Vallerina 2 #1 November 25, 2003 Yes, I am still a dumb American who is ignorant of many things overseas (thank you, Remster, for trying to clue me in!) It's fun, though, surfing the internet and getting information about different countries I want to visit (with Ireland, Spain, New Zealand and Australia being at the top of the list.) Simply put, I want to go to Spain. The beauty, history, culture and food of the country is something that I need to experience according to everyone that's been there. I looked online, and it's not too expensive to fly to Barcelona mid-January! I want more information than what some sites provide. I want to hear real experiences of people who have visited Spain. Where should I go (Empuria Brava is definitely on the list)? What should I avoid? I want to see/experience everything! Also, if I go, I am probably going to make this trip by myself since I don't know of too many people who want to spend that much money. I've never travelled by myself, so that's scary. I imagine I'll meet people easily at the dz, but still! Any tips for that, or are any of you dz.commers going to be there as well? Also, any other tips for travelling far far away will be useful as well! I may pick up a book and try to brush up on Spanish (even though that's not the primary language in Barcelona.) How is renting a car overseas compared to the U.S? Is it ridiculously expensive since I'm 24? Eeeee! I'm excited! I want to go to Spain NOW!!!There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alanab 0 #2 November 25, 2003 ive ben all over europe, but surprisingly enough, i havent been to spain. my parents reccomment ibiza though!! i hear its tons o' fun! try to check it out while youre over there! p.s. i'll be in london if you want to make a train trip to hang out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #3 November 25, 2003 Renting a car is going to cost you an extra 25-50 Euro per day because you're not 25. I would suggest waiting to travel alone til you're over 25, or going with a friend who's 25. It'll save you lots of money. We ended up paying over 300 euro more than we would have if we were 25 when we rented from Hertz in Ireland, and that seems to be the policy everywhere. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #4 November 25, 2003 QuoteAlso, if I go, I am probably going to make this trip by myself since I don't know of too many people who want to spend that much money. I'd be happy to spend the money to go to spain. Sounds fun. And i happen to have an appointment today at 1:00 to get my passport paperwork filled out. Should be here by january if you want a traveling companion. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alanab 0 #5 November 25, 2003 yeah, then both of you can come party in london with me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #6 November 25, 2003 Quotemy parents reccomment ibiza though!! Yea.... a quiet little place... lmao! But In January, it will be dead as a door knob. I didnt realize you werent 25. Might make things a bit expensive on the car side.....Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #7 November 25, 2003 Quoteyeah, then both of you can come party in london with me! The whole reason i'm getting my passport is so i can go to England in March. But i'm sure i'll have it by January since i'm filling out all the paperwork today. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #8 November 25, 2003 Quotep.s. i'll be in london if you want to make a train trip to hang out! I don't think I'd have time to make it to London, but it would be fun to see the family I stayed with and friends I made while I was there before. QuoteRenting a car is going to cost you an extra 25-50 Euro per day because you're not 25. Boo! I was hoping that drivers in other countries improved significantly before they turned 25. QuoteI'd be happy to spend the money to go to spain. Same here! It'll be a bit more costly than any trip around the U.S, but the experience of it would be well worth it! Who else wants to go??? This just in....I asked my best friend if she wanted to ditch the cruise idea and go to Spain instead. She is all excited about it because she has a friend in Seville! There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #9 November 25, 2003 uhhm sounds like London is filled whith Hotties as i get there Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samhussey 0 #10 November 25, 2003 You can get by quite easily in Barcelona with castellano spanish ("regular" spanish). There is a little difference from regionh to region, but it's all pretty similar to that, and in many places (like Empuriabrava) the signs are bilingual (both castellano and regional variants). Trains are pretty cheap in Spain, and there is so much variety in the big cities, you'll have a job seeing it all! I'd recommend Madrid (skydive Lillo is quite close to there), but its a fair way from Barcelona! Apatr from that theres the Dali (spelling?) museum close to Empuriabrava that is an absolute must! You can also get a train into the south of France if you fancy a bit of a change! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #11 November 25, 2003 QuoteYou can also get a train into the south of France if you fancy a bit of a change! I have visited the south of France and Barcelona on the same trip, and I highly recommend both on the same trip. Of course, I went in the summer, when I could lie on the Mediterranean beaches...sigh. Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona...double sigh. Like I wrote in my PM, I will give you more info later when I am not so busy. It is soooo GREAT to be getting the info firsthand from European DZ.commers, though. They REALLY know what is up during these months. I can't wait to hear more. I especially want to hear of any "non-touristy" recommendations. Oh Val, I just MAY go with you. Even a year or two ago, I was sick of going to Europe, but it's been too many years. Right now, it's pretty hard to resist this trip... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vdschoor 0 #12 November 25, 2003 Quote QuoteRenting a car is going to cost you an extra 25-50 Euro per day because you're not 25. Boo! I was hoping that drivers in other countries improved significantly before they turned 25. I don't know if that is true, just shop around for car rentals.. I've rented a couple of times but I don't remember getting charged extra because I was under 25.. In Europe people go through very rigid driver's training before they get a license. If you are under 21 it might be a problem, but 24 should be no problem to rent a car without the extra fees. But then.. I was a "local" when I rented, I am from Holland so when I rented there and I showed them a license, they knew I could drive ha ha!! If you're planning on visiting Holland, pm me.. I'll tell you were to go (besides Amsterdam ) Iwan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #13 November 25, 2003 I see your traveling alot Val, I guess youll post some pic;s of your travels when you return? we wanna see too!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #14 November 25, 2003 Dammit JT, I have to speak to you. Answer your phone, OK? Edited: Cool, sorry, that should have been a PM. Thanks, JT. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites alanab 0 #15 November 25, 2003 QuoteQuoteyeah, then both of you can come party in london with me! The whole reason i'm getting my passport is so i can go to England in March. But i'm sure i'll have it by January since i'm filling out all the paperwork today. when in march will you be there? i will be there jan 10th until march 18th!! that would be sooo cool to see you and hang out with you in LONDON!!!! omg, let's do this:) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites alanab 0 #16 November 25, 2003 Quoteuhhm sounds like London is filled whith Hotties as i get there huh? when? where? lets party! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites fudd 0 #17 November 25, 2003 Barcelona...you GOT to see the La Sagrada Familia. Placa del englishe (or something like that) is nice to, but not a must....and oh yeah...everyone says Empuria rocks :) There are only 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Vallerina 2 #18 November 25, 2003 Wow! That is really beautiful! I can't imagine how incredible it looks up close! QuoteI have visited the south of France and Barcelona on the same trip, and I highly recommend both on the same trip. Of course, I went in the summer, when I could lie on the Mediterranean beaches...sigh. That would be really cool, too. There's way too much to do there! Oh...and this is why I'm going in January...I don't have the option of scaring young kids by trying to squeeze into a bathing suit! That's a sight that no one needs to see! [subliminal message]I agree with billvon that I should travel there with Amy! There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Faber 0 #19 November 25, 2003 will not be in London all the time but lets just say ill be arround for 10 days in Feb Party im ready Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ifrinn 0 #20 November 25, 2003 I've been to several places in spain. Such as the Ebro delta, near Barcelona. Which is nice, however it is getting more and more just a littel tourist village. Otherwise there is the small town Conil, about an hour towards south from Sevilla, there are like no tourists, this mainly means there are no germans ! Nice little town, nice restaurants, with good original spain food. Also you can easily visist the countryside from there, if you have a car, which is very nice!!I've been once to Lorret de Mar (not sure if right spelling), near Barcelona, about an hour, with the car. It is hell, just tourists, the young people completely drunk around 3 o'clock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Remster 30 #21 November 25, 2003 QuoteLorret de Mar and the likes... for those who dont know, these towns are nothing but tourists strips. Either buit for German or English tourists, so more sauerkrat and fish and chips then anything else.... But its south of BCN. To the north of BCN, the coast line is simply amazing. Tosca de Mar is a small bo beautifull vilage. Still very touristy in summer, but the buidlings and the views are just as nice in winter!