A few pictures from Ultimate Europe (and beyond)...

Edinburgh Castle

Paros

Venice

Paris

Ireland

Inside the Sagrada Familia

EF College Break: Ultimate Europe Review

In the fall of 2015, I decided to do something I had wanted to do for a very long time: spend the summer traveling Europe. I had been to Europe before, once in high school and once in college, but there were still many, many cities and sites that I wanted to see. However, being the chronic overachiever that I am, every summer up until that point had been filled with summer classes or work (often both). But finally, finally, I had those precious months of June and July completely free. I had finished graduate school, had saved up enough from the aforementioned work and had a job that gave me summers off (there are some excellent benefits to being a teacher).

Now, being me, I did a ton of research when deciding how to best travel Europe in a way that was efficient, thorough, and cost-effective. I decided upon EF for a number of reasons:

1. Their prices included international flights, all accommodation, and all internal travel, as well as breakfast everyday and a number of included tours.
2. EF gave the option of flying into or out of a different city if you were traveling early or staying behind, both of which I took advantage of to spend time with family.
3. The company had great reviews.
4. There was enough free time built into the schedule so that I could do what I wanted in each city.
5. The Ultimate Europe tour hit the tops spots I wanted to go to, but had never been to including Athens Barcelona, Prague, and Germany.

And, overall, the trip was incredible, and an incredible value at it's price. The included tours were very good (and this coming from someone who loves a good bit of history), and the optional activities (both those offered through EF and the ones organized by our fabulous tour director) were excellent. We stayed in a number of hostels which, yes, were small, but clean and had everything you needed. If you are looking for a way to hit a number of Europe's greats at a reasonable price with a good balance of organized activities and free time, the Ultimate Europe is the way to go.

One word of caution though, EF College Break is designed for those who, let's just say, enjoy nightlife. I am not one of those people. I don't drink, and don't like going to bars and clubs. That being said, I have always been that way and so have learned how to have my own version of fun (museums, ancient ruins, a good library, etc.), so, after about 3 days when I realized no one else really quite wanted to do what I wanted to do, I was perfectly fine going off on my own and doing my own thing. Not that going out is bad, it's just not my cup of tea. Bottom line, no matter what your priorities, do some research ahead of time. Know what you want to do and don't be afraid to do it on your own as long it is safe to do so.

Anyway, just a few other random things:
1. We all overpack. It'll be okay, just do your best and take a few of those detergent pods if you think you may just want to to laundry at one of the hostels.
2. We're all excited about Athens or Prague, but it was really some of the "side" places that were special to me, including the Greek Island Paros, our night in Austria, and the stop in Bruges.
3. Always be on time when leaving!
4. Bring a sweatshirt. Those buses are cold!
5. Let the little things go and don't complain. It's hard, and of course I'm guilty of this, but traveling for 35 days (45 in my case with my before trip to Edinburgh/London and after trip to Dublin) can be stressful. A positive attitude is half the battle.

Anyway, let me know if you have specific questions!