My trip. Is it worth it? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Christian · 11-24-2003, 10:52 PM

I am really interested in going to Eurrope next summer. I might have to go alone though. I was wondering if it is worth it and what I should do. Since I am already going to spring break cost is going to be an issue. I will probably have around $500 spendin money aftter airline tickets and want to stay between one or two weeks, maybe more if possible. Also due to the price of airline tickets I can probably only fly to and from Dublin, London, or Paris. I was thinking the best thing would be to fly to Paris, stay there for a couple of days, then take the train to Brussles for maybe a day, then hit up Amsterdam before returning back to Paris. SO, should I do this and does anyone have any suggestions on where I should go for cheap?

p.s. As for activities I want to hit up maybe a couple of museums, maybe a beach or two(preferebaly nude since I want to try that out), and at night hit up pubs.

**worldwidemike** · 11-25-2003, 03:52 AM

Welcome to the Boards, Christian!

One thing that will make your money go further is to get out of the capitals. London, Paris and Brussels are probably the most expensive cities in their respective countries. There is plenty to see and do in the countrysides, and you will find it cheaper. That is true of most of Europe, in general. For example, in Bulgaria this September my hotel room in Sofia was $10-15 more than in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's "second city." Plus, the one in Plovdiv was MUCH nicer.

I'd say go for it on the trip!

worldwidemike

**Mocassin** · 11-25-2003, 04:55 AM

Mhhhhhh....Sofia, Plovdiv....

What WWM says is soooo true!

Every trip is worth it Chris!!!

nadine · 11-25-2003, 08:06 AM

Check out EasyJet or Ryan Air once you get to London. I went from London to Paris for 7 pounds (plus tax) and I think there are flights from Belgium too to London.

Christian · 11-26-2003, 12:32 PM

anyone else?

**Sijuki** · 11-26-2003, 07:38 PM

Unfortunately I haven't been yet, but I will say every trip is worth it. It's always worth it to get away from home for a while.

My friend tells me the southern part of France is beautiful with small towns. Unfortunately he didn't remember any specifics.

**Canadian Dude** · 11-27-2003, 04:37 PM

If this guy can do it for free, than you can do it with 500$.

I think one of the keys to travel on the ultra cheap, is to meet as many locals as possible..not only will you get some wicked new friends and contacts, but you might be able to score a night with them in their house, or a meal or a ride somewhere your going.

You will have to be very frugle with your dough, free things are the best choice, beaches are free so your good there, the British Museum is free...just keep your eye open for free things to do...Thats what I do, i can not afford to go into every old building for a tour, so I admire from the outside, and I love it, I just pick my own spot and look at evey detail...and thats is 100% free

Your pub life will be kinda hard to pull off on such a tight budget, but if you hook up with locals in their home or a party at someones house instead of a bar, then you should be able to drink for sure...just makle sure you extend the same hospitality to your host if they ever head your way.

Bottom Line...You Can Do it!

Christian · 11-27-2003, 09:31 PM

thanks for the info.. i am wondering what the best course of action is though....should i head for paris and then hit up the south of france and maybe a little bit of spain....hit up paris then brussells and amsterdam...fly to london and just tour the uk...or fly to dublin and your ireland....or something different...any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.