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Travelers' Helpline Archives:
July 2004

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Canine and Feline in Italy
I am a Grad. student leaving to study in Florence in a month. I am taking my dog and cat. (I plan to live there for 2yrs or more) Looking for any info/resources on pet-friendly living options, travel tips, laws and anything I can do to prepare, etc.
Catherine Tone <email>
Des Moines, Iowa   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

single Mom travelling
Kym, I am divorced and have travelled extensively in Europe, both with my children and even alone one time. I have never encountered any problems at all. I would suggest that your daughters dress modestly and not look men directly in the eye unless they want to be approached! Just relax, and be careful and you will be fine. I always give my children one of the hotel's cards to carry with them in case we get separated.

  USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Eastern Europe Summer Weather
Am interested in what the weather is like in Eastern Europe in the summertime, would the weather be better in early June or late August in Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia? When is their rainy season and when does it start to get cool in the fall?
John <email>
Denver, CO   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Bologna airport hotel
I am flying out of Bologna at 6:30am and wondered if there is a hotel by the airport? the first bus from town is 5:30, too late for my flight.
barb <email>
  USA   Sat 07/31/2004

I am flying out of Bologna at 6:15 a.m. and wondered if there is a hotel by the airport? The first bus from town is 5:30 am. Too late for my flight.

  USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Grand Canal Vaporetto
Does anyone know if there is a vaporetto line that goes from TRONCHETTO parking lot — down the Grand Canal (not Giudecca Canal) — and stops at San Zaccaria? What line number is it? Thank you.
Kathy <email>
san carlos, CA   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Tips needed for visiting Spanish family
Does anyone know of a book on Spanish customs and manners? We will be staying with our foreign exchange student's family near Madrid and would like any suggestions on being the best possible guests. Also, can anyone suggest gifts we can bring from America that Spanish families would especially appreciate? The year with our Spanish daughter was amazing and we would like to show our appreciation to her and her wonderful family when we visit. Thanks for any help!
Terry <email>
Peru, IN   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Re D-Day Beaches
Bob First of all you have basically 2 choices: Getting a tour out of Caen or Bayeux. I highly reccomend using Victory Tours out of Bayeux. It is a very personal tour run by Roel Klinkhammer. Roel, a retired gentleman from Holland (very fluent in English) offers a 4 hour or an 8 hour tour. The cost for 3 of us was around 105 Euro. He has a van that seats no more than 8. Since we had our 14 year old with us, we chose the 4 hour tour. We actually spent about 5 hours. He even stopped along the way at a farm that makes Calvados (what a treat). There is a web site. It is: www.lignerolles.homestead.com If you have any further questions...please let me know! I did a lot of research on this and read many reviews from folks on this web site. Rick even mentions this as one of the touors in his France 2004 Guide. Oh, one more thing...you will love Honfleur! Stayed at Madame Giaglis B & B...a true delight!
Steven <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Loire to Dordogne
Hedy~~~~taking the train is always easier because the engineer knows where he is going.~~~~ When you drive you have to make the decisions.~~~~ If you mean is it cheaper?~~~~ Or is it faster? Then you have a different question. 3. Driving yourself is always more convenient because you can leave when you want to and stop where you want to~~~~ Taking the train locks you into a time schedule that may not be convenient. And it is far more boring~~~~~ I have always found deciding to rent a car to drive always depends on cost which is always higher than travel by rail~~~~ Cost should be your prime concern. If you rent a car be sure to get a diesel; fuel costs less per gallon and you get better mileage.
Rodenbury
Berline, NY   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Sim Cards
Sunny T., You may want to go to the website at telestial.com. The information there should answer your question. My wife and I were in Germany and Austria in June and found the convenience of having a GSM phone was well worth the cost. We rented a car for the two plus weeks and with medical issues with family members back home the phone gave us peace of mind that we could be reached at anytime for emergencies. Also, the sim phones are great for making reservations for your next destination as you are traveling. Lane C.
Lane Clark
  USA   Sat 07/31/2004

D-Day Beaches
We'll be in Honfleur on Oct. 1 and are looking for a one day tour to the D-Day beaches, etc. that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Can anyone help?
Bob <email>
Charlotte, NC   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

Single parent travel
I am a widow with 2 teen girls 13 and 15. We are planning on a trip of at least 2 weeks in the summer of 2005. I wondered if anyone in my situation had tips/experiences/advice/precautions for a single woman traveling with teens. We have been boning up by reading Rick's Travel Skills and individual trip outlines but none really address the single parent aspect. Thanks!
Kym <email>
Ash Grove, MO   USA   Sat 07/31/2004

ATMs
I have used ATMs all over the world. The only place I have ever had trouble with them working is in Japan. Their machines do not recognize our cards. I had trouble in Italy once, but it was because the teller at the credit union told me I could withdraw money from savings or checking from an ATM, and so I did not transfer money to my checking acct. before leaving. The machines here in US will let you transfer money, but the machines in Europe will not. I always take a second card from a different bank when I leave the country. I also put $100 underneath the lining in my shoe. I think $100 will buy me out of trouble most places in the world. Makes me feel secure, anyway!
Marty
  USA   Sat 07/31/2004

LUGGAGE DILEMNA
Hi guys, I am new to this board, need to buy some new luggage, and am looking for advice from real travellers! I did my best to read the postings in this category before asking dumb questions, but there are a LOT of postings, so forgive me if the subject is being revisited pls. First I've loved travelling to Ireland, India, around the US and the Caribbean (all on a budget of course) and pretty much will travel anywhere as often as we can afford it...I love flying, driving, cruising, and trains; so I am definitely a variety traveller. Also, I'm an unashamed overpacker working to pare down, but only slightly...I'll never be one who travels with 1/2 the underwear I'll need or wears a shirt 3 times per trip. No offense to those who enjoy that style, but I love clothes and changing them anytime I am feeling or looking wilted. I hope there are some here who relate...I travel with makeup and hair products (not a trunkload but we generally go dressy casual at the least for dinner) Our debate is buying several individual suitcases/carryons vs a set. Sets don't seem to give you what you really need, but cost is prohibitive when buying individual pieces for both myself and new hubby. Even cutting back we'll prob each travel with a bag and a carryon. My previous inclination had been bigger is better, but I have experienced what you all have been saying about large bags and their unwieldiness, so maybe we should get smaller pieces or share one larger? Anyone have advice, preferably on rolling styles rather than backpack? Additionally, we definitely need a joint toiletry bag and I know I want the hanging style to save counter space and keep everythign organized, but all the choices out there are making my head spin. Ideally I think I'd like a bag that hangs and also has a big enough pocket at the bottom for hairdryer, flatiron, etc (ALL bathroom accessories in one place) but I'd like a zip out/pull out waterproof pack for the things needed in the shower as opposed to dental, qtips, etc which can hang by the sink. The only toiletry bag I have seen recommended on this site is the Bagallini — is that primarily size related or are there other reasons for this preference? I'm interested in it except even travel sized shampoos and such don't look like they would fit in the flat pockets, and it seems like I'd need a second bag for those things. I hope I am not being to convoluted, but is there anyone who can understand my dilemna and offer some advice?
Courtney <email>
TN   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Chocolate
I would like to take the chocolate factory tour in Perugia. Does anyone know how far the factory is from the train station? Thank You
JJ
VA   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Transportation in Paris
The Paris 2004 guidebook says, "the Roissy bus and Metro combination is the most convenient public transport route (from Charles de Gaulle Airport) to rue Cler area hotels." Where do I connect with the Metro and which line do I take?
Kathaleen Lang <email>
Pembroke Pines, FL   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Electric plugs/outlets in Italy
While in Venice last year, our hairdryer decided to die. (as it later turned out, it was merely suffering from jet lag). Anyway, we purchased one from a fairly large shop on a main street, choosing the slightly cheaper one of the 2 available. Looked the same, just different brands. The man at the counter plugged it in before we paid for it, and it worked. When we got back to the hotel, it didn't work — the prongs are the same distance apart, but fatter, and wouldn't go into the outlet. For 14 euros, it wasn't worth trying to return, so we kept it as a souvenir, hoping it would work at the apartment in Tuscany the following week. (It didn't, but luckily ours had recovered). Can anyone explain why this plug is different? The writing on the box and the directions are all in Italian, but it doesn't look like it's old. And how did it work in the shop?! Thanks.
Madeline <email>
Malvern, PA   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Is Nuova Venier glass factory really a scam?
has anyone received the glass that they purchased from the Nuova Venier glass factory? While researching the artists who created the glass that I "thought" I purchased, I just read the entries in your site regarding consumer fraud and the Nuova Venier glass factory. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/archives/scams2002.htm and http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/archives/factorytours.htm I've just returned from Italy and had purchased a vase and a sculpture at the Nuova Venier glass factory in Murano. They have already have close to $6,000.00 on my Visa card, plus $500.00 U.S. cash as a down payment and are expecting me to send them a $6000.00 personal check this week to complete the payment. When they receive the check they will send the two items. After finding your articles, I'm now afraid to send the additional check. Do I trust fate and hope that they will actually send the glass? Do I have any recourse? How can I find out if these people will actually come through? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! LH
Lornetta Hooks <email>
River Forest, IL   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Champs de Mars
Thanks, Robin, for the Champs de Mars e-mail address, and to the others for their thoughts on the hotel.
Janet
  USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Music in Florence
We'd like to hear some classical/renaissance/choral music in Florence, preferably as part of a church service on a Sunday in November. Can anyone recommend a church?
Lyn <email>
Encinitas, CA   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Budget Airline to Sicily
Two couples are travelling to Italy in February 2005.After Carnivale in Venice,we would like to fly a budget airline to Sicily, rent car for a couple of nights and then go to Sorrento for a couple of nights. Is it practical to rent a car in ,say, Catania (or somewhere in Sicily)and drop it off in Sorrento? Any experience with an airline to Sicily in Winter? Gracias,and Ciao, E-mail: JefeRMRM@MSN.COM
Rueben Machado <email>
San Antonio, Texas   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Lake Como and the Dolomites
I plan to travel to Italy in mid-November and would like to visit Varenna and the Dolomite area. Is it worth the effort to visit these area this time of the year?
Jim <email>
Denver, N.C.   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Champ de Mars Hotel Paris
We have stayed at the Champ du Mars twice. First time we asked for a Large Double with Large Bed. Room was very nice size and bed was equivalent of our Queen beds. Second time I neglected to specify LARGE and we got a room that was literally 1/3 smaller with a bed that was slightly smaller than our Double beds. The Large rooms are actually three of the regular doubles turned into two rooms. Though we were a little disappointed last time we still think the hotel is a great buy and will stay there again...but will specify LARGE double room!
Tom
Duluth, GA   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Northern Germany
Looking for any travel tips for the areas of Hamburg, Kiel, and the island of Fehmarn. We will be there in September and need lodging suggestions.
Helen Baumgartel <email>
Canton, MI   USA   Fri 07/30/2004

Hotel Champs de Mars, Paris
We were a little disappointed with the Hotel Champs de Mars in Paris. The rooms are very small and the single beds we had were honestly only two feet wide. I could barely stay on it. Maybe we just got a "bad" room but I would not stay there again.

  USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Reservations for Le Jules Verne
Hi Stephanie, We made our reservations as far ahead as possible (one in May and one in October). You can either fax them direct, or request your hotel to do it for you. When you contact them they will want to know where you are staying (maybe to let them know you are serious in your request). We've only been there for lunch: first time in the room facing Notre Dame etc. (the best in my opinion) and the second time in the other room with views toward La Defense. If you would like a table by the window with a view toward Notre Dame be sure and request it at the time of your reservation. You can either chose the fixed menue or a la carte. Enjoy!
Devra <email>
Lake Forest, CA   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Stansted Express
Jamie ~ Stansted airport has the Stansted express, it makes a stop at Liverpool Station then on to Victoria Station. Like Scott says there isn't one best place to stay in London. You can get to all the sight very easy using the tube (undergrount). To get to Heathrow Airport you could go to Paddington Station and the the Heathrow express or if you don't have much luggage you can take the tube from Earl's Court to Heathrow for 3.80BP. The Kensington South, Sloane Square are great area's to stay. Also, Blades hotel in Bayswater.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Email address
Jant ~ email address for Hotel du Champs de Mars is stge@club-internet.com
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Champs de Mars — in Paris
Oops. I forgot to say in my previous posting that Hotel du Champs de Mars is in Paris.
Janet
  USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Hotel du Champs de Mars e-mail
Hello: Does anyone know if Hotel du Champs de Mars has an e-mail address, and if so, what that address is? (I can't find it on their web site.)
Janet
  USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Loire to Dordogne — is it easier to drive or take the train?
We will be visiting France in October. Will be visiting the Loire Valley (home base: Amboise) and the Dordogne (home base: Sarlat) area. When we travel from Amboise to Sarlat, would it be easier to drive or take the train? I know we will need a car at least part of the time in each region.
Hedy Chan <email>
San Jose, CA   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

cell phone SIM cards
Will be travelling to Holland, Belgium and France and bringing a cell phone.Do I need to buy a separate SIM card for each country ? For the SIM card I will be buying from Holland,will it work in other countries? I will be only calling within Europe,not overseas.
Sunny T. <email>
Vancouver, B.C.   Canada   Thu 07/29/2004

Alps in May
If you plan on doing any hiking wait until July. We were there in mid-June and a lot of the high trails were snowed in.
Jeff <email>
Bend, OR   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Erica in Scranton
If you will go to the right hand column on the homepage you will find everything you need under the European Railpasses heading.
Jeff <email>
Bend, OR   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Reservations for Le Jules Verne
How far in advance would it be wise to make reservations for Le Jules Verne?
Stephanie <email>
Seattle, wa   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Italy travel
My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in May 2005 and want to know the Eurail passes work? We will be getting the youth pass as we are under 26. But are they worthwhile and what trains are they good for? Do you have to pay any extra on top of the rail pass cost? Also if we could see only one thing in Italy what would that be? Thank you so much!
Erica <email>
Scranton, PA   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Renfe night train options
Hello, I want to buy night train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid. The renfe webiste gives me five options: 1) Tourist 2) FirstIndiv 3)FirstDouble 4) DeluxeIndiv 5) DelexeDouble. What are the differences?
JMS <email>
CA   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Currency at ATMs
ATMs give cash in the currency of the country in which they are located. Euros for France and Italy. Swiss francs for Switzerland.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

ATM Question
OK — This is a very basic question. Do ATM machines in Italy and France give the cash in euros? What about Switzerland, which I understand doesn't use euros?
TT
Seattle,    USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Accommodations in Slovenia
I need help find an apartment to rent in Slovenia, specifically in either Ljubljana or Bled. I can't find any good sites and the Slovenia Tourist web site wasn't helpful. Thanks
William Klein <email>
Milwaukee, WI   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Re: Swiss Alps in May
We stayed in Murren in mid-May and loved it. Many stores were closed, but we weren't there to shop — we spent all of our time hiking. The trail up to the Shilthorn was still snowed in, but there were plenty of other areas to explore. We loved that the town wasn't crowded, and there were plenty of restaurants open. We may have been lucky with the weather, but we hiked in shorts and were in pants in the evenings.
Julie <email>
Durham, NC   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

SWISS ALPS IN MAY
KIRK~~~~IF you like cold weather, May is a good month in the Alps; however if you prefer mild (cool) weather, go in June~~~~ Some places won’t be open in June!~~~ But there will enough of them open to make travel practical.
Harborite
Tulsa, OK   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

cell phone rental
I need to bring a cell phone. Which rental services did you use for France? What was the cost (rates..)?
anna <email>
Burlingame, ca   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Swiss Alps in May
I am planning a trip to Bavaria and the Swiss Alps, specifically the Berner-Oberland region. I am planning to go in May, but all of the research I have completed suggests May is a bad month for the Alps as everything is closed. Is this correct? Would early June be a better option?
Kirk <email>
Bham, AL   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Realistic costs of travel
Jamie, My husband and I recently returned from a 3 week trip to France. We stayed in B&Bs and small hotels which included breakfast. We usually bought food in supermarkets for lunch and ate all dinners out. We often got the fixed price meals and wine.

We leased a car. We traveled through wonderful countryside in Dordogne, Pays Basque, Provence etc. but did not stay in any big cities (done that). We were lucky to be able to catch good flight deals (purchased in February for May/June flights) from Pa to Marseilles. Like the other poster said you need to start checking airlines several months in advance and sign up with them for notifications of sales. The sale we hit only lasted about 8 hours.

Anyway we had a wonderful trip and the total cost for 3 weeks for 2 people all inclusive was $4800. Hope this helps.
pat
pa   USA   Thu 07/29/2004

Jaime — airport transport
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/vlt_airport.shtml The paddington/bayswater area has a lot of affordable hotels and paddington station will take you right to heathrow on the heathrow express train. This area is centrally located for siteseeing (since london is fairly spread out there is no one "perfect" place to stay). I would stay here if i was in your shoes.
scott
london,    UK   Thu 07/29/2004

I am planning to honeymoon in Europe in October and I am confused about the way the eurorail pass works. If we take an overnight train and there are four stops along the way do I have to change trains all night long?

NY   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

CINQUE TERRE ROOMS
Jamie..these pages will help: www.venere.com/site/index.php?lg=en&geoid=26992&ref=3908 and www.levanto.net/rentals/index.htm
JACOB
ST LOUIS, MO   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

London Issues????
We fly into stansted airport in england in the evening- we fly out of heathrow 2 days later. What is the best plan of attack for locations to stay in these nights. Is there a train from STN airport right into downtown London? What is the best area to stay in in London for sight seeing? How far is Heathrow from this best location? Is it best to take a train, taxi or subway for this travel between STN-London-LHR??? PLS HElP
Jamie <email>
orange, ca   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

Cinqure terre rooms
Does anyone have any great suggestions for a double room in Monterosso Cinque terre for my husband and I. It seems like evrything I have found has required that I call. Is there a good site with cinqueterre reviews, pictures and actual online bookings for these accomidations?
Jamie <email>
orange, ca   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

EuroRail for 5 days — R. Rodriguez
You said, "Don't buy tickets before you go...". In general I would agree, but it is not always true. A nine hour trip from Frankfurt to Salzburg is 28 Euro plus the fare from Frankfurt to the Bavarian border with a Bayern ticket, 58 Euro with normal fare. A six hour trip by ICE is 82 Euro at the counter, but you can get it for 29 Euro online before you go. Sometimes it pays to buy before you go.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

EuroRail for 5 day Germany Austria Visit
S Deo~~~For 5 days I bought point-to-point tickets because the passes were too expensive. Forget the passes. You will be surprised at the low cost of individual rail fares. Check raileurope.com and click on “fares and schedules.” You can find fares for each leg of your jouney.

Add the fare from Frankfurt to Salzburg and the fare from Salzburg to Vienna and the fare from Vienna to Frankfurt. Get the total and compare with any passes you are considering.

