I will be in Berlin this July on a study abroad program. Afterwards, I’ll be on my own for roughly the month of August (still deciding dates).
Post-Berlin my budget is several thousand USD. I’m interested in places where locals aren’t rude to foreigners. I typically make friends with ambiverts or introverts who are interesting (intellectual, kind, and funny) conversationalists.
My favorite destinations so far in Europe have been Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, and Poland. My least favorite spots have been France and Italy. I’ve also been to Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Austria, Denmark, and the Czech Republic. Outside of Europe, I’ve really enjoyed Mexico, Patagonia, and Antarctica. I’m open to further questions
Germany is at its best in the smaller cities. Try: Lübeck, Schwerin, Stralsund, Erfurt, Quedlinburg, Görlitz, Göttingen, Marburg, Tübingen, Freiburg, Regensburg, Bamberg, Trier, Aachen. If I had to pick two it would be Lübeck and Erfurt.
It would be helpful if you tell us what kind of activities you like to pursue when you travel: hiking, outdoors, natural beauty? wildlife? cathedrals and castles? pubs and clubs? amazing restaurants or street food? museums and art installations? concerts? festivals? boats? beaches?
Are you doing a German language program? If so, you might like to follow it up with exploring smaller areas where you can practice communicating with people in German.
You said you don’t like France or Italy, but you might enjoy trying your German in Alsace/Lorraine (e.g. Strasbourg) and Tirol (parts of Austria and Northern Italy), where you can practice your German. Also Switzerland; even though their German is very different, they will be able to understand you.
@Macon
I enjoy all of the places you mentioned except for pubs and clubs. And yes, it is a German language program. That sounds like an idea worth exploring. Got it, I appreciate your thorough response.
