I'm unemployed--no prospects right now--should I go to Europe?

[joeybee12]

Should I wait around for the phone call that probably won't come, or should I just bag it and take a trip? Id like to work in Europe some day, and I figure this is also a chance to check out living costs, etc.

My itinerary--fly into Rome, work my way up to Venice, and then to Prague, and finally through Austria and leave from Vienna.

Any suggestions on smaller, more isolated places to see in Italy that people miss? Thanks.

[shrike]

1. If you've got the money, do it

Although my personal preference is Down Under. Some of the most beautiful places on earth are in Tasmania and New Zealand.

[meegbear]

5. Exactly ....

If you can swing it and it sounds like you have the time, do it.

[Jack The Tab]

18. It has been a goal of mine to live in New Zealand...

I have done no research on it though. I would imagine their economy is about the same as everywhere else in the world though.

How accepting of yanks are they?

[LittleApple81]

2. I cannot recommend any specific place in Italy but

Italy as a whole is wonderful. Any little town has a history and charming people. I love Italy. Be careful, some cities have high purse snatching and mugging rates (I, thank God, never had any problems, but have heard some bad stories).

[Yavin4]

3. It's Not Going To Be Easy Finding Work In Europe

They have much more stringent rules against immigrant labor than we do here in the U.S. You can't just walk into Europe and start working.

[supernova]

4. Do go

every chance to travel and see the world is very worth it. :thumsup:

Austria is beautiful beyond words.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

6. I'd go to the South of France too

it's gorgeous. I would go up to the Italian Riviera (Genoa, San Remo, Rapallo) and work your way over to the South of France. I love Prague too-it's probably much cheaper to live there than in Italy or Austria.

[Cappurr]

7. Yeah...

I don't know how old you are, but I assume you are young...twentish. If I were you I'd get on the web and check into NGO humanitarian agencies and try to get a job with them. Maybe even in Iraq. (I know that sounds crazy but I went to Vietnam when I was your age as a civilian and a female and it was the most eye opening experience of my life).

You can always go to Rome, Venice etc. I've been there too....London is my favorite city (besides New York City). But if I were you I'd go the the Middle East...Iraq, Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, Jordan (which would be a good choice). This is where it is happening now. They need the help. And you can learn a lot. And yes, it is probably dangerous. So was Vietnam. But you learn to protect yourself the best you can and you experience.

[davidinalameda]

8. run for president

it's a good gig--raise money and travel giving speeches

[radwriter0555]

9. Hotel Il Giardinetto on Lido Island in Venice is MARVY,

affordable, modest, and the island is home only to Venetians, very few tourists.

The hotel is a step from the water bus. Buy your water bus tickets for 3 days at a time. This allows you to hop on and off the water buses and any other public transport at will for about $7 a day. A fantastic deal and great way to see Venice.

We stopped at all the stops and AVOIDED the glass factory when we learned that all venetian glass is made in india, so don't fall for the tourtist traps.

If you're taking trains in Italy, beware of the pickpockets. Especially when getting on and off the trains and seeking out your seats.

I suggest a trip to a small medieval village called Lucca, about an hour outside Florence. Not particularly nice people, frankly, but the town itself is STUNNING, as one of the last walled towns in existence. Cobblestone streets, fanastic shopping, lousy food unless you like proscuitto on every pizza. It was built in 03 and is lovely...

I suggest LONDON as well. WOW, did we have a BLAST there in July!

[radwriter0555]

10. BTW, FANTASTIC way to get around europe is on Easyjet.com

and Ryanair. WAYYYYY cheaper than standard international airlines. They're like the Southwest airlines of Europe. Sooooo cheap... like $60 from Venice to London one way.

[joeybee12]

11. Thanks for all the suggestions...

...the reason for Italy is to see some of that before I make it up to Prague and check that out more thoroughly--I figure I might be able to live there for a few years even without work, and I should do it before Dumbo blows up the world. And flying out of Vienna is cheaper than Prague.

[HereSince1628]

12. If you want to take a trip get voicemail and check it everyday

You can always make a call back to a potential employer from Europe.
And since Europe is half a day ahead you might be finishing sight-seeing for the day just as the head-hunters are making calls...

[Parche]

13. Hiring

I heard that Halliburton is hiring in Iraq
And Bechtel has a lot of openings near Baghdad

[Parche]

14. jobs

That is no good in this economy, with the jobless rate at over 6%
what else can we do, WE all must hold bush accountable, for doing
nothing to help America, and doing everything he can to send
money to Iraq

[HereSince1628]

15. Agree with sentiment, but unemployment was reported as 9.1%

The trouble with the government figures is that your only unemployed if you register. Most reporting drops people once their unemployment benefits expire. The long-term unemployed fall through the cracks...

[northzax]

16. indeed, it doesn't count

people like me, I lost my 'real' job last month, and am working retail for now. Since I make more doing that than I would on unemployment, I haven't bothered to file, it would take a lot of effort and a lot of hoops to jump through for miniscule return. so I'm not counted as unemployed (I guess technically, I'm not unemployed, but I'm making 40 grand less that I was in august...)

[amazona]

17. I haven't worked in more than 2 years...

...and I'm planning to visit Africa in a few months. I say, don't sit around waiting for the phone call that is not going to come. Go and enjoy. I don't think there are any jobs in Europe either but at least you can explore. If your unemployment has already run out, you are under no obligation to sit around applying for jobs that do not exist. Have fun, and maybe consider keeping a diary or blog of your adventures!

[bif]

If you go to Venice

One of my favorite cities in the world, do yourself a favor and take the vaporetti ((water bus) to some of the other islands in the lagoon. They're really incredible and less crowded than Venice proper. I'd pick up the book "Venice" by Jan/James Morris. It's not a tourist guide, but gives you great insight into the city. Moris is one of the finest living travel writers. My wife and I loved Venice so much, it's our daughter's middoe name.

Have a great time.

[bif]

19. If you go to Venice

One of my favorite cities in the world, do yourself a favor and take the vaporetti ((water bus) to some of the other islands in the lagoon. They're really incredible and less crowded than Venice proper. I'd pick up the book "Venice" by Jan/James Morris. It's not a tourist guide, but gives you great insight into the city. Moris is one of the finest living travel writers. My wife and I loved Venice so much, it's our daughter's middoe name.

Have a great time.