Don’t buy tickets before you go; wait until the day before you travel to buy; go to the RR station and buy them; ask for a printed itinerary which will show departure and arrival times, train numbers and platform and also any train changes you will make. Second class fare in the countries you will be in will be adequate; you wont need first class.
R Rodriguez
El Paso, TX   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

Jacqui — realistic cost of European travel
This question is like asking how much it costs to visit the US...it varies greatly depending on which countries in your list you visit, city vs. countryside locations, how much you travel around, etc. Unfortunately, as you know, the weak dollar is not good for european travel right now. From my experience, figure on the following as a very, very general guide- at least $80-100/night for a b&b or cheap hotel. Food in restaurants = $30-40/day per person at the very minimum. Train travel = too many variables to say. admissions and transport also hard to say. For countries, France is generally the cheapest (varies greatly though from city to countryside to coast, etc). Scandanavia, of course is the most expensive.

For the best use of your dollar, consider staying in one or two places as a base for the duration (minimum of a week each) of your vacation. This way you can rent an apartment for a week or two and save on travel, hotel and food (as you can cook some meals). Doing a multi-country/city vacation staying short term in hotels will eat up your dollar very fast considering today's exchange rate. inter-country train or plane journeys can be very expensive. If you stay in one area, you get to know it in more depth and can relax more as travelling around a lot can be tiring and stressful. Shopping in a european market and cooking your own food is one of my favorite things to do. Food in the market (especially "farmer" type markets) can be very cheap and very good. Don't worry to much about choosing a "boring" area. Living a typical european lifestyle in a village for a week or two can be very fun and not so expensive. doing day trips from that base can also be fairly economical and add some variety. Cost of an apartment for a week is very difficult to generalize. but maybe something like, $400-500 per week minimum.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 07/28/2004

FALL AUSTRIA TRAVEL
Madeline>>>>>We have been to Europe 10 times in Oct and Nov...you wont see any difference in weather in Austria. The higher you go in the Alps, the cooler the weather; so you may want to travel that area first. If you find Nov cheaper, go then. Don’t pay extra to go in Oct. Take a jacket and layer your clothing.
OSCAR
AMHURST, NJ   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

REALISTIC COST OF EUROPEAN TRAVEL
Jacquie~~~~~I have traveled to Europe for over 20 years and find that every year it gets more expensive to go. As a result I have changed my habits; I don’t stay in hotels. My wife and I stay in homes, zimmer freis, B&Bs, hostels and motels. Most will give you a free breakfast where we make sanwiches for lunch and take with us. In France you will find Formule1 which are economy priced motels, but toilets and showers are down the hall. We like them. You can find the webpage at hotelformule1.com/formule1/index.

We always snack at lunch and dine out at dinner. Finding a discounted air fare is the difficult part of your trip. Read Graffiti Wall section on “Flying to Europe.” and “Flying within Europe.” You can benefit from the experience of others in shopping. I usually select 3 or 4 airlines flying from my departure city to my destination. I start calling each of them daily about 3 months in advance. If you call every day and ask the agent for the lowest air fare available the week of Oct 10 to 16, you will find the fares varying every day or every few days, depending on the number of seats available on each plane. Sear prices are reduced at midnight; so calling after that time will help. You must allow time and be patient. When you find the lowest fare, grab it because it will not be there tomorrow.

Estimating your costs will depend on how you live and how you travel in Europe. Add all the air fares or train fares while in Europe to your housing cost (estimate $50 to $100 a day) plus your guess for food. Restaurant meals will cost about the same as you would pay here. Forget about drinks and deserts with your meals. Buy bottled water in the supermarkets and carry it with you. We spent 2 weeks in Scandinavia last year and found all expenses about above the rest of Europe.
S SMITH
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

S Deo / Frankfurt Vienna trip
I don't know of a German-Austria pass. All the other Eurail passes are based on 1st class and too many days to be economical for your situation. I would agree you should buy tickets there vs. a rail pass, but there are some good deals if you buy your ticket online before you go. You can print out the ticket on any inkjet or laser printer.

You don't say how many people or what days of the week you are traveling. Will you be arriving at FRA (what time) and leaving directly for Salzburg, or will you already be in Frankfurt. Taking the train, even an ICE, which takes 6 hours to Salzburg will make for an awfully long day for someone with jetlag. Local trains, which you will have to use with a Bayern ticket, will take 9 hours to Salzburg.

I usually recommend the Länder tickets, but in this case I don't think I would. Deutsche Bahn is running some summer specials, through August at least, and if you look at their website, you can find one way from either FRA or Frankfurt Hbf to Salzburg for 29 Euro. This is for a 3 day advance purchace, but you can do it online with a credit card. It really makes sense if you are traveling alone, because you don't have to pay std fare from Frankfurt to the Bavarian border on top of the 28 Euro Bayern ticket.

As for the CityNightLine, the 59 Euro price is for online purchase, similar to with Deutsche Bahn. At the counter it will be 79 Euro. Either place, for MoTuWe travel, you might find a SparNight fare for 29 Euro. You would have a much better chance online than on the day of travel. That fare is for a reclining seat. There are also couchettes available for a higher price.
Larry <email>
Littleton,    USA   Wed 07/28/2004

Realistic Cost of European Travel
Husband and I would like to travel to Europe in October 2005. Either France, Belgium, Netherlands or Scandinavia. Or some combination of the above. What should we realistically figure as a ballpark cost for both of us, with airfare and hotel (of B&B). Have done some preliminary checking into flights and frankly, have been amazed at the expense. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Jacquie <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

Diaper Changing Help
We will be traveling in both Eastern & Western Europe in winter. Are there diaper changing tables or something else available? With the cold, we obviously can't change diapers outside and our stroller won't work for changes.
Sylvia <email>
Cheyenne, WY   USA   Wed 07/28/2004

Anzio
I will be visiting Rome in October and would like to visit the WWII invasion site at Anzio. Can anybody recommend a tour guide for a daytrip?
Laura <email>
Brooksville, FL   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

horseback riding in italy
Hi! Leaving soon for Italy and I wonder if anyone has gone horseback riding there — not for more than a day. Possibly Tuscany, or wherever... Contacts appreciated. Grazie! Mari
mari knowles <email>
seattle, wa   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Austria in the Autumn
to Madeline regarding Austria in Oct or Nov. I would strongly consider mid Oct. The weather can be and probably will be quite delightful in October. I have been there in October and the leaves alone are worth the extra $$ Email me if you would like any adsitional info. I will be traveling to Slovenia and Croatia during the last of OCtober and am hoping for good weather then. the southern slopes of the Alps should be a little warmer than Austria
Jim Todd <email>
Dalton , GA   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Notebook Insurance for Europe
Anybody have any recommendations for a reliable insurance company that will insure notebook computers and digital cameras for a trip to europe?
Alex Starke <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Our Lady of Nazare Festival
"Our Lady of Nazare Festival" in Nazare, Portugal — When are the exact dates for this? (early to mid September) Thanks
c. macnairn <email>
seattle, wa   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Fall 2004 Austria travel
We are planning a trip to Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, one of the wine-growing regions) this fall. We're on the fence about whether we should go in October or November. November is apparently cheaper, but October is warmer and there seem to be more sights that are open then. Any suggestions? Is it worth the additional $150 or more in air fare to go in October? Thanks in advance.
Madeline <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

S Deo / Frankfurt-Vienna trip
You will probably save money by buying regularly-priced tickets once you arrive. I just did a quick search for the roundtrip fare you described at www.bahn.de. Fare for two at the regular price was approximately 335 Euros. You might also look into the City Night Line specials — I think you can ride the Donau-Kurier between Vienna and Frankfurt round trip for 59 Euros: www.elca-services.ch/v3b/citynightline/

It is also possible to get regular tickets for Salzburg-Wien-Salzburg and to travel between Kahl (just east of Frankfurt) and Salzburg on a "Bayern Ticket", which covers up to 5 people for a grand total of 28 Euros. However, you must use only the local trains (the bahn site allows you to schedule this option) so there will be several changes of train and the trip may take twice as long. It's a very cheap way to go if you have the time.
Russ <email>
Galt, CA   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Pensione Guerratino
Pensione Guerratino: anyone here stay upstairs? Lots of good recs on sibling Guerrato....
doug <email>
honolulu, hi   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

EuroRail for 5 day Germany-Austria visit,
Which is the most economic euro rail pass to buy if I want to follow this itinerary — Frankfurt — Salzburg -Vienna -Frankfurt. This is in a 5 day duration. From my research so far I found out that I would ahve to buy a German pass and Austria pass which I think is exorbitant for a 5 day trip to Germany-Austria.Can someone suggest a better way? ?Is there a Germany-Austria combo pass???
S Deo <email>
LA, CA   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Susan — Biking in Amsterdam
MacBike Rentals sells maps with suggestetd routes for 1 Euro. There is one up & down the Amstel and one through the countryside to the north (entitiled something like "Great Waterland Tour"). They have several locations, including Centraal.
Jacqui
Boulder, CO   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

INTER COUNTRY TRAVEL ON ALPI EAGLES
Nicole~~~~~Read comments in Graffiti Wall section “Transportation” then click on “Flying within Europe”. You will find lots of discount lines discussed. If you find an answer to your question and the fares are not given, Email that person and ask your questions.
McWilliams
St Louis, MO   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

USING ATM CARDS IN EUROPE
I read all these questions and comments on using ATMs in Europe and wonder why so many have problems using their cards. My card is issued by Guaranty Bank in Dallas. On the back are listed the following systems: Cirrus, Pulse and Star. I have used it in 13 countries, including Russia and Thailand without trouble. My suggestion is that you who have trouble using your card, find a bank which issues a card showing at least one of those systems on the back.
LAMAR
DALLAS, TX   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Wine tour from Siena
My daughter and I took an all-day wine tour from Siena last fall. I think it cost around $60 per person. The tourist bureau in Siena had a brochure on it. We had a really great time.
Sherry <email>
SD, CA   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

