About/FAQ
Bio:
I’m a 24/M that enjoys LIFE and all of the challenges that we are all faced with each and every day. American citizen by birth, Irish citizen by descent. I’ve got a passion for traveling, photography, adventure sports, and even the occasional adrenaline rush.
Hometown?:
Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Musical Interests?
I like mostly everything. From Rock, to Hip Hop, Jazz/Soul, and if it’s live it’s even better…
Favorite Live Act?
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Current Reads?
I’m currently chipping away at 3 different Travel/Guide Books:
- Rick Steve’s - Europe Through The Back Door 2008
- (W.M.)
- Lonely Planet - Europe On A Shoestring
- Ireland For Dummies
Europe 2008 - Pre Trip F.A.Q:
Who are you going with?:
I’m taking this trip alone. Believe it or not, it’s pretty difficult to find someone that has the time, money, and patience to join me on a trip of this magnitude. At the same time I don’t plan on being alone the whole trip. I’m booked on a three week bus tour which is specialized for (18-35 year olds), and I plan to meet a lot of people during that trip. I’m sure I’ll have no problem meeting people during my stays at hotels, hostels, etc.
Why Europe?:
I’ve decided on Europe for a few different reasons. One of them being that I can start my trip in Ireland and spend some quality time with family that I only get to see every few years or so. Also, I will have the opportunity to use Dublin as my home base during my travels. Not only will this save me a bunch of money when it comes to accommodations, but it also serves as a place that I can leave my suitcase while I travel. All I have to do is pack my backpack, and I’m off! As I hope to be able to travel the world some day, conquering Europe is just the first step.
How did this trip come about?:
This trip started out when I purchased a flight to Ireland on September 8, 2007 to depart on April 20th, 2008. Originally I just wanted to head to Ireland for a week or two, get away and spend some time with my relatives that I rarely get to see. Over the course of the next couple of months my initial idea of a two week vacation to Ireland was slowly but surely turning into the trip of a lifetime.
How are you affording this trip?:
A year and a half of hard work, and saving. Luckily, I manage my money pretty well, and I’m currently living at home. Couldn’t thank my parents enough! Dropping everything that you have back home and deciding to spend all of the money that you’ve ever saved might not be the brightest idea, but I know that the time is NOW. I know that I might not ever get the chance to do this again and that’s what makes this trip even more exciting.
What countries will you be visiting on this trip?:
I’m currently planning on visiting the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland. More to
Europe 2008 - Post Trip F.A.Q:
So how was it?:
The trip was amazing, as imagined! I had the time of my life. I couldn’t have done it without all of the support I received from Family and friends over in Europe. From my family in Ireland allowing me to stay at their homes while I explored Europe, to my new CouchSurfing friends who provided me with a bed to sleep in, great knowledge of their cities and also for focing me to try new foods and local cuisines. Thank you Marina and Ania, Aiste, Gosia and every other CouchSurfer that I met along the way!
Is Europe as expensive as everyone says?:
Well it really depends on which counrtries you visit. Western Europe is much more expensive than Eastern Europe, that’s for sure! I found that the more popular Western European destinations like London, Paris, etc were exactly as I expected price wise. Also, please remember that I visited Europe when the dollar was at it’s worst! For every one Euro that I spent, I spent the equivalent of $1.55 - $1.60 USD! With that exchange, prices added up pretty quickly.
Which Countries did you visit?:
Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and Vatican City.
What was your favorite destination?:
Dubrovnik, Croatia.
How much did this trip cost?:
In the end it cost about $11,000 USD, and it was worth every single penny!
