<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%5B/url%5D">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>