Im going to go on a vacation...

[Fastdavy]

Aaron,I can fit into a suitcase and I don't eat much and I love to spend large amounts of other peoples money.

 

[CuriousMonkey]

why do you need vacation time, or work at all? you just fell into a HUGE amount of money...

 

[dkonfrost]

COngratulations dude!! That's awesome you're going for travel, great way to enculturate too.

I will ask my buddies who've backpacked and traveled conventionally through europe, i'll hit you up once i find out, ok?

I've decided that California is cool, but i'd like to explore the world a little more then LA and Frisco.

Im trying to plan a trip to Europe and travel the continent. I've always wanted to travel alone and I think its a really good way to learn things about myself as well as different cultures. Not to mention the fact that im completely in the closet and being alone in a bar on the otherside of the world could possibly lead to me finally relaxing and meeting some locals

I know its going to be expensive, however, money isnt an issue. I've just recently fallen into a HUGE amount of money and of course I will save some of it, but I think traveling would be a good way to spend some of it as well.

Anyways, my point of the post is, does anybody know of any good websites which will help me plan this trip. Any travel packages or a chain of hostels or something? I dont know exactly how to go about doing something like this. And im not looking for any immediate dates. I know a trip like this takes time (plus i need to build up my vacation time at work ) so theres no rush.

thanks a lot guys.

 

[looseliam]

Though I've no sites to help you plan, I must say that I much enjoy traveling alone.

You don't have to worry about anyone else or if that person is ill or doesn't want to go somewhere, it's rather perfect.

 

[Smitho]

If you are looking specifically at gay places, and you are planning multiple coutries, try and get a copy of the Spartacus Gay Travel Guide, it is a good start for gay hotels, bars, saunas etc. If you are looking at more general guides, not gay specific but including a small amount of gay life info I would suggest the lonely planet series of guides as an informative start.

Enjoy the trip, also as an aside, I love traveling and especially alone, you can meet loads of people because you have to, (or just sit and watch TV!) but in my opinion some of the expensive hotels although good for a night or two of luxury, it is very hard to meet people in, as they are predominatly busy business people or rich famillies, already with their own plans. The more budget and backpacker, places where there are more people traveling alone, are much easier to meet people and chat, as people are usually in the same boat. Some gay hotels are also good as at least you have the fact you are all gay in common.

 

[wonder25]

this guy runs a really good travel website - http://ricksteves.com/ - lots of smart, free advice on exploring europe, itineraries, etc. pick up a couple guide books (frommers, lonely planet etc) for the countries you're interested in - they'll tell you what sights to see in each city, how to get there, where to stay (from good cheapo hostels to really nice hotels), restaurants, gay bars, whatever.

travel packages are limiting in my opinion and usually aren't a good deal. best part of a european trip is allowing yourself to wing it a bit. airfare and trains are relatively cheap once u're in europe - you'll have a lot of fun just seeing what inspires u and seeing where each day takes u. my advice is do yr research before u leave, but try to play things by ear... it's pretty easy to call around and make a reservation the nite before, then jump on a train and go somewhere new. you're probably young enough for a youth hostel card which'll save u some money on certain hostels, but honestly, most cities in europe have small hotels that'll be affordable enough you won't need to stay in a hostel unless u wanna try it

have fun!

 

[teh_nathan]

I'd like to go (back) to Europe again if I was able to scare up the money.

 

[tonyboy]

Hey Aaron.
Very smart to be looking for an internary and some sort plan. Nothing worse than showing up somewhere without knowing what places you want to see and what you want to do.
Nice if you could take a laptop with you and share your travels with your jub friend.

One thing I would suggest is that instead of trying to see 'all' of Europe you select a region or country that you would like to spend some time in. Course it depends on your much vacation time you have. But I figure rather than trying to visit 10 countries in 14 days it might be fun to spend lots of time one region.
Rent a car or use the great public transportation available in the continent.
I spent a few weeks in Ireland some time ago. Beautiful country, everyone speaks English, though some are harder to undertand that others. Lots of cute guys there too.
And man, they have the worlds best beer. Harps Lager, Guinness, lot's of others to choose from.
One of the best guys on JUB is D-Base. He lives in Eastern Europe. If you decide to visit that part of the world pm him for places to see. The Danube basin has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.... plus they too have great beer.
One other thing man, be careful. Traveling alone can be a great adventure but you since you are alone you have to watch out for yourself.
Just take care of yourself man. Don't want to loose a handsome jubber due to some carelessness.
Best to you on your travels man.

 

[teh_nathan]

I remember coming up with an itinerary (well, life can't be all planned so it was a rough itinerary) six months before my last major trip.

 

[BiMike]

Great idea see what you can of the World whilst you are young and take the opportunities when presented. I saw most of Europe when I was young using Youth Hostels and small hotels. Transport was a bike and lots of trains! Still remember lots of places.
My advise for Europe is dont hire a car use the train or cheap air tickets and most of all travel light! You can always pick up cheap clothing depending on the weather. You may have to lug your luggage around a bit if you really want to see places. In Europe an open train travel card is a good idea you can then go where you like and there is a great train network all over Europe.
Your big problem will be to decide what parts of the World you really want to see and how much time you have available. Language is not a problem in Europe if you stick to big cities and you really ought to see the sights of London, Paris, Rome, Venice and of course Amsterdam! Hostels would be your best bet in these sort of places.
Best of luck , enjoy your travels and the planning of them that is all part of the fun. I am sure your Grandad would approve!

 

[puka-pride]

I was hoping to read that you were coming to toronto to see puka.. but nooo