Quote:
Originally Posted by Proxima Hello all
We and our family of 4 are seeing if a trip to Europe is feasible. We want to see Germany and Italy, particularly Italy. We are not too comfortable with the packaged tour types and want to do our own exploring. We plan to arrive in Frankfurt (its the cheapest place to land in Europe) hire a car for 9 days, go to various places and return the car in Frankfurt to get back to India.
Before we get to what are the best places to see in these 2 countries, I just put down a quick budget for the trip, which I am sharing here. The total comes to about 3 lacs. My calculation is based on my little experience in the US. I know it is costlier in Europe, so have tried to make provision for this.
I will greatly appreciate help in: - Reviewing the excel to see if these make sense.
- Advice on how to cut down on expenses as mentioned in the excel.
- Anything else I am missing out that should be factored in? (apart from shopping, etc)
Please keep in mind that this is a budget trip, therefore we are willing to compromise on stuff, if there is a way to compromise that is.
I would like help from Navin, Sam, and anyone who has been to Europe/done similar trips.
Many thanks! |
Hi Proxima,
I happened to come across your post and checked you excel file. But first, let me ask you a few questions:
Germany AND Italy in 9 days? That seems pretty tough, especially as you don't start from the South of Germany but Frankfurt. Depending on where about in Italy you may want to go it will already take you 2 days only to get there - straight driving.
Are you going as a family? Two adults, two children?
When are you going or planning to go? I mean which month approximately.
Now to your calculation. In my honest opinion I think it is a little too tight. I mean, it may be possible to do it but you need to be aware that you will not be able to do anything but absolutely anything out of the line. Depending on the places you go to this may be very difficult as well. Prices in Europe depend heavily on the places you visit! Let me go more into detail.
Air tickets may be done for that price, depending on when you are going.
Overnight stays for that money can be done if you choose simple guest houses or pensions as we call them in Germany but you need to do a good research on that first otherwise you will spend too much time on-site looking for them. They will mostly come without breakfast for that price, unless you are really lucky.
Car rental for 9 days, not sure. Very possible but you need to look at the clauses for free km, allowance to go abroad, insurance matters etc. Check this out before you rely on any figures.
Fuel, I'd say you will need to spend more for 4000 km. When I was in Germany in July, the fuel price was at about 1.25 - 1.30 Euros per litre (changes every day and is different from place to place too). If I calculate an average of 8 litres per 100 km I get a higher figure than you.
Food figures I find unrealistic. Even if you will eat at Mc Donald's etc. it will cost you more than that. I know that a meal costs about 120 Rs. here for example, which is less than 2 Euros. You would pay around 5.50 Euros for the same in Germany already. And don't forget you guys want to drink or eat something in between.
At a restaurant you will mostly not get away with less than 8 Euros per Person and that is already super cheap, you may not find it everywhere. And it does mostly not include drinks. In Europe water does not come for free as here! Add another 2-3 Euros for a soft drink or a water for example. Unless you are planning to go to a supermarket every day and prepare your own food, but how will you do this then? No, I'd say you need to calculate 25-30 Euros per Person and day as you will only be eating out and that is expensive, esp. in Germany.
Entrance fees is possible, depending on what you want to do.
I'd say if you can stock up your budget a little you would be on the safe side. In any case, you may be able to do it but may find it less enjoyable in the end as you will have to restrict yourself to an extent that is very difficult.
I hope I was not too discouraging. I just have my doubts if you will really manage all that and even if if it will meet your expectations that way. If you have any further questions please let me know.