Comments on: Fear of Europe

By: 1dad1kid

1dad1kid — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:14:00 +0000

In reply to Natalye. That is a very cool transportation system! I really wish the US had more types of services like Europe for mass transit.

By: Natalye

Natalye — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:07:00 +0000

I can understand your fears… as an American in Berlin, I can say this place is cheap to live in… and Germany in general costs less (as far as everyday expenses like groceries and such) that the US did. Also, you’re right, non-Schengen and Balkan countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria… even Turkey) are more affordable. Also here in Germany we have mitfahrengelegenheit, which is a carpool service around the country and to other countries too. For example, y u can pay a 30€ or somewhat similar, to sit in someone’s car cross-country, saving them money on gas and you on transport, and at least in Germany, it’s safe. I would imagine some other countries might have similar things. Anyway, I totally have faith that you will find your way!

By: 1dad1kid

1dad1kid — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:39:00 +0000

In reply to Playa KP. I’m not sure what Flat Stanley is. LOL

By: 1dad1kid

1dad1kid — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:38:00 +0000

In reply to Playa KP. Yeah. I’m actually looking forward to the challenge, but then every so often reality tries to shake me a bit. LOL I’m confident we can do it, even if we need to tuck into cheaper countries for a bit to break things up.

By: Playa KP

Playa KP — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:15:00 +0000

In reply to Playa KP. I tell you the worst... it the picture of flat stanley!! How did that happen and how do I change it :)

By: Playa KP

Playa KP — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:10:00 +0000

What’s the worst than can happen? You’ve built a wonderful community on the web and it’s quite cheap from BRU to BKK. Thinking of making that plunge myself…next week!!

By: 1dad1kid

1dad1kid — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000

In reply to Victoria. Brain aisles?

By: Victoria

Victoria — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:56:00 +0000

We’re huge fans of HelpX too. We’re hoping to do some volunteering in Ecuador. Looks incredible. Enjoy Europe. I lived in London for years and there are definitely ways to liven the cheap. Food shopping can be really cheap for starters. just make sure to check the brain aisles.

By: 1dad1kid

1dad1kid — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:49:00 +0000

In reply to lenzenmi. That’s good to hear. We prefer to rent whenever possible as well, and we have no problem with walking so that helps, too.

By: lenzenmi

lenzenmi — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 05:55:00 +0000

Overall, Europe has surprised us. We thought it would be crazy expensive compared to the Central American prices we were used to. Paris was… but on a whole, averaging out our 3 months in France, Spain, and Austria, we hardly spent more per day than in Central America.

We are doing less in Europe though. In Central America, we did a lot of diving, splurged on canopy tours, bused all over the place and took Spanish lessons for a month and a half.

In Europe, we’ve had to go to the museums on the busy free days, we walked the Camino de Santiago – where we didn’t need to stay in expensive hostels, we move around a lot less avoiding the expensive trains/buses/flights choosing instead to rent an apartment by the month, and travel by bike.

It can be done on a budget, but your right, it’s not as easy as Central America