Jeffrey Dillon

Europe & Eurail Traveler

When do you leave?
August 2003
How long do you plan to be away?
1-6 Months
How old are you?
18
How much money have you saved?
US$4000 bucks
Did you buy a rail pass?
Yes
What pass(es) did you buy?
Youth 5 Country 8 Day Select (?) Pass
Nationality
USA
Where do you live now?
Portland, Oregon, USA
Occupation
Executive Assistant
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
I'll come back if they'll have me
Have you traveled Europe before?
Yes
Have you bought or used a European rail pass before?
No
What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Fly into Paris. Madrid, Barcelona, Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, Florence. Fly out of Rome.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I once went to Europe on the People to People Student Ambassador ticket. I jumped at the chance to go to Europe. I loved it when I was there, I love the way the people look and the culture and history. However, to my dismay, that trip was governed by chaperones and strict rules and bus tours, and "a few hours of free time and then we meet back here. Remember not to go without a buddy"... so needless to say I had to go back and really see Europe, or as much as I can afford to see.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That somehow at the last minute someone will die or some other horrible tragedy will happen to prevent it after a year of saving up. I'm more worried about something happening here than there, because I think anything that happens on the trip will only make a great story. If I don't die, it's an adventure.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your traveling and railing around Europe?
They're mostly jealous. Muahahaha! My co-workers are those fox-news-watching patriot types. They make fun of Europeans and think that I better "watch out" while I'm in France. Pigs.
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
I'm thinking pack less, do laundry more... so with that in mind:
- 5 Shirts
- 4 Pants
- 1 Shorts
- 5 Undies
- 5 Socks
- 1 Swimsuit
- 2 Pairs of Shoes
- 1 Lets Go Western Europe Book
- 1 Large Ziploc Bag O'Toiletries
- 15 Rolls of Film
- Camera
- Journal
How do you think your trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
I'm not sure. I'm hoping it'll give me some time to figure things out. Right now I feel really pressured. Maybe it's just who I am. I'm hoping being away will give me a chance to get a fresh perspective on things. Away from friends, family, WORK/American Culture (they really go as a pair), and TV. I'm also excited to see how hostelling and planning my own trip goes. I've never booked my own trip before, especially one that will take me as far away as Europe.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your Europe trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Holy shit.
Why do you think people should travel Europe by rail?
I've never done it, I'm not sure. I'm hoping it will make an experience out of getting around. Slow down from the hustle and stress of an airport, and allow me to see the country while zooming through it.
Why do you think people should take longer trips trips like this? Why not just take a regular old one- or two-week vacation instead?
Because packaged tours have nothing to them, no personality, no experience. Doing things yourself lets you appreciate the journey, the culture, the experience, not just the monuments.
What is the biggest myth that people have about traveling Europe by rail?
I'm not sure yet.... maybe that it's outdated? I was surprised that it's still such a huge industry as opposed to the States.
Why do you like to travel?
I like to see new things and feel excited about everything. Nothing I look at is ho-hum while traveling. Everything is new. It gives me a fresh feeling, like I'm alive.
What is your advice for people planning their own Europe trip?
Look everywhere for hostels, rail passes, air tickets, etc. That way even though you don't necessarily find the best deals, you get a feel for the traveling community. you'll come across a guide to Parisian bar etiquette while looking for a cheap rail pass. It's really a unique experience.

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