Another please help me plan my EUROPE trip!!

[sagesavannah]

Please help me think this through....

 

I'm planning on going with my 15 yo daughter to Europe late October and could use some help with tips and suggestions. We are planning on over a month and will visit Rome, then Venice, take the Bernini Express through Switzerland and maybe stay a night in Zurich (anyone ever done this) and then meet hubby in Paris, and then Amsterdam.

We will be doing things as minimally as possible with some parts of the trip as far as budget for food and hotel goes, only bring carry on backpacks, and will need to do laundry every few days, as well as trying to eat very budget friendly, going to grocery stores if possible.

 

The plan is to fly into Rome stay for 8-9 days, we want to go to do Pompeii, the Coluseum, the Vatican and what else is worth going to? We are trying to go for as budget friendly as possible, so I'm thinking of staying in hostels while there... any experience with them? How safe, and clean are they? What tips do you have for staying in one?

How is the transportation around the city? I don't know any Italian, and have a really hard time navigating maps, will I be ok? When we visited Europe a few years ago, I had a hard time getting my phone to get a European plan... I have no idea what my husband did but it took a few days. Do I need to buy a burner phone, as I don't want it to cost a lot of $$

Any other tips would be appreciated!!

 

Next we'll take a train to Venice and stay for 4 days, what should be on our list there? How are the hostels there? Will it be easy to buy food at grocery stores there as well?

 

Next on to Tirano by train to catch the Bernina Express, which Will take us through the Swiss alps and maybe stop for the night in Zurich. Please tell me your experiences with this.

Next onto Paris where we'll meet with hubby, (we've been there before) stay for 8-9 days, and then to Amsterdam where we'll stay with friends for 5 days before coming home.

 

 

So a

Few questions- does this sound like a good plan or is it packing too much into it?

I've never traveled alone in Europe before and am a little nervous.... anyone done this with their kids successfully?

Do I need to purchase the Euraile pass, or just a train pass for Italy to get from Rome, then Venice, then Tirano? The Bernina Express I don't believe is covered under that or is it?

I believe the train from Paris to Amsterdam is not offered as part of that deal.

 

We would need hostels most likely in Rome and Venice only, any experience?

A little nervous about taking my 15 yo daughter into a hostel but I've had plenty of friends that do them.

Best suggestions for food in all city's for as cheap as possible. We aren't unfortunately going For the food, so please share your best tips for this.

 

Are bathrooms, fountains, etc readily available in Italy?

 

Suggestions for top things to see and do in each place?

And Pompeii.... suggestions and tips, how to get there...

How does the Public transportation work in Rome and Venice?

Do I really need a gondola ride or is there a cheaper option?

Any other tips for packing, and saving money would be greatly appreciated!! This is a big deal for me to take dd.

[whitestavern]

I am planning my own family's trip to Europe this summer and have found the Trip Advisor forums to be AMAZINGLY helpful! They are sorted by location, so separate your trip into your different locations (get as specific as possible, ie city name versus region) then you can basically google "Paris trip advisor forum." Do a quick skim through some pages to gather information (there's also a search function) and if your questions haven't been answered, post a question. The Paris one especially can get a little cantankerous, so be sure your question hasn't been answered a million times. Don't just ask "where should I stay" type questions. The more specific you can get the better your answers will be. For example, if you don't find any information about hostels, you could ask "which Paris hostels are most centrally localized and safest for mom and teen"

 

We're doing Paris, Swiss Alps, Cinque Terre, and Florence, so if you have specific questions about those areas I'm happy to try to answer any questions you might have :)  We ended up renting apartments via vrbo or airbnb so that we have a kitchen. I figure we can grab at least breakfast and either lunch or dinner at home, which will save us $$ on meals. The apartments were less expensive than hotels, especially since a lot of hotels only have rooms for 2 people.

 

I also got a TON of guide books out of the library, poured over them, and took copious notes. They were super helpful.

 

Good luck! I'm really looking forward to our trip, though I admit to being a little bit nervous too.

 

[Amira]

No advice from me, but hopefully more people will be able to give you some if it's back on the main page.

[J-rap]

Hello, I don't have time to write much right now, but wanted to give you a suggestion on where to stay in Rome. 

 

http://www.the-beehive.com

 

It's a very nice hostel that also has private rooms, and even a little cafe.  It's within walking distance from the main train station, and is safe.  (If you arrive at the airport, you can take either a train or bus from the airport to the main train station/terminal.)

 

I haven't been there myself, but my kids have;  I'm their travel agent.   ;)

 

ETA:  Meant to say that my kids were in a room there with access to a kitchen, so they could cook their own meals.

