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Travelers' Helpline Archives:
June 2004

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Eiffel tower tickets
Robert ~ Here is the link for the Eiffel Tower quiz. http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/ludique/jeu/index.html?id=3_10 I hope you'll have better luck than I had! From this past December until just mid-May, I entered that contest daily! Some days, I'd enter 5+ times at one sitting. (Yes, I took the quiz repeatedly and kept track of my answers so as to rule out incorrect ones) I even made a copy of all questions/answers and gave it to my hubby so that HE could take the quiz daily. I was really trying to win those 2 tickets for my daughter and I. Needless to say, we'll be shelling out the 20E for our tickets to the top next week! Bonne chance!
jdcwc
Atlanta, GA   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

3 nights in Vienna
When my husband and I stay in Vienna for 3 nights early August we thought we might try out of the city (possibly on a farm or village)on the train route. I know it will be very hot in the city without A/C. Any suggestions?
Shari Lou Ker <email>
  USA   Wed 06/30/2004

TUSCANNY RESIDENCE
HELP!!! My husband and I have returned from a most memorable two week stay in Italy. The only way I can get back to work (and real life) is to start planning a month-long stay in Tuscanny in 2006. We would like to live in one place for the entire month and make one and two day trips throughout the area. We adored Cortona and would love to stay nearby, but we are open to all suggestions. We are looking for a MONTHLY rate that would make this longer stay feasible. Thank you for any assistance and much thanks to Rick Steves for his guides — we lived by them!
Nancy White <email>
Redding, CA   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Eiffel Tower Quiz
Robert, you can also go to Google and type in Eiffel Tower Quiz and it has several sites you can check. Some of the answers are there also. Several of the questions are repeated if you don't pass it the first time. I think you can get at least 5 maybe 6 answers correct in order to be eligible to win tickets. Good luck to you. Happy travels too!
Bonnie-twtravelers@cs.com <email>
Tigard, OR   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Eiffel Tower quiz
Robert F. ~ here is the address you need www.eiffel-tower.com ~ good luck.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Val Venosta, Italy
Has anyone been to Val Venosta? Would appreciate any suggestions on places to see, stay or avoid. Thanks
Paul <email>
netcong, NJ   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Appenzell/Lichtenstein
Wondering if anyone can recommend a place to stay in either Appenzell(or vicinity) and/or Lichtenstein.
Paul <email>
netcong, NJ   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Re: Night Train Costs
To Cheri in Minnesota: RE Night Train Costs — I traveled last year with a friend on a 1st class SaverPass. Even though you have this pass, you still have to pay reserve a couchette on a night train (anywhere from 7 Euro — 25 Euro/pp) depending upon where you are going. If you are clausterphobic, couchettes may be a problem....4 — 6 people sleeping in a "cabin" the size of a small bathroom. It is an experience, but you do feel like sardines in a can! 2 person sleepers can be very expensive — Sometimes $100 Euro per person. Not very affordable for those looking to stay on budget. Hope this helps.
AKL <email>
KY   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Reserving Room in Rome
For Dean Alton in VA: My husband and I traveled Europe last year for 3 months and found that we could email or call a couple of weeks ahead of are arrival to a town and find a listing from Rick's books. However, seeing as you are going close to high season — and if you really want a specific place, then I would suggest reserving 3 months in advance. Take note, though, that alot of European places don't take reservations very far in advance. Email is the best way to reserve. As far as the flight — We reserved our flight about 6 months ahead of time...Typically, if you get the flight too early, it will cost you more since the flights aren't that booked.
Angie <email>
Mt. Sterling, KY   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

website /free eiffel tower tickets
what is the web site that you answer questions and get tickets to the top of the eiffel tower. and does anyone know how long the tickets would be good for?
robert F <email>
san francisco, ca   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Hotel Smeraldo
Lisa: We just got back from 4 nights at the Smeraldo in Rome. We loved it! The breakfast is very good with meat, cheese, etc. Staff was helpful. Beautiful rooms, air conditioning. If you go, be sure to get clear directions. It's a little tricky to find but once you are there, you can walk to everything. Be sure to cross the river to the Trestevere neighborhood, sit at an outside bar around 9 and watch folks promenade. One warning: The showers are really little, but work great. We will stay here if we are lucky enough to return!
Thom Turner <email>
Redding, CA   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Train Reservations
We are planning on taking the overnight train from Paris to Zurich in September and I am not sure how to make reservations for this ahead of time? I don't want to wait until we get to Europe to reserve this since it might be limited. Can anyone help? Thanks!
Maria S. <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Heathrow to London and back response
To Cal., even if you have luggage the tube is great to use. I had one piece of luggage and it was no trouble at all. When I arrived at Heathrow I wouldn't buy a return ticket(round trip)for the express. I would wait and purchase another ticket at Paddington Station. If you buy a ticket a day of when you travel it is less. My husband bought a ticket a day before for the Gatwick Express and only paid 7.00BP and the same works for the Heathrow Express. Ca., how many times have you been to the UK?

Oh   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

GREECE TO CROATIA
Leah: you can read about another travelers attempt to go from Athens to Dubrovnik at http://www.iantaylor.org/greece.html.....sounds like you have to go through Italy to do it. you can do a google.com search for "ferry athens to dubrovnik" and find lots of pages, but not much info.
SEBASTIAN
MOBILE, AL   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Frau Liebler
Any input from someone who has stayed at Frau Liebler's in Rothenburg? Would you return?
Harvey
San Diego, CA   USA   Wed 06/30/2004

Validating ticket -Train-Italy
Your ticket must be validated at the train station before you board in Italy. It is usually a small yellow ticket box on a pole on the platform. It is not very conspicous as passengers are always searching for the correct train and car to board. We forgot one time and the conductor validated it for us. But he could have fined us heavily.
JS
CA   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

zHeathrow to London and back-response
Umm!To OH, These are the following costs for all those interested in these options of transport. Paddington Express 25 GBP rdtrip Airbus 10 GBP rdtrip Tube 7.40 GBP rd trip. I would select the tube w/ no luggage or the airbus if I have luggage.

CA   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

London Hotels
For Adrienne on London Hotels: We have stayed many different places for much less than $100 on our visits to London. This time we decided to get a little fancier and stay at "The Rubens at the Palace". It gets good reviews and has a great location. We will be arriving in London on 9/5, maybe we will see you there. Have a good trip
Greg <email>
Mpls, MN   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Validating tickets
I can't tell you the procedure in Italy, but it must be similar to Germany. A German rail pass is good for some number of days in, say, 30 days. Before you start to use it, you must have it validated to establish the start time of the 30 days. You do this by going to any ticket counter, and they will stamp it with the starting date. Other tickets are cancelled, not validated. For mainline trains, there is no need to "cancel" point-to-point tickets. The conductor will come along and stamp it. However, on the trains, streetcars, etc of the local transit authorities, tickets are hardly ever checked. I have spent about two weeks in Munich, and I have seen it done once. Instead, it is a semi-honor system, where tickets must be cancelled by the user. All of the local transit tickets have a red arrow on the end and the words "hier entwerten". When you go to the train platform, there are ticket cancelling machines on posts as you enter. You stick the ticket in the slot and it stamps the time and date so you cannot use the ticket twice. It is probably as bad to be caught with an uncancelled ticket as without a ticket. I was once told by a former student in Munich that one could stamp the time initially on the wrong side of the ticket. If you were stopped on the train and asked for you ticket, well, ops, I stamped the wrong side. Then, the next time, you stamped the correct side, and if you were stopped, you showed them the correctly stamped side. WRONG! I was on an S-bahn in Munich some years ago when, at a stop, a very large man in a black suit, carrying a large notebook, got on the train. He proceeded to ask everyone for their ticket. He looked at the ticket of the young man across from me and said "Überstampft" (over stamped). He then proceeded to write the young man a summons and I think he told him it would be a fine of about $30. I looked at the young woman sitting next to me and kind of grinned. She just looked P..sed. I think that riding the trains without a valid ticket in Germany is somewhat equivalent to purse snatching or something equally vile. So, don't forget to validate, or cancel, your ticket.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

To: Adrienne, RE: London hotel
Adrienne~I stayed last week at the Kyriad Princes Square for about $160 per night, in the Bayswater area. Suggestion #1: Look at a map of the city and decide where you will be going for activities, then choose an area that is central. Suggestion #2: I booked through www.londontown.com, and it worked very well. They have a nice selection and diversity of price range.
Melissa <email>
New Ulm, MN   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Greece to Croatia?
I'm in the process of planning my trip for next year and would like to visit Slovania, Croatia, and Greece. However, I can seem to find a way to get from Athens to Dubrovnik. Does anyone know of a ferry line that runs from Greece to Croatia without going all the way back to Italy? Or, has anyone driven the route from Athens to Croatia?
Leah <email>
Belmont, CA   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

BRIAN — NIGHT TRAIN FROM ALPS TO PARIS
To Brian — I think you have several options, probably with a transfer in Basil. See the online database at http://www.reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
Adam
Boston,    USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Heathrow to London and back
Paddington Express isn't that expensive. You could also take the underground (tube) from Heathrow into London Earls Court tube station cost is 3.60BP. I took the tube and it was great.

Oh   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Validating Tickets. On Railpass you must have it validated to use. Meaning activated by a train official. Also point to point tickets you must stamp in the machine on the platform to validate/activate them. On the Vaperettos you must show your ticket to the boat stewart I've had some stamp some punch.

  USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Quilt — fabric shops
Are there any quilters out there who can recommend Quilt Shops in or around Paris, Normandy & Brittany?
Priscilla <email>
Seattle, wa   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Validating Tickets
This is probably a dumb question but I really have no idea. I've read and been hearing about validating tickets (both metro and train tickets) and I have no idea what this is. I take the subway everyday here and have never validated a ticket. I think I also read that in Venice you valdate your canal ticket by-hand (ie. with ink)... really confused about the whole thing. Any help would be great.
Parker
Toronto, ON   Canada   Tue 06/29/2004

Hotels in Nimes
A man who, along with his son, is headed for the Tour de France and will be staying in Nimes emailed me at my school address (williamsp@kennedyhs.org)yesterday (6-29-04) about hotels in Nimes. When I checked in with my school email from home here, I discovered it's down and I can't reply and don't have his address or name. The name of the hotel, Tour de France traveler, is L'Orangerie. It is delightful! Patti patti4444@netzero.net
Patti Williams <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

RAIL REFUND
Barbara....try "Train Travelers Tips" on Graffiti Wall....you can find that rail service mentioned many times.
B O S
WACO, TN   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

rail refund
just returned from trip...need to know company other than rail europe that helps out w/ eurail tickets...bought overnight tickets and conductor told me to get refund b/c French were on strike...but don't know name of company(duh)Saw it here on Rick's site, but can't find it now. Help? TY
barbara <email>
houston, tx   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Heathrow-london-heathrow
To all those seeking transportation from airport. Skip Paddington Express train very costly, lots of walking. Instead take Airbus from Heathrow airport to your London destination.Do not risk rail strikes, derailments or high fares. It is a no brainer to me.

Ca   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

VIENNA ACCOMMODATIONS
Shari..........my wife and I stayed in a hostel in Vienna. If you haven't tried one, I suggest you do so because they are much improved with private double rooms ..some with baths....they are one step lower in cost than pensions and B&Bs...try Vienna Brigittenau, email: igh.12wien@chello.at or Vien Hutteldorf, email : jgh@wigast.com, or Wien Myrthengasse, email: hostel@chello.at. .... I forget which one we were in, but they include a breakfast with room rate..... I email to find availability for my dates, then email reservation and ask for email confirmation. Be sure to ask for a room for two so they don't put you in a dorm.
WALTER
GARLAND, TX   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

rail pass or individual tickets
BEC~~~~~do a search on raileurope.com and click on "Fares and schedules" in the left column to determine first class point-to-point fares between towns you will visit....add all the fares and compare with the cost of the rail pass covering the same area. ...you can determine which is cheaper.
A C P
BELOIT, WISC   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

rail pass or individual tickets
I am planning on travelling by train and bus from Rome to Sorrento and Postiano. I believe it would be cheapest to just by individual tickets rather than a rail pass. Is this accurate?
Bec Petrie <email>
Sydney, NSW   AUS   Tue 06/29/2004

Hotels
Adrienne ~ try The Willett, #011-44-207 824 8415, it's by Sloane Square tube station or The London Elizabeth Hotel 011-44-207 402 6641 it's by Lancaster Gate tube station. Both very nice hotels.

Oh   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

RAIL TRAVEL IN ITALY
Jan~~~~~do a search on raileurope.com and click on "Fares and schedules" in the left column to determine first class point-to-point fares between towns you will visit....add all the fares and compare with the cost of the rail pass covering the same area. ...you can determine which is cheaper. ...your month of travel won't matter.
A C P
BELOIT, WISC   USA   Tue 06/29/2004

Artist Assistant
Please, does anyone know about living and working with artists in Spain? I have heard that there are many artists interested in lodging assistants for our help for a short period of time?? If anyone could give me a clue as to how to get hold of these people or know of anyone who has done this I would be most grateful to speak to you. Kind regards, Benita.
Benita Gaddum <email>
Ilse of Mull. Scotland,    UK   Tue 06/29/2004

help
I need the number to Camping Village Michaelangelo near Florence.
Jt Hinchman <email>
Ramstein,    FDR   Mon 06/28/2004

Hotel Smeraldo Rome ,Italy
I will be visitng Italy in 2004 and thinking of making reservations at Hotel Smeraldo in Rome? If anyone has stayed here please let me know if it's a decent hotel.
Lisa <email>
Palos Heights, IL   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Hotels in Florence and Rome
My family and I are planning a trip to Italy in Sept. 2004. Does anyone know of a decent hotel in Rome and also in Florence?
Lisa <email>
Palos Heights, IL   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Other hotels in Venice
We are planning on spending 3 nights in Venice this September. Our first hotel choice (and Rick's), Albergo Guerrato, is booked. But, they recommended two other hotels, both near St. Marks Square. Palazzo Soderini, and Hotel Ai (or Al?) Do Moro. Has anyone ever stayed there? We are assuming that these hotels are the Guerrato's "overload" recommendations — where they send others when they are full — so we thought others might have stayed there. Please let me know.
Larry Mendolia <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Gifts for hosts
Mark — if you know your friend likes red wine, then a nice bottle of California Zinfandel (which is a wine not made anywhere else, at least not yet) would be a fine gift.
Lura
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Reasonable hotel in central location in London
I am looking for a reasonable hotel (under $200), in a central location and with a bit of character in London. I have been scouring the internet but prices seem high. Any suggestions??? going in sept.
Adrienne <email>
Madison, WI   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

VAT tax
I did not claim my VAT before leaving London. Does anybody know, can I still do this? Can I get a form from somewhere, fill it out, and mail it in?
Melissa <email>
New Ulm, MN   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

To Mike RE: Baby packing
I traveled this past week through London and Washington D.C. and found myself most sympathetic to parents. My #1 tip: Pack as light as possible! I saw a family with 3 small children, the youngest an infant, and way too much stuff to haul around. Ask yourself what you really need, not all of what you want to take. Trying to get through ticketing, customs, and security (taking off everyone's shoes) with the stroller, car seat, backpack, baby's bag, carry-ons, along with the 1+ crying babes...I saw this so frequently. Choose wisely!
Melissa <email>
New Ulm, MN   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

To Shari RE: London Heathrow
I just returned via Heathrow on Saturday. The tube will cost about $5 for a day pass. It took me about 45 mins to get to my hotel in the Bayswater area. However, a word of caution...do NOT take the tube back to Heathrow. Spend $30 on the Heathrow Express to ensure that you are on time for your flight. I did not, and the train in front of mine derailed, and because of delays and inexperience I missed my flight out. $165 for a night is on the expensive side for the U.S., but typical for the London area. Sounds good! All the Novetels I saw from the outside looked nice. You might try www.londontown.com for something else. Hope this helps!
Melissa <email>
New Ulm, MN   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Rail travel in Italy
We can't decide on an Italian rail pass or pay point-to-point. Is 1st class the way to go in November? Thanks
Jim <email>
Charlotte, NC   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Belfast safety & friendliness
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland. We were going to visit Belfast based on Rick's tour plan, but I recently met a travel agent who said the people in Belfast don't like Americans and she didn't think it was safe to go there, anyway. Has anyone had any experiences that would bear out her opinion, or was your experience positive? Thanks.
Jinny <email>
St. Louis, MO   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Siena hotels
Dear Rick Steves. I reserved a hotel in Siena during il Palio that was listed in your book. it was one of the budget ones, but I left the reservation on my home email. Please reply with the names of the budget hotels so I can call them all to figure out which one it is. Thanks Stranded in Siena, Catherine
Catherine Thomasson <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Gift giving for friend in Brussels area ?
I will be spending a brief visit with a friend of who lives near Brussels. He has kindly invited me to stay with him for two nights before I move on to another city. I would like to present a gift to him and his wife for extending their hospitality. I'm looking for advice regarding this gift. Is it appropriate to bring a bottle of wine to present to them. In this case, I'm thinking of perhaps a good California wine that may not be in plentiful supply over in Brussels. OR, should I bring over a nice coffee table book of some sort? Does anyone have any other ideas?
Mark <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

STICKER FOR SWISS AUTOBAHN
Cars are required to have a window decal sticker on the vehicle in order to travel the Swiss Autobahn. Owners must contribue 40 Swiss Francs (about $35 US dollars) to the treasury for these decals, which are available at the border offices and some other government places. These decals are good for 1 year. Switzerland does not have toll booths on their autobahns.
R M L
AUSTIN, MN   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Paris Hotel
I'd like feedback on America Opera Hotel Paris. Anyone stayed there, know of it & its location?
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

London Heathrow 12 Hrs.Overnight
My husband and i have to spent a 12 hours stopover in London Heathrow in order to return to Canada. We fly in at 07:00 pm and have decided it not worth our $100.00 tube ride to go downtown just to spend a lot of money for super/coffee. Looking at Novatel Hotel at $165.00 night! That is crazy but I want clean. Our flight leaves at )9:00am next morning. Any suggestions?
Shari Lou <email>
Caledon East , Ontario   Canada   Mon 06/28/2004

Vienna Accomodations
My husbandand I are spending 3 nights in Vienna. We usually like pensions (more personal and less money)but are looking at Hotel Frranzenshof 2 star on Grobe Stadtgutgasse centre for 74E. Can someone suggest a B&B or a smaller town a train ride away?
Shari Lou <email>
Caledon East , ON   Canada   Mon 06/28/2004

French motels
To Cindy in Carlsbad: I've never driven that particular route, so I can't provide any routing tips — except to say that the A10 southwest of Paris is a notorious bottleneck. I can, however, recommend that you try to find Etap Hotels along your route. They're absolutely everywhere in France, and very cheap — perfect for families on a budget. Don't expect fancy lodgings, but in most places you can get room with a double bed plus a bunkbed for 20-30 euros. And you don't even need to speak French to check in — it's all done via computer terminals that "speak" about 4 languages.
Peter
Amsterdam,    NL   Mon 06/28/2004

Italy
Dean in Alton,VA~~~we were in Italy last month — stayed in A RS hotel in Rome — the Oceaniana which was very nice — recently renovated and had a fairly luxurious bathroom. We booked it in Jan. for May. You will probably have to wait to get airline tickets to see what the best price will be — this spring the tickets were cheaper up till mid-Apr but we opted to go in May anyway. Regarding German being spoken in Italy, I did not observe this. In the two wks there we picked up enough simple phrases/words to get by just fine. Good luck planning your trip!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Paris to Barcelona by car
I'm traveling by car with 3 children and my husband from Paris to Barcelona, any suggestions on the best route to take and the hotel accomodations along the way?
Cindy Beauchamp <email>
Carlsbad, Ca   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Travel
Is it difficult and how much time to get from the Marriott at LaDefense in Paris to DeGaule Airport by local Metro trains
Roger Jenz <email>
Lombard, IL   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

Packing for a baby
My wife and I will be spending two weeks in France & Italy with our 14 month-old baby. Any tips for packing baby food/diapers/other items or suggestions for buying them in Europe. Thanks! Mike Zuschin
Mike Zuschin <email>
Cleveland, OH   USA   Mon 06/28/2004

no pictures in St. Marks
You are not allowed to take pictures in St. Marks in Venice. So we bought lots of post cards to put in our photo album in place of pictures. The mosaics are incredible!

  USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Ryanair
Harvey, My two nieces flew Ryanair from London to Venice last year with no problem and are doing so again this year. The only thing is you land at another airport (not Marco Polo) that is further away from Venice. There is also a bus that takes you from there to Plaza Roma but it takes almost an hour. Good luck.

  USA   Sun 06/27/2004

RYANAIR
HARVEY....YOU can read a number of comments about Ryanair in Graffiti Wall, the "Flying within Europe " section. I am amazed at the variety of good and bad reports
CARL
EL PASO, TX   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Italy pass good on buses
I have a Italy pass for 10 days and I was wondering if this pass covers our bus rides to San Gimigano and other little towns from Siena and Florence? Does anyone know any info on this?
Mandy <email>
santa rosa, ca   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Wittenburg Austria
We are traveling with a relative whose family comes from Wittenburg, Austria and cannot find out much about the city. Would appreciate any information or suggestions
JP <email>
Chardon, OH   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Venice Hotels or B&B
Going to Europe in a couple of daysd and just had a change in itinerary. Need to book an affordable hotel or b&b in Venice for a cheap but comfortable price. Anyone have suggestions? I'm looking for something affordable but safe and comfortabale as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Allegra
  USA   Sun 06/27/2004

San Sebastian to Sarlat
What is the quickest way to get from San Sebastian, Spain to Sarlat, France, using public transportation?
Mike <email>
Murray, UT   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

cost of autobahn stickers?
Going to Switzerland soon. How much are the autobahn stickers? Where do I buy them? Pls reply to graffiti wall.
JS
CA   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Ryanair
Does anyone have recommendations for or agains Ryanair? We are thinking about the flight from Milan (Bergamo) to Paris (Beauvais).
Harvey <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Night Train Costs (Part 2)
I'm sorry. I mistakingly put that we have 2nd class Eurail passes. I guess we have 1st class Saver passes. Hopefully someone has had this experience and can fill me in. Thanks.
Cheri <email>
Minneapolis, MN   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Guide in Rome
I will be in Rome on July 1 2004 and would like to have a private tour of the ruins and misc. Any suggestions?
Dan <email>
Sunnvvale, CA   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

reservations
My wife and I are going to rome may/2005. We are planning on using one of Rick Steves' hotels. How far in advance should we book the room? Also, how far in advance should we get our plane tickets? Thanks...dean
dean <email>
alton, va   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Night Train Costs
Has anyone taken a night train from Munich to Venice? I'm wondering what the typical cost for a 2-person sleeper would be versus a couchette. We have 2nd class Eurail passes. Are sleepers considered 1st class so we would have to pay a bit extra? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Cheri <email>
Minneapolis, MN   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

vacuum sealed packing bags
Vacuum-seal packing bags- I would like to use these bags inside my suitcase (less wrinkles, able to squeeze in more!)- but I am wondering about going through customs and airport security... do they need to actually open these sealed bags to confirm they contain no guns, etc? Might be defeating their purpose if security just jams the whole thing, open, back into my suitcase. Anyone had experience with these? Did they minimize wrinkles? Are they worth the price? How does security treat them?
B. Jones <email>
TA, WA   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Digital Cameras
Elizabeth ~ Canon has a new Elph Powershot out that is 5.0 mega pixels, sells for around $499.00. Came out late May early June. My daughter is a photojournalist and has two hugh Nikon professional digital cameras. She bought the Canon Elph so she can carry it all the time in her purse. It is fantastic, photos are great.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

Locks
Becky ~ we used the new locks on our trip in May. They are very safe. There is a little dot on them that will change colors if the airlines opens them, this way you know if they have been opened. You can feel comfortable using them.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

TUSCANNY RESIDENCE
HELP!!! My husband and I returned yesterday from a most memorable two week stay in Italy. The only way I can get back to work (and real life) is to start planning a month-long stay in Tuscanny in 2006. We would like to live in one place for the entire month and make one and two day trips throughout the area. We adored Cortona and would love to stay nearby, but we are open to all suggestions. We are looking for a MONTHLY rate that would make this longer stay feasible. Thank you for any assistance and much thanks to Rick Steves for his guides — we lived by them!
Nancy White <email>
Redding, CA   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

german in rome
In Rome, what is the most common 2nd language ? I understand more german than italian. Will german be easier to use than english? thanks
dean jackson <email>
alton, va   USA   Sun 06/27/2004

DIGITAL CAMERA HELP
Elizabeth....I bought the Fujifilm A210 (3.2MPxls) 4 months ago and find it perfect for the amateur photographer. And the batteries (2 AAs) really last longer than most photographers report for other models. It is lightweight and easy to operate. I bought it at Staples on sale for $177. I blow up most photos to 8x10" and find no graininess. It is also great for Emailing. You can read comments by owners if you do a google word search with a camera name and model plus "comments" or "ratings".
L M Q
OMAHA, NE   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Air conditioning or ceiling fan?
Two years ago, I booked moderate hotels in both Venice and Rome using the Internet. Both advertised AC. When I arrived at both places, all I had was a weak ceiling fan!!! One manager said AC stood for "air cooled". Does anyone know the term for "real" air conditioning and how I should request it?

