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European Honeymoon

23 years ago

My fiance and I would like to go to Western Europe for our honeymoon. We are on a budget and would like to see the usual sites, but also be able to go at our own pace and go to some places that are off the beaten path. We were actually thinking of renting a car and going from place to place, but we have never been to Europe so we do not know how much this would cost or where to stay.

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Comments (9)

joann23456
23 years ago
You need to get ahold of some travel books and start researching. I happen to love Rick Steeves' _Europe through the Back Door_, but there are any number of others.

Also, once you have a general idea of where you want to go, the usenet group rec.travel.europe is really active and has a whole lot of knowledgeable people.

My one tip - plan on doing a *lot* less than you think you have time for. Oh, a second tip - pack lightly! A medium-small piece on wheels is plenty for a trip of whatever length.
tomato_girl
23 years ago
Italy is terrifically romantic!
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NoraV
23 years ago
Sarahing,

I second Italy its one of my favorite places in Europe!

In my opinion, its not really worth driving between major cities and tourist sports as public transportation is terrific and trains are terribly romantic. Country side, whole other story! Check out this site www.gotoday.com, they always have awesome deals on European trips.

From personal experience, take it easy on your first trip, especially since itÂs your honeymoon. But without a doubt pick up a bunch of travel books Rick Steves is great, Lonely Planet, Frommers guides, etc and read up on where you MIGHT want to go, then make a list. Also check out http://www.eurotrip.com/ for more info from other travelers on a budget.

Going to europe does not have to cost a lot! Good luck, I'm sure you're honeymoon will be wonderful!

NoraV
Michelle_Switzerland
23 years ago
My advice would be to avoid doing the typical 'Europe in 10 days' kind of thing. I recommend choosing an area and getting a taste for it. If you go to Italy you can spend time in a bigger city, then rent a car to explore smaller villages, vineyards (winetasting!!!), etc. In Germany or Switzerland a car rental would be unneccesary, and perhaps even a burden. Public transportation is frequent, clean, and reasonably priced. In France, you could go with the same idea as Italy - in Paris no need for a car, but if you want to explore other areas you may need one.
joann23456
23 years ago
I agree with Michelle. Stay in one - or, at the very most two - places and really explore. Much more relaxed, and you'll actually get to know a place more than just by its most famous landmarks.
Blaze
23 years ago
Florence .... it's fabulous. Don't need to drive. Many things to see, places to eat, places to shop. I've been throughout Italy. If this is your first taste of Europe, I think Florence will give you the history as well as contemporary Italy. Of course, there's always Paris for a honeymoon;)
ladylawyer
23 years ago
I honeymooned in Rome and it was also my first trip to Europe. While it is an absolute gorgeous place to honeymoon (italy is awesome), the first trip to Europe can be very chaotic (culture shock), so definitely try not to pack too much in. Italy is a good choice because people are so friendly there, the food is awesome. Consider Sorrento or somewhere else on the Amalfi Coast (breath-taking!)
Janis_G
23 years ago
I vote for Italy for a honeymoon. There are all kinds of places to stay that are fun and different. Florence is an excellent choice. The Italians are wonderful people. Very american friendly. One shop we went in to just after 9-11 wanted us to sing America the Beautiful with them and gave us little gifts. The food is so good you will find it hard to choose what to try next. You have to eat the gelato. You have never tasted such a treat. You will never be satisfied with ice cream as we know it again.
San Gimignano is a good day trip from Florence if you rent a car. It is beautiful.
One thing to remember is that in Italy if you go into a bar or a market etc. You decide what you want and pay for it first.

Janis
sahara_wa
23 years ago
Personally I find most places in Italy too touristy, but still worth checking out - particularly on honeymoon.

I have attached a link to some cheap accomodations in southern Germany. This is actually where I am from and whenever I go back I'll get an apartment there. You'll find it is a lot cheaper than going with a hotel - usually you get a one or two bedroom apartment with bathroom and kitchen. No roomservice, though. However, you get to shop and cook at home - and it is quite cheap. This place is only 40 min from the Austrian border, so you could make this your main stay and adventure from there. At least that is what I always do.

I definitely would recommend a car. You don't want to be stuck in big cities only, but rather explore the countryside. If you are dependent on public transportation - it is possible - but, definitely not convenient and or enjoyable. You want to stay flexible.

http://www.kochel.de/tourismus/html/englisch.html

Once you are at the link, choose "Unterkunft" which means accomodations and it will show you a lot of options.

Let us know what you'll decide.

And, yes, I agree with the ones who said plan to do less than you think you can. Otherwise, you'll be exhausted coming back, needing a vacation :)

Marie

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