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SkyDekker 1,465 #22 November 25, 2003 QuoteGaudi's architecture in Barcelona...double sigh. ahh, la Sacrada Familia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Antithesis 0 #23 November 25, 2003 I stay at hostels whenever I'm traveling in reasonably safe countries. I travel alot by myself(because everyone else is broke or lame) But I have never had trouble meeting people of like interests and traveling companions when staying at hostels. I travel the land, Work in the ocean, Play in the sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites samhussey 0 #24 November 25, 2003 Good phrases to get you by: Donde esta el centro de paracidismo? Una cerveza, por favor. Por favor, ayudame, soy americana y no entiendo... Dos cervezas, por favor. Cielos azules! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Remster 30 #25 November 25, 2003 Actually, dont ask for a cerveza, ask for a caña. You'll fit right in. If you wanna flash, order cava (its the Catalan version of champagne).Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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alanab 0 #15 November 25, 2003 QuoteQuoteyeah, then both of you can come party in london with me! The whole reason i'm getting my passport is so i can go to England in March. But i'm sure i'll have it by January since i'm filling out all the paperwork today. when in march will you be there? i will be there jan 10th until march 18th!! that would be sooo cool to see you and hang out with you in LONDON!!!! omg, let's do this:) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alanab 0 #16 November 25, 2003 Quoteuhhm sounds like London is filled whith Hotties as i get there huh? when? where? lets party! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fudd 0 #17 November 25, 2003 Barcelona...you GOT to see the La Sagrada Familia. Placa del englishe (or something like that) is nice to, but not a must....and oh yeah...everyone says Empuria rocks :) There are only 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #18 November 25, 2003 Wow! That is really beautiful! I can't imagine how incredible it looks up close! QuoteI have visited the south of France and Barcelona on the same trip, and I highly recommend both on the same trip. Of course, I went in the summer, when I could lie on the Mediterranean beaches...sigh. That would be really cool, too. There's way too much to do there! Oh...and this is why I'm going in January...I don't have the option of scaring young kids by trying to squeeze into a bathing suit! That's a sight that no one needs to see! [subliminal message]I agree with billvon that I should travel there with Amy! There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #19 November 25, 2003 will not be in London all the time but lets just say ill be arround for 10 days in Feb Party im ready Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ifrinn 0 #20 November 25, 2003 I've been to several places in spain. Such as the Ebro delta, near Barcelona. Which is nice, however it is getting more and more just a littel tourist village. Otherwise there is the small town Conil, about an hour towards south from Sevilla, there are like no tourists, this mainly means there are no germans ! Nice little town, nice restaurants, with good original spain food. Also you can easily visist the countryside from there, if you have a car, which is very nice!!I've been once to Lorret de Mar (not sure if right spelling), near Barcelona, about an hour, with the car. It is hell, just tourists, the young people completely drunk around 3 o'clock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #21 November 25, 2003 QuoteLorret de Mar and the likes... for those who dont know, these towns are nothing but tourists strips. Either buit for German or English tourists, so more sauerkrat and fish and chips then anything else.... But its south of BCN. To the north of BCN, the coast line is simply amazing. Tosca de Mar is a small bo beautifull vilage. Still very touristy in summer, but the buidlings and the views are just as nice in winter!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #22 November 25, 2003 QuoteGaudi's architecture in Barcelona...double sigh. ahh, la Sacrada Familia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antithesis 0 #23 November 25, 2003 I stay at hostels whenever I'm traveling in reasonably safe countries. I travel alot by myself(because everyone else is broke or lame) But I have never had trouble meeting people of like interests and traveling companions when staying at hostels. I travel the land, Work in the ocean, Play in the sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samhussey 0 #24 November 25, 2003 Good phrases to get you by: Donde esta el centro de paracidismo? Una cerveza, por favor. Por favor, ayudame, soy americana y no entiendo... Dos cervezas, por favor. Cielos azules! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #25 November 25, 2003 Actually, dont ask for a cerveza, ask for a caña. You'll fit right in. If you wanna flash, order cava (its the Catalan version of champagne).Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