RE: Gifts to Europe
I cannot imagine that you would have problems bringing a bottle of wine into a European country. I have brought many bottles back the other way, and US Customs tends to be much more strict. One bottle must be under any limit (A case may be an issue). I suggest you put it in your carry on; they will check it closely in the US when you go through security. Upon arrival, the most screening you get is a passport check, just don't "declare" anything to avoid the hassles, assume you are OK.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Civitavecchia to Roma
Brenda: Trains between Civitavecchia and Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station) are frequent (every 15 minutes or so, as I recall), cheap (E4.10 – E13, depending on class, and the type of train) and pretty quick (about an hour.) It’s been 10 years since I took a ship from Civitavecchia, but as I recall, the train station was a very short walk from the water. For a full schedule of trains the day you will be traveling, go to www.trenitalia.com.
Angela
Lexington, KY   USA   Tue 07/27/2004

Mosquitos on Lake Como
Are mosquitos a worry on Lake Como in August? Any non-DEET remedies for combatting them? THANKS!
cal <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Places to stay in Paris & Zermatt
My wife and I will be going to Europe in September. Is there anybody whom can give good recommendations on places to stay in Paris close to the sites and in Zermatt? B&B, small hotel? Any help would be great.
Bill Scott <email>
Boise, ID   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Any Problems Taking Gifts to Europe?
I'm taking gifts to friends in Germany (Flying Philly-Heathrow-Zurich w/train ride to Konstanz). Will I have problems at the airport taking a bottle of vino for the family patriarch? Is there is dollar limit?
Bernadette Dean <email>
Moorestown, NJ   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

inter country travel on alpi eagles
I am looking to fly from venice to naples on alpi eagles, does anyone have any comments or experiences they can share about this airline? thanks
Nicole McNeal <email>
san carlos, ca   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

For JS-CA re: Pensions/Zimmers in Lake Constance
We have friends in Konstanz we'll be visiting 8/12-8/22. I'll email them for places to stay in your price range — will post them as soon as I get a response.
Bernadette Dean <email>
Moorestown, NJ   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Need Reservation in Italy
Marc, definitely make reservations in advance. September is still a very busy time in Italy and you will be able to enjoy your time much more if you are not spending it trying to find a room. For your visit to the Cinque Terre, particularly if you wish to stay in Vernazza, you must make reservations first. It has become so popular that just showing up and seeking out a room is very risky. Buon Viaggio
Nancy
Sacramento, CA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

hotel suggestions
I would appreciate hotel suggestons for Venice, Paris, and London. Thanks in advance! Going for our honeymoon Sept 28-Oct 21. Do I need to make reservations for the Cinque Terre for that time frame...or will we be OK to wait and see the rooms first? thanks!
Dana Wilson <email>
Seattle, Wa   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

ATM's in Germany and Austria
I was in Europe in early July 04 and I had no problems using both my credit union and Union Bank's ATM. ATM's are everywhere!!! Also I left the USA with only my first night in Frankfurt under a reservation. I would do that again!! Can't wait for next year's trip to Ireland!!!
david
o'side, ca   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Civitavecchia to Rome
We will disembarking in Civitavecchia and plan to visit Rome.Any suggestions for transfers to Rome?
Brenda <email>
Victoria, BC,    CA   Mon 07/26/2004

Wine Tours in Italy
Does anyone know of any group wine tasting tours in Italy that are ran out of Sienna? Private tours are very expensive, but there must be 1 day group tours out there somewhere. Help?
Alta <email>
Long Beach, CA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Re: Reservations
I'll voice my opinion for the compromise plan of reservations. Definitely first night(or more if in same place). Highly recommended for major cities if you want to stay in a particular area (Say the Rue Cler area of Paris, or anywhere in Venice) especially during busy times. Otherwise try to leave un-reserved nights between major destinations to allow flex and finding unexpected treasures. We always found a place to sleep with little looking. I do recommend that you leave home with a list of places for each of the areas you intend to be. We have alot of luck calling a day or two ahead as we know our plans, but we still like to explore and try to find places on the spot.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Just back from 17 days in Europe
just back from 17 days in Europe — a few pointers ...
1) terrorism alerts in Paris caused periodic shutdowns of certain Metro lines; announcement made in French and franglish, train stops at a stop, agents outside train & everyone has to get off, lights go off — can be a bit disconcerting also massive military w/ machine gun presence around Eiffel Tower
2) pickpocketed in Paris on train — husband DID NOT put wallet in neck purse but had in front pocket, grabbed the guy's hand as it went in his front pocket but wallet was gone before he could drag the guy off the train but police/prefect's office very helpful (free calls to credit card companies provided)
3) no A/C anywhere in Paris hotels — be prepared for heat — we weren't prepared enough
4) highly recommend the Kroller-Mueller in Arnhem but watch the open drug use in the pubs in the evening if with a family (& very rough treatment by police of offenders)
5) we got caught routing ourselves from Salzburg to Basel on a train that went into Germany but Germany was not one of the countries we had on our Eurail (our travel agent screwed this up royally) — agent on train allowed us to stay but we had to re-route to save a costly additional country fee but instead only paid to get back to the border
6) 1st class Eurail is NOT worth the additional money — we had no smoking/plenty of seating in 2nd class and
7) DO NOT BELIEVE your bank when they tell you your ATM card will work in Europe — we had repeated assurances our PLUS ATM would work but it NEVER did (Austria, Switz, Germany, France, Netherlands) and found out later that the credit union had never had a member take their card to Europe and to make it work would have taken up to 30 days to make the software change on their end. We luckily had a Visa card that worked (cash advance) and could go to Amex. Also DO NOT take Amex travellers checks — many I met in the Amex office in Paris were there cashing their travellers checks b/c none of the hotels in Paris would take them and/or cash them.

Had great fun in spite of problems though! Jenny
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Florence Airport
Lyn in Encinitas, CA~~~~We were in Florence in May and had a very early flight to London. Our hotel called the taxi the night before. It is apparently necessary to do this if you need a taxi real early. It was a very short ride to the airport with no traffic — a small and easy to check in airport. It cost about $15. We did not inquire about a shuttle service. Good luck!
Susan <email>
Ga   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Reservations in Italy
Marc: In half a dozen trips to Italy, the only times I have made reservations for more than the first night have been when I have been traveling with large parties (6 one time, 8 another.) You don’t say how many of you there will be, but if it is just 2 or 3, I absolutely would not make reservations for the entire trip. You shouldn’t have trouble finding rooms. Traveling without reservations gives you the freedom to ditch your itinerary, and change plans if you so choose. On every reservation-free trip I have made, I have ended up either lengthening my stay in a city that I particularly loved, or staying in a town I’d barely heard of (and had no real plans to stay in) before leaving home.
Angela
Lexington, KY   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Reserve before you go!
Marc, I would go with reservations. I have never had a problem getting a nice place (reasonable) to stay using the internet or recommendations from this site. I can recommend nice places in Rome and Venice so if you need help there, just write me.
Kay <email>
Tn   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

B&B in Iceland
On our return from London via Icelandair in May we stayed a night at the B&B Guesthouse in Keflavik. Very clean,safe,and reasonably priced. The owner Svala collected us at the airport and even drove us to "The Blue Lagoon" The B&B is 5 min. from the airport and about 30 min. from Reykjavik.
Michael
Rossburg, Ooh   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Pension,Zimmers in Lake Constance Germany needed
Looking for lodging at less than $80 per night for 2 in this area. Pref. Lindau or other nice nearby town in Germany on the main train route.Leaving soon in Aug. Thanks in Advance
JS <email>
CA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Hotel in Gozo, Malta
I just wanted to mention that the worst hotel experience I have ever had was on Gozo at the Serena Beach Club, which is run by Joe and Maryrose Vella. Though it is also a hotel, we exchanged our timeshare through them. We received our confirmation stating we would have to pay a utility charge of 57 lira, about 120$. This is unusual for a timeshare, but we were excited about going and decided to just pay it, as it was still cheaper than a hotel. When we arrived around 11:30pm to check in, Joe told us that no, the utility fee was 90 lira, about $270, for our apartment. We showed him the confirmation, he stated it was dated March, he raised the fee in May and it was Interval's responsibility to let us know. If we didn't want to pay it, we could leave. Well, we argued, but it was late and we took the easy way out and paid. We spoke to other interval members there later that week and discovered he charged some of them the 57 and some the 90, depending on how successfully they argued. One couple he refunded the difference. When I went to ask why we had paid more than other people and that I would like a refund as well, he proceeded to scream at me, call me an arrogant American, that I was too stupid to understand exchange rates, that I was the worst sort of person and I was not to come to the reception office again to ask for anything and that he would prefer I left the hotel, and various other abuse. Which we did, for our own sanity, a day early and headed back to Malta. Joe managed to reduce two other guests to tears. We heard stories from other guests about overcharging for board and other incorrect charges. Later discussion with Interval indicated that they had no knowledge of the rate increase.

