Where to begin

Tours aren't designed for early 30's. I haven't been on a RS tour but I would guess the average age at 50. The average age for other tours is probably 65.

There are probably organized tours for younger groups but make sure you know exactly what the trip will be and whether it's what you are looking for.

If the tour brochure says, "See Hampton Court" for example. That is what you will get. You won't tour Hampton Court (or it would say "tour"), you'll drive by in a bus and get to see it.

No one can make the decision on what you most want to do better than you. Go to the library, check out RS Europe 101 and Europe through the back door, then follow on with some guides of specific places you might want to see. Hopefully the more you learn about the places, the more you can set your own priorities.

Jason, why don't you look at the Rick Steves' tours? There is sure to be one that will interest you.
I went on the Paris city tour for my first trip to Europe, and the skills and confidence I gained on it, made it very easy for me to return there on my own, and the guides and fellow tour members were fantastic. They are a good deal in my opinion. Read the opinions of former tour group members, in the feedback section of the Graffiti Wall -- I think you will have a great time.

Browse other sections of this site, such as Best Destinations (click above). Then browse a copy of Rick's books, Best of Europe and Europe Through the Back Door and then buy the one you like the most, or both. They explain what you need to know.

Jason, I completely agree with the previous post, in that a tour might be a good idea in this case. Given that this is your first trip to Europe, and that you may have "back issues" during the trip, the RS "14-Day Best of Europe" tour sounds like it's a perfect fit for your situation. I find these to be an incredibly efficient way to not only cover a lot of ground in a short period of time, but also to get a LOT of historical information on each destination as well. Both the Lead Guides and the local Guides on the tours I've taken have been outstanding!

The RS tours might seem a bit "pricey" at first glance (especially as they don't include air fare), however when all is considered I believe these are excellent value!

Have a look at the tours section on this website for all the details and prices.

Cheers!

Since you already expressed interest in a tour, do some research on RS tours and others. Read the descriptions and see what leaps out at you. If museums aren't your thing, don't take a full week tour of Florence, for example.

Also take your physical condition into consideration. Will sitting on a bus for 4 hours a day hurt your back? If so, you will probably want a tour that stays mostly in one place.

Take cost into consideration--do you want a tour where everything is paid upfront? Or would you prefer the flexibility of a tour that covers some things and gives you free time to explore on your own.

I always tell people that it is easier for the first time to go somewhere that you speak the language. London, however, is hard to get around in. There are lots of steps and uneven sidewalks, etc. I would reccomend seeing other parts of the UK. Like maybe the Lake District or go to Ireland. These places are quiet and relaxed. Of course, if you speak any other languages there are tons of opportunities. But a tour might be a great idea. They usually take care of all your transportation. That is how I went the first time. But if you don't do that, just realize that how much you do is up to you and going to Europe doesn't have to be a competitive event. relax and have fun!

Thanks for the replies....what can I expect for ages & singles on one of Ricks tours (I really hate to consider contiki)? Back should be fine, if I can find a chriopractor in Europe..

Jason,

First, go for it! ;-)

I notice that you say this will be your first trip, hopefully of many!

If that is the case, I personally would not recommend of the "see all of Europe in 14 days" style trips. You spend a lot of time traveling and really only have time for super brief glimpses of many areas.

If this will be your first trip, I'd agree with one of the other posts that recommended the UK, where they "almost" speak English (just joking!!!!), though you may also hear Welsh, Gaelic, etc. on that trip.

You could spend time in London, with day trips out of London, and if you want to spend time outside of London, I'd strongly recommend the Cotswolds region and/or N. Wales. Lots to see in both of those areas.

I took Rick's 7-day Rome tour by myself last December. I was the youngest on the tour (24), the average age ranged from I would say late 30s to late 60s. It didn't matter. Rick-niks are a special breed, in my opinion, and everyone on the tour got along perfectly. If you go in the summer, which I do NOT recommend, you will likely get a younger crowd. I deliberately chose a week that was unlikely to have teachers or kids or college students.

Our tour had 24 people on it, and I would say there were about 8 or 10 singles, including two or three single men.

