Europe-travelers and/or tips

Whenever I've gone I use a Rick Steve's guide book for places to stay and really good tips to avoid lines, etc. Happy travels

September-October are often wet and cool. I traveled for 3 years through many countries in Europe. A collapsable umbrella and all-purpose shoes that will stand up to dampness and slippery cobblestones are a great investment. Personally I recommend Ecco shoes. I am still using my first pair and I think they have more miles on them than my car. Have a great time.

Oktoberfest in Munich is actually late Sept....Check that out.....was a lot of fun

I just moved back to the States from Germany....its usually still relatively warm around that time (think early fall if you're coming from the states

At the moment, I am in Heidelberg Germany. For last few weeks, the high been in the mid 70's with rain on most days. The good thing is that the rain is short lived. I keep a small umbrella with me all of the time. Oktoberfest is ok but, like anything else, it all depends on what you are into.

September and October are good months to go to Italy or maybe France because there are less tourist and it will still be on the warm side. But the downside is it might rain a little (buy/bring and umbrella). Flights and hotels will be cheaper, especially in October, as the high season will be winding down. I agree with the comment about Rick Steve's travel guides. They are the best for first time travelers to Europe and because the Euro has been on a downward spiral his tips will you save some cash on hotels and restaurants. There is a website called Eurotrip.com that has some great information on flights, travel partners and things to do while traveling in Europe.

[I think my innocuous post was moderated... I'll try this again]

I think September and October are good months to travel to Italy and France. The tourist season is winding down and flights and hotels should be cheaper. It may rain a little (bring/buy an umbrella). I agree that Rick Steve’s Europe travel books are excellent reference books for first time traveler’s to Europe. His books offer excellent tips on finding reasonably prices hotels and restaurants ,which is great since the Euro has been on a downward spiral in the last couple of years. He also has good information about what to see and do while in Europe. Lookup this website eurotrip discussion board on the internet (my first post listed the website but I think it was moderated). It has a lot of information about traveling to Europe, everything from tips on finding cheap flight, things to do, finding traveling buddies and lots more.

Hope this information is helpful.

Yes. I prefer to travel in the fall since the crowds are less and the natives are home themselves. That translates to most of the businesses being open. However, Europe is more expensive than ever before. I was just looking at travelling to Italy for Oct. and in talking to folks in the travel industry have changed plans to Japan. Have formerly worked on ships so have seen lots of our beautiful world.

Cheers

The only advice I have is go to Paris, Florence, and Prague!!!!!!!!!! Three of the most amazing cities I've been to. If you decide to visit Italy, eat gelato every chance you get!

Excellent advice! His books are absolutely indespensible in the tourist zones, and will inform you as to what pitfalls exist and what to avoid!! Have fun.

I've been to Scotland in September... Highlands are absolutely beautiful...

Depending on where in Europe you end up, these are unmissable:

Prague

Granada (Spain)

Barcelona

Vienna

Rome

Paris

If you end up in Madrid, be super careful of pickpockets (everywhere really, but especially there). The Pacsafe range of gear is the best investment you can make for peace of mind. The mesh for your backpack can withstand Amazonian attack (from personal experience), and the travel bag for wallet/camera/etc is brilliant because they can't cut the strap. ;) By far the best bits of gear I've bought in 15 years of travelling. If you'd like more tips, PM me :)

PS> The site Tripadvisor dot com is one of the best I've found so far for finding the right accom - other travellers rate the hotels/hostels so you get the latest goss on condition and the best views. Brilliant. The view of the sun setting over the Sierra Nevada from the roof of the hostel in Granada was simply amazing. After a day at the Alhambra, the sunset will make you want to move there permanently.

M

Get a 'euro-rail' pass if they still have those - unlimited train rides (Austria won't accept it, they have their own version called a "rabbit card"). Definitely visit Fussen, Germany; Paris, France; Salzburg, Austria - take a "sound of music" tour. You definitely get your money's worth.

If I were to go back, I'd go visit my old army brigade (1st Brigade, 3rd Armored Division) near the town of Neiderkleen, Germany. They closed down the base years ago and from pictures I've seen on www sites, its in serious disrepair and neither the US nor anyone else in NATO is using it.