutes north from the airport and 10 minutes north from the Stade de France . Was thinking going straight to my hostel check in, and go straight to the game after . If not I found another flight with Vueling that lands at 4:30 pm instead of 5:00 pm should I go with that one ? Or just stick with my Transvia flight ?

London
Man I will really love to go to London just for a day you know . Since it's so beautiful , and I am so close by it . But the cheapest train ticket I found to London for Monday the 13th of June is 110€ . That's kind of pricy ! Also I will return around 10 pm at night. And I do not think you can find a train that late from Paris to Amsterdam is that correct ?

Extra day
I will love to add a extra night in Madrid but do not know where to take a day out of . I have to go to Pamplona the 5th of July by night. Since I already booked my campsite for 4 nights and you have to arrive the 5th to check in before midnight.
Thinking about taking one day out of Mykonos . What you think? You think being 5 days in Mykonos I will get bored ? Like that's too long ? Are the beaches in Mykonos even that great . I will love to check out Santorini for a day if I am there for that long . But a roundtrip ferry to Santorini will be around 80€ Is that correct ?

Thanks for the feedback !! I really appreciate the help though!

I was just looking at the uefa website and they say the game starts at 21:00 aka 9 pm, so I think you're fine there. Got your ticket yet?
If you do decide, against all advice, to go to London, check out of the hostel and take your stuff with you and use the luggage check at St Pancras station. Instead of returning to Paris, take the Eurostar to Brussels then change to the Thalys to Amsterdam. It will not save any money, but a lot of time.
Yes, now is the time to start booking flights and rail tickets. The prices will only go up.

I would leave it mostly as you have planned, but definitely forget London.
I would also forget Cinque Terre as it's difficult to get to, plus you will have much better beach time in Ibiza, Mykonos and Barcelona. Perhaps stay a 4th night in Berlin (yes, I think it's worth it), and then stay 2 nights in Florence, between Venice and Rome.
Keep 5 nights in both Ibiza and Mykonos - it sounds like you are a real beach person.
Leave Madrid as is - it may prove a useful buffer should anything delay you from Mykonos.

June 1 Arrive Barcelona – 4 nts
June 5 Fly to Ibiza – 5 nts
June 10 Fly to Paris – 4 nts (going to watch a game at 8pm – arrive Paris at 5pm)
June 14 Train to Amsterdam – 3 nts
June 17 Train to Berlin – 4 nts
June 21 Fly to Venice – 3 nts
June 24 Train to Florence – 2 nts
June 26 Train to Rome – 3 nts
June 29 Fly to Mykonos – 5 nts
July 4 Fly via Rome to Madrid – 1 nt
July 5 Train to Pamplona – 4 nts (San Fermin – Running of the Bulls 7-14 July)
July 9 Train to Barcelona – 4 nts
July 13 Fly back to the United States

One thing you need to be is meticulous with your dates.
Always plan in terms of your travel day, and then the number of nights to be spent at the destination.
That helps when booking accommodation - you give your arrival date and then the number of nights required.
Pay particular care so as you don't get caught short.
I can't emphasise this enough !!

Hey guys sorry for the late reply but was really busy with work these past 24 hours. Well anyways, hey David I love that new plan you came out with!!! Think I am going to go with that route instead of mine, but since you added two extra days to Paris. What you think if I do two days in paris and two days in London? How does that sound you think that will work out ? Did not think I had enough time to stay 4 days in Paris but instead of staying 4 days in paris I split them with London ? Or maybe even 3 days in London since you also added another day to Rome. I stick with doing 2 days in Rome and 3 days in London. Does that sound better, honestly did not think I add enough time to add extra days, since I have to be back in Pamplona by 5th of July late in the evening. Also David the main reason I want to go to Cinque Terry instead of Florence. Is because I will like to do a little hiking in my trip while I am out there in Europe you know, and after you get tired of hiking you can go for a swim at the beach. Cinque terry seems like it comes with great views and I will love to explore those towns. Again I appreciate you so much for your help, you do not understand how much I thank you for this, seriously (: !!!

Hey Sam yes I bought my ticket for the game already!! Thought it was at 8 instead of 9. Thanks for the help, seems like I have a lot of time now. I think I might end up staying 2 nights in London now instead, did not know realize i had enough time to check it out, but seems like I do! But if i do go just for one day, you advice me to buy a one way from Paris to London and another one way ticket on train to Brussels. So I can take a train from Brussels to Amsterdam ? Does Brussels have late train rides to Amsterdam ? Like 11 pm or even maybe 12 am?

