Travelling in Europe

[j_h_smith]

My sister and I took a two week trip last May to Europe. We went to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, and Rome, in that order. We stayed in hotels, not hostels. I would not feel comfortable in a hostel. We flew from London to Amsterdam, and took trains for the rest of the locations. We did not buy a rail pass, because they were too expensive. We saved some money buying tickets when we needed them.

If you're not comfortable with hostels, that's fine, but it is the most unique way to travel in europe. You can save a ton of money if you're going to be there for some time and traveling every couple of days.

I do not suggest traveling on a night train. We went from Paris to Florence on a night train, and it was a nightmare. We shared a tiny cabin with four other people. The train was stopped at around 3 a.m. and searched by the Italian Police. I had still have no idea what was going in, because I could not understand anyone.

Never been on an overnight train. Sounds like a terrible experience.

Our favorite city was London. We loved every bit of it. I also suggest checking out Oxford while you are there. You can get round-trip train tickets to Oxford for 20 euros each person. Also while you are in London, buy the metro card, I believe that's what it is called. You will be able to use any public transportation for however many days the card is for.

Travel Card

In Paris we just walked everywhere. It is a very beautiful city, so we decided to walk instead of ride the subway. There are many nice attractions in Paris, especially the museums. The Eiffel Tower was pretty amazing, but we only went half way up. It was terribly cold and rainy that day. I also really enjoyed the Arch de Triomphe.

You've got to see Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, plus it's something to tell the family. Pictures from the top can be great. But I guess a rainy day wouldn't be very good for pictures.

Florence is a walking city. You will not need to worry about transportation there. We was only there for a day, and I wish it would have been longer. It is such a beautiful place. Be sure to visit the Accademia di Belle Arti to see the statue of David. It is amazing. I also loved the Ponte Vecchio.

Never been there, want to see it one day.

Rome was awesome, but huge. It was very tough for us at first to find out where to go. Our hotel wasn't even on the map, because of how big the city is. Once you figure out the subway, you will be fine. Research before you get there. We loved the Roman Forum, Vatican, and the Colosseum. I had the best pizza of my life in Rome near the Vatican. I wish I remembered what the pizzeria was called...

Update us when you get back. I would love to see pics.

I personally like Rome more than anywhere I've been to in Europe. It is a big city, but I found it so unique I wouldn't have wanted it any way. Italian food in Rome is nothing like American Italian food. Most are better, but I prefer my wife's meatballs over anything I've eaten around the world.