  USA   Sat 06/26/2004

New luggage locks
Has anyone tried the new luggage locks that the airline people can open? Are they safe? Do ALL the luggage handlers have keys, or just the people who should have them?
Becky <email>
SC   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Digital Camera Help Request
Thoughts on digital camera for travel? Ours was recently stolen (our car was broken into and my briefcase was taken) and we need to replace. We had a small Canon Elph Powershot — great size and good pics for what we used it for: mostly baby snapshots. Looking for something that will give excellent quality prints and easy to take on travels. Thanks.
Elizabeth
NV   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

International Drivers License
Susan ...I have never had to show the International License even though I have bought it twice on my many trips to Europe..it is only a translation from English to another language for the police to read if you are stopped. I will not buy it again ...because even when I was stopped in Czech Rep. And in Hungary the police looked at my Texas drivers license and let me go. Now I just consider it another useless expense. The only thing you should be aware of in Switzerland is that your car must have the autobahn sticker to drive on the autobahn...be sure to ask about it when you take your car. If the agent wont furnish one you must buy one unless you stay on the back roads. First time I drove on the autobahn I had driven half a day before the gas station attendant asked me where my sticker is. Luckily the patrol did not stop me.
W S K
waco, TX   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

offical answer for Eurailpass on DART — Eurailpass not valid
Hi everyone I would like to finally answer a question that I have had for quite some time. I did get an official answer from the Rick Steves' travel line, after buying my Eurailpass. Even if the pass is good for Ireland, it is not valid on the DART trains. The "Short hop" ticket, which is valid for one or more days on Dublin busses and the DART would be the best bet. The Rambler ticket covers only the bus. At least now I know. Then there is the matter with Luas, which opens on 30 June 2004, which is free until Monday 5 July 2004 when tickets will have to be paid for. Josh
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Donation sites
Are there any places in Europe (I'm thinking mostly Germany, Austria, Switzerland) similar to "Goodwill Stores" in North America — where you can donate items? I'm thinking if I want to donate books, corkscrews, or swiss-army knives before heading back home, these would be a good place to do so.
Ann Stoub <email>
Plymouth, IN   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

international driver's license?
Do I need an international driver's license to drive a car in Switzerland?
Susan <email>
Greeley, CO   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Internet Companies that work Abroad
I'll be traveling out of the US frequently on business over the next couple years. Is there an internet company that is more reliable than the others. While in the UK and Florida recently, I couldn't get into my AOL account which created huge problems. Any suggentions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Gayle <email>
denver, co   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Passports
Passports: Yes, you do have to surrender your passport to hotels (usually only long enough for them to make their records) and to conductors on overnight trains (they will return it in the morning). Don't worry about it. It is a normal and everyday procedure for them and you will get it back. You do not have to, and should not, surrender your passport to a un-uniformed policeman. Ask for a uniformed policeman or scream loudly for one. The one who is asking you for your passport, 'papers' and your money is a scam artist. DO make a copy (and also of your airline tickets and any railpass you have as well as back and front of any credit cards and ATM cards.) Carry the originals in your moneybelt and the copies in your luggage, in your travel partner's luggage and a copy at home. AND be very careful about accepting help from friendly strangers who suddenly appear at ATM machines, rail ticket machines or when you want a picture of you and your friend.
Charles M. Luther
  USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Help on planning Italy trip
AMY.....My wife and I were in Milano and Cinque Terre in April and part of May and I can assure you that the weather will be warm and some days actually hot....especially in Rome because it is so far south....if you can afford it, renting a car is the best way....I always travel by car because it is more convenient for me. Having driven the Italian autobahns , I recommend starting in Rome and flying out of Venice, making Florence the middle city. ...or reverse the order. .... Remember that Italian toll roads are the most expensive per mile in Europe.and from what I read fuelis more costly...when you rent your car ask for a diesel because you will get better mileage and fuel is cheaper per litre than gasoline. Call your airline and ask for open jaw fares to your arrival city and then compare fares to your other choice. Wait a few hours and call the air line again and ask for open jaw fares to the other destination to see if there is a difference. A few hours will sometimes make a big difference in fares. Try the next day also. Florence and Venice are twice as romantic as Rome...which is crowded, hot, dirty and expensive....don't drive there; take public transportation wherever you go.
Stan
Tulsa, OK   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

USING ATMs IN EUROPE
After reading the comments in this column I have decided EVERY traveler should first call his bank and ask what fee will apply to withdrawals...those in Europe and those at your bank....don't take other travelers experience to be the same as yours.... only your bank can advise you on the cost of using your ATM card.
HARVEY
NEW YORK CITY, NY   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

re: surrendering passports?
This is the first I've heard or read about this. I thought we had to have our passports, physically with us, at all times. Is this not true? And, if it is, aside from making the the "laminated shrink copy" mentioned earlier, what do you do?
jdcwc
ga   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Paris on Bastille Day
We (2 college age women) will be in Paris for Bastille Day, Yay! We are looking for advice on how to best plan our time enjoying the festivities from someone who has experienced the holiday themselves. We have been to Paris several times so are pretty familiar with the city. Are the firehouse parties as fun as they sound? We are staying on Rue Cler. Thnks for any advice.
Em <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Sat 06/26/2004

Ameribag
Evette — I used a med size bag on my two weeks stay in Rome. It was a perfect size. I had the distresed nylon style. Even had room for a windbreaker.
Sue
Berkeley, ca   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

Help on planning Italy trip
My husband and I are planning to spend our 10th anniversary in Italy next spring. Would anyone have a preference of March, April or May? We want to see Florence/Tuscany, Venice and Roman. Also, what would be the best way to travel? Train or car? We want to fly into one city and out of another to save time. Any recommendations on which city to start in and leave from? We are looking for ROMANCE not necessarily sightseeing. Any recommendations? This will be the first trip to Italy for both. We are thinking 10 days. Help!
Amy <email>
Novi, MI   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

storing luggage in Paris airport/train station
I would like to know if there is a facility in the Paris Train Station or the airport to store away some luggage for about 2 weeks while me and I partner travel around. Thanks, Neelu
Neelu <email>
Fremont, CA   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

IRELAND IN JULY
Laura....weather in Ireland will be just like yours in Norcross...but take an umbrella because it may rain ...it sprinkled on us but never prevented our going where we planned to go. Wear the same things there that you wear at home...comfortable shoes...take a light jacket, but you might not need it.
KLS
BANGOR, ME   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

HOTEL RESIES IN LOIRE VALLEY
Hotel resies in Loire Valley needed? Deborah...You can find a room wherever you are. We never reserve a room unless we will arrive late. We can always ask at the Tourist Information Office in the RR station for a room. My experience has been that once I choose a part of town and the price range, the clerk will call and find if a particular room is available and the cost. Often the hostess will pick us up at the station. This method works best because I am not always fluent in the local language...or use of the telephone. Don't make reservations in advance unless you don't care what the room is like.
C D C
TEMPLE, TX   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

LUGGAGE STORAGE
EUGENE....You will find a "left luggage" counter in all stations....you can check your bags for extended times there; my experience is that they are expensive compared with lockers.
A L C
N ORANGE, NJ   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

HOW MUCH FOR ITALY?
Dennis~~~~~~We have been to Italy 3 times and always in the fall..... It is not high travel time....you can use your estimates, but based on my experience I would use $15 for lunch for two, $20 each for dinner and $100 for a double room....I would try for B&Bs which are very satisfactory and usually provide a good breakfast with the room.....I have used webpages to reserve rooms, but in October I never do because I want to see my room before I rent....especially in Italy ...you will find many available~~~~always ask to see your room before you rent it.
MSP
DEL RIO, TX   USA   Fri 06/25/2004

How Much for Italy?
My wife and I plan to go to Italy late October. Is this consider a high travel time? We hoped not! I am planning a budget for Rome and Florence. Thinking about $10 each for lunch, $30 each for supper and $150 per eve at hotel. That sound reasonable? Does using the Net for hotel reservation etc work out ok?
Dennis <email>
Madison, Wi   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

luggage storage
Where can I stow bags during sightseeing, now that train stations no longer have lockers? For example, if I want to go to Chartres en route to Brittany, do I have to lug my bags or what? What about other stations in France?
carolyn <email>
eugene, or   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

sleep
We are planning a trip to Germany in the fall with our 2 1/2 year old son. He still sleeps in a crib at home — Do you find that most hotels have cribs to accomodate a toddler? He's really outgrown a pack and play and will not sleep in our bed
Jenn <email>
Atlanta, Ga   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Hotel resies in Loire Valley needed?
My sister and I are coming to Europe from U.S. the latter part of July and most of August. We will stay in Paris one night and then the next two nights in the Loire Valley. Does anyone know if we can just chance it finding someplace to stay when we get there (by train — no car), or should we make reservations — we're wanting to stay in Amboise. Many thanks.
Deborah <email>
OR   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Paris trip
Lisa in Santa Rosa, CA~~~Your trip to Paris at a reasonable price will depend on your airline ticket cost for one thing. Next will be a decent price on hotel rm — we stayed once on Rue Moufftard for about $50 per night — in 2000 though. I think hotels in Paris are less than London, Rome and other large cities. We like the hotels near Rue Cler that RS recommends — very reasonable. You can dine well in Paris without spending too much — Brassieries are one option. Croque Monsieur is almost like a fast food sandwich and is delicious! The wonderful food hall at Bon Marche will have great take-away. And the many street markets will have much to offer. Good luck planning your trip!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Ireland in July
I am going to Ireland in just TWO weeks, and have NO idea how to pack! I need specific clothing suggestions, what, where to get, etc. What kind of jacket? Do I need to bring an umbrella? Can email me privately. Thanks!
Laura <email>
Norcross, GA   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

RE: Vienna Hotel
I have not stayed at this Hotel, however; from checking it out on the web it looks very interesting. The area around thw Süd is not too bad, being in the 10th district means you are about 10 min. or less from city center via U-Bahn, a little more by Tram, but worth the ride. You should be pretty close to the Belvedere palace which has a great Klimt exhibit (go early before the tour buses arrive). I can tell you that the Furstenhof, over by the Westbahnhof is great, we have stayed there and have sent many people there also. Everyone has enjoyed their stay. Here is their address: http://www.hotel-fuerstenhof.com/ Getting from the Westbahnhof to the Süd is very easy using the convienient U-bahn; you'll be there in about 15 min. I'm sure the Kolbek will be a great adventure, if I were you I'd give it a whirl. Have a great time in Wien!
Alex Starke <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Long-term luggage storage at German train stations?
I'll be studying in southern Germany in July, but then I want to travel around the country for about 10 days. I was hoping to store my larger suitcase at the Stuttgart train station — can anyone confirm whether long-term luggage storage is available at German rail stations? If it is, do you know how much this costs? Any other tips?
Liz <email>
  USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Vienna Hotel
We will be in Vienna the end of Sept. I am looking at Hotel Kolbeck near the Sudbahnhof Train Station — is this a good area and has anyone stayed here? Any other suggestions as we will be leaving from this station for Prague? Thanks.
Marilyn <email>
Northbrook, IL   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Susan S. — Venice, Florence and Rome in just 1 week is pretty much a whirlwind trip. Two days is barely enough time to explore Florence. Don't try to cram in too many locations. If you do, you will not have time to enjoy or get a real feel for the places you do visit.

  USA   Thu 06/24/2004

France 'n Italy Pass
I am currently planning a 15 day Europe trip for two, which is going to be comprised solely of Flying into Paris (4-5 days) , taking the rail into Rome (4-5 days), then to venice & the countryside for the remaining days. I am considering the 'France n' Italy' pass, but have a few questions which are not answered by eurorail.com 1) Am I correct in that no matter what, I have to pay between 40-88 dollars extra to ride the tgv from paris to rome and vice versa? 2) While the pass says unlimited travel, when scheduling trips within Rome (Rome to florence/venice, etc)...the France n' italy pass is not listed as a pass which qualifis for a free ticket (just reservation price). It only lists "Eurailpass, Eurail Selectpass (with Italy), Trenitalia Pass." Help appreciated.
jackson
San Jose, CA   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

MONEY IN ITALY
Joan — Call your bank and ask where there are ATM machines in the cities you will visit. I did that and my bank had a directory showing all the places I needed an ATM actually had them. My card shows Cirrus and Pulse. I have never failed to find a machine in 20 countries. .....as for cash, I usually take only 50 one dollar bills and never spend all of them. You are right about travelers checks...the fee is too much to cash them and finding a place in some towns to do that is sometimes impossible.
MILDRED
LAMAR, CO   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

PRAGUE B&B, PENSION OR HOSTEL
SCOTT....Try the Beta Hotel, the only Prague hostel listed in my directory. Email address is:beta@alphanet.cz. I usually email to determine availability and room cost. Tell the number of guests and the number of nights. When you reserve, ask for confirmation by email. If you go to Helsinki the best hostel is Eurohostel. Email address is : eurohostel@eurohostel.fi. My wife and I stayed there three nights last year and recommend it highly.
RANDY
DALLAS, TX   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

calabria and cinque terre
SUSAN~~~~~~It is not feasible to do the day trip from Florence to CT. The train ride both ways will kill the day for you and most places you want to see in CT will have to be hiked to or ride the local train which is seldom on time. You can spend a lot of time at the station waiting.
SAMMY
PEORIA, IL   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

AMALFI COAST ACCOMODATIONS
John: I use the internet every time I go to Europe and I buy a lot of travel-related items on it. Try these pages: http://www.ratestogo.com/SearchResults.asp?CityID=5992&akid=16374431, http://www.amalficoast-accommodation.com/, http://www.amalfi-flats.com/, http://i-hotels.iagora.com/hotels-in-Amalfi.htm, and http://i-hotels.iagora.com/hotels-in-Ravello.htm.
CARLOS
WACO, TX   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

leaving passports in Hotel
DG, I have always had to give the conductor on the train my passport overnight. As for the hotels, we went to Kinkos before the trip and had them "shrink" our passport page and laminate them. We would show the hotel the original, then leave the copy with them. They accepted this from France to Italy with no problem.
Kay <email>
Chattanooga, Tn.   USA   Thu 06/24/2004

Money in Rome
Joan, I'm in Rome right now and have had no problems getting money from ATM machines using a PLUS card.That is the card we use also.
Ann <email>
Waukesah, WI   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Hidden Pocket
Julie from Omaha: Thanks. Were you and your husband able to use yhe hidden pocket like a regular wallet (easy access whenever you wanted, as opposed to having to go to a bathroom to take out the contents)? Also, do you think it offers good security?
SWFRNE04
NY   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Calabria info needed and Cinque Terre
I have two questions. A friend and I are going to Italy in September. The first week we are going to Venice, Florence and Rome. Then we are staying in Sorrento one nite and the second week we will be going to Calabria. My friend's family comes from Bagnara and Belmonte in Calabria. Anyone with any information about these towns (hotels, restaurants, anything)please email me. The second question is, we will be in Florence for two days. Is it feasible to try to go to Cinque Terre for a day out of Florence? Is the train ride a long one that wouldn't warrant trying to go and then have to turn around and go back to Florence? We cannot stay overnite, so it would have to be a day trip. Any suggestions?
Susan S <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Re: Hidden Pocket
My husband and I both have the hidden pocket. We find them comfortable and easy to access.
Julie
Omaha, NE   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Clothing for Ireland
P. from Utah: An Irishman told me that in Ireland you can experience all four seasona in one day. Half of 'em will be wet! We made it for two weeks with one carryon apiece, though, and we couldn't have lived without our fleece sweatshirts (NOT cotton, that lightweight, quick-dry trail fleece), silk long underwear (we're from Florida; you might be able to handle the cold better), several pair of good socks, dark pants in something other than denim — love my jeans, but they take too long to dry — and a couple of long- and short-sleeved t-shirts to layer.

I wore mostly my very plain black reeboks with good insoles, and my husband wore eccos boat shoes, but the best thing we did was to buy a can of spray waterproofing and give them a couple of good coats before we left.

While we were there we got nice handmade hats in Dingle, and had a hard time resisting the beautiful wool sweaters, but we just don't get wool-sweater weather in Tallahassee. Had we lived in Utah, however, we might have bought one the first day and worn it until we left...Have fun, and take plenty of film; Ireland is worth every frame!
Tricia
Tallahassee, FL   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Countryside tour while in Rome
Has anyone been on this 3.5 hour tour we found through http://www.villapaola.com -ROMAN COUNTRYSIDE AND FRASCATI TOUR- we will not have a car and this looked like a nice way to get to see a bit of the surrounding countryside and villages. Or can anyone recommend a tour they enjoyed? We will be in Rome the end of July. Thanks.
Lise <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Prague B&B/Pension or Hostel
Looking for a nice B&B, Pension or Hostel in Prague. I know there are many of various types. Taking 17y/o daughter of my cousin for two days over a weekend (she's in Germany w/Exchange Club already), and I'd like to put us up in a nice place while we explore the culture of the opera, the castle, etc — before I head out for FInland and leave her back with her group. Thx for any suggestions.!. :o)
scott <email>
Virginia Beach, VA   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Lodging in Orange
I am looking for a recommendation for someplace to stay in Orange, France. I will be attending (hopefully!) an opera at the Roman ampitheather, and won't have a car, so close to town center and inexpensive if possible. Especially any place that might not show up on the search engines — a room in a house, perhaps? Anyone know of anything?
Gypsy Schrepel <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Paris-Belgium
Walid, you don't say where you want to go in Belgium, but you can go directly from Charles DeGaulle Airport to Brussels. Wherever you are going in Belgium you may have to go through Brussels anyway. You can book on-line at: http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/fares_schedules/index.htm This is the Rail Europe site and it will give you schedules and fares. Good travels! If I can help further let me know. You are welcome to e-mail if you wish.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Money/Italy
Money/Euros/Italy Angela — thanks for your answer. Unforunatly, my husband only wants to take cash (Euros). Also I read that Italy does not have any PLUS ATM's and this is what I require for my bank access card (TD Bank). Our hotels plus a 5-night organized tour are already paid for up front, I'm just not sure how much money we'll require for basic meals (lunch & dinner per day — not breakfast because it is part of the hotel rate and tour package). And we don't drink much wine or alcohol. I'm not comfortable about carrying too much cash and don't want to take Travellers Cheques, but if I can't access my money from my Canadian bank account, what can I do? Thanks again. Joan
Joan <email>
Willowdale, ON   Canada   Wed 06/23/2004

Joan — Money needed for Italy
Joan: It's impossible to say how much you will need without knowing how you plan to travel (train - if so 1st or 2nd class, rental car, public transport or cabs in cities), what sort of hotels you plan to stay in, which cities you plan to visit, what sites you plan to visit, etc.

The advice I would give you is 1) Get a copy of Rick's Italy 2004. My husband and I have used Rick's guides for several trips to Italy, and have found them to be incredibly helpful. I think that you will find that they will give you a pretty good idea of costs, and his hotels and restaurant listings (and other advice) are terrific.

2) DO NOT take euros with you. Cash you carry along could be lost or stolen. Why risk it? A MUCH better strategy is to carry ATM cards, and take out only the cash you will need for a few days at a time. Also, you will absolutely get better exchange rates at ATMs in Europe than by any other means available.
Angela
Lexington, KY   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

reccomended clothing types
I am going to Ireland Sept 25,04-Oct.12,04.To keep clothing to a carry-on,what do you wear at this time of year?I do have the lite weight rain coat.Type of shoes? I am going with a Rick Steves tour group.
P.Ishimatsu <email>
West Valley City, UT   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

First Time to Paris
Lisa Congratulations on your first trip. You didn't state when in the fall you wanted to go, but here are a couple of websites to check fares: www.cheapflights.com and www.qixo.com. I have also used Elizabeth Holmes Travel (800-588-8361)in Seattle (?) and have had good success in getting good airfares through them. The agents are very knowledgeable about good fares.

It's been almost three years since I have been to Paris but I think you can get a good room for less than $100. Two hotels I can recommend from personal experience are Hotel de Champ du Mars and Hotel Muguet both in the 7th Arrondisemont. A good map for Paris is the Michelin Paris Map Guide. Its spiral bound and the size of a small notebook. It is a very detailed map, plus you do not have to deal with trying to fold a large map and it fits easily in a small backpack.

I can't remember what I spent for food, but last time I went I spent about $1500 for 8 days and that was for everything including airfare and several gifts for family and chocolates for me and my co-workers.

I don't how much French you know, but at the very least learn some simple French phrases. Start conversations with a greeting (hello), before asking your question. When you walk into a shop great the person or people behind the counter even if you're just looking. Say please, thank you or goodbye when the conversation is completed. I usually started out asking my questions in French, but my French was so bad that the other person would asked if I spoke English.

I recommend Rick Steve's Paris guidebook and French phrasebook for starters. For my trip to Italy I found it very helpful to take an Italian for Beginners class to help with pronounciation and understanding of the language. I hope some of this information helps.
Cheryl <email>
Portland,    USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Money/Euros for Italy
We are going to Italy for two weeks at the end of July. We are going to take Euros with us, but don't know how to estimate amount we need. Could anyone advise what the approximate cost would be for two adults (seniors) per day for meals, entrance to sites, etc. Many thanks!
Joan <email>
Willowdale, ON   Canada   Wed 06/23/2004

I hope this isn't a silly question....
I'm a 45 year old woman who's never traveled outside the US before — but I've decided that I need to change that. I would like to start planning a 7-10 day trip to Paris for this fall...and I don't know where to start! I know I need to start looking at airfares, etc....but I was wondering if someone could just give me an APPROXIMATE estimate of how much I might expect to spend. I would not be staying in lavish hotels or eating at super-fancy restaurants. I hope this is not too silly of a question. Thank you!
Lisa <email>
Santa Rosa, CA   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Re: surrendering passports at hotels and on trains
If you take a overnight train that crosses borders during the middle of the night, they will usually ask for your passport so they don't have to wake you in the middle of the night for ID checks if there is one while crossing into another country. Although you may be going from one EU country to another, there is sometime still checks. I know of several people who have been pulled over shortly after driving across the border into Austria from Italy for this very purpose, although I have crossed into Austria from Italy over 20 times and have never been checked.

