Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with europe

Foreign guides around Europe

vizsla — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:21:43 -0800

How does a 40ish year old male with enough money find his way around Europe without foreign language skills? Is it possible to hire guides to travel with, or at least to show them around on a city-by-city basis for this sort of thing? I'm thinking specifically France, Spain, Italy. Willing to use University students or some other creative possibility. Mostly there for a holiday but may also need to talk to real agent agents about places in France or Spain.

Searching for a Cold War Soundtrack

DOUBLE A SIDE — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:46:11 -0800

I am looking to make a music playlist that recaptures that '89 cold war, fall of communism feel. Think Scorpions - Wind of Change. I'm living in Eastern Europe for the first time, a whole bunch of friends and family are coming over for a special occasion and I really want to create a playlist for a night of drinking in an old communist apartment. I'm not so interested in traditional folk music or patriotic songs...but popular music with subject matter relating to the cold war or the fall of communism (or Russia and Eastern Europe in general). I don't mind how cheesy they are and the song doesn't necessarily have to be western.

To Begin:
Scorpions - Wind of Change
Elton John - Nikita
David Hasselhoff - I'm Looking for Freedom
Leonard Cohen - First We Take Manhatten [for the Berlin mention]
Nena - 99 Luftballons

Not Interested in:
The Beatles - Back in the U.S.S.R
Novelty songs - e.g anything by Weird Al

There were these nuclear songs previously, but maybe a bit too nucleary for me.

What city should I visit in Europe?

jeather — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:30:23 -0800

I am going to Europe for about 12 days at the end of August. I am spending a few days in each of Prague and Vienna, and looking for a third city to go to. Which one should I choose? I'm not against Budapest, but people with whom I share travel sensibilities say I should go elsewhere. I need it to be easy to travel between this city and the other ones I am going to, either by bus or by those inexpensive airlines. I'd love it if it used the Euro, but this is not necessary. I'd like to spend about 3 days wherever it is.

People have, with no real level of detail, recommended Athens, Istanbul and Croatia. (Also Poland, but I do not want to go to Poland.) I'm not tied to these options, nor am I against any of them (except Poland).

Things I like: cities, museums, beaches (but not so much lakes).
Things I don't like: clubbing and associated items.
I am not hugely social.

I will be alone, I'm a 30 year old woman, I speak English and French and can get by in Spanish, so mostly I'm going to be working off guidebooks and dictionaries. Hostel or inexpensive hotel recommendations would be lovely. (I know hostels are full of people who will be out all night, but I am a sound sleeper.) I'm happy to hear recommendations for what to do or where to stay in Prague and Vienna as well.

Please do not recommend I spend longer in Prague and/or Vienna. This is not, for various reasons, an option.

New passport and traveling in America

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:40:17 -0800

Question about a new passport and getting into the United States My girlfriend had a British passport that she used to get into America on a tourist visa twice, both times for a little less than 90 days, and the two times were two weeks apart. The second time she got sent to secondary inspection where they basically told her that after this time, she'd have to stay away for 6 months in Europe before she'd be allowed back in. She left about two weeks ago for Europe, so she shouldn't be allowed back in till January 09.

Now that she's in Europe, she's applied for naturalization from another EU country (Belgium) and they're going to issue her a new passport in the next few weeks. Will the passport system link her old passport to the new one, or is she free to come back in less than 6 months?

Recommendations for European holidays with a 19month old in tow?

blacksky — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:17:56 -0800

Recommendations for European holidays with a 19month old in tow? We live in the UK, and are looking for recommendations for holiday destination in mainland Europe that are toddler friendly, yet affordable.

Specifically which hotels/apartments have you stayed in with your toddler that you felt was well equipped and welcoming for little ones.

More generally, what are your experiences with resort holidays vs the more free-range type holiday with toddlers in tow?

Although we're open to package/resort holidays, in the past, we've booked our own flights, hotels, transfers etc in places like the south of France, or northern Italy and thoroughly enjoyed that kind of freedom. We are particularly worried about the availability of things like high chairs, cots, car seats etc to borrow/rent so we don't have to lug them around with us.

buying a 3G iphone in america to use in europe

freddymetz — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:17:28 -0800

buying a 3G iphone in america to use in europe Can i do it without signing a contract with at+t?