Gozo was lovely and we enjoyed our time outside of the hotel. However, I would not recommend staying at the Hotel Serena Beach Club at Xlendi Bay, Gozo, Malta. I have lived in the former Soviet Union for almost 2 years, and I have never had such a terrible experience.
Susan
Kiev, Ukraine,    Mon 07/26/2004

BIKING IN AMSTERDAM
Susan>>>>search google.com for “Bike tours Amsterdam”. AND YOU MIGHT TRY "AMSTERDAM BIKE RENTALS"
S SMITH
ROANOKE, VA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Sacher Torte
Allan, I was just in Vienna and although the Hotel Sacher was undergoing renovations, everyone was still able to eat in the cafe. I'm not sure if this is changing in August, I hadn't heard anything, but I do know that they were still serving Sacher Tortes in the cafe when I was there. I can't imagine they would be renovating that as well.
Cathy
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Need Reservation in Italy
MARC~~~~~~~~I would always inspect a room in Italy before agreeing to rent. Conditions are different in that country and standards are not kept. Therefore wait until you get there to take a room. Don’t wait too late in the day to start looking. Try to arrive in each town early in the morning and start looking. Venice and Florence have tourist info offices which are a help. In the CT you will have to search out a room by asking someone on the street or visit a bar and ask.
S Smith
Roanoke , VA   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

DEBIT CARDS AND BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS
Roger....call your issuing bank and ask these questions; that is the most authoritative source you have. Don’t rely on answers in this column from people who may not know.
NAMCEE
KNOXVILLE, TN   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Debit cards and brokerage accounts
As to credit/debit cards and ATM's. We have a DEBIT CARD and an account with C. Schwab-called a brokerage account. It shows VISA on the front and Plus and Star on the back and is through PNC bank of Delaware. I have not seen any comments on the Graffiti wall as to the use of these type cards, can anyone tell me if you have any knowledge of ussing these cards in Germany and France?? Roger
Roger Jenz <email>
Lombard, IL   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

To Tom Re: Day trip to London
I agree with the other posters about a day trip to london from paris. This is not a good idea. Even though the travel is by train, you must check-in in advance for the trip, go through security, etc. Delays are also quite common on the eurostar. It is possible but not worth it for just a day visit. Including wait and transfer times to the stations, your travel time for the round trip on that day will be at LEAST 7 hours (probably a lot more) and the cost will be high. Better to spend those 7 hours seeing something in paris.
Mary
austin, tx   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Provence by Car or Tour
I would opt for car travel for all the villages of Provence (except the coast). Tour is pretty much trouble free and perhaps the best option for some but I think that travel is a very personal thing and, therefore, the "common denominator" approach that a tour must achieve is very limiting. I think a tour has its place for those who are unable or unwilling to operate without the "buffer zone" that a tour provides. I don't at all mean this as an insult. Everyone has their own level of tolerance whereby hassles, language, cultural differences, etc stop being an adventure and start to inhibit you from having a good time. For myself, I would feel uncomfortable without the buffer zone of a tour for some parts of africa and perhaps bits of asia but would rather go it alone in europe. just my opinion.
Mary
Austin, TX   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Travel classes
WE are in Chicago, attending your classes is not possible. Can you put them online? A shortened version would do.
Roger Jenz <email>
Lombard, , IL   USA   Mon 07/26/2004

Hotels in Rome
Considering staying in Rome at one of following hotels: Virginia, Magnifico, Argentina or Embassy. Comments?
ruth <email>
Bellevue, WA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Family Paris Trip
Tom, I agree with Karen, unless you're planning to spend the night, I'd spend my extra day in Paris. Though traveling by EuroStar is very easy, it's a 3 hour trip each way. We just returned from a trip to England with a "day-and-a-half" trip to Paris in the middle of it. Left on the 10:39 a.m. train on a Tuesday and came back on the 11:45 a.m. train on Thursday. I'm glad we did it since we had never been to Paris before, but even though we covered a lot of ground, it wasn't enough time to do the city justice (and London is just as interesting), and it was very tiring (and my two my two sons are 12 and 17). I'd say enjoy your Paris adventure and save London for another trip. (And, yes, you'll need two rooms, they tend to be quite small. Our hotel — not in the Rue Cler area — was charming, but my husband's and my room was taller than it was wide!)
Leslie
CA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Driving in Provence
re: Driving in Provence. Robert — I can't compare Rick Steve's Provence tour with an indepedent driving tour but I can tell you that we just got back from a week in Provence on our own (after spending a week in Paris and 3 days in Burgundy). We had a marvelous time — since there were 4 of us, we rented an apartment for a week in Aix (wonderful city — no matter what Rick says) and used a car to explore the outlying areas each day. If just the two of us did it again, the only thing I would change would be to break up the week in two different areas of Provence — perhaps balancing a few days in Aix with a few days in a very small village (hill town). But to answer your question — everyone is different, but for us — we loved the freedom that independant travel gave us — the freedom to stay an extra 20 minutes in a little inn where we were speaking with some new friends without worrying about the bus leaving. It's true — you pay a price for this "freedom" — it took a lot of organizing before we left, but for me that was half of the fun. Driving in Provence is great fun — if you like small country lanes with little traffic and like to just pull off when you see a lavender field and walk through it — or pull over when u see an inviting family vineyard. On the other hand, I'm sure it can be very relaxing to just go on a tour and "leave the driving to them". "Different strokes for different folks."
Bob <email>
Lakewood, Wa   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Orthotic Shoes Shopping
I wear Orthotics so would like to know in Munich Germany where would be the best places to shop. Thank you
Michelle <email>
Victoria Australia, Victoria   Aus   Sun 07/25/2004

Room reservations for September
Marc, I would get reservations before you go. This is still "high" season in Italy and many of the best places will be full. It is no fun to waste your time going from place to place. If it were me (and I have been to Italy many times in the fall) I would go with reservations.

  USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Paris to Mont St. Michele
Sherry, We took the train from Paris directly to the town Mont St. Michele is in, then caught a bus which was waiting at the train station. I think the bus runs frequently. It was quite easy but the entire trip took longer than I imagined. We spent the night.

  USA   Sun 07/25/2004

EMAIL Problems GermanyAustria
Thanks to Everyone who took the time to send me Information in reagrds to my question about EMAIL's to Europe.Your answers are much appreciated,and helpfull.
Mike S. <email>
SF, CA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Barcelona Hotels
My husband and I are looking for a moderatly priced hotel in Barcelona. We love to walk and prefer something centrally located. Any help is appreciated
Victoria <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Need a reservation in Italy?
We are travelling to Italy in mid-September. We are specifically going to Venice, Siena/Florence, and Cinque Terra. Can we get rooms when we get to town in all of these places? Or should we get reservations?
Marc <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Italyby.com
We are going to Italy for this fall and I have found several hotels and apartments list with www.italyby.com and www.tuscanyby.com??? Has anyone booked through this company? Would you recommend them?
Francine <email>
pa   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Provence by car or tour?
We are seasoned travelers and are debating whether to take Rick Steve's Provence tour or go on our own with a car. This would be our 13th European trip (we've taken 2 Rick Steves tours) and we have driven by car in many countries. If you have done either one, we would appreciate your opinion. How easy is it to drive in that area of France? R.S. Tour? We like nice hotels; were they nice (i.e., clean and cheerful) or dank and depressing? Did you have a lot of early mornings on the tour? Thanks!
Robert <email>
Tulsa, OK   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

layover in Amsterdam-correct e-mail address
LAYOVER IN AMSTERDAM{5hrs}-sorry, listed wrong e-mail address.Please try andy.langston@wellsfargo.com
lynn <email>
Tulsa, OK   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Compatible Travel Locations
I've already looked on the "travel partners wanted" page, but I'm having a hard time locating people who are interested in traveling to the same destination as myself. Is there a more efficient way of finding a travel partner?
Rick Aidi <email>
Berkeley, Ca   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

layover in Amsterdam
layover in amsterdam{5 hrs} How far is the square from airport? is it worth it? how much would it cost? how much time would I have in town before needing to head back to airport? I really need a detailed timeline- have nervous husband!
Lynn <email>
Tulsa, OK   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

transportation to airport
We will be catching an early flight back from Venice. Since the boats are not running that early they are quoting us a cost of $300.00 for transportation to the airport. Is there a cheaper solution.
Jack Conley <email>
Montgomery, TX   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

transportation to airport
We will be catching an early flight back from Venice. Since the boats are not running that early they are quoting us a cost of $300.00. Is there a cheaper solution.
Jack Conley <email>
Montgomery, TX   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Paris to Mont-St-Michel Transportation
My daughter and I will be going from Paris to Mont-St-Michel. I know we take the train from Gare Montparnasse to Rennes. Would you then recommend taking a bus from Rennes to Mont-St-Michel or a train from Rennes to Pontorson and then a bus?
Sherry <email>
SD, CA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Canal Tours from Paris
I'm considering the Paris Canal Co. trip from Paris to the Vignely lock. Has anyone taken this all day trip. I am concerned about being "trapped" on a canal boat if the trip is not particularly interesting. MC
Malcolm <email>
Charleston, S.C.   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Sacher Torte in Vienna
My wife and I will be in Vienna in mid August. The Hotel Sacher is closed for renovations. What is the next best place to get sacher torte?
Allan <email>
Sheboygan, WI   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Family paris trip
Tom, I'd think carefully about the "day trip" to London. Yes, it can be done in a day but why? and at what cost? We've been to Europe several times with our kids and the key is to slow things down not try to pack it all in. London is wonderful, especially for children, and if you were going to at least stay overnight I'd say consider it. When I looked into it for my family (and the kids were older than yours) I thought the trip was too long with the end result being really only a few hours in a marvelous city. Your 4 year old might have a hard time lasting through the day. Other than that I would imagine that Thanksgiving would be a great time to take your kids to Europe.
Karen <email>
atlanta, ga   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Biking in Amsterdam
We'd like to rent bikes and venture outside of Amsterdam to see some windmills & cows and get the (low) lay of the land. Mike's Bike Tours in A'dam is 24 euros/person for the tour — we can rent bikes for the day for 7-10 euros each, which is what we prefer to do. Any suggestions for a nice bike route or map that we can use to lead our own bike tour of Amsterdam & it's surroundings?
Susan
Atlanta, GA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Delivery from Rothenburg
Mike — We sent Rothenburg purchases home by mail. They said allow 3-4 weeks and it took about four weeks. Everything arrived in good condition.
George
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Sun 07/25/2004

