US or Europe? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

hollymh · 06-14-2008, 12:11 PM

Hear me out before everyone says Europe all at once!

I live in Alaska. And now some of you are thinking, 'Why would you leave Alaska?' Well...because it's damn cold here, that's why! There are approx. 2-3 months with decent weather. And you really do become jaded when it comes to the beauty of a place...especially when you live in said place and have a full time job there. But I live here, and I'm wondering if I should explore this place as much as I can before my time is up.

I also have a friend that is currently living in New York that I could stay with. But I'm seeing that as more of a vacation, maybe a week or two. Again, she probably won't be there forever. So perhaps I should go while I still can.

Then there's my dream of a Europe summer of '09 trip. Portugal, Spain, France, Britain, Ireland, and perhaps a few more. Only 1 month! I want it so bad I can taste it. But Europe isn't going anywhere. It'll still be there in a couple of years (when I save up even more money).

I figure that I'm only going to be able to fund one of these trips from now to 2009.

So basically: New York, Alaska, or Europe?

SGRHewitt · 06-14-2008, 01:14 PM

New York will always be there as well... And if you don't mind massive dorm room accommodations, I found New York to be surprisingly cheap.

If it were me personally, I would want more than a month in Europe.

I would say go with Alaska, although I know very little about whats up there.

**raoulduke** · 06-14-2008, 07:36 PM

The weak American dollar at the moment is a good incentive to stay in the country. You would certainly get a lot more bang for your buck.

Personally I'd go for a shorter, cheaper trip in the US. Then save up for a bigger Europe trip.

**DC_Jessica** · 06-15-2008, 06:01 PM

I think Alaska would be fascinating. Even/especially if you live there. Plus, when/if you finally leave the state forever, you'd truly be an "expert" instead of someone who lived there so long but knows less than a tourist. Make sense? I know a lot of people when I visit them where they live, it's the first time they've ever done something that you read about in every tourist guide/hotspot list known to man. So you're right, you do really get jaded about an incredible place if you live there. I feel the same way about the whole US sometimes...

I do agree, if you have a life plan that would ever give you more than a month in Europe (say if you were going to school or planned on getting advanced degrees or Peace Corps or doing research abroad, you might want to hold off and do a crazy Euro-tour with more time later?

**marc873** · 06-15-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raoulduke

The weak American dollar at the moment is a good incentive to stay in the country. You would certainly get a lot more bang for your buck.

Personally I'd go for a shorter, cheaper trip in the US. Then save up for a bigger Europe trip.

I completely agree with Adam. Plus, once you do move away from Alaska, the odds of you ever returning are slim. Get out and see all of Alaska while you can.....
Cheers

**LostFarmboy** · 06-15-2008, 06:07 PM

Take up mountaineering, then you'll never want to leave Alaska! Otherwise I would take a month in Europe. Then save for a bigger Europe trip.

**travelpunk** · 06-15-2008, 10:31 PM

What is your time frame?

Why not do 2/3?

Rent a car and explore Alaska for a week or two. Not all but some of the states key points.

Then, go to Europe for a month Not all of Europe, just some, of course..

New York- at a later date. Even if your friend moves, you'll just need to save a few more bucks for accommodations. Besides, NYC you can do within a week.

I think getting out of North America will be great for broadening your mind and experiences, culturally speaking. Something different that your other two options won't give you a fraction of.

I guess thats how I gauge things.