Also will it be cheaper if I do Roundtrip to Mykonos from Rome or Catch a roundtrip from Rome to Athens. And take a ferry from Athens to Mykonos, I think it will be cheaper if I just catch a roundtrip to Mykonos is that correct ? Also if i want to stay a night or two at London. Will it be better if I catch a one way train from paris to London and from London take the train to Brussels and from Brussels straight to Amsterdam ? Or just do a roundtrip from Paris to London? Just looking for an option that will save me more time. My new route now is, I appreciate it David for the advice is.

June 1 Arrive at Barcelona at 11 am - 4 nights
June 5 fly to Ibiza land at 9am - 5 nights
June 10th fly to Paris land at 5pm - 2 days/nights
June 12th (hopefully i can catch a late night to London) - 2 days/nights 13th/14th
June 15th train to Amsterdam 3 days and 2 nights
June 18th train to Berlin 4 days/ 3 nights
June 22th flight to venice 3 days / 2nights
June 25th train to Florence connect to Cinque terry 2 days / 1 night
June 27th train to Rome 2days/ 1 night
June 29th flight to Mykonos 5 days/ 4 nights
July 4th Fly back to Rome, Catch a flight to Madrid 1 1/2 day/ 1 night
July 5 train to Pamplona 4 days / 4 nights
July 9th train to Barcelona 4 days / 4 nights
July 13th fly back home at 10:30 am :( ...

what y'all think? looking a lot better now. Thanks to all of y'all for the help!! Couldn't have never done it without y'all!! I really appreciate y'all for all the answers y'all gave me and hopefully can continued to help me (: !! I still think I can add some days Idk if i my calendar correctly.

Danny , you are still having big problems with your night count. Please forget counting the days. This will cause you trouble, and you may end up with transport and accommodation arrangements not coinciding.

You arrive in Barcelona on 1 June, and you intend staying 4 nights.
That mean your checkout date, and next travel day is ... 1 + 4 = 5 June

You arrive in Ibiza on 5 June, and you intend staying 5 nights.
That mean your checkout date, and next travel day is ... 5 + 5 = 10 June

....and so on, and so on.

So for your latest plan above, it should read as follows...
June 1st Arrive at Barcelona at 11 am - 4 nights
June 5th fly to Ibiza land at 9am - 5 nights
June 10th fly to Paris land at 5pm - 2 nights
June 12th (hopefully i can catch a late night to London) - 3 nights
June 15th train to Amsterdam - 3 nights
June 18th train to Berlin - 4 nights
June 22th flight to venice - 3 nights
June 25th train to Florence connect to Cinque Terre - 2 nights
June 27th train to Rome - 2 nights
June 29th flight to Mykonos - 5 nights
July 4th Fly back to Rome, Catch a flight to Madrid - 1 night
July 5th train to Pamplona - 4 nights
July 9th train to Barcelona - 4 nights
July 13th fly back home at 10:30 am

Hey David my bad is just a little confusing man. Just trying to make the perfect trip but you, just made my perfect route!! And I thank you so much for it !! That's the route I am sticking with!! Everything looks so good just how I wanted it!! Glad I got to add London, for couple of days. Instead of being in a rush in London .
Now time to start booking trains that's the other confusing part.

You're close now. I have to take issue with some your day/night calculations.

June 15th train to Amsterdam 3 days and 2 nights
June 18th train to Berlin 4 days/ 3 nights

So if you travel from London to Amsterdam on June 15, and take a train to Berlin on June 18, you will have spent 3 nights in Amsterdam and 2 full days.

If you buy train tickets at www.capitainetrain.com, they can ticket your connection from London to Amsterdam because they sell both Eurostar and Thalys tickets with no markup over tickets offered by the individual train sights. They can also handle your Paris-London tickets and Amsterdam-Berlin tickets.

I think the day trip from Paris to London remains a better option than what you propose above.
If you take the first train from Paris on Sunday, and the last train back, you end up with 11 hours in London.
Not cheap though - currently 175 €.

