Euro based twinners & european travelers - help me figure out what to do

[TheGoodGuy]

So I was to go to India / UK by Virgin Atlantic this past December, but due to my brother coming down with a super rare infection, I ended up staying here and recalled the parents back from India. Now I got to use my approximately $1400 in flight credit before November 2012 or I'd lose it.


My original plan was a 4 day stop over in UK on my way back from India, now since I got time the time and I am not going to India, I want to do something more. My friend Stacie who is a travel agent at AAA suggested the contiki tours as a way around, but I am thinking if I am going to pay 1500-2K for a 10-12 day 8 nation trip, its too short mind you this is on top of my air fare.


Originally I was going to take my now "ex" gf there as a grad gift and pop the Q on the Eiffel, but since she dumped me (for a loser (her loss IMHO)) I am by myself. Original plan was to use my 1400 credit towards the flight, but since now its a single person traveling I rather do something more creative. A friend/coworker of mine did a month long western EU trip but she was with like 4 people. I on the other hand am going to be by myself unless I can convince someone else to go with me.


So the question being if I time September / October time frame and hit most countries, starting in UK doing most of UK, then going across the channel, doing france, belgium, netherlands, germany (east and west obviously), prague maybe, swiss, italy, south of france etc. What should I be doing.

I was thinking eurorail, but that is a pain in the butt waiting for the train. Other option is 'drive', I found some really great deals for a small 2 door manual transmission car for about 300 euro/mo unlimited miles. That being said thats a whole lot of driving. Where does one stay on a budget?

Its going to be an experience of a lifetime if I drive it myself, then again Its easier not having to plan the shaZam! if you have a tour do it all.. what to do.. what to do.. any twinners want to show me around, let me crash on their couch?

[manofthefield]

Since this is a bike forum:

http://www.edelweissbike.com/

May blow your budget though

[yamahonkawazuki]

If youre bored TGG, fly to  st petersburg, or moscow. take teh red express train from there to either vladivostok, OR beijing. tbh id hit beijing then go to india, FROM india fly back here to us. 1400 in travel credit, may pay for tix.  . btw imho youre right. her loss. 

[TheGoodGuy]

interesting idea yama

[mister]

Yeah, meet up with some crazy Russian chick, get her pregnant, bring her home. 





Michael