Solo Trotter in Europe on Budget

When you live in the US vacations days are scarce while roundtrip tickets from North America to Europe can easily cost $400 to $1000. So how did I manage to visit 3 countries in 17 days and under $2500 (including flights, hostels, activities, transportations and meals)?

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For starters it took a year of planning. I don’t need that much time to plan a trip just allowed me more time to make adjustment. If you familiar with my blog I always travel between September through early November for two reasons. I don’t do heat; I know I am Haitian from a tropical country but I find summers intolerable. Last but not least I avoid at all cost peak travel season. Around September through November students are in school and parents/adults are obviously busy adjusting to new schedule. The few travelers I will encounter are like me backpackers and globe trotters on a mission. From the moment I decided where to visit back in fall 2015 I monitored airfares for about 4 to 6 months prior to purchasing my departing flight. Using TripAdvisor’s my favorite travel outlet I calculated tickets cost from various cities and countries. Many travel webs can provide the lowest cost to pay for your flight. So knowing how much you are willing to spend for the flight will save you time and headache. Play around with your destinations and be patient. That is why it is important to give yourself ample of time to make changes, and even reroute. I never want to spend more than $800 for airlines tickets (in total for my journey). If you are a globe trotter frequent flyers mile, points and cash back programs come handy. Please do not apply for a dozen different credit cards for cash back and points. Your credit score should matter as much as the experience abroad. The one or two credit cards you probably already own should be sufficient. Programs like ebates, groupons, livingsocial and Frequent Flyers Miles are helpful as well. Wells Fargo Credit Cards offers 1% cash back on all spending and Amex offers $200 for every 20,000 points. My ticket from JFK to Iceland, Iceland to London, London to Rome and Venice to EWR cost $600 after ($125 cashback form Wells Fargo and $200 from Amex). I always book my hotels or hostels from booking.com for the pay later and free cancellation options. Once I booked my departing flight, I reserved my stay in every city. Two weeks prior to my trip I noticed all the prices were a few dollars lower; cancelled everything and rebooked at the lower price. Compare and purchase admission tickets directly from your destination website or through sites with $0 fees to book online.

Iceland (Reykjavik)

Although the World Wonders are constantly changing but I hope to visit as many as I can. This year I selected Iceland mainly because of the Lagoon and the Northern Lights. I needed two full days and 3 nights for Iceland but because of the constant weather changes the lights are unpredictable. Unfortunately doing my stay from Friday night through Monday morning the very important factors being very dark and clear sky were elusive. There are a lot of other things to see and do in Iceland even if I didn’t get to see the lights. I stayed at Capitol Inn a few minutes outside of town. I love the breakfast and the other travelers cooked their own meal. You can always offer to contribute towards the cost they were more than willing to share to lower their expenses. I was on vacation so washing dishes and cooking my own meal was not an option. It was a decent place to stay but it is best to stay in mid-town. The hotel was in a residential area away from civilization. I did not see public transportation in Iceland other than tour bus and shuttles. They do have taxi you can call but carry the number along you will need it to get back. Unless you ordered the hotel food it was difficult to get food once you got to the hotel. Meanwhile in the city everything is walking distance. Also don’t except a fun filled city with and abundant eatery options and activities past 4pm. Remember Reykjavik the most popular city in Iceland has a low population rate and is a small rural town. Renting a car is more affordable than booking tour bus/guides and going at your own paste is always a plus. Traffic is fairly simple and safe. Attractions are just a few minutes away from each other. The Golden Circle and Southern Iceland routes are simple to follow on your own. You will only have to pay for gas, admission for both routes are free. I went early morning to the Lagoon around 9am until Noon. By 1pm I was on the Golden Circle route my first stop was Pingvellir National Park, followed by Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss, last but not least Geysir. On the second day, drove to Vik Village for its seaside view and the black sand beach; continued on to the Seljalandsfoss walk behind the waterfall; a few minutes away is Skógafoss, another neighboring waterfall with a 60-meter drop; my last stop was Sólheimajökull glaciers. If you wish to hike the glacier I suggest to book a guide many provide the proper equipment.

Lesson Learned:
• Do rent a car while in Iceland
• Check weather before booking flight ticket (clear sky and complete darkness is needed)
• Most popular and reliable tour company Gray Line
• Compare rates if you prefer a guide on Viator.com if you call instead of booking online they offer a 15% to 25% discount
• Traditional dish to try: lamb soup, cured shark, sheep head, fermented fish
• Signature liquor to try: Black Death
• Food and liquor in Iceland is expensive
• Activities are mostly free if done independently
• Drink water from faucet instead of spending on water bottles
• Blue Lagoon admission/reservation must be done in advance
• BRING PROPER WINTER GEAR (I learned the hard way)

United Kingdom (London)