Paris Gare Du Nord to London St Pancras Int'l
Departs 08:04 on Sun, 12 Jun
Arrives 09:30 on Sun, 12 Jun
1 x adult standard: 99,50 €

London St Pancras Int'l to Paris Gare Du Nord
Departs 20:31 on Sun, 12 Jun
Arrives 23:50 on Sun, 12 Jun
1 x adult standard: 75,50 €

Hey David why you say that ? And just add those two extra days to other places or what ? You don't think 2 or 3 days in London will be good ?
In this website
http://www.capitainetrain.com/ Sam gave me . Theirs a one way late night train that leave from Paris to London at 23:00 and arrives at 6:00 which is 7 hour ride . Is only €29 which that is not bad at all. It will be at night so technically I won't really lose no time you know . But I have no clue why it will take so long to get to Paris , if it's around a 3 hour train ride lol. What you think of that David ? Your opinion matters you been helping me out a lot. And I appreciate it.

Hey Sam are you referring to the one I posted or the one David corrected for me ? But I am thanks! so close but still a lot of work left you know . Booking flights,train rides, and hostels!
And thank you so much for this website http://www.capitainetrain.com/ they have cheap train tickets .
You are saying just buy a one way train ticket to London from Paris and to Amsterdam from London ? Thanks

Trains are all priced as one-way tickets. You are scaring me with a one-way Paris to London leaving Paris at 23:00 and arriving London 6 am. That has to be a connection that will leave you sleeping on a bench at a train station for 4 hour somewhere. Take a late train direct from Paris to London. Then take a train from London to Amsterdam that will involve a train change in Brussels.

It's a bus ride I believe since its call Arrete de bus. And departs from Paris June 12th at 11 pm and arrives at London at 6 am . You think for €30 will that be worth it ? Sounds really cheap and good . It says the bus has wifi in it for the whole
Ride lol. Also it seems like it's a lot cheaper if you buy a one way from London to Brussels and another one way to Amsterdam than buying a one from London to Amsterdam. From London to Amsterdam it's like €150 . And from London to Brussels it's like €60 . And from Brussels to Amsterdam is €30.

Well now you're teaching me. Never heard of that option, but if an all night bus ride (with a ferry or bus-on-a- train-car) works for you, sounds good, do it. Saves a lodging night. And if you get a better deal with a one-way to Brussels and a one way to Amsterdam, go for it. Just leave enough connection time (1 hour?) in Brussels.
Look at doing a Mykonos to Madrid on a single ticket with Vueling. Has a long change in Rome, but it is best to be protected with one ticket.

Well you know what I honestly do not know how that bus works . The reviews say it's a new company that has been running for couple of years. Sounds kind of fishy . Might just do the one way to London from Paris with train for €75 and that one way to Brussels from London for €45. What you think of those prices Sam ? I guess EuroStar rail does not have a connection from Brussels to Amsterdam couldn't find it. And it's about 60 bucks cheaper if I just stick with the roundtrip with Rome . And depart from Rome to Madrid . Plus with Vueling, plus It will land in Rome from Mykonos at 10:40 am. And depart to Madrid at 4:30 pm I should be good . Why you say it will be a long change in Rome ?

The bus to Paris is the OUIBUS, which is owned and operated by the French National railway (SNCF). It goes from Bercy bus station which you can reach on the Metro. Yes, looks like it goes to Lille where it is loaded on a railway car and through the channel tunnel, then offloaded in England for the drive to Victoria station London. It has good reviews and it could be an option.

Getting from London to Amsterdam, you might also consider Cityjet from London City airport on the east side of town, reached by the Docklands Light Rail. Flights are 67 GBP, about $100, for a 1 hour flight.

Yes, Mykonos to Madrid has a layover at Rome airport of about 7 hours or so either way. So only suggesting one way so you do not have to recheck your bag while at the airport. You will have time to bop into Rome for a couple of hours if you want.

I don't know I am debating which one will work out better for me Sam. The bus one sounds good since I will depart from Paris to London a little more latter and gives me another chance to stay a little later in Paris. But also the train it's only two hours and departs from paris at 20:00 and that means I will arrive at London around 22:00. Which will give me a extra night in London its a little more pricy but sounds better, might just do that!
And thanks Sam didn't think about that, just might end up booking a flight from London to Amsterdam, just found one with Vueling Airline for $57 thats is not bad at all!!
Yeah I understand what you mean Sam but its just cheaper if I stick with a Roundtrip to Mykonos and a one way from Rome to Madrid.

