first time traveler soon - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

trainsient · 12-08-2004, 03:05 PM

hey i am afirst time traveler from the uswho is so nervous...should i go over with only travelers checks...or some us dollars. i have been on the internet trying to figure out how to get from the airport to a hostel...then i have to figure out the cheapest way to get to berlin.....and i am female and i will be alone...any tips...trainsient

trainsient · 12-08-2004, 03:07 PM

i meant to say that i am flying into paris and then trying to find my way around...trainsient

**TimmyJames1976** · 12-08-2004, 03:43 PM

hey....first time traveler here too, but from what i have read so far on these boards i may be of some help.

travelers checks - no go.....visa and atm's are all over, and its always good to have some solid currency too

micro travel - buses and taxis...just like in notrh america

paris to berlin - not sure, check out all your options....buses, eurorail, and if you dont wanna see in between check the air section on here. there are supossedly some cheap intro-euro flights out there

when are you going? i should be in france in late may

**omisan** · 12-09-2004, 12:01 AM

Ditto on the traveler's checks - just use your ATM card, as you'll get the best exchange rate that way. Keep in mind that if you use a credit card, your bank may charge an additional percentage for overseas purchases.

Getting from the airport to the hostel in Paris: Get to the RER (local train) station at Charles DeGaul Airport. You will likely take it to Gare du Nord or Chatelet/Les Halles station. Check with your hostel to see which is closest. From there, you'll probably have to get on a Metro (subway) train. As for passes, it depends how long you plan to stay. you can get a one-week Paris Visite card at a decent price, or if your stay falls within the right timeframe, you can get a weekly Orange card (carte hebdomadaire).

Getting to Berlin: Look for "white" fares on the trains. YOu should be able to check out the schedule at any train station (i.e. Gare du Nord, Montparnasse, etc.) - the RER station at the airport should also have a kiosk or two with all the train schedules and ticketing. Take advantage of any youth/student discounts you can find. Alternatively, there are tons of cheap flights in Europe. Check out whichbudget.com to find out the various carriers from Paris to Berlin, and you might find that it costs less than the train.

**worldwidemike** · 12-09-2004, 02:35 AM

As Omi and others have said -- ATMs are the way to go! However, don't make lots of little withdrawals -- that will just jack up the money you get charged for service fees...

worldwidemike

trainsient · 12-09-2004, 12:35 PM

what is wrong with travelers checks? i dont have a bank account. i am a bit of an anarchist so i try to stay away from banks..yeah i am wierd buy hey...what is the age limit of youth stuff? i am 28 years old...thank you all for the info..especially the airport and getting to berlin info...trainsient

**omisan** · 12-09-2004, 01:37 PM

The trouble with traveler's checks is that you'll usually get royally screwed on the exchange rate.

The youth discounts vary from thing to thing. Sometimes it's as low as 22, sometimes as high as 26.. I think 28 is over the limit for most youth travel, but half the time, they don't even ask for ID. I've bought many a student ticket on days that I decided to shave

**elfmaiden** · 12-09-2004, 03:00 PM

I noticed that even here in Canada, often times student rates are given to anyone who says they're a student. The Greyhound is lots like that and I still get away with saying I'm going back to school and they hook me up with that schweet $50 bucks off!

And I mean it never hurts to say it 'cause they'll ask and you can be like "Oops I forgot my ID back home." Always play stooooopid. :D

Jenn