Help me plan a European relocation?

dance — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:29:23 -0800

European relocation: I've been asked to help plan a friend's relocation from Switzerland to Norway. She wanted to do this herself by taking the seats out of a VW Caravelle and packing it up with her bicycle and personal effects (no large pieces of furniture are involved). I can't help but thinking that it would be cheaper and easier to have a company move her effects for her. It would save her driving nearly 3000km (that figure is for both ways) and is a safer option than having all the goods in the back of a car ready to fly forward in the event of an accident.

But has anybody made such a move? Was it easy? Was it a long time before the goods arrived? Was it expensive? Does it become more or less cost effective if you have loads of stuff vs. a lesser amount of personal effects?

And perhaps most importantly - can anyone recommend a firm we can use??

THANKS!

Where should we go and what should we see in Germany and Switzerland?

odayoday — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:40:31 -0800

My boyfriend and I will be meeting my dad in Berlin in mid-September. I've never been to Germany and my boyfriend has never been to Switzerland, and we'll be there a total of 10 days. How should we split up our time, and what should we see? My dad will be renting a car, so we're planning on driving between cities. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Where in France can I find some inexpensive privacy?

Beardman — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:12:44 -0800

I'm looking for a secluded place in France, preferably no more than two hours from Paris by train, where I can read philosophy for two days straight. On Thursday I've got to be in Paris, but I'm flying there from Berlin on Tuesday morning. I was supposed to have gotten a lot of studying done in Berlin, but got sucked in by the city and its nightlife. Now I'm hoping to arrive at Orly and promptly head somewhere utterly off the beaten track, preferably a nice, small town that doesn't have any renowned sights that I'll feel obligated to check out. My preference is for Normandy, but I'm open to anything: where would you shack up for two nights if you wanted a secluded single room, but had no reservations?

romancing romania

crazylegs — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:58:47 -0800

What is sex like in Romania? What are the common attitudes towards various sexual practices in Romania? How is a person from Romania likely to feel about: oral sex, anal sex, different positions, gay sex, threesomes, etc.? Are there any attitudes, enthusiasms, or taboos that are unique to Romania?

What are the most common criticisms of the Treaty of Lisbon?

goodnewsfortheinsane — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:01:34 -0800

What are the most common points of criticism of the Treaty of Lisbon, and how do they relate to the failed European Constitution? My Google-fu is failing me, and moreover I'm also interested in viewpoints from nations whose languages I can't read: between Irish/British and Dutch/Belgian sources you only get so much of the story.

I understand that a common criticism is that the treaty would enhance the powers of unelected officials. What positions are we talking about, here? And would the treaty really bestow more power upon them? I thought part of the treaty's idea was to improve the role of the European Parliament through codecision with the Council, thus making it more democratic. What gives?

Also: after France and the Netherlands held failed referendums on the Constitution, both decided not to hold a referendum on the treaty. Were there any political reasons for this decision, besides fear of another debacle? I know people got mad, but were there any substantial protest movements, especially in France?

Lastly: have the most common criticisms been allayed somewhat by the revision of the Constitution and its repackaging as the Treaty, or do the same criticisms still stand?

I'm sorry if this is a broad question, please let me know if I can be clearer on any points. Thanks in advance for any insight you may have to offer.

ship from France to US?

cogneuro — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:13:13 -0800

Any up-to-date advice about less expensive (not cheap, of course) ways to ship about 100-150 lb of personal belongings from France to the US? I don't need fast delivery, just reliable and not break-the-bank.

Help me find a post-grad program in applied statistics

lord_yo — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:54:15 -0800

Can you recommend me post-grad / continuing studies in Applied Statistics? Either at Swiss universities, or via good e-unversities. I love statistics; my MS in psychology gave me a solid statistics base, and I'm applying a lot of it during my work (business analyses in HR). However, it's not enough; I want to get a formal education and degree in applied statistics.

I live in Switzerland, and would be open for studies at a local university (I've found one program at Uni Bern, and one at ETH Zurich). Alternatively, there might be good e-university programs out there.

Any recommendations?

Doggie flight to Europe?

