A EU First Timer - Suggestions Please!
 

Greetings all,

The title is a little misleading, I've made a few trips to Europe with family but with the last being in my mid teens I obviously wasn't worried about logistics.

At any rate, my wife and I are heading over in the spring on a 4/20 - 5/5 trip. We're going into LHR and out of DUB but I'm trying to decide where to go after the initial 4/21 - 4/25 London visit.

Below was my first shot at an itinerary.

London - 4/21 thru 4/25
--AM rail to Paris 4/25--
Paris - 4/25 thru 4/29
--AM rail to Munich 4/29--
Munich 4/29 thru 5/2
--AM flight to Dublin 5/2--
Dublin - 5/2 thru 5/5

• Does anything stick out as a bad idea or look rather difficult?
• Any suggestions on rail carriers and / or other times that may make for an easier trip?

I'm also a little nervous navigating the non-english speaking countries, particularly in transit. My servicable Spanish and horrible Chinese aren't going to go very far in France and Germany ;). Any advice there?

In the cities in France and Germany most everyone speaks English so that shouldn't be a issue.

Hi there. Your itinerary seems entirely reasonable. Just a couple quick comments if I may:

First, in both Paris and Munich, virtually everyone remotely involved in the tourist industry will be able to speak at least some English. Don't even worry about it.

Second, there are likely to be a handful of public holidays during that stretch, especially in Munich and Paris (for instance, May Day). Just check that this doesn't clash with your trip too badly, otherwise you may find that certain attractions are closed and that transport will be running on a reduced schedule.

And you probably want to start by asking in broken French/German if the person you're speaking to speaks English. Many more chances of them responding in English if you start in the local language (especially in France).

IME, almost anyone in France and Germany will just respond in English regardless of how well or poorly you speak to them in French or German.

Don't be worried about speaking English in Germany. Everyone has to learn it at school and has basic language skills. In hotels and other tourist places everyone is fluent in English and will guide through every topic.

Berlin (well, saying this as someone living there) could be an alternative to Munich. It really depends on your interests.

As fare as I can see there is only one - 1 May, when the OP will be in Munich.

Shops and banks will be closed. Tourist attractions will almost definitely be open (and somewhat crowded). Public transport will run to a Sunday time table which - in Germany at least - tends to be only slightly reduced over the weekday schedule.

Thank you so much for all of your responses! It's good to know about the language and I wouldn't have thought about 1 May.

I'm still doing some research on Germany, I'm not locked into Munich but the mix between architecture and natural beauty with the Alps is leading me there. Berlin is definitely an option, I'd love to hear any other opinions on Germany anyone may have as I'm also wrestling with the notion of mixing some nature in with the city.

This is the official webpage to find info on Berlin. Naturewise there is nice scenery here as well - but of course the Alps are way more spectacular.

I would strongly consider Berlin over Munich, or in addition to it. Outstanding historical and cultural sites in Berlin and nearby (palace in Potsdam), great vibe and feel, wonderful cultural scene, particularly in the former East. Very green, full of green spaces and trees. Politically and culturally one of the most important European cities.

Whilst I agree with this in principle, IME it helps if you can say in (however basic it may be) French that you dont speak French but can they please ..... Also, when you approach someone, start with the greeting 'bonjour / bonsoir madame' or 'bonjour / bonsoir monsieur' (as the case may be) and on leaving end of with a 'merci et au revoir' (this - especially - includes waiters and shop assistants!). Using these little forms of politeness will help immensely and the Frenchman / woman is then quite likely to be willing to converse in English. It is the way they operate themselves and not greeting is considered extremely rude.
Just to assume that everyone speaks English and will be happy to discard their home language in their own country is in my books a little arrogant. I do the same in each country I travel to, but I find that in France the effect is really quite significant.

Moving this on from a treatise on the linguistic conventions of Europe...

Looks like a nice itinerary. You haven't made the classic mistake of 10 cities in 9 days ^. Without knowing your interests it's difficult to suggest anything specific, but here are some thoughts.

- It's very city based. Have you thought of spending some time in the mountains, or on the coast? I'd definitely recommend getting out of the capital in at least one of the countries you visit.

- You could take the night train from Paris to Munich (or Berlin). They can be very comfortable, as long as you don't try to do two nights in a row.

- Berlin vs Munich - I've visited them both, and would happily spend time in both again. Berlin probably edges it if I had to choose because there's so much history there. But Munich might make a nice base for a dash up to the Alps.

- The Alps themselves are a wonderful playground can be approached in a zillion ways, depending on what you want to do there (walk, climb, 'extreme sports', cable car up to look, scenic flight, nature walk, driving or cycling tour, skiing (just, if the snow's still there at the end of April), and a million more). If you let us know what appeals in the Alps, I'm sure someone can suggest a base, and how it might fit in with the rest of your itinerary.

- Dublin has never done it for me. Nice for a day and a night, but after that I would rather spend some time on the west coast. You can pick up a hire car cheaply enough in Dublin.

You may have found it already, but http://www.seat61.com/ is the definitive source for anything European Rail related.

What is the benefit in using a night train from your point of view? Flights take 1,5 hrs an are reasonably priced. I would always prefer a nice hotel bed rather than a train.

Purely suggested it because the OP mentioned taking the train Paris-Munich, and I always think the sleeper adds a touch of romance to a holiday. Much more relaxing, more space, slower, the option of a rather pleasant meal in the dining car.

Sure, flying is quicker. But my fondest memories of travel around Europe are onboard a train somewhere, watching the scenery go past and trying to guess what currency the man selling coffee accepts. Not sitting in an airport departure lounge having had my bottle of water confiscated.

It can be cheaper or more expensive than flying, depending on the whims of the market.

Having said all that, I often fly between London and NCL, even though the train is less than 3 hours. Go figure. :D

Maybe we are quicker than we meight have thought back to these old memories guessing what currency is accepted ;)

And you are right, thinking back of InterRail that was a nice time (of course we didn't sleep in slleper waggons but in coach comaprtments trying to save the money for the hostel...