Keep in mind that Vueling goes from Luton airport which is 25 miles north of London. That is a train from St Pancras station plus the shuttle bus from Luton station to the airport.

So I should be good with the sub right ?
Sub is the best way to get around London anyways right ?
I am just going to have to leave early London to catch the airport in the other city ?

Yes, get a ticket to Luton airport from St Pancras station. Cost is 15.50 GBP and includes the shuttle bus. Takes about 45 minutes on average but assume 60 if you happen to get a train making lots of stops. More or less trains about every 15 minutes.

To make this London idea work you really have to maximise your time and not be guided by the cheapest option.
An evening Eurostar from Paris to London on June 13 will give you nearly 3 full days in Paris - 11, 12, 13.
An evening flight from London to Amsterdam on June 15 will give you nearly 2 full days in London - 14, 15.
Note that Gatwick or Heathrow are much more convenient airports than Luton or Stansted.
And please pull Berlin back to 3 nights, so Rome can also go to 3 nights.

June 1st Arrive at Barcelona at 11 am - 4 nights
June 5th fly to Ibiza land at 9am - 5 nights
June 10th fly to Paris land at 5pm - 3 nights
June 13th Evening Eurostar to London - 2 nights
June 15th Evening flight to Amsterdam - 3 nights
June 18th train to Berlin - 3 nights
June 21st flight to Venice - 3 nights
June 24th train to Florence connect to Cinque Terre - 2 nights
June 26th train to Rome - 3 nights
June 29th flight to Mykonos - 5 nights
July 4th Fly back to Rome, Catch a flight to Madrid - 1 night
July 5th train to Pamplona - 4 nights
July 9th train to Barcelona - 4 nights
July 13th fly back home at 10:30 am

I know I been posting this a lot but this is finally my legit one with everything figure out, tell me what yall think. Worked on this one a lot. Transportation cost around $660 total american dollars

June 1 arrive Barcelona 11am.
June 2 Barcelona
June 3 Barcelona

June 4th Barcelona
June 5th arrive at ibiza 9 am. ( flight cost $22 american dollars)
June 6th Ibiza
June 7th Ibiza
June 8th Ibiza
June 9 ibiza
June 10th arrive at paris ( flight cost $ 35)
June 11th Paris
June 12th Paris, leave to London at 21:00 ( 75 euros)
June 13 London
June 14th London
June 15th arrive at Amsterdam at 10 am ( flight cost $ 57 )
June 16th Amsterdam
June 17th Amsterdam depart from Amsterdam at 23:00 arrive at Berlin 10 am. June 18th (train cost 50 euro)
June 18th Berlin
June 19th Berlin
June 20 Berlin
June 21 Berlin
June 22 leave Berlin ( arrive in venice 11 am ) ( flight cost $ 48 )
June 23 Venice
June 24 Venice depart to Cinque Terre at 13:25 ( train cost $ 56 ) 5 hour train ride
June 25 Cinque Terre
June 26 Cinque Terre Depart to Rome at 17:00 ( train cost $ 42 )
June 27 Rome
June 28 Rome
June 29th ( Mykonos ) roundtrip to Mykonos depart at 3:50 am ( flight cost $180 )
June 30th Mykonos
July 1 Mykonos
July 2 Mykonos
July 3 Mykonos
July 4th Mykonos ( depart to Rome at 9:00 am)
July 4th arrive at Madrid 6:00 pm
July 5th Madrid depart from Madrid to Pamplona 20:00 ( train cost $40 )
July 6th Pamplona
July 7th Pamplona
July 8th Pamplona
July 9th Pamplona catch a train to Barcelona in the Evening ( $60 )
July 10th Barcelona
July 11th Barcelona
July 12th Barcelona
July 13th back home

Does that make sense ? Or I did the math wrong with my dates?

Hey David thanks for taking your time and actually planning my trip, I appreciate it man seriously! That helps a lot! Yeah I understand that is not going to be cheap, since I want to do so much, and that involves a lot of traveling. Also Gatwick,Heathrow, and Luton or Stagnated are those different airports in London? And Vueling airline I been told that lands in a airport that is about 30 minutes from London.
Also David I know this might be a stupid question but when you count the numbers of night I am staying in each city how does that work in day time? like the number of days I will have in each city in some not all of them?
I will prefer doing 4 nights in Berlin and 2 nights in rome .
How about instead of staying 5 nights in Mykonos I add one to Rome?
Would I really need 3 nights in Rome?
How will my trip look if I do 3 nights in London and 2 nights in Paris instead ?

