Want to visit France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Greece. Will also be spending some time in Italy. Any assistance with the best travel itinerary and best times to visit each of the countries listed. Can be in each country at least a week- this is a trip of a lifetime to me, so I appreciate all the help you can give me. Thanks.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Carla - I know a lot of regular responders here would be happy to help you refine your plans. But it would help to know what you hope to see, when you plan to travel, how long, and your general budget per day.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
The usual drill on this website is a person presents their prospective itinerary and a wish list of sites they want to visit. Then, the peanut gallery comments on the feasability of said itinerary and makes further recommendations from there. We'd love to help, but you need to give us more information first.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Bearing in mind that we'll usually start by telling you where you're wrong... ;)
But that's where to start.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Carla,
To begin with, I'd suggest that you check some Guidebooks (preferably Rick's) to get some ideas on which cities and sights will interest you the most. You should be able to find a selection of guidebooks at your local Library or larger Book stores (although I don't know where "CDM" is so can't comment too much on availability).
As the others have said, some further information would be really helpful. Is this your first trip to Europe, where are you travelling from, what kind of budget are you working with, etc., etc.
If you haven't travelled in Europe before, I'd highly recommend that you read Europe Through The Back Door before doing too much planning.
Good luck!
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
Carla, this is a very broad request for people here to offer much help. Research each country and narrow down the specific places you think you would like to visit within each country and then ask for advice about those places. That will encourage people here to offer advice and opinions that will be of help to you. What is the order of the countries you wish to visit? Based on the countries you listed you would probably want to start in Portugal then on to Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Greece or vice versa. This would help to cut down on travel time. You should get 2 or 3 travel books and do much of your own research from those. Rick Steves' books would be good reading with which to start. There are others as well. Watch his travel shows along with any others you can find on television. You will learn much more by doing your own research and deciding on what sites appeal to you plus it will be educational and fun while doing your research. Then come back and ask about those sites as well as transportation advice, eating, lodging etc. There are many knowledgeable folks who contribute to this site and there is always someone here who has been to the places you wish to go and can offer their help. Take advantage of their experience and knowledge but first I would advise you to do your own research and that would help those here to understand better what it is your travel goals are. You could also read old threads here on the RS forums of those countries you wish to visit and pick up a lot of good tips. A trip of a lifetime deserves much detailed planning time. It will be worth it.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
First, you need to do the homework. Then we get to grade it. Seriously we don't have enough space to lay out everything for you without any idea of what your interest are. Finally, PLEASE only post one question in one section. It will be read by everyone but it keeps all the responses in one place so everyone can build on the prior responses. That is far for effective for everyone including you.