Traveling In Europe

[Playmaker]

I'm studying abroad this summer for 6 weeks in Denmark and I'm thinking about traveling in Germany afterwards for 12 days or so in August. However, I've asked a few of my fellow students that are studying in Denmark and none are willing to travel after the program, so I'd be alone. I had planned to go to Munich from Copenhagen and spend 6-7 days there and in the surrounding area, then 1-2 days in Stuttgart, then MAYBE 1-2 days in Basel, Switzerland, then on to Frankfurt for a few days before I fly out. Could those of you that have traveled to these places let me know if it would still be enjoyable if I was traveling alone? It's going to set me back $1500 or so, so if I wouldn't enjoy myself alone I'm thinking about changing my ticket and flying straight out of Copenhagen after my program is over.

Also, what is the attitude toward American tourists over there? I'm not about to wear a Vote Bush pin and drape myself in the American flag, but even though I'm clearly of German and Scandinavian descent, I would probably stick out by my clothes and the fact that I don't speak German. I'm a little apprehensive about how I'd be perceived.

Any tips or advice from those of you that have traveled abroad recently would be appreciated.

 

[kami333]

Are you doing the DIS program? If so congrats on a good choice, I did it last spring and am returning in Aug as an intern, one of the best 4months I've spent.

As far as your questions go, I never travelled around that region so I don't know. I did spend 4days in Berlin and 4 in Prague, as well as other places and I enjoyed it. Plus I went to Stockholm by myself and it was great.

Travelling by yourself can be a good experience, I don't know if you've ever done it but it can be quite fun. Plus I imagine that you are staying in hostels, correct? Chances are likely that you'll meet other people travelling too and who knows, your schedules may work out so that you travel together.

Gotta run but I'll post more when I come back.

 

[royaldank]

Munich is a great city. If you are friendly and get along with folks, you'll have a good time. A buddy of mine just spent a week in Munich by himself on vacation. Had a great time. Said he rarely bought any drinks at night because folks were buying him so many. Had no problems finding plenty of bars and people to hang out with.

I'd suggest going for it. And if you stay in hostels, you'll meet plenty of people to hang out with and do touristy stuff with.

 

[hevnsnt]

Munich is an AWESOME city. Just make sure to visit the "English Garden"

 

[farmercal]

I was stationed two hours SE of Frankfurt Germany near Ramstein AB. My family and I took a trip from the southern part of Germany through Austria, Italy (Venice/Rome/Pisa), then back through Switzerland into Germany. It took about a week. This was last summer.

If you only plan on visiting Germany, you will find the scenery breathtaking, also Germany does not have toll roads (like France and Italy). Folks drive plenty fast on the Autobahn (German interstate), and if they flash their lights behind you, get over as quickly as possible because they are usually traveling around 100Mph.

Be aware that gas cost around 1 euro per liter, which calculates into about 4 euro per gallon. Four euros will covert into about $5 USD or so depending on the conversion rate when you are there.

It is far better to go with a friend but alone you will still be able to take in the country and all it's beauty. You can get a translation book that might be able to help you converse but German is a difficult language to pick up fast. Good Luck

 

[biostud]

You need not search any further the dane is here

I live in Copenhagen (Frederiksberg), just wear casual clothing. Might loose the baseball cap and the belt bag

If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Carbo]

Granted, it's been 20 years or so since I did it, but I travelled solo throughout Germany and Switzerland, and it turned out to be one of my most memorable experiences. Had the pleasure of visiting Munich, Basel, and a few other cities and towns in both countries. Do it, I say, or you'll regret it later on.
Traveling solo is a great experience. Henry Thoreau said it succinctly: The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. Don't forget to send a postcard home.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: royaldank
Munich is a great city. If you are friendly and get along with folks, you'll have a good time. A buddy of mine just spent a week in Munich by himself on vacation. Had a great time. Said he rarely bought any drinks at night because folks were buying him so many. Had no problems finding plenty of bars and people to hang out with.

I'd suggest going for it. And if you stay in hostels, you'll meet plenty of people to hang out with and do touristy stuff with.

Yeah, this sounds pretty much right. A great many germans speak english, so no big problems there.

 

[hevnsnt]

Actually we had the hardest time communicating with the Germans than any other country we have visited..

 

[biostud]

Originally posted by: hevnsnt
Actually we had the hardest time communicating with the Germans than any other country we have visited..

Ther will be no problems in Denmark though. (Most likely because we don't dub foreing (US ) movies/series)

 

[hevnsnt]

I loved people from the Netherlands.. Very cool people, just too freaking tall!!

I am 6' and I felt tiny in amsterdam..

 

[biostud]

Originally posted by: hevnsnt
I loved people from the Netherlands.. Very cool people, just too freaking tall!!

I am 6' and I felt tiny in amsterdam..

Never been there, only travelling through.

 

[hevnsnt]

We were on a train from Brugges (Belgium) to Amsterdam when about 100 kids got on our train. 2 of them sat across from us, one was 12, the other 17. The 12 year old was easily identified as the "Troublemaker" of the group. I was tired, and not too happy about the kids sitting by us.

They introduced themselves to us in english, and then started asking us 100 questions. They were so interested in America.. The 12 year old ACTUALLY asked me if I was voting for Bush or Kerry.. 12 years old and he knew both of their names.. I didn't even know the leader of their countries name. They asked us if we knew any movie stars, and if the Hollywood sign is really real. The 12 year old had taken 1 year of english, and he was amazing at it, the 17 year old had 4 years and had to help the kid sometimes, but not very often. It was amazing to meet these kids, One of the better moments of the trip.

 

[biostud]

Let's face it US politics go around the world a bit more than small european countries politics . I couldn't name one govenor except for the Govenator, and probably only a few states.

 

[Knarkarplanka]

hjfh

 

[Knarkarplanka]

Originally posted by: Playmaker
I'm studying abroad this summer for 6 weeks in Denmark and I'm thinking about traveling in Germany afterwards for 12 days or so in August. However, I've asked a few of my fellow students that are studying in Denmark and none are willing to travel after the program, so I'd be alone. I had planned to go to Munich from Copenhagen and spend 6-7 days there and in the surrounding area, then 1-2 days in Stuttgart, then MAYBE 1-2 days in Basel, Switzerland, then on to Frankfurt for a few days before I fly out. Could those of you that have traveled to these places let me know if it would still be enjoyable if I was traveling alone? It's going to set me back $1500 or so, so if I wouldn't enjoy myself alone I'm thinking about changing my ticket and flying straight out of Copenhagen after my program is over.

Also, what is the attitude toward American tourists over there? I'm not about to wear a Vote Bush pin and drape myself in the American flag, but even though I'm clearly of German and Scandinavian descent, I would probably stick out by my clothes and the fact that I don't speak German. I'm a little apprehensive about how I'd be perceived.

Any tips or advice from those of you that have traveled abroad recently would be appreciated.

Hey! come visit Stockholm, Sweden. You´ll love it in august, think we´ll get I nice summer this year.
And there´s much for tourists to do here thats rather interesting. Or you could just try to pick up a one night stand. Because you´re American I think you´ve got quite a good chance, most of the girls thing America and americans are quite interesting. And almost everyone knows english good enough to make conversations.
And as long as you don´t where a "vote for bush"- pin you won´t get shotm he´s kinda impopular over here

 

[Playmaker]

Thanks for all the feedback and advice, keep it coming, I appreciate it.

The program is through the business school. I considered one of the DIS programs, but I needed to fill some required business classes.

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do, have to decide by tomorrow. I do plan to see all the Scandinavian capitals if possible and maybe Prague, too, during the program on the weekends because I always hear great things from friends who have studied abroad. As long as my money permits me to that is, hehe.