scoba
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 2
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Post by scoba on Dec 17, 2009 9:29:32 GMT -5
Hi everybody.
I'm from Brazil and I'm going to Europe with a friend in February 2010 but I still haven't closed the itinerary and would love some tips. I have already learned a lot from the Message Board but I'm still kind of lost. Our trip is a little complicated because we will go together on 10/02 and he will leave on 25/02 but I will stay until 04/03.
We got a good deal in the air ticket arriving and leaving from Amsterdam (I think we'll stay 4 days) and we want to go to Prague and Belgium (we loove beer and we plan to visit the breweries of our favorites). Now, since we are on a low budget, I think it makes a difference traveling through nearby countries (is it cheaper?), like France (I already know Paris but he doesn't) and Germany. We also like Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) but I'm afraid we won't have enough time and maybe I'll go after he leaves.
Someone told me that traveling by bus (Eurolines) is a good idea because of the price and night travel (1 less diary). Also I think we will probably stay in hostels.
Can anybody help me?
Thanksss
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Post by herrbert on Dec 18, 2009 17:36:37 GMT -5
Hi Scoba,
You will be travelling in the winterseason, so please note that esp. Prague will be cold, as will the rest of Northern and Central Europe.
Eurolines can be sure, and if you can sleep in a bus, it can be a good way to get around, but check the frequency of the busses, and note that you have to buy your tickets by internet, in a lot of cases, as there is not point of sales at the station. (you can check on the website.)
Getting to nearby country is easier, and in general cheaper. To get to Spain, I would take a plane as the duration of the trip is long from Paris. (if that would remain the nearest place to Spain.) From the Brazilians here I understand that most of them compare Madrid with Sao Paulo, and Barcelona with Rio. : )
In Germany you could also visit a couple of Breweries. (Warstein, springs to mind.) Getting to CZ would mean a longer trip.
If you need to return to Amsterdam, I would stay 2 days at the start of the trip, and arrive a day before you flight home. As it is winter it is good to have a margin for delays.
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scoba
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 2
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Post by scoba on Dec 20, 2009 10:28:23 GMT -5
herrbert,
The city I live in (Rio) is very hot, so it would be a great change to go to a cold or very cold place.
Some people are telling me to ditch Paris and stay more time in Germany saying it would be more fun and less expensive, but I still don't know...
Thank for the tips
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Post by Eagle on Dec 20, 2009 13:28:09 GMT -5
scoba,
Welcome to the Boards! I have a few comments to add as well.
Planning four days at the beginning in Amsterdam is probably a good idea, as you'll need some time to recover from jet lag. I'm assuming a flight from Rio will probably be a long one.
As your friend hasn't seen Paris, I would definitely recommend spending at least a few days there, as it's a wonderful city. As far as "less expensive", I don't think there will be a significant difference between expenses in Paris or Germany. Most of western Europe seems to be expensive.
The schedules and travel time for Buses won't be as flexible as travel by train. I don't think EuroLines are as cost effective as they used to be in the past. Buying second class train tickets in advance is often the best method (when buying advance tickets, there are often substantial discounts - you'd have to check the individual rail networks for specific information).
As herrbert mentioned, travel from Paris to Spain is often better via budget airlines as it's a LONG train ride. The airlines often have some very good pricing, but it's important to buy tickets well in advance as the prices increase as the flight fills up. With European budget airlines, you also have to consider the time and costs of getting to and from the airports, as in some cases the airport is a considerable distance from the city centres. A good example is Beauvais, which is a considerable distance from Paris. If you're travelling with a lot of luggage, you'll also have to budget for overweight baggage charges, as the Euro airlines have some VERY restrictive baggage limits, and usually onlly allow ONE carry-on item (RyanAir is among the WORST for extra charges).
As you're really interested in sampling Beer, you might consider a stop in Munich (the home of the famous OktoberFest). Having a Mug (or three) in the Hofbrauhaus is always entertaining. There's an "unusual appliance" in the men's washroom, designed for those that have too much Beer! While in Munich you might also consider a day trip to Neuschwanstein, "Mad" King Ludwig's Castle (you can take a day trip with Radius Tours - check their website for information and prices).
Happy travels!
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