First thing I notice is your trip from Amsterdam to Berlin. You have chosen a 4 change route that requires you to sit (or sleep on a bench or the floor) in Venlo station in Holland from 1 am to 5 am waiting for your connection.
Or you could spend 30 euro more and leave at 8:28 pm and take a train that connects with the CNL train in Duisburg that will take you direct to Berlin arriving at 6:53 am. You will be in a 5 berth compartment. Spend another 50 euro and you can sleep in an economy double sleeping compartment.
Another option would be to wait until morning and take the 5:02 direct IC train that gets you to Berlin at 11:22 am and only costs 39 euro.

Otherwise, looking like a solid plan. Start booking tickets.

Which one is the best airport to depart from London , if you are seeightseing all day in downtown? Departing Tuesday June 7 in the evening . But airports between LGW, LTN or STN ? Thanks

Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted - are those different airports in London?
Yes, Gatwick or Heathrow are preferable in terms of easy access.

When you count the numbers of nights I am staying in each city how does that work in days?
The general rule is that you don't count travel days - regard any sightseeing you get done on these days as a bonus. The number of full days you have at a destination will be one less than the number of nights spent there.

Example journey....
May 2 - Arrive London - 2 nights (2nd+3rd)
May 4 - Travel to Paris - 3 nights (4th+5th+6th)
May 7 - Depart Paris

The journey above has 1 full day in London (May 3)
The journey above has 2 full days in Paris (May 5+6)
Remembering we don't count the travel days (May 2+4+7)

Night trains, of course, do interfere with the scheme of things - even more so if you fail to get any sleep on board, meaning you are not rested when you arrive at your destination.

Oh okay thanks David I went with Gatwick , is the airline easyjet a good airline ? And they shouldn't charge my backpack for backpacking ass a check
In right ?
As long as I don't have any liquid or ex.

Oh okay thanks I get it now, so technically in London I am staying 2 nights and 1 1/2 day . And in Amsterdam I am staying 3 nights and 2 1/2 days . Thank you !

easyjet and Vueling are both pretty good for low coast carriers, as long as you play by their strict luggage and checkin rules. I always avoid Ryanair.

I believe they do charge for checked bags. Play the "Hold Luggage" video.
http://www.easyjet.com/en/help/preparing-to-fly/baggage

Thanks for that link Sam! Hopefully I won't have to pay for my bag, since is a carry on and I don't need to check it in .

Check that it meets the size and weight specs for a carry-on.

Is VCE a good airport to land in Venice ? Is it close to the city area ?

Its Venice's airport. The only other on is Treviso about 30 miles away. Suggest you get the "Rolling Venice Card", a youth discount card. http://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/rolling-venice
It is 28 EUR for a 3 day transport card including a one way bus ticket from the airport. You can buy it, 6 EUR for the card itself plus the transport options, at the Venezia Unica desk at the airport when you arrive.

Have you figured out where you are staying yet?

Going with Venice airport than. Found a flight from Berlin to Venice with easyjet in the morning for $47.
so it will be best to purchase it when I get to Venice airport ?

And Sam I pretty much have half of my trip booked. From Barcelona all the way to Berlin. My hostels and transportation. Ended up getting the early morning train from Amsterdam to Berlin for €39 the one you told me about! Thank you for that .

But Idk where should I stay in Venice or cinque Terry .
In Venice I was thinking maybe one of those campsites they have since they are cheap. What you think, or maybe stay somewhere in the island in Venice ? For like $40 a night ? So I wont have to take a ferry all the time to get to the island from the campsite?

Also I ended up booking the one way train ride from Paris to London . For 79 but didn't know they were going to charge me in pounds instead of euros lol. So it came it out to be like $114.

a little reality check

When you are using the Eurostar you must, absolutely must, be checked in before the cut-off. In Paris it is upstairs, but undergoing changes so you may find construction in the way. The deadline is 45 minutes, but if you get there 45 ahead you won't go because of the queues to check in, go through airport like security, border control French, border control British, and the queues down to the train. They are really precise about their deadlines.

