Talk to me about Europe

loveislouder

My FI has always wanted to go back to Germany to see his family, so I thought why don't I surprise him with a trip for our first or second  anniversary, depending on how much it's going to cost.

Here are some things I'm not sure of:

1) I've never traveled on my own. Like, I went to Paris with my high school French class but I have no idea what it actually entails to travel across the world.

2) Does anyone have any clue what it might actually cost? I googled a few vacation websites and they say anywhere between $1,200 and $2,000 for flights and hotels. What do you budget  for food and spending, or should I go all inclusive? Can you even go all inclusive to a place that's not Mexico?

3) How would you feel if your spouse surprised you with a trip? Would you be mad because they squirreled away $100.00 a pay cheque, as long as all the bills are being paid and nothing is being defaulted on?

ETA: 4) Am I being ignorant about anything in particular? Like, am I missing a really important part of this decision or anything else?

Thanks guys

theartistformerlyknownas

Traveling on your own is... IDK, you just figure it out the same way you figured out getting around in your own city. I've always found it pretty easy to figure out mass transit. Cabbies have been very sketchy IME, and I always have to be diligent about watching the route because they'll take the long way on purpose.

Flights to Europe, IME, tend to be between $800-1200 depending on when and where you go. I think our flights to Spain were $900. Hotel rates in the places I've stayed have been comparable to here, between about $80-150/night depending on the city. I would not book through a vacation website, and I don't think you're going to find an all-inclusive in Germany. You'd miss out on all the best parts of traveling that way anyway - finding the hidden gems and local culture.

I would love it if my H surprised me with something like this, as long as it wasn't cutting into other necessities or things we've agreed to save for.

bethsmiles

I can only speak to question 3 because I've never had the opportunity (or funds) to do any international travel but I would be thrilled if my SO surprised me with a trip.

MadHops21

I'm going to watch this thread, but I'm having the same thoughts for London and Italy for our honeymoon. Germany will be an anniversary trip. 

AprilH81

loveislouder said:

My FI has always wanted to go back to Germany to see his family, so I thought why don't I surprise him with a trip for our first or second  anniversary, depending on how much it's going to cost.

Here are some things I'm not sure of:

1) I've never traveled on my own. Like, I went to Paris with my high school French class but I have no idea what it actually entails to travel across the world.

2) Does anyone have any clue what it might actually cost? I googled a few vacation websites and they say anywhere between $1,200 and $2,000 for flights and hotels. What do you budget  for food and spending, or should I go all inclusive? Can you even go all inclusive to a place that's not Mexico?

3) How would you feel if your spouse surprised you with a trip? Would you be mad because they squirreled away $100.00 a pay cheque, as long as all the bills are being paid and nothing is being defaulted on?

ETA: 4) Am I being ignorant about anything in particular? Like, am I missing a really important part of this decision or anything else?

Thanks guys

1) International travel isn't that difficult (especially if one or both of you speak German in this case).  You will go through customs and immigration on your arrival into Europe no matter where you land first.  You will need valid passports but I don't think you will need Tourist Visas (check with the Department of State).  Most signs in airports are in multiple languages so it shouldn't be too difficult.

2) Cost can be as cheap or expensive as you want.  Plane tickets will vary widely depending on where you are flying from and the time of year.  Summer travel from the US to Europe is usually pretty expensive but I've heard reports that this year should be "cheaper".  You can stay in a hostel for super cheap or a 5 star hotel depending on your budget.

3) I'm the planner in the marriage so it would never happen.  LOL  A trip this big would be hard to do 100% surprise because you would need to make sure you have valid passports, time off work, and all of that good stuff.

I would probably save my money and when you have a good chunk of it saved present him with the idea.  "I've been saving my money for awhile and I would like to pay for us to go to Germany to visit your family.  We have X available, when do you want to go?"

classicalandedgy

Traveling to Europe is awesome and I think that your husband would be super thrilled provided 1. It doesn't effect any other bills etc.. and 2.  That he an actually get the time off from work at the time it is scheduled.

