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Post by slicktraveler on Sept 8, 2008 17:09:27 GMT -5
So I just recently came to the conclusion I would like to backpack europe. This would be my first "backpacking" trip to europe and i am planning on spending 3+ months (depending on budget). I would like to leave around spring time, aprilish. I have a list of countries i must see and some i would like to see.
Must see; Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, France, England
Like to see; Czech Rep. Austria, Belgium, Denmark
I am flying into Netherlands (have family and friends there) and going from there.
These are very loose plans right now VERY open to change.
I am in the music industry (local artist management) so i am very interested in the music scene's of europe and possible try to book some tours so any cities and clubs that might seem good let me know.
All suggestions welcome for citys or countries i should see/aviod
p.s. As of right now i am traveling alone, if anyone can give me a site to meet other travels thats good for pairing up with i would appreciate it.
Thanks.
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Post by herrbert on Sept 9, 2008 11:16:42 GMT -5
Hi,
When you want to travel for 3+ months in Europe, take a good look at the rules regarding your stay in the Schengen-zone. 90 days in the Schengenzone is the limit for non-EU citizens.
If you like music, you should check out Berlin for sure. It will depend on your taste of music, which clubs you should visit.
As for other cities: I would be a help if we know what your interests are, in order to give you some good advice. If you want to visit Greece, then take enough time to see Athens and some of the Islands. 10 days would be enough for Athens and two of the islands.
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Post by Eagle on Sept 9, 2008 23:54:17 GMT -5
slicktraveler, Welcome! I have a few comments to add to herrbert's always excellent advice.
First of all, it would help to know where you're travelling from and what type of budget you're working with? Europe can be very expensive (especially the U.K.!), so it's a good idea to plan carefully.
As usual, I'd suggest using open-jaw flights, for best efficiency. These might cost slightly more to begin with, but when considering the time and cost of returning to the starting point, they often save money. Flying into the Netherlands is a good start, as Schiipol is a major airport, so you should have no difficulty finding flights. However, one thing you might consider is to start in London and then travel to the continent so that you aren't "backtracking". There are LOTS of flights to both Heathrow or Gatwick (I prefer LGW).
All of the countries you suggested are good choices, and it should be fairly easy to work out an efficient Itinerary. However, I'd probably save Denmark for another visit, as it's a bit "out of the way" from the other countries (and is also very expensive!).
In order to determine which cities to visit, you may want to have a look at a few Guidebooks and see what interests you? Of course, the "big three" cities of London, Paris & Rome are essential! You should plan at least 4-5 days in each one of those! There are also some smaller destinations that are very popular with Backpackers. Two examples that come to mind are the Cinque Terre (Italy) and Gimmelwald (Switzerland). I've been to both and would certainly recommend them (Paragliding in the Swiss Alps was fantastic!). The Cinque Terre is just a great place to relax, although hiking the trails between the five villages is a "ritual" with most visitors (and of course enjoy great Pesto in the area where it originated!).
As this is your first visit to Europe, I'd also highly recommend reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door, as I feel it's an essential "pre-read" before travelling in Europe for the first time. Read the chapter on Rail Skills carefully!
I'm sure the group here will be able to help with your travel plans as you work out your Itinerary.
Cheers!
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Post by aussiechick007 on Sept 11, 2008 7:22:02 GMT -5
Hi, When you want to travel for 3+ months in Europe, take a good look at the rules regarding your stay in the Schengen-zone. 90 days in the Schengenzone is the limit for non-EU citizens. wow, my first post. i thought it was 90 days in each country? thats a bit crap... |
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Post by aussiechick007 on Sept 19, 2008 4:18:51 GMT -5
thanks jack, but i also have another question, seeing as the czech republic isnt in the schengen area does that still count as part of yyour 90 days? or not?
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 19, 2008 10:01:05 GMT -5
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Post by aussiechick007 on Sept 19, 2008 22:42:03 GMT -5
yeah i did ask someone official, but i got an automatic email reply...
ok, but i'd be ok staying longer if i had a working visa to the UK or something wouldnt i?
(lol going to be planning a massive trip for next year)
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Post by madamtrashheap on Sept 21, 2008 20:42:07 GMT -5
Yep, WT is right, Czech Republic joined the Schengen zones on 21st December last year - I drove through the border the next day to Germany and nothing was left, not even a stop sign!
Switzerland is still not part of the Schengen Agreement, but is set to adopt the agreement by December this year, along with Liechtenstein. Until then, entering either country is considered leaving the Schengen Zone, thus entering Switzerland doesn't "start the clock" on Schengen time, only the first time you enter a Schengen Zone country...at least until December!
Even a working visa/entry clearance for the UK doesn't allow you to stay in other Schengen Zones for more than 90days at a time, but of course you can stay in the UK (and come a go as you're on a "working holiday") for the duration of your entry clearance. Just make sure you check the terms of your visa/entry clearance for time allowed out of the country (if you're on a 2 year visa, then you can only work a certain amount of time within that two years, so they encourage you to travel, but don't overstay the UK visa as you'll incur rather severe penalties.
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Post by madamtrashheap on Sept 21, 2008 21:12:56 GMT -5
Yeah, can get confusing, and that the rules are altered with each new agreement (with non-Schengen countries) doesn't help in keeping up either. Another thing to remember is that if you do actually need a Schengen Visa (ie you're from one of the countries that isn't afforded "free passage" eg South Africa, Philippines) in your passport, you need to obtain a multi-entry visa as this will allow you to enter and exit the Schengen Zone countries more than once. Eg: you start in France (Schengen Zone), then travel to Switzerland (non-Schengen Zone) then on to Germany (Schengen Zone) which means you've entered the Schengen Zone more than once.
There are a lot of websites out there that can confuse matters as they are in the business of offering visa application assistance for a fee, and there's a lot of information to sift through. Basically, if you keep in mind that you have 90days (ie short-stay) in which to travel in the Schengen Zone without a visa (passport dependent) then you'll be fine, and less confused!
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Post by aussiechick007 on Sept 26, 2008 6:39:30 GMT -5
ah i;'m so disappointed on reading this! i really thought it was up to 90 days in each country........ lol...............
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Post by madamtrashheap on Oct 6, 2008 21:35:36 GMT -5
slicktraveller, we went on a bit of a tangent (although it is important information) and never got back to answering some of your other questions: herrbert's suggestion of Berlin for music is a very good one. Also have a look at these Posts pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=CCadvice&thread=3824&page=1 and pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=3009&page=1 for some information on clubs/discos etc. Also have a look at www.whatsonwhen.com and plug in to dates you'll be in certain places to see if there are any Spring/early Summer music festivals happening. For places to see or not see, have a look through the City & Country Advice section as well as the Post Your Itinerary section to get an idea of the recommendations for each country you'd like to see. Then you can start putting an itinerary together with cities and we can help you fill in the blanks. Just another point, Spring/Summer Greece doesn't get going until May 1st and by the end of May/start of June things are really hotting up on the islands, same for Spain if you're looking for nightlife, so keep that in mind when you're planning your itinerary.
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