It is common practice for hotels to ask for your passport for a short period when checking in. They are required to register all visitors, especially foreign ones, with the local police. Once they do this they are supposed to give them back. Normally after you have settled in your room, you can then get them back.
Douglas
  Italy   Wed 06/23/2004

SURRENDER PASSPORTS AT HOTELS AND TRAINS
DG`~~~~~~~~I have stayed in hotels in all of Europe and most of E Europe and most times the hotel keeps guests passports during their stay....BUT not all ....don't worry about it...they are safe. ...some B&Bs keep them and some don't .....I suspect requirements may vary in each country....or each town.
RANDY
HACKENSACK, NJ   USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Paris-Belguim
hello how can i book to travel from paris ( charles degaule ) to belguim on the second of july 2004
Walid Chedrawi <email>
Accra Ghana,    USA   Wed 06/23/2004

Money Belt vs whatever
I am a firm believer in wearing a money belt around my waist and inside my clothes. I keep my plane tickets, train passes, money and passport inside in (in a plastic baggie). Now because I'm a woman, I take 40 — 50 euros (whatever I think I'll need for the day), fold it carefully and place it inside my bra. I can discretely pull it out whenever I need — works for me
eileen
escondido, CA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

surrendering passports at hotels and on trains
Issue 1.) Surrendering your passport on overnight trains from Paris to Rome. Issue 2.) Surrendering your passport in Paris and Rome hotels. Most posts on this forum mention people carrying their passports with them while exploring these cities so maybe this isn't common practice. But, searching through the archives for 2003-2004 on this topic shows some people reporting this activity. Does anyone know if this is "official" practice or does it just vary from hotel to hotel and different train lines and such? It would seem logical to me that hotels and trains would check and record info in the passport but *return* it to you. Any advice or information on this matter is welcome. Thank you.
DG <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Paris to Italy train
Allegra, I have taken the night train from Paris to Venice several times. The train left Paris around 8:00 pm and arrived in Venice about 7:00 am. We reserved a couchette and it was a very pleasant trip. I know where you can find out about schedules and fares so e-mail me if you want to know.
Kay <email>
Chattanooga, Tn   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

two months in rome
Looking for a place to stay/share/roomate(s) in Rome, preferably close to Sezione di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 2 from 17 July to 15 September. Physics grant at the university is 5000 euro, so want to get something around 4-500 euro/month. rbutler116.hotmail.com 818 393 0239
david butler <email>
thousand oaks, ca   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Hidden Pocket
Janet: Thanks. The hidden pocket (pouch which loops on the belt) looks more comfortable. Was your husband able to use it like a regular wallet (easy access whenever he wanted, as opposed to having to go to a bathroom to take out the contents)?
SWFRNE04
NY   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Passports with us all the time?
I should have stated in my earlier post that the hotels we are staying in (Hilton's) all have either in room safes or front desk lock boxes. Do we still need carry our passports with us at all times if they are secure in a safe?
Marla
AZ   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Moneybelts/neck pouches
Dee — I bought a neck pouch but also hated it. My solution for the last five European trips is to safety pin the pouch inside the waistband of my pants or skirt, always using two large safety pins in case one doesn't hold. I keep my passport, credit card, driver's license, and money in there. Most of the time I don't even know I have it on. It's like nothing more than having a couple of items in your pocket. Also, for the person who asked about the Eagle Creek "undercover pocket" or something like that: my husband had always worn a money belt until our latest trip, when he used one of those that had a loop over the belt and then turned to the inside of his pants. He liked it MUCH better.
Janet <email>
CO   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

WWII sights Normandy
My teenage war-buff nephew and I will be travelling in England for 10 days at the beginning of July. He would like to do a trip to WWII sights in Normandy. Is it worth a quick one-day trip from England? Are there equivalent sights in England?
Dori <email>
Seaside, OR   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Marla Passports
KEEP YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES IN YOUR MONEY BELT ALONG WITH YOUR AIRLINE TICKET, DRIVERS LICENSE, MONEY AND OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION THAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO LOOSE.
bonnie <email>
Tigard, OR   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Carrying passports with us...
In reading a lot of the posts here regarding money belts/neck bags vs.purses, I have — probably silly — question. Do we need to keep our passports on us at all times? Or is it sufficient to have our other U.S. ID (drivers license) with us for identification purposes?
Marla
AZ   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Accomodations in Prague
My sister and I are planning on staying in Prague for 3 months, starting in September. Does anyone know of good places to rent apartments or flats?
Hailey <email>
Edmonds, WA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

clothing in rome
What kind of clothing do i bring for my wife and 2 girls
allen <email>
easton, ma   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Shoes in Ital
Alena, the open toe sandals will be great for Italy. I have not, however been in the Cinque Terra so am not completely sure about hiking. I used my good walking sandals all around the cities and little hill towns no problem. Having said that I would still want to bring one other pair of shoes for a 4 week trip (I have picky feet). You can either wear the heavier of 2 pairs of shoes or buy a pair there and then check your bag in on the return flight.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Confused about how many shoes to bring to Italy
I hope I'm not posting in the wrong place. I'm confused about shoes. My girlfriends and I are planning a 4 week trip into Italy at the end of September and into October. I've read/heard to bring one pair of shoes. I recently bought the Clarks Suntrek sandals thinking that's all I'll need to wear from day to night, into churches, restaurants and hiking around Cinque Terra (sp?). I also have Plantar Fasciitis and these sandals seem to help with their arche support. We would like to only take a carry on (20 lb rule) so one "great" shoe makes sense. Has anyone else used these shoes in Italy? I've read the "shoe" topic but can't see wearing Dansko Professionals with a skirt w/o having to wear some sort of nylon. Am I silly to think open toe sandals will work all over Italy?
Alena Osker <email>
OR   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

money belt vs. purse
Dee, I bought a money belt before I went to Italy, and I didn't use it. I actually used a small purse that went across my shoulder so that way it couldn't be stolen easily. I didn't have any problems. I thought it was more convenient, and that way I could put my camera in it. Laurie
Laurie <email>
Germantown, MD   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Winter employment
I plan on travelling to Europe in September and I'd like to get a job in Spain, France, Italy, or another warm climate area during the winter months. Does anyone have suggestions for employment during this time, and if so, am I going to need legal status (I'd prefer not to go through the trouble of getting it)? Thanks for any help you can give, Brian
Brian <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Paris to Rome by Train
FOR ALLEGRA: The best source of basic information is... http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en Both SNCF and Trenitalia seem to be derailed at present. E-mail me if you wish.
Graham <email>
  Wales, UK   Tue 06/22/2004

Hidden Pocket
Has anyone used the Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket? It is inexpensive and looks much more convenient than a moneybelt. It has loops that your belt goes through and then the zippered pouch goes inside your pants waist. When you want it, you apparently pull it out and take what you want, then zip it up and tuck it back in when it is through. Is this type of thing secure? Is it comfortable? Does it get wet from sweat? Thanks.
SWFRNE04
NY   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

To Elizabeth in NV
Please leave your e-mail address. Answers to your query about the "Chunnel" are too lengthy for the G-Wall...... I agree, the cheapest way is not always the best. The UK media hold London-to-Paris "races" between planes and trains. The flight often wins but it's usually out of London City Airport (a business hub) and not Heathrow....... THE biggest horror story in all my experiences of Euro travel was a CDG-LHR flight.......
Dan <email>
BC   Can   Tue 06/22/2004

Train Travel Paris to Rome
Hello, I will be leaving for Europe next week adn will be visiting Paris and then Rome and maybe some other cities in Itlay along the way, however, I would like to go by train. Anyone know which trains are the best route and how long it would take. I've been to the train site but find it very confusing. Please anyone with suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to get nervous since I will be leaving next week.
Allegra
NY   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Site for Swiss chocolate
Since the www.Swisschocolatestore.com has shot down, I would like to know if anybody knows a source where I could purchase Ragusa, KägiFret, Torino chocolate and Caotina whitin the US. I grew up in Switzerland and when I found that site was so happy to be able to purchase my favorite chocolates. But now I seem only to find sources for Ragusa.
Beatrice DeBrosse-Serra <email>
Oceanside, CA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Neck pouch vs. small purse
Dee — use both! Try wearing the neck pouch over one shoulder so it hangs under your arm — it is less obtrusive tht way. And don't put much in it — just the important things already mentioned. I also carry a small leather shoulder bag with a small amount of money, plus comb, sunglasses, museum pass, etc. It has a flap covering the zipper, and I wear it crosswise (over the neck and one shoulder), not just hanging from my shoulder. In a crowd, I put my hand on top of it. In twelve trips to Europe, it's never been touched.
Lura
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Overnight trains
Cathy ~ my daughter and I took a night train from Oslo to Copenhagen. It was great. They come around and tap your door to wake you up in the morning. We both slept well.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Night trains
Has anyone gone on a CityNightLine or EuroNight overnight train? I am planning on reserving a sleeper and I'd like to know what to expect. Thanks for any information you might have!
Cathy
PA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Kids and the Museum Pass
Mark — Your daughter will be admitted free — and with you in the pass line — to most sites. Your museum pass will have a list of the age limits for all sites covered by the pass, and you'll be able to see the few exceptions. Your daughter will most likely be asked to show proof of age, so be prepared with her passport.
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Paris museum pass for minors
I'll be traveling to Paris with my 14 year old daughter shortly. Naturally, I plan on purchasing a museum pass for me, but I'm unclear if I need one for her as well since my understanding is that the major museums we plan on visiting allow free entrance for minors. However, if I do not purchase a pass for her, will she still be able to accompany me through the express line or will she have to wait with all the non-pass holders? If they're going to make her wait in the long line, then it's a no-brainer to purchase a museum pass for her as welll. Thanks.
Mark <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

MONEY BELT
Use the neck purse! I turn it so that the purse part is at my side under my arm and not just hanging down my front. I'm kinda short and it went past my waist-line, so in addition I also tucked it under the waistband of my skirt or jeans. After a bit, you forget its even there. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!!!! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Angela
Beaverton, OR   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Ameribags — size questions
For those of you who have used Ameribags when traveling, what size has been most convenient/comfortable for you? I need a bag big enough to stash a billfold, scarf, snacks, camera, etc without feeling too big and bulky. I am considering the medium and large Ameribag and just need your tips. Thanks!
Evette
Sacramento, CA   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Money belts
Dee~When I travel to Europe I ALWAYS use a money belt. I kept the plane tickets, passports and some money in it. You can't even tell I have one on. I do carry a purse, but I only keep a small amount of money in it. It would be a very wise thing to buy and use a money belt.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Rome postal code map
Rome postal code map. Does anyone know where I can get a map that shows the different areas of Rome by the numbers? I think they are postal code zones. For instance, my hotel will be in 00185 which is near the Termini train station. It would help to find our way to restaurants, stores, etc. if we had such a map. Thanks
Ken <email>
Bradenton, FL   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Neck Pouch vs. Purse
Dee — there's a big difference between a neck bag/money belt and a purse or small bag to carry. I use Rick's money belt to carry only my passport, credit cards, airline tickets and very important info. It's slighly bulky but it's very safe way down there tucked into my undies — if someone gets their hand down there, I'm gonna know it! In my small purse I have maps, tiny umbrella, sunscreen, water bottle, etc. All replaceable, so no worries if something happens.
Renee
CO   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Question re: purses
Having read Rick's books, I bought a "neck bag" (as opposed to a money belt) for our travels to Europe. I hate it! I don't like the way it looks under my clothes. Even with nothing much in it, it's still lumpy and you can see the excess of the cord. Ladies, do you ALL use these things? Or, as the residents of the foreign cities, do you carry a small purse?
Dee
IN   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

Casa Romera
I read Christie S's recent posting of her wonderful stay at a hotel in Madrid. I tried locating Casa Romera online and couldn't find anything. Does anyone have a email address or phone/fax number for Casa Romera? Many thanks! FL
FL <email>
Honolulu, hi   USA   Tue 06/22/2004

SLEEP APNEA MACHINE
Kay,..I have slept with a cpap machine for 8 years without problem.....used it in 10 countries and on two different cruise ships. I use the converter with the adapters to plug into the wall outlet. I also carry a 12 foot extension cord; that is all you need....it works everywhere just like at home.....last time in 6 countries in Europe for a month last year.
ELMER
SCRANTON, PA   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

MONT ST. MICHEL
Melinda, Don't do Mont St. Michelle in a day trip from Paris. You need to be there at night to see it lit up. Stay inside or there are places down the street for a view at night time. See Rick Steves book on France for B&B's. We did not spend the night. Big mistake. You are a neighbor to me. I'm in Tigard.
Bonnie-twtravelers@cs.com <email>
Tigard, OR   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Hotels near Rome's Fiumincino Airport
Floyd Ostrom — I found a website that lists some hotels near the airport, incl. the Hilton. I didn't have time to look at each one to see how much they describe about it and/or the price, but you might try checking it out. Website is: http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/articles/rome_hotels_airport.htm.

  USA   Mon 06/21/2004

RE: Sleep Apnea Machine
Kay, I can totally understand. First time I used mine in Europe feared waking up to electric shock and burring hair. lol! Been using my CPAP machine since early 1990s. Been to several countries and so far no problems. Last been to Europe a couple of years ago so my exp. might not be as up to date. Anyway, what I did was carefully read my manual then called the rep. that sold it to me just to make sure I could use it, etc. Bought a converter set (at Kmart) and so far all's well. Only difficulty I have is w/ adapters, I carry a pouch full, common sense to label, oh well. I would recommend purchasing a longer electrical cord and not an extension cord just in case. My machine didn't recommend the use of one but was in a pinch and used it for a week in Copenhagen. No problems but I wouldn't take the chance again. Also, my converter has no time limit as to how long I can consecutively use it, others I've heard do. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Lulu
  USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Sorrento
FOR ROD TIMMERS: Your e-mail address is not viable. If you would care to contact me, I have some information for you.
Graham <email>
  Wales, UK   Mon 06/21/2004

private tours
I just returned from Florence, and thought some of you might benefit from my experience there. I used a very reasonably priced tour guide there, and he was excellent. His name is Alessandro Cammilli and he is very good at recommending places to see, and will help you plan your day based on your preferences. We went to Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terre, but he will put together tours anywhere in Florence and the surrounding areas (Siena, San Gimignano, Lake Como, etc). Alessandro is very professional and reliable, and he speaks fluent English. He is very knowledgeable about Florence and the surrounding areas (he grew up in Florence), and his prices are very reasonable. I would definitely recommend booking a tour with him. He helped make our time in Florence an awesome experience. He can be reached at alecamma@hotmail.com.
Laurie <email>
Germantown, MD   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

B&B near Gatwick
I'm looking for a reasonably priced B&B near Gatwick for August. I'm finding mostly 38 pounds and higher for a single and would prefer to stay around 30 pounds. Any suggestions? Also, does the place you recommend provide transportation to Gatwick?
Suzanne Clarke <email>
St. Paul, MN   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

onfirming hotel reservations
BE sure to confirm all those hotel reservations. I booked Hotel Berretta in Varenna (Lake Como)in March for a July 5th stay with a credit card but when I confirmed last week before leaving the US I was informed that our reservation was no longer available. I don't so much blame the hotel since we had only booked 1 night and apparently they have a convention in town but it would have been nice to know. So far I have been unable to book any other accomadationsd for our family of 4, does anyone know if it would be worth showing up in town and trying to find a room. We were planning on going there from Venice by train.
Venice Leddy <email>
Dixon, Ca   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Eurail on DART — the story continues...
Hi everyone, I guess even Irish Rail doesn't have a very definitive answer to whether the Eurail pass is valid on the Dublin's DART system. I guess I will have to buy a short-hop ticket for EUR 7.70 per day. Josh —-Original Message — From: (Name Deleted) Sent: 21 June 2004 14:33 Subject: RE: Customer Service email via IrishRail.ie Dear Josh, The only way your ticket is valid on the dart is if it is stated on ticket, as commuter inclusion can be paid in advance when you purchase your ticket. If there is anything else we can assist you with please dont hesatate in contacting us either by e-mail or phone Dublin 7031885 Regards (name deleted) Hopefully I will find more information at RailEurope.com. Sorry to be leading everyone on a tangent.
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Places to stay
I need some cheap places (but nice and private) in Manarola, Florence, and Rome for under $30 a person, per day (there are 3 of us) suggestions???
Ptaylor <email>
New York, NY   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

German and Austrian Train Travel
Thanks for the tip on Railsaver.com. It was quite helpful. I've also found that by looking at Die.Bahn directly you can calculate your costs using actual numbers, not the inflated ones on Eurail.
Tony Magoulas <email>
Fort Worth, TX   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Place to stay in Sorrento or Surrounding Area
I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions where to stay in Sorrento or the surround area for 3 nights?
Rob Timmers <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Marsha — re: Siena
After visiting Florence, I don't think you will find the countryside that you seem to be looking for in Siena. If the goal is to experience a little of Tuscany then San Gimignano or a smaller village would be better. Siena is a beautiful city, however, after visiting Florence for the first part of the vacation, I would have been happy to stay in the countryside for the remainder of the trip. Siena is very urban and crowded (even when i was there — Oct 2001 when there were not a lot of people travelling). I agree with Nancy...driving there is not very fun.
scott
london,    UK   Mon 06/21/2004

Railsaver.com
Tony, also explore http://railsaver.com/railsaver.asp, which will do quite a bit of the figuring for you!
Karen
NC   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

TRAIN TRAVEL IN AUSTRIA AND GERMANY
TONY~~~~~ Do a search of raileurope.com or railpass.com/ticket for point to point fares between the cities you will visit~~~~~Add all those costs and compare with the cost of the rail passes you are considering~~~~that is the only way you can determine which is least expensive~~~~~~it will take some time but it is worth it.
PEDRO
SAN GERONIMO, MI   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Barcelona to Granada night train
Rick's book says you can take a night train from Barcelona to Granada. I'd really like to take advantage of this option, but I can't find any night passages available for reservation on the renfe reservation site. Can someone confirm night trains are available from Barcelona to Granada, and if so, how I can reserve tickets? Thanks so much!
JMS <email>
Westlake Village, CA   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Train travel in Germany and Austria
My wife and I will be traveling to Germany and Austria in December starting in Mannheim, going by train to Munich with sidetrips to Regensburg and Innsbruck and then on to Vienna. Which is the least expensive means of travel: point-to-point tickets, a bahncard 25 or the Bavarian regional pass I read about elsewhere?
Tony Magoulas <email>
Fort Worth, TX   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Trian travel in Germany and Austria
My wife and I will be traveling to Germany and Austria in December starting in Mannheim, going by train to Munich with sidetrips to Regensburg and Innsbruck and then on to Vienna. Which is the least expensive means of travel: point-to-point tickets, a bahncard 25 or the Bavarian regional pass I read about elsewhere?
Tony Magoulas <email>
Fort Worth, TX   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Italy
Marsha Barrie — We were in Italy recently and I would recomment staying in San Gimignano rather than Siena. It was noisy and much busier than I expected — hotel was not cheap and noiisy except for maybe 2 hrs in the middle of the night. I would day trip it there and stay some place smaller and quieter. We drove into Siena without proper directions as to which "porto" to enter and it was a bad experience. Of course I realize medieval towns do not have streets meant for cars. We did meet a couple who were staying in a convent with private bath and they overlooked the countryside and the cost was one third that of our hotel. good luck!
Nancy
Atl,    USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Mont St Michel
Melinda in Beaverton, Or~~~I would not do Mt St Michel as a day trip from Paris. It really is a special place to enjoy overnight when most tourists leave. Giverny and the Monet Gardens is possible to day trip — quite close to Paris. I would advise you to NOT dine at Madame Poulard — we did not listen to advice and went anyway and the tab was over $100 for 2 omelets and salads and a divided dessert. the service was terrible too. I think the Mouton Blanc restaurant is a better choice. Have fun!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Side trips
Thanks to JS and the other person who recommended side trips for me. I will definitely look into Salzburg and Melk.
Cathy
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

HIKING THE RHINE
Josh~~~~~I am amazed at the wealth of information among these readers. I think the guidance Russ provided about the trails is exceptional....his suggestion about buying a good map is to be taken. ...I have found that the one mistake most of us make when traveling independently is avoiding the expense of a map. ...after many mistakes while driving in Europe I learned to stop and examine the maps available in service stations and buying the best one prevents mistakes...don't buy your maps here, do it in Europe....after cruising the rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest last year I remember seeing the hiking trails. There were a number of bikers and hikers using them.
J M S
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Montecassino
Diana, we visited Montecassino several years ago and it was very memorable. The Abbey at Montecassino was bombed by the Allies and destroyed during the battle. A new abbey was built and there is a museum showing pictures etc. at the abbey. I must tell you it is certainly a different experience to see a museum dedicated to showing the devastation of this area and to be a "tourist" from the country responsible. No one made us feel uncomfortable but it must be at least a little like Japanese tourists visiting Pearl Harbor. We also had a chance to meet an older gentleman in the town of Cassino who told us about the "death that rained from the sky". We visited area cemetaries with my Canadian in-laws and they actually recognized names of hometown boys. Also — be sure you dress appropriately. My husband and I had on shorts and had to go change to visit the Abbey — they had the same modesty requirements as the Vatican.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Mon 06/21/2004

Mont St Michel
Is is do-able to visit Mont St Michel as a day trip out of Paris or would it be better overnight?
Melinda <email>
Beaverton, OR   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Paris Hotel
Any feedback on Hotel Flor Rivoli in Louvre-Opera area on Rue des deux Boules?
Melinda <email>
Beaverton, OR   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

NIGHT TRAIN FROM ALPS TO PARIS
BRIAN~~~~ Call raileurope.com at 1-800-4EURAIL. You can talk with a real person and ask your questions.
RICARDO
EL PASO, TX   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

World War Battlefields
We'll be in Italy next November and my husband is interested in visiting Montecassino, a World War II battle site. Besides the cemetery for the Polish soldiers who died there, is there anything related to the battle (museum, interpretive center, etc.?).
Diana Spas <email>
Missoula, MT   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

DSL access in Europe/Italy
We'd like to return to Europe, especially Italy (Venice among other locales), but some days we have to have DSL access for our laptop to connect to the office (transferring large image files, so need the DSL or equivalent). Any ideas about 1) lodging which may have DSL access on premises, or 2) whether cyber cafes have DSL for laptop plug-in, and 3) whether we can use our ISP for such access or need to sign up for European carrier. Thanks for any info!
Ann Watters <email>
Palo Alto, CA   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Paris to London
Elizabeth ~ I agree with Scott, it would be a lot easier for you to take the Eurostar from Paris to London. If you call Paris and buy the ticket over the phone in advance you will be a better price. They can hold the ticket for you, so you can pick it up at the station.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Stockholm/Helsinki ferry
Where do we store luggage if we want to take overnight ferry from/to Stockholm/helsinki (staying just one day in Helsinki)
Yana <email>
Philadelphia, pa   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Seeking fellow Italy traveler
Seeking Robert Steel (Steele?) from the northern California wine country who stayed at Carla Rossi's Arco di Goro in San Gimignano May 15-16 and saw Rick Steves in the Duomo in Siena. Have a photo I want to send him.
Janet <email>
CO   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

sweden/norway parking
WE'LL be traveling in Sweden July,2-12, rented a car to drive around once we leave Stockholm, but ran into a problem of figuring out what to do with a car if we decide to do "norway in a nutshell"
Yana <email>
Philadelphia, pa   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

to Elizabeth — London to Paris
I think that you will find the train to be the better option. It is much more enjoyable and assuming that you are travelling from central London to central Paris, then you are saving the expense and time of transfers to/from the airport. Tip — it's not called "chunnel" in Europe.
scott
london,    UK   Sun 06/20/2004

Florence
I will be traveling with a friend to Florence in Oct. 2004 We would like to spend 3 days in Florence and 3 days in the country, perhaps San Gimignano or Siena. A B&B, something with charm and private bath. Is there a local tour group we could hook up with,we would rather not rent a car. thanks for your help.
Marsha Barri <email>
Westerly, RI   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Sony memory sticks OK through airport checkin
This is for Jenny, who had a question on whether Sony Memory Sticks would be ruined if put through the carry-on x-ray devices. I wanted to give you a second opinion on taking these through airport security devices. I took my digigal 8 camera with a original "Lexar Media" memory stick with 256 MB on it, twice through airport security from a domestic flight between Dallas and Chicago, and everything turned out just fine, and even the digital 8 videotape footage was untouched. Note the airport security device use is virtually identical regardless of domestic or international itineraries. If you feel very strongly about your memory sticks, I suggest you to have these hand-inspected. But you should have no problems with any x-ray machines destroying the memory. The only way I know that the data can be expunged, is either by a PC connection, or the memory-erase function. On the day you are travelling, whatever memory sticks you are not using, make sure they are locked. That is one way to prevent losing the pictures you took. Or of course you could consider to take along one of those lead-lined film bags in your carry-ons, that you might get at your local photography store. Best of success with your photography. thanks Josh PS I am taking a second 256 MB memory stick with me. That stick alone translates to over 150 rolls of 24-exposure film. Now that's really travelling light!!!
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Hotel near Leonardo da Vinci airport (Rome)
My wife and I(60 years old) plan on spending our last night of a two week stay near the Leonardo da Vinci Airport(Rome). Looking into rooms in Fiumicino or Lido di Ostia, but can find no good source for descriptions or ratings. We don't want to pay the 185 Euros at the Hilton, but want a decent room with air and bath. Help!
Floyd Ostrom <email>
Arlington, TX   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Eurail tickets valid on DART in Dublin?
I'm trying to do some homework on Dublin before I go there on vacation in late July of this year. I have a question regarding Eurail tickets in the Republic of Ireland, and whether they are valid on the DART system. If so, then I will not have to buy a separate "Short-Hop" ticket for unlimited rides, but will just buy the "Rambler" to cover the buses and the "LUAS" streetcar when it goes into service. I'm still waiting on an answer from irishrail.ie, so if I get an official answer, I'll post it. Apparently RailEurope.com and IrishRail.IE are not very clear about using the Eurailpass on DART, so I hope to get the official answer very soon. thanks, Josh
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Dublin
Neil~~~I totally agree with JS in CA about Dublin — we have stayed there twice — driving is not easy and hotels are expensive. I did not know about the DART but will keep it in mind for next trip. The next trip to Ireland will not include Dublin, however. The charm is out in the B&B's in the countryside. There is very little in Dublin that I can call charming.
Nancy
Atl,    USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Travel from Paris to London
Is it really better to take the "chunnel" from Paris to London versus flying? I have priced the train (one way) and flights (one way) and the flights are less expensive. I know that less money doesn't always mean the BEST way to go due to other reasons. Just looking for someone with experience on the matter. Thanks. (BTW: we are traveling back to London in order to catch our return flight to US the next day.)
Elizabeth
NV   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Apartment in Palma, Mallorca
Need a one bedroom apt. in Palma, Mallorca for month in October.
Allen Caldwell <email>
Coral Gables, FL   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Train tickets Paris to Maastricht
We want to travel from Paris to Maastricht via Leige on the Thaly train . I cannot find a site where I can order the tickets online to be sent to me. As it will be Aug. 14 when we travel I would like to book ahead to get seats and at a good price. How do I go about doing this from Canada? Thanks for any help!
Nancy <email>
Montreal ( Chateauguay), QC   Canada   Sun 06/20/2004

