I want to get the ball rolling and start by travelling Europe next year. I have no idea where to start with things like
The cost
Flights
Where to begin
How long to go for
What I will need
Etc...
Any information would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks :)
Travelling round Europe is really very easy. You don't need flights, you can do it all by train, which is cheaper, and less stressful, and you see much more and meet more people.
The key to enjoying yourself is to decide where you want to go - beach, mountains, or city? Gigs or wine-tasting? Ancient historical sites, or ancient festivals and celebrations? If you can't make up your mind, do one of each. Forget doing a detailed plan - just a list of places and dates will do. Use the local tourist offices when you get there to find out what's what.
Keep a diary - because you will get hooked on this stuff, and want to do it again next year, only different!
Take the absolute minimum with you (weight) and no stealable possessions. Anything you find you need, just buy it locally (more t-shirts? a hat? sunglasses?) - it's cheap and you blend in better.
Pro tip: pocket phrase book for each language you will encounter.
Well first you need to plan ahead so if money is not an issue then thats great. You should probably get information on a resort or hotel you would like to stay at near the coast. You can begin with the country that sounds the most safest with the least amount of crime rate and that has exotic views. Uhh I don't know where else aha since I haven't been to Europe (under 18 -.- ) Just make sure that you are safe at all times and that you never go home with someone else besides those you. o.o (I've seen that movie Hostel) But make sure to have fun! You will also want someone else to travel with to make it even more fun :3
The UK is part of Europe, it could be argued you are already there.
Start working and saving money. Get a passport. Figure out how to get where you want to go. Google Interrail pass, be sure to read the small print. Google hostels, travel guide books.
Prices depend on exactly where you start from, where you fly (or in your case, take a train) into, the kind of places you stay and what you see/do/eat, how many people are going, how long you stay ... . People who backpack generally can get by for $100 US (￡ 58) per day staying in cheap hostels and carefully watching their budget (not including airfare). However, if you stay in hotels, it will cost you more. I usually spend 100 to 150 euro a night for a hotel just for myself, but there are cheaper places.
Here are some resources that can help you plan and check options and current prices for your trip (expect prices in the future to rise):
http://www.kayak.com/ - airfares & hotels; the explore function is useful for finding the less expensive places to fly into from your starting point.
http://www.skyscanner.it/ - particularly good for budget flights within Europe, but you can also use everywhere as a destination to do something like the explore option on Kayak. You may not need the airfares, but you can compare to the cost of the trains to get around. this one may be more useful for you.
http://www.seat61.com/ - a great train site with details about railpasses. It can be cheaper to buy individual tickets than passes. This site will tell you how to determine whether you're better off with a railpass or individual tickets or some combination for your trip. It also details how to use the pass and what to avoid to get the best use out of a pass.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.js... - Italian train schedules & prices. You can find links to the various national train sites on the Man in Seat 61 site above.
http://www.venere.com/ - hotels/B&Bs - prices for the same hotel can vary hugely depending on the season and what local events are going on.
http://www.hostelbookers.com/ - hostels.
http://www.monasterystays.com/ - monasteries & convents that offer accommodations
You can also look into camping or couch surfing as cheaper alternatives for accommodations.
http://www.backpackeurope.com/ - information & advice
For sightseeing prices: check the websites for entrance fees for the museums & galleries you're interested in. I spend anywhere between nothing and 40 euro a day depending on exactly what I go to see when out exploring. For food, I spend around 25 to 50 euro for a meal, but you can eat for less. A pizza is 8 to 13 euro and a panino or wrap is around 3 to 6.50 euro in many places. You can often get food at festivals at a relatively low price. You can also shop in the markets and put some meals together for yourselves.When I travel, I like to try the local specialties and the good restaurants.
You can start with Spain, it is safe and close to UK. It is also a lot cheaper than UK, France, Germany or Italy.
