<p>So my summer vacation is right around the corner, and I was going to take a trip. Since I’m sure that some of you parents are seasoned travellers, where would you reccomend I visit? Some criteria to keep in mind: Make sure it’s semi-cheap (I’m on a student’s budget!), interesting, somewhat american-friendly, and has lots of stuff to do for 2-3 weeks! I have been to some western european countries, so I’m thinking of a more “unique” kind of place. Thanks!</p>
<p>Around here, Costa Rica seems to be the “hot choice” for less expensive international travel–the other “hot spot” here is Tuscany (Italy)…of course, we’re parents and so when my friends travel they expect to spend some money…Tuscany villas are probably beyond a student budget…but you could check into youth hostels if the idea appeals…</p>
<p>You should go to Belgium.</p>
<p>Prague is supposed to be wonderful, with many students and young people visiting. I’ve also heard great things about travel in Ireland–Rick Steves (PBS travel guy) said it was his favorite European country to travel in.</p>
<p>swedish summers are beautiful, assuming it doesn’t rain… but it’s usually sunny, warm (75-85 degrees), and refreshingly dry.</p>
<p>/end blatant nationalism</p>
<p>I was thinking about scandinavia, but mainly norway, seeing as they are not on the euro, and sweden is (no euro=cheaper)!</p>
<p>no, sweden uses swedish crowns. they voted against the euro in their referendum. :(</p>
<p>I went to Sweden and Norway last summer. Even though they don’t use the Euro it is still EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE FOR AMERICANS! </p>
<p>In Stockholm, for example, the chain “Fridays”, which usually costs my family of four, $50-60 per meal, we firgured out for the same type of meals in Stockholm, it was going to cost us $140 plus 25%, yes 25% tax!!! (No Joke - Prices should be about the same in Norway - maybe a bit more expensive) </p>
<p>Everything from souvineirs to hotel rooms, is going to cost you a pretty penny.
Most Scandinavians have a high standard of living so it usually costs a bit more for everything than other European countries. </p>
<p>However, the beauty of both countries makes up for the extraordinary prices. :)</p>
<p>yeah it used to be a lot cheaper for americans before the value of the dollar went down…in 2001 you got 11 SEK for $1 and now you only get about 7. it’s convenient for me, though, because my parents get paid in SEK…</p>
<p>If I were going to Sweden this summer I would look for a way to stay out in the archipelago somewhere. thisyearsgirls do they have youth hostels there? It is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places I have ever been (I have family with a house on one of the islands…). It’s like Ingmar Bergman at his most cheerful. And the Swedish are amazingly friendly in the summer.</p>
<p>How about visiting this thread you started and consider apologizing for throwing bombs… then disappearing:(
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=56159[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=56159</a></p>
<p>alumother: i don’t know about youth hostels, as i’ve only been there with my family (we have a summer house on the west coast that’s been in my family since the late 1800s). i’m glad you’ve had a positive experience…the stereotype is that all swedes are glum, introverted, and unfriendly, but in my experience that hasn’t been true. ;)</p>
<p>thisyearsgirl - in my experience, a night spent with Swedes is almost guaranteed to be full of laughter. Oh, and aquavit:)</p>