Night Train From Alps to Paris?
I am having trouble finding a sleeper train from the "alps" to Paris. My wife and I will be in Gimmelwald for 3 night. Then, we want to take a night train to Paris, but are having no luck finding one? Which city/station should we be looking at? I've tried Gimmelwald, Interlaken, Bern and Zurich at bahn.de... no luck. :( Any detailed help would be appreciated :)
Brian <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

BUSY PEAK TRAVEL TIME IRELAND
Sally~~~~~~~I can recommend staying in hostels; my wife and I always do...but in peak season you MUST reserve in advance to be sure you have a room...if you stay in a dorm it is not so important.....each hostel you stay in can reserve rooms 3 or 4 nights in advance for you....after you travel a few days you will learn how much time to allow for travel. Some countries vary from the norm and you wont know til you travel a while.
RUDOLPH
SAN DIEGO, CA   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Reservations
Sally ~ no, there is no need to make reservations for every night. When you are ready to stop for the night just look for a B&B sign. You won't have any trouble.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

TRAVEL THROUGH DENMARK
Jeffrey....if you can afford auto rental, do it....I havent rented a car in two years, but what I see on the net, the cost has increased.....only take trains and busses if you have the time...they are much slower than by car. Travel through Copenhagen is no more difficult than any other city...it is small compared with other cities...be sure you buy a good map.... I went to the Tourist Information Office and got a free map; the street signs are like other European towns...very hard to read.
CARLOS
DALLAS, TX   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Hotels in Rome
Any info on the most resonably priced hotels in Rome near the Spanish steps, and how to get the best price? Thanks, fellow travelers.
Lynda <email>
Harper Woods, MI   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Schiphol to Haarlem
Davy, The journey from Schiphol airport to Haarlem (change at Amsterdam Centraal) takes 30 minutes. Check it out on the link below... http://www.ns.nl/cgi-ns/nsbaliecgi?language=2
Graham <email>
  Wales,UK.   Sun 06/20/2004

Travel Through Denmark
I only have 3 days in Denmark ,should I rent a car.I really would like to see Aero or should I take trains and buses.A car rental for 3 days pu.at the airport drop off at esjberg is $300 I would also like to know tough the traveling through copenhagen is with a car. Thank you Jeff Massachusetts
Jeffrey Kuselias <email>
Wilbraham, Ma   USA   Sun 06/20/2004

Anything good in Palermo/ Sicily
If I have 3 weeks to spend in Italy this Sept is it even worth Flying into Palermo/Sicily for a few days then working my way up the rest of Itlay and flying out of Venice OR should I just stick to flying into Rome and out of Venice?
Nicolle <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

busy Peak travel time Ireland
I've never travelled during the peak season. I'm renting a car. "Should I make reservations for every night?" Total time 17 days the 1st 3 and the last night in Dublin are at a hostel. I need to stay in the least expensive places. Me and my 15 year old neice. Do I need to double the travel time in the peak season?
Sally <email>
Sacramento, CA   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

Jonathon — Hiking the Rhine
The Rhine is a great place for hiking between towns. There are 2 main trails between Bonn in the north and Mainz/Wiesbaden in the south — one on each side of the river. The route is called the "Rheinhöhenweg"; it''s marked wth a large "R" and skirts the Rhine, following the cliffs for the most part. Secondary trails are sometimes needed to stay close to the river, as the "R" route often diverts slightly into inland towns. I have hiked only a small portion on the left bank between St. Goar and Oberwesel and a few miles on the West bank near St. Goarshausen. There are quite a few hostels and cheap, private B&B's along the way (more hostels on the left bank.) There are many train stops between the towns so that you can skip a section or travel on to someplace you want to stay overnight. You should get a good map to plan your route, but you can look at the suggested point-to-point hikes at the following German site, which provides town names and distinces in km. LEFT bank: www.rheinhoehenweg.de/der_linksrheinische_rheinhoehenweg.htm RIGHT bank: www.rheinhoehenweg.de/rechtsrheinisch.htm
Russ <email>
Galt, CA   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

Munich sidetrip
To Cathy -a sidetrip from Munich could be Salzburg. It is 90 minutes by car. Lots to do, see and it was Mozarts home. I will be there for my sidetrip in August. Plan on at least a full day.
JS
CA   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

alt. Dublin hotels
To Neil, I was in Dublin in Spring and found it a dreary place to stay. Ck RS Guidebook for the wonderful places to stay a short DART ride away. Dun Laoghaire is a great place nr the sea. Fresh , homey and lots of locals.Pick a B&B like Innisfree, it is a short walk from DART train. And go to Dublin for the day. Also you can bus into Dublin from this town.
JS
CA   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

Toni in Paris
You could try going to a pharmacy and telling them you have "la candidose". (Pharmacists are allowed to "perscribe" in France.) Plain yoghurt (with active cultures) on the area in question helps ease the agony(!) but otherwise you should probably be seen by a doctor, especially since it's important to have it properly diagnosed. Your decision might depend on how long it will be till you come back home. Hope this helps! My email: Darcyj@cableone.net
Darcy <email>
Lewiston, ID   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

B&B SaltHill and Dingle
MAUREEN BROMS A great B&B is Duinin (Ann) in Dingle. Salt Hill we stayed at Glencree B&B. Very personable and nice hostess Maurine Send me your email address and I'll give you their addresses. Where else are you traveling in Ireland. I have more great B&B's.
Bonnie-twtravelers@cs.com <email>
Tigard, OR   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

Vatican tours — waiting in line?
VATICAN: If we book a tour for the Vatican Museum (say with Roman Odyssey, ScalaReale, or Roman Promenades) will we avoid having to wait in line at the Vatican Museum / Sistine Chapel for a ticket? Is there a way to purchase Vatican/Sistine tickets in advance?
Imtiaz Munshi <email>
Houston, TX   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

USE OF ATMs IN GERMANY, SWITZERLAND
Sharon...if you read this page much you will see countless reports indicating wise travelers do not buy travelers checks...those cost too much to cash and often you can't find a place to take them...most travelers rely on ATMs because machines are freely available everywhere. In Switzerland find a post office and you will find an ATM ....in the 20 countries I have traveled I have found them in RR stations, airports, shopping malls, dept stores, outside nearly all banks....in the past, I have not seen a fee added, but that may not be true today.....my card shows Cirrus and Pulse; so I look for that sign on any machine. ..your card will list the type of machine you must find ..the only place I have looked at more than two machines was in the Frankfurt airport, but I finally found one to accept my card. ....I always take $50 per week in US dollar bills in case I can negotiate a lower price on some purchases.
BETTY
TULSA, OK   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

HIKING THE RHINE
Jonathan~~~~~~I have cruised the Rhine and driven the Rhine, but I don't know about hiking trails. .....try this web page:http://www.about-germany.org/regions/rhine.asp. If that doesnt help do a google.com search for Rhine Valley Hikes for pages dealing with this subject.
LANNY
OMAHA, NEB   USA   Sat 06/19/2004

yeast infection in Paris, France
Help! I am traveling in Paris for awhile and I've got a yeast infection. Is Monistat available here?
toni
  USA   Sat 06/19/2004

Storing digital camera images
Steve — I've looked into some options recently myself. The easiest, of course, may be to just buy more memory cards. But that's not really a fun solution. I'm not sure about the availability of CD burners, but how about bringing your own? Check out the Addonics Mutli Function Recorder. Stand-alone CD Burner, card reader, DVD player, MP3 player, and more, with rechargeable battery pack. Not necessarily cheap, but very reasonable considering it's versatility, portability and, let's face it, overall coolness! There are other similar devices that may work for you. Good luck.
Biz
Olympia, WA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Bringing home olive oil
We've loaded down our carry-on bags with olive oil when returning from from Italy, Spain and France. No problems at all. It's one of the best things a food lover can bring back.
Biz
Olympia, WA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Rail pass vs. tickets
Best Eurail pass to buy? try railsaver.com. they'll pick either tickets or railpasses...whatever fits your budget best...and plan your itinerary for you!
Laura <email>
Americus, GA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Flea markets
Any info on flea markets in Prague, Vienna, or Budapest? thanks!
Laura <email>
Americus, GA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Hiking the Rhine
I'm planning a trip to the Rhine Valley, and I've been thinking about skipping the cruise and actually hiking from town to town, up one side of the Rhine and down the other, and sleeping in Zimmer/hostels/castle hotels on the way.

My questions are: is this even plausible? Has anyone out there done this... and is there a trail that connects the towns? Thanks for any help.
Jonathan <email>
Columbia, SC   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Use of ATMs in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
We are traveling to southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland the last week of June and the first week of July. What types of ATMs are available and what are the fees? We didn't want to get travelers checks but we also don't want to be stranded with no money. What's your advice?
Sharon Ashley <email>
Lexington, NC   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

To Neil re: Dublin Hotels
My husband & I stayed at the Comfort Inn (Parnell Square)this past September. It was located across the street from a lap dance establishment. We didn't have any problems with theft/robbery/etc, but apparently Dublin has it's share of rising crime rates. Just leave your valuables at home, take a cab after dark, & have a great time.
jaybee
  USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Hotel in Rome
Susan, Please e-mail me about the hotel in Rome.
Kay <email>
Chattanooga, Tn   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Italy phone cards
Taking my first trip to Italy in August. Any free advice on calling cards to US. Traveled to London last year and used calling cards purchased at Target and they worked fine. Should I purchase in Italy? Thanks!
Sue <email>
Buffalo, NY   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

LUGGAGE STORAGE IN LONDON
Natalie~~~~~I found this info on the heathrow web page: "All four terminals at Heathrow have Left Luggage desks. For security reasons there are no luggage lockers. Information line: (020) 8745 5301." You will find the cost quite high for a week.
IGOR
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Jamaica travel
What are the precautions one should take when traveling to Jamaica, and are passports necessary?
Luci Coles <email>
Issaquah, WA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Abruzzo, Italy
My husband & I will be travelling to Italy in September. We will be headed for Abruzzo where my grandparents were born & raised. Can anyone help with infor in that area? Can you stay in a convent or farm house? Any help is appreciated.
Sherry <email>
Bandon, OR   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Destination Advice
I think Ireland, UK and Belgium would be an easier trip than Portugal, Spain and Italy in 2 weeks (of course you could spend more than that in any one of them). If you want more specific suggestions, you are welcome to e-mail me.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Amsterdam, Brussels & Brugge
Sandra, if it were me going, I would definitely spend more time in Brugge than Brussels. It is a very lovely and walkable city with lots to see and do. For Brussels I would recommend the Welcome Hotel. For seom details see my website at: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/71b86/574bf/3/

For Brugge check out http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/71b86/574e9/ At the bottom of this page click on Hotels and it will tell you about a marvelous B & B, Astrid's which we think is the loveliest one we have stayed in.

As for Amsterdam, I would stay in Haarlem. If I can be of further help you are welcome to e-mail me.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Amsterdam to Haarlem
Davy, I think you can go directly from Schiphol Airport to Haarlem by bus or train. The bus may be quicker. It is certainly a place worth visiting and the Grote Markt (town centre) is about a 10 minute walk from either the train or bus station. If you want further suggestions about Haarlem, you can e-mail me.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Vienna Side Trip
I highly recommend a cruise on the Danube to Melk Abbey. It is a pleasant cruise, beautiful scenery and Melk Abbey is magnificent. Check out RS's suggestions for an itinerary.
  USA   Fri 06/18/2004

re: destination advice
It depends on how much heat you can stand. Spain, Portugal & Italy will be very hot in mid-July. Ireland, UK & Belgium will be more bearable for those who dont care for hot & muggy. If the weather doesn't bother you, then decide based on what areas you want to see the most or what you haven't seen before. All those places will be packed with tourists in mid-July.
Angela
Beaverton, OR   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Railway workers cafe in Venice
I noticed on another posting from 2003 that someone mentioned eating in the railway workers cafe in Venice. The last time I was there I was turned away. Maybe I was too early? I have eaten there years ago and the food was great and cheap. Does anyone know if you can still eat there? KT
Kay <email>
Chattanooga, Tn   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Hotel in Rome
Claudie in Toronto~~~I can only recomment a hotel in Rome — did not visit the other cities — but we just returned from Italy and stayed at the Oceania in Rome — a RS hotel.It is recently redone and was very nice — st6aff is very helpful. We felt the location to be safe and convenient. No problems at all with pickpocketers. but we are very careful — neck pouch & money belt. Good luck!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Side trips
Does anyone have any good recommendations for side trips from Munich or Vienna? Thanks!
Cathy
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Layover in Amsterdam
I've got a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam airport on my way to Munich and I'm wondering if thats enough time to leave the airport. I have been to Amsterdam before and wouldn't mind dropping in again for a few hours. But I haven't been any where else in Holland. Would going to Haarlem be permissable?
Davy <email>
  USA   Fri 06/18/2004

Alpe d'Huez
I'm looking for a partner from Geneva to Alpe d'Huez for the Tour de France time-trial or help/advice in getting there. Am 50-year old male travelling thru Switzerland mid-July.
Brian <email>
Sacramento, CA   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

Destination Advice
I need destination advice! I will have 2 weeks, mid-July, and am contemplating either of these itineraries: Ireland, UK and Belgium OR spain, POrtugal and Italy Please email me with your thoughts on this. Thanks!
Laura <email>
Norcross, GA   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

Luggage storage in London
hello everyone! i was wondering if anyone knows of a place where i could keep my luggage near heathrow airport... for around a week, while i make a trip to spain. i know that the restrictions for easyjet are tight, and i'm going to have much luggage and would want to leave it in london. much thanks!
natalie <email>
orlando, fl   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

Turkey Tour — Linda
We spent 4 days in Istanbul in May. We loved it — read the postings on this website under "Turkey Tips" to see what everyone thinks of Istanbul & Turkey. It's most interesting and very friendly to Americans.

We used a private tour guide in Istanbul. Her name is Senay. Email her at: jochound@atlas.net.tr She charges $100 per day. If she's not available, ask her if her friend Oltug is available. He ended up being our tour guide because Senay had a sickness in her family during our time there. Oltug was terrific.

Definitely go to Istanbul for a few days and do a private tour. They can tell you so much about the history, etc. I don't think you need 7 days though.
John <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

Athens restaurants
We spent 4 days in Athens in May. Every place we ate was in and around the Plaka. Didn't try any "fancy" restaurants. Greek food is Greek food, so all the restaurants generally offer the same stuff. The nicest restaurant we tried was Psara, which is just below the Acropolis.
John <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

A caution about online reservations
A caution: When making reservations through a Google-found site, another international company will often actually handle the reservation. I selected a deal at a hotel where the rates were quoted in euros, which then got confirmed thru Expedia in pounds sterling at twice what I estimated the cost to be! I didn't catch the switch at the time and it was all in small print. Expedia was totally unsympathetic when I contacted them.
Barbara Damashek <email>
Kensington, CA   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

Hotel — Bergamo Alta
Sharon Kipp: In October, 2002 I stayed at Albergo Ristorante Agnello d’Oro, Via Gombito 22, Bergamo Alta (phone 035-249883, Fax 035-235612). It was clean and comfortable, and very well located. The guest rooms are a little generic, but the building is lovely (go to this link, second picture down is the front of the building – yes there is an elevator http://www.well.com/user/peoples/Italy/bergamo.html). The first floor is a restaurant. The food was very good. I believe we paid E86 for a double with bath, but that was a year and a half ago. It’s probably a bit more now, but that gives you an idea of the range anyway.
Angela
Lexington, KY   USA   Thu 06/17/2004

RE acommodation in Barcelona
Have you condidered renting an apartment? We rented one and am positive our holyday there was a blust partly because of it. You may want to have a look at http://barcelonaapartment.8m.net to see the pictures and rates. All the best for your trip in that beautiful city.
Gaby <email>
  USA   Thu 06/17/2004

acommodation in Barcelona
Any tips on how to find an affordable acommodation in Barcelona? We are 4 people travelling there next month. Thanks. Sally
Sally <email>
  USA   Thu 06/17/2004

Riding in the Cotswolds
FOR SARAH: Your e-mail address is not viable. If you would care to contact me, I have some details for you.
Graham <email>
Port Talbot,    Wales   Thu 06/17/2004

Hotels in Rome/Milan/Venice?
I'll be going to Rome/Milan/Venice late Aug & beginning of Sept for 12 days. Me & my sister are very petite Asians & travelling w/big luggages (sounds like an obvious target for pickpockets). I've had bad experiences and being stalked in Paris, and became paranoid eversince. We're looking for hotels (approx. 100 — 150 Euro/nite)in safe locations. Can anyone give me some suggestions? Thanks a million!!!!
claudie <email>
Toronto, ON   Canada   Wed 06/16/2004

Turkey tour
I am considering a visit to Turkey this October. I am a 63 year old female, traveling alone. i would spend a week hiking with an English group on the Lycian Way ("Turquoise Coast"), which I have wanted to do for a long time. After the hiking, I would go back to Istanbul to tour for a week. Am I stupid to even consider this? Is it dangerous? What are your experiences? Is there a recomendation for a guide in Istanbul?
Linda <email>
G C, PA   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

Horse rides in The Cotswolds
Where in the Cotswolds, exactly, can you rent horses/take a trail ride? Can't find the details in the RS books.
sarah <email>
Ada, OK   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

RE: Wireless in Europe
Greg; I know that Austria has a multitude of hotspots. T-Mobile just bought Metronet over there so you can access from many cafes, restaurants, and the airport. They are using 802.11B over there. I am going over in Aug-Sept and will be taking my Dell notebook, which has b/g capability. You can buy service from T-Mobile USA — either monthly or 1 years contract — one month is 39.95 and the account will work in Austria. I know this because I have corresponded with T-Mobile Austria since T-Mobile USA didn't seem to have a clue about it. If you want a complete list of their hotspots in Austria go to the T-Mobile Austria site: http://www.t-mobile.at/dienste_services/datenuebertragung/WLAN/wlan_standorte/index.html and click on the drop down under WLAN Standortlisten, it will list all of t-mobile and metronet locations in Austria.

I am sure that Paris has many access points as well, but T-Mobile does not operate there yet, so I would do a search on internet/wifi cafes in Paris. You'll probably find hundreds. Remember to be careful what kind of info you send when you do wifi; its an easy one to hack.
Alex Starke <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

Hotel recommendations for Bergamo, Italy
Would love room recommendations in Bergamo, Italy, preferably Bergamo/Alta, but would also appreciate recommendations for something midway between upper and lower.
Sharon Kipp <email>
Nashville, TN   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

Athens Restaurants, etc...
My wife and I are staying in Athens for 2 nights this summer...BEFORE the big Olympic rush. Can anyone recommend a great Greek restaurant? Any other do's and don'ts about Athens we should know?
Al <email>
Providence, RI   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

Morocco... to go or not to go
To be honest, I am a little concerned about safety in Morocco. Myself and a friend are tossing up the idea of going to Morocco for 2 days in mid-August... have any of you been there recently and what would you recommend?
Natalie <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

GSM Phone? Europe .....
Hello — I will be backpacking in Europe for 3 weeks in July. I am looking into buying a GSM cell phone and then purchase a SIM card for all of Europe. Does the cell phone have to be activated to work over there? Or can I just put in the SIM card and use the minutes on it?? Thank you so much. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! (It's my first time to Europe ... can you tell?!) :) Thanks!
Steph <email>
Sugar Land , TX   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

LODGING REQUEST NEAR VENICE
JS...Hotel rooms are around a hundred dollars a night...try B&Bs.....suggest you do a google.com search for “B&B Mestre” another for Padua and Hall...Mestre is 5 minutes by train from Venice and much cheaper......another type of housing is pensions .
BETAN
EDINBURGH, TX   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

sleep apnea machine
I have sleep apnea and have to use a c-pap machine at night. Does anyone know how they can be used in Europe? It is quite expensive so I don't want to "fry" it using the wrong electricity. Thanks
Kay <email>
Chattanooga, Tn   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

Head scarves
Will my 14 & 10 year old daughters need to have a scarf or such to put over their heads for the cathedrals we will visit while in Austria, Germany, Amsterdam & Paris?
jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Wed 06/16/2004

Drive from Florence to CT
Susan in Clarkston, Mi~~~we just returned from italy and took the train from Fl to CT so did not have the option of stopping along the way. I think stopping in Pisa to see the tower may be worthwhile although I have heard parking is a hassle — we found many parking hassles in Italy. An awesome sight on the train ride were the marble "mountains" of Carrera. I regretted not being able to take a photo from the train. Enjoy! We drove from Fl to various towns in Tuscany and found driving in FL somewhat confusing.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Wed 06/16/2004

I agree with Karen
Karen is right...when you are travelling in Europe, you will most likely visit some of the most sophisticated cities in the world...London, Paris, etc. Dress as you would going out for a nice (but not formal, of course) lunch in Manhattan and you will feel more comfortable. Dress as you would for a trip to your local Walmart and you will not be dressed appropriately for your environment. Obviously for hiking or similar activities you should dress as you would for these activities in the US.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 06/16/2004

Venice Transportation
Hi Boomer. If you are going to enjoy a 12-day cruise, followed by a stay at the Monaco & Grand Canal Hotel, now is not the time to economise. Get a water taxi, whatever it costs. The hotel is far too grand to arrive by vaporetto dragging 6 pieces of luggage, and on foot is certainly not an option. Parts of Venice are expensive, and it can be a trade- off between lower prices and a high profile location, but each contributes to the overall experience. You cannot really enjoy Venice if you continually count the pennies.
Bob <email>
Bristol,    UK   Wed 06/16/2004

Christine — Room in Paris
Check out LateRooms.com http://www.fr.laterooms.com/index_fr_eng.html You should be able to find something
Jeff Keller <email>
Bend, OR   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Dressing like locals
Yes, it is okay to dress like an American, but even in America we don't always wear Jeans and tee shirts. If you were going to your local museum or out to lunch with a friend — what would you wear? Bottom line is you will be going out to eat quite often and you don't want to confine yourself to casual restaurants. I find that if we are in a city we all (my teenagers included) will dress up a bit from jeans — my daughter wears a casual skirt and nice knit top, my son wears khakis and a collared shirt. This way we can see the sites during the day and still go to a nice place at night. We definitely go for the shorts, jeans, etc. if we are out "in the country" hiking, biking, at the beach. So one pair of jeans is plenty for your trip and NO jeans if you will be somewhere warm (Italy in the summer). Lightweight nicer clothing will be easier to pack as well.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Venice Transportation
How does one go about finding a transportation transfer from the Venice ship port to the Monaco & Grand Canal Hotel? We are a group of 4 adults (with appx 6 pcs of luggage, total)looking for safe & very economical transportation in Venice from ship port to the hotel. We are concluding a 12 day cruise in Venice and extending our stay in the city to explore the magic of Venice. Unfortunately, once we leave the ship, we are on our own for transportation, and since this is our first visit, haven't a clue what to expect. We think there will be too much luggage to walk, and have no idea how far it is from the port to hotel. Any help from the experienced travelers on this site would be greatly appreciated.
Boomer <email>
KS   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Romantic 5Terre
The view at sunset from the dining room at the restaurant CASTELLO (The Castle) in Vernazza is breathtaking. I was with a RS group several years ago and we ate dinner there. It's up lots of stairs, so you will be breathless.
Swan
  USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Hotel Leveque
Jason ~ If you wait until August or September to call Hotel Leveque again you probably won't have any trouble booking over the phone. I have always booked over the phone.

Oh   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Memory sticks and what to wear
Jenny ~ you will fine with your memory stick, just carry it in your carry on. Also, most European women do not wear jeans or tennis shoes. Jeans and tennis shoes would be fine for your daughters to wear. If you have comfortable shoes I would wear them instead of tennis shoes. But, you would be fine to wear jeans and tennis shoes it really up to you which way you would feel most comfortable. I like wearing slacks or crops pants with comfortable shoes, that I if we go into churches, cathedral I won't feel out of place.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Dressing like locals
Jenny — I think it's good to be immersed in the local culture, but I doubt that we will fool the Europeans into thinking we're not Americans. And why should we? We dress, act, and talk differently, but that's OK. I'm going to Italy this fall, but I'm not worried that others will know where I'm from. I am who I am, just as they are who they are. I hope to fully enjoy their different ways while still being "me" — even if that means dressing like we Americans do. They might enjoy hearing about our ways too. The last time I was in Europe (Austria), I had a wonderful conversation each morning at breakfast with an Austrian high school boy who wanted to know all about the USA. He, in turn, shared much about their culture with me. It was alot of fun. Just be yourself and have fun! :-)

  USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Digital camera sticks
Jenny — I have taken my Sony digital camera with me on airplanes many times and have never had any problems with the memory sticks. I do keep them all with me in my carry-on, not a checked bag though. I've heard there is more radiation used on the checked bags, but I'm not sure if it would hurt the memory sticks.

  USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Most Romantic Spot in Cinque Terre?
My wife & I will be celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary by going to Italy and will be in CT on our actual date. What's the most romantic spot to be in CT?
matt <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

getting from Venice to Gimmelwald
Which is the best way to get to Gimmelwald from Venice? Gimmelwald is connected from Interlaken but I cannot find a night train to Interlaken from Venice. Please let me know your suggestions.
Neelima <email>
Fremont, CA   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Digital camera memory sticks
I have a Sony digital camera that uses memory sticks. Is there a chance that they could get damaged by any of the bag-scanning equipment or otherwise or am I OK bringing them back after they are full in their little plastic cases in case I can't download them in Europe. I'll be there 17 days, various countries w/ my family. Expecting lots of pictures.
jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Want to dress like locals
I'll be with my husband and 10y/o and 14y/o dau's in Europe in July. I'd like to dress "locally" so as not to stand out as tourists (tho the camera might give us up). Looking for suggestions — will be in Salzburg, Basel, 10-day Rhine R. cruise to Amsterdam then last 4 days in Paris.
jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

lodging request nr Venice,Padua & Hall
Looking for reasonable lodging in August under 70 Euros for 2 near Venice, in Padua and Hall with parking. Anyone out there with recom and email addresses. Thanks J
JS <email>
CA   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

What about wireless broadband access?
Wireless Broadband access in Europe. About to leave for 5 weeks in Paris, Krakow, Vienna, Venice and Genoa. Taking laptop for work and photography. Should I put in a wireless broadband access card before I leave? I wonder if there are enough wireless hotspots at airports. city centers, coffee shops, etc. to warrant being ready to access them. All info welcome.
Greg Gapsis <email>
Greenville,, IN   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Need Hotel/Inn recommendations for Central Paris — fast!
Our family of four needs a centrally located Inn or hotel in Paris! Our hotel reservation fell through and we leave on our trip next week! We will want to be there two nights, July 2nd and 3rd. Thank you!
Christine <email>
Long Beach, CA   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Hotel Leveque-Reservations
It's June, and maybe I'm paranoid, but I called to see if I could get a reservation in Feb. The lady at the desk laughed and said if I wanted to do that, I would have to go through their booking site. I wanted to get the RS rate, so any suggestions how to go about that? I really don't want to wait too long because it sounds like a very popular place at most times of the year.
Jason <email>
Springfield, MO   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

italy tour....dolomites
it may be true that trails open late, but in central and southern Italy I have found everything open in April and May.....do a www. google.com search for the towns you will visit and read about them....there is much more information on the web than in Ricks book.
milissa
detroit, mich   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

LJUBLJANA TO BUDAPEST
Dianne....I have driven both routes and find them similar....the roads in Croatia are bad so you must allow more time to cover the same distance...Austria has great roads...many autobahns and much faster..some are tollways ...however scenery is better in Croatia.....depends on what you like.....I don’t think Croatia uses Euros, while Austria does.
DORY
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

driving in tuscany
we are driving from florence to cinque terra, then to lake garda..any 'mustsees' on the way?
susan <email>
clarkston, mi   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Best Eurail pass to buy
Michael.....find a pass which covers those countries..check www.railpass.com/ticket, raileurope.com, alleuroperail.com for descriptions of passes and costs....if you have a month to kill you have omitted one of the most scenic countries of Europe...Switzerland. ....We bought the Swisspass for a week and found a room in a B&B in Andermatt, which is in the center of the country and traveled each day out of there, using our pass.....you can reach any part of Switzerland in an hour or little more and enjoy the country. There is much to see—especially in the Alp section...spend a day in Zermatt, Interlaken and St. Moritz.
Mintz
St Louis, MO   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Michael's Railpass Question
Michael — First, read Rick Steves' railpass guide on the ETBD site. Besides explaining the various types of passes, Rick gives tips for how to get the most days and/or miles out of your pass. Second, write down some possible itineraries. Third, visit www.railsaver.com, enter those itineraries, and the program will recommend the best pass(es) or tell you if a combination of a pass for longer trips and point-to-point tickets for shorter ones would actually be cheaper. While it probably will be to your advantage to get a pass, sometimes strictly point-to-point tickets are cheapest of all.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Tue 06/15/2004

Men's Fashion- For Kelly
You don't really need to go to great lengths to look fashionable and fit it over here. A few tips — avoid sneakers or Levis style jeans (i don't know the terms but the darker, smoother texture denim is more popular here). The difference in clothing over here is actually more about fit...in the US, things tend to be baggier or looser fitting. Here things are more fitted, trouser legs are worn longer, and darker colours rule. Pleated trousers are less common than flat front. Dark shoes are generally more popular. "Next" is a popular UK store that is about equivalent to the Gap in the US (which is also in Europe). If you look at www.next.co.uk and go to mens, "smart casual" you will get an idea. You probably won't notice a big difference from clothing in the US but take a look at how the clothes fit.
scott
london,    UK   Tue 06/15/2004

For Lisa — Nice to Antibes
I don't believe there is a train station at the airport either. When we stay in Nice, we take the bus to the city centre...there is also a quicker bus from the airport directly to the Nice train station. As I recall, the local Nice buses (including from the airport) are very cheap, frequent and comfortable...same goes for the trains to Antibes.
scott
london,    UK   Tue 06/15/2004

Tides In Venice
For those who want to visit Venice when it's not "High Tide". It's impossible to visit Venice when it's not high tide since the tides are just like at the oceans in the states unless you are there only for a few hours when it's low tide. You have 2 high and 2 low tides everyday. Mostly during the winter in Venice, the high tides can flood some of the streets and Piazzas, especially Piazza San Marco.

While the "Aqua Alta" (High Water) can hit at any high tide during the month, it normally happens around the time of the spring tides which are the highest tides of the month and normally happen around the time surrounding the full moon. The date of the full moon in Venice is the same as in the states so I would recommend looking at a calendar and visit Venice as far away from the full moon as possible during your stay in Italy in winter. Either that or pack rubber boots. "Aqua Alta" can happen occasionally during the late fall and early spring but normally is a winter occurence (Dec-Feb).

The flooding has little affect on daily life in Venice. Stores just remove their stuff from the bottom shelves and open as usual. People stand around in Bars drinking their coffee, beer, wine or grappa in boots. They have raised platforms for sidewalks. All in all, the "Aqua Alta" isn't 100% predictable and there is no sure way to avoid it. If I was going to spend a few days in Venice in the winter, I would probably try to make it my first stop, pack a pair of cheap rubber boots at least a foot high and ditch them when I leave to go to my next destination.

I would also try to locate the Venice Tourist Bureau or something like that online and send them a question about the forecast of the "Aqua Alta" just before leaving. They should be able to give you more info.
Douglas
  Italy   Tue 06/15/2004

Venice Hotel
Cheri, I know a great, reasonable hotel in Venice but I can't get your address to work. Please e-mail me and I will give you the information. Thanks Kay in Tennessee
Kay Tracy <email>
Chattanooga, Tn   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

HOSTELS IN SAN SEBASTIAN
Hostals in san sebastian Christine....check this web page: www.hostels.com/es/availability.php/HostelNumber.414
CHARLIE
NEW ORLEANS, LA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Spring Hiking in the Dolomites
Three years ago I was on a RS tour in the area you mention. There were still patches of snow and the ground was sloppy in many places. Our guide said that in April they had a hard time getting to the inn because of the snow. So, I guess it depends on what kind of hiking you like to do.
Swan
  USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Best Eurail pass to buy
I'm planning a 3 month trip through Europe. I'm flying into London, taking the chunnel to Brussels, then traveling to Amsterdam, a few places in Germany, Prague, then Italy, Spain and France, returning by chunnel to London. I'm planning on spending a week to two in Germany with friends, a week in Prague, and about 4-5 weeks in Italy and Spain and a week in France, which leaves me about a month to kill without the pass. Any suggestions on the best pass to get and the best usage of it would be appreciated. Regards, Michael
michael
s.f., CA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Ljubljana to Budapest
What's the best driving route to get from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Budapest, Hungary? I've heard that it is best to go through Austria, not through Croatia.
dianne <email>
kitchener, on   canada   Mon 06/14/2004

Italy tour — Dolomites
We are planning a Rick Steves Italy tour in Apr/May 2005 and wondered what accomodation and/or sights,trails are open at this time of year...I am reading Rick Steves Italy 2004 tour book and am drawn to information that says much of the area and trails are NOT open till mid June...we love hiking...would this be a problem at this time??
Barry McMeekan <email>
North Vancouver,CANADA,    USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Hostals in san sebastian
Do you know the update e mail address for hostal lasa in san sebastian?
christine mckenna <email>
jersey city, nj   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Transportation Nice airport to Antibes France
We are flying into Nice with our final destination being Antibes. In the past we have rented a car but will not this time. Does anyone have a recommendation for the cheapest/easiest mode of transportation for 3 people traveling together. We know that Antibe has a rail station but can't find out if there is one at the airport. Thanks for any help here.
Lise <email>
Orlando, fl   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Travel to Ireland
I am looking for two very nice B&Bs. One in Galway, preferably Salthill and the second in Dingle. Also has anyone stayed in the clybaun hotel in salthill?
Maureen Broms <email>
MA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Accommodations
Where is a convenient and decent place to stay the night before a 9:00 a.m. departure from Rome (FCO)?
Tom Harper <email>
Marietta, GA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Saving digital photos
I was wondering if the internet cafes have cd burners (generaly in larger cities) what I want to do is burn my digital photos to a CD to free up memory chip space. Also, do they have usb ports and windows? (newer than windows 95). Thinking of using a jump drive. I like thew idea of using an I-pod but YIKES they cost more than the camera. Or any other ideas
Dave Anderson <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

unknown hill in Honeburg, Germany
Does anyone know what the huge white hill/pile in Honeburg Germany is? You pass it along the train route from Prague to Frmakfurt.
Ellen <email>
Burke, VA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Bringing home Olive Oil
Laurie — we shipped 40 liters of olive oil from Assisi when we were there 3 years ago. No problems. Also friends have brought us bottles home in their carryon before and again no problem. It's easier than bringing home wine.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Pilot Guides: Morrocco for Ashley
I watched the show last night and I beleive its called Auberge de Sabala. The spelling is probably wrong but I hope this helps.
Cindy
ON   Canada   Mon 06/14/2004

Olive Oil from Italy..Can you bring it home?
Does anyone know if there are restrictions on bringing home olive oil from Tuscany?
Laurie <email>
Edina, MN   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Breakfast in Paris
Can anyone recomend a location for a hearty English/American breakfast in Paris? I'm staying in the St. Germain area in September. MC
Malcolm <email>
Charleston, S.C.   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

PICKPOCKETS
JDCWC...after having traveled in over 40 countries, I can recommend a neck pouch every day..if you become accustomed to wearing it, you will forget it is there....you will enjoy travel more if you are not concerned about safety. ....a money belt is OK, but too hard to get into...the pouch is easy.....I wear two cameras and keep both under my jacket out of sight.
ANDY
LAMAR, CO   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

Capri pants
Are capri pants considered appropriate dress for women in London and Paris?
N Healy <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

BULLFIGHTS IN NIMES
Bev...try google.com search for “Nimes bullfights” and see what you find.
CARL
SAN ANTONIO, TX   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

FLYING BW MUNICH AND BUDAPEST
SAM....I found www.germanwings.com which flies from Munich to Budapest.
MARY
BALTIMORE, MD   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

British Airways and Luggage
My wife and I will be travelling to Paris with British Airways. We will be carrying on our bags and we were wondering if BA is pretty tight about their weight limitations. On their website it says their weight regs. are 13lbs. Any experiences with BA and this issue?
Josh <email>
Yakima, WA   USA   Mon 06/14/2004

copenhagen airport transfer service
Does anyone know of a airport transfer service in Copenhagen. I am interested in getting my 75 year old mother from Kastrup airport to Hornbaek on the northern coast of Sealand. It is about a 45 minute drive. The train is getting to be difficult for her with luggage.
Lisa <email>
Orangevale, CA   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

AMSTERDAY, BRUGGE, BRUSSELS
Sandra~~~~~~ Go to google.com and search for Brugge Sights, Amsterdam Sights etc...you will find a listing of those places appealing to travelers. ...you can pick what you want to see in each city...I did that and organized a week visiting those three ....only you can decide what you are interested in..... You can also search “Brugge Accommodations” to select a place to stay in the part of town you choose and a price acceptable to you. ....forget day trips because there is too much to see in town.
HARVEY
AUSTIN, MIN   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Bullfights in Nimes France
I'm planning a trip to Nimes in April of 2005 and would like to find a website that would have a calendar of scheduled bullfights. Can anyone help? Thanks Bev.
Bev. <email>
Silverdale, Wa   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Men's Fashion
As a 35 year old man it is getting hard for me to stay fashionable even here in the U.S, but does anyone have any tips on what would be fashionable dress in Europe? (other than "no khakis, dark clothes etc") Any websites with good pics?
Kelly <email>
Dearborn, MI   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Amsterdam, Bruge, Brussels — -Any suggestions??
My friend and I are planning a 7-day trip to Amsterdam, Bruge, and Brussels July 30-Aug 5 and we would greatly appreciate any suggestions on where to stay, where to eat, how much time to spend in each city, and any possible day trips. Thanks so much! sandy
Sandra Kasper <email>
Chevy Chase, MD   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Dealing with tides in Venice
Venice is very prepared for the water that rises into the city. They have raised walkways available and people walk on them. The locals carry boots about a foot tall. The occasional, or frequent flood just adds more color to the experience and shouldn't be a deterent to visiting Venice.
Swan
  USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Travelling Rome to Amalfi
One way to get there is to take a train from Rome to Naples, then switch to the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. Outside the Sorrento train station you can catch a bus to Amalfi.
Swan
  USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Use of Mobile Radios in Paris
Are we allowed to bring walkie talkies from the USA and use them in Paris? Any feeback would be appreciated! We leave on Thurdsay...6/16/04. Thank you!
Michelle Roach <email>
Mars, PA   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Car rental in France
Absolutely, rent your car at Orly. You do NOT want to drive in Paris if you can help it!
Mary
WI   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Pickpockets
In response to pickpockets. I have traveled to Europe many, many, many times and the only times I have ever had problems are in Italy. Wear your money belt or neck pouch under your clothers and put your money, credit/ATM cards (carry 2 in case a machine keeps one) and passport in them. Use a purse or belt bag for the other items you have mentioned. Nothing you would feel terrible about loosing, though, should go in it. If you carry a purse, make sure it closes with a zipper and keep the zipper toward you. You should be ok, then. I carry a small amount of money in my bag, but nothing I would feel bad about loosing. I always thought I would be aware and not a victim of pickpockets, but have learned otherwise. It is impossible to know they are doing it if they are good, so just take the other precautions and don't worry about it!
Mary
WI   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Pickpockets
Is the neckpouch/money belt mostly necessary on outings to major tourist locations? Or should we always wear one? I am not only getting a little nervous with the prospect of having all of our papers/money/credit cards stolen, but I also can't fathom not having a purse or small day pack to hold a camera, lipstick, sunglasses, maps, hotel key, etc. Is it just Americans who are targeted? I can't see the French not carrying purses when they're shopping or having lunch or dinner.
jdcwc
atlanta, ga   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Car rental — day vs. distance/parking
My daughter and I are eagerly awaiting our 2 week trip to France. We have decided to take a couple of short trips instead of staying the entire 2 weeks in Paris. We'll spend 2 nights in Lille with friends, a day pass to London, a day at Versailles and we'll spend 3 days around the Loire valley. I had planned on renting a SIXTI Smart Coupe from Paris, for 3 days, to drive to Chartres and Chateau de Chambord. We already have hotel reservations at Grand St. Michel at Chambord, so parking won't be a problem. My dilemma is that the Paris Central and Defense offices are not open on Sunday to rent. The closest office for rental on Sunday would be Orly. Should we rent at Orly and drive down, or rent Saturday at an office nearer to us, and try to find parking near our Rue Cler hotel? Thanks!
jdcwc
Atlanta, GA   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

London/St Pauls
For those people planning a trip to London soon please be aware that the dome of St Pauls is obstructed with scaffolding now so if you climb the 500 steps you will not be able to look down into the Cathedral. Outside views would not be affected. The Cathedral is currently being cleaned and we were told it will take four years to complete this task. We enjoyed visiting Temple Church on this trip to London. After reading The DaVinci Code it was a must see for us. Enjoy London to the lucky travellers who will be going there soon!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Sun 06/13/2004

rome to amalfi
What is the best way to get from rome to amalfi?
leslie <email>
  USA   Sun 06/13/2004

TRAVEL FROM CASABLANCA TO BARCELONA
YAHRU BARUTI~~~~~~~~~Go to google.com and ask for “ferries Casablanca to france”...then check raileurope.com for “fares and schedules” from the name of the ferry landing to Barcelona.
HARVEY
DULUTH, MIN   USA   Sun 06/13/2004

Tipping Train Conductors?
Is it customary to tip the train personnel when you have a sleeper or couchette on an overnight train? Thank you.

St. Paul, MN   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

FLAYING BW MUNICH AND BUDAPEST
SAM....there are a number of discount airlines, but I have not found one flying this route. ..you might try these: elvira.he/elvira.dll, easyjet.com, skyeurope.com, skyscanner.com, applefares.com, easyjet.com.
ANDY
ST LOUIS, OH   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

TIDES IN VENICE
FARPEN...... I have copied this from Frommers book on Venice....."You must walk everywhere in Venice and where you cannot walk, you go by water. Occasionally, from FALL TO SPRING, you have to walk in water, when extraordinarily high tides known as acqua alta invade the lower parts of the city, flooding Piazza San Marco for a few hours. The difficulty of protecting Venice and its lagoon from dangerously high tides has generated extravagant plans and so many committee reports that the city may sink as much under the weight of paper as under water. " ... sounds like the dates are impossible to predict.
ROGER
DALLAS, TX   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

tides in Venice
We're planning a trip to Tuscany, Venice and Rome for December 2004. I hear that the tides can come in and make the going kinda tough in Venice. I been looking around on line and can find no schedule or information on the tides. I don't want to book our time in Venice for when it's high tide. Does anyone out there in Rickstevesland know anything about the tides or a web site or a book or an old italian guy who knows. Thanks.
farpen <email>
river park, ca   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

Flying b/w Munich and Budapest
Does anyone know of a cheaper way to fly r/t from Munich to Budapest? It seems that some websites give discounts if you're based in Europe, but if you're in US the prices jump up. Any advise?
Sam <email>
San Francisco,    USA   Sat 06/12/2004

Travel from Casablanca to Barcelona
I want to get from Casablanca to Barcelona. I'm open to going by air, bus or train
Yahru Baruti <email>
San Pablo, CA   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

Aran Islands parking lots
Has anyone left his/her car at a ferry parking lot for the Aran Islands? Did you feel it was secure enough to leave large bags in your car trunk while taking just an overnight bag to the island? Jinny
Jinny <email>
St. Louis, MO   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

Dublin Hotels
We are have really good deal in Dublin at a hotel on Parnell Square on Great Denmark Street. Is this an good/safe area to be staying at for 3 days this summer.
Neil Murray <email>
Calgary, Ab   Canada   Sat 06/12/2004

AIRHITCH.COM
Ryan....do a word search for airhitch until you find an information page....often you can find a page with travelers comments. I wouldnt try them without hearing from some users...from all I hear about them, there are too many restrictions for me.
CLYDE
BUFFALO, NY   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

CINQUE TERRE
Diane~~~~~~do a word search for Riomaggiore accommodations ...when we arrived we walked the town and looked at apartments before renting one. ...you should have no trouble finding a room and it is recommended that you inspect before renting....some of the housing in that part of Italy is rather primitive....but appealing.
MINNIE
SAN JOSE, CA   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

UNIVERSITY HOUSING
Bev...try a google.com search for “university housing” or better list your town name and university accommodations ...I have used college housing, but it is usually limited to the weeks during which school is in recess which limits the time you can use them.
LAMAR
HOUSTON, TX   USA   Sat 06/12/2004

Convent Lodging in Italy
The e-mail address for the list of convents in Italy that provde accomodations to travelers is www.santasusanna.org Click on the visitor information to see the list of convents in Rome, Assisi, Florence, San Giovanni, Venice and San Gimingnano areas. Our family (including 4 children)has stayed at several throughout Italy. They are always immaculate, comfortable and very safe, and very economical!
Holly <email>
Military Overseas,    Germany   Sat 06/12/2004

Traveling through Calabria, Italy
A friend and I are traveling to Calabria, Italy in September. We have our reservations for Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento and in Palermo on the last nite. We will be traveling by train through Calabria for about a week and plan to stop in Bagnara and Belmonte. Anyone know anything about these towns and can you recommend lodging, restaurants, things to see and do? Thanks!
Susan Sloan <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Zagora, Morocco
Question: I was just watching the show "Pilot Guides" and Ian Wright was in Morocco. He was in the town Zagora, and stayed at an old restored Kasbah called Auberge something. If anyone knows the name of it I'd be forever greatful, as I hope to travel to Morocco soon.
Ashley K <email>
Victoria, BC   Canada   Fri 06/11/2004

Rome Hotels
Finding a hotel in Rome that matched our specifications was not problem once my party and I arrived. There was actually a "concierge" type booth in the train station that helped us select an air-conditioned hotel that was reasonable and very nice. They called the hotel immediately and booked it right there. This on-the-spot reservation went very smoothly even in August, a busy month! Also try any tourism bureau.
EM
The Dunes,    USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Luggage storage/transportation for a month
I will be studying in the Fall in London and then in the Spring in Florence. I am hoping to travel for my winter break but I have no idea what to do with my "living luggage" while i'm traveling. I want to just take a backpack with me for the month but I know that storing luggage isn't as easy as it used to be. If anyone has any ideas as to how I can get my large suitcases from London to Florence without me having to bring them with me, traveling for a whole month that would be great!! I'm willing to pay, not a lot but some. Would just flying my bags be the best way? Please...any advice would really help!
Lindsey <email>
Madison, WI   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Marais!!!
Steve — The Marais is a GREAT! area!!! Can you tell we loved it? You absolutely must have a picnic in the Place des Vosges! We were just there two weeks ago and it really was really the highlight of our picnicing experience. We were at the Hotel Jean d'Arc and could walk over there whenever we wanted as it was about two blocks away so we breakfasted, lunched and dined there several times. One evening we had a bottle of champagne and a gendarme came over and was concerned about the glass, but then let it go. We would have been happy to have stowed it, but then he said, eh, pas de probleme! The whole area is very cool and there were lots of unique shops. Lots of good food places, too. We will never stay in any other part of Paris again! You will have a great time!
Ben
Madson, WI   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Re Shuttle from CDG to Paris
Bob — I am surprised that the shuttle service you are using would schedule an automatic time of 30 minutes after your scheduled arrival. There are different shuttle companies that operate out of CDG. We are using an outfit named "Airport Connection" Website is www.airport-connection.com Once you make a reservation: They track your flight. There is a toll-free number to call when you arrive at the baggage claim. We have received an email confirmation with directions as to where to go to meet the shuttle. Since I have not used them before I cannot comment their service until we get back from France at the end of June. Hope you get the situation resolved to your satisfaction.
Steven <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Euronight from Budapest to Venice???
Has anyone taken the Euronight Train from Budapest to Venice? What is the train like? My wife and I have 1st class reservations with a private sleeper. I would just like to know of what quality this train is. Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated. We are travelling as part of our honeymoon and will have two suitcases each. Thanks in advance
Dan <email>
Yonkers, ny   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Marais
Steven, We stayed in the Marais neighborhood May 14-16 at the grand Hotel du Loiret. I'm not sure if that's near the place you have booked. I thought this neighborhood was fantastic! Very clean, with lots of cute stores and shops. We were about a 5 mintute walk from the Hotel de Ville and it's metro stop. Rick mentions in his book that this neighborhood has a large gay population. This seemed true for us (we especially noticed it on our last day — a Sunday). I thought this was a great area. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Kelly <email>
  USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Hotel Muguet vs. Grand Hotel Leveque
My husband and I are travelling to Paris this summer and are trying to decide between Hotel Muguet and Grand Hotel Leveque. Any suggestions on which one is better?
Kirsty <email>
vancouver, bc   can   Fri 06/11/2004

Shuttle to Paris
I recently made an online reservation for a shuttle from CDG airport to our apartment in Paris. They asked for my flight arrival time and from that their pickup time was automatically generated. It was only 30 minutes later! Seems to me that doesn't allow enough time at all to allow for disembarking, picking up luggage, and customs. However, it would not allow me to override the time and when I tried to email them all I got was a computer-generated response. Has anyone had experience with this shuttle.? Is it relatively easy to get the next one if we miss our reserved one? What if it is already full? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Bob <email>
Lakewood, Wa   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Barcelona lodging
Dwight, for cheap accomodations in Barcelona, try eurocheapo.com Toby
Toby <email>
  USA   Fri 06/11/2004

So, we are off to Paris!
My wife, daughter, and I leave for Normandy and Paris this Sunday. Will be staying in Normandy for 7 days visiting Rouen, Bayeux, D Day Beaches, Mont St. Michel, Honfleur, Etretat, and Giverny. Paris will be an 8 day stay. Visit all of the obvious as well as day trps to Chartres and Versailles.

