First trip to Europe

[redneckdevil]

Okay soon tax time will be here and have decided to take myself and the woman on a trip to Europe. I've never been outside the states (though I've been all over) and have always dreamed about going to another country. The thing is anyone have any advice?

I'm English speaker only (with very very little American Spanish) and not very wealthy at all.

Now I don't mind if English is not the dominant language but would like somewhere where I would be able to get around and do things without having to speak the native language.

Also currency wise and costs. I figure if I go to the famous places, the prices will reflect that.

I guess I just wanna go somewhere I can afford but also be inside a brand new culture, plus being very beautiful weither it's the landscape, buildings, or just the people themselves.

Tyvm in advance

[BruceVC]

Okay soon tax time will be here and have decided to take myself and the woman on a trip to Europe. I've never been outside the states (though I've been all over) and have always dreamed about going to another country. The thing is anyone have any advice?

I'm English speaker only (with very very little American Spanish) and not very wealthy at all.

Now I don't mind if English is not the dominant language but would like somewhere where I would be able to get around and do things without having to speak the native language.

Also currency wise and costs. I figure if I go to the famous places, the prices will reflect that.

I guess I just wanna go somewhere I can afford but also be inside a brand new culture, plus being very beautiful weither it's the landscape, buildings, or just the people themselves.

Tyvm in advance

Oh my hat you are going to have such an amazing time, I cannot express how entertaining it will be

 

So English is fine, everyone should speak a semblance of English so dont stress

 

But yes your funds will dictate the holiday and how you will travel, so if you dont mind how money will you take ?

 

And you dont have anywhere specific you want to see because then you need to think about what you enjoy as there is everything in the EU and I can give you many recommendations 

[Pidesco]

I'd say Portugal, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia are the places that combine beautiful stuff to visit, and comparatively low prices. English shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[BruceVC]

I'd say Portugal, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia are the places that combine beautiful stuff to visit, and comparatively low prices. English shouldn't be too much of a problem.

But give him some details around each place you suggest, just a brief summary of why each place is worthwhile.

 

And remember he has never been to the EU and doesn't know much about each culture so Im sure it will be appreciated

[Meshugger]

Avoid Scandoland between october-april as it is different shades of bleak, snow and grey...unless you want to feel trve, kvlt and frostbitten. I would suggest Hungary, Czech republic and Austria in general. The english is so-so, but if you speak german you will go far there, the food is great and everything is cheap.

 

- Avoid London but see the rest of Britain, especially the midlands and the scottish highlands.

- Germany is wonderful in the Bavarian area. Think Neuschwanstein castle.

- The Dutch understand english the best, but their food is horrible.

- The Italians don't understand english that well, but the food is cheap and wonderful. Rent a car and drive. Fast.

- For sun, don't expect anything warm until march. Most europeans flee to the Canary islands during November-February. It's a tourist trap for a reason.

- Switzerland is ridiculously clean, everything works and on time, but expensive like hell.

- Avoid Brussels, it's the Detroit of Europe. Bruges is nice and the countryside likewise.

- Croatia can be recommended after march.

- Slovenia is a jem stuck in the mountains, think of lake Bled. 

- Small countries like Luxembourg, San Marino and Lichenstein have that fairy tale-atmosphere around them, but they are expensive tourist traps.

- The baltic states like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are cheap and have nice old buildings from the Hansa time peroid. The younger people speak english, the older.....well not at all.

 

That's all that i can think of for the moment.

[BruceVC]

Avoid Scandoland between october-april as it is different shades of bleak, snow and grey...unless you want to feel trve, kvlt and frostbitten. I would suggest Hungary, Czech republic and Austria in general. The english is so-so, but if you speak german you will go far there, the food is great and everything is cheap.

 

- Avoid London but see the rest of Britain, especially the midlands and the scottish highlands.

- Germany is wonderful in the Bavarian area. Think Neuschwanstein castle.

- The Dutch understand english the best, but their food is horrible.

- The Italians don't understand english that well, but the food is cheap and wonderful. Rent a car and drive. Fast.

- For sun, don't expect anything warm until march. Most europeans flee to the Canary islands during November-February. It's a tourist trap for a reason.

- Switzerland is ridiculously clean, everything works and on time, but expensive like hell.

- Avoid Brussels, it's the Detroit of Europe. Bruges is nice and the countryside likewise.

- Croatia can be recommended after march.

- Slovenia is a jem stuck in the mountains, think of lake Bled. 

- Small countries like Luxembourg, San Marino and Lichenstein have that fairy tale-atmosphere around them, but they are expensive tourist traps.

- The baltic states like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are cheap and have nice old buildings from the Hansa time peroid. The younger people speak english, the older.....well not at all.

 

That's all that i can think of for the moment.

This is good info, some people may differ on some views you have but thats fine. Red can decide for himself 

[Blarghagh]

- The Dutch understand english the best, but their food is horrible.

Dude, that's not.... actually, never mind, it's entirely true.

