simply_angelic

So I'm planning a 2 1/2 month backpacking trip tthrough Europe solo next summer and I still can't really make up my mind as to what I want to see. It'll be my fist time, and while I've been reading up on basically anything that I can get my hands on about Europe...I'm still shady as to what exactly I'm going to do. So I was wondering if any of you guys who have been b4 could recommend some of the "must sees" of Europe before I make my trip.
Thanx a bunch!

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~Laura
GO CANADA!!!!

If you walk backwards, you'll find out that you can go forward and people won't know if you're coming or going.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
-James Dean

Countries I've Visited: Austria, Botswana, Canada, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy. Malawi, Mexico, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, UK, Vatican City, Zambia

omisan

First off, Welcome to TP!

Secondly - wow, there are so many must-sees, and I've only visited a handful of countries in Europe... There are always the "big" sites, like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, etc. etc. - all the postcard stuff, basically. You could run all over Europe and see the Coloseum, Leaning Tower, etc. etc. But is that the best use of 2.5 mo?

It really depends what you're after. Unique outdoors? I loved hiking through the hills of the Irish countryside and biking along the lowlands of Holland. Awesome architecture? Barcelona is not to be missed. 12 weeks is a long time, but it'll seem short if you spend every other night on the train going from place to place. I'd pick a theme and focus on it - because you're bound to go back anyway!

Another way to pick countries: Did you study any foreign language in school? Hit up a country or two that speak that language. Spend a good chunk of time there, and discover how quickly you pick it back up or become fluent. Next thing you know, you'll be hitting amazing locals places that aren't in the books...

At any rate, enjoy! And I'm sure others will chime in w/ some good ideas...

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worldwidemike

All good advice, Omi!

Angel (cuz I can't call you "simple"), maybe try this:
Go to the library and get one of those massive "Europe" guidebooks that try to cover ALL the major countries (Fodors, Let's Go, etc.). Sit down and read the intro page or paragraph for each country. Most have a short intro on what to expect from each country. Read through these and see what gets your mind racing and inspires you. Then, check out a guidebook or two on those countries and browse through them.

Otherwise, we can all sit here and post OUR favorites, but they not jive with what you want to see (which is what Omi was saying). But what the Hell, here are mine:

Favorite All Around Country: Italy (historical sights, gorgeous countryside, people with a lust for life)

Coolest Scenery: Scotland (Hebrides and Highlands, wow)

"I Could Live Here": Spain (like Italy, cool sights, vivacious people and drop dead gorgeous weather).

Best in the East: Czech Republic (Prague is amazing, and everyone who gets outside of the city says it just gets better...and still relatively cheap -- at least as far as beer!!!)

Good luck picking your trip, Angel, and feel free to bounce ideas off of us!

worldwidemike

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simply_angelic

thanx for the advice guys...as for what Im interested in seeing when I go to europe (lol this doesnt really narrow it down at all)....a little bit of everything. I love the outdoors so I'd really want to see a lot of the natural landmarks as well as the historical that make Europe famous. So I've narrowed it down to 13 countries (is this too ambitious...?)
- Scotland
- England
- France
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Austria
- Germany
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Czech republic
- Greece
- Turkey

lol my problem is that I keep tring to narrow it down but then I find that there's basically something worthwhile to see in every country....lol im driving myself crazy!!!!!!!

__________________
~Laura
GO CANADA!!!!

If you walk backwards, you'll find out that you can go forward and people won't know if you're coming or going.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
-James Dean

Countries I've Visited: Austria, Botswana, Canada, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy. Malawi, Mexico, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, UK, Vatican City, Zambia

mogabog

Well, I'm leaving in 2 weeks and haven't planned yet.

You could try that