Not sure the correct section to put this, so I went general. My GF turns 30 next month. I'm surprising her with a trip to Europe. She's always wanted to go to Prague. I plan on going there for four days, then my travel agent is suggesting staying four more days in Vienna, since it's a short train ride from Prague. The original plan is a 10-day trip, with two being for travel time predominantly. Has anyone here been to Vienna? Experiences? I figured the best place to get advice was from complete strangers.

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Do yourself a favor and try the sausage. You're welcome...

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He did say he was going with his girlfriend.

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2018
#ExtendLafleur
10 More Wins

You can't take the kangaroos home with you. They'll stop you at the airport.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Damn. I'm turning 30 this year, going to point my GF to this thread.


I actually have a really good friends who lives in Vienna. Foreign exchange student we had in high school who I've stayed in contact with through Facebook, I'll shoot her a message and pass along any info I get.

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Team Cutler.

Thanks. I turned 30 last year, so I need to one up her present to me. She got us airfare, hotel, and two lower level tickets to the Redskins/Cowboys Thanksgiving day game.

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Not been to Austria. But spent some time in Germany and Amsterdam a couple years ago. had a blast! I am sure Vienna will be great. Only down side is everything is so damn expensive and they charge you for everything. Go to the bathroom, pay money. Glass of water, pay money. Refill on water, pay money. Adds up quick

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

Nice. Very sweet of her. Prague is supposed to be a fun place for young folks and travelers and cheap. Beer is great. As for Vienna idk but if the train and schedule are not out of line I prefer Zurich or Italy.

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Elections have consequences.

I've never really had any desire to visit that portion of Europe. Doesn't seem....fun. But I'm sure you could have a blast wherever you go...

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I had the same negative association with Prague. Then I actually did a little research. I think you'd be surprised as well.

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Not been, but I have always wanted to do Krakow and Prague. Lots of things fairly close to Prague. I'm sure Vienna is great, but figure out what interests you two rather than just going b/c the travel agent says so.

Europe is so cool, it's like the Magic Kingdom with better food.

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

Prague is amazing. I was supposed to go for 3 days and ended up staying 2 weeks. By far my favorite city in Europe. Awesome architecture, cool people, cheap (but good!) beer and food. Are you flying into and out of Prague? Or can you fly out of a different city? I would look into Budapest as well which is probably twice as far as Vienna but still a day train ride, and also Munich - especially if you are going in September. Also Salzburg was cool - like Vienna but on a smaller scale.

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jackref is correct.

Prague is great. I wouldn't give it 10 days as it certainly doesn't warrant it. 2-3 days in Prague, 1-2 in Vienna.

If I were your travel agent I would schedule you to fly into Munich 1-2 day, Salzburg 1 day, Vienna 1-2 days, Krakow 1-2 days, Prague 2 days.

Alternatively you can fly into Switerland, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Prague.

Each of these cities are only about a 2 hour train ride each from each other. The trains are nice and obviously german efficient.

I've found Vienna to be incredibly overrated and actually kind of boring. You will have a blast in the other cities. Munich, Salzburg and Prague are all places that you have a good time touring and just walking around during the day. At night you can find reasonably cheap food and beer in big beer halls. Switzerland would be good if you want a little time in nature. Krakow is good if you want some history and to see Auschswitz.

I've been to all these. Should be a great time.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

If you want to be real baller, fly into Venice and start your trip from there. Blowjobs are guaranteed, but the price will go up significantly.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

if only money weren't playing a huge part in the planning of this trip. Sadly I'm making less than the NBA veteran minimum.

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I forget the name of the museum but one of them has the supposed Spear Of Destiny.

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When I am stuck and need to figure something out I always remember the Immortal words of Socrates when he said:"I just drank what?"

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This is my signature...

Well, if you are on a budget, have your travel agent determine the cheapest city to fly into. Amsterdam is usually the cheapest place but that probably doesn't fit your schedule.

If you want to travel really cheaply there is a great hostel in Salzburg. You won't be getting blowjobs for that, unless it is from some wayward dude trying to find himself in europe.

Stick with low priced hotels or even better, apartment rentals. Your accomodations are meaningless other than being secure and centrally located. You can flop you head on just about any kind of bed after drinking some dark beer and eating goulash at U flecku in Prague. Don't get hung up on having a bathroom in your room. Communal shower rooms are fine and the rooms are a lot less expensive.

Do not go during the summer as all prices will be high.

Pack nothing and save yourself fees on suitcases. Pack a backpack with a couple of t shirts and change of underwear. Your shit may stink but so does the rest of Europe's so join the crowd.

Eat street food during the day and beer halls at night and sleep in a room that provides breakfast.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Brauhas in Munich, U Flecku in Prague, Augustiner monk brewery in Salzburg will all get you a good, relatively cheap meal with entertainment and a chance to meet some locals.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Yeah, not one of the above would fly for the birthday girl

We aren't going until October anyway

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I do not know if it is set up like in Italy but look into monasteries and nunneries. They where set up to accommodate travelers otherwise known as pilgrims. Cheap to stay at and they usually include at least one meal. The train is a good bet to get around. Unlike here Euro-rail is cheap and runs on time.

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When I am stuck and need to figure something out I always remember the Immortal words of Socrates when he said:"I just drank what?"

So you have a high maintenance girl. Be a cheap ass but make up for her by taking her on the Sound of Music tour...nothing but attractive muff on that thing.

I would HIGHLY recommend going a few weeks earlier and hitting Oktoberfest for a couple of days. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Why Prague? A little insight might pull a few more ideas the lady friend might enjoy.

and while we are at it, the fuck you doing planning anything for a 30 year old? You are suppose to trade them in for a newer model the moment the clock strikes 30.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

All I'm doing is springing for the flights. All meaning $2,500 or so. Booking them now for October, so we have six months to plan the trip together. I was putting out feelers here for ideas. Thanks to all who have contributed.

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I asked a buddy of mine who has been there, AFAIK, on several occasions. He said:

I like Vienna a lot..but the town and the people are pretty straightforward, conservative and predictable so there aren't many travel "secrets" to the town. Most places I have insider tips or recommendations off the beaten path...but Vienna is largely by the numbers: great art museums, nice architecture, good shopping in the old center of town, wonderful cafes/tea rooms/patisseries, great history, not such good food outside the desserts (unless you like kraut and Vienerschnitzel). If the guy's from Wisconsin and looking for a dinner club feel, they can hit a Beisl (traditional no-frills family dining)...I love just grabbing the sausages (so to speak) from the ubiquitous stands on every corner - usually great sausage, great bread and really great mustard (hot dog mit frankfurter und extra senf, bitter!")

"Wien" has got a high wow factor -- especially if they have never been to Europe before (clean, impressive, beautiful, old, imposing - it's the first Western European I spent time in and was hooked)...but it's a little barren beneath the hood for a seasoned traveler seeking a more full, local experience.

Nobody told me this...

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Always was passing through Vienna on the train, so no opinions. If Munich is on the list, I can recommend some time there.

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Middle Aged Crazy, like Uncle Terry

This. It is amazing. I believe it runs for 3 weeks starting in September through the first week of October. Well worth planning around.

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