Looking for hostel suggestions in London
Looking for a clean hostel in London, somewhere in the vicinity of Regents Park.
Andrea <email>
San Rafael, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Florence shuttles
Does anyone know how to make reservations for the shuttles from the Florence airport to the city? Our return flight from Florence leaves about 7 am — what's the best way to get from Florence to the airport at 5 am? Thanks.
Lyn <email>
Encinitas, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Mike: E-mail problems in Germany and Austria
If you are contacting tourist offices by e-mail, the problem is not language — nearly every office will have someone who can respond to you in written English. The problem in my experience is mainly that Germans don't rely on e-mail nearly as much as we do for everyday communication and are much less likely to check their inboxes and return mail, even in tourist offices sometimes. I suggest if you don't hear back within a day or two that you call them directly to get your info; someone there will almost always be able to manage in English. Small pension and B&B operators over 50 or so often do not speak or write English; you may need to book their services through the local tourist office instead.
Russ <email>
Galt, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

sorry for mistakes
Tom Crown here. I read my note as it was posted and my spelling and grammer reads terribly...sorry. Next time I'll read/correct it before it goes out. Tom Crown
tom crown <email>
san diego, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Paris travel with children
Hello everyone,

My wife and I decided to take our family (four children, 4 through 12) to paris this Thanksgiving. I have nothing but questions for those that may be able to help.
1. Is this a good time or will their be a crush of vacationers I am not aware of in my review of the literature?
2. We are looking at staying in one of the hotels recommended by Rick in the Rue Cler area...any that you may have stayed at you found better than others, especially thinking about the six of us. I am sure will will be getting two rooms.
3. We want to make a day trip to London via the EuroStar rail...pretty easiy thing to do or are there more transfers and problems that I may wish to keep the extra day in Paris?
Thanks for any help/suggestions.
Tom Crown
tomcrown2003@yahoo.com
tom crown <email>
san diego, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

AUTOMATIC RENTAL IN PORTUGAL
Alison>>>>I keep a list of agencies to call when I need a car. Here is my list for Portugal: www.farocarhire.com , www.kasbah.com/car_rental/portugal, www.portugal-auto-rentals.com, www.specialfares.com, www.portugalcar.net, www.car-rental-centre.com, www.portugalcarrent.com/prices, www.cheap-car-rental.com>>>>I always call when they furnish a toll free number so I can talk with someone. Reserving an auto on the internet leaves a lot of unanswered questions. most agencies will NOT guarantee an automatic, but most will provide one for me if I persist when I get to the counter.
WILLIAMS
BROWNLEE, ARK   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Email question to Austria and Germany
Mike~~~~if you are requesting brochures and travel info, I would suggest your write or call the tourist info offices for each country located in the U.S. You will find addresses at: www.towd.com/search.php. Click on the drop down menu and click on a country, then click on display. You will find lots of countries listed with email and mail addresses and phone numbers. Declocke
declocke
uasia, mn   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Email reservations
Mike (also Susan), in what language are you sending these email requests? I find all of my accommodations on the web, and I write in German, and I have received responses to virtually every request. However, in most of the place I eventually stay, they do not speak any English. It is a common misconception that all Germans speak English. Based on a lot of travel, I think only 10-20% of Germans speak English. So, if you write in English, and they don't understand you, they won't (can't) answer. Larry
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Internet Resrv for Austria, Germany
To Mike, Do not give up, it took 2.5 wks for me to get emails back from small pension owners from Switzerland, Germ, Austria, Italy for Aug.They normally will not respond until they have an opening.As a back up try a chain like www.accorhotel.com. Very clean,convenient and a range of rates but generally no brfast. From A Motel 6 like (Formule) to Sofitel (4 star).Reserve then cancel if your others come thru. Hope this helps.
JS
Ca   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Mailing Things Home
Does anyone know how long it takes for items that were bought at the Friese Shop in Rothenburg (page 143 in Rick's Germany book) to reach the USA??
david
o'side, ca   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

bus fare from malaga to algeciras
how long is a bus ride from malaga, spain to algeciras, spain? about how much should i expect to pay for fare? do buses run frequently and on time?
lea durange <email>
houston, TX   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Florence Musuem Reservations
Is there a way to make advance reservations by e-mail for the Ufuzzi and Academia in Florence? I will be there in September.
Becky <email>
Palos Verdes, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

Email — success with reservations
Mike, I've actually had amazing success planning my upcoming Germany-Austria-Netherlands holiday via the internet & email. I made ALL of my pension/hotel reservations by email — most of the addresses from Rick's book or from the Guidebook Forums here on the Graffiti wall — and dates & prices were usually finalized within 3 days of my first email contact. I've even been able to contact the German Rail by email — with a quick phone call to make our train reservation. I recommend using Rick's book & the Guidebook Forum for Austria & Germany as your guides, get pension suggestions & emails from there, and keep typing away. good luck.
Susan
Atlanta, GA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

EMAIL Question to Austria and Germany
For the past Month,I have been planinng my Trip back to Austria and Germany, I have sent over 100+ email's to local Tourist Offices there,as well as Hotel's,Pension's,Zimmer's who's email's I have found on the NET. I was wondering if Im the only one,but I have noticed Im getting a very small percentage of responces back to my questions?,am I the only one having this problem?
MIKE <email>
SF, CA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

AUTOMATIC car rental in Portugal
Does anyone have any suggestions for renting a car in Portugal? We absolutely need an AUTOMATIC car but are having trouble finding an agency that rents them. We are trying to find something on the less expensive side.
Alison and Gareth <email>
Toronto, ON   Canada   Sat 07/24/2004

winter in Italy
We're traveling Naples-Sorrento-Rome-CinqueTerre-Venice arriving 6pm Dec23 leaving mid Jan. what weather can we expect? where do we spend Christmas/NewYear (we're not loud party people)?
Rex <email>
Lacey, WA   USA   Sat 07/24/2004

CURRENCY CONVERSION
Chris~~~read Graffiti Wall section on money and ATMs for best advice on currency exchange. Never do it here because it costs too much. Always do it when you need it and where you need it. Call your bank and ask about ATM fees for withdrawing money in the countries you will be in.
WILLIAMSON
DENVER, CO   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Italy: Malpensa's Airport Hotel Cervo
We have read that the Hotel Cervo (& Ristorante) is a good and inexpensive three star hotel with all the basic amenities offered. It is between Malpensa's Terminal 1 and 2 -as is the more expensive and newer 4 star First Hotel. Has anyone out there had a recent booking? Your counsel?
Joann Thompson <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Italy: Malpensa's Airport Hotel Cervo
We have read that the Hotel Cervo (& Ristorante) is a good and inexpensive three star hotel with all the basic amenities offered. It is between Terminal 1 and 2 as is the more expensive and newer 4 star First Hotel. Has anyone out there had a recent booking? Your counsel?
Joann Thompson <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

No restaurant Serre, try these...
Kari, Re a replacement for the Serre restaurant in Paris, perhaps you will like the Cafe Bosquet at the intersection of ave. Bosquet and rue du Champ de Mars. Aside from the food, the excellent preparation of which is a given, pay attention to the flawless performance of the wait staff. The Cafe is a Rick Recommendation and has as an owner a true gentleman. Another Rick Recommendation is in the 5em just up rue Mouffetard, a shallow incline, cobble stone, medieval style street, from the Place Contrascarpe and well situated if you are staying at the Hotel l'Esperance. It is Le Jardin d'Artemis and is operated by a seeming rough-cut gentleman who speaks French and English with a Greek accent. I watched him a few nights during dinner. He is master of the room for, though he is not imposing, one knows the restaurant is his domaine. He is a benign Sire. Trust his recommendations especially if he wants you to try the goat cheese salad. A third place is worth every euro its slightly more expensive menues command. It is La Forge, on rue Pascal opposite Hotel l'Esperance. This place also is operated by a person who makes running a restaurant seem easy — always a sign of a well run place.
Harvey
Park Forest, Il   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Currency conversion
I noticed you mentioned credit cards. A lot of stores will take credit cards, and in most cases that will give you absolutely the best exchange rates. Big hotels will take the CC, but don't assume it. Europe is traditionally a cash society. Expect smaller hotels to demand cash. Never use a credit card in an ATM. They will charge you for a cash advance, which is more expensive. Use a debit card.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

currency conversion
For me, ATMs are the least expensive, in terms of fees, and that is what I use in Germany when I travel. As near as I can tell, I pay about 3% over the two way exchange rate. If I purchase Euro here in Denver, the main bank charges about 5% or more, plus there is a fee to send it out to the local branch. Still, it may be worth something to have a supply of the local currency on hand when you arrive, just in case you can't find an ATM right away. I go regularly to Europe, and I always bring back about €200 from each trip to have when I return.

One of my banks gives me free travelers cheques, and I always take some travelers cheques with with me. They are hard to exchange (banks only) but they will always work. So far I have never needed to cash them, but it is nice to have the security. I have had some ATM cards rejected.

