I'm going to Europe for the first time

[violachick8]

I just came back from a study abroad trip in Italy a few months ago. I know you will be in a different country than me but a lot of the basic ideas are the same. I agree with Lanfear Prague was totes tits. If you want to gab with someone who was in a simmilar position let me know or just ask questions away! Have FUN! Europe was one of the awesomest times in my life. BTW thanks Lanfear for reccomending me youre such a sweetie! <3 Thought Id post just to make things easier if you felt like yappin

[DrunkenButterfly]

Thanks everyone!

To be absolutely honest, I feel lost. I don't know where to begin. Maybe it's because Europe is so different from Brazil, not just in terms of culture, but also in terms of ... transportation! We don't have that easy access to go to other states, you either have to drive, take a bus or a plane, so the idea of taking a train to another country is crazy to me.

I've been told that all my money will go to train rides, food and museum tickets, but to be honest, I don't even like museums, so maybe that won't be a problem, unless there is something I absolutely must go visit.

So I think Prague is a winner :c) . I think I'll go to Berlin on the weekend of the 24th, and maybe go to München on the 17th. But pretty much, I think I'll decide on the fly. Maybe that's stupid. I don't know.

But there is a possibility of the people in my class going away together, as in organised trips by the school, that happens right?

I got that Visa Travel Money card, does anyone know if it is not accepted in places? I've heard good and bad stories about it, so I'm a tiny bit concerned.

Thanks a bunch!

[violachick8]

There may be trips you plan with people you get aqlong with from your program but unless your leaders already told you I doubt there will be a trip en mass. I recomenned doing your trips with people you like from your program or your fav team yurp people (they are quite great) most of my money was spent on travel expenses I agree againgo everywhere you can possibly go and experience everything you can as well it is a very rare oppurtunity to be aqble to experience this many cultures so easily yake advantage if you want more advice hit me up but most of all be sure to experience everything you can.

[aptmunich]

Credit cards are accepted in most places you'd expect them to be (large stores, travel agents etc.) but often can't be used for small purchases (most supermarkets don't take them..).

Doing things on the fly should be okay, but I would try to set fixed dates for certain stuff, just so things don't just pass you by.

[DrunkenButterfly]

I'm planning to go München on my last weekend -April 30th until May 3rd - and Berlin on the 24th, other than that, I'm a bit lost.
Do you guys know if flights are usually late? Do they leave on time most of the time? They'll leave my key at the information desk at the Dresden airport, and it closes at midnight - my flight is supposed to arrive at 11.

[HanSolo69]

Plan on eating lots of meals of just bread, cheese and butter.

[violachick8]

Originally Posted by DrunkenButterfly

I'm planning to go München on my last weekend -April 30th until May 3rd - and Berlin on the 24th, other than that, I'm a bit lost.
Do you guys know if flights are usually late? Do they leave on time most of the time? They'll leave my key at the information desk at the Dresden airport, and it closes at midnight - my flight is supposed to arrive at 11.

Remember you will have to go to customs/check since youre coming from an out of Union place so add and hour or so onto that. Youd be cutting it real close. The lines can be either real short or real long I would ask for a backup plan. Flights arent usually late since most of the time youll be flying budget air and if they are late it costs them. I think you should go someplace in spain and italy, paris, prague, and amsterdam as well.