affordable european honeymoon?

Amy

I would like to plan a honeymoon to visit Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, and Dubai. While we need to do this somewhat affordably, we don't want to stay in crap hotels or hostels. Is this even possible? Any advice on your travels to Europe?

Answer
First, stay local.
Dubai will certainly be a huge additional expense. Is far easier to travel through Italy and France then hopping that plane to Dubai. (Dubai is also one of the most expensive places to visit and although the allure of luxe and grandeur are great, just say no. We don't all need to ski in the Desert to be fulfilled in life.)
Second.
Avoid the summer holiday traveling and avoid holiday seasons. Your European air fair (which usually averages about 800/900 per person but this can sky rocket around holidays. Planning ahead can also get you great discounts. Skip the first class, international flights tend to have more comfortable seating than your average with a bit more space, most also have TV's for each seat so you'll be occupied with movies and other things for most of the nine or so hours you are in the air.
You can find comfy lodging all over France and Italy without the irritations of hostels which are often cramped and although fun for college travelers, a bit too crowded to honeymooners.
There are plenty of reasonable b&bs and rooms in family homes let out to travelers. Usually all you need to do is find one really good one and they can refer you to others.
Travel light.
Don't bring every single thing you want. Pair it down to one carry one and one luggage. Avoid too many additional fees and other complications that additional bags can cause.
Make sure you bring your own contact solution,
Sounds crazy but it's far cheaper in the states than over seas.
Avoid the rental car.
It's a costly expense that just isn't necessary. If you research ahead, you can plan train trips that can carry you from one place to another at a fraction of the cost without the irritations of finding parking and driving in a country with different laws.
For the most part, skip the shopping.
European shopping sounds fun but it adds up quickly.
Spend your days visiting historic landmarks, museums and really enjoy the country you are visiting. Visit an author or poets home, eat baguettes in front of the eiffel tower. You'll get the most outnof your trip and you'll have tons of pictures and stories. Besides, who doesn't want a glimpse of the Mona Lisa at the louvre!?
Food!
Pick one meal a day to splurge on. Visit one nice bistro or fine dining place for the day, for the other meals do what natives do! There are carts in the city peddling tons of amazing to go snacks for a good price and you'll save a bundle not paying the huge sum demanded by many of the sit down places. Stop inside a grocery store for a snack, you'll get to try all sorts of new brands and see funny things... It's a trip inside itself.
Make sure you bring along good shoes.
I know its a honeymoon but don't forget that although you want to look beautiful, bring along sensible shoes is an absolute must. In Europe you'll find walking is the most frequent activity and having to buy walking shoes out there is going to be an unnecessary expense that can easily be avoided.
Alright, I think I've given you some to some stuff to build up from.
Good luck on your travels!

Travel shoes for fifteen year old girl?!?

Q. Okay, so I am going on a European cruise that has three stops in Italy, one in Spain, and one in France. I know there is a lot of walking, so I need a good pair of shoes. (I am going a couple days early and will be in Rome for more than one day). But I am fifteen years old, in good shape, and am trying to avoid looking horribly horrendous in ugly shoes. (I know, comfort over style, but I want both?). All the websites I've found are for older people. Any suggestions? Also, is it true you shouldn't wear shorts (like jean short shorts) in Europe? Please any young travelers!

Answer
There are all kinds of walking stores and travel stores with sandals that do not look old, besides you need comfort not complete fashion and they do look better than clunky sports shoes. Avoid anything with a heel that is higher than a inch as the streets can be cobblestone. I like Bjorn shoes. Shorts shorts are not exactly advised for Italy. or Spain (particularly Spain). It is better to wear a sundress or a skirt. whne in doubt be more conservative in dress. Save revealing for the boat. To be honest, you will be doing so much, no one will notice if your feet are horrendous or not :) Have fun.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What advice would you offer an American traveling in Europe for the first time?

best walking shoes european travel image

RainDog

I will be visiting Italy, Germany and Austria in a few weeks. I've never traveled outside of the US and I could not be more excited.

Answer
Learn some words in German so you will be perceived as polite. English is commonly spoken. They will know more of your language than you know of theirs.

