Feeling overwhelmed with planning a 4 week trip
Jul 13th, 2022, 06:56 AM
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Feeling overwhelmed with planning a 3 week trip
Hi folks,
I don’t get a lot of vacation time. Recently my company gave me 5 weeks PTO as a reward for performance. I am going to be at home for 2 weeks and will have 3 weeks to travel. I took a look at lodging and flights and it’s all doable for the dates I wanted (I looked at multiple cities across Europe).
The dates are July 23rd - August 13th (20 full days). I normally plan months in advance but since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel (the most I’ve ever had to travel was 10 days in Europe) I have to plan fast. Luckily I have 24/7 to plan since I’m on vacation.
I am also not married to doing Europe, but other countries like South America seem like they require a lot more planning time.
Are there any good sample 3 week itineraries? I am interested in seeing beautiful architecture, eating amazing food, hiking, swimming, etc.
Some places that I’ve already been to: Rome, Paris, Florence, Amalfi, Venice, Prague, Vienna, London.
I feel particularly drawn to Iceland, Scotland, Switzerland, Turkey, Georgia (the country), Germany, Poland, the Balkans, Benelux, Hungary, Slovenia, more France, and Greece.
Any advice on how to narrow down my choices and build an itinerary are appreciated!
Here are some ideas I had (note: I do prefer to not stay in one country if possible):
Idea 1 (scenery or scenery/warm weather):
- 7-8 days doing the ring road in Iceland OR 7-8 days in Scotland (particularly the highlands)
- Pick another location or 2 and do that for 2 weeks (ie central europe trip revolving around Switzerland or the Balkans and Istanbul)
Idea 2:
- Poland (maybe Berlin too since it's close to Poland)
- Budapest
- Croatia
- Maybe Bulgaria
- End in Turkey
Idea 3 (Istanbul to Budapest via Balkans and Greece)
Probably won't have time for all the cities but some combination of Turkey, Greece, and Balkan cities
- Start in Istanbul
- Go to Greece (briefly visit Athens then go to 1 island of my choice)
- Zagreb
- Split
- Mostar
- Sarajevo
- Dobrovnik
- Kotor
- Budva
- Budapest
Idea 4:
- Big central Europe trip that involves the Alps in Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Fussen, Berlin
I'm 24 and I know this isn't a lot of vacation time to Europeans but I rarely get 3 weeks to travel. This would be my second solo trip. If I had to narrow it down to 5 places, I would say Iceland, Switzerland, the Balkans, Scotland and Istanbul, Turkey are especially interesting to me. So any advice is appreciated on narrowing down my options
Edit: meant to say 3 weeks not 4 but it won’t let me change title
I don’t get a lot of vacation time. Recently my company gave me 5 weeks PTO as a reward for performance. I am going to be at home for 2 weeks and will have 3 weeks to travel. I took a look at lodging and flights and it’s all doable for the dates I wanted (I looked at multiple cities across Europe).
The dates are July 23rd - August 13th (20 full days). I normally plan months in advance but since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel (the most I’ve ever had to travel was 10 days in Europe) I have to plan fast. Luckily I have 24/7 to plan since I’m on vacation.
I am also not married to doing Europe, but other countries like South America seem like they require a lot more planning time.
Are there any good sample 3 week itineraries? I am interested in seeing beautiful architecture, eating amazing food, hiking, swimming, etc.
Some places that I’ve already been to: Rome, Paris, Florence, Amalfi, Venice, Prague, Vienna, London.
I feel particularly drawn to Iceland, Scotland, Switzerland, Turkey, Georgia (the country), Germany, Poland, the Balkans, Benelux, Hungary, Slovenia, more France, and Greece.
Any advice on how to narrow down my choices and build an itinerary are appreciated!
Here are some ideas I had (note: I do prefer to not stay in one country if possible):
Idea 1 (scenery or scenery/warm weather):
- 7-8 days doing the ring road in Iceland OR 7-8 days in Scotland (particularly the highlands)
- Pick another location or 2 and do that for 2 weeks (ie central europe trip revolving around Switzerland or the Balkans and Istanbul)
Idea 2:
- Poland (maybe Berlin too since it's close to Poland)
- Budapest
- Croatia
- Maybe Bulgaria
- End in Turkey
Idea 3 (Istanbul to Budapest via Balkans and Greece)
Probably won't have time for all the cities but some combination of Turkey, Greece, and Balkan cities
- Start in Istanbul
- Go to Greece (briefly visit Athens then go to 1 island of my choice)
- Zagreb
- Split
- Mostar
- Sarajevo
- Dobrovnik
- Kotor
- Budva
- Budapest
Idea 4:
- Big central Europe trip that involves the Alps in Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Fussen, Berlin
I'm 24 and I know this isn't a lot of vacation time to Europeans but I rarely get 3 weeks to travel. This would be my second solo trip. If I had to narrow it down to 5 places, I would say Iceland, Switzerland, the Balkans, Scotland and Istanbul, Turkey are especially interesting to me. So any advice is appreciated on narrowing down my options
Edit: meant to say 3 weeks not 4 but it won’t let me change title
Last edited by FriendlyTraveler5; Jul 13th, 2022 at 07:43 AM.
Jul 13th, 2022, 07:52 AM
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So any advice is appreciated on narrowing down my options
There is a proviso. Do not zoom from one location to another. Do not limit your time in one location. Like your idea of Iceland, Switzerland, the Balkans, Scotland and Istanbul. They are spaced way to far apart. That is around 4 days allocated to each location. Can you get from one to another without a lot of trouble? What are the health restrictions?
The more time spending at airports and traveling the less time sight seeing. There are delays at airports I have relatives traveling now and it is real.
Less travel means less money. You have not given any idea of budget.
Jul 13th, 2022, 08:05 AM
#3
July 23rd as in next week?
We combined Iceland and Switzerland one year. Flew Iceland Air. Worked pretty well. I have both trip reports posted here on Fodor's if you think they might help.
It's pretty easy to combine the "Alps in Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Fussen, Berlin" as well. Well, Berlin is the outlier, but the rest is easily accomplished - fly into and out of Munich, train to Salzburg, bus or train to Switzerland from Munich, etc.
I don't envy you having to come up with a plan with such short notice - have you even checked to see if flights are available at this late date?
We combined Iceland and Switzerland one year. Flew Iceland Air. Worked pretty well. I have both trip reports posted here on Fodor's if you think they might help.
It's pretty easy to combine the "Alps in Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Fussen, Berlin" as well. Well, Berlin is the outlier, but the rest is easily accomplished - fly into and out of Munich, train to Salzburg, bus or train to Switzerland from Munich, etc.
I don't envy you having to come up with a plan with such short notice - have you even checked to see if flights are available at this late date?
Jul 13th, 2022, 08:45 AM
#4
Welcome to Fodors
Just quick -- I'd absolutely 100% forget about either Scotland or Iceland because unfortunately you've left things too late (I know - not your 'fault' but it is the reality)
And Scotland is my favorite place on Earth. Late July is difficult, and August is nigh on impossible unless planned months in advance, Edinburgh triples in size and more than doubles in cost from the end of July through the entire month of August due to the Fringe, International Festival, other festivals, and the Tattoo all running concurrently. Other places in the country (Skye, Mull, other scenic areas) are likely fully booked.
Just quick -- I'd absolutely 100% forget about either Scotland or Iceland because unfortunately you've left things too late (I know - not your 'fault' but it is the reality)
And Scotland is my favorite place on Earth. Late July is difficult, and August is nigh on impossible unless planned months in advance, Edinburgh triples in size and more than doubles in cost from the end of July through the entire month of August due to the Fringe, International Festival, other festivals, and the Tattoo all running concurrently. Other places in the country (Skye, Mull, other scenic areas) are likely fully booked.
Jul 13th, 2022, 01:43 PM
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Welcome to Fodors
Just quick -- I'd absolutely 100% forget about either Scotland or Iceland because unfortunately you've left things too late (I know - not your 'fault' but it is the reality)
And Scotland is my favorite place on Earth. Late July is difficult, and August is nigh on impossible unless planned months in advance, Edinburgh triples in size and more than doubles in cost from the end of July through the entire month of August due to the Fringe, International Festival, other festivals, and the Tattoo all running concurrently. Other places in the country (Skye, Mull, other scenic areas) are likely fully booked.
Just quick -- I'd absolutely 100% forget about either Scotland or Iceland because unfortunately you've left things too late (I know - not your 'fault' but it is the reality)
And Scotland is my favorite place on Earth. Late July is difficult, and August is nigh on impossible unless planned months in advance, Edinburgh triples in size and more than doubles in cost from the end of July through the entire month of August due to the Fringe, International Festival, other festivals, and the Tattoo all running concurrently. Other places in the country (Skye, Mull, other scenic areas) are likely fully booked.
Jul 13th, 2022, 01:45 PM
#8
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July 23rd as in next week?
We combined Iceland and Switzerland one year. Flew Iceland Air. Worked pretty well. I have both trip reports posted here on Fodor's if you think they might help.
It's pretty easy to combine the "Alps in Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Fussen, Berlin" as well. Well, Berlin is the outlier, but the rest is easily accomplished - fly into and out of Munich, train to Salzburg, bus or train to Switzerland from Munich, etc.
I don't envy you having to come up with a plan with such short notice - have you even checked to see if flights are available at this late date?
We combined Iceland and Switzerland one year. Flew Iceland Air. Worked pretty well. I have both trip reports posted here on Fodor's if you think they might help.
It's pretty easy to combine the "Alps in Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Fussen, Berlin" as well. Well, Berlin is the outlier, but the rest is easily accomplished - fly into and out of Munich, train to Salzburg, bus or train to Switzerland from Munich, etc.
I don't envy you having to come up with a plan with such short notice - have you even checked to see if flights are available at this late date?
Jul 13th, 2022, 01:47 PM
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Go where you have a desire to visit.
There is a proviso. Do not zoom from one location to another. Do not limit your time in one location. Like your idea of Iceland, Switzerland, the Balkans, Scotland and Istanbul. They are spaced way to far apart. That is around 4 days allocated to each location. Can you get from one to another without a lot of trouble? What are the health restrictions?
The more time spending at airports and traveling the less time sight seeing. There are delays at airports I have relatives traveling now and it is real.
Less travel means less money. You have not given any idea of budget.
There is a proviso. Do not zoom from one location to another. Do not limit your time in one location. Like your idea of Iceland, Switzerland, the Balkans, Scotland and Istanbul. They are spaced way to far apart. That is around 4 days allocated to each location. Can you get from one to another without a lot of trouble? What are the health restrictions?
The more time spending at airports and traveling the less time sight seeing. There are delays at airports I have relatives traveling now and it is real.
Less travel means less money. You have not given any idea of budget.
Yeah I think I’m going to pick locations close together. Or 2 locations far apart but can easily be flown (for example Iceland and Switzerland) may be more doable. But I won’t do Iceland and Switzerland and Istanbul for example.
Ill try to rethink and will put down my thoughts.
I decided to remove Scotland due to timing. Iceland has tours and accommodation. Turkey and the Balkans might be a better idea since less people travel there so more options. I imagine Switzerland would probably be packed.
How about Iceland + Turkey/Greece?
Last edited by FriendlyTraveler5; Jul 13th, 2022 at 01:50 PM.
Jul 13th, 2022, 07:12 PM
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1st one is pick Switzerland OR Iceland then fly to Turkey and finish in Greece
2nd one is Turkey + Greece and/or Balkans depending on what I can fit
3rd one is Iceland and Switzerland and Istanbul
Also I was considering a location other than Europe because people say other places around the world require 3 weeks and Europe can be done in 10-14 days so don’t waste it. I considered Australia/NZ but I think I’ll save it for a time when it isn’t winter
Jul 13th, 2022, 08:40 PM
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Something about your original post and additions of your budget remind me of another poster we had recently in this thread: Having a tough time narrowing down where to go - Both 24 years of age with a $20k budget. Wish I had that at 24! Heck, wish I had that now at 43!
But even if you are two different people, the one thing you really need to consider right now is whether you want to travel in the current climate of the airline industry. It is in a complete meltdown right now worldwide. Go if you can, absolutely, but keep it simple. Try to use trains between your destinations (and those are having their own issues, too), maybe even avoid connecting flights if you can. So, fly direct if at all possible. Having carry-on only will help, too. Baggage handling is a mess everywhere.
You wanting to go to Europe in the high season makes things crowded - not so much if you can find accomodations (sounds like you have). Just choose. We really cannot choose for you. It is your decision to make, and at the last minute no less. Yes, you can see highlights of Europe in 10-14 days, but you cannot see all of it. You could cover Paris, Rome, perhaps Venice & Florence in that 14 days. Or stick to just Germany or just Switzerland. Thoughts: Iceland is busy at this time of year, so are the Balkans/Greece, like others have suggested I'd avoid Scotland and even the UK (read up on Heathrow - it's a disaster). Personally, I'd avoid Europe right now (and this is coming from someone who planned a sabbatical before the meltdowns - I can't change my sabbatical dates so I am stuck). If you can make it to Australia and New Zealand, despite it being winter, that would be my choice.
My best trip was planned simply by putting a map of Europe on a dart board and tossing a dart. I was about your age. Maybe you should consider that as well.
But even if you are two different people, the one thing you really need to consider right now is whether you want to travel in the current climate of the airline industry. It is in a complete meltdown right now worldwide. Go if you can, absolutely, but keep it simple. Try to use trains between your destinations (and those are having their own issues, too), maybe even avoid connecting flights if you can. So, fly direct if at all possible. Having carry-on only will help, too. Baggage handling is a mess everywhere.
