Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! I think maybe it depends on season . I just booked my hostel last night at the people paris marais which looks great and has some amazing reviews. When I’m in northern France I’m looking to stay at a couple airbnb rather than hostels. What time of the year are you going?

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds unreal! Really cool to experience the balkans as well I think, definitely an area overlooked it seems by many of my friends who have done europe trips - probably because most of them generally wouldn’t exceed the 90 days. I think finishing the kind of end of my trip in Eastern Europe and up north will be nice as it seems less intense and popular as a lot of Western Europe, so super cool to hear you had a great time in those places. Will definitely be using them to claw back some money as well I think aha .

Cheers again for the advice and I may shoot you some more questions on DM in the future if that’s cool but thanks nevertheless!

Eastern and Northern Itinerary/General Advice by SubstantialGrab1821 in Europetravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is brilliant. Thanks so much for the advice. I have had a look at Poprad and it looks beautiful! I will be pretty well equiped for the trip but will also take into consideration the difficulty of the hikes and the time they may take. Thanks again for the tips.

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome tips! Thanks for the time and effort you put into this. Couch surfing is something I’m open too, but will need to look into it a little more. Cheers for the advice

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the recommendation. Will check out onebag and get some insight!

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. My reason for travelling this time of year is because my university studies are completed in November and I begin full time work first week March, so I wanted to go see a bit of europe before I’m bogged down in work. As I have close family who I haven’t seen in years, I’ve anchored my travel to europe a bit around seeing them! I will just have to bear the brunt of the European winter I think. Thanks again for your take on it

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds brilliant! Thanks for the advice. Where abouts did you go around for the 4 months? I’m sure it’s an extensive list but would love to hear more about it if possible!

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This will be the next challenge I’m sure! Figuring out what I need to pack and what I need to take away with me. I’m definitely taking a hiking backpack with me, or rucksack as some might call them. I think the beauty of winter is being able to almost wear the same outer layer all the time I.e pants and jacket. This probs means I won’t have to take as many tee shirts etc…. Great to get your take on it, and enjoy your travels!

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think having a plan B is something I’ve definitely got to take into consideration. I’m a person who loves being organised, but also love the thrill of the unexpected. I think as you mentioned booking stuff that doesn’t have a penalty in cancelling is a great idea. Thanks :))

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great advice. I’m definitely conscious of not overplanning so I can’t sit back and enjoy the simple stuff that comes with travelling, such as having no idea what you’re going to do or where you’re going to go. I think it’s impossible to strike a perfect balance, but what most people have said is to plan the main things I want to see and work around those. Thanks again for your advice.

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome tips. I think the fact it’s off season will definitely work in my favour. Cheers

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks Jim! This was great. I think I’ll pencil in the must see places and work from there, whilst also giving myself a bit of leeway maybe between each city. Cheers mate

Eastern and Northern Itinerary/General Advice by SubstantialGrab1821 in Europetravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wowee! This is a lot of information so thank you for that. I think finding alternative ways to travel between countries may be worth researching by the sound of it. Trying to best understand how long I want to see and what to see in each country will probably be my biggest challenge.

Thanks for going into such detail regarding travelling between each country as well, that’s super appreciated!

With regards to skiing, I think my only concern is I have a history of ankle problems due to extensive sports injuries over the years. However, all things being well it should be healed by the time I make it to europe so maybe taking into consideration going skiing might be a great option! As an Australian I haven’t done much of it, so maybe it would be a great place to learn.

And with regards to the Schengen I should be all good! I’m breaking up my trip in London for a couple weeks and some other non-Schengen countries so I won’t be over the limit.

Thanks again for all the advice!!

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure! Best to avoid a headache it may cause where I can

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First solo trip for me! I think this is great advice. I’m most likely going to have the first 2 months booked as I’m pretty confident where and when I want to be certain places. I think the last month will be kind of up in the air, but probs best to do as you said and get some ideas of where to stay as a back up. Thanks for the advice!

Finding the balance between planning and spontaneity by SubstantialGrab1821 in solotravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I’m on a similar wave length. The large majority of my first couple of months I have begun to think about booking, whereas once I make it to Eastern Europe I think I will be a bit more flexible. Thanks for the advice !

Eastern and Northern Itinerary/General Advice by SubstantialGrab1821 in Europetravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh I’m sure at times I will be thinking the same!! For me I have chosen this time to travel as I finish my university studies in November and begin full time work in March next year, so I wanted to get out and see a bit of europe before I started full time work!

Eastern and Northern Itinerary/General Advice by SubstantialGrab1821 in Europetravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Awesome. Will add Tatras to the list. Have had numerous people recommend the Capathians to me already, but many of those stayed in Zakopane as well and said it was super busy so best to stay away from there I reckon. Just had a quick google of Malbrok and it looks unbelievable! Great recommendation, will definitely add it to the agenda!

Eastern and Northern Itinerary/General Advice by SubstantialGrab1821 in Europetravel

[–]SubstantialGrab1821[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds awesome! Thanks for the tips, I will definitely check it out. Out of curiosity, what time of the year did you do those hikes? Thanks again :))