Sidewalks are very uneven all over Europe. so walking can be difficult. But everyone walks. Most European cities are "walking cities." Athletic shoes are a giveaway that you are American. Wear leather shoes, and dress more smartly than Americans usually do. Like Sunday best--everyday.

Take a sturdy water bottle so you can fill it up at every opportunity. Purchased bottled water can get expensive. And soft drinks are more expensive than beer. Really. Learn what stores, department stores, the locals go to, then do so yourself. Cheaper.

Food is very cheap in the USA. No where else in the world is the food as cheap and plentiful as it is here. There will be plenty of food, of course, but you will pay much more for it.

Take plenty of money. Your own bank can change currency for you. Yes, you will have to pay the fee to change the currency. And again when you change it back. Use a money belt.

Photocopy your passport photo page and be sure to carry that in a safe place, such as your money belt.

Call your credit card companies and tell them your itinerary so that they will allow charges to your card; otherwise they will not allow charges that are not your usual pattern. Do not use a debit card on the trip.

Change the memory card in your camera every couple of days just in case it gets lost or stolen.

Be prepared for terrible jet lag, worse upon your return. Not much works to help this. So forget what you have read. OK to try it, though.

See Rick Steves' travel site for answers to many travel questions.

I want to know the best time and info on traveling to Europe?

johnsons84

What are the best months to travel to Europe, would june july or august be good? Is it best to stay in Hostels and save money? I am a student wanting to see Europe, most as I can... How long do I need to be there to see a vast majority of the best parts? What are some must see sites and cities? How much money should one bring (estimate) and any other tid bits of info could really go a long way..

Thanks for your time and answers to all.

Answer
May, June and September will not be as crowded, and cheaper, as July and August are the height of the tourist season when most of the Europeans also go on holiday.
The rest of the year is also very well possible, the cheapest fares are likely between the mid January and April, and maybe October-November.

At this time you will need about â¬75 per day, ($US 100) when you stay in hostels and do your own cooking, this will allow you some money for sightseeing and drinking and to pay for your train tickets when here.
You can do it a little cheaper if you do not spend much money on being a tourist, also when you go to the countries that have been communist in the past.
An other way to save money is not to stay in hostels but to stay in peoples homes, you can get contact through couch surfing sites:
http://www.couchsurfing.com/
http://www.hospitalityclub.org/
I have never done it, but people who travel that way say they really enjoy it.
Otherwise hostels are a good cheap choice, camping, while possible is not as easy when you travel by bus or train.
In July and August most hostels fill up 100% and you might have to book ahead or find other places to stay.
But even then the hostels out of town near the Capital cities still have some space, most of the time so be flexible.

How long you need?
Many Europeans spend all their holidays in their lifetime in Europe and I never heard anybody claim that he has been everywhere.
In a month you can get an impression of Europe, in but a longer time will be better.

Do not try to rush from highlight to highlight but take your time to really get to know a country. Spend a week in its capital city, but also a few days in a smaller town and a village, visiting National parks is almost always good.
Many countries will need more than 2 weeks to see them properly (only small states like Luxembourg or Monaco you can do in that time,)
but it will stay in your memory.
If you have one month do not try to really see more than 3 countries, in 2 months 6 to 8.

And pack light.
Bring as little as you can get away with. In summer that is one pair of jeans, 2 shorts, (or 2 jeans) a handful of T-shirts, a sweater, a jacket and underwear for a week or two.
Shoes you can walk in all day everyday, and a second pair to change into at night and for emergencies, or only bathroom use.
And bring enough socks too.
You will need to do laundry, but whatever you bring you will always have to do laundry.
Keep space in your pack for a couple of new T-shirts, (great souvenirs and very useful,) and save on washing a few days.

Just before setting off you should get the newest version of a good guidebook, I prefer the Lonely Planet series, but as said, right now would be a good time to get a couple of travel guides from the library or a secondhand bookshop.