And in terms of your question about having to check in your backpack when flying, to elaborate on the answer given above, you need to know the various dimensions and weight of what you are taking and compare it to the restrictions for each airline. Bags, no matter if you are wearing it or pulling it, will go in the sizing bin and they will either fit or they won't. If they don't fit they will be checked and you will pay more for that than your ticket. It is always very much more to do that at the airport with discount airlines than when you buy the ticket. It is even more if they don't catch you until you are at the gate. The same goes for weight. If they are a weight airline they will have a scale for it.

Found a flight from Berlin to Venice with easyjet in the morning for $47.
so it will be best to purchase it when I get to Venice airport ?

If you wait to buy the Easyjet fare until you get to the Berlin airport you will pay much more than that. You can't buy an airline ticket at the destination airport.

Okay thank you Nigel for the advice . Will keep that in mind when I take the train in Paris .
Also when I am buying a backpack I will try to buy the perfect size for a carry on .

Hey is this website legit http://bootsnall.com/ ? Booked a hoste with them since in every other website I check, they were sold out of the hostel I wanted. But they had one room available so I ended up getting it .

Hey everybody! These past few days I have really been debating if I should take one day off from Mykonos and add it to Rome instead? What do yall think of that? I feel like two days in Rome won't be enough , and 5 days for Mykonos should be more than enough. So what if I do 4 days in Mykonos and 3 days of Rome. What yall think of that ?
That's the only part that is stopping me from booking more hostels and flights from my trip. I don't know what to do. I need suggestions. Thank yall !!!

I vote for switching a day from Mykonos to Rome, for sure.

I agree with the previous reply - add at least one day to Rome. There's a lot to see there. Keep in mind that your trip from Mykonos to Rome will probably take the better part of a day, so you won't have as much touring time in Rome.

You can always book a hostel instead of calling last minute only to find out the hostel is all booked for the week-end. The hostel reservation can always be cancelled if you remember, which in the excitement may slip your mind.

I love both places but would agree 2 days is too short for rome, however 5 days in mykonos would be great, but you cant have it both ways, so add that day to rome.

I have been to all the places you mentioned except Ibiza. Not sure why you picked it. It is a great place, but in my opinion, there are more significant places to visit.

I would never plan on going to Europe to go to the Beach, since you can do that in the USA.
Barcelona is great, but there is more to see in the Madrid area and Seville is wonderful. Rome and Paris are special and deserve a week each. Amsterdam is cool, I would do a couple of days there and one to see the Zyder Zee. Berlin is good for a couple of days. but you are not going to Bavaria. There is so much to see there. You are planning to see Mykonos, which is great, but I think Santorini is special. If you go to Mykonos, try to take in Santorini. Also, Greece has its problems, so be sure you have cash before you arrive there. You could save by concentrating your travels to a more geographically continuous area.

If I were planning to backpack Europe, I would start in Rome, move to Florence, Venice, then Austria or Switzerland, Bavaria, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris.

Also, be careful where you go at night in the big cities.

I think it is a little late for this advice as I believe Danny already has his return ticket for Barcelona.

Hey Geovagriffith, the reason I picked Ibiza . Was because I heard so many good things about it. It's like the party capita of the world . So I was like why not check out since I am going to be out there already. Plus I am a young guy that is backpacking Europe by myself.
Yeah that is true USA does have plenty of beautiful beaches and neighbor countries with beauifful beaches also. But just to relax
For couple of days you know , will
Love to check out some new beaches in Europe .
Also pretty much my whole trip
Is plan already, wish you could of told me something earlier . Got my flights and train passes pretty much all booked for in Europe . The only thing that is holding me back is. To take a day off from Mykonos and add it to Rome. Which I think
I am going to do that instead . Seems like Rome has a lot to offer and two days wont be enough at all.
The reason I choosed Mykonos over Santorini is because I heard Mykonos has better beaches . Since you been to both is that true ? And if I do go to Mykonos and take a ferry or flight to Santorini wouldn't that be expensive ?

What you mean by that ? Why in the big cities ? I am mainly going to big cities only .

What yall think of this thought ? I know it will be a lot more expensive. How about if I do 6 days in total in Greece islands. Two days in Zakinthos and 3 days in Mykonos. Is it possible to find a one way flight to Zakinthos from Rome, and take another one way flight to Mykonos from Zakinthos. And on the 6th day take a one way flight to Madrid from Mykonos.

Check skyscanner, but I doubt that there are flights between Zakinthos and Mykonos. Probably nothing from Rome to Zakinthos, either. The smaller islands often just have transportation to Athens.

