|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 2:04:21 GMT
My eldest boy and I had a long chat earlier on today. And we've decided that it would be a good idea to travel around Europe next Spring/summer time. It's something that he and I have always wanted to do. And I think it'll give him a good break from all the studying he's been doing, which will be three years at Uni. in the Spring.
At the moment we are planning to take a round a month to do this, would that be enough time? We'll start off in England, visit family there and then probably to France after that etc. etc.
Does anyone have any ideas on this? Which route to best take around Europe where we get to see the most interesting places? Which mode of transport to use and how about accommodation? Any advice at all very welcome. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by lola on Oct 22, 2009 3:37:08 GMT
Oh, nice, deyana. How fun.
I'm a fan of English and European trains, FWIW. Does your boy have an opinion on what parts of Europe interest him most? If I had a month I'd split the time among maybe 3 or 4 bases and divide between country and city.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 5:14:22 GMT
Depending on how much ground you want to cover, and if there are any places you want to stop for a few days, I would recommend doing some separate car rentals so that you don't have to worry about a useless car in a big city. This would also allow you to use some of the excellent trains for certain sectors.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 14:06:45 GMT
lola, He really wants to see Italy, Rome in particular. And Paris ofcourse. You're right, I think we'll have to pick our countries, I might extend it to 6 weeks, we'll see..
Trains seem like the best bet at the moment, but renting a car for some areas, would be good too. It's going to be fun arranging it all. Since I've only ever been over the border to Paris, I'm really looking forward to it.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 14:10:21 GMT
Make sure you plan things together. Sometimes negotiation is necessary when somebody wants to go to a more out-of-the-way place.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 14:23:12 GMT
Very true, it'll all be planned out before we head off, though ofcourse we may end up on a route that was not on our list, but it's good to have a basic idea.
|
|
|
Post by lola on Oct 22, 2009 15:50:56 GMT
I love researching travel on the internet. After you look at a few hundred Paris apartment or countryside gite offerings, you begin to get a feel for what the place might actually be like.
We loved our gite in the southern Loire area a few years ago, near La Roche-Posay, but it would be too far off the beaten track for most. (we encountered only one other native English-speaking British couple in a week.) I don't know how much an object money might be, but renting for a week tends to be less costly than hotels. Wandering would be fun, too, but I get months of enjoyment preparing for trips, a free added value.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 17:20:17 GMT
lola, yes it is fun researching on the internet. There's just so much information out there. I just want to make sure we get to see the landmarks in each place, (more picture opportunities)! I'm not too bothered about seeing the countryside, after all I live in it everyday anyhow. Unless it's a particularly interesting part of the area that is.
I'm going to look into renting a place for a week or a few days here and there, thanks for the suggestion. Just wandering, like you say, and interacting with all the local people will be very interesting for me for sure.
|
|
|
Post by lagatta on Oct 22, 2009 17:20:39 GMT
My no. 1 piece of advice would be to try to not do much, too many countries and regions etc.
Definitely do rentals/self-catering part of the time - then you can explore markets! You don't have to do any elaborate cooking if that doesn't sound like a holiday - there are always roast chickens, cheeses and such, with good breads, fruit, salads...
Not all hostels are party central - some are very welcoming to families. Idem religious guesthouses (Jazz has already put up a posting on convent and monastery says). You can also happen on clean, basic hotels in small places in France for a very good price.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 17:32:05 GMT
Great ideas there, lagatta. Could someone show me where the thread is that Jazz put up on convents and Monastery stays, I'd be interested to check that out.
Yep, self-catering sounds good and I need to get a list of hostels in Europe before I go. I've heard that some of them are quite decent and not too expensive. Thanks for the info., Lagatta.
|
|
|
Post by lagatta on Oct 22, 2009 17:52:50 GMT
You can do lots of searches on this site. The cheap hotels started for Paris, but they are on the Europe board.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 18:50:28 GMT
okay, I'll see if I can find them.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 19:19:08 GMT
Anyway, you should look into an "open jaw" ticket when the time comes, meaning that you fly into one European city but out of a different one at the end of the trip, so that you don't have to backtrack.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 20:21:48 GMT
That's a good idea, K.
