Your Guide to the Galaxy er Europe...
I love planning vacations - there's something about dreaming up elaborate adventures in foreign countries that appeals to me - but it's also a lot of work and can be a bit daunting at first.
So how do you do it? Well I'm glad you asked. Here's a quick how-to guide on planning your European adventure.
Make Your Must-See Hit-List
First, and most importantly, figure out which countries/cities are highest on your must-see hit-list, taking into account time constraints. We managed to fit in 9 cities (including a day trip to Normandy from Paris), over three and a half weeks, but this means that you'll only get two to three days in each city. This is enough to see the highlights, but it doesn't give you much time to really explore most cities.
If you're like me and need help narrowing down this list, I recommend Lonely Planet's discover Europe guide, which will give you an overview of most European countries (and their major cities) - in colour no less.
Planes, Trains or Automobiles?
Once you've got your list, determine which modes of transportation work best for country hopping. While taking a train is the quintessential way to see Europe, planes can be just as cheap (or expensive), and will save you time if you're trying to pack in as much as you can. EasyJet was by far the best carrier we used. Ryanair is a good alternative, but be prepared for an in-air version of the shopping channel.
The downside to flying is of-course the hassel of arriving a couple hours early to get through airport security. I recommend taking the train for short-haul trips (Paris to Normandy or Rome to Florence), but for long-haul trips (Barcelona to Rome or Rome to Berlin) seriously consider flying.
Book your airline tickets a couple months in advance, especially if you're traveling during the summer. Although it's usually not required, I would also recommend booking your train tickets ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Driving is another alternative, but I would avoid it if you're trying to explore a good portion of the continent and don't have six months (I envy you if this is your plight).
Rest for the Wicked...I Mean Weary Traveller
Now that you know where you're going and how you're getting there, the last major step in the planning process is finding a place to rest your worn out feet after a long day of sight-seeing.
There are three routes you can take:
Hostels: For the young and single traveller, this option makes the most sense. It's easy on the wallet and a great way to meet fellow travellers.
Hotels: For the conservative traveller, traditional hotels are the safest option. They offer more privacy than a hostel and are probably also cleaner (the lack of young males sharing a room might have something to do with it).
BnBs: For the traveller looking for an authentic experience without giving up privacy, BnBs are a great alternative. If you're feeling even more adventurous, consider trying out Airbnb. It connects those with spare space to those looking for a place to stay - a unique variation on the traditional BnB.
If you haven't guessed it yet, I'm a huge fan of Airbnb. We used it exclusively (and for the first time) for our trip this summer and loved it. Not only did we meet amazing people, but we got to experience life as a local - which is part of the fun of travelling. It's easy on the bank account to boot.
Whichever route you decide to take, make sure you book at least a month in advance, two months if you're travelling during the summer.
Well there you have it. I hope this helps you get started.
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