Trip to germany, netherlands and switzerland(maybe) from Canada?
Hi I am looking for any helpful advice about travelling in europe. Theres two of us, and we have just started preparing for the trip. So far, we have a ticket booked to frankfurt in the first week of June. We plan to stay in Europe for 12 days and thought about getting a student rail pass for 3 countries, so that we can visit amsterdam. We have chosen switzerland as a third country (does anyone know of a better neighbouring country to germany, other than france?). I was wondering if we were to be on the lowest budget, how much should i put aside for accomodation, food and other spendings (travel not included). Also, how fast do hostels book up, should we start renting rooms right now? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Other - Europe - 5 Answers
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1 :
www.ryanair.com Flights around Europe for a cheap as one English pound. Most fly out of England and Ireland. Have fun!
2 :
Hi, I'd go for Austria rather than Switzerland. It's much cheaper, including travel--though if you're on a student pass that mightn't be an issue. However Vienna is expensive, though the cultural stuff is great. If you go to Austria visit Halstatt, the most beautiful place in the world (up in the Alps). And Salzburg. The alternative would be to visit the Czech republic, particularly Prague, which is amazing. In terms of your budget, work out how much you think you will need, then double it. The best way to deal with financial stuff in Europe is to load up a Visa account with money prior to your trip, then withdraw it as you need it. Since most countries use the Euro you won'[t have a problem exchanging money from country to country. (However I think the Czechs still have their own currency.) Amsterdam is amazing and very friendly. Look out for the mad cyclists! And I'm told that some of that stuff in the hash bars is very strong, so watch out. Book everything you can before you go. It's a mega-hassle finding places to stay while you're travelling. If you visit Berlin--which you should--stay in one of the Circus hostels. They are very high standard and not expensive. It's true there are very cheap flights around Europe (e.g. Ryanair) but they're not quite as cheap as they look--when you add in taxes etc. they mount up a bit. Still they are very good value. Enjoy!
3 :
Yea, start booking hostels now. Frankfort really just about only has one HUGE hostel by the river. Once it fills up, there's not much there for cheap accommodations. Amsterdam will DEFINITELY fill up quickly. If you want to stay someplace well known, like the Bulldog, you'll have to book early. I came skidding in, unexpected, a few years back and ended up staying at a christian hostel in Jordaan. It's quite nice, but don't let on what you're really up to during the day, if you stay there, and don't bring any of it back with you. It's a bit austere, but if you're enjoying Amsterdam to it's fullest potential, you won't notice. You won't notice much of anything, in fact. Two words: Space Cakes I went to Austria, also. There's a really great hostel up there called the Treehouse. We stayed there for a week. It's out in the country with tons of great hiking. They have a killer video library if it rains. Make sure to order the "Heart Attack" for lunch, at least once. The little diesel commuter train that takes you out there is a trip, by itself! Make sure you call ahead. The folks at the Treehouse will drive to the station and pick you up. I'd recommend spending a couple of days in Berlin, too. Lots of history, and great bars, to boot. We've stayed at the Circus a couple of times. There are two locations, one of which is right next to a U station. I've never been to Switzerland. I'll have to go back and check it out. It's kind of an island, in a way. Tours frequently steer around it. I get the feeling that the Swiss are a tad indifferent to tourists. Could be wrong on that score. Plan on spending a couple of thousand dollars for food and accommodations. You could get by with about half that, but please don't try. You'll want to spend a few dollars, here and there, to see things and go on boat rides and up in balloons and to get into castles and things. It all costs, and you don't want to come home without having had a few inexplicable adventures. Definitely get the student rail pass, if you qualify. We had the dual rider pass, which was good, too.
4 :
There are hotels from the Accor group, which are clean and cheap (you only pay, what you use: www.etap.com Actually the youth hostels in Germany are very nice (were renovate because of the international soccer contest): http://old.web02.djh.de/international/html/index_map.jsp?ID=5 Other cheap airlines: www.germania.com and www.airberlin.com I heard, that Poland an the Czech Republich are very nice (just pay attention with your wallet).
5 :
Switzerland is a slightly dull country, hash is semi-legal there (I think it still is anyway?) but i imagine you would have got your fill of that in Amsterdam. You have Austria as an option of course, but is Denmark not too far for you? I hear Copenhagen is great. If Prague (Czech Republic) is an option though, go for that. Beautiful city, cheap beer (no where near as cheap as once it was, but still damn reasonable), and you could go to Munich on the way. Or you could even go via Austria.
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