I am a university student traveling on a budget. I'd like to go to as many places as possible in Europe (I'm living in London right now).
The first option for me is to travel with a tour company in Christmas break to Eastern Europe which will cost me £800, and I get nice accomodations. Then I'll go to Western Europe by train by myself in spring break. (That's because I feel safer going to W.Europe than E. Europe by myself)
The 2nd option is to travel by myself for both Eastern and Western Europe. However I'm a girl and I've heard bad stories about girls shouldnt go to some countries alone.
And then the 3rd option is to travel by myself in spring break and go on a tour in summer. The tour will cost £400 which is very cheap, but it's gonna be camping instead of hoteling for the accomodation. Right now this is my favorite option but I just want to know how camping in Europe generally is and if there will be bugs and stuff like that in June-July.
Thanks for reading all this!!
2006-10-12 23:44:47 · 9 answers · asked by beebee32002 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Well my first time traveling Europe I went with a boyfriend. But since then I have traveled all over the world by myself (Europe, Asia, Middle East) and I am blond. The only place I had a major problem was Turkey. Italy maybe a little tough too. If I were you I would go for the first option so that you get confidence traveling and understand how it works. Although I think Eastern Europe is very safe but friggen cold in winter. I actually live in Europe now and I think it is safer then Canada, definety most places are safer the London. You always have to be aware of you surroundings anyway and make eye contact with suspicious people. In high tourist areas you have to watch for pick pockets and muggers. Don't walk alone in the dark just like in London. Be wary of people (usually gipsies) trying to sell you something. They often work in pairs so that you are distracted while they take your wallet. I am not kidding I have watched them do it then yelled at them which is fun because it scares the crap out of them.
Actually I think you should go for a 4th option and take some type of tour for spring break and then travel alone in summer, you will meet so many people that you will never feel alone. If you have the cash I would recommend going skiing in Germany or Austia for Winter break. The Christmas markets are so neat and the skiing is great and reasonably priced.
2006-10-13 01:32:13 · answer #1 · answered by Constant_Traveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should travel by yourself. I know plenty of girls who've done it without any problems - if you've lived in London you're just as likely to get into trouble there as you are anywhere in Europe. Anyway, when you're backpacking you meet like-minded people everywhere you go. If you do your research, you'll find safe places to visit and stay and you really shouldn't have any problems.
I find with tours you don't get to see a place properly or choose what you want to do; however if you don't mind that then I guess it's not an issue.
Camping in Europe is normally fine. France, Italy, Spain and Germany have excellent camping facilities all over the country. They can be slightly less nice in Eastern Europe but if you travel with a good tour company they won't take you anywhere dirty.
As in any country there will be insects in Europe during summer but no dangerous ones.
2006-10-13 02:32:45 · answer #2 · answered by dantestraw 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word you need is 'accommodation'. You realise the UK is not in the Eurozone, even though it is an EU member state? The UK uses the pound sterling as its currency, other countries use the Euro. The easiest and safest way to access your money is to use the ATMs, you can access your bank account in your own country and get the local currency that way. Camping is all very well, but in many of those countries, it is illegal to simply set up a tent - not to mention dangerous, as you could very easily the wrong kind of attention. Find out where the official campsites are. I wouldn't recommend hitch-hiking unless you are really stuck. If you don't have a problem with working for your keep, you could look into the Wooffer programme, or try out couch surfing.
2016-05-21 22:28:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i definetely suggest you the second option,i have travel many times in europe and i have meet amazing people travelling alone,also many girls alone,i dont think you should afraid to travel to east europe i would say is more dangerous west than east.if you go with tour just y see what they will show you,travelling alone you are free to do what ever y want,to go wherever y want,just i came from my small trip to slovakia,i visit some small beautiful towns on the mountain of eastern Slovakia that i could never see if i was by tour,then i took train to krakow i met some canadian guys doing the same and we went all together to Krakow.
good travel&good luck-)
The easy way is no everytime the best
2006-10-13 01:20:53 · answer #4 · answered by free3yourmind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I LIVE in Eastern Europe and I`m telling you that there is nothing to be scared of!!! THese are just some stupid stories... Bad things happen everywhere...
However, I would always choose hotels better than camping, so I would go for the 1st plan.....
Have a nice time anyway....
2006-10-13 00:28:03 · answer #5 · answered by malena 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't think about it too much. Do what your hart tells you.
I would go camping. 3rd option. In general bugs are coming after July. Near salt water there are hardly any bugs. Take a repellent with deet and your OK.
I wouldn't go alone in Eastern Europe but then again, bad thing happen everywhere.
2006-10-13 00:04:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
option 2 is a no-no.Option 1 sounds wise and comfortable.My advice/ when people say "it's just stories! there is crime all over the world,it's not worse here than in any other country" don't believe it. Believe the facts,statistics and do what the guy said about checking with the authorities on the spots to avoid.Beware of certain gypsies who are pickpockets (no offense,not all of them are)
2006-10-14 01:19:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Half your luck kid !
Congratulations for showing brains ...
as an x-netherlander , USE them ,
WHEN you go to an AREA, or TOWN
go to the Cop-Shop , and ask around
, not so much where-to-go , BUT which
areas to stay clear off...
Put it to you straight , steer clear of EAST
Europeans in the WEST, including creepee
Moroccans, Turks, Yougoslavs etc...
Some areas in Rotterdam, Amsterdam AND
other places are NO-GO ZONES, DUE to
creeps and other horrors from the West Indies
Turks, and a host of other UNDESIRABLES....
Dont be afraid,, but please use Brains ...
Good Luck.....
2006-10-12 23:57:53 · answer #8 · answered by Moonlite gambler 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
#2 Just don't go to bulgaria or albania very dangerous!!!
2006-10-15 18:51:24 · answer #9 · answered by SOLUN macedonia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