Hi planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks this summer, I have never been so looking for some basic tips and must see locations. Interested in Italy but not so much Roma, maybe Venice or the Italian lakes but if you think I will be missing out please I would love any input. Germany is a must, Prague and Amsterdam. Am I being over zealous thinking we can conquer it all?? Would appreciate thoughts, recommendations etc. Its myself and my husband both in our 40s. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1143 posts
lje3wood,
First, buy or get from your library Rick Steves "Europe Through the Back Door," and/or his books on the countries you are interested in. It will cover all your basic tips and the best-known locations. Read through them and most of your questions will be answered.
Second, for two weeks I wouldn't try to visit more than two countries (only one is even better). You are being overzealous unless you plan on spending half of your time traveling between locations. I have found that many Americans underestimate the size and distances in Europe.
If Germany is a must, PLUS Prague and Amsterdam, you need to eliminate Italy. Going from one city to another usually takes up a good part of the day...checking out of hotel, getting to airport or train station, the travel itself, getting to and checking into your next hotel...not much time left to see the new city or town that day. And remember, arrival in Europe day is mostly lost to arrival needs (immigration, bags, finding hotel, etc., plus jet lag). Departure will require you to get to the airport about three hours before your plane leaves, after checking out and getting to the airport. If you have two weeks bookended by two weekends, those 16 days give you 14 days on the ground.
Count nights, not days, when making plans. Also, to cut back on travel time between places, it might help to plan on seeing places sort of near to each other (e.g. Venice, the Italian lakes, then Austria (Vienna), or Germany (Munich/Salzburg?). Then your journeys may be only half a day.
No one can really tell you what is a must-see, because we all have different likes/dislikes, expectations......art, history, natural beauty,
culture, outdoor activities, food. If you are interested in the "biggies" they are mentioned in the RS books, or any travel book really.
I wish you well and hope you figure out what you want to see and do. Perhaps an organized tour would be the way to get your feet wet. Or go to Rick Steves.com/travel tips for lots of good information on trip planning.
Bon voyage et bonne chance!
Posted by
759 posts
Yes, over zealous. Pick 2 or 3 locations max for hotels/accommodations to stay within reasonable distance, where you can do day trips from those locations. I mean Germany alone...what about Germany and Austria OR different cities of Italy OR Germany and the Netherlands/Belgium? The goal is to soak up and enjoy the places you travel, not to say you've been to 6 countries in 2 weeks. Don't underestimate jetlag, unfamiliar transportation and changing hotels/accommodations, as it all soaks up travel time. You'll have a marvelous time. Enjoy!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2610 posts
Judy and KD covered much of what I would say, all good points. When specifically in summer? This is going to be a very, very busy summer in Europe with the Olympics, not just in France but with many extending their vacations on either side of the games. Prices are high due to that plus a big summer travel season, and hotels booked already. Many Europeans travel in the month of August so places they go are packed (but some cities are quieter then). Also, it's hot in Italy peak summer, which for me (a Pacific Northwesterner) is a non starter.
You cannot and should not try to do too much in two weeks, as a very fast paced trip racing around could potentially turn you off travel to Europe forever. Put all the places you want to go in a jar, pick two, and plan a reasonably paced itinerary (including day trips) based on that. People here can weigh in on specifics once you have them, the more information you give the better (e.g., your specific interests like art, history, food).
Also fly in to one city out of another (called "open jaw" or "multi city") to minimize backtracking - use Google flights to check prices on various city pairs from your departure airport - you can search for "Europe" and it will give you best fares for a time frame.
Best of luck to you.