WoW Air offered affordable fares to London as early as 6am and arrived within 3 hours. Trains in Europe are reliable and quite simple. From Gatwick Airport took a train to Bayswater Underground Station about a few feet away from the Hostel. Whether I am booking a Hostel or Resort, my first stop is always booking.com. The site matches your criteria with various options and allows you to reserve your stay, pay later and even cancel up to a few days before your trips. Traveler that I encounter abroad uses the same site. After 5 bookings on the site you become a genius member, which qualifies you for 10% off of select bookings, early check-in, late check-out and airport shuttle.
I would not recommend staying at Hyde Park Inn it looks nice on pictures and from the outside but it felt like I was in boarding school. They have too many rules and the place is very small for the amount of guests. The bathroom with standing showers, sink and toilet was similar to the toilet size on a plane. Of course it was walking distance or just a train ride away from all major attractions. After dropping my backpack went back to the station and boarded a train to Tower Bridge stop. I never fail to carry a map with me; pick up one at your front desk. Before heading out circle everything that you plan on visiting doing your stay; it was ideal to start at the Tower Bridge from my location and along the way doing the 2 days, I walked to Tower of London, London Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Adjust your schedule to catch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. In the evening if you are into beer or to simply meet people, join the Pub Crawl between 8pm and 10pm at 1 Piccadilly Circus. Any local along your path should be able to direct you to the meeting point.

Lessoned Learned:
• London City is similar to NYC in terms of fashion, restaurants, atmosphere and activities.
• London City is not only the beautiful pictures that are often circulating.
• There is a lot to do for children, teens and adults.
• Try Lyme Bay Mulled Cider a local drink in London
• Avoid tour guides everything is walking distance
I LOVE ENGLISH ACCENT!

Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany)

Rome

Rome was not what I expected. I booked an early flight through Vueling on a Wednesday from Gatwick Airport for under $50. Just so you know the airline is not very reliable check in early they tend to stop boarding 20 minutes before departure. For those who grew up Roman Catholic, the Pope is the closest thing to God on earth so I envisioned him to live in a picturesque city. To my surprised the state of the outer skirt of Vatican City is filthy and stained. I was very disappointed, I dreamed of this place since I was a toddler. I guess the experience, seeing it for myself was worth it.
Rome was my first stop in Italy. I expected my first encounter to be gorgeous Italian men like the ones in the state. I was welcomed by a melting pot of Italians and migrants from Asia and Africa at the Termini Railway Station. I was not thrilled walking through street vendors and drunks and smokers following me all the way to the hostel. My Hostel was not far from many of my point of interest. After dropping my bag I caught the Metro to Vatican City for the Pope’s Audience at St Peter’s Square. After a few minutes when everyone was preoccupied trying to get a glimpse I visited the Vatican Museum which led me to the Sistine Chapel. By the time my visit ended I was on time to visit the Basilica. They will not allow you in until 30 minutes after the end of the Pope Pilgrims or Blessings.
On the second day I asked a man for directions but he responded in Italian. I showed him the Colosseum on the map; since he could not tell me how to get there he decided to drag me towards the train station. Reluctantly I followed him, I asked if he spoke another language in French just my luck I thought at the time he understood what I said and responded: “Senegal”. Unfortunately he spoke a different dialect. He had to repeat his sentences several times. He was nice enough to take me all the way to the Colosseum unlike Egyptians he did not want anything in return before leaving. On the lawn I saw a teenager holding a sign. I asked her to take a picture. She later asked if I knew anything about a celebrity who posted a pic in front of the monument. She left school spend all day with her friends searching for the celeb through town. Before walking away I asked if she could direct me to the Trevi Fountain. Instead the 3 girls decided to take me because it was too confusing to explain. They questioned me along the way about various topics amongst them, Netflix. The program was recently introduced in Italy and they enjoyed having the opportunity to watch American TV shows. Once again before going our separate ways I offered to pay them or even to join me for dinner. They refused the cash and could not stay longer for dinner since they had an assignment due for class the following day.

Lessoned Learned:
• Stay in Vatican City or blocks away when visiting Rome avoid nearby neighborhoods
• Dress casually and leave you valuables home
• Be polite; feel free to ask as many questions with a smile, if you are as lucky you might have your own personal tour guide
• Everything is walking distance so grab your map and head to Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, Pantheon and Vatican City