 

Traveling and experiencing the local culture/ customs etc... is part of the fun. Buy a few travel books, they will give you a good place to start from.  Ditto to lolo, doubtful about all inclusive in Germany.  You can go to any site like orbitz or expedia and put in your estimated dates of travel to get an idea of current airfare, but be warned airfare prices can change dramatically overtime, so what you see today may not be what you get when you're ready to book in six months. 

I have found hotel prices to be relatively equivalent to the States and food too.  Budget for food as if you were planning on eating out three meals a day in a moderate priced restaurant and then maybe a splurge for one night.  Also, budget for any admission fees if you are sight seeing, transportation, any shopping for souvenirs etc...   I always budget for more than I think I will need so I don't feel as if I'm hitting my max.  Also, think about if you want to rent a car, or go to any other countries by train, so plan of budgeting for that as well.  For instance, last time I was in Paris I took the train to London for a few days too, then went back to Paris.  Make sure his and your passport is up date at least six months between it's expiration and your travel dates.  If he doesn't have one, your plans may be spoiled because he will have to apply for his own passport.   

theartistformerlyknownas

I like to find a fruit stand and bakery for cheap breakfasts/snacks. Every morning in Barcelona we'd walk to the little bakery around the corner for a ham and cheese croissant and cappuccino while we listened to the locals chat over the newspaper and picked up their daily loaf of bread. Then we'd stop by the market for a few apples and bananas and big bottle of water to throw in a backpack and be on our way. Saved a lot of money versus an actual restaurant, or buying snacks from vendors closer to the tourist attractions. 

novella1186

Depending on how long you're going, I would plan to save at least $5,000 to cover everything. 

For example, we're going to Italy in a few months, and our plane tickets cost a total of about $2,300. Which is pretty normal. Our hotel for 5 nights is a total of about $800 ($149 per night but then taxes, fees, etc). We haven't booked a hotel for the other 3 nights yet because we haven't decided on which city to be in. 

Then there's local transportation. There's a pretty good rail system in Europe so you can get to a lot of places inexpensively by train, or by bus, or by Metro, but cab rides get expensive. 

Then there's food, drinks, museum entrance fees, other entertainment, and souvenirs.

You can find much less expensive hotels than the one we booked. I stayed in a beautiful, very nice hotel in Portugal a few years ago that was only $50 per night and I split the cost with my friend, so $25 per night, and it was right in the heart of the city. But then we booked an overnight train from Portugal to Paris and got screwed on the tickets that were $150 per person and weren't covered by our rail passes, of course. 

When I spent a month in Europe, I think my total costs were around $8,000-- including everything. But I traveled between countries a lot, and did a lot of shopping. And I had never traveled alone outside the country before that, but it was very easy. If you can read a map and a train schedule and keep track of your passport, you're fine. 

You go to ATMs to withdraw money because the exchange rates are way better and then you have cash on hand but you can withdraw small amounts in case you get pick-pocketed, etc. There's lots of little tricks like that that make travel in Europe so simple and easy. No big deal!  

jenna8984

I went all over with my parents when I was growing up so it was a little weird the first time I flew to Greece by myself. I was so used to just following my parents around and not really paying attention. But it was super easy and really nothing to worry about. I really suggest yu go to a travel agent though. They will know the best areas for hotel (near restaurants and shops, and safe) and they'll be able to book you airport transfers. I always prefer transfers, I get anxiety thinking about just showing up and finding a taxi. What if flights get delayed and get in at 1am? Your transfer will be there but a taxi won't.

Like others said- price will depend greatly on time of year and what cities you go to. Our trip to London next month is about half the price that they were in summertime. Plane tickets are generally around $700 in winter and up to $1400 in summer. We are personally picky and like to go "all out" on vacations, so we normally stay in places that are around $250 a night but of course there are decent ones for less. So, I guess if I had to give you a ballpark, I'd say $3,000 winter $4,500 summer (including everything). There are no all inclusive resorts as far as I know. Just like there are no all inclusives with food in say, NYC.

