patrickt
Senior Travel Member
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Post by patrickt on Jan 23, 2006 0:46:55 GMT -5
Heya peoples Ok.. gonna go ahead and apologize for starting yet ANOTHER thread for the newbie... (meaning, me).. I've scanned a lot of the posts, and it's got some GREAT info.. but I still feel totally overwhelmed... I give my WORD that when I return from my trip, I'll help out others as ya'll have helped me... Here's the low-down. I'm planning a roughly 4 month trip to Europe.. (it's one of those cliche "find myself" trips..) I have ideas of where I'd LIKE to go... but I will not set a solid itenerary... I want to be free to stay longer, or leave earlier in\from any given place. I haven't been to Europe (cept for London and Scotland when I was little, with my parents... and though it was uh... different... I didn't wholly 'get' it..) Other than that, I'm looking forward to seeing the touristy stuff, but primarily the off-the-main-road places as well. I'm looking at starting off in Dublin for St. Patrick's day.. as my name's Patrick, I feel this might be a suitable way to begin this adventure. Which sets me up to come home around July or so... definately wanting to do the 'open jaw' flight plan... So... that's the jist... Questions... it's an ambitious trip, planned in a relatively short amount of time.. I've got my book... which I'm devouring by the minute. But let me ask a few questions.. hopefully, your answers may calm me a bit... 1) Communication with home: Do the internet cafe's have computers?? in English?? And is there usually a way for me to upload my pics to the emails?? How much does this usually cost? 2) Considering the current turmoil over the United States and foreign policy... as an American, am I in any extra danger than would usually face a traveler? Are there any regions I should avoid for safety sake? 3) Since I'm PLANNING on being there in mid-March... at least for the beginning of my trip, should I be concerned with full hostels?? (Since, supposedly, it's not quite tourist season yet).. 4) How much should I allow for travel... assuming the worst... that I travel from Ireland, to Barcelona, to Stockholm, and everywhere in between... in the course of 4 months?? Just a ballpark figure... roughly... 5) Is there a store in which I could find the Eagle Creek packs?? I despise buying things online... especially something as crucial as the pack... I need to try it on.. 6) Though it may not influence where I choose to go... I'd love to hear of your 2 favorite places to visit... just for kicks... Thanks in advance!!!
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Post by Jules80 on Jan 23, 2006 9:03:49 GMT -5
1) yes they have computers.... not always in english... but windows is windows right? its all in the same place! only annoying thing is the letters on the keyboard aren't all in the same places. uk and and ireland i found some relatively cheap places... italy i believe was the most expensive for internet (everythine else was cheap relative to other places i visited). many places will not let you stick a USB cord into their computer and upload your pics because they are afraid of viruses. some will but you might have a harder time finding these.
2) danger no... but i got a lot of positive comments when ppl realised i was canadian and not american.
3) at the beginning of your trip it shouldn't be too much of a problem... except easter break... they get longer off in the UK (and i think most of europe) and they tend to travel. avoid rome at easter. other than that you should be ok for not having reservations until maybe june or so when there are more travelers. than you might want to start booking ahead.
4) I went six weeks and it cost me about 5,500 CDN (minus one week of hostels and half my food cause i was staying with family). If you're planning on hitting the northern scandinavian countries... i would estimate 15,000$US. others on the board may have a better estimation.
5) dunno... not american, don't know where you live.
6) i'm gonna give you my top 3: Venice, Italy; Rome, Italy; Innsbruck, Austria. although I do have a big soft spot for London as well.