HotToddy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:15:59 -0800

I would like to take my dog with me to Europe this fall, and have questions. My dog is 8-1/2 pounds, so she qualifies to fly in-cabin with me. I would be leaving from Seattle and staying for 2-3 weeks. I know the flights will be stressful, but she's a great traveler (travels in the car ~5 hrs. with me twice a week), and there is no one I trust to care for her the way I would so I can't leave her behind. Here are my questions:

1) Would it be easier on her to fly nonstop or to fly first to the east coast, then on to Europe? She frequently voluntarily goes eight or nine hours without peeing, but that is an awfully long time to be in a carrier under a seat. On the other hand, the takeoff and landing will be stressful, too, with loud noises and changes in air pressure, and with the nonstop she would only have to do it once. On the other other hand, I could stop on the east coast, visit relatives (giving her a break from the plane), then continue on. But maybe that would just be prolonging the stress. What do you all think?

2) If I'm to fly nonstop from Seattle (or potentially Vancouver, BC, where fares are often cheaper), is there a destination in Europe that results in a magically shorter flight? I really don't care where we go first, I just want to give her the shortest flight possible. I mean, I know I can just fool around on Travelocity seeing what the flight times are to various destinations, but I'm wondering if there is something I don't know (like what? I don't know!) that will get us there on a shorter flight.

3) Finally, it seems that I am a bit dense at comprehending the EU scheme for travel with pets in and among the US/UK/continental Europe. If someone could explain this as if to a two year old, I would be very grateful. The main thing I don't understand is if I can take her to England without quarantine.

Any other advice, anecdotes, etc., are welcome. Thanks for your help.

Where to go?

Atom12 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:00:31 -0800

I won a trip! But where should I go? I've got six choices. I have my choice of one of six travel packages. All come with business class airfare and five nights in a hotel w/ complimentary breakfast.

The cities I can choose from are Dublin, Venice, Amsterdam, Geneva, St. Maarten and wherever the Latin Grammys are going to be held. Some are tied to events, such as Geneva, which comes with tickets to the Montreaux Jazz Festival.

I've been to London many times, Germany and we honeymooned in Italy near Florence. The Latin Grammys are pretty much at the bottom of the list. Criteria for us are things like good food, reasonable prices (I don't think we get any spending money) and funky shopping.

I'm leaning toward Amsterdam but the others still sound really good too. It's a nice problem to have. If it matters, Amsterdam is in November. I think all the others are in spring/summer of 2009. Any tips?

How to plan an awesome trip to europe in less than a month?

Sweetdefenestration — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:58:14 -0800

TravelFilter: A friend and I have about a month to plan a 7-10 day trip to Europe (travel window is around early July), and are in need of some advice. I've been overseas only with family, and he's never been at all. Good dancing is a must. I know a bit of French and he a bit of Spanish. Suggestions of places to go, safe but cheap lodging, especially with the weak dollar? There's so much to experience that it's hard for us to whittle down what sort of trip to take. I'd love to go dancing -- but not a tourist-type club -- perhaps to even an outdoor festival. We both agree on ragga/jungle/dnb and generally interesting beats (def not four to the floor). Since we'd expect to hit different cities (and theoretically, countries), any packing suggestions would also be welcome. I simply don't know where to begin!! Thank you, hive brain:)

=D =) =| =( =O

Corduroy — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:21:44 -0800

I use instant messaging a fair amount to talk to people all over the United States and in Europe, mostly Austria, Germany and England. Why is it that smiley faces (as in =) and :X) are so much more prevalent in Europe (at least Northern Europe) than in America? It feels like one pops up every other line, sometimes twice in the same sentence. I should mention that I am young (18) and so are the people I talk to.

Where to go in Europe?

alona — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:23:02 -0800

EuropeFilter: Two teens about to spend up to 10 days in Europe. Suggestions on where to go and how to keep it cheap? So we're 17, he's finished high school and I'm just before my senior year, and we're planning a 7-10 day trip in Europe in mid to late August. I know it's the most expensive season to travel but we really have no other time. Our parents are paying airfare (yay for parents) but as for me, I'm paying for everything else. That includes lodging, food, travel within Europe, entrance fees to various places and various other expenses. A rough estimate tells me I'll have betwen $700 - $1000 USD (not much. but if needed I know I can get more).
We're not completely sure about where we're going to be yet. We were thinking of doing a few days in Amsterdam, a few days in Ghent, Belgium (which I've heard is far more interesting for young people than Bruxelle) and then something like two days in Paris (because it's the most expensive).
We've both already been to London, so that's not necessary, and we both really want to go to Amsterdam. From there, we'd like places that aren't incredibly far (we don't want to waste time on travel) and preferably as cheap as possible.
Advice on which places are a must-see in any city is much appreciated as well :)

FleaMarketFilter: Looking for all Flea Markets in Europe

dripdripdrop — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:55:20 -0800

I'm looking for flea markets in Europe. Specifically we will be going through Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Bosnia (Sarajevo), Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland (Krakow) before settling in France, but any other suggestions in Europe are welcome. I'm interested in the kind of flea markets with old, random crap, not the new, cheap crap. I've been to the flea market outside Budapest on Nagykőrösi út and loved all the old nick nacks.

