i just need some direction...

[lollipoprock]

Hello Everyone!
I just want to say like I am sure many others of you have also said in the past that this sight is very welcoming and wonderful etc.
I'm 24/f who decided that if I don't get out of america really fast I am going to begin vomiting out of my eye sockets and probably my ears and nose and mouth too so anyway I also have never traveled alone before and the only time I have ever crossed the Atlantic, it was to see my father in london for 2 days for thanksgiving?! so yeah....
I basically have decided to get out of here from june 22- july 9 and go to europe for a short backpacking excursion.
I'm flying into paris and i've got my eurail pass and i've booked my hostels in paris, brussels, and amsterdam, now I am stuck on what i want to do with the rest of my trip.
I feel like i've not alloted much time for relaxation at the beginning of my trip, which is fine with me because i am a very fast paced want-to-move-faster type of girl...
What I have left to plan (if planning is even recommended) is just where I might want to be heading after the Netherlands (leaving around29th from Hoge Veluwe Nat'l Park). That leaves me with 10 days until i have to be in paris again to leave for home.
ANY IDEAS I REALLY NEED HELP
i'm having issues deciding what makes since to see/do in Germany or other countries since my time is an issue.
I'm also wondering if I should head back to France and spend a lot of time there until I must leave?
anyone with ideas or experiences
also I love me some underground music, spazz metal, quiet any kind of really good jazz any wonderful music so if anyone knows of where I can find great venues or bands that would be amazing.
thank you.

I have just asked a lot out of this board.
I promise and solomnly swear to give back tenfold.
xo

also is amsterdam really that dangerous for single women?
i was kind of hoping for a nice relaxing time there...

peace,
laurie

[bellelass]

Amsterdam's as dangerous as you let it be. If you use common sense you should be fine. There's so many tourists there, especially in the summer.

That's the thing, you're probably just as safe or safer in most european countries as you are at home. Unless home is LA, then you're way safer in amsterdam. hehe.

My suggestion is to get there, chill out a leeeetle bit, and make friends at your hostel. Backpackers are some of the friendliest wild partiers Ive ever run across (esp those aussies...) and something will come up. Have some beers, make some friends. Go to the common room. It helps that you know how much america sucks. You make friends, you make "connections" (if thats your thing) and you find out about the next great place to head off to. Just relax and let it happen. Thats my advice. It leads to so many interesting adventures.

Also, to the question about france and germany, to a certain extent you're the only one who can answer that. Left to my own devices, with a few days to go to germany, I'd go to Munich and stay with a good girlfriend of mine there. See her, see her city. But thats me. If you're interested in German history or language, go there. If you're into French and ostentation, go to France. hehe. Personally, I really liked scotland but thats kind of out of your way.. London is also worth more than a two day stint I think. But Im biased. Any other questions you have?

[astro25e]

I totally agree that you should go where the mood takes you. but, i must say, i loooved scotland, as well. and that was in the winter! it's supposed to be amazing in the summer! so if you're in the area, i highly suggest it. one of the best places i've been.

[STARGAZER]

Hey lollipoprock.

I went around Europe, alone. They still say I was crazy. I agree. But it's the best thing I've ever done. Probably learned more in that trip than 5 years at school.

Anway, bellelass is right, you just gotta be sensible when in the more 'unsafe' places. Stick with the crowds, the main streets. You'll be fine. Never panic.

Oh and Paris is unbelievable. I walked into my hostel and there were 5 or 6 perfect strangers from 5 or 6 different countries. We hung out all weekend. Amsterdam was similar.

I don't wanna say anywhere isn't worth going to, because everyone's different, and they're gonna like different things. Have a look around this site, find out where is gonna suit your style. I'm new here so I'm doing the same kinda thing...

[nemesis331]

MUNICH OR PRAGUE!!!

and let me know. i'll be there

[LaRs&theBaStArDs]

Prague! I had the best of time there.... A bit dodgy for crazy hookers, who like to try and steal valuables, but other than that, the nightlife isn't bad, and there are some pretty good sights!!!!!

Good luck!
XXX

[lollipoprock]

Originally posted by bellelass@Mar 27 2006, 12:14 AM
Amsterdam's as dangerous as you let it be.* If you use common sense you should be fine.* There's so many tourists there, especially in the summer.

That's the thing, you're probably just as safe or safer in most european countries as you are at home.* Unless home is LA, then you're way safer in amsterdam. hehe.

My suggestion is to get there, chill out a leeeetle bit, and make friends at your hostel.* Backpackers are some of the friendliest wild partiers Ive ever run across (esp those aussies...) and something will come up.* Have some beers, make some friends.* Go to the common room.* It helps that you know how much america sucks.* You make friends, you make "connections" (if thats your thing) and you find out about the next great place to head off to.* Just relax and let it happen.* Thats my advice.* It leads to so many interesting adventures.*

Also, to the question about france and germany, to a certain extent you're the only one who can answer that.* Left to my own devices, with a few days to go to germany, I'd go to Munich and stay with a good girlfriend of mine there.* See her, see her city.* But thats me.* If you're interested in German history or language, go there.* If you're into French and ostentation, go to France.* * hehe.* Personally, I really liked scotland but thats kind of out of your way.. London is also worth more than a two day stint I think.* But Im biased.* Any other questions you have?

[snapback]109086[/snapback]

Thank you for your reply! I'm going to have to bite the bullet and realize how great it is going to be to meet some new people and places!

[lollipoprock]

Originally posted by STARGAZER@Mar 27 2006, 02:37 PM


Hey lollipoprock.

I went around Europe, alone. They still say I was crazy. I agree. But it's the best thing I've ever done. Probably learned more in that trip than 5 years at school.

Anway, bellelass is right, you just gotta be sensible when in the more 'unsafe' places. Stick with the crowds, the main streets. You'll be fine. Never panic.

Oh and Paris is unbelievable. I walked into my hostel and there were 5 or 6 perfect strangers from 5 or 6 different countries. We hung out all weekend. Amsterdam was similar.

I don't wanna say anywhere isn't worth going to, because everyone's different, and they're gonna like different things. Have a look around this site, find out where is gonna suit your style. I'm new here so I'm doing the same kinda thing...

[snapback]109162[/snapback]

thank you, sweetie! i am so excited i am going to use one of these smilies

[lollipoprock]

Originally posted by nemesis331@Mar 27 2006, 03:06 PM
MUNICH OR PRAGUE!!!

and let me know. i'll be there

[snapback]109166[/snapback]

definately munich.

it's been on my mind...