Goal: To Travel Somewhere in Europe

[MsNobleEleanor]

One of my goals this year is to travel to another country, either myself or with someone.

(Firstly, I am in a 6 month program at the hospital for DBT and once I finish I want to treat myself and go to another country.)

Yesterday, I was at a near-by local mall and saw this poster for Germany for 15 days, I imagined myself going there for my trip. In truth I am not sure where I would like to go. I am not sure if I want to visit America (Canada and America have the same type of style - houses, buildings, food, etc.) because I want to try something more adventurous.

If I went alone I would want to be in a group guided tour trip with others so that I am not lost and planning everything, it's already planned. Plus I can meet new people and make friends while on the 2 week vacation. If I went with a friend it would be different but I would still be interested in the group guided tour.

If I had to choose I would like to travel somewhere in Europe. I know Europe is a big area and many different locations to choose from, which would make it harder for me to decide.

I've also never been on a plane before, so maybe I should book a flight somewhere beforehand to get an idea how I would cope on a plane(?) because anxiety is a real thing, I wouldn't want to worry others.

I know the time I do go it most likely will be in the summer so I don't need to decide now but what would you recommend? Should I go directly to a travel agent/specialist and talk to them for the best possible deals and group guided tours?

Isn't group guided tours the guides show you everything so you don't really need to worry about planning everything in time and won't miss anything (events, sight-seeing, festivals, etc.) or is that not correct?

My parents and I went to Italy in 2007, my mom booked the whole trip with a travel agency that offered her several Italy vacation options. We had the ten day guided tour of Rome, Florence, and Venice. We had several options as to what to do, we could be independent throughout the day and meet up with the group at the hotel in the evening or spend the day with the group. In Rome, we had a bus tour and we could get off at different stops, and there was a designated time to meet back on the bus to return to the hotel. In Florence, one day there was the option to visit the vineyard or tour the city. We chose the tour of the vineyard in S.G. (can't spell it) which is a region in Tuscany, I believe. In Venice, we were more free-for-all, at least me and my parents were. We hung out with this woman we met in Florence on the tour, but she had been sick the whole time. Anyways, we went up that river (can't spell it), went to one of the islands where they made glass, touristy things like that. We had a party on the ninth night, everyone who remained since Rome.

There were people who went to Rome, and then off to another section of Italy. Then those that went to Rome, and Florence, and then ventured further northwest towards France. About seven or eight of us stayed with the original guide from Rome to Florence. OF course, we had to choose how to get home... all of us were from the United States, but different sections.

As for flying, we had to connect in London both ways. I don't know if there would be a direct flight from Toronto to wherever you choose to go, but remember... it is a long flight. Choose wisely according to the length and your plans. You may go overnight, leave Toronto at 2 PM EDT and arrive in, say, Berlin, at 6 AM CET the next day. That's about a ten hour flight, but you'd basically be staying awake about forty hours. I can't sleep on the plane, so I was so disoriented that first night in Rome. But you may be able to sleep on the plane. Bring whatever makes you comfortable and relaxed.

I definitely suggest looking into travel agencies, like my mum did when we went to Italy back in 2007. It was definitely helpful, and maybe they can give you package deals. Tour guides can be helpful, but then there's the disadvantage of not being able to see a specific landmark because it isn't a stop the guide is making.

[Evanesco]

That sounds like a really great goal to work towards
I'd recommend going to a travel agents, but shop around before you make any decisions. You can find stuff on the internet, and visit a few different agencies to try and get the best deal.
Taking a short flight somewhere first might be a good plan since a flight to Europe would take a long time. Take a friend with you though. The most stressful part of flying, in my opinon, is actually the airport not the plane, but there are things you can do to make it easier, like making sure all your travel documents are accessible, keeping valuables and a change of clothes in your carry on in case of lost luggage. scouting out the airport first so you know where everything is, making sure all liquids etc are packed according to regulations to make security less stressful, carrying prescriptions for any meds you might have with you, bringing a snack because airport food can be expensive (you'll need to buy water though). The more prepared and planned for it you are, the less stressful it is.
Where ever you choose to go, I'm sure you'll have fun.