|
|
|
Post by auntieannie on Oct 24, 2009 16:03:06 GMT
check YHA/YMCA maybe for hostels? www.seat61.com/ for train travel I warmly recommend Rome, if you visit only one Italian City. One note about car rentals: it is extremely costly to rent one car in one city and leave it in another, particularly if you change countries in the meantime.
|
|
|
Post by lagatta on Oct 24, 2009 16:27:30 GMT
I'd use car rental more if you decide to spend a week in a largely rural region and are exploring villages and natural sites. Take the train between cities, and certainly between countries. Man in Seat 61 is a great resource - he was a regular on the Thorn Tree and on other travel sites - he is very helpful. You will also have to research whether it is cheaper for you to buy some kind of inclusive ticket in Canada or get the best deals on trains in Europe - both will take advanced planning.
I love Rome as well, but some smaller Italian cities are unforgettable. To be brutally honest, I do NOT mean either Florence or Venice. I have been to both many times, as I was studying nearby and had friend in each. Of course I wanted to see the beautiful works of art and museums, and I'm glad I did, however there is so much tourism relative to the population that parts of them are human zoos. There is a lot of tourism in Rome too, of course, but it is a much, much larger city and the tourists mostly stay in certain areas. But if you do want to see them you could also plan to stay in a smaller town nearby and do a daytrip in by train. There are lots of beautiful towns in Tuscany and in Veneto.
|
|
|
Post by Jazz on Oct 24, 2009 20:48:47 GMT
What a great gift for your son and yourself! You have time to research in the long cold months ahead. You and your son will gradually get a feel for where you both want to go. To begin with, I would extend the trip to six weeks, this gives you a week or so with your relatives and then 4 or 5 weeks for your 'grand tour'. I would go to three or four cities, at most...remember, you will lose a day travelling to each. Without doubt, I would rent a self catering aprtment in each city. Some studios might be spacious enough, but I have found there is not that much of a price difference between a studio and a one bedroom. You need the space, even if just for privacy. I have rented both and much prefer a one bedroom. (and I travel alone!) Renting an apartment saves you much money and you really will get tired of eating out three meals a day...it definitely loses its' lustre after about day four...'where in god's name will I go tonight, I am so tired I just want a bit of privacy'. As Lagatta says, there are wonderful food markets. Going to those is a joy in itself. I usually eat breakfast in, lunch out (and enjoy the good value of the fixed price meals) and perhaps every third or fourth dinner, I go to the market and prepare a feast 'at home'. If you want to be in cities, I would forget any car rental. Once again, I agree with Lagatta...the car is most useful, really, necessary if you are in the countryside. Car rental is also quite expensive. The metro systems in most cities are all you need. Get a metro pass for the week for each city, it is cheaper and much more convenient, you never worry about running out of tickets. Also I have found it enhances my trip...if in one area I impulsively decide to change plans, off I go. Note: this is also a great rest time if you have been walking for hours. The Paris metro is excellent and you can jump on the bus (ie: #69) and relax and be given a wonderful free tour. If in Paris, don't forget the Batobus, which is a boat. www.batobus.com/english/index.htm You can buy a cheap pass for the day ( or 3/5 etc), hopping off and on, and make your way around by boat, seeing the beauty of the city from the middle of the Seine. Train travel is excellent in Europe and I would much prefer this to flying from city to city. It is, in the end, less time consuming and you can relax and enjoy the countryside as you travel, perhaps take your own picnic on board. You also have the option of monasteries or hostels. With hostels, I have noticed that you can easily find a modest apartment for close to the same price. But, if I were hostelling in Paris, I would want to stay at the MIJE hostels (three beautiful old places in the Marais), or, at St. Chistophers' which is lovely, on the Canal Saint Martin near la Villette. www.mije.com/www.st-christophers.co.uk/paris-hostelsMonasteries in France, Spain and Italy, www.amazon.ca/Guide-Lodging-Italys-Monasteries/dp/1884465293/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256416513&sr=8-1www.amazon.ca/Lodging-Spains-Monasteries-Eileen-Barish/dp/188446517X/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256416513&sr=8-6www.amazon.ca/Guide-Lodging-Frances-Monasteries/dp/1884465234/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256416657&sr=1-1 This thread covers some budget hotels in Paris, anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=paris&thread=3582&page=1#77039I agree with K. that it would be best to fly open jaw and avoid backtracking.
|
|
|
Post by bazfaz on Oct 24, 2009 21:04:05 GMT
I don't know whether you only want to see cities or whether you want to see small towns and villages too. We live in a stunning part of Frasnce, the departments of the Lot and Dordogne. Truly the villages are beautiful and the rivers and hills and woods and farms are superb. But maybe that won't interest your son.
