TRAVEL|PLANNING
Planning My Next Trip
It’s bare bones
I usually plan my trips way ahead of time — at least 12 months. I’ve even have my suitcase packed twelve months out. By the time I actually get on that plane, I’m so excited!
The start of the plan for travel in 2023
Today I received an email from Eurail with a suggested trip — 10 travel days in 2 months. I lie — they suggested one month but I can’t travel fast anymore — been there, done that — it was exhausting 11 years ago!
The suggested itinerary starts in Ghent, Belgium — it’s as picturesque as nearby Brugge, but not as many tourists. Sounds good — plus I’ve been to Brugge.
Next stop is Rotterdam, the Netherlands — Amsterdam’s hip younger brother — don’t really know much about it except I think it’s Europe’s largest port. And I’ve been to Amsterdam.
Then to Leipzig, Germany where Colditz Castle is now a hostel. I’m definitely going to check that out. Maybe stay here if it’s cheap enough.
Train it to Warsaw, Poland. Poland is actually one of the few countries I haven’t visited, but an Australian friend got stranded in Bydgoszcz during Covid and loved it.
South to Budapest, Hungary. I love this city and will be happy to return and spend a few days luxuriating in the thermal baths there. I’ve been to a few so might try to find some others as well.
Then on to Belgrade, Serbia. My son lived here last year and says I’ll love it. It’s really cheap to live here apparently.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is another city my son recommends.
Then to Zagreb, Croatia to visit the Museum of Broken Relationships — it’s been on my bucket list for a couple of years.
An overnight train takes me to Bologna, Italy. Although I’ve visited a few places in Italy, I haven’t been here before. I’m sure I’ll love it and if I don’t, I can do day trips to Lucca or Verona or even San Marino.
And then to Lyon, France — a city I’ve driven around (on the Ring Road) but never entered.
Lastly to Paris where I can see Monet’s gardens at Giverney before catching the Eurostar to London. Sadly, the Eurostar fare isn’t included in the Eurail Pass. I’ve been to Paris a few times, but always in winter so the gardens are closed.
My choices of Eurail Pass are 10 travel days in 2 months for USD390 ( that’s actually AUD539) or 15 travel days in 2 months for USD480. (AUD663)
I’ve travelled to Europe frequently in the past eleven years and I can’t believe there are so many places I haven’t seen yet! That’s one of the reasons why I love Europe so much — so many totally different, cultures, languages, peoples and foods!
Now I have a goal. These plans are not set in concrete yet — I have to have knee/s replaced next month — and be able to walk unaided — well I will have my hiking poles. I’m heading off on 18 July, 2023 and returning on 18 December, 2023. 5 months — but not all of it in Europe — am calling in on some friends in the US and Canada on my way over.