My Recent Comments

1. I brought a suitcase and my travel buddy brought a backpack. For the most part, the suitcase was much easier. It really depends on your preference on getting up stairs. You are in a different hotel every other day and you will usually end up taking the stairs to your room unless you, a) get lucky and have a first floor room, or b) want to take turns using the elevator with the other 35 folks on your bus.

   The suitcase is much better for getting to and from the bus/hotel. The backpack is easier for getting up the stairs, unless you have especially strong biceps. And if you don’t, no worries, you will by the end of the trip.

   If I was able to go again, I would take a suitcase again.

   jennymac on Suitcase Vs Backpack 53 posted on May. 13, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

2. If you are trying to go on a medium-budget (you want to go on all of the excursions, but you’re planning on t-shirts for souveniers, not Swiss watches), I recommend coming up with a figure that you expect to spend and then tripling it (this should leave you with a little to get home on). Currency rates and unexpected costs generally arise when traveling and it is always better to take money home rather than take a loan from a travel buddy while abroad.

   Also, on the included food – I planned to eat a big breakfast and skip lunch in order to save money and it did not work out at all for me. Breakfasts usually include cereal and bread, not eggs, sausage and bacon. Unless you plan to be hungry during the day, you will most likely have to buy some sort of lunch each day.

   jennymac on How much spending money should I bring? - Europe 52 posted on May. 13, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate