imported_Mike
Lifer
Update 4/4 Here: My original flight plan through Expedia was changed. I originally had a 40 minute layover in Barcelona. This was changed to a 30 hour layover. I called up Expedia and they checked with Iberia and got it changed to a 6 hour layover in Barcelona. At first I was told the tickets were non-refundable as I wanted to switch airlines. Then I was told I could get a refund with a $200 penalty. I figured a 6 hour layover was better than losing $200. 😕
I'd rather not spend 6 hours in an airport. Anyone been to Barcelona and can comment on what I could do? Something to see?
For the Eurail pass, should I spring for 1st class or is 2nd class fine?
It's been suggested to rent scooters to get around when rail travel is not available. This sounds like a good plan but how much are they to rent per day? Also, is there a minimum age requirement to rent them? Maybe once we get to a larger city, we should rent a car?
Any other ideas for travel within the countries besides rail?
A thank you to all that have replied thus far and a TIA for those that will reply
I originally planned to travel Western Europe for an entire month. I had no intention of visiting England, but recent thoughts have issued a "why not" warning in my brain.
My tickets have not been booked yet, while my dates are somewhat set in stone. I will be leaving (LAX) June 10th through the 16th. No later than the 16th, so that I can arrive on the 17th. The 17th of June, I will be arriving in Spain via (MAD) then on to Jarez (XRY).
My departure discrepancy comes from my new thought to visit England for a brief 2-3 day period before going to Spain on the 17th of June. Looking up airfare on Expedia.com, only a price difference is showing to do so. Visiting England for only $100 more in airfare is very tempting to me. I realize there will be other costs involved, especially hotel costs. I will be leaving Europe on the 15th of July, no later.
I havn't traveled since I lived with my parents. Basically, I am ignorant when it comes to travel in general and unaware of how European cities work.
Questions:
I will be purchasing tickets this week, but where should I buy them from? Directly from the airlines? Travel Agent? Online (Expedia, Travelvelocity, etc)?
What should I bring? Im moving beyond clothes and basic necessities here. I will be taking my Rebel XT and Laptop. Anything else?
How should I pay for things? Debit card? Credit card? Cashiers checks? If I have just arrived at a city with a different type of currency, how should pay for basic things like food and cab rides? Are there banks in the airports?
Any DOs/DONTs?
I've been told I need a money sash thing (Euro Trip style), is this so?
Ive heard the best way to travel while in Europe is via train. Ive been researching the Eurailpass but wonder if that is the best thing to get? Should I purchase it here before I leave or is it fine to get it there? Ive been told to get the 1st class pass if I do get it. Difference between 1st class and youth?
Eurail
Most Importantly....where to go? What to do? What to see?
Once I met up with my buddy in Spain, I expect to spend a few days in the southern tip of Spain and then go from there. What countries should I visit? Where should I go within a country you'd recommend?
Also, if any of you guys have been through the airports I mentioned above, please pipe up with tips. LAX, MAD, XRY, even JFK, PHI, LHR as these could be connecting flights.
Please, chime in with any other information you think would help me out.
I'd rather not spend 6 hours in an airport. Anyone been to Barcelona and can comment on what I could do? Something to see?
For the Eurail pass, should I spring for 1st class or is 2nd class fine?
It's been suggested to rent scooters to get around when rail travel is not available. This sounds like a good plan but how much are they to rent per day? Also, is there a minimum age requirement to rent them? Maybe once we get to a larger city, we should rent a car?
Any other ideas for travel within the countries besides rail?
A thank you to all that have replied thus far and a TIA for those that will reply
I originally planned to travel Western Europe for an entire month. I had no intention of visiting England, but recent thoughts have issued a "why not" warning in my brain.
My tickets have not been booked yet, while my dates are somewhat set in stone. I will be leaving (LAX) June 10th through the 16th. No later than the 16th, so that I can arrive on the 17th. The 17th of June, I will be arriving in Spain via (MAD) then on to Jarez (XRY).
My departure discrepancy comes from my new thought to visit England for a brief 2-3 day period before going to Spain on the 17th of June. Looking up airfare on Expedia.com, only a price difference is showing to do so. Visiting England for only $100 more in airfare is very tempting to me. I realize there will be other costs involved, especially hotel costs. I will be leaving Europe on the 15th of July, no later.
I havn't traveled since I lived with my parents. Basically, I am ignorant when it comes to travel in general and unaware of how European cities work.
Questions:
I will be purchasing tickets this week, but where should I buy them from? Directly from the airlines? Travel Agent? Online (Expedia, Travelvelocity, etc)?
What should I bring? Im moving beyond clothes and basic necessities here. I will be taking my Rebel XT and Laptop. Anything else?
How should I pay for things? Debit card? Credit card? Cashiers checks? If I have just arrived at a city with a different type of currency, how should pay for basic things like food and cab rides? Are there banks in the airports?
Any DOs/DONTs?
I've been told I need a money sash thing (Euro Trip style), is this so?
Ive heard the best way to travel while in Europe is via train. Ive been researching the Eurailpass but wonder if that is the best thing to get? Should I purchase it here before I leave or is it fine to get it there? Ive been told to get the 1st class pass if I do get it. Difference between 1st class and youth?
Eurail
Most Importantly....where to go? What to do? What to see?
Once I met up with my buddy in Spain, I expect to spend a few days in the southern tip of Spain and then go from there. What countries should I visit? Where should I go within a country you'd recommend?
Also, if any of you guys have been through the airports I mentioned above, please pipe up with tips. LAX, MAD, XRY, even JFK, PHI, LHR as these could be connecting flights.
Please, chime in with any other information you think would help me out.