Please be as specific as possible about addresses. If I get a lot of answers I'll put together a Google Map for sharing.

Headache-free travel between Croatia and Germany?

freudenschade — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:28:48 -0800

Planning a trip to Europe in September: the plan is to visit my girlfriend's family in Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina) for about a week, and then head up to Berlin for another week. What's the best way configure our travel plans? I was thinking we should fly Toronto > Berlin, and then immediately fly out to Dubrovnik (we'll have family to get us around while in Croatia and Bosnia). After a week, we'd fly back to Berlin, hang out there for seven days or so, and then fly back to Toronto. Easy, right? Not really.

It seems like there aren't that many airlines that fly from Berlin to Dubrovnik or anywhere close to there, and the ones that do (Germanwings was the only one I could nail down online) are pretty expensive. Taking the train would also be expensive, not to mention long. We were also considering flying to Italy and taking the ferry from Bari > Dubrovnik, but that seems complicated when combined with the rest of the travel. Now I'm starting to think about multi-city air tickets, although those get very expensive also (especially when flying with Air Canada).

Sorry that was so long-winded. Suggestions for part or all of the trip? Bonus points for anyone who can figure out how we can do it all efficiently while flying Air Canada to Europe and back (so I can buy one of the tickets on Aeroplan points). Oh, and suggestions about what to see/do while in Croatia and Bosnia would be cool, too. Thanks!

Travel questions to europa

stratastar — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:34:22 -0800

Eurotrip questions Redux: Have read previous posts and researched but need some specific advice for two issues: Eurorail and Pay as you go cell plan! Guys, I'm in need of the hive mind. I'm scheduled to leave for Paris, France on the 10th of July so I have less than 3 weeks. My travel route is the following, with parentheses denoting the amount of days spent in each city/locale: Paris(3.5)-->Amsterdam(2.5)-->Berlin(2)-->Prague(2)-->Munich(1)-->Florence(2.5)-->Rome(3.5)--Genoa (1)-->Cote d'Azur (2-3)-->Marseille/Provence(3)-->Barcelona(1)-->Ibiza(1)-->Valencia(1)-->Madrid(2)-->Barca(2.5)-->Bordeaux(1)-->Paris(1)-->HOME!
Whew.

1st question:

I read this thread about the eurorail and the general consensus was that the value of the eurorail depends on the breadth and travel specification. I've also read contradictory recommendations on lonleyplanet forums as well as eurorail information sites. Some say the eurorail offers more flexibility, especially incase one gets lost. Others say that there are hidden fees involved, so the "all-inclusive" concept is more of a sham than anything.

With the extent of cross country and multi-city travel, is the eurorail a good value for me? I'm on a tight budget and their website quotes $775 for the 1 month for me (as I am under 25). What am I to believe and can anyone give me advice tailored to my itinerary? Deal or no deal?

--------------

Second question: I am taking my cellphone (n82 Eurospec) with me for photo/music/gps/voip calls. I will need a paygo SIM card probably from a site in Paris when I fly in. I'm looking for a data centric plan, as I will be able to make VOIP calls through the n82's SIP clientel when in a 3G/WIFI area. What is a reasonable rate for 1 month of high data (the GPS should be exhausting our data usage) and some light cell call/txt usage, in case I need to call some people I meet? Where can I get this in the Parisian metropolitan area? Can I get it before hand and bring the SIM with me before I fly out?

Thanks so much!

