This is my first trip to Europe and I need help! I am planning on going with a friend sometime in September. I have been doing a lot of researching online, trying to find the best prices for flights over there and then once there, best prices for either flights/train/bus/car rental to go from one destination to the next. There are so many options, it's becoming overwhelming! At this point we are still open to our destinations, depending on how much we can afford. We would love to see Rome and Paris. And then very interested in seeing not just the big cities in Great Britain and Ireland but maybe renting a car and seeing the countryside as well. Or would train/bus travel be just as enjoyable in these places? If anyone has some advice on the best (cheapest) ways to see these places, I would appreciate it! Thanks :)
Posted by
chicago
1 posts
Hi Shelley This is very exciting and lots to think about! Two suggestions: 1. Decide on your budget 2. Decide what you absolutely positively want to do. Then the rest will fall into place. How much can you spend? Check out some online travel sites to get an estimate on plane fare - that will be your biggest expense. Great Britain/Ireland - great destination for your first trip! Lots to see and do, and no language barrier! Figure out if want to do countryside by car/train/bus. Big city life? Museums, history, walking tours, city tours, shopping, photographing great sites? Big cities like London/Dublin will be more expensive than countryside places. Countryside places will require more transportation planning - bus schedules, train schedules, getting to and from train/bus stations to your hotel/B&B, etc. My first big trip was to be Ireland and Wales for 2 weeks. We had the whole thing mapped out for two weeks. After the third day, we were so far off our plans that it was crazy! We kept taking little roads to scenic places, then to another scenic place, etc., etc. We ended up spending two weeks on just the southern and western coasts of Ireland. If you want a driving trip, keep in mind that they drive on the OTHER side of the road in England and Ireland. That can be very nerve-wracking, plus the cost of gas/petrol and car insurance might be a huge chunk of money. On the other hand, you can go at your own pace in a car. I would be happy to provide tips/suggestions as I have traveled for 25 year to all corners of Europe/British Isles on a budget and not on a budget. Just remember - you can always to back to the places you missed! Laura
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23278 posts
It is extremely difficult to answer your question since you really didn't ask a question -- which is what works best here. Some general advice -- go to your library, check out travel books and dvds, decided what appeals to you and what does not -- we all have different likes and dislikes. Take it in small bites. Look at a map and put pins in the map. Remember you cannot see everything unless you are planning a year trip. IMO -- less is always more. Assume you will return and save some places for the next trip. Decide on the first place you want to visit -- work it through, decide on the second, etc. THEN, return here with specific question -- You have to have some background to ask the question, and a little biackground to understand the answers.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Also decide on how much time you can spend. A trip to the English countryside alone could take 4 weeks. let us know how much time you want to spend
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Shelley, As you're a "First Timer", my first suggestion is to read Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. That will provide a lot of information on things like Itinerary planning, rail skills, car rental, etc. It would help to not only have an indication of time frame, but also a more definite list of the cities you want to visit. If you haven't booked your flights yet, I'd highly recommend open-jaw tickets in order to maximize your touring time. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Jacksonville, FL, USA
10 posts
Laura, I would love to take you up on sharing your 25 years of experience! Ken,
I actually just bought it!