The surprise part is a little tricky and maybe even impossible. I tried it for an ex a few years ago. I told him which days to get off work and he did. But then once it was about 3 days before he really needed to know what to pack. Beach? Snow? Hiking? He wanted to look up restaurants and sites and be prepared. I kinda had to tell him, but he was still excited. Plus if he's been there before, he might prefer to give input. What if you book a hotel and he's like "oh, I hate that side of the city" or what if he says "I've already been there, I'd rather spend money on somewhere new". I think if you went on these trips all the time it would be easier to just chose something yourself, but for something big and special that you guys don't do often, he will probably want input.

climbingsingle

International travel isn't that difficult. Make sure you passports and valid and not expired. Make sure your tickets are booked exactly the way your passport displays your name. 

We flew to Italy in September for around $1200 I think. We booked an apartment in Florence through Airbnb for 10 days, which came out to just under $1000. One of the great things about having an apartment was that we didn't have to eat out for every meal. We had a full kitchen and we cooked quite a few meals. 

I would love to be surprised with a trip. 

Also, get yourself a Fodor's book for the area you want to visit. They'll have a lot of helpful tips. 

blabla89

1) Eh, you figure it out. Decide where you want to go and then figure out how to get there. Is his family in a major city? Could they pick you up from the airport? Would you spend the entire trip with his family, or would you travel around to other places?

2) Cost depends so much on where and when you're going. Figure that out, and start pricing flights on Kayak and hotels on Tripadvisor. Depending on what cities you want to visit, look into EuRail passes or individual trips (trains in Germany are a bit expensive ) All inclusive probably isn't a good option if you want to get out and see things, but a hotel and airfare package might be worth looking into. (ETA: I say all inclusive isn't a good option because I don't know how many all inclusive places there are in Germany, and also because you can save more if you're in control of all the individual costs. I second Climbing's recommendation for airbnb which generally comes out to cost less than a hotel.)

3) I guess this really depends on your spouse's attitude toward money. I don't recommend booking anything until you've gotten a thumbs up from your H. You could go ahead and save up the money and surprise him with the offer, though.

ETA: 4) Passports! If you don't have them already, make sure you factor that into the cost of the trip.

kat1114

I think everyone has covered everything pretty well, but don't forget to factor in the exchange rate. Right now it isn't too bad (I think 1 Euro = about .87 cents), but the Euro is starting to climb again, which could make things more expensive for you.

Bubblegum5586

My best friend was just surprised with a trip to Hawaii by her husband (their fav place). She was unable to get work off that week though and is now leaving her job over it (she has been wanting to leave for awhile so this was finally her motivation to just do it... and she already has another job lined up when she gets back) and she is missing a concert that we were supposed to go together that I was super excited for.

So it is super awesome and she can't wait to go, but sometimes its a good idea to check dates with the other person!

blabla89

kat1114 said:

I think everyone has covered everything pretty well, but don't forget to factor in the exchange rate. Right now it isn't too bad (I think 1 Euro = about .87 cents), but the Euro is starting to climb again, which could make things more expensive for you.

Yes! This is important!

However, it's the other way around: $1 = 0.87 euro, so 1 euro = $1.15 right now (and yes, it's going back up) so be sure to account for the exchange rate if you're looking at prices listed in euros.

STARMOON44

I would HATE to be surprised by a trip so very very much. Especially to a destination I'm familiar with when the trip is planned by my travel novice partner. This would rob me of all the fun of planning and contributing to setting the itinerary and getting excited.

I'm trying to say I wouldn't mind you saving up the money to pay for it, but I think I actually would. Because we're a team and I want us to be saving together. Maybe if you started a seed fund, got a few hundred dollars in there and the surprise was "hey I think we can actually afford this in a couple years!"

But in general unless you 100% know that someone would love a surprise I think especially expensive ones are just a terrible terrible plan.

STARMOON44

Oh also to start figuring out how it would actually work, I'd highly recommend getting Rick Steves' Guide to Germany from the library/bookstore. He has lots of really practical information. I find a comprehensive guidebook is much easier for initial trip planning and then the internet for more details later on.

