A friend asked me about some traveling advice for her and i guess a a newbie traveller =-). I thought it was pretty good advice, so I decided to post it, minus the personal information. Enjoy reading.
-----------------Travel Question-----------------
Hey!
How have things been going?
Its been awhile but from photos it seems as though life is treating you well. I see you have a new lady friend in your life ;) exciting.
So I’m planning a trip to Europe on a whim, and knowing that you are an experienced traveler yourself, I was wondering if you had any suggestions. The following countries have been considered...
Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Greece and France.
I’m bringing a newbie, so of course she wants to see the main attractions. Have you visited any of the above?
I’m asking around cause I know people find favorites throughout their personal journey. I usually visit family but on occasions like this I wouldn’t want to involve strangers into my slow paced fun. Its too expensive for that, and for some, a trip to Europe happens only once.
So if you have any advice on the top of your head, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks! And hope your doing wonderful!
L
-----------------Travel Answer-----------------
thanks... i'm honored that'd you'd ask me for travel advice. much of it will depend upon HOW MUCH TIME and MONEY you two have.
I'm assuming it's a female friend, but male friends can be just as fun (especially if there is 'mutual interest' between you both. + Europe is terribly romantic... wink wink). the reason I ask is b/c of accommodations. You can go the hotel route, but that means either sharing a room (expensive) or getting two rooms (really expensive). or the Youth Hostel route (i recommend that one myself b/c it's way cheaper, co-ed is ok, and you usually meet all sorts of interesting people along the way!!! =-)
also, how do you want to sight-see? in a large group, or just the two of you and your handy guide book (lonely planet or let's go are both good). if you want a large group, tour guide experience, then you can book a package deal like a cruise that will visit Spain, France, Italy, and even Greece. or take a cruise down the Danube. (but that's probably pricey!!) that saves you from train tables, buses, etc. someone else does that for you.
finally, when do you want to go? if it's a whim, then you want to go soon. If you end up in Germany b/4 the world cup is finished, then you'll be in for a great party!!! if afterwards, you'll arrive during whatever afterglow arises from the world cup festivities.
I've been to Paris and Normandy, Rome, Brussels, London, Berlin, Vienna, and Sarajevo. I can tell you about those places, and of course, Iceland.
if you can manage, you could fly Iceland Air, spend a couple three days in Iceland either coming and going. Iceland air flies to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and a few other places.
so, let me know what interests you, your budget and time frame. if you had just one week, and you wanted to see just one country, I think Italy has the most sight-seeing bang for the buck (Rome, Florence, Venice, and Mt. Vesuvius). but if you just want to chill somewhere and do low key, very off the beaten path sight seeing (meaning being one of the first of your friends to go there), i'd strongly recommend The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. Amazing rocky coast, beautiful water, nice people, and relatively cheap... Dubrovnik, Split, and other cities, and you could possibly rent a room from a little old lady for a week or a whole flat for a month. Very cool.
also, don't skimp on visiting your Dutch relatives, school airport is a great hub for lots of very cheap flights all around Europe (and the train to Paris is only what 5 hours or so??)
Do let me know... hope that was helpful.
have fun with your whimsical travels!!!
Regards,
Erik
some other amazing photos from our amazing adventure... Around ICELAND
some other amazing photos from our amazing adventure... Around ICELAND