Did have on e question about Paris. We will be in an apartment in the Marais area. Specifically, a block or 2 from the Republique on Boulevard du Temple. Has anyone stayed there or is familliar with that area. If so, and you can offer amy more information about the area...please let me know.

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you folks on here! Good luck and stay safe in all of your travels!
Steven <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Fri 06/11/2004

Carry-on Weight
Although it wasn't BA, my folks' bags were weighed for their international flight on Cathay Pacific. They were sent to the side scale and had to remove items until the bags were in compliance. When they went back to the clerk, she weighed them again before issuing their boarding pass. BA may be more lenient, but I'd be prepared to check the bags.
Zaida
CA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

BRITISH AIRWAYS Carry-On Weight Limit
We are having no trouble at all fitting our stuff into carry-on size bags; however, they definitely weigh more than 13 pounds each. That is British Airways official carry-on limit for economy-fare travelers. Since the wheeled RS bags weigh 8 lbs. empty, it doesn't take much to reach 13. With an extra pair of shoes, toiletries, etc., mine weighs in at about 16 lbs. That doesn't count my "purse" (small day-bag) with tour-book, water bottle, etc. Has anyone actually had their bag weighed — and rejected (or seen it happen to others)?

CA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Florence B&B
Does anyone have experience with the Casa Di Barbano B&B in Florence? Or any other recommendations for a budget B&B?
Kathy <email>
Jasper, GA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

University Housing
How do we find universities in Europe that provide accommodations?
Bev in Iowa <email>
Centerville, IA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Travel Bag
I will be moving to Scotland to get my masters in September and I am looking for a good day shoulder bag that I could use instead of a purse. Something that would hold a small guide book or something of that nature. Not too expensive either. Can anyone suggest anything?
Katie <email>
Ramona, CA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

25" Suitcases
Stephanie — You can survive with a 25" suitcase or a carryon — BUT not both. 25" suitcase are so bulky and heavy. If you have to have that much space, carry two carry on size.
Frank P <email>
Centennial, CO   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Paris Hotel
Caroline, I tried your e-mail and got someone else. So you are off to Paris. Hope you have a wonderful time. My wife and I recently stayed at the Londres Eiffel Hotel and I think it meets all your criteria although I can't remember specifically what the towels were like. It has ac, an elevator, is very clean, near the Eiffel Tower, nicely decorated rooms (not large), good public spaces and is about a 10 minute walk from the Metro. It is a 3 star hotel. 1 rue Augerau, tel. 01 45 51 63 02, www.londres-eiffel.com and e-mail at info@londres-eiffel.com. The staff were also very professional, cordial and helpful. If you have any other questions about Paris I would be glad to try to help. Have a great trip.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Cinque Terre
Looking for a good place to stay in Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore)??
Diane Kerr <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Paris: Gare de Lyon to Bus 69 connection
Paris bus connection: can I catch bus #69 from Gare de Lyon and get off at the corner of Rue Roquette and Rue Saint Maur? If so, is it ok to board bus with carry on luggage?
Tom <email>
Baton Rouge, LA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Airthitch.com
I'm thinking of using Airhitch.com. Does anyone have any experience with them?
Ryan <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Tour Guide needed in Istanbul
Looking for a tour guide in Istanbul for 2hrs. Timeframe is August
Glen <email>
San Francisco, ca   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

need advice on two places/AGRIturismo in tuscany area
Message: I am planning an October trip to Tuscany area and found a place called 'AGRITURISMO LA GINESTRA'...im under the impression that it is in Umbria, but cant be sure. it sounds nice, but i would like some outside advice on it, and reviews. Has anyone ever stayed here or heard of it? if not, is there anyone willing to recommend any options for further research? i dont really know where to find good reliable reviews from prior visitors.

Another place i am looking at now is called 'LE Torri di Bagnara' in Umbria. If anyone is willing to offer anything on this place as well, it would be so appreciated. Thank you in advance!
elizabeth <email>
oberlin, oh   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Elizabeth — agriturismo
A wonderful farm stay in Tuscany can be had at La Crociona http://www.lacrociona.com/ which is about 1.5 miles from Montalcino. there are many little towns very close (within a half hour)Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Sant Antimo, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento, Murlo. E-mail if you have questions. hschulte47@yahoo.com
Henry <email>
Wichita, Ks   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Packing not so light
I've just returned from a two-week trip to Italy and my friend and I both brought 25" suitcases along with carry-on size bags. We took about 5 train trips (2nd class) throughout Northern Italy and I have to say the big luggage really stressed us out because it was hard to get it on and off the train and even harder to find a place to store it (a lot of people laughed at us too). I know there is a lot more room in 1st class for storage so that will make it somewhat better. Also a lot of our hotels didn't have elevators (or had really scary ones) so it was a pain to get our luggage in and out of our rooms. Next time I travel to Europe I will take about a third of what I took this time.
Stephanie
Beaverton, OR   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

flycheapabroad.com
Has anyone ever used flycheapabroad.com? I'm thinking of buying a ticket from this site, but wanted to check first.
Crystal <email>
Mobile, AL   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Judy in Pleasanton, Cinque Terre Hotel
I stay at the Agave Hotel (in Rick's books) in Monterosso. The front rooms face the street and the ocean. No balconies, but terrific views. And reasonable rates.
Swan
  USA   Thu 06/10/2004

To Natalie in Orlando
try www.londontown.com for almost everything in London. I found a nice hotel for 39 GBP in April thru them.
Swan
  USA   Thu 06/10/2004

TRAVEL FROM MILANO TO CINQUE TERRE
GERARD~~~~~~~You can get from Malpensa to Vernazza easily....take the bus from the airport to the RR station in Milano and take the train to Vernazza...I think there is only one change of trains...ask to be sure.... Don’t consider the bus.
BELASSO
SANTA FE, NM   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

TRAVELING NOT SO LIGHT
Venice Leddy....yes, you can do it with a small wheeled bag...just be wise in packing fewer clothes...remember you can wear the same clothes every day because you will see different people; so take one change and two pair of shoes and anything more you think you will need....Italy this time of year offers mild weather.
NANAIE
SAN DIEGO, CA   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Transit from Athens to Dalmatian coast Allan...try europebyair.com at 1 888 387 2479, easyjet.com, virgin-express.com, or skyeurpe.com. STAMERIER HOBOKEN NJ
STAMERIER
HOBOKEN,    USA   Thu 06/10/2004

PLEASE HELP-looking for more info on a post made on here.
I am trying to locate someone who posted a message on the board about 'alternative accomodations' in italy. There was no email available, and no specific name was given for the accomodations recommended. I would really like to find the place they stayed at but will need at least a name of it or something to help me find it on my own. The post-er's name was 'PAULA -from Maynooth/Ireland, USA...post dated 10/21/02'

The post was about agritourism in Certaldo, Tuscany, but that is all i really know about it. Please, if anyone can help me to find either the person who wrote the reccomendation or the actual farm, it would be so greatly appreciated, as i am trying to plan a trip for this OCtober. Many thanks in advance.
elizabeth <email>
oh   USA   Thu 06/10/2004

Packing not so light
I like to pick up goodies, also. I usually take along a light-weight bag that I can wad up and stick in a corner of my suitcase. At least if I have to carry the weight, it's in two different bags — one in each hand. Usually I check the clothes on the way home and take the "goodie bag" as a carry-on. My daughter's and my main souvenirs from Italy were cookbooks — which were heavy. We mailed them home from Siena and "yes", we use them all the time. We obviously couldn't do this with crystal.
Sherry <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Packing not so light
I forgot to add that the reason I take the larger suitcase is because I love to buy goodies in foreign lands. I actually do not overpack clothes.
Venice <email>
D,    USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Traveling Not So Light
My daughter and I booked a all-train trip to Italy for 2 weeks last year. Due to extreme, crazy circumstances, I also went to Denmark/Sweden with my husband prior to the Italy trip — so the Denmark/Italy trip was a test run. We got by just fine with Rick's backpacks — except for carrying back the heavy crystal! When my daugher and I went to Italy, we took even less (I think the backpack with clothes, etc. weighed 13#)and this year when we go to France, I will take even less. Pack your stuff, carry it around for a little while in the house and go back and see what you can eliminate. Good luck and have a great trip
Sherry <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Transit from Athens to Dalmatian coast
Anyone know an efficient, cheap way to get from Athens to Dubrovnik, Split or Slovenia? I'm told driving thru Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro is not safe. Any ideas?
Allan <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Traveling not so light
Though I follow all most all of Rick Steves travel suggestions,the only one I have problem with is packing light. I am leaving on a 2 week vacation to Italy where I will take 6 trips with my 1st class rail pass. Please tell me someone else out there has done this with a 25" suitcase.
Venice Leddy <email>
Dixon, Ca   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Travel from Milan to Cinque Terre
We rented a car, but are arriving on separate flights. In case one of us is delayed, can one get from Milan Malpensa airport to Vernazza in the Cinque Terre via bus, rail,or?
Gerard> <email>
Mt. Vernon, WA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Hand Held Motorola Radios
On the graffetti board I've read that two way radios are not allowed in Europe. Anyone know if they are talking about sophisticated radios or those inexpensive Motorola type hand helds? We were planning on taking them to keep in touch while hiking in Europe. If they aren't allowed I certainly don't want to carry the extra baggage.
Claudia <email>
Evergreen, CO   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

To Kate re:public alcohol
In general, you are allowed to drink alcohol in public just as you would any other drink. So yes, you are certainly free to enjoy your wine picnic on the beach, in the park, street or whereever you like without being hassled or arrested like you would in the US...it's nice to be treated like an adult!
scott
london,    UK   Wed 06/09/2004

Paris Hotel/apt
Any specific Paris Hotel/room suggestions, for one single lady travelling this July? Want charm, xclean,safe,ns,ac,and great towels! Thanks
Caroline Mottaz <email>
SF, CA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Munich, Castles, Salzburg Itinerary
I am traveling to Munich and Salzburg in Aug. and want to also see Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles. Is it best to take the train from Fussen directly to Salzberg (if that is even possible??) or just do a day trip to the castles from Munich and then take the train from Munich to Salzburg?
Kristen G <email>
New York, NY   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

convents in Rome
To Elizabeth; to get the type of accomodations you want in Rome, do one of two things (or both) call your local Catholic diocese office or — even better- get on the internet to santa Susanna church in Rome. it is the American Catholic church in Rome and they have an excellent web site.
Ed
TX   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

London Sleeping Accomodations
hello everyone! i'm looking for a cheaper hotel, hostel, b&b, or anywhere to sleep in london for this summer... just for a weekend. the dorm prices are great in hostels, but we're looking for a private double... any suggestions are appreciated. thanks!
Natalie <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Bath, London, Sorrento & Cinque Terre
My friend and I are traveling in September of '04 to Bath, London, Sorrento and Cinque Terre. We are looking for wonderful (clean and comfortable) twin accomodations with moderate rates and a balcony view. We'd also like tips on great food places! After reading the postings I have a few good leads, but would like more. Thanks a lot!
Judy <email>
Pleasanton, ca   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

children in Europe
Where are the best attractions for a six year old in Europe?
AEV <email>
  USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Alcohol
Is it legal to drink alcohol outside in Europe? Everyone always mentions drinking wine at a picnic, so I just wanted to be sure it was okay to do this. Thank you.
Kate
Madison, NJ   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Hotel in Mont St Michel
Sherry in San Diego~~~We stayed at Terasse Poulard on the Mont 2 yrs ago & loved it. Very quiet. The rooms are scattered about and each one different. Ours overlooked an old cemetery and we only could hear birds and the wind. Yes, you will encounter some steps — at least we did. The check in desk was nowhere near our room so we had to search through nooks and crannies. We divided up the luggage and only took what was essential for the overnight stay — left everything else in the car to lighten the load for the climb. We were there for the high tides which was awesome.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Tuscany — Rome
Also going to Tuscany/Rome and staying in Belforte. Here is a link: http://www.belforte.net/ or www.emmeti.it/Welcome/Toscana/Senese/Siena/index.uk.html
linda <email>
Thousand Oaks, CA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Jan...ATMs at the airport
Use the ATMs at the airport to get a bit of currency, enough to get by. Don't go for the exchange stations there...the rate is horrible. Best to have enough for maybe a day, then find a decent place to exchange. Paris Vision on Rue de Rivoli (across from Tuileries Garden and the Louvre) has probably the best exchange rate I've personally encountered. Check with your bank and see if they have fees for using your bankcard or whatever in a foreign country. For example, I use Bank of America and they don't charge fees for withdrawing money at certain branches, so that's what I did...Hey, every little bit helps. *g*
Brandie <email>
  USA   Wed 06/09/2004

(Tuscany/Rome October trip) need help!
I would love some help with a trip I am planning this coming October. I've never traveled to Europe as of yet and am quite frankly, finding the entire process daunting. The intent is to plan two weeks, one in Rome, the other in Tuscany or equivalent(agritourismo) all on a Budget.

I have two major areas of advice I am desperate to find: First, I am trying to find budget accom. in Rome (have been looking for convents and would LOVE any info. anyone has on that)...

And second: The Tuscany part...we are looking for a nice villa/farmhouse/or equivalent suitable for two people (we are celebrating our wedding anniversary-no kids! ) We would love to find somewhere that would immerse us head first into the culture, so if anyone can reccommend a good 'home-stay' type accomodation, it would be very appreciated. As well, any ideas for a small villa or farmhouse would be wonderful. If anyone can help me, please email me personally!! Planning the trip for late October, any and all advice pertaining to Italy is a plus too! Thanks!
Elizabeth <email>
Oberlin, OH   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

EUROS PARIS
Jan.... Yes you can find several ATM machines in De Gaulle airport....go to: ttp://www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp. You will find several listed.
MANNY
EL PASO, TX   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Ireland in January
Diane, I went to school in Ireland, and yes, it is completely freezing there in January. However, I think it's a great time to be there because there are very few tourists and finding accommodations is much easier. I actually love January in Ireland, believe it or not. Lots of soup in warm pubs! It does make packing light rather difficult, because you will need very warm, heavy clothes. But I would still reccommend it.
Catherine
Philly, PA   USA   Wed 06/09/2004

Barcelona, Gothic Hotel
Where is a good budget place to stay in Barcelona in the Gothic Area?
Dwight <email>
Atlanta, Ga   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Terrasses Poulard — Mont St. Michelle
My daughter has her heart on staying at Mont St Michelle. We have a resevation for one night at Terrasses Poulard. Now I've read that you have to trek up several flight of steep stairs to get to the hotel. I would like feedback from anyone who has stayed there or is there somewhere else you would recommend?
Sherry <email>
SanDiego, ca   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Trips in January
Were think about a trip to Ireland and/or Italy. Because of time we can only go the middle of January. Can you tell me if the weather will be so miserable that it won't make the trip enjoyable?
Diane <email>
Burbank, CA   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Staying in Normandy
ELIZABETH — My husband and I stayed in Bayeux while we were in Normandy. It was our favorite small town of the trip. We stayed at the Hotel Lion D'Or.
Rachel <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Lodging in a Castle
My 15 year old son and I are traveling through Europe (Salzburg, Venice, Switzerland (not sure where), Paris and London. Along the way, I would love for us to have the experience of staying overnight in a castle. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated! Nyla
Nyla Simon <email>
Puyallup, WA   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Munich airport transfer
FOR FRANK MEDFORD (2) http://www.munich-airport.de/EN/index.html
<email>
  Wales   Tue 06/08/2004

Hotel D'ecole
Sorry Sherri~~meant to say we did not stay at this hotel as my husband likes to be closer to Eiffel Tower and Rue Cler.
Susan
  USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Hotel D'Ecoles
Sherri in Cincinnati~~~ if the Hotel D'Ecoles is on Rue d'ecoles in Paris it is the hotel that was recommended to me by a friend. We did stay there, however. It is very near the Sorbonne and walking distance to Notre Dame. My fiend was very happy with this hotel and I think she said it had a small courtyard. Hope this helps! Have a great trip!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Munich airport transfer
FOR FRANK MEDFORD: http://www.muenchen.de/Stadtleben/Transportation/Public_Transportation/60214/index.html
<email>
  WALES   Tue 06/08/2004

luggage faciliteis in French RR stations
David~~~~~~~most French RR stations and airports no longer offer luggage lockers as a security measure. You will have to wait until you get there to ask about them....even if they have lockers today, they my be removed tomorrow. however they will probably have a left luggage counter....usually quite costly.
ELROY M
AMSTERDAM , NY   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

euros-paris
Is there an ATM at Charles de Gaulle where I can get some Euros?
Jan <email>
Truckee, ca   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

AVOIDING GERMAN AIRPORT TAX
Frank....every airport I have flown into in Europe has public transportation from the airport to downtown. ..I usually price the train or the bus to determine which is cheapest.. Ask at the tourist information office in the airport where to catch it and how much it costs..most buses and trains I have taken have cost $8 to $10 .....don’t take a cab.
walter
speegle, wa   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

oxygen cylinder
We will be travelling to France soon and my husband requires a cylinder of oxygen to be with him at all times. Does anybody know of a source for oxygen and do you need a prescription to purchase it. Any help would be appreciated
Arlene <email>
Nanaimo, bc   Can   Tue 06/08/2004

Hotel Question
Has anyone stayed at the Hotel des Grand Ecoles? I have reservations there in Sept. and would love some feedback. Thanks
Sheri <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Edinburgh dining
I am looking for a restaurant in Edinburgh, open on Sunday and/or Monday night, where a group of about 6-8 people can have a good meal in surroundings that are either typically "old Scotland" or, alternatively, a place with a good view of something. Recommendations?
Chris Cantu <email>
Woodway, Wa   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Scotland for 18 year olds
My 18 year old daughter and friend are accompanying us to Scotland. They are going to take off on their own for about 4-5 days from the St Andrews area and do some sight seeing via trains and bus, then meet us back in Edinburgh. They need some ideas of fun places. Strenuous hiking is out, as one girl has back problems. Any ideas?
Chris Cantu <email>
Woodway, Wa   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Scotland for 18 year olds
My 18 year old daughter and friend are accompanying us to Scotland. They are going to take off on their own for about 4-5 days from the St Andrews area and do some sight seeing via trains and bus, then meet us back in Edinburgh. They need some ideas of fun places. Strenuous hiking is out, as one girl has back problems. Any ideas?
Chris Cantu <email>
Woodway, Wa   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Avoiding German Airport Tax on Rental Cars
Car rentals commencing at airports in Germany pay a fee of 17% of the total rental cost. On $500 rental, that's $85. I want to pick up the car in downtown Munich but the cab ride, I'm told, is about $65. What is the cheapest way of getting from the airport to the city?
Frank <email>
Medford, OR   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

RE: Paris airport transfer
You don't say which airport you're landing at. Paris has two main airports and some smaller ones. You'll most likely arrive at either Orly or Charles de Gaulle (CDG) — sometimes referred to as Roissy. Either way, you can use Line B of the RER. A quick explanation: The metropolitan area of Paris is called "l'isle de france." And it is served by no fewer than three rail systems. The Metro covers the main parts of Paris, and is best for ordinary trips to tourist sites. Each Metro route or line is designated by a number: Ligne 1, 2, 3, etc. Look for the "M" signs. The RER reaches out to the suburbs and the airports. Look for the "RER" signs. These lines are lettered. And in the outreaches of greater Paris, there are trams, T1 and T2. There are a number of fare options. You can buy a combination ticket that will get you into central Paris and allow you to transfer to the Metro. Or you can buy a ticket valid for a certain number of rides (a "carnet"). Or a ticket valid for a certain number of days. What you buy depends on your needs. And budget. Get a map of the system. This is really all much simpler than it sounds. You'll find an information booth at the airport and you can ask at the ticket booth at the entrance to the Metro/RER station. The other factor to making life easier for youself is to pack light. You'll be hauling your luggage through some long hallways,up flights of stairs, and sometimes the platforms are crowded. I spent three full days in Paris living out of a daypack, with space for souvenirs. It made my travels more enjoyable. You can download the latest transportation maps of Paris at http://www.citefutee.com/orienter/plans.php# Bon voyage
Michael <email>
Edmonton, AB   Canada   Tue 06/08/2004

Waxing
Nancy, I always let my leg hair get past the "prickly" point. That way the wax can grab it better. Good Luck!
Julianne
Boston, MA   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Transportation from airport to downtown Paris
Kate, We always take the Air France Bus to downtown Paris. You walk out the front of the airport and there is a stand where you purchase your ticket. Very inexpensive (maybe $5 — $8 a person) I can't remember exactly how much. Just ask where it will drop you off (usually near the Arc de Triomphe)- there may be multiple drop off locations — and then you can catch a cab or the train or walk to your hotel. We have also taken the train from the airport (can be tricky to locate). But you need to know where you are going and the TI is not that helpful. Have fun — hope this helps.
Tina <email>
TX   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

PARIS Airport Transfer
What's the best way to get from the intn'l airport to downstown.
Kate <email>
Santa Rosa, ca   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

To Julianne, MA — Hair Removal
How long does your hair have to be for a wax job to be effective. I've tried waxing before, but I've always had some obvious hair growth within a week.
Nancy
  USA   Tue 06/08/2004

PARIS Airport Transfer
What's the best way to get from the intn'l airport to downstown.
Kate <email>
Santa Rosa, ca   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

INITIATIVE
FOR JOYCE WITH HIEROGLYPHIC E-MAIL ADDRESS: "Initiative" is the same in both languages.
<email>
  Wales   Tue 06/08/2004

Airport Transfer
What's the best way to get from Int'l Airport to the Hotel downtown?
Kate <email>
Santa Rosa, ca   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

RYAN for 2-3 weeks (or 2-3 months, for that matter) an INTERNAL frame pack of about 3000 cu. in. capacity should do the trick. I have used a Kelty Redwing — about 2900 cu. in. — for 10 years now very happily. Of course, if you were to carry a sleeping bag and some other camping gear, the 3000 rule would have to be violated but otherwise, as long as you avoid an EXTERNAL frame, you should be okay. The less you carry the happier you'll be — really! Have a great trip.
k-b
Seattle,    USA   Tue 06/08/2004

To Leslie of CA —— rental car
Since there will be four of you travelling, I would stay with the intermediate class car. You won't have any problem on the roads in England, but the parking at some of the B&B's is limited, so you may have to park a few blocks away.
Brent
WY   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

translation
What is the french translation for the word initialtive
Joyce Troutman <email>
Ypsilanti, MI   USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Normandy
Elizabeth in Hamilton,Ontario~~~We stayed at a hotel in Bayeaux listed in RS — D'Arrouges (sp) and were pleased with it — quiet with parking in a back courtyard. Bayeaux is a charming town with lots of shopping and restaurants that seemed to be on the main street. Arromanches is much smaller and very hilly and appeared to be a great place to spend a night but we just stopped for lunch there. Very charming town.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Re: travelling too light
I travel for a month or two in England, France, and Italy with just a carry-on size backpack plus a purse. The backpack weighs about 18#. I have never had this problem. Maybe there was something else about you that they thought was questionable.
Swan
  USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Finding budget hotels in Venice
Twice I have found good hotels in Venice by checking the info in Let's Go books. These books have the lower priced "budget" accommodations. I chose three or four, e-mailed them with my requirements and chose the appropriate one after I got responses. The rates quoted in books often are no longer accurate and hotels can be booked up. This method saves time and it works.
Swan
  USA   Tue 06/08/2004

Venice Hotels
Kristin from Bellevue: Could you email me the name of the hotel you are talking about? I can't find anything with that price in Rick's book, unless you are talking about Domus Cavanis Thanks.
Cheri <email>
Minneapolis, MN   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

D-Day tours
Steve, My daugher and I are taking a tour with Victory Tours in October — would like to get some feedback from you when you get back to the States. The gentleman seems very nice and accommodating. My dad landed there 60 years ago (at the Big Easy at Omaha) and Roel is going to add it to our tour.
Sherry <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Forgetting Something
Maria, I agree with previous post. The most important things you need are your tickets, passport, hotel info, ATM, medicines and contact stuff (if you wear them)- anything else can be an adventure. If you get there and find out you're cold and didn't pack enough — pick up a sweatshirt or sweater from Paris
Sherry <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Storing Luggage in Cordoba
We plan to take the AVE from Madrid to Sevilla, stopping over at Cordoba for a few hours. Would you recommend using the storage lockers at the train station? I'm very worried about theft. Thanks!
Ana <email>
  USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Find a hotel
Joyce — Joyce — We stayed in the most perfect place in St. Paul de Vence — Le Hameau — beautiful, romantic, gardens, views to the ocean, pool -everything
lynne <email>
Frederick, MD   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Friendly warning about packing light!
Now I must say that I love the idea of traveling light, and that Rick is absolutely right about this. However, I feel that it is my duty to share with my fellow travelers the fact that I was flagged as a security risk for packing too lightly.