CMGragain

I have traveled the world, but mostly by cruise ship.  If it weren't for DH, I would have traveled on my own.  DH is a nervous traveler, and cruise ships make him feel secure. Where in Germany does your FI want to visit?  There are great riverboat cruises on the major rivers, but they are very expensive.
Germany is an easy country for Americans to travel.  In the cities, many people speak English.  Buy a copy of Rick Steves guide to Germany.  It gives lots of practical travel advice.
My husband and I never do anything without consulting each other.  I plan the trips, but with DH's approval.  He loved Singapore!  He refuses to go to any place in Africa.  Oh, well.

kat1114

blabla89 said:

kat1114 said:

I think everyone has covered everything pretty well, but don't forget to factor in the exchange rate. Right now it isn't too bad (I think 1 Euro = about .87 cents), but the Euro is starting to climb again, which could make things more expensive for you.

Yes! This is important!

However, it's the other way around: $1 = 0.87 euro, so 1 euro = $1.15 right now (and yes, it's going back up) so be sure to account for the exchange rate if you're looking at prices listed in euros.

Yes, thank you for correcting me! I really should not Knot before I've had 2 cups of coffee.

lovemesomemonster

Like everyone else has said, international travel is not that difficult, just make sure passports are up to date and you are good to go. I personally don't like to plan a lot ahead of time and if I do I usually end up changing them after talking to locals. Pick a pub you like and go there the first couple nights, talk to the locals and find out what is actually worth doing. 

I agree with everyone that talked about vacation time. I planned a surprise trip for FI and before I booked I checked times he could get off work. We agreed on dates, he took them off work and I booked the trip, he still didn't know until the night before where we were going so that was fun, but at least I knew he could work it into his schedule so there was no problem with other things we would have scheduled at the same time. You could do that, then he will know you are planning something that will make him take time off work but won't know exactly what until you surprise him with it. 

novella1186

Just an important note on the passports: For a lot of countries, if your passport is due to expire 6 months AFTER you enter the country, they will not let you enter the country. So make sure your passports are good for at least 6 more months. (I know Italy has this rule, not sure about other countries, though) 

theartistformerlyknownas

I definitely don't think you should try to maintain the surprise until you leave. That's just begging for trouble. I surprised H with a trip to Chicago for his birthday and told him the day before we left, but that was already a 3 day weekend we both had off with no plans (and only a 4 hour drive away, no flights or passports required).

But to surprise him with a few gift-wrapped travel guides and telling him "I've socked away enough money for our flights! We can go next year!" would be awesome.

daria24

Germany is one of the easiest countries to get around. I can't even remember anyone we encountered who didn't speak enough English for typical transactions. The ticket machines all have an English option, thanks to the recent World Cup that was hosted there. And rail travel is so friggin PLEASANT there.

The hardest part of a trip to Germany is choosing where to go! We went to Munich/Bavaria, as well as Stuttgart (but that was to visit friends). Other places that people rave about are Cologne (which was one of the only cities to largely survive WWII without significant damage) and Berlin, which is a fun, modern city. 

IME, Germany was one of the less expensive countries I've been to in Europe. I wouldn't call it cheap, but the food/hotel costs are a lot less compared to London, Paris, Ireland, etc. 

As far as a surprise trip, I would love the surprise of finding out that he had planned something, saved for it, etc. But the logistics of dates would make it impossible to actually BOOK it without checking with me first. 

blabla89

lolo883 said:

I definitely don't think you should try to maintain the surprise until you leave. That's just begging for trouble. I surprised H with a trip to Chicago for his birthday and told him the day before we left, but that was already a 3 day weekend we both had off with no plans (and only a 4 hour drive away, no flights or passports required).

But to surprise him with a few gift-wrapped travel guides and telling him "I've socked away enough money for our flights! We can go next year!" would be awesome.

Yep, I would love it if FI did this for me! But I would definitely want to be included in picking out the accommodations and activities.