[Chilloutman]

My tips would be:

 

1) avoid hotels in capital cities, or at least don't pick those in center

2) pick countries with mountains, otherwise landscapes in this time of the year are quite bleak

3) UK, Switzerland and Nordic countries are most expensive. Slovakia have beautiful mountains, so do Austria but its much more expensive.

4) general rule everywhere around EU - people under 30 will speak English, at least most of them a little bit

5) I would not recommend south states (Italy, Greece etc) as you will miss half of its beauty in winter

6) You can find nice architecture in most of the countries, but for nice nature I would head more east

7) as for culture, I don't know man I don't think you will find most Europeans that different from US but it depends on which people you will meet and where, don't expect to understand or even notice different culture when you are in big cities

don't miss Amsterdam, its a must! xD

 

If you choose to visit Czech rep, let me know, I can give you some specific tips.

 

Enjoy your stay!

Edited January 12, 2017 by Chilloutman

[213374U]

Beautiful landscapes? The Alps come to mind. Centering your visit around them has the advantage of allowing you to visit a bunch of countries without traveling too far, one of which I'd say is a must if you're not planning to come back any time soon (Italy).

 

Beautiful buildings? I personally loved Prague. Cologne too. Italy has a ton of ruins all over which you should see (Pompeii!) which are technically "buildings" too. Venice is rather unique. And expensive as all hell. Never been to Antwerp myself but family members loved it.

 

Beautiful people? Don't go south beyond the Jutland Peninsula. Czechoslovakia is perhaps the exception to this. Also relevant to English: rule of thumb, the further you go down south, the less/worse people speak it.

 

UK recently seceded from Yurop so you won't have to bother. Another classic tourist destination used to be Crimea, but... Russians. I know literally nothing about Hungary. It's a country, right?

Edited January 12, 2017 by 213374U

[Meshugger]

UK recently seceded from Yurop so you won't have to bother. Another classic tourist destination used to be Crimea, but... Russians. I know literally nothing about Hungary. It's a country, right?

 

Lake Balaton for party, Budapest for the architecture, rivaling Prague and Vienna. The most beautiful women are found there as well.

[Meshugger]

Oh, i forgot: Malta, unique in every way, but the sun will murder you.

[Gorgon]

Air B&B but not prime locations and off season. 

[BruceVC]

My tips would be:

 

1) avoid hotels in capital cities, or at least don't pick those in center

2) pick countries with mountains, otherwise landscapes in this time of the year are quite bleak

3) UK, Switzerland and Nordic countries are most expensive. Slovakia have beautiful mountains, so do Austria but its much more expensive.

4) general rule everywhere around EU - people under 30 will speak English, at least most of them a little bit

5) I would not recommend south states (Italy, Greece etc) as you will miss half of its beauty in winter

6) You can find nice architecture in most of the countries, but for nice nature I would head more east

7) as for culture, I don't know man I don't think you will find most Europeans that different from US but it depends on which people you will meet and where, don't expect to understand or even notice different culture when you are in big cities

don't miss Amsterdam, its a must! xD

 

If you choose to visit Czech rep, let me know, I can give you some specific tips.

 

Enjoy your stay!

Also you Czechs have an active and memorable red light district   

[BruceVC]

Beautiful landscapes? The Alps come to mind. Centering your visit around them has the advantage of allowing you to visit a bunch of countries without traveling too far, one of which I'd say is a must if you're not planning to come back any time soon (Italy).

 

Beautiful buildings? I personally loved Prague. Cologne too. Italy has a ton of ruins all over which you should see (Pompeii!) which are technically "buildings" too. Venice is rather unique. And expensive as all hell. Never been to Antwerp myself but family members loved it.

 

Beautiful people? Don't go south beyond the Jutland Peninsula. Czechoslovakia is perhaps the exception to this. Also relevant to English: rule of thumb, the further you go down south, the less/worse people speak it.

 

UK recently seceded from Yurop so you won't have to bother. Another classic tourist destination used to be Crimea, but... Russians. I know literally nothing about Hungary. It's a country, right?

Hungary is fine and recommended but not a place where the Russians are involved in a war or have annexed....like Crimea

 

Remember he is from the USA and doesnt need to be exposed to that type of belligerence 

[Chilloutman]

 

My tips would be:

 

1) avoid hotels in capital cities, or at least don't pick those in center

2) pick countries with mountains, otherwise landscapes in this time of the year are quite bleak

3) UK, Switzerland and Nordic countries are most expensive. Slovakia have beautiful mountains, so do Austria but its much more expensive.

4) general rule everywhere around EU - people under 30 will speak English, at least most of them a little bit

5) I would not recommend south states (Italy, Greece etc) as you will miss half of its beauty in winter

6) You can find nice architecture in most of the countries, but for nice nature I would head more east

7) as for culture, I don't know man I don't think you will find most Europeans that different from US but it depends on which people you will meet and where, don't expect to understand or even notice different culture when you are in big cities

don't miss Amsterdam, its a must! xD

 

If you choose to visit Czech rep, let me know, I can give you some specific tips.

 

Enjoy your stay!