 

 

Edited March 23, 2017 by J-rap

[diplomum]

No big advice. 8-9 days in Rome is a lot. Pompeii is near Naples, not Rome, but you can take a train to Naples and then get on the small train to Pompeii. I'd split your time between Rome and Naples/Pompeii/Amalfi coast. For cheaper accommodation near Pompeii, stay in a village one or two train stops closer to Naples than the the actual Pompeii train stop. The whole area is very depressed (but achingly beautiful) and prices for food, meals, accommodation are a fraction of Rome prices.

[tdbates78]

I've traveled extensively throughout Europe for years. We leave in 2 weeks for our daughters' first European adventure and I can't wait! We are doing Grindelwald (Swiss Alps), Alsace (France), Paris and Bavaria.

 

Okay so for Rome, one of my absolute favorite places. Check out Ostia Antica. It's a really interesting, huge, unearthed settlement. Much much less crowded than Pompeii and you can take the metro from Rome and be there in about half an hour. http://www.ostia-antica.org

 

I cannot recommend highly enough to book the scavi tour u see St. Peters. It's limited to only a few tours a day in English and you have to email the Vatican for a requested tour. They will get back to you with a date and time and, trust me, it's worth planning your itinerary around. There are several churches that St. Peters is built on top of, a d the tour commences at the spot they believe St.Peter is buried. Not many know about the tour http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20090216_en.html. It's fascinating and we've done it three times.

 

The pyramid of Cestius is pretty cool and not well visited http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/pyramid-of-cestius/

 

I personally disagree on 8-9 days in Rome being a lot. We've been four separate times and still haven't seen it all. Granted we love ancient history. If you find yourself wanting to get out of the city, consider day trips to Orvieto, Siena or Assisi.

 

Not sure a Rail pass would be a great idea. Trains in Italy are fairly inexpensive. You would have to price out your entire trip to see if it's worth it.

 

Bathrooms are usually easy enough to find but always keep change because you may be asked to tip or pay to use them.

 

In Rome, be careful when spending money. We've been "accidently" overcharged twice. Review receipts carefully and do not be afraid to call them out on it. Good in Rome is expensive and, for the most part, not that great because they cater to tourists. To save money, visit the Campo di Fiori market for picnic supplies of frequent the takeaway pizza places or head out of the main tourist areas.

 

Many times you can rent through VRBO and save money, especially on food, as you will have a kitchen. This is especially the case in Switzerland, where things in general are a lot more expensive.

 

Zurich isn't all that interesting. If possible, consider staying the night in Interlaken or Lucerne instead. You will get much more of a mountain feel.

 

We we using our phone (T-Mobil) and getting a new SIM card in Europe to avoid the high international fees. There are many websites that can explain the pros/cons of cell phones abroad better than I can. Here is one http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/using-your-cell-phone-in-europe,190/

 

Hope some of this helps!

Edited March 24, 2017 by tdbates78

[Lanny]

If you are U.S. Citizens, PLEASE REGISTER with the ACS (American Citizen Services unit) in the U.S. Embassy in each country you are going to visit. You can do that on the web site of the Embassy.  If you are going to multiple countries, hopefully you can do that on State.Gov and do it in one session. Enjoy your trip!

[HomeAgain]

For Rome, we stayed in an apartment.  We got it through Booking.com   It was cheap, much cheaper than a hotel, and very convenient to the metro, a grocery, cafes, and some of the main sites.  We did splurge for the City Pass.  You can get them in different increments (1 day, 3 day, a week..) and it gets you on the metro and into different sites.  With the Colosseum we were waved right in instead of standing in a long line of people waiting.  The Capuchin Crypt (bone church) is not on the pass but worth going to see if you get a chance.     It is absolutely fascinating.  So are the gardens. 

 

Transportation is VERY easy.  If you can read a basic map you can do well.  I think Rome only has two metro lines, which makes that simple, and Venice is all by water bus.  Stand near the outside of the boat so you can see the stops, but if not it's a lovely city to get "lost" in (see if you can find the lego Donald Duck ;) ).  When you get tickets for the train from the kiosk, especially if it's the frecciargento, check to see if you can get assigned seating.  If you choose no, it will assign seating for you and you may not both be in the same cabin. 

Venice is not as easy in the food department.  Remember, everything comes in by boat so it's going to be more expensive.  Water is quite dear, whereas in Rome you fill your bottle on any corner for free.  Drink wine or soda there, and bring euro coin for the public bathrooms.  They won't open without a 1-2 euro payment.  If you want good, cheap gelato, face the church in San Marco Square.  Look directly to your left and there's a set of alleyways.  Wander down one until you reach the end, and if you go about a block to your right there is a tiny gelato shop on the corner that sells cones for less than 2 euro.  Venice is also 10 degrees off from the mainland.  If it's summer, it will be warmer on the islands.  If it's winter, it will be colder.  Plan well.  You can probably get a place in Venice Mestre (mainland) for cheaper than any of the islands, but it may depend on the time of year.