If you do want to travel by train in France then book early. Three months ahead is when the booking starts. I have just today booked to go to Paris in January from our nearest station Gourdon. The journey is just under 5 hours and costs 17 euros. Buy a ticket on the day and you are looking at 80 or 90 euros.
|
|
|
Post by traveler63 on Oct 24, 2009 21:12:32 GMT
In 2006 we spent 25 days in Italy. We did open jaw, flying into Milan and out of Rome. We did car, trains, boats(Venice) and bus. I would advise having a backup plan, for train strikes, etc. With the combo, we did train passes which worked pretty well.
I agree with everyone who does self catering, because that really gives you flexability. In Italy we did one bed and breakfast outside of Asti, one small hotel in Florence, an agriturismo(farm) in Siena and apartments in Venice and Rome. Rome is wonderful, and of course you all know how I feel about Paris. I was not a fan to go to Venice, but after visiting, I would say go to Venice. There is nothing like it and I was charmed. I would return, which at the beginning I didn't think I would ever say that.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2009 22:36:59 GMT
Thanks everyone for the great tips and advice. I really do appreciate it. annie, Yes, I think it will be memorable for me and for him. It'll be fun planning it! Thanks for the link, I have bookmarked it. I have vaguely heard of 'Main in seat 61', he is a very good resource on everything European, I might check out what he has to say on TT. I will look into the YHA/YMCA too. Jazz, I'm sure this trip is going to be quite the experience for my son and for myself too. He told me yesterday, that he would be very interested in checking out the monasteries anyway. Rome is a must see I think, it's on the top of his list of places to visit and I have always wanted to see Italy ever since I can remember. I'd really like to do that boat trip around the river Seine too. Thanks for all the links, so useful, I've bookmarked them all. lagatta, I think most of the major traveling will probably be done by train. Here's some information I've found about European Train passes, looks like there are discounts for students too. studenttravel.about.com/od/takeatrain/a/eurail.htm A car rental would probably be the best thing to do if visiting the more rural areas, we'll have to see where it is exactly that we want to go first and see.. baz, I'll keep that time in mind, it's always best to book in advance I think. I'm not too sure at this point exactly where about my son wants to go, when he comes home for Christmas, we'll discuss it in more detail. Wow, that is a big difference the cost in Euros, I will definitely look into booking in advance.. traveler63, yes a backup plan is a good idea, as is the self-catering, I'd like to see Venice too.
|
|
|
Post by Jazz on Oct 25, 2009 0:00:12 GMT
If I were planning 4 or 5 weeks in Europe, mostly in cities, and not including your time in England, this is where I would go... Paris...I would give Paris 10 days to 2 weeks. It is the city where I have felt most at home and love the most. It would take a lifetime to 'know it'. Few people believe me, but I find it the most beautiful and inexpensive city in terms of value. Simply walking, a drink in a cafe, the free museums (especially the small museums, the Musee de Nissim Camondo , the Rodin, La Musee de la Vie Romantique, the Jacquesmart-Andre, the Carnavalet etc.), visits to relatively unknown areas ... www.parillusion.com/win/ie/skin1/ . To walk along the Seine fascinates me...I enjoy visiting les bouquinistes and many, many other inexpensive things to do...ie: the Canal Saint Martin trip, music in the churches, small art galleries, the parks, the food markets, especially Richard Lenoir (Bastille), Aligre, and the tiny Place Maubert..also the streets of markets...rue Mouffetarde, rue de Martyrs and rue Montorgueille....flea markets...Vanves and Clignancourt. Italy... Yes, Rome. I would not miss Florence and Venice, although both are small, they are unique. Florence is incredible for the art. Venice was once one of the most prosperous shipping cities in Europe. The city of canals is intriguing. A day trip to the island of Murano is good if you are interested in glass, there are many historical glass making factories here. Murano glass is exceptional. I would also take a trip to Bellagio on Lake Como. This is a tiny village of artisans and situated on beautiful Lake Como. Stunning. You can take a boat from Como and hop on and off to visit many villages on this lake. Turkey...I was fascinated by Turkey, where I spent a month. The culture did not at all seem 'European" to me, more middle eastern. I loved three places... Cappodocia....wild, primitive, cities in caves...beautiful, some