Backpacks, Shoes and More for 3 Month Eurail Trip in European Winter!

atmosphere — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:12:32 -0800

Four part backpacking question: backpacks, international shipping, shoes, and more travel orientated places to ask such questions. I am going to be traveling Europe (mostly Western countries) on a 3 Eurail pass from October to January. I am planning on balancing time in big cities, smaller towns and then some villages, but will not be doing any camping or extensive hiking - mostly train travel and hosteling. I am in the stage of getting kitted out for this winter backpacking trek and need advice in the following areas:

Backpacks - I have decided that since I don't want to spend a huge amount on the contents of the backpack and as a bonus can travel light (which is the number one travel tip of all time), I am going to limit myself to a 55L backpack. I know the best backpack will be the one that fits me best and that the best way to achieve this is to go in to outdoorsy stores and talk to the shop assistant and try on as many as I can etc, but I am wondering if people have any standout models in the general 45-65L range they want to suggest. Something to keep in mind though is that I live in New Zealand - we have most big brands here, but for instance I have not yet found a place that stocks Eagle Creek, a brand I hear mentioned often. Any other important advice about backpacks is also appreciated, e.g. things you hated or loved about your backpack or important (but not obvious) information you want to share.

Shoes - I am in the early stages of looking at shoes, but I know a lot less about it than I do about backpacks. I don't know what brands to be looking for, what makes a good shoe for my sort of backpacking trip etc. All I really know is I would like it if the shoe was waterproof (due to winterness, but feel free to convince me otherwise) and was not too huge and chunky and obvious (although I am exploring the option of taking a second pair of less touristy shoes). Tell me all about what shoes I need!

International Shipping - New Zealand isn't cheap for this sort of stuff, and with the awesome exchange rate with the American dollar, I am looking at buying online once I have established my top choices (e.g. trying shoes/backpacks on here first) Can anyone recommend good websites for shopping online for outdoor gear that provide shipping to New Zealand (possibly at costs that won't negate the savings of shopping online)?

Other places to ask - Whilst I love the high standard of the askmefi community, I realize it is not the most travel orientated place and there might be better places to ask such questions. Any good backpacking forums/communities where the info is generally reliable as it is here?

Thank you to anyone who has taken time to read all (or part) of this mammothly oversized post, and thanks to any and all help you can give me hive mind!

3 Days in August: Spanish or Portuguese?

foxy_hedgehog — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:04:40 -0800

The last weekend in August: Madrid or Lisbon? I have a three-day stopover in Madrid at the very end of August (8.30-9.2). I've never been to Spain, and I have no doubt there are many wonderful things to do and see and eat in Madrid. However, I've heard some reports that Madrid is unbearably hot in August- and that everything is closed. I thought as an alternative that I'd transfer to a cheap flight to Lisbon from the Madrid airport, and spend my few days there instead.

These are obviously both amazing and very different places. But having no experience in either city or either country, I'd love your take(s) on what might be the best way to spend the time. Particularly vis a vis the August thing.

Experiencing European cities in a different way

monocot — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:15:31 -0800

I'm interrailing & backpacking through central/southern Europe in May/June. What are the quintessential things that I must do in each city I visit? Any general travel advice would also be much appreciated. I am 19 and studying in northern Europe right now, and after my IB exams I plan on Interrailing with two friends (both girls) to the following places in this order: Copenhagen, Dortmund, Kiel, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bari (Italy), Athens, Tirana (Albania). I am staying with friends for most of these places, except Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Athens, so I'm not very worried for the other destinations as we will have a local/native speaker to take us around to the sights.

We don't have much time in these fabulous (and unfortunately huge) capitals, only around 3-4 days for each. I really want to experience something in each of these cities that's unique to the place, not merely doing touristy stuff or tiring myself out in huge national museums. I'm excited about the coffeehouses in Vienna and the teashops in Prague. Are there any other "quintessential" and preferrably affordable things we can do while spending time in Berlin/Prague/Vienna/Athens? Markets (flea?), walks, food, particular neighbourhoods and shops? Should I go to the beach in Athens?

Any tips for three 18/19 yr old girls who are staying in hostels in these cities is also appreciated, as is advice on the Interrail pass. Do we need to book way ahead of time for inter-city trains? How often would we need to pay an extra fee? Are the sleeper cars safe?

Anything other than Contiki?

skepticallypleased — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:54:03 -0800

Travelling +strangers is better than travelling alone right? Well, that's a dilemma my friend (I swear, it's a friend!) is in this summer as he has time off but none of his friends do. He would like to go to Europe but be a bit social about it. Everyone mentions Contiki but I want to know if they might have any competitors that people feel are better. Do they? (Previous inquiries seem to ask for low cost alternatives or plan your own trips -- The cost of Contiki seems just right for my friend so options near or above their price range would be fine). Also, he would like to target Italy/Southern Europe -- but mostly Italy. Thanks!