ETF spelling

loveislouder

You guys rock! So the general consensus is save the money (seed money, whole money, whatever) and then be wrap up a Rick Steeves Guide to Germany and then BAM SURPRISE.

climbingsingle

novella1186 said:

Just an important note on the passports: For a lot of countries, if your passport is due to expire 6 months AFTER you enter the country, they will not let you enter the country. So make sure your passports are good for at least 6 more months. (I know Italy has this rule, not sure about other countries, though) 

Yes! I've seen two people encounter this problem. 

theartistformerlyknownas

climbingwife said:

novella1186 said:

Just an important note on the passports: For a lot of countries, if your passport is due to expire 6 months AFTER you enter the country, they will not let you enter the country. So make sure your passports are good for at least 6 more months. (I know Italy has this rule, not sure about other countries, though) 

Yes! I've seen two people encounter this problem. 

Same with Brazil and Spain.

amelisha

loveislouder said:

You guys rock! So the general consensus is save the money (seed money, whole money, whatever) and then be wrap up a Rick Steeves Guide to Germany and then BAM SURPRISE.

Yes, I think this is the best way to do it. That way he can have some input. I'm the more well-traveled partner in my relationship and, while I would appreciate the thought, I would be kind of irritated/disappointed if FI planned a trip without me because a) I would do a more thorough, better-researched, better-informed job and b) it's really fun to get to look forward to a trip and decide on stuff together.

adettma32

PPs are correct with estimating about $800-1200 per flight. I have lived in Germany for the past 3.5 years, so if you have any specific questions about the country feel free to let me know. I am more familiar with the northern cities. 

Time of travel will really dictate flight prices, anything around Oktoberfest really ups the price along with Christmas/New Year's. 

You don't need any special Visa if you are staying for under 3 months, just a valid passport is perfect. 

Other than that, everyone covered most things. It is REALLY easy to get around on mass transit here and like PPs said, everyone speaks English so if you need help you'll have no problem finding it. 

Oh, and the beer is cheaper than water at restaurants! ;-)

loveislouder

Ohh! @adettma32 What are your favourite places!

WinstonsGirl

Europe is pretty easy for new travellers.  Lots of people there will speak English, though I always try to learn a couple of basics in that language (please, thanks, do you speak english?).  It can get you a long way.  

We use TripAdvisor to book stuff, and check out where they are on maps in relation to attractions, transportation, etc.  We'll take cabs, metro trains, etc. for city travel, and we tend to walk a lot too.  

Cities in Europe won't have AI's.  Maybe there are some on the coast, but I've really only heard of them in Mexico/Caribbean.  I'd plan $600-$1200 for flights, depending on where you're coming from, when you travel, etc.  Check out other airlines (use Kayak) that you might not normally use.  IcelandAir flies from North America to Europe (via Iceland) for sometimes much cheaper (than Air Canada at least) and you could also stop over there too.  So check out all airlines for deals.  

Hotels will depend on where you stay and how many stars.  I've stayed in some 2 star hotels.  They were cheap, but clean and that's all I needed.  Again, TripAdvisor helps with this.  

I did surprise DH with a trip to San Francisco last year.  I bought flights, hotel and booked a couple of activities, and left the rest to plan together.  Europe though, I'd let him be more involved in the planning as you'll be gone longer.  Ours was a 4-5 day long weekend trip.  

I'd love a surprise trip, but it would make me nervous too as my schedule is pretty tight.  

lauraukoctober2014

travel in Europe isn't hard and the German language is actually quite easy so you might well understand bits from just listening. never heard of a visa for Germany but double check as it might be different coming out of the eu
doubtful you'll find any all inclusive in Germany, but street food is really nice their bratwurst stands etc and amazing beer.
estimate for food dependent on your level of likes approx 10 euro for breakfast 15 euro for dinner and same for evening meal. drinks aren't too cheap but not too expensive maybe have 70 euro budgeted each per day to live comfortably
might be cheaper to fly to London first if you do look at websites such as easy jet and Ryan air for super cheap European flights they are buses in the sky but you can sometimes get v cheap prices