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Post by stanncie on Jan 23, 2006 9:44:49 GMT -5
1) Like jules said there's computers everywhere, even in small towns i visited. The keys thing is a definite annoyance, if you are used to typing fast and not looking at the keyboard, watch out! you might have just typed a bunch of giberrish so look to see where the keys are. As far as uploading pics, I don't know since i just carried a bunch of memory cards with me. You can also have pics transferred to a CD for a fee
2)I don't think you'll have problems I don't look american since I'm hispanic but as soon as I open my mouth most people realize i at least live in the states. I only had a minor incident in paris in which this dumb hostel worker told me that as a french person he hated everything american and everything america stood for. I just looked at him like he was crazy and said, hmm are you french really? you and I def look a bit alike. He later confessed he was bolivia and had lived in paris for 5 years, eerrrr ok? whatever
3) LIke jules said from march to roughly mid may it shouldn't be problem with booking hostels
4) I went for a total of 9 weeks and it cost me 5,000 us dollars excluding my rail pass and flights with that included it was around 7,500 us dollars
5) I don't know where you live but I was able to find a company in Miami that sold eagle creeks in the industrial district, they were not a retail operation but the man let me come in to his warehouse and look around.
6)My top two is hard, even the top three is hard but I'll try: Florence, Rome, Salzburg
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
Near? Faaaaaar!!!!
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Post by patrickt on Jan 23, 2006 13:13:49 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick replies!! The re-arranged keyboards will most definately be the bane of my existance, but this is all about trying new things, right? So I should be prepared for some snide comments.... but nothing to be seriously worried about as far as any dangerous situations?? I can handle that.. PS, I currently live in Orlando, FL... guess I should have stated that in the first place Thanks again, and I'd love to hear more!!
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Post by Kim on Jan 23, 2006 13:25:49 GMT -5
Wow, we really seem to attract people from Florida around here, you are in good company!
Everyone pretty much handled the other questions so I'll just do #6 - my favorites were Rome - Italy and Barcelona and San Sebastian, Spain.
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Post by WillTravel on Jan 23, 2006 13:36:44 GMT -5
For calling home, I get telephone cards from a corner store at my European destination and then use a payphone. Whatever you do, don't use a credit card to phone home. People regularly get charged $40 or so for a single, short call.
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Post by me on Jan 23, 2006 17:34:07 GMT -5
if you want to call, often net cafés also have a call center - they've got a high speed web hook-up, why not have voice too? it costs them nothing extra, so it's all profit.
as for awkward keyboard arrangements: just run what you type through spell check. that fixes most of the problems, as it does with typing errors.
as far as anti-Americanism goes, i only encountered any at all in Lagos, from 1 other who stayed in the same hostel. after talking with him for a while, there were no problems.
don't know where you plan to go, specifically. the only place where i've heard of tourist getting really hassled was in France - i probably shouldn't go into the psycho-political reasons here. the French, especially Parisian, rep for anti-Americanism has kept me out. so i honestly can't say from first hand experience.
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Post by Eagle on Jan 23, 2006 18:18:19 GMT -5
patrickt, first of all welcome to the Board. As Kim mentioned, we sure seem to attract lots of people from Florida! Florida residents must be the most avid travellers in the U.S.! I also have a few comments on your questions..... 1.) Internet Cafes do have computers, but as the others have noted sometimes the Keyboards are "mapped" much differently to what you might be used to. You might encounter a mix of both Mac's and various vintages of PC's and operating systems. You can also try Libraries (especially in England) as they usually have good quality computers. The cost varies a bit. In some Hostels they have coin-operated terminals, and in my experience these are usually a bit "quirky" to use. The times seems to run out fairly quickly (maybe just my perception). One additional note regarding Net Cafes in Italy - from what I recall they have instituted new "security" regulations there and all users have to provide their Passport and "register" to use the computers. Not sure if these new rules are in place now, but I think there's a post on the topic somewhere on this Board? Some of the Net Cafe owners have commented that they plan on getting out of the business, as it's just too much of a "hassle". As far as uploading photos, I wouldn't count