I want to take a vacation to Europe this summer

[ringmastery]

I'll have a budget of about $3k and 3-4 weeks to travel. First of all, is this do-able for that kind of money?

Also, which countries should I go to? I've never been there. I'm young and single, so nightlife would be a consideration, as well as the usual touristy culture and history things. Ideally, I would try to stay at least 4-5 days in each country so I wouldn't get too rushed.

Right now, I'm thinking, UK, Netherlands, France, Italy, and Greece.

[radwriter0555]

1. We went for a month last year. I regret not spending more time in France,

in paris in particular. As a young person, you'd love Nice and Canne... and spend as much time in Paris as POSSIBLE. it's FANTASTIC.

Italy/Tuscany was boring. Venice was GREAT. I hear the nightlife in rome is great, and greece would be great.

London ROCKS.

I suggest a r/t to one of the major cities, then use easyjet.com to get to and from major points, the trains in italy SUCK SUCK SUCK and cost as much as airfare (if you book ahead.)

On 3K YES, but remember the dollar is jack shit against the euro. BEWARE THE PICKPOCKETS IN ITALY.

ENJOY!

[Intelsucks]

2. France and the UK are both pretty expensive. Italy is a bit cheaper

I stayed with a friend when I went for three weeks, so it's difficult for me to determine the actual cost. I got off cheap. All I had to pay for was food, drink, and fun. I still managed to spend quite a bit of money. Maybe $2000 in all.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

7. London and Italy are BRUTAL. France is a bit less expensive IMO

Rome makes NYC look like a bargain. Basically any big city is pricey. The South of Italy is less expensive, but even then accommodations are pricey.

[Intelsucks]

10. I spent the least money in Rome than any other place I went in Europe, but

We didn't venture out as much as I would have liked to. I think we stayed for only 3 nights. It wasn't long enough. :(

my friend's wife was pregnant and sick (first trimester) and unfortunately, she ended up having a mis-carriage. Our trip was ANYTHING but normal.

[Intelsucks]

11. I thought Paris was ridiculously expensive.

The food in the airport was cheaper than in the city. You don't see that too often. But, once again... We just stayed a few nights.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

15. Depends on the Neighborhood

There are some great, inexpensive and mid-range restaurants in the Marais, Bastille, Oberkampf, Latin Quarter and Belleville neighborhoods. 3 course lunches for $20. There are pretty cheap couscous (Algerian/Moroccon) restaurants in the 5th (Latin Quarter).

Just like any city, the food is more expensive in touristy neighborhoods (though all of Paris is frequented by tourists).

[Intelsucks]

16. I think Paris was the most beautiful city I've ever seen.

It was definitely the highlight of the trip.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

20. I love Rome, But Paris has a place in my heart

there are views there that make me cry-and I'm not a big crier.

And though it rains a lot and is gray ("la grisaille"), it is still sooo beautiful.

[HuckleB]

3. Think Spain.

Specifically Barcelona and Madrid -- from your description, you'll have a ball. Spend some time on the Lonely Planet and Let's Go discussion boards. Yes, you can do it for that money, but you must know what you're doing beforehand.

Enjoy!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

4. The dollar is doing piss poor against the euro-I was in Rome in Nov/Dec

but you should be able to get by on the money you have. since you are young and sigle, I would check out Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome. Paris is my favorite-I used to live there. There are great nightclubs, and tons of good food. I can provide you with the names of some inexpensive lodging and good restaurants if you'd like.

In Rome, the cheapest alternative for stays longer than 5 days (and it WILL take you longer than that to see everything in Rome) is to rent an apartment. Italy is very expensive, cheap hotel rooms are $120+ and you can save money by renting an apartment with a kitchen. There are tons of food markets and restaurants are pricey.

In Amsterdam, I have stayed at youth hostels and inexpensive hotels. Sometimes you can also find a houseboat for a reasonable price (though I would suggest this in warmer weather-Amsterdam is cold and damp in the winter).

I would check out www.eurotrip.com for some good advice on cheap accommodations etc. PM me if you want any Paris info.

[Kellanved]

5. well

You can get around Europe really cheap (Ryanair, rail, etc.). However IMHO three to four weeks is barely enough for one region, no chance to get several nations done in any depth.
If you want to see several nations I'd suggest a capital tour (for example London, Paris, Amsterdam (it is the capital, just not the seat of the government), Berlin, ... .Although I'm biased, I have to say that you'll get the best ROI in Berlin, it's the cheapest of Europe's capitals and the museums, theaters, orchestras and sights are first class.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. Also Prague-closer to Berlin

I would maybe do London/Paris/Amsterdam on one trip because they are closely linked by rail. Berlin/Prague/Budapest is another good itinerary since they are farther east. Maybe Kellanves you could give some ideas of excursions from Berlin?

