Poll of the Day > Traveling to Europe next yr for 5 weeks and I have some questions

(+) Yeah! (+)

I'm graduating college in December, and for the past 2 years or so I've been saving up as much as I could each week. I have enough at this moment to go for approximately 5 weeks. By the time I graduate and go on the trip, I'll have even more. I've never traveled outside of the states, so if you have any advice, that'd be welcome.

First question is, what time of year would be best? I was figuring I'd go around May/June area, but if it's considerably cheaper or better to travel at a different point in time, I'd love to hear it.

I plan on flying into Dublin. From there, I'll be traveling to Italy and taking the train up north. I'll be going through Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and back to Ireland. I know of some sites in each of those countries, but nothing too in depth. I've looked around at things to do and see in those countries, and most of the results provide little variation. While I don't want to deviate from the things that are "must sees" I would like to see some things that are perhaps lesser known as well. So, if you've any experience with any of these countries and know of some fantastic places to visit or activities to pursue, please share.

Is it worth it to spend a little bit more money on a hotel versus a hostile or AirBNB?

Those are my primary concerns, so any general tips or advice would be welcome.
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As far as the hotel vs hostel debate goes, I would highly recommend hostels. Just make sure they have good ratings. I normally use hostelworld for my bookings. It's cheaper, you get to socialize with other people(go out for food, drinks, nightclub, etc). Find out what everyone else is doing/has done in the place you are visiting. You can usually get some pretty good recommendations. Just watch out for your stuff and you should be fine.
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Steven010702 posted...

As far as the hotel vs hostel debate goes, I would highly recommend hostels. Just make sure they have good ratings. I normally use hostelworld for my bookings. It's cheaper, you get to socialize with other people(go out for food, drinks, nightclub, etc). Find out what everyone else is doing/has done in the place you are visiting. You can usually get some pretty good recommendations. Just watch out for your stuff and you should be fine.

I'm somewhat unfamiliar with how hostels work. As I understand, they are similar to living in a suite style dorm. Would you say what belongings I have are safe to leave in the hostel throughout the day?
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Remember to tell the refugees that it's wrong to rape you.
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Are you actively avoiding England?
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FooFighters25 posted...

Steven010702 posted...

As far as the hotel vs hostel debate goes, I would highly recommend hostels. Just make sure they have good ratings. I normally use hostelworld for my bookings. It's cheaper, you get to socialize with other people(go out for food, drinks, nightclub, etc). Find out what everyone else is doing/has done in the place you are visiting. You can usually get some pretty good recommendations. Just watch out for your stuff and you should be fine.

I'm somewhat unfamiliar with how hostels work. As I understand, they are similar to living in a suite style dorm. Would you say what belongings I have are safe to leave in the hostel throughout the day?

Just don't leave your phone or anything expensive out in the open/unattended.
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FooFighters25 posted...

Steven010702 posted...

As far as the hotel vs hostel debate goes, I would highly recommend hostels. Just make sure they have good ratings. I normally use hostelworld for my bookings. It's cheaper, you get to socialize with other people(go out for food, drinks, nightclub, etc). Find out what everyone else is doing/has done in the place you are visiting. You can usually get some pretty good recommendations. Just watch out for your stuff and you should be fine.

I'm somewhat unfamiliar with how hostels work. As I understand, they are similar to living in a suite style dorm. Would you say what belongings I have are safe to leave in the hostel throughout the day?

You could always watch the Hostel movies if you want to see how Hostels work.
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