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Best to see in Eastern Europe with teenagers?

I am traveling to Romania with my 14 and 16 yr old kids for mission work in June and would like to tour beforehand. Looking at Istanbul, Poland (Auschwitz), Budapest. Any recommendations or places to avoid? Also having a heck of a time trying to figure out trains between these cities!

Posted by
1840 posts

Bucharesti. We thourghly enjoyed the city for three full days. Ignoring the socialist era concrete buildings you will find it an elegant place. We took a bus to Constanta on the Black Sea and spent three days there. You are looking at a lot of traveling if you see Istanbul, Poland, Hugary and Romania. The distances are much more between these cities and countries than in western Europe. Aushwitz is closest to Krakow. We were in Krakow but didn't go there, however, we did visit the Oskar Schindler museum. It is new and very well done, and is the old Jewish section of Krakow. Let me know if you need specifics at: montesharon@genesee-id.com

Posted by
143 posts

Kristin, Auschwitz isn't too far from Krakow for a day trip, and Krakow is definitely worth seeing! Also, check out domestic discount flights within Europe. Often these days they can be cheaper than trains (although I'm a huge train buff myself) One good flight website is skyscanner.com Also, ETBD has full time people who specialize in rail passes and train travel, so you might want to give them a call!

Posted by
40 posts

I've tried without success to use trains in Eastern Europe. Budapest to Vienna or Prague would be okay, and probably Budapest to Krakow, which I once did as an uncomfortable overnight, but otherwise you will want to look at budget airlines. Here's another site: http://www.whichbudget.com/

Posted by
294 posts

Hopefully the train system in Poland will be much better in June as they are preparing for Euro 2012. But expect some chaos. Flying between cities is another option. It will save time and even money on some routes. I'd work on accomodatios in Krakow asap.

Posted by
241 posts

Ambitious - very impressed. Toilet paper is important. Be very flexible re: timings. Poland is essentially western, as is Hungary.
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