Vienna-Salzburg-Munich Alone - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

darcy009 · 10-23-2006, 03:34 PM

I'm heading off to hit these three cities in ten days by myself. I've never been to Europe before and this Canadian is a little nervous.
It will be at the end of November early December so I have a few questions.

What's a good hostel to stay at in Salzburg?
Should I make a day trip to Innsbruck?
What's the weather like around this time?

Er,...that's all for now. I'm sure there will be more to come.

foofiter · 10-23-2006, 03:39 PM

It will be cold so bring a good jacket. Being a Canadian you should have one already

I have heard from everyone that has been to Innsbruck loved it. As far as day-trip or more time maybe someone else can help there.

You will be fine! Europe is one of the most travel-friendly places I have been. Plenty of English speakers around in Austria and Germany so have a good time!

Foo

**DC_Jessica** · 10-23-2006, 04:44 PM

I love love loved Innsbruck. I can't even list the reasons why, but I had nothing but positive experiences there. And I believe I was only there for a day on the whole Salzburg-Innsbruck-Munich-Oberammergau craziness. I just remember it being gorgeous - some of my favorite pictures are from there and I'm not even in 'em! And the pubs and people are all supercool. AND I was there before the Euro, when people used to take all the currency worth less than a penny (basically worthless) and chuck it off the tops of towers...

If you get a chance, go take a looksie, it's really pretty. If you're big on "why should I go here" having something to do with Mozart or best nightclub ever or anything other than just simple prettiness, you could probably skip it if you were in crunch mode. Just my $0.02.

darcy009 · 10-23-2006, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the tip. I'm a huge photo nut - so some scenery and stuff along those lines would be great. I just hope it doesnt rain all of the time because it will force me to spend my holiday sampling Austrian and Bavarian beer

**tumblezweedz** · 10-25-2006, 06:26 AM

I'm guessing the Austrians are as big fans of Christmas markets as the Germans are, even if you're not a shopper, you should definitely check one out...it's an experience. If you can stand the crowds, get a gluwein and a wurst from an outdoor vendor and bask in the event. I like to shop, but personally found the crowds overwhelming after a while.

It'll probably be damp and cold, so make sure you have layers - it's not that crisp cold you get in the prairies, it's that bone-chilling dampness you get in the maritimes or on the west coast. We live in Germany, and last year were grateful for hats and mitts by the time December rolled around.

When we were in Austria we stayed at inexpensive hotels in Vienna and Salzburg, which might be a good option for you if you can't find a hostel - the Etap chain is bare bones but clean and you get a private bathroom. They run about 30 - 35 Euro/night - more than a hostel, but not horrific if you're stuck, and were easy to get to by public transit, though they're both in industrial park type areas surrounded by discount stores and warehouses (not heavy industry!) The one in Vienna was about five minutes by metro from downtown, the one in Salzburg, about an 8 minute bus ride.

**Somnambulation** · 10-25-2006, 08:20 PM

Stay in the YoHo hostel in Salzburg, its one of the better hostels Ive ever stayed in. Look for the 'McGeorge 2006' graffitti I left in the basement laundry room this past summer. Dont worry about anything, these areas are very safe. I found Innsbruck a little boring for the day I was there, but mabye I give it a chance. I do know that the nightly hike that supposedly exists there, does in fact, not exist anymore. But this was summer, in December its probably pretty nice.