Her acraven I did find a flight from Rome to Zakinthos. It was a little pricy for one way it was $200.
And my best option will be flying to Athens from Zakinthos . And taking a ferry to Mykonos .
But is just a thought what you think
Of that ?

Haven't been to Zakinthos but am a big fan of hitting at least one island that is not Mykonos or Santorini, because those two are so touristy. You must decide whether it works for you, based on cost vs. time on the island. To me, it's a plus that Zakinthos is one of the Ionian islands and should be quite different from Mykonos, but its location does make combining the two islands a bit of a challenge.

What do y'all think of this idea for now .
Skip cinque Terry, the 24 of June catch a train straight to Rome . And on the 28th, get a flight from Rome to Zakinthos for $98 . arrive at 9:00am . And on the 30th of June get flight in the morning to Athens for $101. And from Athens on the 30th at 11:00 am depart to Mykonos .
And depart to Mykonos on the 4th of July to Milan for $88 . Arrive in Milan at 12:00pm . Spend the whole day in Milan and at 9pm depart to Madrid for $32 . What do y'all think of this .
The reason I choosed Milan was because that's the cheapest place to land if you are coming from Mykonos .
Or I can even spend the night in Milan and get a flight to Madrid first thing in the morning ?

In my opinion,after seeing your itinerary, you're cutting yourself short. You'll be running yourself into the dirt.

You have too little time and too many places to see. Paris alone needs (yes) 4 days at a minimum. London? Eh. Take it or leave it.

It sounds like you'll have a great time! I'm doing the same as you this summer, and if we'd had crossed paths (which would have been likely) I'd have loved to meet up!
6,000 is awesome. Some days I hardly spent a dime and others I spent 20-30 but not much more. If you're also buying train and plane tickets you'll have more than enough. Just know in general to reign in your spending and don't buy things just because they're from another country.
;) Have a great time, be safe, and know which neighborhoods to keep clear of. Also if you need a hostel for London I can give you a number to a place near downtown London. :)

So. Mr or Ms banana, where exactly is "downtown" London? I have never heard that expression before.

Hey Abscess Banana I know I am trying to do a lot . But it's my first time going you know . So I want to get the most possible out of my trip! See as much as I can see and eat a lot of food from different countries which I am looking forward to that!

Really that is awesome!! Around what time in the summer you are going ? Are you doing some of the same city's as me ?
Well not I am looking at a budget of $5,000 after all my hostel,flights, and train rides . Hopefully that is still good enough . For food and drinking and also some Musuems or so you know !!
And I appreciate it! I will don't worry! And thanks but I already got my hostel in London for two nights!

Yes, Mykonos has better beaches, but Santorini has an area where the water is a hot springs that is special. No problem with a party. Enjoy your trip, you have a lot of great places to see. Watch out for your valuables, pickpockets abound in many of the places you are going. Suggest a money belt.

Thank you Geovagriffith I will definitely try my best to enjoy my trip! Work too hard for it you know !! I just booked my flights to zakynthos and Mykonos!! Going to be going to two Greece islands! Super excited about that!

Guys my whole trip is pretty much booked already!! I want to thank every single one of y'all so much for the help seriously! When I first started didn't know much about where to go and what to see.
But y'all helped out so much! That I do not know how to thank y'all!!
Now just patiently waiting for the date to arrive!!
Once again thank everyone of y'all!

Your thanks should come as a report posted here when you're done. Doesn't have to be as long as the Bible. Just what worked, what didn't, did you survive, did you have fun and did you learn anything.

Sounds like a great plan!!! I've also got so much help from all the experienced travellers on here. I'll be on my first euro solo trip too on simllar dates to you. If your plan stays as is, I'll be in the Cinque Terre same dates as you. Should catch up for a beer!!

Hey do y'all know where is the best location to stay in zakynthos ? And when you are on Navagio beach, how do you get to the top to get the view of the whole island and ship wreck ?

Norma- Central London (I'm so used to saying downtown lol)

Danny- I'll be starting in Iceland in mid July and ending in Italy in mid August.

Last year I spent only a few days in each separate country and found by doing that which countries I wanted to see more of, so you're likely going about it the right way. :D I just remember being overly tired at the end and having a hard time enjoying myself. :)

Have you checked out T- mobile for their international prepaid phone plan?

