First Time Abroad

O.K. Another (less expensive than Switzerland) hiking option would be in northern Spain along the Camino de Santiago trail--you could do a portion of it. I really love the city of Santiago de Compostela at the end of the pilgrimage.

Michelle, I don't see anywhere that you actually expressed an interest in Switzerland. but if you are, I can assure you it need not be terribly expensive. Beds "off the beaten path" in rustic mountain inns are generally around 35 to 40 CHF, including breakfast. Things are pretty much winding down in October, however, so you would have to start there.

Luggage: I’ve looked at the many options and narrowed it down to:

• Carry on w/wheels (I own a good one)

• Backpack that converts to a carry on (Osprey Porter, MEI Voyager, or RS Convertible)

• Rolling carry on that coverts to a backpack (Eagle Creek)

• Backpack (carry on size - variety of pack brands)

I’m 5/3’ with a short torso, albeit a strong back, but I’m not getting any younger (only wiser). Thus, some of the convertibles make me think it will be like trekking with a mattress on my back….

I have considered the Camino de Santiago – friends have recommended it.

*Switzerland, no it was not on my list due to the known fact that it is expensive plus, considering the season of travel, but it sounds like it is doable. Like you said Lola, it would be my starting place.

It is exciting to consider all the places available for travel, and watching my itinerary change like the weather!

I so appreciate your experienced suggestions that come from your love of travel!

For off the beaten path:

1 -- draw a line from the coast of Portugal strait east to Madrid, then straight north to the Bay of Biscay. Stay in the rough square that results.

2 -- in France, make it Brittany with the emphasis being the western parts of the peninsula.

3 -- for Italy, it would have to be anything further down the boot than a line drawn perpendicular to the coasts through Bari.

4 -- in Turkey, stay east of a north-south line through Antayla; anything west of that might be a bit to far off the path if you haven't been in that area before.

I'd make it France or Spain for a very first trip since you would not be too distant from some familiar-sounding places. Winter is great, but it can get damp and chilly -- nothing a butt-length rain jacket with a fleece underlayer and a knit cap won't handle, however.

Ed- thanks, I didn't know there would be math involved :) I truly appreciate your input and I will play around with your ideas. As far as damp and chilly, I'm a PNW'er and all too familiar with layering and rain coats.

Steve - I got this from the public library and will purchase it for my own library.

...and also realize that most of the locations in Rick Steve's books are very much on the "severely" beaten path. Use his general strategies, but realize that any location in his books has seen thousands of tourists before.

I like Ed's suggestions. You might consider dropping Turkey as a destination to add Switzerland for hiking, biking, etc.

Something like (in this order or reverse):

*Spain: Madrid, Salamanca
*Portugal: Coimbra, Lisbon
*Spain: Seville, Granada
*Fly to Milan from Granada to travel in Italy (Venice, Florence, etc. as it's all good)
*Switzerland for hiking
*France: Paris and Brittany

Not sure how you're planning to travel but you can do this on buses, trains, with some budget airline flights if needed (www.whichbudget.com)

Tom - it's true, but I will see some touristy sites for the art and architecture.

Sharon - I should have mentioned my goal is to do this on a low budget, so yes, transportation mode is important. I love your itinerary ideas mingled with Ed's. Gosh, I like it when plans change and new sights are seen!

One more thing: I'm doing the luggage debate: roll on carry on vs the backpack style that is also carry on legal. I don't want to check luggage. I know winter travel requires more clothes that weigh more...but wool goes a long way.

Wheels add weight. Make it a backback -- the largest that will carry on. Semi-wear the jackets to save space.

Switzerland is expensive like you wouldn't believe.

RS did not "find" anything, people always knew about them. He popularized them to a group of followers who have paved the path with blue and gold book covers. Nonetheless, some of his spots are absolutely great -- albeit crowded.

Ed's right, Switzerland is expensive but it seems like you could find hostels to stay in--the hiking is amazing!

This is just the starting point in your itinerary planning...it's a fun process! You'll be "tweeking" it for awhile!

I like my Eagle Creek bag with wheels--it carries an amazing amount of stuff and has straps so it could be used as a backpack. It also has a zip-on backpack.

Hiking's also great in the Picos de Europa (which nobody seems to know exists) at 1/10 the price.

Hang in there, Michelle, we'll have you going to all the places we like, but about which you don't give a rat's rear bumper.

Unless you go to Switzlerland at the begining of your proposed trip, don't expect to do any hiking. November is shoulder season (too cold and wet to hike, not cold enough to ski) and December is the begining of the ski season.

I agree with Tom that the season you are going isn't going to be biking season in the Alps. That being said, if you are interested in an Alpine adventure, Austria is right next door (they have the Alps too) and it is much less expensive. I personally found the Austrians much more hospitable and the countryside is just as breathtaking as Switzerland.

Hiking isn’t my main focus for this trip - art, culture, food and seeing old, beautiful places are more important.

Sharon’s suggested itinerary: *Spain: Madrid, Salamanca *Portugal: Coimbra, Lisbon *Spain: Seville, Granada *Fly to Milan from Granada to travel in Italy (Venice, Florence, etc. as it's all good) *France: Paris and Brittany, is looking quite inviting. Even in reverse.

I may have to save the Picos de Europa, Switzerland & Austria for my summer trip!

Hello Michelle. I recommend that you bring your carry - on bag that has wheels, if you are certain that it will be allowed in the passenger compartment in airplanes. Some "carry - on" bags that have wheels do not fit in the sizing box in airports. 3 Months is a long time to be travelling and sleeping in hotels. Could you divide it into two trips to Europe ? From your experience in your first trip, you could learn to plan a better trip for your second trip. I recommend : be in Italy many days. It is best to not be in a hurry in Italy. And the rainy days might slow you down.

Hi Ron, I’ve never had a problem with my carry on, but then again, I’ve never had to put it into one of the boxes…will try next trip!

I see your point about an extended trip for my first time abroad and the concept of a “test run”, however at this point I’m not sure how long it will be (depending on my employer). I don’t intend on staying in hotels the whole time, as I’ve considered renting an apartment, doing a homestay or house swap. So many choices! I appreciate your input about Italy – I agree wholeheartedly!