Please sign in to post.

Destination feedback for newbie travelers

Posted by on

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are hoping to book a European vacation this year, and though we watch all of Rick's episodes and discuss our intentions, we've had a hard time trying to decide where to go. I'm posting this in the Italy forum because I think that may be our best bet, but we are open to suggestions from any seasoned traveler patient enough to offer advice. Here are our considerations:

  1. Traveled all over US but never over the Atlantic. This trip will be an education as well as a vacation for us.
  2. I am drawn to the idea of doing two cities and two sleepier destinations over a period of approximately 8-10 days. My initial thoughts on Italian itinerary like this are Milan, then Lake Como or Lake Garda, on to the Cinque Terre and then finish in Rome.
  3. We are walkers and watchers. Our favorite way to travel is to have a rough itinerary in mind and see where our feet and local recommendations take us when we land. Though we like museums and historical stops for a half day here and there, we're most interested in soaking up fascinating walkable cities and towns, enjoying conversation and food along the way. We'd like to stay at least 2 nights in each place we visit.
  4. We are budget conscious, but we have a tendency to approach this whole thing too frugally as we're afraid of spending a lot on something that is so foreign (literally) to us. It's hard to make a destination decision as we're worried we'll make the wrong one.
  5. We're open to renting a car or keeping our travel to rail depending on what the region demands. Again, because it's new, the car option is a bit intimidating but not impossible by any means.

I know this is vague, which is probably frustrating for those of you who have done all this many times before. But...we haven't. I'd love some guidance. Thank you for any thoughts or recommendations you can offer!

Posted by
10344 posts

If you go for 8 days, you will really have only 7 full time days on the ground to enjoy and see the things you're going all that way to see.
You mention 4 destinations, 4 in 7 days would be a push.
As a general rule of thumb, to get 1 full day of sight-seeing in a destination requires 2 hotel nights, and 3 hotel nights = only 2 full days of sight-seeing, etc.
Milan is not all that popular with travelers reporting in here, it's a financial center, think big office buildings. There's Leonardo's Last Supper there, which is a bit of a hassle to set up.
You said walkable cities: of course Lake Como is not one of those, you see the postcard views by getting on the lake in the public ferries.
Regarding budget, your single largest cost will be airfare to/from Europe, and that is high these days, so there's only so much you can do to minimize that cost.
Many travelers reporting in here have the travel philosophy for Italy that: if the train goes there, use the train. Will probably save you on costs, parking hassles and stress. All of the places you've mentioned above can be easily reached by train (except Lake Garda I'm not sure of but Roberto will know).
American first-time travelers to Europe (those who don't regularly use trains in the US) tend to be a bit intimidated by trains, but when you're there you'll understand why many travelers use the trains.

Posted by
359 posts

I think you are doing too much for 10 days. Waaay to much for 8 days. Pick two cities and one country spot maximum. I do think Italy would be a good bet for you. Not super cheap but worth it and a good intro to Europe!

Posted by
506 posts

I would recommend 3-4 nights in large cities and at least 2 nights in small ones. Italy is a great country for first time travelers, lots to see in one country. Driving is a bit harder in Italy, it is the one country we always take the train. It is good to be on a budget, and I know this is Rick Steve's suggestion for travel, but be careful how hung up on that you get. You need to be prepared to maybe spend a little more than you think you will. The Euro is low right now so it is a great time to go to Europe. I don't think you will have enough time to do all those places in that much time. You have to consider travel time between these cities. Probably three would be the most.

Posted by
8056 posts

Roads are good in Italy (although extremely narrow in some cute hill towns), and there's the dreaded ZTL traffic-free zones that some visitors seem to drive into, ignoring the signs and incurring fines, but at least there, they drive on the right-hand side of the road. Other European destinations would involve making that left-hand side adjustment. Also, while there are drivers who drive very fast in Italy (as some do in the USA as well), there is a speed limit, so you wouldn't be dealing with Autobahn driving like in Germany. With a car, you can set your own schedule, not tied to the train's. The driver may be focused on driving, though, so could see less scenery.

Unless you picked France, with some time in Paris and a few days either north (Normandy or Brittany), south (Provence - but that could make an entire trip on its own :-)), west (Loire, Dordogne, or Bordeaux), or east (Champagne, Alsace, or The Alps), picking Italy will give you good options. The trick, of course, is choosing which options for the time you have.

Posted by
14997 posts

One way to do 4 destinations in a short time is on Rick's Heart of Italy tour which does Rome, Volterra, Cinque Terre and Florence in 9 days. However, a tour does not sound like it would meet your travel style altho there is quite a bit of free time on Rick's tours. You would still need transit days as well which would lengthen your time frame to at least 12 days.

Posted by
333 posts

Are you bound to 8-10 days? You sound like perfect candidates to take the Best of Europe 14 day tour, or, if museums and such aren't so much your thing, the My Way Europe in 14 days tour. If you're set on Italy, there is a My Way Italy in 13 days tour. The reason I suggest that is because it IS your first time to Europe and if you don't speak the language (i assume), a first time trip can be very intimidating. With the My Way tours you don't have to worry about transportation between places or finding the right hotels. The popular cities are already mapped out, you just have to enjoy them. You have a guide to refer to for questions and you can spend your time on how you want to enjoy your days in each place. Something to look into and consider anyway.

Otherwise, if you want to do it all on your own, personally, I'd pick Cinque Terre and spend your week there. You have 5 little cities within walking distance to explore, beautiful views, great hiking, nice people, good food, water activities- what more could you want for a first visit?

Whatever you choose, have a great time!
Lisa

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you so much, everyone! Your replies are all so helpful.

Kent- thank you for the honest feedback on Milan, etc. NOTED!
Judy- you're right. Budget shmudget.
Pam- thank you for recommending the tour. I'd forgotten to even look at those options because usually we're not group-types, but I see some tours are less heavy on the group structure.
Cyn- thanks for letting me know about the roads. I'm so naive- I didn't realize Italians drive on the right side as well!
Lisa- Thank you, too, for the tour suggestions. I am particularly fond of the My Way tour idea as we are pretty independent when it comes to our wandering but also don't want to worry about transportation between destinations. That might be the best way to meet our needs.

I'm going to head over to the Rick Steves tours forum and ask the group about personal preferences on the My Way tour options, though I admit, I'm drawn to Italy at the moment. If anyone has a suggestion on that front here, I'd be happy to hear it.

Thanks again, everyone! What a helpful place this forum is. :)

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.