Hey guys I be in Europe in less than 16 hours!! Any last minute stuff on how to stay safe and what not to do, and what to do . Just the main things .Thanks !!

danny,

At this point you should be well prepared on "how to stay safe and what not to do". At this point, you'll probably have to figure it out as you go. Don't take any wooden nickels (or Euro, as the case may be)!

Happy travels!

Hey guys just a quick update, I just got back in town. And once again I appreciate yall for all the help and tips. Felt like my trip was perfect! Did a total of 7 countries and 14 cities in 43 days. It did felt like i was moving fast in some cities, but i still got a little taste of them. I could not complain about anything love everything about my trip. And hopefully I can do again next summer!! Traveling in Europe is amazing is a life changer, specially going by your self.

Good to hear it all went well Danny and you had a great time.

It look as though you were there the same time I was since I landed at Frankfurt on 25 May. Totally agree that going by yourself is a life changer especially on your first long trip. I went solo for 12 weeks the first time...still go solo most of the time. Good that you enjoyed and experienced a good trip. You're set for the next one.

Hey Danny - I backpacked around Europe by myself. I went for around 4 months (starting in Germany then toured around France/ Amsterdam/ Italy/ Spain/ Luxemberg/ Venice/ Turkey).

This link has REALLY GOOD HOTEL DEALS: https://www.getsnaptravel.com/ I read about it on Conde Nast Traveller: http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-07-13/snaptravel-is-the-best-new-way-to-get-a-hotel-deal

PM me if you want more info. Bon voyage!

Hey Danny, you still owe us a trip report! Fill us in on a few more details, like favorite moments, biggest screw ups, etc. Inquiring minds want to know.

For sure Sam!! I appreciate it, specially to you, for all the help you gave me before my trip!!
I have a lot a favorite moments its hard to pick just one!! I will tell you a few!

Number one for sure was the opening game in paris France, in State De France Stadium. Watching France play home vs Romania was so unreal to me!! Even though I am not a fan of either team, but that has always been my dream to go to a European game!

Also going to Shipwreck beach in Zakynthos,Greece . Seen many pictures of it like in the internet and stuff before my trip and being there in person was supper amazing!!
That water was like something i have never seen before. It was a different type of blue. Everybody has to visit that place once at least!

Another favorite moment of my trip was being in Pamplona for the running of the bulls festival! That was incredible! Seeing how thousands of thousands people all come together in one small city for a huge festival, and it's crazy how much the Spain people respect the bulls even though they kill all 6 of them at the of the day. I even ran with the bulls 3 times, that was one of the scariest things I ever done in my life. But who knows when I am going to do it again, so that why I ran with them 3 times!

And going to Anne Frank's House in Amsterdam was really cool too!! Studying about Anne Frank through middle school and some high school. And finally being able to be inside Anne Frank's house in person was something else.

Also same thing being in Rome so many places that I study about in school in History class and also Art class. And seeing all those places in Rome in person was like living the dream. Like going inside the Colosseo was amazing, way different how it looks in movies haha. And going to the Pantheon,Trevi Fountain,Roman Forum, and Vatican is something I will never forget!! Also Other than Spain food ( Paellas ) Italy food was definitely my favorite, ate pizza, pasta, and Gelatos every day!!

Those are just a few of my favorite moments but like i said the whole trip was perfect had a blast!!

Biggest screw up had to be, one night that I had a layover in Athens to Mykonos at the airport over night. And I did not have a place to stay so I ended up staying inside Mcdonals in the airport to save money. That was horrible haha, but their was plenty other people sleeping inside mcdonals also, so I did not feel that bad lol. But the employes of Mcdonal's kept waking us up! But I just ignore them and continue sleeping, and thankfully they stop bothering everybody after awhile!

And another big screw up I did was in Berlin. Since the train station system is different from all the other cities I went to in Europe. How you do not have to scan tickets before going inside the train, one time that i was in a rush. I just jumped into the train without purchasing a ticket. And my luck lol, a guy was checking for tickets and I did not have one so he got me down of the train, and wanted to give me a ticket. But thank God he did not, he just let me go with a warning after, talking to him for bit. I learn my lesson after that in Berlin.

Also thankfully I did not have a problem with my backpack in the airlines. I had a 65 liter backpack was a little bigger than the carrying on size. But got a way with it! They stopped me like 3 times and separate airports and told me it was too big, But they said they will pass it as a check in for free.

So thankfully everything went good, sorry for the delay and this long message.

If you want to know more just let me know