Also you Czechs have an active and memorable red light district

 

Really? I thought we are top in porn business, never heard about red light district there much (except highway E55 which was know for prostitution)

[Chilloutman]

Beautiful landscapes? The Alps come to mind. Centering your visit around them has the advantage of allowing you to visit a bunch of countries without traveling too far, one of which I'd say is a must if you're not planning to come back any time soon (Italy).

 

Beautiful buildings? I personally loved Prague. Cologne too. Italy has a ton of ruins all over which you should see (Pompeii!) which are technically "buildings" too. Venice is rather unique. And expensive as all hell. Never been to Antwerp myself but family members loved it.

 

Beautiful people? Don't go south beyond the Jutland Peninsula. Czechoslovakia is perhaps the exception to this. Also relevant to English: rule of thumb, the further you go down south, the less/worse people speak it.

 

UK recently seceded from Yurop so you won't have to bother. Another classic tourist destination used to be Crimea, but... Russians. I know literally nothing about Hungary. It's a country, right?

Czechoslovakia, oh cmon man

[Gorgon]

Been to Hungary, drank a lot of Palinka. Czechoslovakia is the one with Havel and Chauchesko

[BruceVC]

 

 

My tips would be:

 

1) avoid hotels in capital cities, or at least don't pick those in center

2) pick countries with mountains, otherwise landscapes in this time of the year are quite bleak

3) UK, Switzerland and Nordic countries are most expensive. Slovakia have beautiful mountains, so do Austria but its much more expensive.

4) general rule everywhere around EU - people under 30 will speak English, at least most of them a little bit

5) I would not recommend south states (Italy, Greece etc) as you will miss half of its beauty in winter

6) You can find nice architecture in most of the countries, but for nice nature I would head more east

7) as for culture, I don't know man I don't think you will find most Europeans that different from US but it depends on which people you will meet and where, don't expect to understand or even notice different culture when you are in big cities

don't miss Amsterdam, its a must! xD

 

If you choose to visit Czech rep, let me know, I can give you some specific tips.

 

Enjoy your stay!

Also you Czechs have an active and memorable red light district

 

Really? I thought we are top in porn business, never heard about red light district there much (except highway E55 which was know for prostitution)

 

Remember I told you I have an aunt who was married to a Czech man, he passed away but they 2 kids who are cousins and  his mom still lives in Czech. They call her babička, I met her several times

 

She is very sweet and friendly, she didn't speak English but my cousins translate 

 

Yes to be fair its not a red light district but a street with curtains that are different colors and that means different experiences 

[Chilloutman]

Been to Hungary, drank a lot of Palinka. Czechoslovakia is the one with Havel and Chauchesko

WTF? xD

[Chilloutman]

Remember I told you I have an aunt who was married to a Czech man, he passed away but they 2 kids who are cousins and  his mom still lives in Czech. They call her babička, I met her several times

 

She is very sweet and friendly, she didn't speak English but my cousins translate 

 

Yes to be fair its not a red light district but a street with curtains that are different colors and that means different experiences

babička = granny

[redneckdevil]

First off I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and advice!

The 3 main places we have talked about is Ireland (every Irish man has to visit the motherland sometime right?), Venice because of the building and murals, and France (I'm half French but don't claim it, mainly the woman wants to go there because of the "love"). That's just counting Europe.

Mainly asking because wanted to broaden my choices.

Most likely due to funds, will try to go in "off" season whenever that is but I'm gonna guess maybe Oct-April due to the advice here.

I'll be quiet honest and I know it sounds silly, but I would love to go to place that's so different and alien than what I'm used to. Something completely new to me. Granted I may have to wait and go somewhere else for that but I won't let that stop me from having fun and being excited about Europe

[Gorgon]

No wait, that's ****ing romania. lol

[Chilloutman]

I would skip France personally but its up to you

First off I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and advice!

The 3 main places we have talked about is Ireland (every Irish man has to visit the motherland sometime right?), Venice because of the building and murals, and France (I'm half French but don't claim it, mainly the woman wants to go there because of the "love"). That's just counting Europe.

Mainly asking because wanted to broaden my choices.

Most likely due to funds, will try to go in "off" season whenever that is but I'm gonna guess maybe Oct-April due to the advice here.

I'll be quiet honest and I know it sounds silly, but I would love to go to place that's so different and alien than what I'm used to. Something completely new to me. Granted I may have to wait and go somewhere else for that but I won't let that stop me from having fun and being excited about Europe .

 

Now time to wait til I get off work and start checking out these places.

why are you asking, seems like you already got your plan . If you want something alien i would suggest Africa or Asia, most alien would be probably eastern block for you

[Chilloutman]

No wait, that's ****ing romania. lol

Dude, there is nothing like Czechoslovakia for 24 years now

 

Havel is Czech, not sure what that 'Chauchesko' is

[Maedhros]

Portugal is nice and a bit overlooked when it comes to travelling in Europe. Nice weather, cheap food, good wine...I've only been to Lisbon, but I've heard Porto is really nice too.