And read the older questions here, there is a lot of information already, as questions like this come up often. I think that only in this hour 3 questions have been posted that might be of help to you.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I want to know the best time and info on traveling to Europe?

best walking shoes european travel image

johnsons84

What are the best months to travel to Europe, would june july or august be good? Is it best to stay in Hostels and save money? I am a student wanting to see Europe, most as I can... How long do I need to be there to see a vast majority of the best parts? What are some must see sites and cities? How much money should one bring (estimate) and any other tid bits of info could really go a long way..

Thanks for your time and answers to all.

Answer
May, June and September will not be as crowded, and cheaper, as July and August are the height of the tourist season when most of the Europeans also go on holiday.
The rest of the year is also very well possible, the cheapest fares are likely between the mid January and April, and maybe October-November.

At this time you will need about â¬75 per day, ($US 100) when you stay in hostels and do your own cooking, this will allow you some money for sightseeing and drinking and to pay for your train tickets when here.
You can do it a little cheaper if you do not spend much money on being a tourist, also when you go to the countries that have been communist in the past.
An other way to save money is not to stay in hostels but to stay in peoples homes, you can get contact through couch surfing sites:
http://www.couchsurfing.com/
http://www.hospitalityclub.org/
I have never done it, but people who travel that way say they really enjoy it.
Otherwise hostels are a good cheap choice, camping, while possible is not as easy when you travel by bus or train.
In July and August most hostels fill up 100% and you might have to book ahead or find other places to stay.
But even then the hostels out of town near the Capital cities still have some space, most of the time so be flexible.

How long you need?
Many Europeans spend all their holidays in their lifetime in Europe and I never heard anybody claim that he has been everywhere.
In a month you can get an impression of Europe, in but a longer time will be better.

Do not try to rush from highlight to highlight but take your time to really get to know a country. Spend a week in its capital city, but also a few days in a smaller town and a village, visiting National parks is almost always good.
Many countries will need more than 2 weeks to see them properly (only small states like Luxembourg or Monaco you can do in that time,)
but it will stay in your memory.
If you have one month do not try to really see more than 3 countries, in 2 months 6 to 8.

And pack light.
Bring as little as you can get away with. In summer that is one pair of jeans, 2 shorts, (or 2 jeans) a handful of T-shirts, a sweater, a jacket and underwear for a week or two.
Shoes you can walk in all day everyday, and a second pair to change into at night and for emergencies, or only bathroom use.
And bring enough socks too.
You will need to do laundry, but whatever you bring you will always have to do laundry.
Keep space in your pack for a couple of new T-shirts, (great souvenirs and very useful,) and save on washing a few days.

Just before setting off you should get the newest version of a good guidebook, I prefer the Lonely Planet series, but as said, right now would be a good time to get a couple of travel guides from the library or a secondhand bookshop.

And read the older questions here, there is a lot of information already, as questions like this come up often. I think that only in this hour 3 questions have been posted that might be of help to you.

How do I go about looking SEXY this summer when travelling abroad?

Hope

Going to France for a week for summer abroad, but would like to look sexy and stand out, not your average typical 19 year old girl.

I already wear make-up (foundation, some eyeliner, mascara), and wear my hair (medium-long) straight.

- What clothes should I buy/bring? Specifics would be helpful.
- Shoes?
- Hairstyles?


Thanks so much! All answers will be read and 10 points for best.

Answer
Short heels (2"). European cities are more for walking, so you want to be comfortable. Do not wear flip-flops unless you will be on the beach. Flip-flops are definitely not out-of-the-house footwear in France. Espadrilles are always a great choice for open footwear.

Wear sun dresses. They are nice and feminine.

Maybe one or two pairs of skinny jeans.

Bright-colored clothing definitely.

Some jewelery, but not a lot. Gold hoops are usually an easy win.

As for your hair, no need to go crazy. Even a chignon or a sleek ponytail will do.

I'm so excited for you. I miss France so badly! Have an awesome time!

Which city/-ies will you visit?

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What advice would you offer an American traveling in Europe for the first time?

best walking shoes european travel image

RainDog

I will be visiting Italy, Germany and Austria in a few weeks. I've never traveled outside of the US and I could not be more excited.

