first time traveller to europe..going for about 3 weeks..would welcome all suggestions and tips
travelling to europe
sheenaxxx999 on 04/03/2010 - 18:22
Comments
If you're walking the inner streets of Paris wipe your shoes twice before you go inside somewhere.
Otherwise enjoy.
If you are going to paris or amsterdam, ask me for my simcards. They still have a bit of credit, and it beats paying 10-25 euros each.
Otherwise get a global sim, they are pretty good value if you travel more than once a year and you shop around for one.
Otherwise, the usual mantra "pack everything, lay your money out, take half of what you packed and twice the money."
Hard to suggest anything without more specifics. 3 weeks is a short trip. Try asking in some travel forums. Thorntree used to be good but I don't know what's happened since BBC bought Lonely Planet.
Pack light. Get your cash out of ATMs with a debit card or a credit card put in the black beforehand as that gives you the best rates.
Pack light. Youll wear the same stuff everyday. I really rate Merino tees from snowgum, but others find it too expensive. It breathes really well and can go unwashed for days.
Dunno if youre staying put or moving along, but for such a short trip, book all accommodation before you go. Check out a eurail book before you go to see which city connects with which city, the frequency of trains, etc. It is so hard to do things on the fly. and you dont want to waste your time sorting it out. I paid point to point, not a pass.
Dont just stick to capital cities (I prefer to only travel 1.5-2 hours a day).Small cities are great. Honestly. You dont want to spend all your time travelling. Dont try to cover too much. Youll enjoy it more.
Clear Advantage Mastercard. Should still have no conversion fee and no withdrawal fee BUT YOU MUST TOP IT UP BEFORE YOU GO, cos if you use the banks money there is no interest free day. THeir conversion rate is normal. Otherwise, if you think the dollar might fall, get euros or US dollars. or travellers cheques, which in my opinion are irrelevant nowdays.
A good $500+ harnessed backpack, unless you can pack really light.
um im sure ill add if these help. Really it just depends. this info may be totally useless for you. particularly if youre going on a tour or not backpacking.
So you already have everything booked? If not maybe have a look at the Travel Wiki:
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/category:travel