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/2010/06/episode-10-croatia/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2010/06/episode-10-croatia/#comments Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:25:14 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=422 http://backpackpodcast.com/2010/06/episode-10-croatia/feed/ 0 Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Croatia,Croatia podcast,Dalmatian Coast,Dubrovnik,Eurail Selectpass,Europe Podcast,Italy,One Summer in Europe,Summer in Europe,Zagreb We're fired up the podcast again as we leave Rome and cross the legendary Adriatic Sea to amazing Croatia. - Croatia is deservedly a hot spot on European travel itineraries, with its endless stretch of beautiful, rugged coastline, We're fired up the podcast again as we leave Rome and cross the legendary Adriatic Sea to amazing Croatia. Croatia is deservedly a hot spot on European travel itineraries, with its endless stretch of beautiful, rugged coastline, charming seaside towns, and old-world way of life. We recommend the focus of a Croatia trip to be the Dalmatian Coast of southern Croatia with a special emphasis on unforgettable Dubrovnik, the "pearl of the Adriatic". Five or six days along the coast allows one to get a sample of the best of Croatia, with a stop in the capital of Zagreb as the gateway deeper into Central Europe. On this show, Dean and I talk about: why to add nontraditional Croatia to a general backpacking Europe itinerary how to get from Rome to Croatia on a ferry across the Adriatic the fascinating history of Dubrovnik, formerly the wealthy independent republic of Ragusa, a rival to Venice and a diplomatic powerhouse taking the Jadrolinija coastal ferry and stopping for a day or two on the great islands of Korcula and/or Hvar spending a night in the vibrant city of Split ending the week in Croatia with a stop in the Austria-Hungarian influenced capital of Zagreb some hidden gems of Croatia, such as Istria and its national parks TRANSPORT IN Trenitalia (Italian train system) Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry company) ACCOMMODATION One Summer in Europe (Dubrovnik hostel and budget hotel search) SIGHTSEEING Dubrovnik (official tourist site) Visit Dubrovnik (information about Dubrovnik and the region) Republic of Ragusa (history) Dubrovnik Walks (high-quality, affordable guided walking tours of Dubrovnik) Korcula (information site) Hvar (official tourist site) Split (official tourist site) Diocletian's Palace Zagreb (information site) Plitvice Lakes (beautiful national park) One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities in Rome) TRANSPORT OUT Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry company) AK Split (Split bus station - bus to Zagreb) HZ (Croatian train system) Now we head back inland to the grand capital city of Budapest, on the Danube river, and the cultural and economic center of the Hungarian people. Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean http://backpackpodcast.com/2010/05/the-podcast-returns-soon/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2010/05/the-podcast-returns-soon/#comments Sat, 15 May 2010 11:27:14 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=417 http://backpackpodcast.com/2010/05/the-podcast-returns-soon/feed/ 0 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/10/episode-9-rome/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/10/episode-9-rome/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:18:16 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=378 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/10/episode-9-rome/feed/ 0 Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Budget Travel Europe,Colosseum,Europe Podcast,Italy,Italy Podcast,One Summer in Europe,Palatine Hill,Pantheon,Piazza Navona,Roman Forum,Rome After a warm-up to wonderful Italy in Florence, we arrive at the great capital city of Rome, history's epicenter in many ways. - The treasures of Rome are both ancient and modern and not to be missed by any European traveler. After a warm-up to wonderful Italy in Florence, we arrive at the great capital city of Rome, history's epicenter in many ways. The treasures of Rome are both ancient and modern and not to be missed by any European traveler. This city constantly stimulates the senses - sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. With so many attractions to cover around Rome, we recommend four nights and five days here after arriving after a short train trip from Florence. On this episode, Dean and I talk about: initial tips and pointers to make the most of a visit to Rome my favorite crazy Roman emperor a walk around the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, imaging those who once walked here long before our favorite piazzas and other more modern sights around town a trip over to Vatican City to check out Catholic Rome and the unbelievable St. Peters cathedral and Sistine Chapel a possible day trip to Pompeii for the ambitious gelato, pizza, and other tasty things to fatten up on in Rome TRANSPORT IN Trenitalia (Italian train system) ACCOMMODATION One Summer in Europe (Rome hostel and budget hotel search) SIGHTSEEING Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine Hill Pantheon Piazza Navona Spanish Steps Trevi Fountain St. Peters Basilica Sistine Chapel Villa Borghese One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities in Rome) TRANSPORT OUT Trenitalia (Italian train system) Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry system for Bari-Dubrovnik ferry) After five intense days in Rome, most people need a break from the super-hectic atmosphere. Our next destination will be perfect for relaxation, the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia... Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/10/hidden-gem-4-cinque-terre-italy/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/10/hidden-gem-4-cinque-terre-italy/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:35:12 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=363 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/10/hidden-gem-4-cinque-terre-italy/feed/ 2 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/09/episode-8-florence-2/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/09/episode-8-florence-2/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:01:48 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=309 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/09/episode-8-florence-2/feed/ 0 Accademia,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Backpacking Podcast,Baptistry,Duomo,Europe Podcast,Eurostar Italia,Florence,Giotto's Tower,Italy,Italy Podcast,One Summer in Europe (note: due to technical problems, the audio player may not be appearing, here is a direct link to use temporarily) - After several stops in France and Spain, we finally make our first appearance in Italy with a couple days in Florence, (note: due to technical problems, the audio player may not be appearing, here is a direct link to use temporarily) After several stops in France and Spain, we finally make our first appearance in Italy with a couple days in Florence, the home of the very important Renaissance movement. Florence is an absolute must-see for the curious traveler, with its wealth of historic and cultural treasures. For a city of its modest size, one could argue that no other city has had more influence on today's world than this Tuscan gem. Florence is a town where legends once lived and worked and you can still feel their greatness today. Two nights and two busy days in Florence should be enough to see the top sights before moving on to the Italian capital of Rome. In this episode, Dean and I talk about: the amazing history and influence of Renaissance Florence on the world, unleashing the fullness of human potential around the world visiting the famous cultural sites of Florence the Stendhall Syndrome, a very common affliction in Florence possible day trips near Florence within the Tuscan region initial thoughts on our next destination, Rome TRANSPORT IN SNCF (French train system) Trenitalia (Italian train system) ACCOMMODATION One Summer in Europe (Florence hostel and budget hotel search) SIGHTSEEING Duomo (famous Cathedral of Florence) Giotto's Tower (campanile outside the Duomo) Baptistry (with the famous bronze doors) Uffizi Gallery (great art museum) Accademia (home of the statue of David by Michelangelo) Piazza della Signoria (heart of city center) Palazzo Vecchio (famous palace) Ponte Vecchio (famous bridge over the Arno River) Vasari's Corridor Boboli Gardens (quiet and scenic retreat across the river) One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities) TRANSPORT OUT Trenitalia (Italian train system) Now that we have been properly introduced to Italy, we move on to the big prize, the eternal city of Rome. Join us as we discuss one of the most fantastic cities in the world.... Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/05/hidden-gem-2-valencia-spain/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/05/hidden-gem-2-valencia-spain/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 22:21:36 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=212 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/05/hidden-gem-2-valencia-spain/feed/ 0 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-3-paris/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/03/episode-3-paris/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:59:52 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=100 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/03/episode-3-paris/feed/ 0 Arc de Triomphe,Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Podcast,Beauvais Airport,Champs Elysees,Disneyland Paris,Eiffel Tower,Eurail Pass,Europe Podcast,Europe Summer,Jardin du Luxembourg,Luxembourg Gardens We arrive on the European continent in perhaps the most enchanting city in the world, Paris. It may be an acquired taste for