Well firstly saying you want to go to Europe is like saying you want to go to America. Where do you start? Each country (even region) is so different and unique. The first thing to decide is: do you want to see a few places in great detail or breeze through and see a lot of places? Also how many days will you have? (the more, the better) Gas is very expensive here, so consider that when renting a car. Ryanair is a pretty cheap airline for getting from country to country, but they have a low luggage allowance. As an American living in Europe for 3 years, if I had to pick just a few places to visit, here's where they'd be:
Paris--it just doesn't get anymore French. It's a great place to see so many things, or just people watch and sit and say "I'm in Paris"
Venice--I'd have to say the most unique place in all of Europe and so romantic.
London--such a great combination of old and new, plus you speak the language (mostly!)
Amsterdam--forget about the pot, this city and it's people are the friendliest I've met. Stay in a houseboat instead of a hotel, much more fun! If you go during spring (only) you MUST go to the Keukenhof gardens in Lisse (45 in drive). The most beautiful place in the whole world.
If you're still not sure where to go, then take a cruise and see several different countries without having to worry about transportation or changing hotels.
Read Rick Steves' website and believe everything he tells you. His recommendations are dead on, especially when it comes to saving money.
If you go in the off season, or book way in advance you'll save money. Also, pack as little as possible and remember you can wash things. (Read Rick Steves' packing list. Even with two kids I manage to stick to it.)
No matter where you go, you'll have a great time, even though you can't see everything. Just do as locals do when you can. Visit www.single-serving.com once you've picked your destination to print out pocket sized language guides. Even if you can't pronounce it, you can always point to it.
2006-09-01 02:15:12
·
answer #1
·
answered by bill_cosens 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I think that Italy and Spain seem to have the biggest concentration of sites. I suppose England does to and it can be a bit easier because they speak English. Amsterdam is really not too exciting. I live in Copenhagen and I think it has a similar feel with more sites and less stoned college kids. Germany(lived there too) is beautiful, it is the type of place where you should rent a care and see the small towns though. If you get the chance, Prague and Budapest are really nice. Austria is beautiful too. I do love Salzburg and Vienna. It really depends what you are going for I guess. I am not so much for sites anymore. I like to just walk around and hang out in different places. Eat and drink with the locals. See the Culture. I love France and Italy for people watching. Interesting people. Americans seem to have trouble in France though, I don't know what is up with that. I think they are super people.
You know what I did my first time in Europe. I got a bunch of travel brouchers and went through them and underlined site that I really wanted to see and then narrowed it down by the places thaty had the most things underlines and then tried to figure out which places were closest together.
2006-08-31 05:36:31
·
answer #2
·
answered by Constant_Traveler 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
I've been to Ireland 3 times. I would definitely recommend the following cities: Cork, Dingle Bay, and Waterford. Dublin is great for lots of things to do, but like most big cities it's very crowded. Unless you like walking through large groups of people all day, I wouldn't advise stopping there. Cork is full of great shopping and is also close to Blarney (where the famous Blarney castle is). Dingle Bay has a nice inexpensive aquarium. There is also a wild dolphin that lives in the Bay. For just a few Euros, you can take a boat out into the bay to see him. If the dolphin doesn't show up, you get your money back. What better deal is that? Waterford has a lot of old buildings and towers dating back to the Vikings. If you're into history, it's very interesting. There is also the famous Waterford Crystal Factory. The ball that is dropped on New Year's Eve in Time's Square is made there. Also, a lot of sports trophies come from Waterford. For about $10, you can tour the factory and see the entire glass making process.
Each time I've been to Ireland, I got around by bus. It was relatively inexpensive, clean, and simple to use to get from place to place. Most of the time, I stayed in hotels, but I did stay in a bed and breakfast called "Murphy's" in Dingle. The owners were super nice. They even made us sandwiches to take with us to the bus station in the morning.
I'm going to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy (via Eurail) in December. I'll let everyone know then how that goes.
2006-08-31 18:26:08
·
answer #3
·
answered by johnsredgloves 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
You need to spend a good month if you want to see the real Scotland, firstly I am sure you will want to visit Edinburgh, it's the most amazing, vibrant city with so many things to see and do you'll need a week there. You then need to drive up the magnificent West Coast right up to the area of Sutherland towards Durness by Cape Wrath, then drive east towards John O'Groats and down the east coast towards Inverness and then west towards wonderful Loch Ness ( my favourite place on Earth ). Sutherland is half the size of Belgium with just 13,000 population and is Europe's last wilderness, be careful driving as the roads are just single track with passing places, there are no lights on them and you'll see loads os sheep and red deer.You will be knocked out by the beauty, it is breath taking.
Another part of Europe that I really like is Croatia, especially The Dalmatian Coast I also love Bosnia and Serbia, these places are Incredibly beautiful and the people are amazing.
Have fun and don't rush !
2006-09-01 03:42:16
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
I have travelled all over Europe and my absolute favorite city is Amsterdam. The Van Gogh museum is incredable, the Anne Frank House is a must-see... Rent a bicycle to navigate the street & also take a cruise down the canals. Also, the people are awesome; super-friendly & helpful with the added bonus of most speaking English.
2006-08-31 05:23:29
·
answer #5
·
answered by S J 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
there are so many places to see, it is impossible to tell you which one is the best. England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Holland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, and Scandinavia are all beautiful countries with lots to see. Try to narrow down what you want to see before looking into booking your trip.
2006-08-31 08:57:54
·
answer #6
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
I've been in US 2 times for 3 months! And 've been in Germany too, I am from Turkey and yor list doesnt include TURKEY! Why dont you think about it? Turkey is the cheapest one than others in your list, You can see great sea and sun, taste turkish cousine! drink Turkish Raki! and visit historical places! What is attractive in those countries for you?
2006-08-31 04:48:49
·
answer #7
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
you must visit Romania. its a beautiful country with wonderful people. If you go in the winter, you can go to ski at Poiana Brasov , Straja (Valea Jiului), Sinaia (Brasov)... If you want, you can visit the North of Romania (North of Moldova) to see the old Monasteries. In Transilvania you can go to Sibiu and Sighisoara... There is a lot to see. And if you and your husband will stay at local people, i can promise you that in every year you will come here.
2006-09-02 09:55:01
·
answer #8
·
answered by anczol1 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I would recommend Central and Eastern Europe:Poland, Czech Rep., Hungary, Austria.There are really beautiful cities:Krakow, Praha,Wien, Budapest
2006-08-31 13:02:28
·
answer #9
·
answered by Naimad 1
·
1⤊
0⤋
I've been in all Europe, but, for advices, I need to know how much you want to spend, what do you like to do, to see and how long it will be your trip.
2006-08-31 07:55:43
·
answer #10
·
answered by paris 5
·
0⤊
0⤋