Going to Europe next summer...what to expect, and helpful hints please?

Question

I'm going to Europe with my mom, and grandmother next summer (probably around June-July area.) and was wondering where to visit and such. We are going to buy the Eurorail train pass, and just visit as much as Europe as we can. I'm 14, and don't like museums that much (unless it is a cool/interesting topic)

What country should we stay the most days?
Which countries are very vegetarian-friendly(And don't have like lamb heads sold by street-vendor)?
What should we watch out for(scams and such)?
Nicest to Americans?


I really want to go to Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Romania. What are some interesting things to do there?

I heard that Czech Republic won't have Euros until 2010. Is that correct? Does anyone know what Czech's famous dessert is? I think it was some kind of apple or cinnamon strudel...not sure.

Thank you!

Answer 1

The west of Europe is more vegetarian friendly but also more expensive.
Switzerland is western and expensive, Romania is eastern European cheap but in the countryside the villages might still have primitive meat selling situations. Czech republic is somewhere in between.

In June you can travel without much in the way of pre-booking, July is more busy, as the schools will be out for summer. Phoning ahead to book a room for the night is needed then.

The three of you can share a room, but you will have to ask for a room for three, as standard rooms will not have enough space, you can also travel hostels, often they have rooms with 4 beds you can get for the three of you. Again, ask when phoning in.

Each town (and most villages) have a museum, but look for what is available, many museums are about local history and rather small.
Get a good guidebook, for now I would look them up in the library, or get a few second hand.
The Lonely planet series are good, have a lot of info on hotels and hostels, museums and sights, restaurants including vegetarian, and travel. All with prices and quality warning where needed.

And use Google, there is a lot of info available, just enter the name of the country or town and what you are looking for, (hotels, museums, train times) and see how much you get.

This is a useful site, with a train travel planner too:
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/eurail_index.htm