some travelers, but it is fairly easy to see why Paris is the favorite city of so many people from around the world. We arrive on the European continent in perhaps the most enchanting city in the world, Paris. It may be an acquired taste for some travelers, but it is fairly easy to see why Paris is the favorite city of so many people from around the world. It's an unmissable destination for your European adventure. With countless sights and activities in Paris, we recommend five days and four nights there on our One Summer in Europe trip. In this episode, Melissa and I discuss: arriving from Dublin and getting acclimated to Paris some basic facts on Paris and France overcoming the stereotype of the "rude French" avoiding theft, and my story on witnessing this on a Paris train daily cost of accommodation and sightseeing in Paris our respective top 5 things to see and do other interesting sights outside our top 5 selections where to go next and the experience of a night train We also hear from our friend Tory, an American living and working in Paris, on her experience as a foreigner in the city. Finally, I speak with Katia on her perspective as a native French person and her advice to travelers to Paris. Here are some relevent websites for Paris based on our discussion (in rough order as we talked): TRANSPORT IN Paris Beauvais Airport (how to get to Paris from there) Paris Metro (subway system) ACCOMMODATION One Summer in Europe (Paris hostel and budget hotel search page) SIGHTSEEING Disneyland Paris (EuroDisney) Champs-Élysées (the famous street in the heart of Paris) Chateau de Versailles (official site) Musee d'Orsay (official site) Arc de Triomphe (Napoleon's triumphal arch) Eiffel Tower (official site) Notre-Dame de Paris (official site) Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) Sacre Couer-Montmartre Sunset over the Seine in Summer One Summer in Europe (other miscellaneous sightseeing activities) TRANSPORT OUT Elipsos TrenHotel (Paris-to-Madrid overnight train) We find it nearly impossible to leave Paris but we pull ourselves away and head far south into Spain - first the capital Madrid! Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean 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/episode-1-london/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/02/episode-1-london/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:03:16 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=65 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/02/episode-1-london/feed/ 0 Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Backpacking Podcast,British Museum,Covent Garden,England,Europe Podcast,Heathrow Airport,Hostels,Jack the Ripper,Leicester Square,London Our first stop on our simulated backpacking Europe trip is London, a truly exciting and cosmopolitan metropolis. - London is world-class in many ways, and an essential destination for any European traveler. While expensive, Our first stop on our simulated backpacking Europe trip is London, a truly exciting and cosmopolitan metropolis. London is world-class in many ways, and an essential destination for any European traveler. While expensive, it is very backpacker-friendly in its diverse offering of accommodations and in the countless free or low-cost activities to fill up your time. Our recommendation for this type of trip is to spend 5 days and 4 nights in London. One needs months or years for London, but we have limited time on the trip and must always be on the move. In this first episode, Melissa and I talk about: arriving to London and some basic ways to get acclimated each of our top 5 things to see and do in London other interesting sights beyond the top 5 list general backpacking Europe advice on packing light and smart after departing London, where to go next Here are some relevent websites for London based on our discussion (in rough order as we talked): TRANSPORT IN Heathrow Airport (probable arrival airport) Transport for London (Tube maps, fares, tickets/travelcards, Oyster card) Heathrow Express (fast train from airport to city center) INFO TimeOut London (weekly "what's-on" magazine) TNT (another listings magazine) ACCOMODATION One Summer in Europe (London hostel and budget hotel page) SIGHTSEEING Leicester Square (live webcam) London Theatre Guide (official half-price tickets) Tate Modern British Museum Covent Garden (area guide) Tower of London English Breakfast (description) Jack the Ripper walk (and other walks of London) London Eye Tower Bridge One Summer in Europe (London page for other sightseeing activities, including hop-on/hop-off double-decker bus tour) TRANSPORT OUT Ryanair (cheap flights to Dublin from Stansted or Gatwick, but watch for add-on costs) Stansted Airport (with to/from London info) Gatwick Airport (with to/from London info) Sail & Rail (cheap £27 train/ferry combo ticket London-Holyhead-Dublin) Join us for our next episode as we spend some time on the Emerald Isle! 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