Several things you should do if you plan on using your ATM card in Europe. Hopefully, you, or your traveling companions will have cards from several banks, in case a bank's system is down. Second, tell your bank you are going to be there. It is really none of their business, but banks have a nasty habit of assuming something is wrong when ATM withdrawals start showing up from Europe, and they might cancel your card. Third, make sure you have a high enough limit. I travel pretty frugally, but I still go through 50-60 Euro per day. €400 Euro is not too much to get at a time, but with today's exchange rate, and a small fee, that can easily be $500. Also, fees are usually a percent plus a fixed fee. The more you withdraw at a time, the smaller the fee, proportionally.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

currency conversion
I'm going to europe. should i exhcange my currency here or there? I heard the cheapest exchange was thru a credit card or ATM. Is this true?
chris stacey <email>
chicago, IL   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Hotel Aberdeen — Rome
Tom, I've stayed at the Aberdeen 3 or 4 times and really like it. Location is good, rooms are recently remodeled, buffet breakfast is above average, and the staff is always pleasant and helpful. I think you've made a good choice.
Frank
Wilmington, DE   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Iceland
We will be in Iceland Nov 6-8. Can anyone reccommend a bed and breakfast or guesthouse, non smoking?
Ginny <email>
largo, fl   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

renting a car — CHECK IT OUT!!
Anyone considering renting a car in Europe, PLEASE read the message I left under Driving Europe Crazy graffiti topic. I'm not going to repeat it all here but check it out — If I had only known this I would have saved $1300.00!!!!!
BOB <email>
Lakewood, Wa   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

RE: London/ Seattle airfare
When do you want to go? NWA has $343 RT from Seattle to London for November through January. With taxes and fees that is a little over $420.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

luggage and the RER
To Krishna in Portland. Yes, the RER, Sncf, Ratp, and Metro all allow travellers with lots of luggage, but French manners do not. Don't stand in train entrances with your stuff, block aisles or pile it up on seats if people are standing. There's not many options. Better yet, get rid of everything that does not fit into one bag/backpack that you can handle without help. Rick will be proud of you and the French will consider you "well raised." If you are not up on train etiquette, take the Roisybus (prounced "wha cee booz if you have to ask where to find it) from CDG to the area around Pont d'Alma/ Invalides. Avoid the taxis if you are on a budget. The RER blue stops at a couple of places in Paris. If you take it avoid Les Halles/Chatelet. You'll have to camp out overnight before you get out of the station. Luxembourg station is a better point and has many bus and metro possibilities especially if you are going to a left bank destination (the 5em, 6em, 7em, 12em.
Harvey
Chicago, IL   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

RE: London/ Seattle airfare
$650 is the cheapest roundtrip fare I've found, too, so if you can get one for that price, go for it! :)
Emily
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Accessible rental in Rome ?
I am looking for a ground floor rental in Rome. I do not need wheelchair accessible, but stairs are difficult. Ideally, a rental within a block or two of a town square would be perfect, any ideas?????? Thanks!
Ann <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Cotswolds
We are planning a trip to England next spring and plan to spend time in the Cotswolds. Last time we stayed in Stow-on-wold but we prefer a small village that is well located for visiting other villages. The town of Burford seems to be a pleasant place to stay. Has anyone stayed there? Any other place to recommend? We enjoy hiking, pubs, old churches & cemeteries. We will be driving and hope to visit gardens as well.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Fri 07/23/2004

October Weather in Bavaria
I'm planning a vacation to Munich and other parts of Bavaria in either early September or early October (i.e., before or after Oktoberfest). How is the weather in Bavaria during early to mid October in terms of sunny vs rainy/cloudy days?
Dan <email>
UT   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Hotel Aberdeen-Rome
We have reservations at the Hotel Aberdeen in Rome for early November. Any comments on your experience with this hotel, good or bad, will be appreciated.
Tom <email>
Duluth, GA   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Bed And Breakfast question — Piazza della signoria
Has anyone stayed in the Vespucci room at the Piazza della signoria , Bed and Breakfast? Was the bathroom ok? There is no picture on website. Thanks

Va   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

RAIL TRAVEL IN ITALY
Jim...it depends on where you travel, the time of day and the day of the week. It varies a great deal. My limited iTALIAN rail experience (only one week) proved that first class is worth the extra expense; many in second class have lots of luggage and noisy kids.

First class offers more space and quiet if you like it. I walked into second class one day to see if I would regret buying first class.. I was shocked at the contrast. That is not true in other countries.

As for buying the pass...you should add the cost of all the point-to-point tickets for your journey with the cost of the rail pass to determine which is cheaper. I always do that. Once I bought the SwissPass and found out later that point-to-point would have been cheaper.

You can find fares on raileurope.com. Click on “Fares and schedules” in the left column. Enter your departure city and destination and you will find the travel time and fare. Total the cost of all legs on your trip.
MINDY
WACO, TX   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Cassino
I would like to visit the Cassino area of Italy to vist the WWII battlefield and cemetary. Has anyone been there and is it worth it?
Jim Berry <email>
Charlotte, nc   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Rail travel in Italy
My wife and I will arrive in Milan in November and I'm not sure if I want to purchase an Italian railpass (1st class) or simply by city to city ticket. Is 1st class travel in Italy that much better than 2nd?
Jim Berry <email>
Charlotte, n.c   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Itinerary planning help
Alena>>>>>>>I would suggest you rent a car if you can afford it....I always do and never regret it because it gives you flexibility ...you can pack it and leave when you want to leave and go where you plan to go without depending on public transportation. First choose the towns you want to stay in. When I arrive in a town I drive around looking for signs in yards advertising rooms. ... most of them say zimmer frei. Which means room for rent. You may want to return your car for the time you are in Cinque Terre because the train is more practical; you cant drive into those 5 villages.

I never use a travel agent because I can research the places I want to visit and plan my itinerary myself....use google.com and ask for “Florence Attractions”; you will find pictures and descriptions; read through the pages and choose what you want to see. You can also go to your library and browse through travel guides: Frommers, Fordors, Lonely Planet and Fielding.
TRUDY
TULSA, OK   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

LONDON TO SCOTLAND RAIL
Jaime~~~~~it is always best to talk with an agent. I make a list of questions to ask him before I call. For rail information, call 800 782 2424 or FAX 800 282 7474. Or call 800 4EURAIL, 800 441 2387, or 800 248 7245.
Labrusky
Portland, ME   USA   Fri 07/23/2004

Rome in October
Eileen, I have been to Rome in October three different times and it has been warm each time. I didn't need a jacket at all. I guess if it was near the end of the month it would be safer to take something, but it would probably need to be very lightweight.

Tn   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Itinerary planning help
I am dazed and confused! We're planning to visit Italy from 9/25 to 10/14 (3 wks). For the first week we'll be staying with friends. They have given us a few suggestions on places to see. But we're dazed on places to stay. The graffiti board offers a wide array of suggestions. We plan to hit Florence, Venice, Cinque Terra and Amalfi Coast/Sorrento for the remaining couple of weeks. Rick's 2004 Italy book suggests 2-3 at each location. We're traveling with our 8 year old son. We're thinking of using a suburb out of Siena as base for Florence and the hilly towns. Should I rent a car out of Siena? Then train from Siena to Venice and find somewhere to stay for two nights. Then train to Cinque Terra for 2-3 nights. The kicker is getting to Sorrento and how to see the coast line w/o driving ourselves. Rick's book and video offers some tour guide options. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions for Sorrento? Are my plans to tight? We would like this to be a relaxing yet exciting vacation. Should I stop playing travel agent and actually hire a travel agent to arrange places to stay, tours, and transportation? In a way I would hate to lose the luxury of roaming free when we want.

Thanks to everyone on this board for all the suggestions and advise. Our Rick Steve's bags are almost packed and ready to travel!
Alena <email>
WA   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

wash clothes in hostels
I wondered how people who stay in hostels wash their clothes. Do you wash them and hang them in the room full of other people?
anna
  USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Rome visit
Can anyone give me some advice of where to stay on a moderate budget in Rome and some places to visit, past experiences etc. Also can anyone tell me of ways to transfer from ciampino airport to the city centre
Gary C <email>
Sunderland,    UK   Thu 07/22/2004

europe with dog allergies
I am traveling to Germany and Austria with my husband and 3 children in a few weeks. I am finding it really difficult to find places to stay that don't allow pets. My husband is SEVERELY allergic to dogs. Does anyone have any suggestions? We plan to visit Munich and Salzburg and Hallstat, to name a few. Thanks!
Julie Haymes <email>
Concord, CA   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Scotland Night Trains for Jaime
Going from London to Edinburgh can be done during the day or night. The night train is called the Caledonian Sleeper and it is a very nice train. To read about it and see the train go to "www.seat61.com" and look at travel within the the UK. That will get you to the ScotRail Website where you can make you reservations. Unless you are doing alot of other trips around the UK, it doesn't pay to get a BritRail Pass. Our trip is planned for September 8th, so maybe we will see you there. By the way, flying to Edinburgh is very cheap compared to the train, but not as much fun IMO. Have a good trip.
Greg <email>
Mpls, MN   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Need Travel Medical Insurance
I am planning to travel for 3-6 months in Europe. I won't have medical insurance in the US and was interested in purchasing a plan in case of an emergeny. Has anyone had a good experience with a plan? How is Travel Insured? Thanks!
Angel <email>
Sacramento, CA   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

London to Scotland: Rail
My husband and I want to travel by train from London to Edinburgh. Any rail suggestions? Is it best to speak with an agent directly or book online? What are the differences between railpass.com, raileurope.com, railtrains.com and alleuroperail.com? THANKS!!!
Jaime <email>
Houston, TX   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Eileen — Packing for October in Rome
Eileen – October daytime temperatures in Rome should be between cool comfortable (60’s) to hot (could be as high as 80). In the evenings, it should get cooler. I was there in October 2 years ago. I had only short sleeved and ¾ length sleeved tops, and a fairly light-weight sweater, and I was fine. If you are cooler natured, you may want to bring more for layering (silk long underwear top and a light jacket or sweater maybe), but unless there’s some weird weather fluke, you shouldn’t need anything bulky.
Angela
  USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Hotel in Ronda, Spain
Has any one stayed at the Hotel Enfrente Arte in Ronda, Spain? It is recommended in Rick's book, but haven't been able to find any reviews of it anywhere. Thanks!
Katherine <email>
Ks   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Packing
How's the weather like in Rome in Oct? Should I bring a light or heavy coat with me. I want to avoid bringing bulky pieces, is layering enough?
Eileen <email>
SF, CA   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

daylight hours in spain
Would anyone know the daylight hours in Andalusia (seville / Granada) in November ??
abhi <email>
boston, ma   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

