Travelling/backpacking UK and other Euro spots

[joe_mullen]

agree with poland...cannot also go wrong with czech republic, hungary (specifically budapest) and croatia. all have world class sites but much cheaper, although not for long, than western europe. the cuisine and beer are unbelieveable. also, the women are absolutely stunning.

[Tiger]

I would also recommend Ireland. The scenery is amazing, especially northren ireland. Spent two weeks there, rent a car and drove around the island. I could have spent a month or two more

[4X4]

Originally Posted by joe_mullen

also, the women are absolutely stunning.

Truer words were never spoken.

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by joe_mullen

agree with poland...cannot also go wrong with czech republic, hungary (specifically budapest) and croatia. all have world class sites but much cheaper, although not for long, than western europe. the cuisine and beer are unbelieveable. also, the women are absolutely stunning.

You surrounded Slovakia geographically but did not mention it! Shame on you.

[Tiger]

Originally Posted by 4X4

-make a list of places you want to go. NOT AN ITENERARY

this is the most important. If you have a itenerary you are no longer flexible. I usually book a hotel for a day or two after I arrive, and then just have places I want to possibly go to after that.

[joe_mullen]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

You surrounded Slovakia geographically but did not mention it! Shame on you.

fair enough...i guess it matters what you're looking for. if you're into hiking, the slovak side of the high tatra mountains can't be beat. also, if you're looking into some even more off the beaten path places, ukraine and lithuania are great places to visit.

[Phanuthier]

Canada 02, I'm looking to do my own tour through Eastern Europe (unbeaten path). If you are wondering, mine goes as follows:

Slovania
Croatia
Hungary
Slovakia
Poland
Denmark (finish, use as a base of travel) / Oslo / Sweden / Finland

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Canada 02, I'm looking to do my own tour through Eastern Europe (unbeaten path). If you are wondering, mine goes as follows:

Slovania
Croatia
Hungary
Slovakia
Poland
Denmark (finish, use as a base of travel) / Oslo / Sweden / Finland

Slovenia really stood out for me on one trip. There were three of us and we all agreed that Slovenia was a highlight. Stay at Lake Bled if you can. We ended up staying there 3 days, when we were just passing through.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

Slovenia really stood out for me on one trip. There were three of us and we all agreed that Slovenia was a highlight. Stay at Lake Bled if you can. We ended up staying there 3 days, when we were just passing through.

Noted. I have Postojna and probably Ljublana on the list, any comments?

[Aeneas]

Close your eyes when you enter Ljubjana, try not to see the horrific suburbs. Much like any eastern city. The center is magical. The triple bridge leading across to the castle on the hill. Cafes lining the riverbank.
I have a picture I took near Postojna on the wall to my left! Are you going for caves or castle? Or both.
I don't think there is a better view than sitting on the beach at Lake Bled though, if you like old world meeting natural setting.
Maybe save time for other things and avoid Istria, if you are going to Croatia anyway.

Hungary: I loved Budapest. We stayed near Szekesfehervar, and that is a very attractive small city to the south. Didn't get to see much of Esztergom, Troutman kept me too inebriated. That small city and the Danube Bend would attract me next time.

Slovakia: Although Prague is likely top 3 on my list of Euro cities to visit, I really have a soft spot for Bratislava. It is a really attractive city...okay don't look across the Danube to the "land of apartment buildings", stay in the center. Absolutely see Devin, incredible archealogical site very close to Bratislava (actually walked through the woods to get there once from Bratislava). Slovakia is filled with castles, ruined and whole. As mentioned above the Tatra mountains on the Polish border are lovely. I think I stayed in Tatrica Lomnica, very nice. There are some horrific communist era hotels they put up in the 50's that are fun to look at too. The Slovak ladies...words fail me. Ask Flame Of Liberty.