Paris - I suggest getting to the Louvre before it opens.  We walked in when it was empty, and within 20 minutes after they opened the door the place was swamped.  We got to take those 20 minutes and see the immediates on our list and then wander the less famous exhibits for the next 6 hours.

We've done this with kids and they're very good at finding their way and using a backup plan.  I lost my 11yo in Venice when the water bus cut me off after I got him on, but he went to the square and waited patiently for me to arrive on the next one.

Most Europeans, especially in the tourist cities, will know some English.  I think you and your daughter will be just fine.  :)  We'll be taking our 8yo back with us to Paris next year so I'm anxious to see how your trip goes and what works well for you!

 

[Beth S]

Just chiming in, because I can't help myself.  :)

Five years ago, then-18yo DD and I enjoyed a 2 week trip to Britain & France . . . and I just highly recommend taking your trip together.

You Will Have An Amazing Time.

Even if you miss connections, things are delayed (3 hrs stuck right outside the Chunnel), can't do everything on your list.

Your daughter's the perfect age, & it will be totally worth this Planning Phase and the money (we went Super-Thrifty as well).

Enjoy!

[sagesavannah]

Thank you so much everyone for the suggestions, not sure how to directly reply and quote on my phone...

 

A quick question- where do you buy a European SIM card from? We are flying into Rome, and will get there probably late and very tired. Is this readily available at places? Any idea of the cost?

 

My daughter and I LOVE history and art, so I think Rome will be amazing to see, thank you for the suggestions about visiting a he Vatican as well.

 

Any other suggestions or tips I would appreciate it! Thanks again!

[tdbates78]

The Vatican museums can have crazy long lines. I suggest ordering tickets online to bypass the line. Or better yet consider a tour. Context Roma does great tours and you would get much more out of your trip.

 

We rent apartments in Paris as well. On our upcoming trip we have four different apartments reserved. Its great, especially with kids. After a long day of sightseeing its nice to spread out and maybe have some alone time.

 

We've gotten SIM cards in Europe bit I think you can by them here? Another thing we did, on our last trip to Turkey, was by an unlocked international phone on ebay with prepaid minutes. It was cheap and easy.

 

I've only been to Venice once, awhile back, so I'm of no help there.

 

You will have an amazing time!

[mommyoffive]

We are in the mist of planning ours

 

some sites I have found helpful

 

a blog I read and they are going to Europe

 

rootofgood.com   lots of great advice!  how he bought a sim card is on there

 

 

rick steves has great advice

 

 

about trains

http://www.seat61.com/

 

 

 

another blog with lots of detailed info

 

http://www.adventureswithfamily.com/travel/my-trips/europe/

[shawthorne44]

You sound like me.  The Naples museum is totally awesome if you are into Ancient Rome.    Vatican museum is awesome too even if aren't religious.  They have a ton of the Roman statues there.  

 

One thing I do to save food money in Europe is to carry fruit and deli sandwich fixings.   Laughing cow cheese is spreadable and moist so it works instead of mayo.  You only buy enough for a day or two at a time and don't worry about refrigeration.  You carry it in a plastic shopping bag and it helps you to blend-in as a non-tourist.  

Whenever you make long transitions try to take an overnight train and get a sleeping reservation.  Not a sleeping cabin, but those cool things the trains have there where three cots are on each side of the room on the train.  

Then when you get to your destination go to the hostel and ask to leave your stuff.  You can leave your stuff in the locker and take a shower while you are there.  

 

Take small bottles of Woolite.  Whenever you will be spending at least 24 hours in a hostel, wash your clothes with woolite in the sink, rinse, wring, and then leave to dry on a towel on your bed.  taking your clothes to a laundromat is a waste of time when vacationing.  

 

You can totally travel Europe with a school-sized backpack per person as long as you don't camp outside.  

 

My absolute favorite all-purpose outfit for Europe is a long loose skirt with bike shorts underneath.   The bike shorts keep the legs from rubbing, and the skirt lets you go anywhere.   Then you add a shirt that covers your shoulders and you can go from hiking to a nice restaurant without changing.  I have peasant skirts, but if you were buying something a maxi-shirt would be probably be what was available.  

 

There is little book

https://www.amazon.com/City-Secrets-Rome-Essential-Insiders-ebook/dp/B0056IJKF2/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490286331&sr=1-2&keywords=secrets

That I'd highly recommend.  They asked the art history professors, etc what they showed visitors in Roma, then complied the list.  So, it isn't a normal travel book.  The original version that I had listed some special things you can see if you ask nicely way ahead of time.  

I'd also pare down your electronics to what you really need, and then buy local cords for them before you go.  
 

Take all your toiletry liquids in small containers and toss as they are finished.  

eta:  some bits about Roma that a local told me.  I don't know if it is true.  

