The first steps toward my trip!

[djphatmatt]

So.... I am broke at the moment but just charged a Europe travel book called "Lets Go Europe 2007 On A Budget" to my credit card and also picked up an application for my passport.

There were so many books to choose from at Barnes And Noble, it took me close to an hour to pick. I found a few dedicated to Rail travel and Budget and even a mini book soley for Languages. This has a bit of everything and a language translator in the back. It was only $15.99 compared to what I was originally looking at 1 travel book for $27.99 and the language book for $13.00. I'd say I made a good financial decision.

Take Care,
Matt

[marc873]

Seems like I read good things about that book somewhere. If its a thick book, you should take good notes, or tear the pages out to take with you. I also enjoy the first stages of trip planning. I like to get a good train map, and plan out a rough route. Once the route is somewhat clear, then the research on places to stay in each stop kicks in. Those are the two best parts for me. But I'm a researcher by nature, so that kind of shit is appealing. Keep us posted! I am a knowledge bank on Amsterdam and other parts of Holland, as well as Belgium, Italy and the Greek Isles. So feel free to ask away. Someone here will probably have a good answer for you

[DC_Jessica]

I tell you this, PhatMatt, whatever the price, travel guides are the most expensive books I've ever bought!! Are you just gonna wing it for the most part or do you have a region or too in mind?

[djphatmatt]

Thanks for the words!

I plan on winging it and also having a bit of a plan too. I want to hit up every country for the most part LOL. Maybe up into Scanvanavia and down to Tangier too.

[lost in texas]

Good luck with the trip and have fun planning! Anytime I see someone mention Tangier I can't help but comment: it is unequivocally the worst place I have ever been, and utterly without redeeming qualities. Allow me to quote, for humor's sake, an email I received from a friend who ignored this advice.

...Im so glad you wrote, I need to vent. I hate Tangier! It was awful! Everything was awful, and I was seriously giving the country a chance, but the moment I got there I wanted to leave. The people are all liars, opportunists, and thieves. I´ve never been so glad to be back in Europe. I was at the airport 4 hours early to leave...Really, you were all right, lets start an anti-Morocco tourism movement.

Another friend recently facebook messaged me:

Dude, go see the Bourne Ultimatum, they go to Tangier and somehow make it look like not a shit hole. Is there anything hollywood can't do?
"My friend, My friend you film movie here. But big city, you get lost...many problems. You come with me, I show you Kashba...big church... from where are you? Duetch? Aussie? USA?....I am not a hustler....10 euros."

Anyway, if there is an anti-Tangier organization that needs a good lobbyist, let me know.

[djphatmatt]

I have a friend who is Morroccan and he is going to hook me up with some friends of his and a place to stay while I am there. It isnt 100% that I will go there but if I do I am sure I will be in good hands.

Thank you for the advice.

[lost in texas]

Having locals to stay with and show you around changes everything. I'm sure my experience would have been totally different if I'd been in that situation. Anyway, good luck and have a great time.