on this for a variety of reasons. Not sure what kind of Camera you have, but large file sizes (ie: 5 MP files) are fairly "time intensive" to transfer this way. There's also the issue of connecting your Camera or Memory Card to the computer. As the others have noted, often the net cafes are reluctant to allow this (although you may find some that will?). Your best bet might be to burn your photos to CD when the cards get full, and then transfer only one or two photos at a time (if they'll allow it?) just to show the folks back home what you are doing on the trip. Again, as noted you could buy long distance phone cards and use the automated pay phones to call home once in a while (keep the time difference in mind). If you're interested, have a look at the previous posts regarding travel with a Cell Phone. 2.) I'm Canadian so can't really answer this question. However, from what I've seen in many other posts on various Boards, you might encounter a few people that give you a hard time because of U.S. foreign policy. However, I believe most people in Europe tend to be able to separate the actions of the U.S. government with those of U.S. citizens, and don't bear any particular malice towards individuals. As with any travel try to be considerate of local customs, try to learn a few words in the local language and be a "good guest". Most likely you won't have any trouble. 3.) As the others said, you shouldn't have much trouble at that time of year, however there are always "exceptions". A particular Hostel might be pre-booked with a large school group or something. If you're concerned that you might not find a room in a particular town, find a good Guidebook and have two or three lodging choices (Hostel, budget Hotels, B&B), so that you have something to "fall back" on if your first choice isn't available. 4.) I think the "general rule" with most people is to allow US$ 75.00-100.00 per day for "comfortable" travel (NOT including air fare and rail pass). You might be able to do it for less, but it's always a good idea to allow for unexpected expenses and have a bit of a "cushion". 5.) If you don't want to buy from one of the online retailers (including this web site), have a look at this link to find a store in your neighborhood - www.eaglecreek.com/store_locator.html?state=FL. Be sure you are properly fitted according to your torso size, and if possible try this out fully loaded for a few hours to make sure the fit works for you. Of course, remember the #1 rule of travel -- PACK LIGHT! 6.) Some of the big favourites with many on this Board: Cinque Terre, Rome, Florence (Italy); Gimmelwald (Switzerland); some of my favourites York, Bath (England). I'm an "older" traveller, so my preferences might be a bit different than yours? Good luck with your planning, your Pack purchase and your trip!!!
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
Near? Faaaaaar!!!!
Posts: 80
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Post by patrickt on Jan 23, 2006 18:26:47 GMT -5
Wow.. Rome seems to be quite popular with everyone... I may, indeed, have to check it out.. Kim, though I live in Orlando currently... and can appreciate the tourism industry for it's benefit to this city... I grew up in David's area... Texas.. (can I get a yee-haw??) Thanks for the priceless info thus far... and now, for a few more gems.. The book I've been reading has a hefty section on remaining safe and guarding against theft.... and while I know its intention is to get travelers to be more aware of their surroundings, and how to safe-guard against pick-pockets and skams... it worries me a bit.. Any brilliant tips for me?? And then, there's the question of Visas... (the pass.. not the credit card)... If I'm planning on visiting Europe for over 3 months... do I need a visa, and... well, I'm not quite certain how all that works... I get the concept of the passport... but the visa is foreign to me.. (no pun intended)... Again.. any tips.. thoughts... cautions... or "you'd be a big loser if you didn't see (fill in the blank)" type statements... feel free to share... Thanks a million!!! PatrickT
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Post by Jules80 on Jan 24, 2006 15:50:04 GMT -5
there are other threads on this board which discuss the visa for over three months in europe. to be honest i don't know too much about it cause i'm an EU citizen.
i was worried about the safety bit too but it was fine in the end. you have to be aware of your surroundings and not do stupid things. don't get lazy either. i always locked my bag. always wore my money belt and things were fine. i met this one girl who got lazy about both after a while and a kid stole her wallet out of her backpack in rome. but she caught him, patted him down and got it back from him. i'd heard lots of things about rome around termini station and in the end it was totally fine. i think the trick is to know where you're going. i'd look at maps before leaving the hotel or train so i'd just know where i was going when we got outside. i think many ppl who have trouble look lost.
Jules
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
Near? Faaaaaar!!!!
