So, you've decided it's time to take your first trip to Europe. For many Americans it seems like a rite of passage. It doesn't matter if you're young or old. It's something special that first trip to Europe. You've finally arrived somehow.
You've saved the money, you've applied for the passport… wow, you're practically ready to pack. But wait… just having made the decision to get a passport and go to Europe is only the first step. There are more decisions to make. Let's think through some of this.
How much time do you have? One week will have you concentrating on an area or a city… two or more weeks lets you tour around a bit more.
What part of Europe do you want to go to? It's not like you can just go to Europe. That's like saying you want to see the United States. There are big areas to be covered, and you need to choose an area to see even if you have several weeks.
Do you just want to see it…? Visit the highlights like maybe London, Paris, Rome, and see the big sights? Or… do you have an agenda? Do you want to find family roots and do a little genealogy research? Is there a festival you've always wanted to see like the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or The Gathering and Highland Games in Edinburgh?
Do you concentrate on one or two countries or try to do a grand circle of Europe?
Do you take a tour? Set up a Custom tour? Or do you want to take your first trip to Europe all on your own and find your own way?
So how will you answer these questions?
If you're a student, you may be able to travel for the summer… good for you. You won't find a better way to add to your education! If you're retired, you can stay as long as your finances will allow… AND you can travel during shoulder seasons when there are fewer crowds.
If you only have one or two or three weeks, try for those shoulder seasons to maximize your experiences and minimize the lines. Try to limit yourself to a country a week. Even at that you'll just be getting an overview of the area you choose to visit.
A tour can be a good idea and can take some of the anxiety out of your first trip to Europe. There are so many tours offered that you can easily choose one that goes to the area you want to visit for the length of time you want to spend, and you can even get tours that specifically go to those festivals or visit gardens or let you explore just castles. Your hotels will be taken care of and many of your meals too. It's good way to build your confidence abroad.
If groups just aren't your thing, being an independent traveler on your first trip to Europe is not difficult either. There is so much information on the internet that it's easy to plan it for yourself and leave yourself more flexibility.
Just sit down with a pencil and paper and make the decisions one at a time, and that long awaited first trip to Europe will be a reality.
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