[TubaMuffins]

so I am planning to go to some cities this April-May. I have friends studying in London England, Montpellier and Paris France, Cork Ireland, and Prague Czech Republic. For those of you who have visited or live in these places, what are some good things to see while I'm there? any good travel tips (I've never been to Europe)? I also heard that the Euro-Pass isn't worth it, instead its easier and cheaper to fly between countries, true? Any other advice? thanks, i'm erally excited.

[Spliff]

Originally posted by TubaMuffins:
so I am planning to go to some cities this April-May. I have friends studying in London England, Montpellier and Paris France, Cork Ireland, and Prague Czech Republic. For those of you who have visited or live in these places, what are some good things to see while I'm there? any good travel tips (I've never been to Europe)? I also heard that the Euro-Pass isn't worth it, instead its easier and cheaper to fly between countries, true? Any other advice? thanks, i'm erally excited.

In Europe, it's all good. Seriously, though, of the cities you've listed, I'd give Cork a pass. Better to visit Dublin, Galway, or Belfast. I used the bus a lot and I had a 2-week Euro-Rail pass for long distances, but that was 10 years ago when flights weren't so cheap and plentiful.

Try not to rush around too much. There is too much to see and you'll never see it all in one trip. Savour it. Try to spend some time in the countryside.

For example, I could spend months exploring London. I f**king love that city and would live there if I could.

A lot depends on what you enjoy doing. Do you like art galleries? Do you like hiking and wandering? All of Europe is a historical amusement park.

How long are you going for?

[TubaMuffins]

Originally posted by Spliff:
In Europe, it's all good. Seriously, though, of the cities you've listed, I'd give Cork a pass. Better to visit Dublin, Galway, or Belfast. I used the bus a lot and I had a 2-week Euro-Rail pass for long distances, but that was 10 years ago when flights weren't so cheap and plentiful.

Try not to rush around too much. There is too much to see and you'll never see it all in one trip. Savour it. Try to spend some time in the countryside.

For example, I could spend months exploring London. I f**king love that city and would live there if I could.

A lot depends on what you enjoy doing. Do you like art galleries? Do you like hiking and wandering? All of Europe is a historical amusement park.

How long are you going for?

Well, I am not gonna skip Cork cause that's where my (ex?)girlfriend is studying, but I do want to see London the most. I am planning on 3-4 weeks, depending on how much of work I can afford to take off. I would love to see all the touristy stuff and just go out with my friends (like the locals). I want to cram in a lot cause I don't know when I would ever go back and I can't go for a very long time.

[jnrjr79]

What sorts of things do you like to do? That would really help me answer the question. I lived in Paris for 5 months. I know France bashing is easy and common nowadays, but I think Paris is the greatest city in the world. If you're not a French speaker, just make sure you start conversations with, "Excuse me, do you speak English?" rather than just assuming everybody does or just talking loudly and slowly at people. That helps.

I tend to like the mid-tier museums there. The Louvre, though many people consider it a must, can certainly be a madhouse. The Musee D'Orsay is often more manageable. The Picasso museum is great. I also recommend visiting the Pere Lachaise cemetery.

What sorts of things are you interested in for restaurants/nightlife? There are a million options.

[Trygve]

I lived in Prague for a while. Smartwings is a good, inexpensive Czech airline www.smartwings.cz Prague is really nice, but the winters are long and grey. Cesky Krumlov in the south is a very nice small town too.

[paully dub]

For Cork, obviously Blarney. A friend of mine studied there and while it was nice, nothing really sticks out. That said if you need a place to stay (if you can't stay with the gf) I can't recommend the Garnish House higly enough. Right opposite the Uni, very friendly and the best, most wonderful breakfast in the history of mankind.

I have lived in Paris for the last 8 years. Ask away, restaurants, museums, neighborhoods, etc.

Saying "Bonjour" when you enter a shop or approach someone is the polite thing to do. "Au Revoir" when you leave. Anyone can at least learn that.

Paris is rather safe, but pickpockets DO exist. But this said they tend to go for the loud clueless tourist types.

My mind's a total blank. Happens.

[Mastrap]

As far as travel is concerned, Ryanair is your best best bet to get around. Ridiculously cheap flights if you book early enough. Just keep in mind that they don't fly to the main airports and that you will need to allow extra time to travel to and from.

Much cheaper than the train.

Keep in mind that London is now one of the most expensive cities on the planet. I lived in London for over 17 years, one of our reasons for finally leaving was cost. Having said that, it's a brilliant place and I hope you'll enjoy your stay there.

[paully dub]

Originally posted by Mastrap:
As far as travel is concerned, Ryanair is your best best bet to get around. Ridiculously cheap flights if you book early enough.

[voodoo]

Originally posted by Mastrap:
As far as travel is concerned, Ryanair is your best best bet to get around. Ridiculously cheap flights if you book early enough. Just keep in mind that they don't fly to the main airports and that you will need to allow extra time to travel to and from.

Much cheaper than the train.

Oh but it must be said that the trains are a sooooo much nicer and interesting way to travel through Europe with than the planes. I've been round the western EU from Denmark through Germany, Belgium, Holland, France and Spain (well duh ) with train and wow. The things you get to see, experience and generally enjoy better than going by jet.

Downside is that you must have pleny of time and plenty of €€€€€s.!!

Travel 1st class in the trains when possible. MmmmmmMmmmmm