Answer
Learn some words in German so you will be perceived as polite. English is commonly spoken. They will know more of your language than you know of theirs.

Sidewalks are very uneven all over Europe. so walking can be difficult. But everyone walks. Most European cities are "walking cities." Athletic shoes are a giveaway that you are American. Wear leather shoes, and dress more smartly than Americans usually do. Like Sunday best--everyday.

Take a sturdy water bottle so you can fill it up at every opportunity. Purchased bottled water can get expensive. And soft drinks are more expensive than beer. Really. Learn what stores, department stores, the locals go to, then do so yourself. Cheaper.

Food is very cheap in the USA. No where else in the world is the food as cheap and plentiful as it is here. There will be plenty of food, of course, but you will pay much more for it.

Take plenty of money. Your own bank can change currency for you. Yes, you will have to pay the fee to change the currency. And again when you change it back. Use a money belt.

Photocopy your passport photo page and be sure to carry that in a safe place, such as your money belt.

Call your credit card companies and tell them your itinerary so that they will allow charges to your card; otherwise they will not allow charges that are not your usual pattern. Do not use a debit card on the trip.

Change the memory card in your camera every couple of days just in case it gets lost or stolen.

Be prepared for terrible jet lag, worse upon your return. Not much works to help this. So forget what you have read. OK to try it, though.

See Rick Steves' travel site for answers to many travel questions.

I want to know the best time and info on traveling to Europe?

johnsons84

What are the best months to travel to Europe, would june july or august be good? Is it best to stay in Hostels and save money? I am a student wanting to see Europe, most as I can... How long do I need to be there to see a vast majority of the best parts? What are some must see sites and cities? How much money should one bring (estimate) and any other tid bits of info could really go a long way..

Thanks for your time and answers to all.

Answer
May, June and September will not be as crowded, and cheaper, as July and August are the height of the tourist season when most of the Europeans also go on holiday.
The rest of the year is also very well possible, the cheapest fares are likely between the mid January and April, and maybe October-November.

At this time you will need about â¬75 per day, ($US 100) when you stay in hostels and do your own cooking, this will allow you some money for sightseeing and drinking and to pay for your train tickets when here.
You can do it a little cheaper if you do not spend much money on being a tourist, also when you go to the countries that have been communist in the past.
An other way to save money is not to stay in hostels but to stay in peoples homes, you can get contact through couch surfing sites:
http://www.couchsurfing.com/
http://www.hospitalityclub.org/
I have never done it, but people who travel that way say they really enjoy it.
Otherwise hostels are a good cheap choice, camping, while possible is not as easy when you travel by bus or train.
In July and August most hostels fill up 100% and you might have to book ahead or find other places to stay.
But even then the hostels out of town near the Capital cities still have some space, most of the time so be flexible.

How long you need?
Many Europeans spend all their holidays in their lifetime in Europe and I never heard anybody claim that he has been everywhere.
In a month you can get an impression of Europe, in but a longer time will be better.

Do not try to rush from highlight to highlight but take your time to really get to know a country. Spend a week in its capital city, but also a few days in a smaller town and a village, visiting National parks is almost always good.
Many countries will need more than 2 weeks to see them properly (only small states like Luxembourg or Monaco you can do in that time,)
but it will stay in your memory.
If you have one month do not try to really see more than 3 countries, in 2 months 6 to 8.

And pack light.
Bring as little as you can get away with. In summer that is one pair of jeans, 2 shorts, (or 2 jeans) a handful of T-shirts, a sweater, a jacket and underwear for a week or two.
Shoes you can walk in all day everyday, and a second pair to change into at night and for emergencies, or only bathroom use.
And bring enough socks too.
You will need to do laundry, but whatever you bring you will always have to do laundry.
Keep space in your pack for a couple of new T-shirts, (great souvenirs and very useful,) and save on washing a few days.

Just before setting off you should get the newest version of a good guidebook, I prefer the Lonely Planet series, but as said, right now would be a good time to get a couple of travel guides from the library or a secondhand bookshop.

And read the older questions here, there is a lot of information already, as questions like this come up often. I think that only in this hour 3 questions have been posted that might be of help to you.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers