http://backpackpodcast.com One Summer in Europe - For those who wonder, for those who wander... Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:34:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Welcome to One Summer in Europe, the backpacking Europe podcast. Join restless backpackers Ryan and Melissa on this ongoing podcast series as we simulate an extended budget trip around the must-see destinations in Europe, while offering real-world advice to help you create your own European travel adventure. We encourage listener questions and feedback to incorporate into the show, so listen in and tell us where you need help. Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean Ryan Stuckey and Friends questions@backpackpodcast.com questions@backpackpodcast.com (Ryan Stuckey and Friends) © 2009 Rakasa Worldwide, Inc. One Summer in Europe - the backpacking Europe podcast backpacking europe, backpacking podcast, europe podcast, travel europe, hostel, europe trains, summer in europe, europe itinerary, budget travel, http://backpackpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/valid-rss.png http://backpackpodcast.com http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/05/episode-5-andalucia/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/05/episode-5-andalucia/#comments Sun, 03 May 2009 00:46:43 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=187 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/05/episode-5-andalucia/feed/ 0 Alhambra,Andalucia,Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Backpacking Podcast,Budget Travel Europe,Capilla Real,Cordoba,Europe on a Budget,Europe Podcast,Europe Railpass,Granada After a few days in the capital of Spain, it is time to leave Madrid and head deeper into Spain culturally and geographically: the region of Andalucia. We discover a wonderfully rich area full of exciting atmosphere and dramatic history that many peopl... After a few days in the capital of Spain, it is time to leave Madrid and head deeper into Spain culturally and geographically: the region of Andalucia. We discover a wonderfully rich area full of exciting atmosphere and dramatic history that many people consider to be the most appealing part of Spain. We highly recommend a 4-5 day journey through Cordoba, Sevilla, and Granada as a perfect side trip between Madrid and Barcelona. Many are in love with sensual Sevilla, but quite a few of us adore feisty and proud Granada even more. On this episode, I talk about: getting rid of Melissa back in Madrid (just kidding, she'll be back next show) why everybody should get beyond Madrid and Barcelona in Spain and consider visiting Andalucia background info on Andalucia, a region once part of historic Al-Andalus,  controlled for centuries by the Moors from Africa how Al-Andalus prospered as one of the most advanced and wealthiest parts of Europe, until the Christians gradually reclaimed territory over the centuries during the Reconquista spending a day in Cordoba, visiting the amazing Mezquita sampling the lively atmosphere of Sevilla, including the largest Gothic church on earth visiting Granada to see the mysterious and legendary palace fortress "Alhambra", along with the still-present Moorish cultural influences other places in Andalucia to visit if you have more time/interest: Malaga, Cadiz, and Tarifa as well as British Gibraltar and Moroccan Tangier (1 hour ferry from Tarifa) TRANSPORT IN RENFE (Spanish rail system) AVE (high-speed train Madrid to Cordoba and Sevilla) ACCOMMODATION Cordoba (One Summer in Europe hostel and budget hotel (”hostal”) search) Sevilla (OSIE search) Granada (OSIE search) SIGHTSEEING La Mezquita (extraordinary mosque/cathedral of Cordoba) The famous patios of Cordoba Cathedral of Seville (3rd largest in world, resting place of Chris Columbus) Alcazar (old royal palace/gardens of Seville) Alhambra (the treasure of Granada) Capilla Real (resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand & Isabella) Teterias (Moorish tea rooms of Granada) Tapas in Granada (free with a drink purchase!) One Summer in Europe (other miscellaneous sightseeing activities in Andalucia) TRANSPORT OUT RENFE (Spanish rail system) So after a wonderful detour through Andalucia for a few days, we stop our southernly advance and turn around to head back east toward Barcelona, another simply great city to visit on our one summer in Europe...Melissa time to get a move on! Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/episode-4-madrid/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/episode-4-madrid/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:18:54 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=157 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/episode-4-madrid/feed/ 0 AVE Train,Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Backpacking Podcast,El Prado,El Rastro Market,El Retiro,Elipsos,Europe Podcast,Europe Railpass,Festivals of Europe,Hostals Our simulated backpacking Europe itinerary continues - after leaving Paris on a night train, we arrive 11 hours later far to the south in the capital of Spain, Madrid. - Cosmopolitan and alive with life and energy, Our simulated backpacking Europe itinerary continues - after leaving Paris on a night train, we arrive 11 hours later far to the south in the capital of Spain, Madrid. Cosmopolitan and alive with life and energy, Madrid has a lot of appeal for any European traveler. This is the center of Spain in a number of different ways, and is thus a wise place to start exploring this vibrant and popular country. We recommend three days and two nights to get a good feeling for Madrid. In this episode, Melissa and I talk about: arriving in Madrid and Melissa's foggy memories of the city basic cultural and historic perspective on Madrid, from Spanish Empire up to present-day economic problems the most interesting things to see and do in Madrid our not-so-enthusiastic experience with bullfights the tasty and diverse food of Spain, a true movable feast dealing with the daily siesta in Madrid We also discuss our top 5 festivals in Europe, including Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. I share my unforgettable story when I first ran with the bulls a few years back and how I was able to entertain 5000 people in the bullring, to my embarrassment and sore right buttocks. Here are some recommended websites for Madrid based on our discussion (in rough order as we talked): TRANSPORT IN Elipsos TrenHotel (Paris-to-Madrid overnight train) ACCOMMODATION One Summer in Europe (Madrid hostel and budget hotel ("hostal") search page) SIGHTSEEING Prado (famous art museum, one of best in world) Reina Sofia (excellent art museum, featuring Guernica by Picasso) Thyssen Museum (another recommend art museum) Puerto del Sol (literal center of Spain and heart of Madrid) Plaza Mayor (pretty square, lots of history here) Palacio Real (Royal Palace) Gran Via (famous and busy street in heart of city) El Retiro (large and relaxing city park) El Rastro (famous flea market, bargain city) One Summer in Europe (other miscellaneous sightseeing activities) TRANSPORT OUT RENFE (Spanish rail system) AVE (high-speed train Madrid to Seville) Now that we've warmed up to Spain, it's time to leave Madrid and take a small detour to our next destination, amazing Andalucia, before we head to Barcelona....come along! Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/slowdown-in-europe-rail-travel/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/slowdown-in-europe-rail-travel/#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:50:48 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=135 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/slowdown-in-europe-rail-travel/feed/ 0 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/03/episode-2-dublin/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/03/episode-2-dublin/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:44:55 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=81 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/03/episode-2-dublin/feed/ 0 Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Podcast,Book of Kells,Budget Travel Europe,Dublin,Easter Rising,Europe on a Budget,Europe Podcast,Europe Railpass,Guiness Storehouse,Ireland,Kilmainham Gaol After starting our European adventure in busy London, it's time to enjoy the relaxed, welcoming vibe of Dublin. - This feeling is why Dublin is at the top of many travelers' favorite cities in Europe, and also a very special place for the many English... After starting our European adventure in busy London, it's time to enjoy the relaxed, welcoming vibe of Dublin. This feeling is why Dublin is at the top of many travelers' favorite cities in Europe, and also a very special place for the many English-speaking people of Irish descent from around the world. On a trip like One Summer in Europe, we recommend about three days and two nights to experience the essence of Dublin. In this episode, Melissa and I talk about: basic Irish history to give a proper sense of place recommended points of interest in Dublin enjoying a crazy St. Patrick's day in Dublin the essential thing you must do with your time in Dublin after departing Dublin, our approach to the Continent I also have a conversation with my friend Tim, who is an interesting mix of Irish personality and accent while being an English citizen of Northern Ireland. Here are some relevent websites for Dublin based on our discussion (in rough order as we talked): TRANSPORT IN Sail & Rail (cheap £27 train/ferry combo ticket London-Holyhead-Dublin) DART (fast train transportation from ferry port of Dun Laoghaire) Port of Dublin (transportation from city port into city center) ACCOMODATION One Summer in Europe (Dublin hostel and budget hotel search page) SIGHTSEEING Guiness Storehouse Trinity College Book of Kells The Long Room (of Old Library of Trinity College) Temple Bar (local info website) Kilmainham Gaol (the famous jail 3.5 km from center) Easter Rising (historical background) Literary Pub Crawl (recommended) St. Patrick's Cathedral One Summer in Europe (other miscellaneous sightseeing activities) TRANSPORT OUT Dublin Airport (with transportation to airport info) Ryanair (for a cheap flight to Paris, but watch for add-on costs) Join us for our next episode as we arrive on the Continent amid the grandeur of Paris! Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/02/0-introduction/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/02/0-introduction/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:25:06 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=55 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/02/0-introduction/feed/ 0 Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Backpacking Podcast,Eurail Global Pass,Eurail Pass,Eurail Selectpass,Europe Itinerary,Europe Podcast,Europe Railpass,Europe Summer,Hostels,One Summer in Europe We're pleased to present the first episode of One Summer in Europe - the backpacking Europe podcast! - As this episode is an introduction to the rest of the series, we name it episode #0. - In this episode, Melissa and I discuss: - We're pleased to present the first episode of One Summer in Europe - the backpacking Europe podcast! As this episode is an introduction to the rest of the series, we name it episode #0. In this episode, Melissa and I discuss: who we are and our different European travel experiences why people should consider taking their own backpacking Europe trip (hint: FUN), whether one is a recent graduate or is out of school a few years why traveling on a budget is a great skill and how it actually leads to a better experience than spending a lot of money we set up our virtual "one summer in Europe" trip scenario which is based on : 10-week trip (last half of May + June + July) visiting 20 interesting destinations (3-4 days on average in each) with no formal itinerary (next stop = ??) spending on average $50-70 per day by keeping to a budget using a 2-month unlimited use railpass for 20 countries flying into London as our 1st stop Here are some relevant links from this episode: a useful airfare comparison website: Momondo.com where to get your European railpass: RailEurope where to get your passport: USA, Canada, Australia and of course our partner site where you can quickly search 1000s of hostels and things to do across Europe: One Summer in Europe For reference, here are the railpass prices we mentioned: 2-month unlimited Adult = $1590 Youth = $1034 Group = $1351 15 days in 2 months Adult = $1085 Youth = $704 Group = $924 Finally, we welcome listener questions and comments at questions (at) backpackpodcast.com, and we may read these emails on future episodes. Join us soon for our first stop in Europe - episode #1 London! Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean