Traveling in Europe Questions

[walkwithheroes]

I've figured out that if I save a certain amount of money per month, I'll be able to make a dream come true and visit Europe at the end of '13/start of '14. The questions I must ask are:

01. What are some awesome cities/towns I should visit and not miss?
02. Any attractions I should see?
03. It is possible I'll be traveling alone - any tips?
04. Best travel sites to buy tickets/ vacation packages? (I've used Expedia for a trip to visit my sister in Florida; it was okay.)
05. If I plan on traveling for a week/week and a half, what is the minimum amount I should have for hotels/hostels/inns/shopping/eating/etc. I thought $2,000 U.S. (in different forms, of course).

Comments

[idella]

Budapest is amazing; I highly recommend it. I also really loved Rotterdam. Those are the only European cities I've been to. Unless you're counting the UK as Europe, which I guess it is, technically. London is all right, but you could probably give it a miss, too.

[walkwithheroes]

I keep hearing Budapest is a most. I have thought about seeing things in the UK, but I know that its currently rather expensive to travel there. At first I want to spend the whole time in the UK, but now I'm thinking maybe 2-3 days.

[owaranai_natsu]

I don't really know what's best in Europe -is there anywhere you definitely have in mind?
I only have some knowledge of Germany and I hear the Black Forrest is a sight to see. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Austria by the border of Germany. We took a bus and didn't even require a passport check.

Tips on travelling alone -the study abroad director at my school said to never carry your passport on you while out and about, but perhaps a photocopy of it. You have to carry it in Russia though.
He also said to have a credit card in case of emergencies. Bring all your medication (maybe even a doctor's note stating it's your prescription in case some countries are strict on that), including Tylenol/Advil.
And just to be super safe, he said to register to this site in case anything happens to you: https://step.state.gov/step/

$2,000 USD should work for 1-2 weeks. I used about $1,000 on food, minimum amount of souvenirs, and some touristy things (I imagine museums and some places require entrance fees). The other $1,000 I can imagine should work for transportation and hotels, though we stayed in a local hostel, so the price wasn't jacked up.

Hope it all works out by the end of the year!! :D

[walkwithheroes]

I had thought the UK, but its expensive and I want the biggest bangs for my buck. I'll bookmark that site, thanks.

I hope it works out, too!