Below are some of the resources that have been useful in planning our trip.
Accommodation
HotelClub.com
roomorama.com
eurocamp.co.uk
TripAdvisor.com
HostelWorld.com
Lonely Planet: Europe on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet: Western Europe
Lonely Planet: Central Europe
Equipment
Anaconda
Kathmandu
Bootsnall.com (There are some good posts on there about what to pack)
Lonely Planet's Thorntree Forum
REI.com
eBags
Transport
Kayak.com
seat61.com (THE ultimate web resource for train travel anywhere in the world)
Flight Centre
raileurope.com.au (Be wary of actually booking your tickets on this website, as it can charge a lot more than the country's rail website. It is useful for finding out times though.)
bahn.de (the German rail website, but it has a lot of content for rail trips in other countries too).
eurail.com
Where to go, what to do, what to see
TripAdvisor.com
wikitravel.com
Lonely Planet
visiteurope.com
timeout.com
Backpackeurope.com
Offtoeurope.com
Sandeman's Free Tours
Lonely Planet: Europe on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet: Western Europe
Lonely Planet: Central Europe
Destination Guides
I cannot recommend TripAdvisor and Wikitravel enough!
UK
www.visitbritain.com/
www.daysoutguide.co.uk
www.visitthecity.co.uk
www.timeout.com/london/
France
http://uk.franceguide.com/
http://www.tignes.net/en
http://www.beaune-burgundy.com/
http://www.paris.com/
Germany
http://www.germany.travel/en/index.html
http://www.welterbe-mittelrheintal.de (Very informative website about the Middle Rhine Valley)
http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/tourism.html
Belgium
http://www.visiteurope.com/Belgium
http://www.in-bruges.co.uk/
http://www.visitgent.be
Switzerland
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/home.html
http://www.mylauterbrunnen.com/
Italy
http://www.italia.it/en/home.html
http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/
http://www.revealedrome.com/
Austria
http://www.austria.info/au
http://www.salzburgerland.com/en/
http://www.salzburg.info/en/
Czech Republic
www.czechtourism.com/eng
http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/kaktualita.xml
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Exciting Progress & Travel Insurance
Guess what guess what? ...I have a passport! We picked it up the weekend before last, so now, I'm actually allowed out of the country and into other countries!
Today I also bought our travel insurance. It has been said in many places, not least of all the Australian Government's Smart Traveller website, that if you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel. After a bit of reading round I decided on Southern Cross Travel Insurance. They were the cheapest for what we needed, had a lower excess than some of the others and still had generous limits. Australia Post did offer a cheaper policy, but it only covered medical issues and not things like lost/stolen baggage, travel document replacement, delayed travel/change of travel plans etc. Obviously medical issues are the most financially crippling thing that need covering, but I think things like lost/stolen baggage and possible change of travel plans (trains/planes being delayed, etc) are more likely to happen, and I wanted that covered too.
When selecting your travel insurance, do make sure to read the policy carefully to see if it covers the activities you will be engaging in (some activities like winter sports, kayaking/white water rafting over a certain grade, abseiling etc may not be covered or may add extra cost to the policy if you choose to include them). Make sure if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, that these won't cause problems for your insurance either. The policy we took out automatically covered a list of what it deemed 'controlled' conditions (eg. asthma, diabetes, eczema, epilepsy, joint replacements etc) if your condition had not changed in the last 6 months. If you have a more problematic illness, it may not be covered by your policy or you may need to pay more to have it covered.
Make sure also that the maximum individual limits are likely to cover the items you're taking with you (cameras, laptops, electronic equipment, sporting equipment, etc). Our policy, while it may cover up to $15,000 in replacing lost/stolen baggage, will only cover $2000 for individual items, however you do the the option of specifying a few expensive items (up to $10,000 each) for no extra cost. Some policies might charge you extra to nominate more expensive items, or if you'd like to raise the limit of individual items in general, may need a more expensive policy. Since the most expensive item we're taking with us is our camera, worth around $1000, we are easily covered.
Other reasonable insurance providers I found were AAMI (probably my next choice after Southern Cross), World Nomads and Australia Post.
Today I also bought our travel insurance. It has been said in many places, not least of all the Australian Government's Smart Traveller website, that if you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel. After a bit of reading round I decided on Southern Cross Travel Insurance. They were the cheapest for what we needed, had a lower excess than some of the others and still had generous limits. Australia Post did offer a cheaper policy, but it only covered medical issues and not things like lost/stolen baggage, travel document replacement, delayed travel/change of travel plans etc. Obviously medical issues are the most financially crippling thing that need covering, but I think things like lost/stolen baggage and possible change of travel plans (trains/planes being delayed, etc) are more likely to happen, and I wanted that covered too.