You wanting to go to Europe in the high season makes things crowded - not so much if you can find accomodations (sounds like you have). Just choose. We really cannot choose for you. It is your decision to make, and at the last minute no less. Yes, you can see highlights of Europe in 10-14 days, but you cannot see all of it. You could cover Paris, Rome, perhaps Venice & Florence in that 14 days. Or stick to just Germany or just Switzerland. Thoughts: Iceland is busy at this time of year, so are the Balkans/Greece, like others have suggested I'd avoid Scotland and even the UK (read up on Heathrow - it's a disaster). Personally, I'd avoid Europe right now (and this is coming from someone who planned a sabbatical before the meltdowns - I can't change my sabbatical dates so I am stuck). If you can make it to Australia and New Zealand, despite it being winter, that would be my choice.
My best trip was planned simply by putting a map of Europe on a dart board and tossing a dart. I was about your age. Maybe you should consider that as well.
Last edited by Travel_Nerd; Jul 13th, 2022 at 08:52 PM.
Jul 14th, 2022, 02:41 AM
#14
Europe can be done in 10-14 days
That's a first. I can't even 'do' one country in Europe in 10-14 days.
Australia and NZ is a huge undertaking at the last minute. I love both in the winter, but then again I plan for months before going. And once again, you need to decide which country, and then narrow down even more. Three weeks is a good amount of time to leisurely explore one island of NZ or two eastern states of Australia, but if you head to Western Australia, all bets are off. WA is about as far from the US as a person can get. I know, I lived there for seven years and the flights to/from the US were brutal.
That's a first. I can't even 'do' one country in Europe in 10-14 days.
Australia and NZ is a huge undertaking at the last minute. I love both in the winter, but then again I plan for months before going. And once again, you need to decide which country, and then narrow down even more. Three weeks is a good amount of time to leisurely explore one island of NZ or two eastern states of Australia, but if you head to Western Australia, all bets are off. WA is about as far from the US as a person can get. I know, I lived there for seven years and the flights to/from the US were brutal.
Jul 14th, 2022, 06:40 AM
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Everywhere in Europe is busy right now, and much of it is roasting and or burning.
Many people are taking trains instead of flying so trains, certainly between countries, may not be available. Flying is a pain, and not helping the roasting/burning.
I would choose a single country and spend real time there, and just chill a bit while there. Slow down and enjoy it before going back to work. Since you keep mentioning Turkey go to Turkey.
Or spend the time exploring your own country, which has plenty of amazing places.
Many people are taking trains instead of flying so trains, certainly between countries, may not be available. Flying is a pain, and not helping the roasting/burning.
I would choose a single country and spend real time there, and just chill a bit while there. Slow down and enjoy it before going back to work. Since you keep mentioning Turkey go to Turkey.
Or spend the time exploring your own country, which has plenty of amazing places.
Jul 14th, 2022, 07:27 AM
#16
Europe can be done in 10-14 days
That's a first. I can't even 'do' one country in Europe in 10-14 days.
Australia and NZ is a huge undertaking at the last minute. I love both in the winter, but then again I plan for months before going. And once again, you need to decide which country, and then narrow down even more. Three weeks is a good amount of time to leisurely explore one island of NZ or two eastern states of Australia, but if you head to Western Australia, all bets are off. WA is about as far from the US as a person can get. I know, I lived there for seven years and the flights to/from the US were brutal.
That's a first. I can't even 'do' one country in Europe in 10-14 days.
Australia and NZ is a huge undertaking at the last minute. I love both in the winter, but then again I plan for months before going. And once again, you need to decide which country, and then narrow down even more. Three weeks is a good amount of time to leisurely explore one island of NZ or two eastern states of Australia, but if you head to Western Australia, all bets are off. WA is about as far from the US as a person can get. I know, I lived there for seven years and the flights to/from the US were brutal.
planes are so pre-covid, just not responsible, perhaps use some of the $20k (American I guess) to plant some trees
Jul 14th, 2022, 08:08 AM
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But even if you are two different people, the one thing you really need to consider right now is whether you want to travel in the current climate of the airline industry. It is in a complete meltdown right now worldwide. Go if you can, absolutely, but keep it simple. Try to use trains between your destinations (and those are having their own issues, too), maybe even avoid connecting flights if you can. So, fly direct if at all possible. Having carry-on only will help, too. Baggage handling is a mess everywhere.
