[.Scout.]

(Original post by sophiemay20)
Leaving for my trip in 12 days.. ahh!
Was wondering if it would be wise to get about £50 worth of Polish Zloty ready for when I get to Krakow and maybe £100 worth of Euro as emergency money to hide all over? I have two currency cards- the Claxton FX and Fair FX so I can get money when I want, just want to know what other people do to prepare.
Also, question for the girls really, has anyone ever taken a pair of wedges travelling with them? I really want to take mine if they fit in!

Hey.
I would 100% recommend for you to have some Zloty ready for when you arrive in Poland. When you get there you may find it hard to find somewhere to exchange your money at a good rate and I'm guessing you will need some cash straight away for public transport, paying accom etc.

Whenever I go travelling I always use my FairFX or Post Office travel card but have cash stashed in my bag as well. It's always useful having some cash on you and on a more practical note, it means that if you do happen to lose your money cards, you have a back up.
I always make sure I separate my money and cards up in the case that I get mugged, or misplace my card I will always have back up money.

And if I were you, I wouldn't pack the wedges . They're bulky and take up quite a bit of room and I bet you won't get as much wear out of them as you think! I just take a dolly shoes for nights out etc as they still look nice but can screw up small in my backpack!

[Jackie0hh]

(Original post by .Scout.)
Heya Jacqueline,
I went to all of these places last year and budgeted £50 a day. In Berlin and Prague I didn't hit anywhere near this limit as I found them to be pretty cheap ...most of the things we wanted to do were free (or really cheap) and even things like food, nights out and accommodation weren't pricey.

However, depending on what you're planning on doing, you're going to need a lot of cash for Vienna and Paris.
I'm not sure if you've already booked your accom but when I went in late June/early July, I had to pay a bomb for hostels: cheap places in good, central locations were obviously impossible to find. So expect to have to pay up!

When I did this route last year I paid something like:
Accom - 20E+ a night for a room in a smallish dorm.
Food - 10E. In most places I stayed breakfast was included so I ate LOADS and stole a few cheeky apples/breadrolls for snacks and lunch. I then spent my money on a good evening meal. I'm a petite gal though and don't normally eat loads. Also, make sure you keep plastic bottles and fill them up at your hostels as paying for drinks when you're out is pricey and soon adds up.
General touristy stuff/ other transport (buses & metro) - 10+E.
Nights out - 15E. Obviously it depends on where you go etc but in Berlin and Prague it was pretty damn cheap.

So your 600 pounds for 14 days is do-able if you are wise with your money but I would say that it would be tight (especially if you haven't booked up accom).If you do run into money trouble you have the reassurance that your parents or whoever can add more money onto your travel card. Tell your friends that they will need a similar amount to you...after all you are visiting some of the most expensive European cities.

Thanks a lot, all that info was great Yeah we already have the hostels booked We have two days travel from and to Britain and two overnight trains planned so we're actually paying less than £150 for 10 hostel stays in total I may add an extra £50 on there anyway as I've been working really hard for it all year and I can always splash out at the end to use any remainders up Thanks again, and if you have any tips on things you particularly enjoyed in these countries it would be really great as well

[sophiemay20]

(Original post by .Scout.)
Hey.
I would 100% recommend for you to have some Zloty ready for when you arrive in Poland. When you get there you may find it hard to find somewhere to exchange your money at a good rate and I'm guessing you will need some cash straight away for public transport, paying accom etc.

Whenever I go travelling I always use my FairFX or Post Office travel card but have cash stashed in my bag as well. It's always useful having some cash on you and on a more practical note, it means that if you do happen to lose your money cards, you have a back up.
I always make sure I separate my money and cards up in the case that I get mugged, or misplace my card I will always have back up money.

And if I were you, I wouldn't pack the wedges . They're bulky and take up quite a bit of room and I bet you won't get as much wear out of them as you think! I just take a dolly shoes for nights out etc as they still look nice but can screw up small in my backpack!

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I figured it'll be better to have money ready.. I'm going to be tired when I get there (super early flight) so it's better that I go prepared rather than having the hassle of dealing with it all when I get there! Gonna get some cash tomorrow, woo!

