So I'm from the US and I want to see Europe for like 6 or so months

[miami32]

So this year at the end of August I want to go to Europe. I'm considering moving to Italy for say 6 months to a year or at least just traveling Europe for a decent while not just a month. I assume I have to get a passport and what not. What else do I have to do? I have a decent amount of cash put away. I mean I wouldn't even mind considering just staying in one of these places if I found it nice enough. Any suggestions on places to go. I also hate flying so if anyone could tell me what the flights are like and so on. Thanks in advance.

[kipin]

If you plan on staying longer than 90 days (in the EU, not each country), you are going to need a visa.

[miami32]

Are you saying that I would have to work or either go to school for them to let me stay in Europe more then 90 days?

[RogerM]

Great idea! My junior year in college, I spent 6months at Univ of maastricht (holland), and it was by far the most amazing experience of my life. There is so much to do, so much to see, so much history in europe and if you appreciate architecture, it will absolutely blow your mind.

The flights are not too bad, well worth it.

Must sees...
Prague
Spain (barcelona, Ibiza , bigo, (madrid is blah)
Greece ( the islands are amazing , especially mikinos. Athens was nothing impressive imo)
Italy (everywhere)
France (paris)
Ukraine ( kiev and oddessa)
budapest
Holland (maastricht, amsterdam)


This will turn out to probably be the best decision of your life! Have a great time.

[kipin]

[ QUOTE ]
Are you saying that I would have to work or either go to school for them to let me stay in Europe more then 90 days?

[/ QUOTE ]

Those are valid options on trying to obtain a visa. I recommend you do some research at google on obtaining a visa, or contacting the US state dept and the embassy of the country you wish to get a visa from. (I think you can get a visa for say Spain, and then travel freely throughout the entire EU without any problems past the 90 day no visa exemption.)

One problem you may encounter is some difficulty in getting a visa now as a result of how difficult our lovely government has made it for the rest of the world to obtain a US visa. Eye for and eye and all.

Also, do you plan on staying in hostels and traveling around, or do you want to rent an apatment for say 4 months and then spend the last 2 months hosteling.

[JOEL_]

Europe,is expensive,take this into account.
Consider a Eurorail pass which will give you options freely and decide on which country after you have visited a few.
Also if you plan on playing poker Italy is not a wise choice.

[miami32]

Okay, I thought we weren't allowed to talk about poker, but say I did play that game, and that game has allowed me to hence to take this trip. Where would be a place to go for an extended period of time, while still being allowed to do all the activities i say my do in front of my computer at home.

[DrunkHamster]

England, and its tax free baby.

[JOEL_]

Many countries but not Italy.

[N 82 50 24]

[ QUOTE ]
If you plan on staying longer than 90 days (in the EU, not each country), you are going to need a visa.

[/ QUOTE ]

I guess you could do the in-and-out strategy by going into Switzerland for a bit, right?