When selecting your travel insurance, do make sure to read the policy carefully to see if it covers the activities you will be engaging in (some activities like winter sports, kayaking/white water rafting over a certain grade, abseiling etc may not be covered or may add extra cost to the policy if you choose to include them). Make sure if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, that these won't cause problems for your insurance either. The policy we took out automatically covered a list of what it deemed 'controlled' conditions (eg. asthma, diabetes, eczema, epilepsy, joint replacements etc) if your condition had not changed in the last 6 months. If you have a more problematic illness, it may not be covered by your policy or you may need to pay more to have it covered.
Make sure also that the maximum individual limits are likely to cover the items you're taking with you (cameras, laptops, electronic equipment, sporting equipment, etc). Our policy, while it may cover up to $15,000 in replacing lost/stolen baggage, will only cover $2000 for individual items, however you do the the option of specifying a few expensive items (up to $10,000 each) for no extra cost. Some policies might charge you extra to nominate more expensive items, or if you'd like to raise the limit of individual items in general, may need a more expensive policy. Since the most expensive item we're taking with us is our camera, worth around $1000, we are easily covered.
Other reasonable insurance providers I found were AAMI (probably my next choice after Southern Cross), World Nomads and Australia Post.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Gear
As I began researching for our trip, I came across the 'one-bag' concept - the idea, obviously, being to travel with only one bag (each). This seemed like a pretty achievable goal in my mind - I normally only travel with one bag, and thought it wouldn't be too hard to stick to for an overseas trip.
I then came across the idea of travelling with not only one bag, but one carry-on bag. I instantly dismissed this idea. Yes, I'm sure it's great for some people, but really, how could I achieve that? I couldn't possibly take everything I need for 7 weeks to Europe - even if it is Spring - they still have the temperatures of a Townsville winter!
But I kept reading, and kept coming across this idea. People who travelled the world, for a year - or more - with only a carry-on bag. And then I came across this girl's packing list for her carry-on bag. She can really fit all that in a carry-on bag? I thought. That's when I decided it was time to re-visit current carry-on bag size restrictions. I discovered most airlines have a limit of 105 - 115 linear centimetres. For JetStar in Australia, this means it cannot exceed 56 x 36 x 23cm (total 115cm). For RyanAir, the notoriously strict budget European airline, this means 55 x 40 x 20 (total 105cm). Limits tend to vary between 7 and 10kg. If you're not flying much, this means fewer airlines whose restrictions your bag has to meet.
And I decided that if they can do it, so can I. Andre decided he wasn't going to go that extreme, but I decided I would give it a shot. Most airlines allow you your main piece of carry-on luggage, and something smaller like a handbag, which is convenient. So I set about finding a backpack that would not only fit carry-on requirements, but that would maximise on space, and not be too expensive
I found it difficult. Australians have limited options - I found several great bags on the internet, but most were either available only in America or charged almost as much as the bag cost to ship to Australia. Combine that with the fact that Australian prices are so much more expensive than many other places in the world, and I was having trouble. I wanted something:
I finally found it. Kathmandu is generally not known for its cheap prices, but if you become a Summit Club Member and take advantage of the fantastic sales they have every so often, you can snag a bargain. So Andre and I both bought the Litehaul travel packs - I bought the 38L version and Andre got the 50L version. We scored them for 50% off, which brought mine down to around the $120 mark and Andre's to about $170. I have since seen them under $100. (This model is now out of stock and a new model is in, so it will probably be a while til the new model comes down in price). I have the blue one and Andre has a plain black one. (I actually wanted the grey and red one, in the middle, but our branch didn't stock that colour!)
Yes, the waist strap is removable and becomes the shoulder strap if you want to turn it into a shoulder bag!
The great thing about travelling with 2 people is that some things you don't need to take 2 of, so can be shared between the two bags. For example, we really only need one toiletries kit (just with two toothbrushes!) and one camera.
We also bought a new toiletries bag, as both our toiletries bags were too big for the scaled-down luggage we wanted to take. And so, due to their awesome sale and the fact we were members (add on the fact mum bought it off us to give to us as a Christmas present), we bought a Kathmandu toiletries bag too.
Throughout my reading I also came across packing cubes. They're more rectangular prisms, not cubes, so I don't know why they have that name, but they do. The idea is that it helps keep your gear separate and organised, so if you have to pull out something near the bottom of your bag, you haven't disrupted the entire bag's contents to get it out. It also stops little things from wriggling all the way down to the bottom. I thought they looked convenient but probably wouldn't have bothered buying any... except, again, we found them at Kathmandu on sale! I can't remember how much these cost us. 50% off maybe, or perhaps 3 for the price of 2, I'm not sure. (Edit: I found the receipt. They were 3 for the price of 1!) Anyway, they also ended up as Christmas presents (thanks Grandma and Grandad!)
If you don't live in Australia, there are some great websites where you can buy very similar items. I found myself drooling over many things at REI, Amazon and eBags. In Australia, Anaconda stocks some pretty good gear too.
And if you are interested, you can also find plenty of articles online about travel clothing, too - quick-dry, moisture-wicking, light-weight, etc. If I was going to travel the world for a year I would look seriously into getting clothes like that, but not for a 7 week holiday. Really not worth it.
