Travelling to Germany, UK and France

LFrigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:20
Last edited 18/06/2024 - 15:19 by 1 other user

Guys, long-time reader but first-time poster here. :)I am planning a Europe trip this December. Could you please see the itinerary below and give your suggestions?

Day 1: Leaving Melbourne to Frankfurt via China Eastern Airlines. Bought return tickets for $4750 for two.
Day 2-3: Frankfurt
I'm staying at Hotel Düsseldorfer Hof near the main station. Paid $116 for two nights. Will visit the main tourist sites nearby, christmas markets by foot or public transport.
Day 4-6: Cologne
Will be visiting the cathedral, Brühl Castle, and Christmas markets.
Day 7-13: London
I am planning to take the Eurostar for 78 pp euros as flying is a bit annoying. Staying at Travelodge Wembley. I'm planning to visit mostly free museums, markets, and pay for the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace.(will buy the palace pass) Will use public transport to get around. It's a bit far from central London, but accommodation is $100 per night, and the area is relatively safer than East London.

Day 14-16: Dover I will see the church and relax.

Day 17-20: Paris Will visit the main free tourist attractions. Stay in the city and use public transport. I haven't booked accommodation yet. I'm a bit worried if I can get by with just English.

Day 21: Flying back via ShanghaiIt's two of us,
my budget is $10k.

Food: I googled the best cheap eats in the town and prepared my itinerary with them. Breakfast will be mostly self-made at the hotel.

Travel Europe France Germany United Kingdom

Comments

  • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:22

    Waiting for your thoughts

    • jv on 18/06/2024 - 14:36
      +2

      I preferred Munich to Frankfurt…

      Just my 2 euro cents….

      • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:56

        Thanks, i will see if i can make some changes

        • jv on 18/06/2024 - 14:57

          It will be worth it…

          Frankfurt is just a modern day city with skyscrapers…

          Munich is a beautiful German town….

        • Stewardo on 18/06/2024 - 18:28

          Frankfurt got wiped out in the war, rebuilt looks more like Detroit.
          Easy to get a train to Nuremberg or Bamberg or Rothenburg au tauber.
          The unesco listed smaller towns will give you a much better experience. The bigger cities are harsher, crime, drugs, globalisation etc

          • backpaqer on 19/06/2024 - 07:37

            @Stewardo: Catch the #11 tram out of town all the way to the end and you find hochst. Untouched by the war. Beautiful little town and great restaurants (cheap too). There's a Frankfurt tourist card that gets you discounts on most tourist things and free public transport (which is mostly an honor thing and there's no tapping on/off etc)

  • LanceVance on 18/06/2024 - 14:40
    +2

    I'd recommend trying to work some time in regional areas of France or Germany if you can.
    Paris you'll be fine with English, just make a bit of an effort to learn a few basic French words and they'll appreciate it. Paris sadly is a shell of its former self and regional France is much more enjoyable.

    I also agree with @jv Munich is better than Frankfurt.
    Otherwise, enjoy your trip!

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:58

      Thanks. I also wanted some time in coutry areas but wasn't sure about it as i only have 3 t 4 days to spend in france. Do you have any suggestions?

      • LanceVance on 18/06/2024 - 15:14
        +1

        Bordeaux is a good alternative. I spent a week on a houseboat in Auxerre which is about a 2 hour train ride out of Paris and loved very minute of it. Amiens is also spectacular. Colmar, probably the prettiest place I've ever been is definitely worth a visit. not close to Paris but not that far from Frankfurt. It's hard to go wrong with a small French town. Do some research and you'll find some gems.

        • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 15:16

          thanks, i will look in to it. :)

      • 1st-Amendment on 18/06/2024 - 18:45
        +1

        i only have 3 t 4 days to spend in france

        Not long, you'll eat through that just doing Paris. Hell you could spend that long just at the Louvre. Try to get out to Versailles (go early on the metro) and prepare to have your mind blown. You have no idea what wealth is till you see that place.