I do the exact same as you with my currency cards.. one on me and the other hidden. Also, just wondering if you wear a money belt under your clothes? Tried mine on today and bleugh.. I just can't wear it!

And you're right about the wedges, and I don't really fancy potentially breaking my ankles in a foreign country, haha! Have a few pairs of Redfoot folding pumps that I've taken on previous travels so was going to pack a few of them anyway.. it's just that I'm a petite and always feel so small compared to others, lol!

[Joewoodward]

I am in a similar situation. i am 22 and have just graduated after completing a Physics degree and am looking to go around as much of Europe as possible before i do a masters course. my friends have had to cancel due to lack of money. I am willing to go it alone but would rather have a partner or be in a group.

[.Scout.]

Seriously, going travelling alone is great. I've done it plenty of times and have never once felt lonely as I have always met really great people in hostels. People are really welcoming and it's almost impossible not to meet people to travel with in hostels! Travelling alone is one of the best things that you can do. You don't have to compromise your plans!

You do have to have your wits about you though but if you adopt the same common sense that you'd use in any city here in England, then you'll be fine. Don't flash your cash, don't get stupidly drunk and then walk through back streets at night and always make sure you have your passport and money secure. Also, trust your instinct: if you feel that someone is dodgy, they probably are.

Have a look at the Interrailling sticky and the TSR Lone Traveller's thread. There are plenty of us there who have travelled alone and there we will be able to give you route specific tips and advice if you need it

[.Scout.]

(Original post by sophiemay20)
Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I figured it'll be better to have money ready.. I'm going to be tired when I get there (super early flight) so it's better that I go prepared rather than having the hassle of dealing with it all when I get there! Gonna get some cash tomorrow, woo!

I do the exact same as you with my currency cards.. one on me and the other hidden. Also, just wondering if you wear a money belt under your clothes? Tried mine on today and bleugh.. I just can't wear it!

And you're right about the wedges, and I don't really fancy potentially breaking my ankles in a foreign country, haha! Have a few pairs of Redfoot folding pumps that I've taken on previous travels so was going to pack a few of them anyway.. it's just that I'm a petite and always feel so small compared to others, lol!

I've never used a money belt. I just made sure that when I went out during the day that my money was well hidden in a secure, zipped up bag.

Money belts are a good idea though as obviously it makes it near impossible to be mugged. They're also good in large dorms as you can keep your passport, money etc on you whilst you sleep. Obviously in large dorms there are a lot of people coming and going so theft is pretty common, it's not unheard of that people get stuff stolen as they sleep.

I guess it's up to you though! Personally I never felt the need as I always was super aware of my things and made sure that they were always secure but a money belt would give you added piece of mind! They look awful and lumpy under clothes though, bleugh.

Enjoy your trip!

[TheRandomer]

Wooooooo! Just got back from an INCREDIBLE trip. I did Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Venice, Florence, Rome and then flew to Valencia before coming home. Had such an amazing time. If anyone is curious about any of these places or the journeys between them, just quote me and I'll be happy to advise

[GZA]

(Original post by TheRandomer)
Wooooooo! Just got back from an INCREDIBLE trip. I did Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Venice, Florence, Rome and then flew to Valencia before coming home. Had such an amazing time. If anyone is curious about any of these places or the journeys between them, just quote me and I'll be happy to advise

Great to hear you had a good time! I'm heading off in 8 days and intending to take in all of those cities you listed (probably following a similar route), but starting off in France.

I'm sure theres so much you could tell, but would you care to reel off any highlights, tips or must-do type adventures or experiences in the aforementioned places? Even just a top 3 selection would be great!

[shaun12345]

(Original post by TheRandomer)
Wooooooo! Just got back from an INCREDIBLE trip. I did Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Venice, Florence, Rome and then flew to Valencia before coming home. Had such an amazing time. If anyone is curious about any of these places or the journeys between them, just quote me and I'll be happy to advise

How long did you go for and how much did it cost you? Also did you fly to Berlin?

[Rhianss]

I'm backpacking for 3 weeks this summer and im just wondering about towels
i have a microfibre hand towel and a small towel that i could use for the shower.
But im worried that this might not be enough :/

what do you do when you go the beach? i think i may take a beach towel as an extra

[.Scout.]