photos, anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=pictures&thread=1224&page=1#17843Antalya...a small city where I spent my time in the 'old city', some photos, anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=pictures&thread=1274&page=1#18949Istanbul...beautiful and exotic... The Grand Bazaar is totally unforgettable, my visit...http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=europe&thread=156&page=1#1702...it just won't show (!), but it is on page five of 'Europe' on this forum. Prague and Budapest...This was once again a totally different cultural feeling. Even though I visited about 10 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and both Czechoslovakia and Hungary were now out from under communist rule, it felt very different from any other country I had visited in Europe. Especially in Budapest, where there were many areas of the city that still had the rubble of the bombings of WW2. Both cities are beautiful and of historic note. Of the two, it was easier for me to travel in Prague than Budapest, english was spoken much more in Prague. The old city of Prague is wonderful. Both cities are relatively inexpensive and rich in culture and history. The opera house in Budapest is beautiful and cheap, I went there one night for an opera and sat in an exquisite box with three other guests. Berlin...I haven't yet been there, but think it would be fascinating. ***Not in Europe, but I have always wanted to go to North Africa, especially Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt....so close.....
|
|
|
Post by Jazz on Oct 25, 2009 1:20:46 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2009 2:00:08 GMT
so nice to see these pictures again Jazz. I need to re-explore the board some more. Try to check out Istanbul if at all possible Deyana.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2009 14:58:38 GMT
***Not in Europe, but I have always wanted to go to North Africa, especially Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt....so close.....
Jazz, yes there are. I'd like to see them too, but I think they might have to wait for another trip.
Regarding Turkey, I wonder if I'd need a visa to enter that country? I have a European passport, but I'm not too sure what happens regarding Turkey.
Thanks again for the links and for sharing all that great information, it really helps.
casimira, I'll keep that one in mind too.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2009 17:33:58 GMT
Europeans do not need a visa to enter Turkey.
|
|
|
Post by fumobici on Oct 26, 2009 2:01:34 GMT
This thread is full of great advice for travelers to Europe and in large measure the same advice I give to friends.
As far as Venice and Florence (and other very touristy towns and cities ) go in Winter, or at the least Spring or Fall. Rome especially has lovely Spring and Fall weather, I was walking around in a T-shirt there late last November. Don't even think about going to any of these places in Summer, it will be miserable between the crowds and the heat. I don't travel in Summer anyway because there's hardly any place nicer in the Summer than where I live, but even if that weren't the case I still doubt I would.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2009 13:09:27 GMT
Yes, some really good advice on here. Thanks everyone, I've taken notes.
|
|
|
Post by betsie on Sept 29, 2010 11:17:51 GMT
Europeans do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Yes they do, but they get a 2 month visa upon entry and the payment of about 20 euros (depends on which country you come from).
|
|
|
Post by betsie on Sept 29, 2010 11:22:11 GMT
Prague and Budapest...This was once again a totally different cultural feeling. Even though I visited about 10 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and both Czechoslovakia and Hungary were now out from under communist rule, it felt very different from any other country I had visited in Europe. Especially in Budapest, where there were many areas of the city that still had the rubble of the bombings of WW2. Both cities are beautiful and of historic note. Of the two, it was easier for me to travel in Prague than Budapest, english was spoken much more in Prague. The old city of Prague is wonderful. Both cities are relatively inexpensive and rich in culture and history. The opera house in Budapest is beautiful and cheap, I went there one night for an opera and sat in an exquisite box with three other guests. I was checking out Prague yesterday: we can get a train return from anywhere in the Netherlands for 120 euros! What amazing value! I also found a fabulous hotel in a monumental building, but the rooms share a bathroom with one other room, so not for us. Anybody got any hotel tips? I'm told some hotels can be pretty bad in Prague.
|
|
|
Post by onlymark on Sept 29, 2010 11:34:17 GMT
Easyjet?
|
|