I was in Paris for one month and only had a small backpack, no checked bags. This concerned the agents at the airline desk and I was given a security risk sticker as a result. I am wondering if this has happened to any of my fellow travelers. Please let me know. Bradwell Jackson
Bradwell Jackson <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Venice hotels
Cheri — we stayed in one of Rick's recommended hotels very near the Accademia bridge for about 60 euros last July. The room (w/bath)was nice (hallways kind of dorm-looking), and it included an incredible breakfast at the fancier hotel across the street (same owner). A lot of people recommend staying outside Venice to save money, but we loved being right there, especially if you want to soak up the magical nighttime with the dueling orchestras and a vaporetto ride. Call around the RS recommendations, and if they're full, ask them if they can recommend another place. It was hot, but the windows let in a nice breeze at night. Have fun!
Kristin <email>
bellevue, WA   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Travel to Italy with kids
Darren, One more thing to add on Italy. You can stay at Convents and Monestaries throughout Italy. They are VERY family friendly,comfortable,quiet,safe and inexpensive. Have stayed at 2 very close to St. Peters. Feel free to e-mail me if you want that information
Holly <email>
Kaiserslautrn,    Germany   Mon 06/07/2004

travel in Italy with kids
We have 4 children, ages 5-17 and have traveled to Italy several times. We have never encountered any problems other than tired feet! Our children prefer to doing it on our own,rather than on tours as the children do not like the slow pace and amount of imformation given. The children enjoy the churches,museums and ruins. The 5 year old LOVED the Sistine Chapel! Have fun and enjoy this experience of a lifetime!
Holly <email>
Kaiserslautern,    Germany   Mon 06/07/2004

Rome Hotels?
Does anyone know of a good, budget hotel in ROme. I already tried all of Steve's picks but theuy are either booked or way too expensive.
Susan
  USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Maria — re: packing for France
Maria — sure, it's common nerves to worry about forgetting something, but think of this to calm yourself: you aren't going to the wild, remote jungle somewhere! They have every imaginable kind of store in France and if you forget something, make an adventure out of buying local!! Relax, make a list and check it twice, but don't sweat the small stuff! I used to do this as well, but after a few trips I realized that whatever I need, I can find it over there...
Renee
CO   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

perfumery tour
We will be in Paris for 3 days and I am wondering if a perfumery or winery tour is worth the time,,any suggestions for one close to the city?
sharon
  USA   Mon 06/07/2004 Luggage lockers
As of this June (6/04) are left

luggage facilties available in major French train stations?
David Brannigan <email>
Brockport, NY   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Accom in Venice, travel Venice to Bergarac
Accom in Venice, I read Lukes reply on accom under $100 but what web site would be the best, also how to get from Venice to Bergarac ? cant find much out, need to do the trip as quick as poss and as cheep as poss
Ross <email>
Perth, WA   Aus   Mon 06/07/2004

Cheri
Cheri — I would suggest that you go to a travel site (priceline, travelocity, etc.) they can help you find many hotels, hostels, B+B's, etc. for under your $100 limit.
Luke
MN   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Forgeting?
I am starting the packing process (Leave in 5 days) and feel like I am forgeting something for my tour of france. Is this common nerves?
Maria
FL   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

AUSTRALIA TO POLAND
BINDY.....Go to the webpage of the airlines flying from Adelaide to Poland....click on fares and schedules...you can research the page to give you departure times and arrival times so you will know how long it takes to fly the route....I usually try several airlines because some have longer layovers at their hubs than others.
N HANDY
WARSAW , POLAND   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

HOTELS IN VENICE
Cheri.......I doubt you will find a decent room under $100 in Sept. Many travelers stay in Mestre , a 5 minute ride on the train and a lot cheaper for rooms. We found a hotel only a block from the rr station and rode the train. You don’t need a hotel in the center of Venice to see all of it.....the nights are hot in Sept....be sure to look at your room before renting it and ask about A/C.
<email>
AUSTIN, TX   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

FRANCE TO ITALY
Kirstin: it is pretty hard to find air from avignon to italy....go to www.railtrains.com or raileurope.com and check for rail fares...probably your best route....depends on where you go in Italy..rail serves nearly every small town.
TRUETT
SAN JOSE, CA   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

CARPOOL IN EUROPE
Buying the Europass will save money if you are traveling over many routes and longer time...otherwise I would buy point-to-point tickets, which I find cheaper sometimes. ...compare the cost of the two...go to www.railpass.com/ticket or www.railtrains.com and click on “Fares and Schedules.” For carpooling try these pages: www.iceered.com/neil_finn/europe/uk_carpools.html, www.erideshare.com/clistings.php, or www.digihitch.com/viewlink-59.html.
D MANNY
SHREVEPORT, LA   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Australia to Poland
Would any one be able to tell me how long it takes to fly from Adelaide or Melbourne (in Australia) to anywhere in Poland? Or suggest a web site where I might find that information, THANK YOU!
bindy <email>
Adelaide, SA   AUS   Mon 06/07/2004

Re — D Day Beaches
Elizabeth — If you take one of the many tours of the D-Day Beaches: They usually depart in either Bayeux or Caen. My wife, daughter, and I are staying in Bayeux next week for 3 days! Our tour (Victory Tours) departs from Bayeux. However, if you are touring the D-Day sights on your own...then where you stay isn't as important. Have fun in Normandy!
Steven
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Carpool in Europe
I am looking for email or website addresses on carpooling in Europe! I traveled by carpool last summer and found it to be very safe, cheap and a great way to meet people. But I have lost the website address. Also, I am trying to weigh my options of just purchasing a Europass or waiting until I am in Europe to purchase intercountry train passes (and carpools if I can find the address) as I go. Any suggestions? Where can I find easy to read schedules of trains, distances and times of travel from city to city, and costs?
shecatla <email>
new orleans, LA   USA   Mon 06/07/2004

france to italy
i would like to travel from avignon(france) to italy. i need help with the route or is it better just to fly? I am wanting to do this in the next few days
Kirstin Johnson <email>
seattle/france,    USA   Mon 06/07/2004

Spanish speaking tours
Hi everyone. My husband's parents are going to be in rome and Paris for 2 weeks in the Summer, however, they only speak Spanish. Does anyone know of any good tours in Spanish for these two cities?
Sarah
NY, NY   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Chris try sites that re in Europe http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/en http://www.rail.ch/index_e.htm

  USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Hotels in Venice
My fiance and I are going to Europe for our honeymoon and we are looking to stay in Venice for 1 night. Does anyone know of some decent hotels for under $100? How hot are the nights there in the middle of September?
Cheri <email>
Minneapolis, MN   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Hotels in Caen, France
Hotel in Caen, France other than the 2 mentioned in Rick's book-2 star, possibly 3.
Sally <email>
Wichita, KS   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Teenage things
Jarrod ~ here are a few things that my teenagers enjoyed. In London The London Dungeon, shopping on Kings Road, going to the theater London has the best ever "a must", Covent Garden,Old Bailey, Hard Rock Cafe (it's the orginal one, Abbey Road made famous by the Beetles and some of the London Walks. You can look on the internet for London Walks and see if you can find some that would interest you. Hope this helps.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

D-Day Normandy Beaches
I am planning a 2-3 day stop in Normandy — should I stay in Bayeux or would it be better on the coast — say in Arromanches.
Elizabeth Embleton <email>
Hamilton, Ontario, On   Canada   Sun 06/06/2004

CINQUE TERRE ADVICE
Shannon....you can take the overnight train from Aix en Provence to CT and save the cost of a room and save a day travel time.
CHESTER
DALLAS, TX   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

GERMAN WINGS
Holly.....read comments on this web page under “Flying within Europe”.....I have seen some flyers experiences with that line listed there.
QUINCY
EL DORADO, NM   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

WINTER TRANS ATLANTIC CROSSING
Natalie~~~~~having crossed the Atlantic many times in winter I can tell you that the North Atlantic is unpredictable in December. Be prepared for cold windy weather, storms and rain. If it doesn’t happen you can count your blessings.
RUDY
BANGOR, ME   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

CHEAP AIRFARES
LAURIE; call all the airlines flying to your destination in France and ask about standby tickets.
BEV
SAN FRANCISCO, CA   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

STOWING LUGGAGE IN COPENHAGEN
ELINDA......Every rr staltion and airpport has changed left luggage rules recently. You may not find any place to leave luggage...when you get there ask at the tourist information desk.
KARL
NEW YORK CITY, NY   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

3 WEEKS IN EUROPE NEXT MAY
3 weeks in Europe next May Linda.....we took the Viking cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest last April....you can do three weeks in that time of year easily...it is NOT cool weather. ...many days when we toured the river towns we wore a sweater during mornings and other days not. ....we found the temps over 50 many days.
DARMA
SPOKANE, WA   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

CINQUE TERRE ROOMS
Steve.....my wife and I stayed in Vernazza last fall...went without reservations because I had read you want to see your room before you rent it.....we looked at several before choosing and didnt have a problem finding one ....June will be a crowded time..you may want to select another of the five villages.
DOT
NEW LONDON, CON   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

HOW TO AVOID CURRENCY FEES
Michele.....if you read comments from travelers on this webpage you will see that everyone uses ATMs now.....it is by far the best , easiest and cheapest to convert to foreign currency.
MANNY
EL PASO, NM   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Advice on Bastille
There is this great hostel in Bastille, does any one have any comments on this area? Is it safe during the day/night? Should I avoid the Bastille area?
Dianna <email>
Santa Ana, CA   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

teenage stuff
My mom is dragging me on a trip from london to edinburgh, and while I am excited to see all of those castles, abbeys, and gardens, does anybody have any "teenage stuff" that we could do?
Jarrod <email>
MN   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Finding a hotel
"We are trying to locate a hotel in St Paul, France, not far from Nice. Please help, arriving in Nice by Air on Tues. 6/9/04
Joyce <email>
Colorado Springs,, CO   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Trips is January
Were think about a trip to Ireland and/or Italy. Because of time we can only go the middle of January. Can you tell me if the weather will be so miserable that it won't make the trip enjoyable?
Diane <email>
Burbank, CA   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Lost my Eastern Europe guidebook. Help!
Help! I am desperate. I purchased Rick Steves new Eastern Europe Guidebook this spring for my trip. I was at Wawel Castle in Kracow today and left it on a bench. It was gone when I got back. Does anyone know if it is possible to buy one over here? Would someone please scan the Budapest and Vienna maps so I can locate the hotels I booked in those cities? I am booked at Leo Panzio in Budapest and at Ildiko Budai apartment in Vienna. Both places are on those maps. Thank you so much! Mary
Mary <email>
WI   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Hotel near Eiffel Tower — Paris
We just returned, Friday, from Paris. We had initially thought about following Rick's recommendations for hotels and 2 stars was our limit. But we decided to upgrade just a bit. We found a 3 star hotel at Trocadero (just northwest of the Tower) called Best Western au Trocadero at 3 Avenue Rayond Poincare — 33-147273330, fax 33-147278085. We paid 154 euros per night — really worth it — we thought. We found a non-smoking room (the hotel has 10 of their 27 rooms as non-smoking — 4th and 5th floors). Very helpful staff — all English speaking, generally modern hotel, breakfast for 12 Euros (although we never ate there). Right across the street from Metro stop — Trocadero — M6 (two stops to RER C to Versailles, one transfer to M4 to Ile de la Cite -Notre Dame, etc.

The thing we liked best was access to the Metro, 5 minutes walking to the Eiffel Tower, plenty of good restaurants right around Trocadero turn-about (some with non-smoking sections — amazing for Paris). There is a tabac right next to the hotel to get calling cards, postage, post-cards, etc. Also, romantic walks along the Seine and near the Eiffel Tower are an easy 5-10 minute walk away. We stayed in many of Rick's recommendations when we went to London, Dublin and Dingle Peninsula a couple years ago, but found that the cigarette smoke still got to us. We did find some B&B's though that did not allow smoking on Dingle. I think it's hit or miss in many parts of Europe, but the hotel in Trocadero was a good one.
Kevin <email>
Denver, CO   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

TRENITALIA PASSES
Janice~~~~~~Rail passes are only a good idea it they save you money comapared with buying point-to-point tickets. ...you can do the research on the net...just go to www.railpass.com, alleuroperail.com and railtrains.com and price your tickets. .. Click on “fares and schedules”....only you can decide if they are a good idea, based on your itinerary. ...I have used both p-p and passes....some times it is cheaper to buy rail passes. ...I never buy tickets here because I often change my plans.
HARRY
COLUMBUS, OH   USA   Sun 06/06/2004

Taxi ride from Rome airports
Travelling by taxi from the airport in Rome is fairly expensive. For a family of 4 to travel to the Vatican area, expect to pay around 100 euros ($120 USD). The least expensive way is to catch the shuttle to the train station and take it to the Termini (main station) and hop on the metro (A line) to the Vatican Stop. Just got back from Rome last week, was wonderful!
Holly <email>
Kaiserslautern,    Germany   Sun 06/06/2004

Open Jaws Flights
British Airways has always been remarkably kind and very helpful with every trip I have made. They allowed me to fly from Philadelphia USA to London.... stay there a week.... then fly London to Nice stay another week and then round trip back to London and Philadelphia., for the same price as a Phila. to Nice flight. I imagine any Airline will accomodate your wishes if you ask. Prices can always be negotiated if you are flexible. Just tell them your needs and let them help you. My most expensive flight to Europe was $550.00 and least expensive was $345.00. I know this isn't "open jaws" literally, but it met my needs and saved me a bundle of time and money. Adjust the arrival and departing times so you don't waste a day traveling. We left London in the morning and were in Nice for lunch.
Susie
PA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

To Brent Walker of WY
What type of car did you have in England? We upgraded to an intermediate (probably a Ford Mondeo) since we'll have 2 tall teenaged sons in the back seat, so I'm curious as to whether we've gone "too large".
Leslie <email>
CA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

safe hotel w/ ac .have kids. london, near heathrow airport
I am trying to find a hotel or b&b at a reasonable rate in london near the heathrow airport.Have two children ages 5 & 10.Want air conditioning,clean, quiet and safe. Thanks alot!!
tracey nicholson <email>
frankfort, ky   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Airways Hotel
Has anyone had any experience with Airway's Hotel in London?
Bill <email>
  USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Trenitalia passes
My husband and I will be travelling for 30 days through out Italy starting June 22, 2004 and want to use the trains about 6 times. There will be 3 other couples as well. We are confused about the Trenitalia railpasses. Are they a good idea to purchase here prior to leaving on our trip? The other couples seem to think that Rick advises to by point to point in Italy. Help! Thank you, Janice
Janice <email>
  USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Re: Currency Fees
Just advice: my money strategy when traveling: ATM Card, Use it for cash, use cash as much as possible. Credit Card for major purchases, Required for Hotel Reservations and Rental Card. $500 in Travelers checks for emergencies (ATMS do go down or can be unavailable) $100 to $200 US Dollars...extreme emergencies, you would be amazed how many people will accept (Prefer?) dollars. (Only tke the "new" style bills) Most of the time, I bring all of the Travelers Checks and Cash back.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

RE: Currency fees
Hands down, the best financial instrument is the ATM Card. Check first with your bank to see what fees might be assessed by them, but I have not yet been assessed fees by banks in Europe for ATM transactions. Exchange rates for me are at or near market rates. If the market is getting $1.23 ofr the Euro, It might cost me $1.25 at most through my credit union ATM. If you use Travelers Checks or US dollars and exchange, you can expect to pay closer to $1.32 for that Euro, plus most likely pay a fee for the service. Credit cards can carry fees as well, I have one that charges a currency conversion fee, another that does not, but I have not worked out the rates with the cards. I have noticed that some places in Europe are giving credit card receipts in US Dollars...not sure if I am being hit with a fee on these.

Drawback to ATMs...You have to have the cash in the bank, obviously, but also you have a daily limit; which sometimes, especially at the beginning of the trip, you need more. I did cash some travelers checks the first few days this trip to build a pad, and used credit cards to stretch the cash, but almost all purchases have been local currency through an ATM.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Re: Open Jaws II
Another emerging option is to use low cost budget European AirCarriers to get back to your Round Trip destination, but this carries some risk. Very limited luggage restrictions are one, but more that your overseas carrier has no sympathy if you miss a return flight due to delays of a budget carrier. In this scenario, you would need to be returning from a very far destination (Say Athens to London) and arrive in London on the previous day or more before your return flight...just to be safe.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Re: Open Jaws Flights
Roughly speaking, Open Jaws Flights are originally priced as the sum of half the round trip fare to each city, and on average can be higher cost. Deals, specials, and consolidators mean that you can find deals for the same or less than round trip fare. However, any added cost would easily be made up in the cost of a train ticket back to Amsterdam (or Paris), I would guess at least 100 USD each; plus you would lose a day of your vacation in travel. One tip: some travel agents may not be able to book you open jaws to all destinations if it would involve two airlines that are not allied, or at least one leg would be more expensive. For us, Airgorilla.com was cheapest because they could mix airlines without incurring One-way Fares. We flew into Amsterdam (KLM) and are flying out of Manchester, England (Ammerican Airlines). What you won't get with open jaws are the deep discount specials. ($299 Round trip to London type stuff).
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Confused
I am interested in reserving a sleeper car for a night train, but when I went to Rail Europe's website, they didn't list the specific time I need to travel as one of the choices. I'm confused. Any advice would be great, thanks.
Chris
Princeton, NJ   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Florence>Belforte
I will be traveling alone from Florence to Belforte, what is the easiest (road signs, etc. easy to follow?) and safest mode of transportation. Will I need a car in Belforte?
Linda <email>
Thousand Oaks, , CA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Accommodation in Dorset
I am in the midst of planning our June/July trip to England and am finding Rick's book a life saver. Our only disappointment is he doesn't cover much of the south and we will be visiting Dorset. Does anyone have an accommodation to recommend? Thanks!
Tanya <email>
Victoria, BC   Canada   Sat 06/05/2004

Vatican tours
Lynne in Frederick,MD~~~We were in Italy two weeks ago and toured the Vatican. We had no reservation for the tour but were able to join a group easily — we had an excellent guide and would have been lost without her. There were maybe 20 people in our group and we had headphones. It cost about $6 or $7 pp and well worth it.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Sat 06/05/2004

open jaws flights
Lynda in Jackson~~~We flew into Amsterdam and out of Paris last year without any extra cost. this was on Delta. We rarely fly into and out of the same place. I think United AL allowed this also.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Apts in London
Does anyone know of a reasonably priced apt in London to rent by the week? Will be going in September for a month? Any info would be appreciated very much. Thank you in advance.
Judy <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Sat 06/05/2004

Train Travel in Italy
To Rob. I sent you an e-mail note, but it bounced back. Visit www.railsaver.com, enter your itineraries, and the program will tell you whether or not you should buy a pass or point-to-point tickets.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

question re: how to avoid currency fee's
i will be traveling to europe *portugal) and i don't want to be hit with all these conversion fee's or bank fee's, what is best cash, travlers check or plain old money? please help. michelle
michele <email>
livingston, nj   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Taxi Cost From Airport into Rome
My family of 4 will be visiting Italy later this month. Does anyone know what we should expect to pay for a taxi from Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport into Rome (Vatican Area)? Would this be preferable to an airport shuttle?
Joanne <email>
Oviedo, FL   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

flying to Europe
Is open-jaws flying more expensive? We are thinking about flying into Amsterdam and out of Paris but we are flxible.
Lynda <email>
Jackson, MS   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

vatican Museum Tours
We have called the no. listed in Rick Steve's Rome 2004 book for reservations for English language tours of the Vatican Museum with no answers. We have called at the times he lists they are open, accounting for the time difference. Any one have a better way? Thanks!
lynne <email>
frederick, , MD   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Stonehenge NOT being Moved!!!
Stonehenge is not being moved. I'm sure this was posted as a joke but rest assured, it will not be moved. What is being planned is some work to tunnel roads which come quite close to stonehenge and comprimise the very historic site. This will lead to a more authentic experience without cars racing by on the two very busy roads that are currently much too close to the site. The site is fully open...visit now or later but don't worry, it is not going anywhere!!
scott
london,    UK   Fri 06/04/2004

Moleskin
I've always stuck moleskin on my foot using the sticky side. I've found a better solution, though: Band-Aid Blister Block. Plastic pads that stick to your skin really well and you can even shower with them on and they don't come off. I swear by these for hiking.
Amelia
Princeton, NJ   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Summer Airfares to France
For Laurie. Try www.bestfares.com. Warning: I have no personal experience with them and I've read mixed reviews about their service, but their advertised prices can be very low, even at this time of the year.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Italy Rail Passes
I am going to be traveling in Italy soon for the first time. Should I pay point-to-point tickets if I am going to only be traveling from Venice to Sorrento then to Rome over a 14-day period?
Rob Timmers <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Mosquitos in Europe
R.K., I spent 3 weeks last summer (during the height of the heat wave)in Western Europe. The only place we encountered mosquitos was at our hotel in Brugge, Belgium, which faced a canal and did not have screens on the windows. You can always pack small concentrated bug repellant sticks. I think "Off" makes one. Good luck!
Alice <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Dublin-Limerick Road
What's the driving time between Dublin and Shannon Airport on a weekday? I have a 1 PM flight out of Shannon, but I'm staying in Dublin the night before and want to know what time I should hit the road. Also — any recommendations for B&B/guesthouses on the SW side of Dublin, near the N7, so I won't have to drive through Dublin that morning?
Lana Shinkle <email>
New York, NY   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Hair Removal
Heather Heather Heather!!! Go to a salon and have a wax job done. It will last at least four weeks and if you have finer hair like me, it could see you through for six weeks. Why women continue to shave when you can go to a salon and get waxed is beyond me. YOu will probably pay around $30 but well worth not having to deal with the hassle. They can even do underarms for an additional fee. Well worth it!
Julianne
Boston, MA   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Shaving legs
I've discovered that legs can be shaved using hand lotion on the skin first. No bathtub required. Disposable razors are available many places in Europe.
Swan
  USA   Fri 06/04/2004

what is the exact distance between the vatican and the colloseo
justine <email>
jackson, mi   USA   Fri 06/04/2004

Paris to Honfleur
Will be in Paris in September without a car: how to get to Honfleur for a day or two? Trains don't seem to go that far- any suggestions?
B. Jones <email>
TA, WA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Belforte Italy Weather
What is the weather like during the winter months in Belforte, Italy
Linda <email>
Thousand Oaks, CA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

WOMEN's HAIR REMOVAL
I suggest you just bring 2-3 disposable razors, and leave it at that. They are very light (especially the stor-brand ones, that work just fine), and take up little space. What other "stuff" do you need?

  USA   Thu 06/03/2004

car rental
To J. Straw: About car rentals, try Kemwel.com or Europcar.com.
sarah dove <email>
santa rosa, ca   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

AIX to CINQUE TERRE
FOR SHANNON: The train journey from Aix en Provence to Vernazza takes at least ten hours and costs around $96. For details see... http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en. If you contact me I can send more information.
Graham <email>
  Wales   Thu 06/03/2004

Cinque Terre rooms
HELP!!! Need rooms in Cinque Terre, hopefully in Vernazza, but will take any suggestions to heart. We are going June 25, 2004. We have contacted most of the Rick Steves' places with no luck. We appreciate your help. Steve
Steve Lamp <email>
Spokane, WA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

3 weeks in Europe next May
I would greatly appreciate any tips on packing for a 17-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest next May. I will probably stay in Paris for a few days first, then take the train to Amsterdam. I want to pack everything in a carry-on!! It will not be high summer; I'm looking at temps in the 50s. If you think I can do 3 weeks in cool weather with a carry-on, I would appreciate any advice. Linda Gonzalez <email>
Roanoke, VA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Greve in Chianti
A.P. in Chico, CA~~~~We just returned from Italy and spent time in Tuscany. Did not stay in Greve but stopped through. Tuscany was full of tourists and we were not even able to park in Cortona without walking up the mountain. The most untouristy place we visited was Radda — small and charming. Piensa was fairly calm also. the countryside is stunning — wild Poppies everywhere along the vineyards and olive groves. The wine was excellent!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Meridiana
We just returned from Italy and had our first experience with the Italian airline Meridiana. We had never heard of it and no one posted any info. We flew from Florence to London and it is not possible to fly Ryanair or others. We had a very fair price and it is a great airline — leather seats even in econ and breakfast was served on the 2hr flight. Nice view of the Swiss Alps on this flight.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Thu 06/03/2004

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
SAN SEBASTIAN IN SEPT. I NEED HELP IN FINDING A ROOM FOR 2 NIGHTS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE SO I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING A LITTLE BETTER THAN AVERAGE. THANKS LIV
Liv Miller-Cowart <email>
HOUSTON, TEXAS   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Hotel in CT
Shannon in Alexandria — can't answer your question regarding train from Provence to Cinque Terre but we just returned from Italy and spent two nights in Vernazza and loved it. Scenery is gorgeous everywhere in CT. Monterroso has the most hotels and has a beach but Vernazza is more charming. Ate dinner at Gambero Rossa both nights. Hiked the trails and visited each town. Waded in the Ligurian Sea. Sunsets in V were great!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Question for female travelers
I don't really know the best way to ask it, so I'll follow everyone else's lead and just ask. How do female travelers handle hair removal while on longer trips? I'll be in Europe for six weeks this summer, staying in hostels, and can't decide if lugging along a razor,etc. is easier than waxing before I go. Or is there something else I should consider? I wouldn't be worrying about it if it weren't summer (where shaved legs make a difference). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Heather <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Stowing luggage in Copenhagen
where can I leave luggage for 12 hours during day in Copenhagen? my cruise ship arrives at 6 AM and my flight home is 8 PM. I wish to spend much of that time touring? where can I leave luggage? what do you suggest my husband and I see? (we will have spent previous day on a cruise tour of Kronborg and Frederiksborg castle, with an hour at Tivoli Gardens). thank you.
Elinda Kiss <email>
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Hotel Near Eiffel Tour
We just returned from Paris where we spent our last night very close to the Eiffel Tower at the Hotel Londres Eiffel (one of Rick's recommendations.) We had a room with a view of the tower for 143 Euro. I think they have other rooms available for less. The staff were extremely nice and helpful and the hotel offers a free Internet access in the lobby. There are multiple places to eat, self-serve laundry, ATM, etc. within a couple blocks. The only drawback was a slightly longer walk to the Metro than other places we've stayed. Rick was staying there along with one of his tour groups the same night. www.londres-eiffel.com
Rachel <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Cheap fare to Paris
Laurie- check orbitz for cheap fares. www.orbitz.com It is a challenge during June but you may just luck out. It worked for me SFO-Dublin Ireland. Best of luck
JS
Ca   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Moleskin question
OK — this may be a really stupid question. But do you put the sticky side of the moleskin on your skin, or on the shoe? (I've been putting sticky side toward my skin, but 1) it doesn't stay very well, and 2) seems a shame to waste the soft side on the shoe!)

  USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Cheap airfares
I have just been invited to spend two weeks in France at the end of June. My dilemma is that, in my experience, finding a cheap ticket after mid-June is highly unlikely. If anyone has had experience with this or can point me the right direction I would appreciate it. I am flying alone so I can be flexible. Is there such a thing as stand-by anymore??? I do not want to pay $1200 for a ticket when my girlfriend paid $560 Chicago-Paris (of course she is departing prior to June 15th — -before peak season). Thanks!
Laurie
WI   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Paris/London club dressing?
What appropriate attire should my husband and I pack if we decide to visit a caberet show or a disco/club?
Christine <email>
Huntington,, WV   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Winter trans-Atlantic crossing
What is a trans-Atlantic crossing like in the middle of December? QE2 is doing a crossing Dec. 15 from Southampton to NYC. Worth it? I don't have mal-de-mer probs.
Natalie Garrett <email>
Ashland, OR   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Eiffel Tower Lodging
Can anyone recommend a good hotel near the Eiffel Tower — 2 stars for one night?
Sherry <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Germanwings
Is anyone familiar with Germanwings airlines? They have pretty good prices for my flights between Paris and Malaga but I cannot find much info on them.
Holly <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Cinque Terre Advise
What is the best way to get to Cinque Terre from Aix-en-Provence by train? Should we stop overnight anywhere (how long is the train ride)? Also, what is the best town to stay in — best value, nightlife, beauty, etc.? Any advice/comments would be GREATLY appreciated!
Shannon <email>
Alexandria, VA   USA   Thu 06/03/2004

Romantic Road Bus tour
Once you end up in Fuessen, after the romantic road tour, how do you get out of there? I can't find any trains or busses leaving Fuessen.
Laura <email>
phoenix, az   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Re-waterproof journals for Allison
A product called "Rite in the rain" is what you need. Most college bookstores sell different varities of these journals. I have just used one for a field biology class here in WET Oregon and it works even if it is pouring rain. Use a pencil or one of the special pens that they sell for this or else your ink will run over the pages. If you can't find this product in a store near you, try a search on the web. Have fun!
Alex Starke <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Trooping of the Color
Bob ~ I would stand on The Mall close to the statue of Queen Victoria. GET THERE EARLY ~ LIKE TWO HOURS at least.

oh   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Traveling with a 8 year old
Darren ~ I traveled with our two daughters twice, once they were 5 and 7, then again 8 and 10. We traveling with my mother. We traveled the UK. Started in London, then two weeks driving. They travelled great. We stayed in B&B's. The only rooms we had booked ahead was for the first and last night of our trip. Other wise we would start looking for a B&B towards the end of the day. The girls had a great time at the B&B's. Both trip they each had their own camera's to use, which they thought was fantistic. On the trip when they were 8 & 10 I had them keep a journal, so every night they had to write in their journal about what they did and saw. You will have a great time.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Darren — first time traveler idea
Darren — to alleviate all your concerns about traveling with your 8 year old next summer to Italy, I'd suggest considering Rick's Italy Bus Plus Tour. That way the transportation/hotel issues are taken care of and the style and pace of the tour would give you and the family a chance to do your own thing whenever you want (i.e. have a down day or do "kid stuff" together). Not sure which other tours you have looked at, but from personal experience, there's no better value for the money than a RS tour! There's a description of the tour itinerary on Rick's website.
Renee
CO   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Hotel — Cologne
In Cologne I've stayed at Hotel Domspatz ("cathedral sparrow"), just steps from the cathedral. http://www.hotel-domspatz.de/e_index.html Small, clean, unpretentious. When I stayed there in 2001 the "front desk" was a folding table with PC, phone, fax located in the hotel kitchen. Now that's informal and cozy!
Bob
Milwaukee, WI   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Hotels
I am planning a trip to Europe for next summer, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on small cozy hotels in Frankfurt and Cologne? Also, what is the best time of the year to get the lowest airfare for July 05? I know I have to keep checking? But does anyone know approx what month is better to book it? Our Itinerary : Amsterdam (1) Haarlem (2) Koln (2) Bacharach (2) Frankfurt (2) Luxembourg (2) Brussels (2) Brugge (2) Paris (4)
Max <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Lockers to store luggage at Airport or Train station
Is it possible to store our luggage from a cruise at Malpensa Airport (Milan) or at the Central Train Station?? My husband and I are staying a week longer in Italy and heading towards Cinque Terre. He has recently torn his achilles tendon and I will be caring our luggage. I want to carry only a large packback when we head to Cinque Terre. Any info. regarding lockers that we can use to store would be helpful. Thanks! Megan
Megan <email>
Urbandale, IA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Photography
When burning digital pictures to a cd, can you do this yourself at an internet cafe, or do you have to take it to someone else to burn for you. for example, should i take blank cd's with me, are they compatible, can i even use them?
Laura <email>
phoenix, az   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

1st Time Traveler with 8 year old
I'm looking to book a 2 week trip June 2005 and need some advice. Has anyone traveled to Italy with a child of this age and if you did, did you use a well known expensive tour group (one begins with P) or did you book everything yourself with the help of Rick's guide. I'm not sure if booking everything ourselves on the fly (tours, dinner, travel to different cities etc.) will be a problem with us traveling with our daughter. Any advice would be a great help. Ciao!!!
Darren <email>
Collegeville, PA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Cinque Terre Rooms for Rent
Recommended rooms in (Vernazza, hopefully) Cinque Terre, Italy. Need this June for a family of 4. HELP! Nothing is showing available in our search.
Steve Lamp <email>
Spokane, wa   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Packing Help
Quick question: I'm traveling Europe for 2.5 weeks in June/July and want to know what I should pack with? We plan on visiting 3 or 4 countries and will need to carry everything with us. I have been looking at backpacks with frames with 3500ci to 6000 ci capacity. Does anyone have any advice as to how big of a backpack I will need to carry for 2.5 weeks of clothing and probably some souveniers? Thanks!
Ryan <email>
  USA   Wed 06/02/2004

destination wedding
My fiance and I are trying to plan a low-key wedding ceremony at the cliffs of Moher, Ireland. Do any of my fellow ETBD travelers have any suggestions or experiences in this? I'd like to know if anyone has tried to group-book hotels, or groups of B&Bs in or around that area. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Happy travels!
Kyle <email>
Easthampton, MA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Car Rental in Italy
Has anyone rented a car in Italy through Volareweb.com? If so, any comments/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Nichole <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

journals
I am traveling to a very hot, humid climate in central America for several months and would like to know if anyone has any recommendations on a durable travel journal to bring. I have searched book stores but they all seem to flimsy to hold up to the climate I will be in. I would appreciate any insight other writers might have!
Alison <email>
SC   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Car drop off in Dordogne
Erik, When we stayed in Beynac we asked our B&B hosts the closest train station for when we came back to the region. (We had taken a leisurly 2-day drive from the train station in Limoges — beautiful!) They said Souillac was the closest and easiest station to get to/from Paris and Beynac, though it would be on a regional train, not a TGV.
Julie <email>
Durham, NC   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Trooping the Colour
I have an opportunity to be in London on June 12 for Trooping the Colour, the Queen's official birthday. Any advice from others who have been on good places to stand? how early to arrive? I realize tickets are sold out, am looking for advice on the parade that occurs before and after.
Bob
Milwaukee, WI   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Honeymoon ideas
I am gathering ideas right now for a honeymoon in Europe in late October time. Any ideas on good places? Please feel free to email me directly too. thanks,
Kiera <email>
Kirkland, WA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Where to drop off car between Dordogne and Paris
I have 1 day to get from Beynac to Paris. My plan is to drive some distance north and/or west to a train station, and take the TGV into Paris. I haven't selected a car rental agency yet, so I'm pretty wide open for my d/o location. I'm travelling with a family of 5. What would you recommend for a driving route and d/o location?
Erik <email>
Redmond, WA   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

M25 — for Melissa
I regularly drive on the M25 around Heathrow airport and the M40 (which leads north to Birmingham). There are currently major construction works south of Heathrow on the M25 that will last a few years as the roadway is widened. M25 is a VERY conjested roadway so you must leave a lot of extra time. If you skip Leeds, you should find a fairly easy trip once you are on the M40.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 06/02/2004

Melissa — Internet in England
In England, the internet is very widely available in all the places you mention just as it is in the US.
scott
London,    UK   Wed 06/02/2004

Finding the Internet in England
In the U.S., a person can easily walk into most libraries, hotels, bookstores, and even cafes to access the Internet. Is this as easy a thing to do in England? I want to be able to communicate home via email. Thanks!
Melissa <email>
MN   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Around London on the M25
I am picking up a rental car at Heathrow. I want to visit Leeds Castle before heading north towards Birmingham. Can I easily take the M25 around London (don't want to have to drive thru!), visit Leeds, and then head north? Or, should I skip Leeds on this trip and just head north? The map I have makes it look easier to just do the latter. Anyone have experience with this particular area that can advise me? How long do you think it would take on the M25 around the city? Is this usually a highly congested traffic area? Thanks!
Melissa <email>
MN   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

AGE
Tabby....join Hosteling International and buy the European Hostel Directory.....it lists the major hostels and those with restrictions....you can join on the web at www.iyhf.org ... I have never heard of one limiting age .... we have seen groups of teenagers traveling together....if you find one that won’t let you in, go to another because every hostel in Europe sets its own rules.
WALLACE
RENO, NEV   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

HONEYMOON IN EUROPE
DANA.....Your first choice of CT is best....in my mind there is nothing in N Italy to compare for a maximum of one week...... If you have more than a week for CT move on to Milano or Firenze.... .as for Paris, I would definitely choose Oct. because the weather will be milder and usually you will have fewer rainy days.
MIKE
CHARLOTTE, NC   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

New Year's in Switzerland
We want to spend New Year's in a fun place in Switzerland...a city or remote place is fine. Any recommendations?
Al <email>
Providence, RI   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

Hotels in Rome & Florence
Our daugther and two of her friends need to find accommodations in Rome and Florence. They do not want to stay in hostels because of the midnight curfews. Can you recommend an inexpensive hotel in these cities? Thanks
Christina Lighthall <email>
Raleigh, NC   USA   Wed 06/02/2004

To RK on euro
Like all words, pronunciation depends what language you are speaking. If you are speaking English, it is "your-row" but it is different in each of the other European languages.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 06/02/2004

euro
As long as we are nit-picking on the correct use of the word "euro"...in English, "euros" is correct when spoken but not when written. Ireland is the only native English speaking country that uses the euro so it's mostly an issue there. The EU commission's official stance is that euro is to be used as singular or plural but the English language purists quickly ruled this wrong (typical kind of debate here in Europe!!). So I would say that you are always safe with euro for the plural but do not correct someone who says euros if they are speaking the word in English. Oh, and the word is never capitalized.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 06/02/2004

EURO — pronunciation
Now we know that it's Euro, regardless of quantity. O.K. Next question: do Europeans say "Yu-ro" (like we do in English), or "Oy-ro" (as you would phonetically in at least some European languages)?
R.K.
CA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

transportation from malpensa to bergamo alta
Does anyone know if there is a bus from milan malpensa airport going directly to bergamo ? I am only finding information for the bus or express train into milan with a transfer to a train to bergamo. Also, does anyone know the rate to take a taxi from malpensa to bergamo's old city center ?
Kathy <email>
Minneapolis, MN   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Charles M. Luther
Just for the record and so the Rick's fans won't be looked at as hicks, there are not Euros. They are all Euro, singular and plural, in any quantity. The Italians won't care since they are still arguing about how to pronounce it themselves, but the French with their usual linnguistic arrogance love to smirk at Americans who say Euros.

  USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Rent a car in Copenhagen
I want to rent a car for 1 day in Copenhagen. We plan to go to Aero Island and return to Copenhagen next day. All of the rental companies available from the U.S. want a 3 day minimum. I don't want a car for 3 days. I've heard that some gas stations in Copenhagen will rent cars for short periods at good prices. What's the best alternative or am I stuck for a 3 day rental from Hertz
Tim Allman <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Apts in London
Will be in England for a month in September. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced apt in London, centrally located? Thank you so much.
Judy <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Euros
To Karen, NC — Euro paper bills come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and are called Euros. The Euro coins are 2 Euros and 1 Euro. Any coin less than 1 Euro is called "cent." Italy and France are among the EU countries and use Euros.
DBF
Birmingham, AL   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Euros
To Karen, NC — Euro paper bills come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and are called Euros. The Euro coins are 2 Euros and 1 Euros. Anything coin less than 1 Euro is called "cent." Italy and France are among the EU countries and use Euros.
DBF
Birmingham, AL   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Shoe Buys in London
Going to do Rick's 17day England, etc, trip starting June 20(+/-). Anyone know of good, inexpensive store in London to buy top quality mens shoes (Clarks, Meph., etc)?
Charlie Carter <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Euros and cents
I'm revealing my ignorance here, but my guidebook is a bit old. I know that most of the EU countries use Euros and call them Euros, but what about the cents? Are they called cents in English? What about in French...and Italian?
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

To Linda — On Woman Traveling alone
Please do yourself a favor and rethink the attitude that any comment or whatnot will ruin your trip. If you leave with that attitude, then you are destined to have a ruined trip for some reason or another. Chances are you will get "chatted up" at some point but just deal with it and don't be more afraid of it just because you are out of the US.

That said, common sense must be used if a young woman is going to go out to pubs in London or Paris alone. Unfortunately, I don't think she will have much fun "hanging out" alone in pubs. While the majority of pubs in England are extremely friendly, most of the pubs in London are not very conducive to meeting people. Neighborhood pubs are great but hard to find in the city. Most of the pubs around Soho, Leicester Sq, and Trafalgar can be very intimidating in my opinion. My wife does not enjoy most of these places because they are filled with loud, hard drinking lads or lagar louts as we call them. Early on, they can be fine but later in the evening especially Fri and Sat, they aren't much fun. Hampstead, Mayfair, and Kensington have some nice quieter places where she might be able to meet some good people.

finally, she should NEVER take an unlicensed cab in London.
scott
london,    UK   Tue 06/01/2004

Honeymoon in Europe
My fiance and I are planning our honeymon for 3 weeks to Europe the latter part of September thru October. We definitely want to go to Paris, and we were considering Northern Italy. Any suggestions on Italy? My first choice, and not surprising was Cinque Terre.......just thought I would ask for other suggestons! Also, best to go to Italy first and then to Paris? I read in Rick's book that Paris can be rather busy with conventions in September. Best economical itinerary would also be a priority for us. Thanks for your help!
dana wilson <email>
seattle, wa   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Age?
I would really really like to backpack through Western Europe next summer, and I was wondering if my age (I'll be 17) will be an issue. I read somewhere that many hostels require that their customers be 18 or have a chaperone with them. Is this the case? Any answers/advice will be greatly appreciated!
Tabby <email>
Oceanside, CA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Hadrian's Wall
Melissa, I would definitely recommend Housesteads Fort. There is a little museum and excellent ruins. We drove from Edinburgh, had plenty of time at Housesteads, and then arrived at York at 3:00.
Nancy
  USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Hadrian's Wall
I will not be able to travel the length of Hadrian's Wall. If I have to choose one or two points, does anyone have a particular suggestion as to a prime spot to stop at? Thanks!
Melissa <email>
MN   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

GREECE IN NOVEMBER
Nic....Everything will be open in Greece in November just like in Seattle. ....my wife and I always (12 times)travel Europe in Oct and Nov BECAUSE there are fewer tourists and some places discount fees. ...entrance lines are shorter and you can get served in restaurants faster..you are wise in going that time of year....you won’t regret it. ..and the weather is much cooler in Greece than in summer....enough reasons?
HENRY
DALLAS, TX   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Best way to go
George, It may be more cost effective and faster to consider flying, if those are the only 3 cities in your travel plan. Airberlin should have flights to all those cities and there Website is pretty user friendly. Have a good trip.
Greg <email>
Mpls, MN   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

skyauction.com
Renee, I have used skyauction.com twice for travel to England. The first time I bought just tickets. The second time I bought combined plane tickets and hotel in London. The second one was disrupted by the effects of 9/11, as Virgin Atlantic stopped flying out of Chicago as a result. The folks at skyauction substituted flights on United and also were able (for a small additional fee) to get me flights out of my local airport so I didn't have to drive the 4 hours to O'Hare. I was very happy with them and I believe I got a great deal both times. That being said, just be careful about the additional costs for taxes beyond what you see listed as the bid amount.
Barb F.
IA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Safer in Europe, Anyway!
Linda — what have you been hearing and what are you afraid may happen? As the poster from Atlanta stated, I too feel safer in Europe than in this country. When you say you two are small, what does that mean? Having travelled to Europe for many years, I have never had an issue with men bothering me except in Italy where they are very easy to brush off. I used to be a model, am about 5'11" and blonde and I have never had attention that went too far in either England or France. Now the same cannot be said when I travel to NYC, Chicago, LA or Miami. I think that European men have too much pride to force themselves onto women who are not interested.

I will throw in one caveat, however, at the risk of offending people. I have been pestered, followed and harrassed by arab men (north African, I was actually told) in Paris on two occasions when I was out after midnight. And that was not as bad as what has happened to me in this country. Do you get harrassed at home? One thing about London is that there are so many cabs out at all times, day or night, that you will have no problems getting to your hotel even if the tube closes while you are out. I always feel safer in Europe, anyway. Go, have a good time, and don't look for trouble.
Jordanna
LA, CA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Greece in November
Hi, My wife and I are planning a trip to Greece this year. Unfortunately, the only time we can go is in November (around Thanksgiving) We know it will be the off season but will anything be open? All the travel books gloss over travelling during late autumn but the whole country can't really be shut down? or is it? Would it still be worthwhile? Any suggestions on places to see?
Nic Bachhuber <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

skyauction.com — good or bad?
Has anyone ever had experiences, good or bad, using www.skyauction.com to book air and/or hotels? A friend gave me the site and it looks legit, but I wonder if anyone has personal experience with using them?
Renee
CO   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

TRAIN STATIONS
Amy......you can always make reservations at any railroad station within the same country ....and often within Europe....but not always.
AA ZACK
COLUMBUS, OH   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

HOW DO I GET FROM.......
George~~~~~~if you are going from Paris to Dresden to London within 2 weeks you can compare the cost of point-to-point tickets with a rail pass by going to alleuroperail.com, railpass.com, raileurope.com, railtrains.com, budgeteuropetravel.com, or cit-tours.com. ...my experience has shown that point-to-point is always best for me unless I am traveling in only one country.
MILLER
FORT WORTH, TX   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

TRAVEL BETWEEN COUNTRIES
Debbie....since I have been to Europe many times, renting cars, flying and training, I would suggest you plan on training the route you have chosen. ..It is cheap and fast....if you have time check the discount airlines mentioned in Graffiti Wall page called ” Flight within Europe.”
Manchester
Mobile, al   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

CONNECTING FLIGHTS — ENOUGH TIME
Una.....it will be long enough if you hurry..ask a flight attendant which gate you will depart from and get off the plane as fast as you can...ask how to get to your gate as soon as you find an attendant in the terminal.....as always, the unknown is how slow the lines move in security.
Alfred
Albany, NY   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Train Stations
This may be a weird question, but can you only make train reservations in Europe at the exact train station from which you will be departing? For example, can reservations for a train departing from the South Station be made at the Central Station? I've never been to Europe, so any train advice would be appreciated!
Amy
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

CINQUE TERRE RAILROAD
Penny....I made the same trip to Vernazza a year ago...go to the station and buy a train ticket from Venice to Vernazza .... Ask for a computer print of your trip which will show where you change trains for the local which stops at Vernazza....watch the stations as you pass through so you can get off at your station.
ANDY
CHICAGO, IL   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

ASHFORD TO DOVER
David:;; I would take the train from the terminal at Ashford to Dover...find a taxi from the rr station to the dock.
MINDY
EL PASO, TX   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

MOSQUITOS IN EUROPE
RK....take the repellent if you plan to hike because you can never predict mosquitos ....it won’t take much space in your luggage and if you find you have a need for it, you will find it difficult to buy.
DOAN
BOULDER, CO   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Two Women In London
To Linda Turner — We just got back from London and I cannor see any reason why you and your daughter will not be just fine — the pubs we visited were very nice with good food. Be careful on the tube — we took it after going to the theater with no problem. It will be daylight later there so tht will be an advantage. We have been to Paris quite a few times and have never felt unsafe. If you plan to be out late you can take a taxi back to your hotel. I have to say that I feel safer in London and Paris than in Atlanta! Relax and enjoy your trip.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Tue 06/01/2004

VIDEO CAMERA IN EUROPE
Troy.....having taken my video camera on several trips, I would suggest you do it this time to learn for yourself whether it is too much of a hassle.... I have had mixed reactions to using mine. ...I always enjoy viewing the tapes later, but it is bothersome to lug it around when it is so much larger than my digital....last trip I also took my two 35mm cameras and the video and regretted it...most of the time I would leave one of the three in the car.....just be sure you protect your cameras....keep them hidden as much as possible...I usually wear my small camera under my jacket or shirt and carry the other in my hand...not on a strap.
PACKARD
TULSA, OK   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Safety for Women
Linda — your daughter is absolutely right. You should be out enjoying the life of the city/country you are in, not holed up in your B & B afraid to talk to the people who live there. Talking, meeting people is the best part of traveling! And a basic part of being female is indeed learning how to deal with unwanted male advances, no matter what country you are in. I know as a tourist you are more likely to be targeted for certain crimes, like pickpocketing, but really people — it is MUCH safer in most parts of Europe than in the cities in America. And remember, it is often mothers with children who will be the pickpockets, not a gang of men. I allow my children to do things, go places, on their own in Europe that I don't let them do here. Traveling to Europe is so much more than seeing the sites-relax, allow yourself to meet locals or fellow travelers. You'll not regret it!
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

how do i get from...?
All the talk of railpasses still is rather confusing. So I was wondering if anyone can help me: I am 22 years old, and I want to get from Paris to Dresden to London within a 2-week period in August. What's the cheapest way? point-to-point tickets or a pass? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
George <email>
Baltimore, MD   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Booked flights/cancellations
Does anyone know any good tricks for getting on a flight when all seats have already been booked? I was told by some Travel agents that if I got on a waiting list 30 days in advance with 3 different airlines, that I would have a good chance of getting seats.(United,Singapore,Northwest) is this true or am I wasting time. I was told that there is a 75% or better chance of cancellations. Especially on International flights. Thanks
Kennedy M. <email>
SF, CA   USA   Tue 06/01/2004

Women traveling alone
Okay, so I was just reading the comments regarding women traveling alone. I'm 48 and very small and I'm taking my 22 year old very petite daughter to London for a week, with a day trip to Paris. Now I'm truly frightened!!! We're both blondes, we both stand out because of our size, and my daughter has all-American cheerleader good looks. She wants to "hang out" in pubs etc at night while I want to go back to our B&B and stay off the streets. Who's right? And if we're going to be harrassed by men in Paris then I'm not very willing to go anymore. I just don't need to deal with that garbage. "Just ignore it" doesn't work for me. Having to put up with any of it will ruin our trip for me.
Linda Turner <email>
Frederick, MD   USA   Tue 06/01/2004