(Original post by Rhianss)
I'm backpacking for 3 weeks this summer and im just wondering about towels
i have a microfibre hand towel and a small towel that i could use for the shower.
But im worried that this might not be enough :/

what do you do when you go the beach? i think i may take a beach towel as an extra

When I go travelling I only take my microfibre one, and never bother with a normal towel. My one is 'normal towel' size and it rolls up to be really small: it's been such a godsend on my travels so I would really recommend you getting a larger one!
I when I went away with friends, they took normal towels and it was a nightmare for them as their towels were heavy and took ages to dry. This meant that if they had a shower and and we were only staying one night in a hostel, they would have to fold up a damp towel in with the rest of their clean, dry clothes. Bleugh.

[Chambo]

Got back home about 30 mins ago, and had the time of my life!!!!! Started in Dover, then Amiens, Paris, Barcelona, Montpellier, Nice, Monaco, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Budapest, Slovenia, Zagreb, Split, then Zadar! 1 month interrail, and did it for roughly €1200. Feel free to ask about how we did it. Advice: get night trains. Find supermarkets. Share 1 star hotels if desperate. Booking hostels is way over rated. Hostels are amazing for meeting people. Ryanair is cheap. Budapest and Rome are AMAZING. Also, remember to bring a padlock!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Chambo]

Fanny packs / bum bags are VITAL.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[keefy]

Wanna do a 30 day trip next summer, visiting as many places as possible, starting from amsterdam and maybe venture down to turkey. Anyone got any advice??


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Rhianss]

where do you put all your valuables when you go on a night out?
I guess you should take your ID with you and some money but is it safer to leave your passport and cards etc at the hostel or take it with you

not sure if i trust myself taking it with me and i dont really fancy wearing a bum bag out!

[Rhianss]

(Original post by TheRandomer)
Wooooooo! Just got back from an INCREDIBLE trip. I did Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Venice, Florence, Rome and then flew to Valencia before coming home. Had such an amazing time. If anyone is curious about any of these places or the journeys between them, just quote me and I'll be happy to advise

Im flying to prague in a few weeks and then going to salzburg, any hostels or places you recommend visiting?

we plan on also spending a night or two in cesky krumlov and hopefully doing a bicycle tour of salzburg

[TheRandomer]

(Original post by GZA)
Great to hear you had a good time! I'm heading off in 8 days and intending to take in all of those cities you listed (probably following a similar route), but starting off in France.

I'm sure theres so much you could tell, but would you care to reel off any highlights, tips or must-do type adventures or experiences in the aforementioned places? Even just a top 3 selection would be great!

Yay! I'm so jealous! I wish I had the money to just go back and do it all over again in a couple of weeks I'll try and say something about each place.
Berlin - definitely the east side gallery was a highlight for me, and I generally just enjoyed wandering around in the brandenburg gate/potsdamer platz/museum island areas. If you want to go up to the Reichstag roof you definitely need to book in advance It was booked up for 3 days solid and we couldn't do it.

Prague - the lennon wall was cool, and we also did a boat trip which was pretty nice. I wasn't super excited about the castle but the views were good! We also went up the tower that the astronomical clock is on, and it was great and only about a pound each if you show you're a student. We did it when it was just starting to go dark and it was real pretty.

Vienna - do lots of cafés and eat lots of cake! The Schoenbrunn palace was amazing, and I wish we'd spent more time there. The gardens are so pretty.

Salzburg - the castle was so big and so incredible! We didn't really do much besides this though just because it was all very expensive, but if you're into Mozart I guess the 12 euro or whatever is worth it. The hop on hop off bus tour (with sound of music elements) seemed pretty good value too, but we just ran out of time to do it.

Venice - INCREDIBLE PLACE - MY FAVOURITE PART OF THE TRIP!!! Highlights - getting takeout pizza and sitting by the canal (go buy it somewhere more towards the train station, the other side of the Rialto though, much cheaper), going up the Campanile tower, and of course San Marco square. We also found these guys giving gondola rides for 50 cents each, if you're willing to get in with other people. Hey, it's not posh, but I liked it. I'll see if I can find out where it was for you. Murano was good but try to go on a week day as everything is a bit closed up otherwise. The boat there is 14 euro both ways.

