Hey guys! This will be long, I apologize. I just got back from my first trip to Europe (London Paris Amsterdam Barcelona Florence Rome) and loved it. I liked Paris, Barcelona and Florence most of all. I'm plotting another trip in mid may. I am not as anecdotally familiar with this part of Europe so I'm not sure what I even want to do.
Other relevant info: I'm a youthful 38 year old single female. I am 75% sure I am traveling solo for the first time and am comfortable picking up the pace a bit because I don't have anyone's needs to consider. Meeting people is ok but not a priority. I'm prepared for a solitary two weeks if it happens. I'm packing only in a backpack and staying in airbnbs. (Irrelevant? Maybe) I do not have much interest in art museums. Scratch that, zero interest. But if the outside is interesting, I want to photograph it (see: the Louvre) I also feel I have only minimal interest in palaces or churches (going in, at least. Exception: sagrada familia) I enjoy: large food markets/halls, aimless wandering while snapping pics of beautiful architecture or street/public art. History. Feeling the city's culture (intangible and hard to explain) Cool cemeteries. Odd photo opps. Eating cheap and lovely food, rarely from sit down restaurants. Scenic views. Neighborhood walking tours. This is how I enjoyed Europe last time and I don't feel like I missed out on much (aside from Amsterdam, but that's another post...)
Tentatively may 10-24 (can add a day or two maybe, if warranted).
I am traveling round trip to/from Chicago/Munich. I can't find a similarly priced flight with a different departure city so it is what it is for now. Don't arrive till 7pm so day one is..not a real thing. So how many days in the Munich area? I'm thinking trips to some castles, the romantic road, dachau, eagles nest if the weather cooperates (just for pictures from up there, no interest in going in. Is there a better place to have great views?). Not sure what is of interest IN Munich but I'm sure I could fill a day. Or a hundred, but you know what I mean.
From there on to...Salzburg? I have a major jones for taking pictures of mountains. Being in the presence of mountains. Looking at mountains. I love mountains. I was also a music major and have a passing interest in the Mozart history. I think it's worth a stop over. Two nights max? Or one with a late departing train to....
Vienna? Everyone I talk to says they love Vienna. But I've been reading forums and Vienna sounds like a lot of museums and palaces and zzzz. Tell me I'm wrong? How many days? Or tell me I'm right and it's worth only a passing glance and a performance of the symphony (or this in Salzburg?) on the way to...
Prague. I know nothing about Prague. I will research Prague obviously but I feel good about it. But this will be a brief visit. Just a taste. Highlight reel.
Then Budapest briefly? For another taste? My flight out will likely be very early Wednesday am so I need to depart Budapest for Munich Tuesday. Or do I skip Budapest completely and pad Prague? Or more Germany? I am clueless.
As you can see I am confident on the Germany parts, less so on everything else. Help me figure it out! I wanna see some nature. Take some awesome pictures. I realize that I could spend two weeks in only two of these cities but that's not how this trip is going to be for me.
This is the best travel forum and I love reading it. I'm looking forward to the awesome advice to come.