Euro 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014In my last 'real' post I alluded to a summer trip I am taking. So, without further ado, I am attending a seminar at Oxford University! I am beyond excited. I made a New Years' Resolution to visit Europe and it looks like I am going to check that one off. I have wanted to go to Europe since the first time I saw Sabrina as a child.
I will spend the bulk of my time in Oxford but I am also going to take advantage of the cheap travel rates to see as much of Europe as possible. I am still deciding if I am going to do the RyanAir thing or get a europass. I'm leaning towards the europass because seeing Europe by train has been romanticized in film, so naturally I want to do it. Also there are less restrictions on luggage size. If you've got any input on this decision, I would love to hear it!
Aside from exploring the glorious country that is England, I am trying to figure out where else I want to explore. There are the 'classic' cities: Rome, Paris, Venice, and Athens. All of these have been high on my list for ages, but there are also some new frontrunners. I had a roommate who spent the summer in Stockholm last year and ever since I blogged stalked her I have been dying to go. I also want to see the fjords of Norway and the colorful buildings of Copenhagen and Amsterdam. These cities are also a lot closer together than the classics, so I would spend less time traveling and more time exploring.
I've been researching these places for weeks. Every time I read a new blog or article about one of these places I get even more excited! I haven't nailed down any itinerary yet so any input is, again, welcome and appreciated :) As of right now, the only places I am going to for sure are Oxford, London, and Cambridge. I'm thinking of spending the few days after my seminar in London and popping up to Cambridge for an afternoon. Is it time to pack my bags yet?
Eurorail passes aren't a great deal for your money. Fly RyanAir for sure, and then take trains or buses from various destinations. I LOVE train travel, and it's definitely cheaper in continental Europe than the UK... For getting around the UK, I would recommend MegaBus or National Express, though going from Oxford to London isn't that expensive. When are you going? Summer is the most expensive time, but if you plan in advance you can get cheaper prices!! And I REALLY wanted to hit the Scandinavian countries but never had a chance to! I want to come with you!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, RyanAir flights to Italy can be as low as 15 each way. I've traveled around for a week and a half with just my backpack! It can be done!
ReplyDeleteGood to know! I've heard mixed reviews about the Europass but yours is the most recent. Scandinavia is my highest priority. Please please please come with me!! I'm probably going in May! I think I am going to use RyanAir at some point so I'm going to have to get creative with my packing skills!
ReplyDeleteOh honey do the europass. Much more freedom and time spent in the actually countries... I would also recommend going places off the beaten path. The big cities are great but they're basically massive tourist traps. Find the little towns and cities where people live and work; you'll get to know the countries much better that way. I haven't actually been to Europe but everyone I've talked to recommends the small town tour. :) And please go to Norway so I can stalk you... It's on the top of my country bucket list.
ReplyDeleteNorway is my top choice! I cannot even explain how much I want to go there! I definitely want to do the small town thing. I am so against tours. It's all about finding where the locals go. That's why I want to go to places closer together...more time in each city! Aren't you also planning a summer Europe trip?
ReplyDeleteI think? It's kinda dependent on if we both get EFY jobs :/ One month and counting
ReplyDeleteLove the new blog look. And this post. Take me with you? I'm dying to go back!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Please please please come!! That would be so fun!
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