Advice From Those in the Know: Part 1

(posted by Ange)

Well, it seems research leads to more research and the further I go, the deeper in I get. I have definitely opened a gigantic can of worms that appears will only get bigger! Suddenly Dave's "I'll find out about it when I get there" approach seems much less troublesome. Aaahhh, but I can't help myself...I need to organize and I want to know everything now!!

I decided that talking to people I know who have travelled through Europe would be a good place to start gathering "real" information. Surely they could give me important tips and facts, maybe make a few suggetions, and ultimately tell me our plan was definitely the best way to go. And of course, their opinions would all jive and I would feel with complete certainty that our plan was sound. Ya, right.

I decided to begin with the Europeans, figuring they would know the inside scoop on things. I have begun conversations with two ex-Brits who have both done a fair amount of travelling over in Europe. Their stories did not completely jive and certainly did not jive with my story! (The story I have made up for myself).

So, first off, let me tell you about my first couple of emails back and forth with my friend Nik. Nik recently became a Canadian (as did his wife Deborah), but has lived the majority of his life in England. He is extremely intelligent, well read, a master planner and has travelled extensively throughout Europe. I knew his information would be invaluable. I was also certain he would read my vague plan and give his stamp of approval.

Or...maybe not. First off, he suggests we put off our start date from August to September, as apparently flights in the summer are much more expensive, what with the kids being out of school and all. (Me to myself: "DUH! That one should have been obvious. But, NOOO , I want to go in August!) Will definitely need to research this. According to Nik, after September 1, "prices drop like a stone".

Nik then suggests that we go Eurorail. He likes the idea of the car, but would choose Eurorail himself. He has done this 3 times, so who am I to argue? Add to list: research Eurorail. Oh yes, and inter-railing - this is good too. (Me to self: is inter-railing and Euro-railing the same thing? Should I know this? Will asking for clarification qualify me as a complete idiot?!!!) It does sound fun: "meeting sooo many people, hanging out in overnight carriages with bottles of wine, sitting in Czech squares with candles and beer all night"; picking destinations by just picking names out of the Euro-rail time table. While it does sound like it could be more spontaneous than we first thought, I REALLY want to drive around in a car. "Road trip" means driving a car, does it not? Plus training means packing a pack instead of a suitcase. Less room for shoes. AND I don't think Dave can carry two packs on his back.

Finally, Nik warns of the post 9/11 immigration and customs issues...getting in without a return ticket may pose a problem. (Me to self: But I don't want a two way ticket...that does not scream spontaneity, which is what this trip is all about!) Jeez...we promise we will leave your great continent in 6 months time! Nik did have one suggestion to skirt around this...an ancestral Visa, which allows you to stay for up to one year, hassle free. Note to self: research ancestral visa (what is an ancestral visa?).

To recap, what we have learned thus far is:

1. Flights to Europe are cheaper after September 1. (Seems obvious, must look into this)

2. Euro-rail or inter-railing could be a better way to go than buying a car. (Must figure out if these are two different things and then look into this)

3. A one way ticket may pose difficulties at customs (Must look into this)

4. An ancestral visa may help avoid any difficulties with a one way ticket at customs (Define ancestral visa and look into this)

Whew. All that from two meager emails from one "advisor" on the list (who has barely scratched the surface!)

Stay tuned for thoughts from the next "advisor", my friend Jason...