How I did it: How did I do it?  Odd question, ha, I took a plane to Ireland.

Anyways, I did countries a little off the beaten trail for the most part and found this to be rewarding.  I did Ireland - Denmark - Sweden - Norway - Netherlands - France and back to Ireland for a flight back home.

I didn't want to, as I call it, city hop between many cities and do the cities of 15 countries in 5 weeks or something crazy like so many other back packers seem to do.  Instead, I tried to take my time in each of the countries and explore the country side and villages, and still felt like I could have done more!

But traveled via plane, train, bus, car and boat.

Be weary of Scandinavia and especially Norway, those countries are expensive!  But very beautiful!

Lessons & tips: Don't city hop!  Slow down, there is plenty of time to check out Europe, no need to do it all in one go!  For every 7-14+ days, choose one country.  Spend at least a week in each country.  Some you will want to spend weeks (me in France).

Get into the country side.  See some villages.

Everyone enjoys a beer, me too.  But cut back and your wallet will thank you and you'll have much more vivid and cultural memories.

Resources: Locals.

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Sep 11, 2009, 09:35AM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers