Surfing Waves

anyone do this? easier for you guys since youre not so far. but i think this is the perfect time for me. no job, some money saved up, cheap airfares. im just a bit worried, mostly about having to use my debit card a lot and being charged a lot for it, having to get new currencies often....and getting stuff stolen.i need some tips and encouragement. whats the deal with the euro? do the participating countries still use have their native currency as well?

how much will it cost? compared to the US. i know in japan food was a lot cheaper, and hostels were a bit more expensive. also thinking of not buying a plane ticket home since i dont know how long ill like to stay, im thinking 1-2 months. if i go, ill be leaving at the end of this month to join a friend for a while, then go off on my own.

The euro covers quite a lot of europe, but not all - the UK still hangs on to its pound. If they use the euro, thats all they use.

As for price - you cant make an encompassing comparison. North west europe (sweden, norway) is fookin' expensive, but the meditteranean countries are pi$$ cheap. UK, France etc will be similar to the US.

You are just as likely to get mugged/you stuff stolen as you are in the US. But again it depends where you are. I've had my pocket felt so many times in Barcelona but hitched all over greece and france safely. Yeah you do get charged for using debit cards abroad, but you can get these cards which you add money to which don't charge fees when you use it on holiday.
I really wouldn't worry about different currencies. Most countries that you'd visit use the Euro and if they don't that just adds to the fun of travelling through Europe and finding the bizarre notes. Remember almost everyone is a millionaire in Turkey! If a country has adopted the Euro then that is all that they use. And the same notes cover all the countries.
I'd be careful about not buying a ticket home. I know if I was going to the US with only a one way ticket then the chances are they wouldn't let me in as they'd think I was planning to stay. This could be the same coming over here, unless you have some sort of permit. I'm not sure, but it's worth looking into. I had a friend you didn't have the right work permit when she came to the UK from Canada and she was put on the next plane home at the airport.

If you find yourself in Scotland, drop me a line. I'm a manager for a hotel group up here. Not quite 'backpacking' but just in case you need a comfy bed and a cooked breakfast I could try and sort you something out at one of our hotels.

And if your on the Emerald Isle gimmie a shout too. got a spare room you can crash in lad.

I'll take you on the town in Aberdoom Hawaii!! I could also show you the odd castle or 12.

Though to be honest where I live is a long way from the bright lights of Rome, Paris, Berlin, Birmingham etc.

Real Pol wrote:I'll take you on the town in Aberdoom Hawaii!! I could also show you the odd castle or 12.

Though to be honest where I live is a long way from the bright lights of Rome, Paris, Berlin, Birmingham etc.

If he tries to take you to Espionage or The Priory, run away. Fast.

hahaha sweet. ive never seen a castle. is the best place to exchange at the airport? i know banks dont charge but here most banks require you to pre order it. i dont think i have the time anymore if it takes a few weeks

Sparrow wrote:If he tries to take you to Espionage or The Priory, run away. Fast.

The Priory has to be seen to be believed!! It should be top of the list on anyone's grand tour of Europe!!

hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf wrote:hahaha sweet. ive never seen a castle. is the best place to exchange at the airport? i know banks dont charge but here most banks require you to pre order it. i dont think i have the time anymore if it takes a few weeks

We've got castles everywhere, they're just lying around getting in the way of everyone.

The exchange rate at the airport will be one of the highest around, so go to banks or other places that exchange in the city or where ever you are. As you'll be exchanging into the currency of the country you're in they'll be no problems, US dollars to Euros or pounds will be dead easy.

One hidden charge that I've been hearing a lot is when you are using your card to pay for something the machine asks if you want toopay for it in your own currency. I can't remember the reasons why, but if you agree it charges you extra (in addition to the fee for using your card and exchange rate), so the rule is always pay in the local currency when prompted.

Real Pol wrote:

Sparrow wrote:If he tries to take you to Espionage or The Priory, run away. Fast.

The Priory has to be seen to be believed!! It should be top of the list on anyone's grand tour of Europe!!

I take it hasn't changed much then from 8 years ago then! You could add the Cotton Club onto there, and Bex Bar if they are both still open.

thanks for the info realol, ill be getting a ticket home.

One of my buddies did a motorcycle bike trip and documented it with photos and brief snips of info. When you go on your trip do us all a favor and keep it documented with some good photos. Might help some others get out on the trail and backpack.

Wife and I are attempting to plan a backpacking trip to Costa Rica next winter so good luck in the planning!