[Kellanved]

6. dupe

The second today, I wonder what's up?

[Maeve]

8. Try to get your hands on one of Rick Steves's books

"Europe Through the Back Door" is a good start--how to see Europe as it is meant to be seen as opposed to "like a tourist". He hits the nightlife fairly well and tells you what attractions cost and which ones aren't worth the effort.
Here's his website: http://www.ricksteves.com/

[Kellanved]

12. careful

I'm always having a laugh about the Steve's bocks. They're not nearly as "back door" as one might think. With very few exceptions a hostel/restaurant is finished as soon as it is mentioned in one of the major guides, the back door guides among them, because the prices explode and the quality drops. I've lost several of my favorite locations already and can remember only two who kept the level despite the tourists. You might think it strange, but for example a fifth of the attenders of Berlin's one million people new-year's eve party was American.

[radwriter0555]

24. You can say that again. Tuscany was FILLED with ARIZONA people...

it was like they all got the same g%# d(%$)@^% brochure. EVERYWHERE we went in Florence, Lucca, Pisa, folks from Arizona, each and every single one. And they ALLL had to "rent a villa in the countryside".... oy.

And all the Americans I ran into were terribly uncouth and rude. No wonder the italians hated them and treated us like crap.

BTW, tip of the day, NEVER eat from the tourist menu and DEFINITELY learn SOME italian and french before you go.

And if you got to Venice, head out to Lido and go to the little restaurant on the promenade called Andre's. Get off the boat, and head down the first street you can go down, straight off the boat, NOT along the water's edge. About 4 minutes, down, passing a fancy restaurant on your right, you can turn right onto a promenade.. Andre's is down on the left about a short block.

There, you will have THE BEST SCAMPI on the planet.

You will simply be finished with your gastronomic life after that meal.

Oh and get the 3 day transit pass in Venice, where you can freely jump on and off the boats all day. Sucha deal.

[Kellanved]

13. dupe

My third dupe - something is wrong here

[Kathy in Cambridge]

14. I have better luck with the Lonely Planet Series

and Guide Routard if you can read French.

[no_hypocrisy]

17. Change your dollars to Euros now. The dollar will probably go lower

before your vacation. Go to American Express and get the checks in Euros and then cash them in Europe at AE offices in order to avoid paying fees for the service.

Try to go to the capitals of the countries that interest you. That's where most of the culture like museums, concerts, and art are located. Sidetrips to the country are also recommended.

If you get a Eurrail Pass (assuming they're still in existence), you can travel throughout the continent on one fare.

I went to Europe alone with a backpack many years ago. I visited England, Scotland, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Try to plan your visits according to special festivals like mid-September in Munich for Oktoberfest.

Also get a International Hostel card so you can stay overnight without spending a lot of money.

One more thing. This is not really publicized, but there is a notable amount of crime (mugging, etc.) in several countries. Try not to go out by yourself, especially at night.

[Intelsucks]

18. When I was there it was about 1:1 so it's definitely more expensive now

n/t

[Kathy in Cambridge]

21. It hit the highest point against the dollar when I was there

hence, no shoe shopping for RationalRose!

:cry:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

22. Never Had Any Issue With Crime-Even As a Woman Traveling Alone

on subways at night in Paris. Of course, I grew up in a big city and have those street smarts bred into me.

Most of the crime is the petty theft variety-stolen bikes, pickpockets. Mugging is not as common as in American cities. Nor is violent crime.

All in all, European cities are MUCH safer than American cities.

[amazona]

19. the euro is going through the roof

It's a bit scary but I'm going to Amsterdam anyway. Not for 3 weeks though.

[roguevalley]

23. Ireland. What more do you have to say? <G>

[ChemEng]

25. Go before April or after September...

Prices fall significantly after the high season, plus you'll have fewer crowds to fight. Besides, the weather doesn't matter inside a good restaurant or a museum!

[Kellanved]

26. Good advise

Especially don't go during July/August, as there is almost no A/C used in central Europe. Trust me, you don't want to be around here during August. Other than that you should avoid the respective national holidays and big festivals. I can only speak for Berlin, but if you play your card right it is possible to get a room and breakfast in one of the 5-star hotels for less than €100.