Saturday, November 01, 2008

A Call To Arms

This goes out to any of my foreign readers, any expats out there in Europe or any people who have traveled in Europe at all and want to share:

My cousin is doing a semester of college in Parma, Italy. She will be there from January to May. During this time, Eddie and I are hoping to go visit and spend two months there. We're thinking maybe Feb/Mar or Mar/Apr but haven't decided yet. The trip hinges on a few other things, so everything has to come together in order for us to go during this time.

The question I throw out to all of you is this: What do I need to know?

Actually, that's not the only question, but I want to know everything. Things like:

1. What should we visit in the area?

2. What countries shouldn't we miss?

3. Rent a car or take the train?

4. Get a hotel room or rent an apartment or villa?

5. What kind of access is there to the internet? Are there a lot of those internet cafes you hear of?

6. What regions of Italy are a must see?

7. Does anyone want us to come visit them? LOL

8. Large purse or backpack?

9. Any special packing tips?

10. What time of year might be best to go?

11. I am very interested in Eastern Europe - any info on that?

There are too many questions, I beleive - but you get the idea. I am checking other expat websites to get some information and of course combing the internet, but there is so much information I'm getting overloaded.

If you have anything to tell me, please either leave it in comments or email me at - I look forward to the info!

* Parma Duomo photo courtesy of Google Images


IceTeaForMe said...

I sent you an email since I have some lengthy answers.

I find the planning of a trip to be part of the adventure and recommend reading different guidebooks. It's important to dceide what typeof trip you want to have. Slow and easy and get to know the locals or make sure you visit many places in a whirlwind trip.

I've done both. They both had their pros/cons. One travel site that has loads of information and a forum area to post questions is slowtrav-dot-com.

Geggie said...

Go! Go! Anywhere, Go!

I've been to Czech several times and to Poland last year. Looking at Romania and Hungary for next year, I love Eastern Europe and it's still REALLY reasonable compared to the rest of Europe. Seriously, go!

If you want more details, email me. I have suggestions for apartments, train travel, air travel, etc.

Anonymous said...

Wow, how exciting! I don't really have any advice, other then enjoy it! I would love to do more international traveling, but with grad school bills and such, my savings account cannot handle it any time soon. But have a great time and I look forward to your posts and pictures from your travels.

MeHereNow said...

Come see me! I know I'm not en-route but there's a welcome here if you make it to the UK.