 

In the Vatican there is this giant thing covering the opening to the tomb.   It is made of copper pulled from the Coliseum.   They say, "The pope took what the barbarians left"   

 

There is a famous statue, the Trevi fountain.  The sculptor was a competitor/enemy of the architect for the nearby building.   Neptune has his arm up because he thinks the building will fall on him.  

Edited March 23, 2017 by shawthorne44

[Bootsie]

Zurich can be incredibly expensive.  I have taken college students there and have had difficulty finding places for them to eat on a college budget (and I have had trouble finding places to feed my family on a family budget--even grocery stores are expensive).   There is a train that goes from Rome or Venice to Innsbruck, Austria.  Innsbruck would give you the feel of the Alps without the expense of Switzerland. (it is about 3 hours east of Zurich) It is more of a college town and tourist center, while Zurich is more of a business city.  Public transportation within Austria and Switzerland is fantastic (but much more expensive in Switzerland).

 

Four days sounds like a lot of time to stay in Venice unless you have some particular things you plan to do there that will require that length of stay.

 

Most smart phones will not work in Europe.  You will want to check with your carrier to see what type of plan you need.  T-Mobile has free texting within most of Europe.

 

Check out "partner" train tickets for when two people are travelling together.  However, you may come out ahead with your daughter getting a student pass at a cheaper rate than adults pay.

[sagesavannah]

Can I ask why everyone thinks 8 days in Rome and 4 days in Venice is too much?

I've never been there, so I'm not sure how long everyone stays.... I don't want to be super rushed but on the other hand if there's other things to see in Italy, close enough by, please let me know!!! I know really nothing about the area.

Open to all suggestions!!

Thanks!

Edited March 23, 2017 by sagesavannah

[shawthorne44]

Can I ask why everyone thinks 8 days in Rome and 4 days in Venice is too much?...

 

They are heathens.    Kidding,  Kidding.  Mostly.  

 

I don't know about Venice.  It had been out of my budget, so I basically passed through.   But, Roma 8 days sounds like not enough.   

[tdbates78]

Can I ask why everyone thinks 8 days in Rome and 4 days in Venice is too much?

I've never been there, so I'm not sure how long everyone stays.... I don't want to be super rushed but on the other hand if there's other things to see in Italy, close enough by, please let me know!!! I know really nothing about the area.

Open to all suggestions!!

Thanks!

I posted that I completely disagree about 8 days in Rome being too long. 2500 years of history...8 days barely scratches the surface :) Edited March 24, 2017 by tdbates78

[diplomum]

Re my 8 days in Rome comment. It's possible to "hit the highlights" in a couple of busy days, with a couple extra days to slow the pace and enjoy the atmosphere. We stayed five days and it was perfect, though I'd been a couple times before (kids and husband had not). It's just a preference. If you want to see Pompeii, it was just a suggestion that taking some of the Rome time might be a way to do it, as it would still leave you ample time to explore a lot of Rome.

 

Re SIM cards: they are often available at the airport once you are through security and customs. In many places in Europe they cost only a euro or two and you can just add some credit to the card and use right away. You can usually top up in any grocery or convenience type store. Unfortunately, I don't know the specifics of SIM cards in Italy, but this is the case for the UK and Germany. Hope it helps!

[Bootsie]

My daughter has done two study abroad programs in Rome.  Her university owns a campus there.  One place they recommend looking for cost effective accommodations in Rome is through Monastery Stays (https://www.monasterystays.com)  Simple, relatively inexpensive rooms are available.  I will be going to Italy with my daughter in May, so I can let you know more about Rome after that.  In the meantime, I will ask my daughter for any tips she might have.

[PeppermintPattie]

We were in Venice for 5 days, and it wasn't enough. There are public transportation boats that go around the city that are cheap, convenient, and relaxing. One night we sat up front and rode a long time just to see the city and the lights. It was very romantic! You can buy a couple day ride-the-boat-all-you-want pass. The downside to Venice is the expense. Food is super high, but there are grocery stores, and if you have access to a kitchen, that helps.

 

I never mind staying outside of a city and taking public transportation in, since usually hotels or apartments and food all cost less half an hour away from the tourist site. Going in October should be a good money-saver! Just be sure to check typical weather conditions, especially for Switzerland.

 

Rick Steves' books are my favorite, and his website has fun forums to read.

[Miss Tick]

I'm in Europe and my smartphone is working great! I don't make voice calls often even at home, so I signed up for my US carrier's international plan, which includes free texting and choose places to stay that have Wi-Fi (although it is pretty readily available these days).

 

Before I set out with my kids on a daytrip I download an "offline" map of where I'm going from Google. It can't navigate, but it will show me real-time where I am and I can zoom in to building level.

[lovinmyboys]

Check with your us phone plan. I am in Germany now and using my US phone. Free texting and data. It has worked in Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Germany so far.