1 month trip in October

[phazan]

So I'm getting ready to book everything for my one month trip to Europe, in October. My budget is going to be around $3,000 for the month long travel. I'm thinking about getting a 5 country rail pass. Here is what I have so far..I'm leaving this pretty open ended, because I don't really know what I'm interested in seeing, to be honest. I really just want to see what it's like to be in different countries. I think I will decide when to do stuff when I get there, even if it isn't the most efficient, I love the idea of being free to go and do what I want on the spot. That being said, here's what I'm thinking so far, please feel free to make suggestions.

-Start in London, spend a few nights there to get used to being in a different place
-Head to Amsterdam (leave when I feel like it )
-Continue to Belguim
-Head down through Germany, visit a friend who is studying abroad, find some cool cities to visit (Note: I can't enter France, as it won't be on my Eurail pass)
-Go down to Switzerland, stay in Gimmelwald (Will it be too cold to hike in October?)
-Enter Italy, maybe stay in the Clinque Terre, but I would like to see Rome, Florence, and Venice if possible. It also depends on how much money I have left, as it's kind of expensive down there I've heard. (I'm budgeting $100 a day, can't go over that at all)
-Possibly go back up and see Eastern Germany and fly out of Berlin?

So that's what I've got for 4 weeks, I could possibly extend my trip and have a lower budget (If you guys think it's a good idea to live off of less than $100 per day)
Anyways, that's the idea of this trip. Of course I'm always willing to make changes, as I don't know if I can do all of this in just a month. Advice/input are appreciated! Thanks

[Eagle]

phazan,

Sorry for the delay in replying to this. Things are sometimes busy in the summertime and I don't have as much time to spend on the computer.

A few comments on your travel plans.....

A budget of $3000 (is that U.S. $?) is the bare minimum to travel with for a one month trip. Europe can be expensive, and US$100 is only about €78 (and even less in Pounds Sterling). Hopefully that amount doesn't include your Rail Pass or Air tickets?

Note: I can't enter France, as it won't be on my Eurail pass

Travel through France may be the quickest route from Belgium to Germany. You could certainly pay extra for the portion not included on your Rail Pass.

One thing to note about your Rail Pass is that this will NOT include the reservation fees that are compulsory on some trains (usually the fast trains such as the TGV or the Thalys). You'll have to pay these separately. DON'T be caught with a valid reservation where one is required, as you could be fined on the spot!

I've been in Gimmelwald in October and the weather was quite pleasant, although quite cool in the evenings and when the sun went down. There's an old saying in travel circles - "there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing". Take some light rain gear and clothing to "layer" and you should be fine.

The Cinque Terre will probably be "winding down" to some extent in October, but you should be able to find lodgings. The "official" Hostel is in Manarola, but I'm not sure what time of year (if any) they close for the season. There are lots of accommodations in all the towns. Remember that you'll need a Park Pass to hike the trails.

Be sure to allow adequate time for travel between cities. In some cases this will just be a few hours, and in other cases a half day or more. Use the www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml website to research train times, etc.

If you're planning to use an ATM card to access your travel funds, be sure that the funds are in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. It would be a really good idea and highly advisable to have a backup ATM card, as well as at least one credit card!

Be sure to wear a Money Belt, especially in Rome and other large cities where pickpockets are at work. Be vigilant of those around you, especially if there's some kind of "distraction" (ie: two people getting into a fight, someone spilling mustard on your clothes, etc.).

Hopefully the others will have some comments also.

Happy travels!

[phazan]

Thank you so much for your help, Eagle. the $3,000 does not include my airfare or train pass, or anything else. It's just for the day to day living expenses. Though I will probably end up having more than that. I just under-estimated to be on the safe side. I don't plan on doing a whole lot of museums and stuff either. Mostly exploring cities, probably renting a lot of bikes