        • azero on 19/06/2024 - 10:14

          +1 for Versailles - make sure to book a ticket in advance. Take the train but make sure to take the correct one, google shows 2 trains to Versailles and one of them has like a few km walk.

  • BOGOF on 18/06/2024 - 14:42
    +2

    Two days in Dover! Why?

  • pinchies on 18/06/2024 - 14:42
    +2

    I'd recommend Heidelberg castle if you can squeeze it in. It's a very pretty city with lots to enjoy as a tourist.

    • jv on 18/06/2024 - 14:48

      I'd recommend Heidelberg

      Home of the teddy bear…

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:59

      thaks. Ill note it down

      • PeterA07 on 18/06/2024 - 20:20

        I second the recommendation of Heidelberg. Frankfurt is not exactly a must-see tourist destination: it's okay as a base to take it easy and recover from jetlag, but if you are up for actually seeing something, a day trip to Heidelberg would be perfect. You should be able to get a round trip pass from FlixBus or FlixTrain for around €15 each.

  • Gdsamp on 18/06/2024 - 14:52
    +1

    itinerary looks solid. $10k budget is impressive. Did you know cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back? English should be fine in Paris. Enjoy your trip.

  • sumyungguy on 18/06/2024 - 14:53

    Where will you be on Xmas day? Outer London for $100 per night - is that per person?

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 15:00

      Christmas day at a relatives place in dover. Yes its per person at travelodge end of december. Standard room for 2

  • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:53

    Thanks for the comments guys. I have a relative in Dover so staying with them for few days. :)

    • BOGOF on 18/06/2024 - 14:56
      +2

      Send my commiserations to your relative.

  • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 14:54

    Christmas day in dover with relatives :)

  • sumyungguy on 18/06/2024 - 14:59

    If I had five days in Germany I'd do Berlin unless you've been there already? Nothing remarkable about Frankfurt. How are the rates at hub by Premier Inn for your stay dates? Location is everything when travelling with limited time.

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 15:14

      Thanks, it gives me 200Aud p/n
      Little bit pricier for me :(
      Its very central though. Thanks for the suggestion.:)

      • sumyungguy on 18/06/2024 - 15:19
        +1

        There's at least 12 of them in London, it's worth checking a few seeing as they're all close to the Tube. I've stayed in the Kings Cross & Westminster hubs.

  • djkelly69 on 18/06/2024 - 15:00
    +1

    I assume the seemingly more apt 'frugalfrolic' username was already taken??

  • stickingly on 18/06/2024 - 15:18
    +1

    Having done a Europe trip last winter….
    - book your eurostar ticket well in advance as they get expensive closer to the time and sell out
    - staying in the center of Paris is very expensive, but public transport is very good and easy to navigate (you will need to catch it anyway to see all the sights as it is spread out) so we found it better to stay a bit further out and catch the train in. (We stayed in Pantin)
    - no problem with English in Paris
    - I wouldn't limit yourself to just free attractions seeing as you've paid all that money to get there already, eg you have to go to the Louvre (but buy a timed ticket in advance to avoid the queues). We also really enjoyed a day trip to Versailles
    - Unlike the rest of Europe, the main museums in London are all free, which is great
    - Don't assume that because it is winter there wont be a lot of tourists, everything was packed when we were there
    - East London unsafe??? Really???

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 15:31

      Thanks, may i know how the weather was like?
      Should i buy extra warm clothes or are the ones we ware in melboune winter sufficient?

      • MS Paint on 18/06/2024 - 15:42
        +2

        Northern Europe and the UK in December is colder than Melbourne. The days also feel a lot shorter as well. Sunrise is around 8am and sunset around 4pm. If it's heavily overcast it feels cold and dark all day long.

        • BOGOF on 18/06/2024 - 15:45

          Making me homesick

      • stickingly on 18/06/2024 - 16:02
        +1

        Having spent several winters in Europe…. it depends…it can be really cold (below 0 during the day with rain and/or snow) or quite mild if sunny and no wind.

