Im totally lost

[ineedhelp]

All this point all I know is that I graduate may 18th and I have to be back in US by July to start a full time job. I really want to go all out for 5 1/2 weeks in europe, but have no clue where to go or how to plan. This job that i am taking is 60hr a week and 1 week of vacation a year, so needless to say I might not get this kind of opportunity again. I am more concerned about having the greatest experience than my budget. I still want to stay in hostels, but im not too worried about the rest of my expenses. At this point, I know I want to go to Amsterdam, London, Edinburgh, Paris, and the rhyne.

Does anyone have any sugesstions in regards to other places to see. how I should plan my itinerary? Do i need to book rooms or beds before hand or can i do it on the fly? I am a very spontaneous travel, so the latter would be better if its possible. should i get a euro rail pass? Also, I am traveling by myself if that makes a difference. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Eagle]

ineedhelp,

First of all, welcome to the Boards! I have a few comments on your questions.

As this is (I assume?) your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door, as that will provide you with a lot of good information on how to travel in Europe. The book is updated every year, and you should be able to find a current version at your local Bookstores (even one of the older versions from the Library would be good).

I'd suggest using open-jaw flights, as that will be the most efficient travel method (especially with a relatively short time frame of 5.5 weeks). You might want to speak with a Travel Agent about the flights. These are usually listed as "multi-city" on websites.

It's difficult to make any recommendations on "other places to see", as our interests may be different than yours. Are there any other locations you have in mind?

Based on the cities you listed, I'd probably structure the Itinerary along these lines:

> Flight to London (you'll arrive the day after you depart home) - 3 or 4 days

> Train to Edinburgh - 3 or 4 days

> Budget flight to Amsterdam (check www.whichbudget.com for information on which airlines operate on that route - 2 or 3 days

> Train to Paris - 4 or 5 days (you might consider the two day Paris Museum Pass, as that will minimize your time spent waiting in queues - check their website for details)

> Train the the Rhine area of Germany - is there any particular town that you'd like to visit. You might consider using Bacharach for a "home base" and using day trips from there to other spots on the Rhine or in the Mosel River area. I'll be there later this spring, so will have further information then.

If you're going to be leaving on May 18th of THIS YEAR, you'll need to MOVE QUICKLY to get your plans sorted, as that's only a bit more than a month away. Pre-booking accommodations would be a good idea, as that's the peak of the spring shoulder season. You may want to take out a membership in <i>Hostelling International</i> as that will provide not only preferred booking at HI properties, but also a slight reduction in rates.

Hopefully the others will have a few comments as well.

Good luck with your planning!