Stephanie Paley

Europe & Eurail Traveler

When do you leave?
May 2002
How long do you plan to be away?
1-6 Months
How old are you?
25
How much money have you saved?
US$1000
Did you buy a rail pass?
Yes
What pass(es) did you buy?
Eurorail Select Flexipass-Youth
Nationality
USA
Where do you live now?
Portland, Oregon, USA
Occupation
counselor, massage therapist
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?
Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Ronda, Cordoba, Lisbon, Lagos, Seville, Barcelona, Bilboa, and back to Madrid
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
My friend and I decided in December, we chose Spain and Portugal since we felt it deserved a journey all its own.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
The language barrier
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your traveling and railing around Europe?
Everyone is supportive and excited for my first trip to Europe; I don't know their opinions.
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Control Freak
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
5 shirts, 1 pants, 1 shorts, 5 underwear, 5 socks, poncho, sweater, bathing suit, small towel, toiletries, camera and lots of film, 3 books, walkman, first aid kit
How do you think your trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
I don't expect my life or my person to change, I only hope I gain worldliness and travel experience. I hope to learn that if I wanted to at some point in my life, I can spontaneously move to another country and survive.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your Europe in one sentence, what would it be?
Wow.
Why do you think people should travel Europe by rail?
It seems efficient, and a great opportunity to meet other travelers.
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?
All the planning is in my hands, I absolutely wouldn't give that freedom up, to me that's half the thrill.
What is the biggest myth that people have about traveling Europe by rail?
I don't know – oh: "Is there really urine pooled on the floor?"
Why do you like to travel?
The further away I get from my home I truly feel like I'm living for adventure, my energy rises and I get LOUDER!
What is your advice for people planning their own Europe trip?
Plan early, reserve places to stay so you don't need to when arriving. Seek out the cities of most interest. But don't plan every second – take advice from the locals.

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