Quick note about languages: while I think the advice about England is valid, I also think it applies more to independent travel. With the RS tour, about 75% is handled by the tour guide. For the remaining 25%, I either encountered people (shopkeepers, waiters, post office agents) who spoke at least some English, or pointing and my 10-word Italian vocabulary worked just fine. If you WANT to go to England, go for it, as it's just as fabulous a country as the rest. But don't let language stop you from going somewhere you would really like to see.

Jason -- on the 2 RS tours I took, most of the people were middle aged, probably in 40-50's but there were a few older than this, younger couples and singles also -- though mostly it's couples in my experience--- I was a single one time, and then went with my sister. Everyone got along very well, ages didn't matter. Unless you are looking for an experience that is really geared towards young people hanging out and partying alot I think you would fit in fine and enjoy yourself -- if you're good natured and easy-going, and want to learn a lot about what you are seeing, and gain valuable travel skills.

You said your back should be fine, and of course you want to keep it that way. I've never been on a RS tour, but there are warnings when you read about his tours on this site, that you do need to be in great shape to be on his tours. Not just walking a lot, but a lot of lifting since you do have to carry your own things and often carrying them climbing lots of stairs.
Also I read that Rick's tours require you to see a doctor with his go ahead, if you have any condition.
There are other tour companies you may want to look into. I'm glad however you want to travel Europe. I'm just concerned about the RS tours for you. You want to stay well!

Thanks Brad. I am doing A LOT of research, including reading Europe through the Back Door. I'm just feeling so overwhelmed about where to go, & how to do it. Might just need to take a step back & figure out a conservative plan with my highest priorities. It's very easy to become greedy & try & do too much. Damn this travel bug!

Agree w/ previous poster on this one that while there MAY be 1-2 people on an RS tour in their 20s or early 30s, would estimate majority in mid 40s to mid 50s (with smattering in 60s). I'd also venture a guess most are travelling in pairs as friends or a couple, with a small amount of solo travelers joining (RS Tours charges a singles supplement unless, I believe, you are willing to be matched up and share a hotel room with another solo tour member).

You might investigate hop-on/hop-off bus networks that cater to backpackers and independent travelers. They offer flexibility to tour at your own pace, get you from point to point - often with nice guided side trips to scenic areas or other big sights, and often help you make lodging arrangements for each destination on the route (hostels/budget hotels). Depending which one you go w/, average age range of fellow passengers on a hop-on/hop-off bus network tends to be mid 20s-mid 30s with a very small number being younger or older. Majority are solo travelers-you won't be charged a singles supplement. Some companies offer both a more formal touring style where you stay with same group for the whole route, or a hop-on/hop-off option (ex. Paddy Wagon Tours in Ireland offers both).

You're a first-timer. A 10-14 day trip is not long enough for a Grand Tour of Europe. Suggest you either pick just 1 country to explore (ex. Italy in 10-14 days might be Rome, Florence, Venice with a few days along coast, Tuscany or Lake Como area), or maybe attempt 2-3 cities in different countries that are easily accessible to each other by spending only a few hours on a train (ex. Paris-Bruges-Amsterdam or London-Paris). Do day trips to countryside if you have extra time.

First-timers to Europe ultimately end up spending majority of their time in cities. You can do this cheaper on your own and add day tours or guides only when necessary. You'll have flexibility to meet more people, esp. locals, & eat where you want.

FYI -- recent post from the Tour Feedback section of the Graffiti wall, about the guide and the scene on one of Rick's tours...just about says it all.

"Ben is an exceptional young man. He handled with grace, good humor and friendliness everyone on the trip from the 14-year-old to the 75-year-olds. He made you feel like you were a friend of the family and he was glad you were along on his trip."

from:
Europe in 14 Days, May 26, 2008

Also Jason -- not to be too much of a commercial for Rick S. -- but viewing DVDs of his shows might be a really good way for you to decide where you want to go. Get hold of some. What interests you -- art, architecture, culture (what type)? I personally think London and Paris would be the best place to start. Going there will really build up your European travel confidence. Just dive in. You could possibly do Amsterdam and Paris instead, if London seems a tad expensive these days, but it's a biggie that I'm sure you will love.

Save Italy, Germany, Spain for other trips after you get the first trip under your belt. They will come easy.

One other suggestion--RS has a free dvd of a group on the Best of Europe in 21 Days tour. You might want to check that out to get some idea of what one of his tours is like.

