I'm thinking of flying to Europe and not too concerned on where the plane lands (as long as it is a scheduled landing). I would like to leave from either Dallas or Houston and will eventually get to Stuttgart, Germany. But the path is not too important.

So far my research shows that Dublin, Ireland is the cheapest place to arrive by half of other destination's prices.

Does anyone here have experience traveling across the ocean cheaply? What is a good way to do that? Thanks

Cross

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Dublin is the one to fly to but in terms of cost of living, eating out, beer it may be expensive to do as the irish economy grew rapidly in the past few years and the dollar euro rate isn't great
once you reach dublin your in Europe and can get to Spain, Finland or Italy for about 50 bucks using a ryanair or easyjet flight

Ukraine Turkey Latvia and other former soviet areas are cheap but they are also known for high crime and corruption

Thanks for the advice. I don't plan to live there, just go through on my way to central Europe.

Dublin may be my best bet. I have a friend that is a travel agent, he's helping me out.

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Have you tried some of the travel websites? Like travelocity, orbitz, expedia and such. You can search locations in a time range, looking for a place that you can change planes and still get to Stuttgart.

I've read news stories that there are a lot of discount airlines now operating in Europe. I have no idea if you can search for them online, or if, like Southwest in the US, you have to go to their website to actually check prices.

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I've used those sites, well the major ones. But they only give one destination at a time. I've tried all the major cities, but this is really beyond me and I was looking for a little help.

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Some really nice places, and cheap, to visit are down near the Adriatic. Croatia & Bosnia I'm thinking of. Very picturesque down on the coast there, and plenty of things to do. One can then hop along to Greece or Turkey, and then circle up through Eastern Europe, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine etc.

All very interesting places, you'll have a great time. If you plan on going to Russia though, just make sure you set aside some `bribe' money - lots of officious officers out there who'llbe sure to find fault with something you're doing.

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Flying before Memorial day, and after labor day is usually cheaper if the timing is not an issue.

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wow, I wasn't thinking of that. But then again, Bosnia has a bad stigma with Americans, and I certainly don't know the language.

Dublin is still cheaper by half.

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"I will do my best to understand and explain the universe from big to small without invoking miracles, unrepeatable events, or divine intervention. In place of those things I will use observations, mathematics, and science."


-Cross
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Those that lack education have a hard time understanding its value. - Cross

Birmingham might be a good place to start. We've a major airport with quite a few of the discount routes operating out of it. Plus, its a much cheaper city than London to go out in. Theres some quite good going out to be had nevertheless.

Bear in mind the large Muslim population though, some people might not be thrilled to hear an American accent. I've known at least one person get in trouble that way.

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I'll speak German then. LOL

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"I will do my best to understand and explain the universe from big to small without invoking miracles, unrepeatable events, or divine intervention. In place of those things I will use observations, mathematics, and science."


-Cross
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Those that lack education have a hard time understanding its value. - Cross

What season do you plan to travel?
How long do you plan to spend in one place?

Off-season really lowers the cost.
A condo for a week is sometimes much nicer (and cheaper) than a hotel.

Also, please consider which airlines use Dallas and Houston as international hubs.

re: Germany via Ireland.
I once considered Spain via Ireland, but realized that it would cost the same or more than other or more direct routes (even though Ireland was the cheapest initial destination).

Also, I notice that Aer Lingus (and most airlines) often list promo prices which sell out quickly. (Sorry, we already sold those two seats.)

Good luck! Happy travels! Please share your success stories someday.

thanks. I have discovered a discount student rate which will allow me to fly directly to Stuttgart at the same cost to me. I'll save the islands until later.

__________________
"I will do my best to understand and explain the universe from big to small without invoking miracles, unrepeatable events, or divine intervention. In place of those things I will use observations, mathematics, and science."


-Cross
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Those that lack education have a hard time understanding its value. - Cross

Check out the Football World Cup as they may offer a glimpse around Germany.

Safe travels. Make friends, but watch out for gypsies.

Hold onto that student ID -- it's worth a ton in Europe.

I've got my passport, international student id, plane tickets, place to stay, and it seems everything is in place.

I'm thinking about purchasing a EUrail pass, but I hear it's cheaper just to use the student ID at the ticket booth. Anyone know if that is true?

Man it's coming up soon, August 30th. things are getting exciting for me.

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-Cross
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Those that lack education have a hard time understanding its value. - Cross

In Germany your student ID is worth nothing when buying a rail ticket.

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is that right? I've heard otherwise. Maybe I need to get some clarification.

__________________
"I will do my best to understand and explain the universe from big to small without invoking miracles, unrepeatable events, or divine intervention. In place of those things I will use observations, mathematics, and science."


-Cross
My travel blog

Some of my Astrophotography


Those that lack education have a hard time understanding its value. - Cross