Travel to Europe for the first time

Richard, I personally would travel to Germany and Austria, but that's what I'm interested in. I like the culture and the outdoors. It're really hard to answer your question without knowing what your interests are. I think if Italy is what you're interested in then that would be a good place to start. I highly recommend you check out Rick's book - Europe through the back door. It has a lot of valuable travel advice, and may give you some ideas.

richard, There's absolutely no reason you couldn't see Rome on a first trip. If you prepare adequately, it won't be too much of a "culture shock". I'd suggest visiting a few locations in northern Italy prior to Rome. Of course, booking open-jaw flights would be the most efficient method. It would help if you could provide a few comments on places that you're interested in visiting. Is there a possibility you might want to return to Paris so that your Wife could see it? You both might find it helpful to read Europe Through The Back Door as that provides a lot of good information on travelling in Europe. Once you've decided where you'll be going, the country-specific Guidebooks have lots of info on lodgings, restaurants, sightseeing and transportation. Finally, how long will this trip be, and what kind of budget are you working with? Cheers!

Richard,, why are you apprehensive about Rome? Rome would be fine,, thousands and thousands of first time visitors go there every day!
I can't imagine not going where you would "love " to visit. What exactly is your concern. With some research you can find clean safe budget accomadation and have a great time in almost any city in Europe. I personally love Paris, so would recommend Paris, but it wouldn't make any sense at all for you to go there if not really interested. Even on a budget trips to Europe cost alot, go where YOU want. |There is no wrong choice.

Our first trip to Europe in 2008 (well, our 1st trip on a plane at all) - Rome was our 1st stop! I had always wanted to see it, not that apprehensive about travelling myself - I think I stared around in slack -jawed wonder. The biggest culture shock came right away on the van ride fr the airport to the B&B - OMG, the driving is NUTS...my husband always says he was laughing a little at first (he was sitting in the front passenger seat) but then started getting really scared! Amazing how they dance about each other on the roads. The biggest thing I came home with is stop and enjoy your surroundings - we always seemed to be in a hurry to get to the next must-see, that we almost didn't take enough time at the place we were at. We had 5 nights and took a day trip to Naples to see Herculaneum and Vesuvius...knowing now how much, I would probably have spent at least 5 full days and 6 nights there... That being said, if you have the time, go to Venice for 3 nights, stay in the city, wander in the evening - I absolutely LOVE it and have been back in 2010 and returning this year as well. As for other places - Switzerland was beautiful but expensive, but I'd love to return someday.
(PS - I'm a huge budget traveller as well, nothing I love more then spending hours finding cheap-ish but not cruddy hotels/B&B and researching transport options and places of interest- I'm a huge travel nerd...lol - if I can be of any help, LMK)

I personally think Germany and Austria are very good countries for "newbies" to Europe, as in most places the average tourist would be going, English is spoken, signs tend to be posted in English (or are at least understandable) and stuff makes "sense" to North Americans culturally more than other countries. And they are clean, safe, well-organized, all those stereotypes are pretty true! But I wouldn't go there as opposed to where you want to go, the best thing you can do to travel anywhere in the world is to research and plan ahead before the trip, and have a flexible and positive attitude while traveling. I wouldn't not do Rome just because it's intimidating. Knowledge is power!

Culture shock...not speaking the language....exotic, foreign locations and world class sights that most people only dream of seeing... that is what travel is to me. And Rome would fulfill all of those . Whenever I am feeling intimidated about traveling somewhere I ask myself 'what is the worst thing that can happen?' Usually it means I will get the wrong food, look foolish, need a glass of wine to regroup, or ask for help.... if its not life-threatening, I can deal with it. Go where your heart tells you and enjoy the culture shock!

Our first trip to Europe was to Austria! More than 20 years ago- OMG!!! Hubby planned it as a special, probably once in a lifetime trip. Well... we've now been to Europe more than 40 times. For many years we'd go twice a year. If you are worried about the language 'barrier', then start in the UK. Either as your first trip (LOTS to see and do there), or as the first destination for the trip. As an introduction to Europe, you could do the "big three"- London, Paris, Rome. Or you could focus on one region or country. Lots of things will (should) impact your decision. > How much time will you have? > What is your travel 'style'?- Pace, accomodations, perferred mode of travel, etc. Do you even know what your style is yet? > What is your budget? > What are your interests? History, geography, art, nature, culture, architechture, the list could go on and on and on > What time of year do you plan to travel? There are probably alot more questions you should/could ponder, but these make a good start.
Getting answers from both of you will help you start deciding on where you REALLY want to go.

I haven't been anywhere in Europe yet that wasn't easily manageable in English and on public transportation. What time of year are you planning to go and about for how long? Generally, Eastern Europe is cheaper than Western and early spring/late fall are cheaper than summer and winter cheapest of all (except for skiing). A friend of mine said yesterday: I tell my friends NOT to go to Italy, because once they go there, they will want to return again and again, so they won't see the rest of Europe.

I'd definitely go to Rome if that is what your interest is. How about the RS Rome tour or other tour that includes Rome?

When are you travelling? How many days would you have? In general I think doing London/Paris is a great start or spending a couple of weeks in Italy is always a great choice. If you don't want to see Rome this trip you can still go to Italy and have a great time, there is so much to see and experience. You could do Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre just to name a few...
Wherever you choose it is a good idea to start with the RS books and do your homework

Richard,and Nicole, I've spent many days driving through and by Monroe in years past... Where to go in Europe? I am surely biased but I like Audrey Hepburn's answer at the end of the movie Roman Holiday to this question, posed by a correspondent: Which of the cities visited did Your Highness enjoy the most? Audrey as Princess Ann: Each in its own way was... unforgettable. It would be difficult to... (she stops, then her face softens). Rome; by all means, Rome. (She turns to look at Gregory Peck) I will cherish my visit here, in memory, as long as I live. Sometimes I feel the same way... Rome is certainly a special place for visitors and princesses.

@Ron... well, now I know the next movie I will have to watch on Netflix! Great film!

Go straight to Rome, you won't be sorry, just watch out like you normally would at home if you're worried about security. The longer you're there, the more things you will discover that you didnt know about and want to see. I tell all my friends the same thing...and you simply dont have enough time or money to do the whole town. I think the number one mistake first time travellers make is trying to do too much...and that means too much time wasted travelling...I cant stress that enough.
A week and a half or more in Rome will simply addict you to more travel, believe me. You'll go back...you'll fine a way. We chose Rome as our first trip, we've been all over Europe since then....and I cant wait to go back to the Eternal City. Happy Trails

Hi, we are also in the research and planning stages for a trip to europe for the summer of 2013. I found that listening to Rick Steves podcasts (on itunes) and getting some of his videos from the library to watch gave us a better understanding as to what to expect. His interviews also give great insight to all areas of travel, from food, accomodations, tourist sights and wonderful out-of-the way finds. Also just browsing through the different threads here on the helpline is awesome. There are a lot of very informed travellers who frequently help out newbies like me. As for us (family of 4, 2 adults and 2 girls, currently 8 and 10) We have decided to start in Scotland to Paris to Venice to Florence and fly out of Rome. We will be 4-5 weeks in total and trying to stay in apartments as much as possible. I was leary of Rome at first, but with lots of research, a money belt, awareness and common sense, you should have a great time. Good luck, hope this helps.