Mike Bennett

Europe & Eurail Traveler

When do you leave?
June 2003
How long do you plan to be away?
1-6 Months
How old are you?
23
How much money have you saved?
US$4,000
Did you buy a rail pass?
Not yet
What pass(es) did you buy?
Going to purchase Eurail Youth Pass
Nationality
USA
Where do you live now?
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Occupation
Technical Services
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It's my career
Have you traveled Europe before?
No
Have you bought or used a European rail pass before?
No
What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
England, Amsterdam, Paris, Pomplona, Berlin, Switzerland, Italy, Greece. This is just a diagram of the cities I want to see. I am hoping to get off the beaten path to enjoy some local festivities.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I am interested in broadening my horizons. I want to experience life in every possible way. That is why I have decided to just go where my Nikes take me.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
My biggest fear would be losing my camera. A camera stops time and captures so many memories in just one shot. Losing the memories of this trip is what I fear most. Everything else that happens, happens for a reason.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your traveling and railing around Europe?
My family still does not realize that I am going backpacking through Europe. My co-workers are excited and keep updating me on places I need to visit. My company has also approved four weeks of paid vacation and four weeks of leave-of-absence. Yahoo!
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
2 t-shirts, 2 undershirts, 4 boxers, 4 socks, 1 hat, glasses, journal, iPod, Camera, and most important... Travel-size Dove soap!
How do you think your trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
As of now I consider myself to be an introvert. I am very shy when it comes to starting conversations with people I have never met. I would like to get over that. I am looking forward to meeting the different people and try to start conversations and break out of my shell.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your Europe trip in one sentence, what would it be?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, make it memorable.
Why do you think people should travel Europe by rail?
So many opportunities to meet new people, have great conversations, and learn how other people think. You can learn a lot by conversing with people you don't know.
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?
A package tour is just that. You do not gain unique memories or opportunities. You are stuck on a basic trip going to the basic tourist traps.
What is the biggest myth that people have about traveling Europe by rail?
I would have to say that you need to be careful of the people that approach you. They see a person out of their normal element who can be easily fooled.
Why do you like to travel?
I travel for my company and just by traveling through the U.S. I have gained so many memories and realized so many things about people's way of life.
What is your advice for people planning their own Europe trip?
Remember, everything happens for a reason. Think about it. You miss a train, you have two hours to spare. You go to a cafe for a drink and you just might experience a memory you will never forget.

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