An idiot abroad (or locally!) - The travel thread

Not sure MTB is the best place for volume of posts, but we will likely put together a strong list.

I'm headed to Scandinavia this summer...backpacking / staying at hostels: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki. Cost of the trip is something that isn't really on my radar...I know it will be expensive everywhere except Tallinn. I have always wanted to see this part of the world so the high cost is just a fact of life. One place I saved money was on the flights: I used frequent flyer points so airfare was $100 in fees/taxes instead of $1400.

These cities are not exactly next to one another, so we are taking 2 flights once there, a high speed rail, and a ferry to move between them. It costs us ~$275 to connect the cities which I think it pretty good.

If anyone has recs then they are greatly appreciated.

I've also traveled to:
Belgium (most of it; most time spent in Antwerp)
Northern France
Paris
London
Milan
Florence
Rome
Zurich
Bern
Interlaken
Berlin
Munich
Hamburg

One of my best recommendations is to see a local soccer match in any city. If you can see a top flight match, then it will be better; however, soccer and local culture are so intertwined that it will give you a great sense for the locals.

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where are you going next?

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While not abroad, I am going to Chicago in August for a weekend and really pumped about it. Pearl Jam is (are?) playing Wrigley Field and will be the highlight of the trip. I was going to start a thread on the OT closer to time to get some recs, but the plan now is to hit the Willis Tower and the Navy Pier. And of course, get a deep dish from somewhere. Any other ideas of "must-sees"?

We will be flying in and taking the L everywhere, which worries me a little, but if anyone has any pointers they can offer up there, that would be great!

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Are 2 days enough in Florence?

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Depends on if you love museums. I do not travel Europe to look at art so if that is your thing, then 2 days will be cutting it short. To put in context, I have spent ~12 days in Florence and never saw the David. It just isn't what I enjoy.

2 full days is enough if you want to soak up the culture and walk around a bunch. Go to the top of the Duomo (cathedral in the center of town) and plan to stay there for at least an hour. It is easily top 5 places/views I have seen in Europe. I have done it twice and the second time was as good as the first.

If you want an amazing meal, go to Quattro Lioni. It runs about 10 euro a plate (small plates) but it is some of the best food I have had in Europe. The pear pasta is the best dish. I ordered it twice

You can take a bus up the hill to small villages that overlook Florence for a completely different take on the area. It only costs a few euros and is about a 10 minute ride. I like to get outside of big cities and mix in rural Europe when I get the chance.

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While not abroad, I am going to Chicago in August for a weekend and really pumped about it. Pearl Jam is (are?) playing Wrigley Field and will be the highlight of the trip. I was going to start a thread on the OT closer to time to get some recs, but the plan now is to hit the Willis Tower and the Navy Pier. And of course, get a deep dish from somewhere. Any other ideas of "must-sees"?

We will be flying in and taking the L everywhere, which worries me a little, but if anyone has any pointers they can offer up there, that would be great!

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I would highly recommend staying at the W - Lakeshore. I stayed there when I was there last. The hotel is really nice and has amazing views of Lake Michigan and the navy pier. Although not around downtown Chicago, it is maybe a $10 Uber ride away from everything else.

You have to do the Architectural tour. They take you on a boat on the river. Have a bar and everything. We really like it.

Get deep dish at Gino's East. We tried it because we were told its the best deep dish pizza anywhere. Im not a fan of greasy food myself, so don't really like deep dish to begin with. My buddies loved it.

Ask the concierge to book Comedy club tickets at Zanie's. Great time.

Check out the 96th floor bar at the John Hancock Center - The Signature Room. Little touristy and you'll be waiting in line for about 2hrs and everything is overpriced. But it is very cool.

Have brunch in one of the many cafes on the river.

Chicago is my favorite city in all of America. Would move there if it wasn't for the cold.

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Not sure MTB is the best place for volume of posts, but we will likely put together a strong list.

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I think MTB is perfect for it, since this is really the audience the threads are going for.

For my list that I can help with:

Dublin
Paris (pretty in depth)
Rome
Florence
Amsterdam/Amersfoort
Bayeux, Normandy
Beaune, Burgundy
Strasbourg/Colmar/Aslatian Wine Route
Quebec City

Trips Being Planned:
1) Lyon->Annecy->Rhone River Valley->Aix-en-Provence
2) Orvieto/Assisi/Ummbrian Hill Towns

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My friend wanted to do Oslo

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Why did your friend want to do oslo?

That's actually a great idea

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OnTheBrink

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I e-mailed the GM in advance (always do and you should too). He hooked us up with a Lake view room on the top floor. Amazing.

If you end up staying here, I'll send you his e-mail.

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AmeriKop45

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Unfortunately, we have already booked our hotel. Mile North is the name, and ironically enough there is literally a Gino's East right next door.

Please keep the ideas coming though!

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Unfortunately, we have already booked our hotel. Mile North is the name, and ironically enough there is literally a Gino's East right next door.

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Lou Malnati's is my favorite Chicago style pizza. That crust!

Depending on age (20s-early 30s), go out in Lincoln Park.