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This is my first post, so bare with me. I'm going on a trip to London, and Europe next summer after I graduate from college. My question is, I'm not sure how much to save.. I know I should set a goal at $2,000... just to be safe. My ticket is already taken care of, so I would only have to worry about hotel, and spending money. What does everyone suggest? With the exchange rate the way it is, I don't want to go over there and not have enough to have fun.

Thanks
-Erica from Dallas

Erica -

The news is not particularly good, especially in regard to the currency exchange rate. You didn't say how long you would be in Europe or where beyond London you would visit, so let me give you a few rules of thumb:

To begin with, the British pound sterling is about twice the value of the US dollar. That means a breakfast costing you $10 at a US restaurant would cost you ₤10 - or $20 - in London. The Euro used in most of continental Europe isn't much better, and the last time I was there (December '07) it was about $1.50 - meaning the same breakfast would cost you $15 US. Just getting around on the London Tube or the Paris Metro plus food costs will be about $100/day/person. Shopping funds are all extra, so budget how much money you'll need for this. Incidentally, in spite of what you may have seen on PTE, it is nigh impossible to find a vendor/restraurant/hotel/shop that takes anything other than its native currency anywhere in the world. Cash or ATM card, every time, s'il vous plait.

Probably the best value for your buck is in ROI (Republic of Ireland), and Dublin is a great place for new Europe visitors, particularly the younger crowd. Lots of bars, hostels, public transportation, etc., and by either Ryan Air or Aer Lingus, it's inexpensive to fly there (only carry one bag!). ROI is on the Euro, things aren't as expensive there as in London (or Paris, Berlin, etc.). Not to mention, they speak English more often than not; although the official language inexplicably remains Gaelic. Another nice destination is The Netherlands, accessible inexpensively from London City Airport. Rotterdam, The Hague, Amsterdam - all connected by train - are terrific fun. And nearly all Nederlander speak English. It's one of my favorites, by the way - always hate to leave.

Your ATM card should work IF you find a machine that reads mag strip cards. In London, you shouldn't have much trouble, Ireland too, your ATM card should work. However, once on the European Continent, you'll need to find ATMs that say "Foreign Cards Accepted" since many do not read the mag strip cards any longer (they read "chip" cards - and we don't have 'em in America). Buy euro-cash (₤ or €) here or - better yet - withdraw cash only as needed from the ATMs in-country (you'll need some cash for taxis anyhow). Avoid the currency exchange shops as they tend to charge a very high premium for their services. Also, I recommend you pick up a "phone card" whilst in London - usually about ₤5 for 200 minutes - and call home to mom and dad just to let them know you're having waaaaay too much fun.

OK, probably don't tell them that.

Bon voyage!

Intl Doc

PS Incidentally, I let this post go for awhile, awaiting our "edgey" viewers to respond; that is, the ones recruited specifically by TC in the recent past. Alas, I waited in vain. Erica, you might search through other threads in the forum that have discussed similar advice with answers provided by seasoned travellers. It appears TC's edgey travellers have abandoned you. J'regrete.

Well ok, we're going for about a week and a half to two weeks, and we'll be traveling to London, Scotland, the Netherlands, and other countries. I hope this helps; I'm going to try and save as much as I can, but it helps to know how much people have taken with them who have been on a trip like this.

Thanks for your reply
-Erica

Shelter, food and transportation costs are unavoidable and cost vary greatly on your personal preferences.

It would help to know what type of experience you are trying to have. If you are backpacking your way across the continent and staying in hostels, you can save a lot of money but you still have to pay for the essentials.

As you are posting your question on Samantha Brown's site, I am guessing that's not your thing.

If you want to experience some of "the finer things" (nice hotels, great food and comfortable transport), you could easily go through $2,000 in a week (are you traveling alone?- are you sharing costs with a travel mate?- shared lodging and cooking some of your own meals can make a huge difference)

Basic:
i.e.; Hotel- $150/night, Food- $30/day, Transport- $20= $200 per day, $1,400 for a week
you can double these prices easily during high season and for nicer places you've seen Samantha visit on her shows.

I would start with the "hard costs" of traveling between the countries you mention. Whether by rail, air or rental car; you will rack up some costs with transportation. In each city, you will probably spend some more on public transport- which in excellent in London and Amsterdam- but not free.

Meals and lodging allow for more flexibility in budgeting and preference.

My policy is to pay off credit cards before I leave and use ATMs to get what I need. It is generally cheaper, quicker and better than converting a load of cash.

The best news is that all of the places you mention have tons of FREE places to see and things to do.

Hello Erica and welcome.

A few suggestions and recommendations. Look for hotels that include breakfast.

In some countries (Italy for one) you can stay at a monastery inexpensively. The only drawback is what time the main door is locked.

Purchase a pass for the metro/tube or what ever the mode of transport is for the city you are visiting. A pass for X days is cheaper than purchasing individual tickets.

Stop in little grocery stores (Alimentari in Italy) to purchase a sandwich, water, cheese and fruit then find a shady spot to have lunch and watch the passing scenery.

Try other boards such as Flyer Talk for additional information. True, Flyer Talk was originally oriented towards airline travel but has grown into a wealth of knowledge and you will find a very friendly group of travelers.

Bon viaggio

Free Prosciutto (spelling?) as a part of my breakfast in Rome was Heaven on earth!!!
Not sure about the spelling, but I sure can eat it!! LOL!

Erica from Dallas,

You can get some good information by checking out the London Discussions here, especially the posts by cbazley.

http://discussions.travelchannel.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/8701956568

My best advice is to pay for things with a credit card whenever possible. Save money on meals by spending time at local grocery stores and street markets. A jaw-dropping variety of pre-packaged snacks and sandwiches can be found everywhere. They will keep you nourished inexpensively. Most stores such as Tesco, Boots, and the department store Marks and Spencer mark down their sandwiches and other perishable items at the end of the day. Sitting down to eat will cost you much more than taking away. It is true that the many parks, squares and Thames River paths in London are wonderful places to sit down, eat, and people watch for free. The Pub Lunch and afternoon high tea are definitely worth experiencing, and the English cooked breakfast is not to be missed and will fill you up until about 2 P.M. Try to get breakfast included with your accomodations, wherever you go.

I'm sure others will add their advice here, so keep checking in. Planning for and anticipating a trip is part of the fun of travel. Glad to see you are working at it. Watch all of Passport to Europe. Samantha and her many travel tips will take care of you.

Mother Orange