You wanting to go to Europe in the high season makes things crowded - not so much if you can find accomodations (sounds like you have). Just choose. We really cannot choose for you. It is your decision to make, and at the last minute no less. Yes, you can see highlights of Europe in 10-14 days, but you cannot see all of it. You could cover Paris, Rome, perhaps Venice & Florence in that 14 days. Or stick to just Germany or just Switzerland. Thoughts: Iceland is busy at this time of year, so are the Balkans/Greece, like others have suggested I'd avoid Scotland and even the UK (read up on Heathrow - it's a disaster). Personally, I'd avoid Europe right now (and this is coming from someone who planned a sabbatical before the meltdowns - I can't change my sabbatical dates so I am stuck). If you can make it to Australia and New Zealand, despite it being winter, that would be my choice.
My best trip was planned simply by putting a map of Europe on a dart board and tossing a dart. I was about your age. Maybe you should consider that as well.
You wanting to go to Europe in the high season makes things crowded - not so much if you can find accomodations (sounds like you have). Just choose. We really cannot choose for you. It is your decision to make, and at the last minute no less. Yes, you can see highlights of Europe in 10-14 days, but you cannot see all of it. You could cover Paris, Rome, perhaps Venice & Florence in that 14 days. Or stick to just Germany or just Switzerland. Thoughts: Iceland is busy at this time of year, so are the Balkans/Greece, like others have suggested I'd avoid Scotland and even the UK (read up on Heathrow - it's a disaster). Personally, I'd avoid Europe right now (and this is coming from someone who planned a sabbatical before the meltdowns - I can't change my sabbatical dates so I am stuck). If you can make it to Australia and New Zealand, despite it being winter, that would be my choice.
My best trip was planned simply by putting a map of Europe on a dart board and tossing a dart. I was about your age. Maybe you should consider that as well.
Here is what I think I’m going to do. I read on the Rick Steves forum that Poland currently is experiencing under tourism due to Ukraine situation. Maybe I could fly into Warsaw or Krakow and see 1-2 cities in Poland. Buy a ticket to fly out of Istanbul to give me options. Then I have a lot of options like I could go down to Budapest. Then I could take a short flight to Greece or I could visit Croatia instead. It gives a lot of flexibility.
Other idea I had which is less logical is to fly to Iceland. Yes it’s gonna be crowded but at least it’s outdoors in nature. Reykjavik is also a good stopover since it’s a relatively short flight compared to most of Europe. Then from there I really wanted to visit Istanbul and I also wanted to see Greece.
If those 2 ideas sound okay then I will choose between the 2 of them.
I would prefer to have more planning to visit Australia/NZ. It’s my fault but theres so much of Europe I’ve always wanted to visit anyway so I’m still excited!!!
Jul 14th, 2022, 08:12 AM
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Everywhere in Europe is busy right now, and much of it is roasting and or burning.
Many people are taking trains instead of flying so trains, certainly between countries, may not be available. Flying is a pain, and not helping the roasting/burning.
I would choose a single country and spend real time there, and just chill a bit while there. Slow down and enjoy it before going back to work. Since you keep mentioning Turkey go to Turkey.
Or spend the time exploring your own country, which has plenty of amazing places.
Many people are taking trains instead of flying so trains, certainly between countries, may not be available. Flying is a pain, and not helping the roasting/burning.
I would choose a single country and spend real time there, and just chill a bit while there. Slow down and enjoy it before going back to work. Since you keep mentioning Turkey go to Turkey.
Or spend the time exploring your own country, which has plenty of amazing places.
I’m not gonna let crowds stop me from traveling either way. I rarely get to leave the country.
I’m thinking I’m gonna do Iceland then go to Turkey and do Greece as well. Or fly to Poland, see Budapest, and go down the Balkans.
Plus since Iceland is outdoors, crowds aren’t as big of an issue since space is huge. Even if it still is, not gonna stop me.
Yes it sucks the crowds, but I’m just tired of staying in the states.
Jul 14th, 2022, 10:57 AM
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If you are serious about Poland you might enjoy this article:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...upport-ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...upport-ukraine
Jul 14th, 2022, 11:49 AM
#20
Here is the June thread Having a tough time narrowing down where to go
Just wondering :-. . . Could it be we are being trolled here? This thread -- his trip is due to his employer unexpectedly awarding PTO for his exceptional work performance . . . earlier thread its because he left his job and has 5 weeks between his old job and starting a new one in August.
Just wondering :-. . . Could it be we are being trolled here? This thread -- his trip is due to his employer unexpectedly awarding PTO for his exceptional work performance . . . earlier thread its because he left his job and has 5 weeks between his old job and starting a new one in August.
