Trip through Western Europe

[Chelsea_S]

I'm planning on backpacking through Western Europe, probably just the UK, France and Spain, but i'll go other places if I can get good deals. I was wondering if anyone knew any good deals for over there. Like, good hostels, or restaurants, museums, monuments, villages, beaches, souvenir stalls, or other stores. Thankyou!
Love, Chelsea

[MelzAcutie]

Hi there,

You've probably ben told this, but just in case your ISIC card is great, it will get you discounts just about anywhere, from food to lodging to Museums and attractions, if you dont already have one, it's truely an asset.
Cheers,
MEL

[AmerStudent]

France is really the only European country where I've spent a lot of time. Be sure not to miss Mont-St-Michel, Chartres, and Versailles, all day-trip distance from Paris. We stayed at the Mije hostel in Paris (Marsais) and it's clean, friendly, and beautiful. Get a good guidebook and don't miss the lesser-known places of interest in Paris, like the Centre Pompidou (modern art museum) and a certain cathedral called Saint Chappelle (phenomenal Gothic... no walls, just stained glass). But of course, see La Tour Eiffel, le Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, and all the squares in central Paris where amazing things have happened. If you're a student, spend a day in Le Quartier Latin - the Latin Quarter, it's where the University of Paris is and there are lots of interesting streets to get lost in up there. (Don't be touristy but bring a map.)

If you're heading down to the south of France, don't just head straight for Nice - be sure to see the chateaux of the Loire Valley.

Have fun!