I went on one of RS's 14-day tours, and it was a lovely experience. I was in my mid-30s, and there were about 5 people who were younger, including a few in their 20s. Some singles. Most of the rest were in their 40s, 50s or above. It was just fine - laid-back, fun, relaxed group (but then I'm not a wild nightlife person.)

I'm kind of leaning with those who think such a tour would be a good idea for your first trip, especially if you want to see everything and are getting overwhelmed with the planning. It would give you a good taste of a variety of countries and attractions, to see what you'd like to return to in the future.

But if, in the course of your research, you find yourself pulled to one or two particular places, go for it! On my first trip to Europe, I went to Italy, solo. Just felt in my gut that that was where I wanted to go. Didn't speak any Italian other than what I learned from an audiotape and phrasebook. Had a fabulous, magical time.

Liz's suggestion of getting a free tour DVD from RS is a good one. It does give a pretty good flavor of what one of his tours is like.

Jason, I think the best thing you can plan is to give yourself at least the 14 day holiday. Shorter is not better, it is generally more stressful( trying to cram all the sites in ) plus you must allow the first day or two as slow days to recover from jet lag( and from sitting in the plane for 10-12 hours) yuck. All that discomfort means going for less then 2 weeks is kind of a waste.

I would consider a RS city tour. Less bus time( or none) no carrying your luggage every second day ( which on the tour you will do, and carry it up stairs and down long streets) . It would be easiest on your back. You would have the benefit of a tour , without it being quite as tiring and the multi city tours.

Don't consider Contiki unless you want to drink and party , alot, and skim through the sites as everyone is hung over, LOL For some it is fun, our young girl at work took one of their tours and had fun, but said it was exhausting, and yes, basically lots and lots of drinking.

Another option is just going to Paris, I love Paris, and like London, but, then if you are alone, you may get lonely. I love to travel on my own, but not everyone does. You know yourself best.

Look into the RS offerings, and yes, get the free DVD , I did. Also, read the tour member feed back on this site, I have read of tours where the average age seemed really young, and they posted pictures where at least 1/2 the group appeared under 40, so don't dismiss it right off because of age.I would go in summer for best chance of younger folks, but who knows.

I think the London would be a great starting city, then maybe a few days outside of London. There are so many places to chose from York, Bath, etc., and with the same language it would make things easier for you. London is so easy to get around in using the tube (underground), buses and cabs. There is so much to do in London you would not have trouble keeping busy. You would love the pubs. You could go to London and other areas in the UK on your own which would cost less.

Jason- I'd go for a week to 10 day tour myself. It would be a good jumping off point to see if a RS tour is up your alley. Took a Paris in 7 days tour earlier this year. I'm in my late 20's, and we had one single person younger than me, two or three singles my age, and singles and couples on up into their 60's. Don't worry about the ages, everyone in my group was lively and young at heart and spirit, everyone had fun, and the only complaints heard were we didn't have enough time to do everything we wanted.

Jason, regarding your most recent questions.

First, unfortunately I have no information on Chiropracters in Europe, or what the costs might be. Check the Net as I'm sure there will be information there.

In my experience with the RS Tours (so far), most of the group have been "mature travellers" (ie: over 40). However, I've noted in some of his tours there have been teenagers and other younger travellers.

The rule for "singles" is that no single supplement is charged, however one must be willing to be placed in a room with another person of the same gender if necessary. There are a few tours where single supplements are offered, for those that want their own room every night (mostly the shorter city tours, although I believe this is an option for Turkey as well). Check the "Tours" section for complete details.

The tour requirements do state that everyone must be reasonably "fit", in order to navigate a lot of stairs with luggage, participate in walking tours and stand for a period of time listening to local Guides. This is certainly true, however these requirements vary a bit between tours (click on the "physically demanding" link if you want details). I've found on past tours that if some of the group didn't feel capable of a particular task (ie: the climb to the top of Vesuvius or the 1 kM hike to the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge) whether to go is a matter of choice, and some members of the groups I've been with have decided to stay with the Bus and have a coffee or whatever.

I feel that one of the multi-county tours would be a good introduction to Europe, but you'll have to determine if your "back issues" will allow you to take something like this. Be aware that any travel in Europe might be a bit strenuous though (my feet are always a problem, but I go anyway). I love travelling in Europe!