Florence

On Sunday early morning boarded a train from Roma Termini to Santa Maria Novella in Florence an hour and half away. People often ask me for my favorite city or country. I never had one until my visit to Florence. It was literally love at first site. Florence’s art history earned the city an iconic reputation. I stayed at Ottaviani Hotel, really not up to my standards but I guess I got what I paid for. Nonetheless, the location was in the center of the city at Santa Maria Novella Square in a residential area yet still walking distance from main attractions and tourist zone. I was finally able to capture the essence of Italian style and culture that I often envision based on the few Italians that I knew.
Freshman year in college one of my classes was introductory to Art. Reminiscing on the many sessions, I marched to Accademia gallery for the glorious sculpture of David by Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. After my visit I made my way to Uffizi gallery on the other side of town. There I discovered some of the greatest paintings in the world from the early and High Renaissance epoch, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Hugo, Bartolomeo and Caravaggio.
Piazza della Signoria at the intersection of the gallery is where Savonarola was burned. The square is magical no wonder it is considered the greatest outdoor and the economic heartbeat of the city. Full of history, it features various statues; amongst them is a replica of the Statue of David, fountain of Neptune and the Vecchio Palace. As I continued strolling down along the pathway I did not realize that the many boutiques and eateries were right on the iconic Medieval Bridge called Ponte Vecchio.
For the best view of Florence I climbed both the Bell Tower and the Duomo; walked to Piazzale Michelangelo for another view of the city all on the following day. I was not a very happy camper by the time I got back. The climbed to the Duomo from my experience was more interesting. It started inside the Cathedral and as I ascended the steep spiral staircase, the closer I was to the magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The interior views will stay with me for an eternity. At Piazzale Michelangelo came across La Loggia with a stunning view of the park and the city. I can’t tell you much about the food. Out of desperation and the need of a comfortable chair after my day I went to the bar for a battle of wine.

Florence Stole My Heart!

Pisa

For Thursday I planned a day trip to Pisa from Florence. From the train station for about one hour and a few minutes later I was at Pisa Centrale. I walked through the square leading to Francesco Crispi, continued on a fairly straight road that eventually led me to Piazza dei Miracoli Pisa 20 minutes later. Based on my experience despite having one of the most famous monuments in the world, the city was not a tourist trap. It is a real city and a beautiful one at that. The surgical university towards the square reminded me of some residential areas in Haiti. If I ever go back to Italy I would allocate at least a weekend to Tuscany, there is so much to do. I always wanted to visit the leaning tower square but Tuscany is not as touristic as Rome and Florence. I love the peaceful, residential and educational atmosphere. You can truly experience their everyday life. I wish I had more time to spend with the medical students instead of a short lunch; they made it all the more attractive.

Venice

My bitter sweet experience in Venice: Nothing could have prepared me for the weekend I spent on the Island. After the day visit at Pisa took a train to Venice via Florence. By the time I got to Generator Hostel it was late night. I will start by informing you to never arrive in Venice at night if it is your first time. It took me 2 hours to get to my destination from the station. I first attempted to catch a water taxi as per my research but the price was outrageous. I decided to walk after a few minutes I stopped at a hotel to access their wifi to upload the map for my living quarters. Never be afraid to ask for help and be cordial. My phone said I was about 30 minutes away. After going around in circles, missing turns, my patience wore tin. I decided to stop using the app, made my way towards my hostel by walking along the canal instead of going through the alleys the best I could. Just when I thought I arrived at my destination realized there was no way to cross the water. My hostel all the while was across the canal on a different Giudecca island and I needed to catch a boat to the otherwise. Thankfully I was standing right next to a waterbus station. The waterbuses are fairly simple once you know all the stops and sections you wish to visit. Eventually I managed to get to the Hostel but by that time I got there I was disturb, especially when my host was laughing the whole time telling me most people arrive as irritated as me.
I grew up in the Caribbean and at night doing our sleepovers or road trip to the countryside I would often hear stories about unknown creatures grabbing people into the waters and they were never able to go back home. For that reason, I never like swimming too far from the shore or staying too long at a river. I might just be traumatized; being in Venice did not help my case especially walking along or over the canal at night. Venice is composed of many sub-islands. I knew about Murano and Burano. I could never imagine the city structure; what is considered roads/streets; having to catch waterbuses to go to the Venice Island or to the restaurant across the canal. It must be seeing in person and experience. How can anyone describe Venice in writing? You need patience and a great since of direction to walk the alleys alone. As I walked with both a map and my iPhone walking assistance I would stopped every so often out of frustration from getting lost, looked around and so many people like myself had either their gadgets or map before them turning in circles. Unlike many other cities I could not ask for help even the locals didn’t know street names if they even spoke French or English. Most people knew how to get to their directions without paying attention to the poorly engraves street name on the building cement. The Islands are as beautiful as they are in pictures. The whole experience was indeed worth the headaches.

Lessoned Learned:
• If you are on a budget avoid tour guides after your first day it should be easy to navigate through the many islands.
• Give yourself time throughout your journey visiting the many Islands. The Alleys are confusing.
• Do visit: San Mark Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge as well as Burano Lace Shop and Murano Glass Factories. Cheers to beautiful memories!
• A single ACTV (waterbus) card in Venice cost €7.50 (per ride). The other alternative is to purchase a resident card for €50 (€40 for activation and €10 remaining for rides at €1.50 per ride). I got 2 tickets 1 to leave Burano Island and the other to leave Venice Island for a total of €15.

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