I then came across the idea of travelling with not only one bag, but one carry-on bag. I instantly dismissed this idea. Yes, I'm sure it's great for some people, but really, how could I achieve that? I couldn't possibly take everything I need for 7 weeks to Europe - even if it is Spring - they still have the temperatures of a Townsville winter!
But I kept reading, and kept coming across this idea. People who travelled the world, for a year - or more - with only a carry-on bag. And then I came across this girl's packing list for her carry-on bag. She can really fit all that in a carry-on bag? I thought. That's when I decided it was time to re-visit current carry-on bag size restrictions. I discovered most airlines have a limit of 105 - 115 linear centimetres. For JetStar in Australia, this means it cannot exceed 56 x 36 x 23cm (total 115cm). For RyanAir, the notoriously strict budget European airline, this means 55 x 40 x 20 (total 105cm). Limits tend to vary between 7 and 10kg. If you're not flying much, this means fewer airlines whose restrictions your bag has to meet.
And I decided that if they can do it, so can I. Andre decided he wasn't going to go that extreme, but I decided I would give it a shot. Most airlines allow you your main piece of carry-on luggage, and something smaller like a handbag, which is convenient. So I set about finding a backpack that would not only fit carry-on requirements, but that would maximise on space, and not be too expensive
I found it difficult. Australians have limited options - I found several great bags on the internet, but most were either available only in America or charged almost as much as the bag cost to ship to Australia. Combine that with the fact that Australian prices are so much more expensive than many other places in the world, and I was having trouble. I wanted something:
- With a decent harness (shoulder straps and waist straps) but not an actual frame (far too bulky and heavy for a travel pack, rather than hiking backpack).
- With one compartment (not several compartments/pockets) to maximise on space and minimise weight.
- Which was panel-loading (like a suitcase) and not top-loading (like a hiking pack).
- And I was attracted to the idea of having a stow-away harness (ie, it can zip up into the back of the bag).
I finally found it. Kathmandu is generally not known for its cheap prices, but if you become a Summit Club Member and take advantage of the fantastic sales they have every so often, you can snag a bargain. So Andre and I both bought the Litehaul travel packs - I bought the 38L version and Andre got the 50L version. We scored them for 50% off, which brought mine down to around the $120 mark and Andre's to about $170. I have since seen them under $100. (This model is now out of stock and a new model is in, so it will probably be a while til the new model comes down in price). I have the blue one and Andre has a plain black one. (I actually wanted the grey and red one, in the middle, but our branch didn't stock that colour!)
Yes, the waist strap is removable and becomes the shoulder strap if you want to turn it into a shoulder bag!
The great thing about travelling with 2 people is that some things you don't need to take 2 of, so can be shared between the two bags. For example, we really only need one toiletries kit (just with two toothbrushes!) and one camera.We also bought a new toiletries bag, as both our toiletries bags were too big for the scaled-down luggage we wanted to take. And so, due to their awesome sale and the fact we were members (add on the fact mum bought it off us to give to us as a Christmas present), we bought a Kathmandu toiletries bag too.
Throughout my reading I also came across packing cubes. They're more rectangular prisms, not cubes, so I don't know why they have that name, but they do. The idea is that it helps keep your gear separate and organised, so if you have to pull out something near the bottom of your bag, you haven't disrupted the entire bag's contents to get it out. It also stops little things from wriggling all the way down to the bottom. I thought they looked convenient but probably wouldn't have bothered buying any... except, again, we found them at Kathmandu on sale! I can't remember how much these cost us. 50% off maybe, or perhaps 3 for the price of 2, I'm not sure. (Edit: I found the receipt. They were 3 for the price of 1!) Anyway, they also ended up as Christmas presents (thanks Grandma and Grandad!)If you don't live in Australia, there are some great websites where you can buy very similar items. I found myself drooling over many things at REI, Amazon and eBags. In Australia, Anaconda stocks some pretty good gear too.
And if you are interested, you can also find plenty of articles online about travel clothing, too - quick-dry, moisture-wicking, light-weight, etc. If I was going to travel the world for a year I would look seriously into getting clothes like that, but not for a 7 week holiday. Really not worth it.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Welcome!
Basically, this blog will be my chance to record our trip around Europe, as well as an opportunity for friends and family to follow along. I'm also hoping it will be a useful resource for other people planning their holidays too. I'm not very sure how often we will get internet access and, therefore, update, while we are away, but a lot of our accommodation does have free wifi and sometimes even computers, so hopefully it will not be too infrequent!
I'm intending to not only cover where we are going and what we're doing and seeing, but also the equipment and resources we have used both in the planning of the holiday and the holiday itself.
So, let's get started shall we?
I'm intending to not only cover where we are going and what we're doing and seeing, but also the equipment and resources we have used both in the planning of the holiday and the holiday itself.
So, let's get started shall we?
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