        It gets dark early and the temperature drops massively when the sun goes down

        Indoors everything is well heated (often too much)
        I find a really good coat with scarf and gloves is essential

      • LanceVance on 18/06/2024 - 17:01

        Stock up on some thermal underwear, shirts and even a pair of long johns just in case.

    • LanceVance on 18/06/2024 - 17:04

      Plenty of dodgy spots in London :D
      Spent most of last year working from there, outer South is probably the worst offender. East doesn't have a great reputation.

  • 6079 Smith on 18/06/2024 - 16:16
    +2

    This is a bit of stretch but if you travel by train in the UK you get 2-for1 entry into a lot of attractions. I know you’re staying in London and arriving by Eurostar (which doesn’t count) BUT I’m fairly sure if you booked a return trip with Southern trains from Wembley to say Imperial Wharf then you could utilise the deal.You don’t actually have to catch said train so if you found a £5 promo that would work too.

    https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/days-out-guide/train-fares-di…

    Just eat at Wetherspoons in the UK

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 16:42

      Wow, thank you and you just saved me some money.
      The offer is valid if i take national rail from wembly central and both tower of london and Hampton palace are included.
      No need to buy the palace pass anymore.
      Thank you :)

  • Barbados Slim on 18/06/2024 - 16:32
    +2

    Dover castle is well worth a visit!

  • Hansi on 18/06/2024 - 17:22
    +1

    For Germany:

    1. If staying in Frankfurt do not stay at Duessedorfer Hof - read the reviews and you know what I mean. Be aware that the area between train station and old town is the red light / drug district (be careful, especially at night) and there is not much to see there. You will have a better time if you stay near Roemerberg and explore the old town.

    2. A better alternative in my eyes is to stay a night after you arrive to settle in and rest / explore Frankfurt, the next day get a rental car for one-way rental to Cologne. Drive up the Rhine River and explore at your leisure, there is plenty to see: Wiesbaden, Loreley, Koblens / Deutsches Eck, Bonn (former capital, presidential residence, Hofgarten, Bonn Minster, Beethoven House, Museum Konig, Botanical Garden and Poppelsdorf Palace), discover the small and cozy villages, visit Christmas Markets.

    3. In Cologne don't miss out on visiting a traditional brewery (take your pick of Gaffel or Frueh), explore old town, the city hall and the german-romanic museum

    4. Cologne to London: Eurostar is your best bet as you depart in the city and arrive in the city, vs going to the outskirts, transfer check-in etc via plane. Also it is a different experience.

    5. I have no points on UK

    6. Paris - disregards most waiting times you read about for museums etc. When visiting in December you should hardly have to wait. To minimise the wait time try to arrive early at key attractions when they open (Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Versaille etc.). Lots to see so if you can add another day there, I would recommend it. Beware of tourist scams (Paris is probably the worst out of the city's you're visiting), most commonly: Signatures / beggars, pick pockets (watch a YouTube video on it for Paris / Rome and you can spot them easily) around busy squares and PT, lost ring scam, designer gear from car scam and shitty restaurants with only English menus. Also watch out for youth gangs at night.

    You will have a blast - enjoy!

    • Frigalfrolic on 18/06/2024 - 18:23

      Thaks for the tips. Too bad I already booked non refundable accommodation in frankfurt but i will make note of the places to visit in cologne. :)

      • sumyungguy on 18/06/2024 - 20:53
        +1

        Booking non-reundable isn't ideal as you may find a better deal elsewhere or have to cancel your trip unexpectedly. I always book fully refundable then check closer to departure if any pre-purchased rates are lower.

  • Randxyz123 on 19/06/2024 - 00:36

    For London most of the museums are free.

    Someone already posted one of the deals for Hamptons court. The other thing to consider is to become a member of HMP. Basically the cost of 2 tickets lets you into all of the HMP attractions. Well worth it IMO for £50 a year.

