Budget????

[Karyn]

I am wanting to travel europe for about 3 months in September. I want to know if 2000$ is enough for spending money?
Its my first time travelling without parents or anything, so I'm kinda nervous, but super excited!!!
Also, if anyone knows any kick ass places to visit, that would sure help. The countrys that I plan to visit so far are: Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, France, The Netherlands, Hungary, oh and I'm also interested in going to Morocco.
Any info would really help me out and be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

[space virgin]

Hi Karyn, welcome to the boards!

Honestly I don't know if $2000 would be enough for 3 months of travel. That's literally $22 per day, which in most cities may not even cover the cost of your bed for the night, let alone food, etc. It's better to shoot for about $1500 per month, preferably more. I'm certainly not saying that you *can't* do 3 months of travel on $2000, but I think it would be really difficult, even with going to less-expensive countries like Hungary, Croatia and Morrocco. Unless you have people you're going to be staying with? That can help cut down costs considerably.

I've heard that Portugal is fantastic; I love France, especially smaller medieval towns like Carcassonne and Avignon, heck, even Montpellier-- all in addition to Paris and Nice, of course. I've heard Budapest is fantastic and still fairly cheap. I haven't been to Italy yet but I'm sure someone will be along with info on that. Amsterdam, well, I guess it depends on your point of view. Go to the bookstore or library and browse through guide books on the countries you are interested in. Lonely Planet is a good choice but also check out Rough Guide, Let's Go, Rick Steves, Frommer's and/or Fodor's (they are not budget-minded for restaurants/accommodations but have great info about sights.)

Have a great time and let us know what you decide!!

[joanofarc]

if you stay in morroco for the three months, you'll be fine.

[Karyn]

Well thanks guys for the advice so far...
I was also wondering if anyone knows how easy it is to get a job that pays "under the table" while travelling, so I wouldn't need to get a visa for that particular country. Cause I really don't know exactly how much more cash other than the 2000$ (maybe a bit more) that I could come up with. So maybe even working a couple days in a couple of countrys could really help me out.
I've heard that some hostels will let you work for the day or something, so you can sleep for free. Is there any other ways? Or any jobs specifically that you know will pay even if you only work a couple days?
Thanks again guys, you've been so helpful so far!

[space virgin]

It shouldn't be too hard, if you have a marketable skill. Bartending is always a good bet, probably also grunt work like dishwashing and maybe bussing/etc in a restaurant. And I've heard that teaching english can be a good way to earn money. Working in a hostel for your bed is a good idea. I don't know exactly *which* hostels will let you do that but it wouldn't hurt to ask around while you're over there. I know that the Pink Palace in Corfu, Greece will hire people but you have to stay there for a minimum of two months.

[skidrage]

As already mentioned, that $2000 is not going to last you too long. Budgeting around $50 a day, you are looking at 20 days, and while you might be able to get by on less, it will be tough (the largest dorm room available, preparing you own food, limited sight seeing and partying)
As for the countries you plan on going to, your money will go far in all those countries except The Netherlands or France, so the $50 a day will be able to buy you a good meal somewhere and to party a little. Also don't forget transportation costs. I don't know if that is part of your $2000 budget or something seperate.
For places to see in those countries, I suggest these:

The Netherlands- Amsterdam of course, but take the train to Haarlem, which is 15 minutes away and gives a better representation of a more typical Dutch town

Spain- Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian are three of my favorite cities in Europe, and each shows you a different type of Spain. Sevilla is also worth a trip, and since you plan on going to Morocco, it is on the way.

Italy-Rome is a must see just for the ruins, which are free for the most part. Florence is a great city to enjoy some of the best Italian food for a few days. Venice was a dissapointment for me and very expensive. Naples I did not care for, but Pompei which is right by it is incredible.

France- I have only been to Paris, but be careful as the city is very expensive. It is definately worth seeing but it will eat up your budget fast.

Hungary- Budapest is a nice city to unwind in with their relaxing baths. The city is getting expensive though.

I just went on a two month trip by myself to Europe for the first time and had one of the best times of my life. Even though you have your budget, if you have some credit cards, just remember that you should splurge a couple times on your journey even if you slightly go over budget, because even though you will make it back there someday, you just don't know when.

Also for the jobs, asking around bars or hostels are good starts. But remember, if you get stiffed with payments, you don't have any protection against that. Some hostels do the free stay in exchange for working (like Pink Palace). Teaching English will be tough to do depending on which country.