Florence - Really liked just wandering about the various piazzas and stuff, bobbing into shops. Unless you're mega in to art I'd say just do the Accademia to see David, the sculptures are impressive even if you're not an art buff, and the Duomo is free.

Rome - must must do the Pantheon and the Colosseum, and the area near the Roman forum is incredible - it's like a giant open air museum, so cool. Tips for Romeee - bring a shawl or something to cover your shoulders (or buy one for 1/2 euros, or an I heart Roma tshirt) for going in to churches, the Vatican etc. They won't let you in if you're wearing hot pants and a vest top but normal length shorts are ok. Sistine chapel was crazy busy and we couldn't get in eventhough it closed 2 hours after we arrived, so go really early if you want to do it, or find out how to book in advance. Also when you're buying your tickets for the colosseum and roman forum, go to the forum to do it because the queue is way shorter there and you can just skip the colosseum queue then basically.

... ok slight overkill but I hope some of that is useful. I'll try and add some info about good places we ate another time

[TheRandomer]

(Original post by shaun12345)
How long did you go for and how much did it cost you? Also did you fly to Berlin?

We went for 3 weeks and it cost us about £1500 including flights, places to stay, meals, night trains, everything. Perhaps a much bigger budget than some people but we didn't want to share rooms with other travellers, so we generally spent kind of £25-£35 per night each on a budget hotel or a private hostel room. And yep, flew in to Berlin Schoenefeld and got the S-Bahn.

(Original post by Rhianss)
Im flying to prague in a few weeks and then going to salzburg, any hostels or places you recommend visiting?

we plan on also spending a night or two in cesky krumlov and hopefully doing a bicycle tour of salzburg

See my other post for tips But as for hostels I'm not much use I'm afraid because we stayed in budget hotels (see above). In Prague we stayed in the Jury's Inn hotel which was pretty epic in terms of location and only about £25 each per night for a double room. It was rather posh too!

Whoever was asking about bum bags and stuff, I used a money belt I bought cheap from Superdrug, and it was really thin material so you could barely notice it under my clothes. Ok I admit it did get a bit uncomfortable in the heat sometimes, but worth it to know your money is safe in a place like Rome or Prague (which was a bit dodgy at night). Maybe something like this would be better for clubbing etc? Anyone going to Rome please be careful, especially around the Spanish steps and Trevi fountain, because I've heard about a lot of pickpockets in those areas.

Here it is for £3.49: http://www.superdrug.com/travel/supe...10259/&bklist=

[iced_dragon_agility]

(Original post by TheRandomer)
We went for 3 weeks and it cost us about £1500 including flights, places to stay, meals, night trains, everything. Perhaps a much bigger budget than some people but we didn't want to share rooms with other travellers, so we generally spent kind of £25-£35 per night each on a budget hotel or a private hostel room. And yep, flew in to Berlin Schoenefeld and got the S-Bahn.



See my other post for tips But as for hostels I'm not much use I'm afraid because we stayed in budget hotels (see above). In Prague we stayed in the Jury's Inn hotel which was pretty epic in terms of location and only about £25 each per night for a double room. It was rather posh too!

Whoever was asking about bum bags and stuff, I used a money belt I bought cheap from Superdrug, and it was really thin material so you could barely notice it under my clothes. Ok I admit it did get a bit uncomfortable in the heat sometimes, but worth it to know your money is safe in a place like Rome or Prague (which was a bit dodgy at night). Maybe something like this would be better for clubbing etc? Anyone going to Rome please be careful, especially around the Spanish steps and Trevi fountain, because I've heard about a lot of pickpockets in those areas.

Here it is for £3.49: http://www.superdrug.com/travel/supe...10259/&bklist=

LOVE that Jury's Inn, stayed in it last year, had an amazing breakfast and the restaurant also had a great dinner. Location was perfect too

[HM91]

Hey guys,
I'm heading off to Europe in a couple weeks using the 10 days in 22 Global Pass. Going with my boyfriend and looking at starting in Barcelona, going through south France (maybe Marseille, Nice and Monte Carlo?), to Milan, Venice, Florence/Pisa, Rome and then maybe across to Corfu from Bari. Does anyone have any advice for hostels? Or the general route? We're looking to keep everything as close to £700 as possible. Do you think that's realistic? Ta!