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Old 01-30-2005, 05:36 PM   #1
Dorian
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Hi, I'd like to start by apoligizing for the long post.

So I'm planning on going to Europe in August this year, right after I graduate high school. I'll be eighteen then, and I'm a little unsure about this trip because I've never really been out of my little hometown, and I'm planning on backpacking alone. I've got quite a bit of time on my hands so I plan on travelling for a couple months. I've got an idea of what I would like to do and see, so I was wondering if you much more experienced travellers could assist me in my questions (there might be alot) over the lead up to my trip.
You see, I have an uncle who lives in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and I was planning on starting my adventure there, and spending a week in the pubs with him. From there my plan gets pretty vague; I would like to go spend a week or so in London, then cross over to Amsterdamn and kill some brain cells. Then I hope to go down to Munich in time for Oktober-fest to drink beer and eat bratwurst. After that I would like to head either across to Paris and spend a week or two in France, or head south into Italy.
Now that I've got my tedious trip description out of the way, I would like to ask if this trip seems like a good plan to really experience Europe. I mean, I'm very wet-behind-the-ears when it comes to travelling and all I have is a desire to get out of this town and live a little. I know my question is pretty vague, but I don't really want to follow the guidebooks and I would appreciate any tips or suggestions on planning what to do in Europe.

Thanks,

Dorian.
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Old 01-30-2005, 08:17 PM   #2
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I dont know how you are looking money wise but to save money it helps to come up with a budget and see what you can do within the budget. I too will be graduateing from high school and going over to scotland and england during this upcoming summer. However, I will be going in June instead of August. Ive been asking all the same questions you have been asking and I have received awesome feedback from the tavelpunks. They have all the answers. Goodluck with the rest of your planning.
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Old 01-30-2005, 10:54 PM   #3
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If you don't plan on following any sort of guide, don't worry too much about specific places to see. Pick a few places you reall want to check out. Then the fun is actually getting there. Also, you'll meet a ton of travellers along the way. You can always alter your plans on the fly to travel with some people you really hit it off with. Most people you meet travelling will be more than happy to have you along.
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Old 01-31-2005, 06:35 AM   #4
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I did the same thing...graduated high school and then took off backpacking. Don't neglect the research into what you want to see beforehand...that is what I did. So, check out a guidebook on Britain, see what is around your uncle and make him take you to some of the cool sights. In London, pick a few things to see, of course, but take some day trips out of town. London's expensive, too, so maybe stay the minimum there, then head off to other things that sound interesting to you.

Sounds like you have a good, general "backbone" of an itinerary. Now you just have to fill in a few of the specifics.

One final bit of advice: I like to stay at least 3 days in an area, if possible (and there is enough to see). That way, you can unpack, relax, get to know the place, and get a real feel for the area.

good luck, and feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like...

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Old 01-31-2005, 08:29 AM   #5
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Quote:
One final bit of advice: I like to stay at least 3 days in an area, if possible (and there is enough to see). That way, you can unpack, relax, get to know the place, and get a real feel for the area.
Very true. Nothing like travelling too hard to wear you down and sour the experience. Europe will still be there, so don't try and do everything all at once.

Book your hostel well in advance for Oktoberfest. You also may want to visit Munich just before or after the festival as well. It gets a bit crazy and expensive durring those three weeks. I think I was paying 15euro a beer (although they're 1L) at Oktoberfest. It's a beautiful city with tons to see and do.

If you find a lot of the places you're staying at are draining your funds a bit too quickly for your liking, head east to Czech Republic (Prague, Cesky Krumlov) or Poland (Krakow). You'll be able to stay a night for less than the price of one Oktoberfest beer. Canadians don't need a visa before hand anymore to enter the Czech Republic.

You may also think about heading south in October. September can be quite nice but October is when things start to get colder. If you head south, then you might be able to get away with packing a bit lighter and leaving the warm winter clothes at home. I was forced to buy a sweatshirt in Czech Republic near the end of my trip (early October).
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Old 02-01-2005, 01:15 PM   #6
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Thanks for the advice.

Starting off in august up north and then heading south as time goes on was my basic plan for the trip, and I like that idea of just getting there and then travelling around to different places on the fly. Sounds good.

Thanks,

Dorian
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Old 02-02-2005, 12:55 AM   #7
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If you'd like some more specific, helpful advice from these boards, let us know about your timeline. How long do you want to travel, what time of year, what's your budget coming out of high school, that sort of thing. I, and many others, would love to help, but you need to give us some more specifics in order for use to help out effectively

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