I'm in desperate want of suggestions! (first time)

[emelinerae]

I'm planning my very first backpacking trip for just after my graduation... I'll be eighteen when I leave. I visited the Netherlands when I was eight or so, and absolutely *loved* it, so I'm really excited about experiencing the rest of Europe. I'm thinking maybe two months, and I'm planning on getting Eurail passes (unless anyone has a better suggestion?) While I might be inclined to splurge a little for a really fantastic experience now and then, I'm mostly planning on keeping it really low budget.

I know I want to visit Prague (this is top of my list), the Netherlands (again), Belgium (I do love chocolate...), and Poland sounds fascinating, but I'm looking for some other possibilities. I'm in desperate want of suggestions!!!

I'm definitely not into anything too touristy, but I guess there are some sights you just can't afford not to see. I'm really more into things more off the beaten path-- if it has tours in old castles or markets on cobblestone streets, I'm there! I'm thinking I want to swing through Romania or Hungary...

I don't drink or club, but I am really into anything artsy or cultural-- I'd love to go to some theatres to see concerts or ballets or operas... but I'm on a budget! I'm also very interested in WWII, so maybe some towns or places that are historically relevant? I'm not that big on the nature thing, but I might take the hike if the view is especially spectacular (I love photography).

Thanks so much... I can't wait to hear what kinds of suggestions and advice you guys have for me!

--Emeline

[pointofnoreturn]

Haven't been to any of these countries/cities but I heard that Prague is a must! Makes me wonder what's going on there! Someone will definitely come along and give you his/her input and help you with your itinerary!

[crystal]

Hi Emeline

It sounds like you want to hit the Eastern European countries. These countries are less touristy at the minute and will be better for your budget. They also have that blend of history that I think you are looking for.

Prague is loved by most people on this board although I have never been myself. People here also recommend Cesky Krumlov in the Czech republic. Have a look at Ray's links on this board. I think he is living in Prague at the moment it may give you some hints.

For Poland you could try Krakow which can be reached by train from Prague. From Krakow you can do a day trip to Auchwitz concentration camp

Try also looking at
Slovenia (Ljubljana),
Slovakia (Bratislava)
Croatia (Could try the coast area down to Spit and Dubrovnik???)
Hungary (Budapest)
Romania (Bucharest, Transylvania)

They seem to fit the bill for you

I think people will need a little more info
- where are you from
- where do you want to fly into
I think it would help people if you determined a start and finish destination and a few must sees then people could help to suggest a route for you. Remember you will need roughly 3/4 days for each place plus remember to think about travel days. Don't over crowd your route.

Happy Planning

Shelley

[herrbert]

If you want to come to the Netherlands, than I would have to recommend Maastricht (for 1 or 2 days). It's 2 and a half hours by train, from Amsterdam. I think the most famous place in the Netherlands regarding WWII would be Arnhem. (known for the failed attempt to take the bridges over the Rhein-river.)

For Belgium I would opt for Brugge and if you have time Gent. (don't go to Brussels, unless there is something you really want to see). Ieper would be the place you want to go if you would like to find out, more about WW-1.

If you like old places, than maybe Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany, can be one of the destinations you might like. And if you pass Cologne (Köln), and you might while making a train-trip across Germany, than take a look insite the Dom (entrance is free, and you'll find it just outside of the train station).

Also you might want to take a look at Tallin (the old city), although I am not really sure if it is a good destination for a someone traveling solo.

[nyx]

Oh, you must see Prague! It's touristy, but oh so beautiful. If you like old castles, do the daytrip from there to Karlstein. And if you like opera, go to see one; high quality to a cheap price.
A bit of advice: Go see the Charles bridge early in the morning (around 7.30 a.m.), otherwise it'll be packed with people. And go see the Prague castle at night. The castle grounds are open 'til midnight, and St Veits at night will take your breath away.

If you're thinking of going to Poland and are interested in WWII, of course you should go to Krakow and do a daytrip to Auschwitz and Birkenau. In fact, Krakow is well worth a visit for itself.

No town struck my fancy as Budapest did this summer, so I have to recommend it. Very friendly, great atmosphere and a beautiful town. It's also ridiculously cheap. I spent an entire day at it's castle, down the labyrinth and by the Fishermen's Bastion, and another full day at the bath in the park. So relaxing...

When it comes to Belgium, I agree with a previous writer: Don't spend too much time in Brussels - go to Brügge. This town looks almost exactly the same today as it did several hundred years ago, and you can find stores there with more than a hundred different sorts of chocolate. I must have bought 1,5 kilos last time...

I would recommend Münich - and Neuschwanstein castle and Dachau - if it wasn't for the fact that it's terribly expensive, even though it is a friendly town.