    Also east London dodgy? Geez… Because of where you are staying, it would be worth looking at the cost per journey to central london and seeing if it is worth getting a weekly pass.
    Yes you can use contactless with Apple Pay etc but this might save you quite a lot. See fares on TFL. Also remember to stand on the right of the escalator :)

    Make sure you don’t focus too much on the cost. Try not to convert too much to AUD in your head or you’ll ruin your trip.

    Go to the borough market for lunch one day, (then walk down to the Tate modern for a look around and across the millennium bridge to St Paul’s). Also you have the globe just nearby. Don’t have to go in but it is worth it to walk by. Don’t need to go in this order, you could start at St Paul’s in the morning, go to the market for lunch and then Tate when it is dark outside.

    Do this on a Thursday or Friday. Don’t go on a Saturday. It will be crazy busy. Yes it is a bit pricey and touristy but there are delicious options and it is worth it.

    You should do Camden market another day. Then stay around for some jazz or punk rock in the evening.

    Make sure you do a Sunday roast in London.

    Worth going to Sky Garden. If it is booked out book in at the restaurant and you get access. It is quite nice having a glass of something and looking at the view.

    I don’t think you need 2 days in Dover, even if there are relos there. Not at that time of the year at least. Remember it will be cold and probably drizzly. It might even be too wet to do any of the walks. I’d suggest you do an extra day based in London but go to Cambridge or Oxford for example for the day.

    It might also be worth looking into a railcard for the UK. You can save quite a lot. No idea how it works for visitors Railcard UK

    I’ve been here 2 years now so feel free to DM if you have any specific questions regarding London.

    For Germany…

    There is a “D pass”. Basically around 50EUR pp gives you unlimited train and PT travel. Probably worth it for day trips etc and public transport for 2 cities I do agree about Frankfurt but can’t do much about it now. Suss the area on the first night and just have your wits about you.

    If you are out late and/or a bit tipsy when you come home remember a uber/taxi home is worth it for safety. (Don’t think about the cost). Applies to anywhere really.

    Make sure you get some Glühwein at the Christmas markets. Bring cash as some vendors don’t always have card. For most Glühwein places, you pay 5EUR for reusable mug. If you decide not to keep it you’ll get that back. If you want to keep it, go to any stall and they’ll change it for a clean one.

    Another thing if this is your first time in Europe is the weather in December. You say you are from Melbourne. It gets colder here. You’ll want a good pair of cords (not jeans because they don’t dry quickly), maybe an under layer of a thermal and a long sleeve shirt. Pair that with a jumper and water proof jacket and you’ll be right. Shops and restaurants etc are warm so you’ll have to take a layer or 2 off. I usually wear a scarf and a beanie going to work. It would be worth packing an extra pair of shoes in case you get really wet one day.

    One last point I would look into the Eurail pass for trains. It might be worth it if you can get some sort of summer deal. You can use it on the Eurostar though check the dates via Seat69. Add up the cost including the cost on the trains from London to Hamptons court and London to Wembley.

    Finally, have a blast. You are visiting Europe at one of my favourite times of the year.

  • backpaqer on 19/06/2024 - 07:44

    I wouldn't change your itinerary too much, you are moving around quite a bit already. Trains are great. Eurostar… Allow extra time as they've implemented border controls and they still seem like a pack of noobs at it, friends have nearly missed their train due to all the extra bs. Brush up on the latest scams, double check everything, English is spoken everywhere but a bonjour or guten tag in the right countries goes down well. I also use geocaching as a free way to find places that are interesting and away from the tourist traps and also a good way to hook up with locals to discover the stuff that tourists never see.

    • txb on 19/06/2024 - 21:31

      Explain geocaching in the context you're mentioning?

  • Chewy2221 on 19/06/2024 - 10:54

    From Frankfurt, you can get public transport to towns along the Rhine river ( very pretty). One of my favourite places is Rudeshiem - lovely little town, Xmas markets , a cable car and a unique attraction, Zeigfried's mechanical musical instrument museum. (Think 1800s fairground music). Have a great trip

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