Good luck!

Lots of good advice on this thread.

I think planning comes down to a little self-knowledge about what genuinely thrills you. Some brutal honesty is in order. Otherwise your trip will be swamped by other peoples' enthusiasms.

Of course you may not know, having never been. Even if you have, best to leave some room to try new things. but for a first-timer, hedge your bets. Don't (for example) book a week in the Loire unless you know you like chateaux from the ancient regime. Instead, see Versailles, or Fontainebleau, or other castle as a day trip from Paris to find out.

You may have seen it in your research, but I think that Rick's basic book, Europe through the Back Door, cannot be beat for inspiring, motivating, and focusing the mind on the choices you will need to make.

Good luck and have fun planning!

I've never been on a tour, but if I ever do, I wouldn't care at all the age of the other travelers. What we would have in common is seeing Europe together. The most important thing is to have a great tour with a guide with much knowledge,and see and learn many things. I would have fun with younger and older people. Shouldn't matter in the least, and I suggest not to choose a tour according to how old the travelers are. We all are people that love to travel.
My two cents.

Below are some warnings from the RS Tours...

Rick Steves tours are physically demanding! This is an integral, essential part of the "back door" experience. Among other things — you'll need to happily...

1. Carry your own luggage up as many as 5 flights of stairs 2. Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement and up stairways to reach your hotel 3. Be on your feet for up to 2½ hours in museums 4. Stand and walk over uneven surfaces for up to 3 hours outdoors 5. Sleep with no (or weak) air conditioning in some hotels 6. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.

If you feel you can handle it, go for it! I heard the RS tours are great, and would love to do this myself!
No matter what you choose, have a wonderful time!!!

Hi Jason,

I would lean towards a Rick Steves tour for your situation.

When you think of Europe what is the first think that comes to your mind? If it's Big Ben and The Tower of London then the UK is it Or it may be the Eiffel Tower or the Colloseum...

As for finding Chiropracters, in the UK just type that into the yellow pages site (www.yell.com) along with where you are staying e.g. Oxford and you'll get lots.

Have fun wherever you decide!

Jason, I've been on two RS tours and the ages ranged 22-82 on one tour and 22-72 on the second. Age doesn't mattter. . . attitude is important. I am 61 and hung out quite a bit on both trips with a 22 year single woman just out of college. There are several singles on many of the trips. Couples & singles mixed. It is really a state of mind. I just signed up for my 3rd RS tour.

You might consider back to back city tours (if you are going to pay for air fare, make it worthwhile). Perhaps a week in London followed by a week in Paris. With back to back city tours, you stay in one hotel the entire time in each city. You can extend your stay and be a day tripper outside the cities.

You do have to be prepared to carry your own luggage and yes five flights of stairs in a Georgian hotel and carrying your bag over some uneven walkways.It doesn't happen everyday nor it happen more than 3-4 times in a 3 week tour. I have never stood or walked for more than 2 hours without a break. The guides are great! I only have positive things to say about RS tours. You get a lot of bang for your buck and youj don't have to have the frustration or waste of time standing in line for tickets. You have a lot of free time too.

I agree that if are planning on this being the first of many trips, go with the thought that you will be back and only see one area and not the whole continent. However if you think this is your one and only shot, see as much as you can.

If you are a really adventurous, outgoing person, you will probably be fine no matter what tour you take. But if you are anything like me (somewhat outgoing, but not the most extroverted) you may want to try and find a friend who wants to go too. This way, even on an RS tour with couples in their 50s, you'll always have someone to share a room with, go to the pub with, etc. I think trips are almost always better when shared.

Don't let the language barrier trip you up to much. Even if you go to the continent you should be fine. However, I did find an interesting lack of English in Bern, Switzerland, though in Interlaken, it was fine.

Thanks everyone for your replies...if I meet people on my travels that are this helpful, then it should be easy. Probably going to put off travel till next year. I'm able to walk 2 miles straight (about 45 minutes), but I need a good rest afterwards. I want to be able to walk/stand for a good 2 hours before I venture too far. Maybe leaning towards Britain now (no language barrier) or the "vodka train" (lots of train time to re-coup). So many places to go......