First time traveller- Main land Europe

[spud]

Hi folks,

Been reading bits and pieces from the forum. I am looking to go backpacking across Europe for a month in summer 2009. I'm looking for any advice possible. Hoping to get to destinations such as:

France(Paris)
Germany(Munich, Berlin)
Czech Rep(Prague)
Italy(Turin, Milan)
Greece(Salonika)
Poland(Krakow,Warsaw)
Romania Budapest
Austria(Vienna)

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These are just ideas of where i'd like to go, though im open to other suggestions in these countries(and in bordering countries, especially if i am travelling through any)

Im planning to travel by train, but willing to get a flight over to a country to get me started(if it is practical for the journey across the continent.)

I am currently residing in Glasgow.

cheers

Spud

[spud]

belgium and holland are other places of interest too

[Eagle]

spud, Welcome! A few comments and suggestions to get things started.

To begin your trip, I'm assuming you'll be flying from Glasgow to Paris? Do you have any idea on how many days you want to spend in each city, or would you like recommendations?

For a one month trip, I'm wondering whether you have too many destinations on the list? One month is not a long time, and you'll have to allow for travel times between cities. It will be easier to determine travel times and methods once your Itinerary is finalized a bit more.

Could you elaborate on the two cities you chose in Italy? Those would not be my first choice of cities to visit in Italy.

Could you also provide some details on what your interests are in travelling? Do you most want to see Museums, Art galleries, historic sites or nightlife. What kind of budget are you working with? Have you been to the continent previously, and if so which cities?

I'm sure the rest of the group will have comments as well.

Good luck with your planning!

[spud]

None of these cities are for definite, just an idea of where i'd like to visit... probably travel to france from the euro star or even the ferry over from dover. Looking to travel for a month(maybe even slightly over)

Historic sites and nightlife being the main attractions...(but not compulsory)

When i was looking at the map of europe i just threw in some places because it looked like they would be on the way from travelling to certain places.

I'm not completely sure what type of budget i am working with, although i can probably save up something in range of £2000/£3000, hoping to get feedback on others with regards to money etc.

i've got to be honest, im at the very beginning of my planning and really not put any time into it at all. so any advice at all and tips on where to go is much appreciated.

As for the cities in Italy they are not any more important to me than any other italian cities(i just looked at the map of italy seen they were at the north and thought they'd be easier to travel to than say rome for example.

cheers spud.

[spud]

As far as cities ive been to before on the continent...

France(north of the country: amiens etc)
greece(athens, crete)
poland(krakow)
spain(malaga)
portugal(faro)