Posts: 80
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Post by patrickt on Jan 26, 2006 17:57:21 GMT -5
I'm baaaack... sans backpack.. Though I looked at the Eagle Creek store locator list posted above... and I've traveled to 4 of the stores in my city... no one actually carries the backpacks... accessories only... Has anyone dared to by their pack online?? If so, how do you pick what's right for you... as far as sizing, etc... ?? Buying online makes me nervous... though Eagle Creek seems to be the popular choice, I'd almost be willing to go with another brand... but I can't find ANYTHING that even reomtely comes close to an 'industrial' pack... Help!! Thanks!!
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Post by Eagle on Jan 26, 2006 18:17:37 GMT -5
patrickt, it's odd that none of the "authorized dealers" carry any of the EC Backpacks. You might find it worthwhile to send an E-mail to EC and ask them which dealers in your State actually have the Packs "in stock". I've found that EC are good at replying to E-mails, although sometimes it takes them a day or two.
Which of the Pack models were you considering? It's not totally impossible to buy a Pack online, but you have to know your torso size, what size Pack you want and other desired features such as Daypack and stowable Straps. You could always order a Pack via the net, and if it doesn't work out just return it for exchange or refund. You would probaby have to pay the return shipping charges though.
Good luck! Hope you find the ideal Pack!
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Post by dumbdiety on Jan 26, 2006 22:58:46 GMT -5
Patrick, I've never found a place that sells Eagle Creek in Florida so far (I live in SoFla btw ;D) I took a chance and ordered the Continental Journey online, and it works (and fits GREAT). How tall are you? I'm 6 feet 1, so if your around that height the Continental Jorney might be what your looking for.
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auntiejo
Full Travel Member
Always follow your bliss...
Posts: 33
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Post by auntiejo on Jan 26, 2006 23:54:48 GMT -5
I just wanted to tell you that I think your trip sounds really fun and adventurous!! I am new to the boards, and everyone seems pretty eager to just get out there and see the world... that's cool.
I have a question for ya though... Why the "finding yourself" cliche...? I am planning a trip and people keep asking me if I am going to "find myself"? Are you trying to find the answers to some questions...? Educate yourself? What exactly does this phrase mean? I am not being facetious at all, I am really just inquiring as to what you mean by that? Sorry if too personal, I'm just curious.
Joanne
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
Near? Faaaaaar!!!!
Posts: 80
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Post by patrickt on Jan 27, 2006 2:03:03 GMT -5
Dumbdiety... I'm about 6'0.. 175lbs or so.. 32-33w... if you're close to that, let me know... keep in mind that I'm planning a 4 month trip... thanks in advance... AuntieJo... "finding myself' is a good blanket answer for everything... though the travel board isn't the greatest place to express inner emotion, I'll try to make this short. (Sorry Kim!! ) I'm a very free spirit... I work in the entertainment industry... dancing, choreography, performance, stilt walking, theater... etc.. and I've been (in my opinion) wildly successful at it... but a few months ago, I blew out my knee... and I've been quite sedintary and lazy since... While I'm not tied to any time restraints, or significant others.... I feel that this would be a fantastic time to go and 're-inspire' myself.. See new things... taste foods I can't pronounce... learn the words to an Irish drinking song... meet others from around the world.. see new cultures... and in general, reflect on who I am... vs.. who I CAN be in this world.. There's nothing I'm looking for, in particular... but the treasures I'll find will be priceless.. A few years back, I just up and moved to Orlando to do a college internship with Disney... it was the best 5 months of my life... and it completely changed the way I saw America... working at Disney, *I* was the local.. *I* was one of the ones being visited... Now, I'm reversing it... (oh yeah.. .and going to a completely different continent)... and I hope for this to be even MORE rewarding... Though I'm still a young 26 years old... at least I feel that I'm still young... I still need to learn. A day without learning is pretty much a day better off spent in bed. Anyhow... there's a lot of reasons... mostly, though... to inspire me. Auntiejo... welcome to the board... I'm still very new on here... any questions you've got wil be answered by some great and knowledgeable (and experienced) travelers.. you've come to the right place!! Sorry, Kim... that took way too long... I've got a problem with rambling... Fly High PatirickT
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