Total Noob...

[Billy Vegas]

Hey guys,

So, 4 weeks traveling into Colonge and trying to see most of Europe.

I fly into Cologne. Get off the plane... than what?

Where do you guys go to put your bags securely? Can you check into hostels any time, or am I correct in thinking they have strict check in/be in/be out times?

As you can tell, I have no clue. I'd easily walk with all my crap but... That will get old quickly I'm sure.

So, what are your routines for visiting a country when you step off the train/plane?

Im keeping this awfully short sinc eIm exhausted and passing out soon, hopefully to read some responces in the morning/afternoon...

Rock.

-bv

[TheJake]

Well... I suppose my answer would be to hoof it around to my hostel, find out if i can check in yet, I have never had a problem with that but all my experiences are in North and South America. I think one time my room wasn't ready but they held my bag for me so I didn't have to drag it around. Then I set about seeing if I can meet anyone in the hostel and should that fail then I just start walkin the town to see what I can see! If I am hungry, i eat. And well I am always thirsty so every bar I drop into to see who I can talk too.

and yeah... that's how I start the first day in a new city...

Well... I suppose my answer would be to hoof it around to my hostel, find out if i can check in yet, I have never had a problem with that but all my experiences are in North and South America. I think one time my room wasn't ready but they held my bag for me so I didn't have to drag it around. Then I set about seeing if I can meet anyone in the hostel and should that fail then I just start walkin the town to see what I can see! If I am hungry, i eat. And well I am always thirsty so every bar I drop into to see who I can talk too.

and yeah... that's how I start the first day in a new city...

[tumblezweedz]

Ditto, I usually aim for my accommodations first - even if you can't formally check in, they generally have a luggage locker where you can leave your bag til the room is ready. Some smaller hostels may actually close during the "lock-out" time, but you should be able to determine this in advance from guide books or the website or whatnot. If that's the case, generally train stations have someplace to store luggage, which is a better option than dragging it around the town with you, if you can avoid that.

Eating is always a good way to get acclimatized, and maybe stop by the local tourism info for maps, tips and general information. Sit down at a convenient cafe or bar to peruse the material, work out your plan and go from there.

I generally don't plan on accomplishing a whole lot on the first day in a new place, especially when I'm jetlagged, but it's a good day for getting the lay of the land if nothing else. Unlike theJake, I prefer to spend that first day on my own (when I'm traveling solo), so I can go at my own pace and figure out what intrigues me. But I guess buddy-ing up with someone who knows the place could work well too.