About the Greeks
JuLynne>>>>>>We spent a week in Athens last year and found no one who disliked us. After traveling in over 50 countries, I find natives treat you like you treat them. If you are courteous, they will be also. Don’t be the ugly American. Be nice and you will have a great welcome.
Englander
Southbeach, SC   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

JET LAG
Rachel~~~~go to http://www.nojetlag.com/jetlag3.~~~you will find lots of suggestions to try. I have made many transoceanic flights and have tried dozens of rememedies ....I settled on the 3 that help ME. I find walking the aisles every 30 mins. helps and drinking lots of bottled water. Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol.
STEINBRINNOR
TULSA, OK   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

STANSTED SLEEPOVER
ESTELLE....Go to Sleepinginairports.com and click on “Europe” in the left column. Then click on “England” and you will see “London-Stanisted”. ...Click on it.... There are 41 reports to read. I have slept in SFO in San Francisco and in Milano airport with no problems. >>>>find a place to sleep as early in the afternoon as possible and claim it>>look for a seat without arms so you can stretch out.
HAVERLY
GARY, IN   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Jet Lag
On several trips, I found that the best ways are the simplest. Start by adjsuting your schedule before you go, up earlier, to bed earlier (9:00 PM even). On the flight, lots of water, get what sleep you can. First day, most flights get in anywhere from early morning to noon, plan to stay at least one night near the city you land in, a long train ride will make jet lag worse. Ideally, if you can spend the entire afternoon and early evening doing something active outdoors...just walking the city, visiting gardens...you will do well. Take a late dinner, then to bed, no earlier than 9:00 pm local time, then up no later than 7:00 AM. You want to adjust your body to local time, including eating at regular times and no napping.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Thu 07/22/2004

Hotel Porte Doree Paris Hotel
Need a good place to stay in Paris, something more on the inexpensive side? A two star place that feels and looks like a three or maybe even a four star? Where English isn't just a second language and the owners are some of the nicest most helpful people in town? Then try the Hotel de la Porte Doree. www.hoteldelaportedoree.com

This one isn't in Rick's books, but that is okay. If it were located in the rue Cler or Marais neighborhood then it would be (I can say that, I work for Rick.) This hotel isn't exactly in the center of Paris but is is only a couple of Metro stops from the Bastille (where lots of Rick's Marais neighborhood hotels are found) and is still within walking distance of a lot of really interesting Paris sights. This hotel is a real gem and I guarentee if you try it you will end up staying there again on future trips to Paris.
Michaelanne <email>
Edmonds, WA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Ann: Packing for Paris
I've traveled to Paris in March the last four years...each time, the weather was different. One year it was hot, the next it was perfect. Last year it rained nearly every day. Make sure you bring an umbrella and a jacket, at least...I took a black leather jacket...seems everyone in Paris has one. One morning it was cold enough for gloves. Check out the weather right before you leave and you can decide if you want to bring gloves or not. Here's a site for 10-day weather forecast: http://www.intellicast.com/Local/IntlLocalStd.asp?loc=frxxct28817&seg=LocalWeather&prodgrp=Forecast&product=Forecast&prodnav=none

Moving on, I think layers would be best, in addition to your jacket. You may discard it by the end of the day, depending on the weather. Parisians do wear a lot of black and they do dress up more than we do here. I haven't seen anyone wear a sweatshirt and track pants to the grocery store. Jeans are fine. No matter how hard you try, you won't be mistaken for a fellow Parisian. Maybe they're born with it. *g* Hope I've been of some help!
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

DUBROVNIK HOTELS
FOR AN ANSWER TO USA TUE 07/20 THERE ARE MANY GOOD HOTELS IN DUBROVNIK. A FEW I LIKE ARE HOTEL PETKA PORT SIDE WWW.CROATIA-VACATION.COM FAX 385 20 41 80 58 E-MAIL HOTEL-PETKA@DU.HINET.HR PLEASE VERIFY FAX NUMBER BEFORE IN TOWN WWW.HOTELSTARIGRAD.COM OD SIGURATE BR.4 FAX 385 20 321-256 ON LAPAD SECTION- NOT STAYED HERE HOTEL ZAGREB NICE LITTLE HOTEL E-MAIL HOT-SUMRATIN@DU.HINET.HR FAX 385 20 436-006 NEAR TOWN WWW.HOTEL-BELLEVUE.HR FAX 385 20 41.40.58 NOT STAYED HERE NOTE DUBROVNIK IS VERY BUSY IN JULY AND AUGUST. YOU MAY REFER TO LOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY FOR HELP OR THE TOURISM OFFICES.

  CAN   Wed 07/21/2004

Jet Lag
Rachel — my family of 4 follows this routine to minimize jet lag: get up early on the day of travel (4 AM). Start normal day schedule except everything is moved up a few hours. Assuming we have a flight about 7:00 pm, we eat a light "dinner" about 2:00 pm. All of us take different "sleep aids" ranging from OTC Benadryl and Dramamine to prescription Ambien and Xanax. We take these immediately prior to or just after boarding. At this point we either go to sleep immediately or the kids sometimes eat a bit on the plane and then sleep. We wake up for breakfast on the plane, have a quick wash up and hit the ground running. The only concession we make the first day is dinner as early as possible and sleep by 9:00 pm. We admit to being a bit fuzzy on day 1 activities (I napped during our Seine boat ride) but we are fairly well adjusted by the morning of day 2.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Rick Steves' Bingo
I heard from a friend that there is a "Rick Steves' Scavanger Game" being played while people are in Europe? I want to play!!! What are the rules?
Leah <email>
Belmont, CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Minimizing Jet Lat
I notice a lot less Jet-lag since I started sleeping several hours on the flight. I make that my main objective. No alcohol. Light eating. Minimal movie watching. Lots of water and other fluids. I used the homeopathic No-Jet-Lag remedy on several flights. I can't say whether it helped.
Swan <email>
CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Stockholm-Helsinki ferry
I would like to take either the Silja or Viking Ferry between Stockholm and Helsinki. Does anyone know if this counts as 1 day on a ScanRail or Eurail Pass, 2 days or 0 days? Does anyone have any experience with either line?
susan <email>
Randolph, N.J.   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Stansted sleepover
Is it permissible to sleep in the airport at Stansted? We will be making several internal flights within Europe using Stansted as the hub, and on one of our legs we arrive so late at night, and then depart so early the next morning, that it doesn't seem worthwhile to book a room in terms of the cost and the time it takes to get back and forth to the hotel.
Estelle Berg <email>
Providence, RI   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Varenna — Milano or Olivedo?
In Varenna, which would you recommend, Albergo Milano or Albergo Olivedo and why?
Barbara McLean <email>
  USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Germany traffic ticket
Polly, I would think if it were a parking ticket they would have placed it on your car (like they did ours in England). They use cameras on the roads to catch speeders and people running red lights. It takes a photo of the car and license. (We're doing the same thing here now.)
Devra <email>
El Toro, CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Jet Lag
Here a question for all seasoned travelers. I'm asking for your tips andtricks on preventing (or minimalizing) jet lag. I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd appreciate the advice!
Rachel <email>
N. Tonowanda, NY   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Amalfi Coast by Bus
Larry, we stayed four days in Sorrento. Found it to be a good base. It's a good-sized town and has good access to the islands and the coast. We took the ferry only to Capri, but you can also take it to Amalfi and/or Positano. We had heard the bus ride to Amalfi was fun (like the drive down Highway 1 in California, but maybe even curvier) and that's one reason we took it. It was fun! We took the bus as far as Amalfi and spent a good part of the day there. We then caught another bus to Positano where we spent the rest of the day eating, shopping and hanging out on the beach before heading back to Sorrento. Had no problems.
Devra <email>
El Toro, CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Paris in March
My sister and I are going to spend a week in Paris in early March. Any suggestions on what to pack? Are layers better or will we need a very warm jacket and gloves?
Anna <email>
El Cajon, CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

High Tea in London
Marcia, We had tea at the Ritz and told them we had theater tickets and they made sure we were out on time. No rush though, plenty to eat (they offered to get more, plus brought around additional desserts not included in the service) — so much that we skipped dinner after the theater. Cost about $40-45 per person but with the company, atmosphere, service definitely well worth it. A reservation is a must. Also had tea at Browns, where you can have all the tea you want but only one serving of sandwiches and desserts. I don't think they take reservations, first come first serve there. Harrods also has tea for quite a bit less. The Savoy, Claridges, Kew Palace, etc. also have teas.
Devra <email>
El Toro, CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Day-tripping the Amalfi Coast
A couple of years ago I took a day-trip by public bus from Sorrento. I would have taken the boat back, but that would have involved a long wait. Part-way back up the hill there was a small bus that I took back up to the top where I could catch the return bus back to Sorrento. That was a thrilling trip since it was siesta time and there wasn't much traffic. Our bus driver drove fast and scared the heck out of me. We all survived. The boat trip would be scenic and a lot less scary probably.
Swan
  USA   Wed 07/21/2004

About the Greeks
Help. My husband and I are going to the Olympics as part of his work and I have started hearing from well-meaning friends and co-workers who have been to Greece that the Greeks really do not like Americans and can make this plain in a variety of ways. I have even gone on some websites that seem to substantiate this claim. Is it true? What can I do personally? We leave in a few weeks and what had started out to be an exciting proposition has turned into something quite dire.
JuLynne
San Francisco, CA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Turkey — cabin charter cruise
Turkey — cruise cabin charter in the Mediterranean. I would like some feed back if anyone has rented a cabin on a chartered gulet and what advise they could share? We are planning to do a 4 day 3 night trip from Fethiye to Olympos this September and would like to know if we should book reservations from home or wait until we arrive in Fethiye. Any information about this would be apreciated. Thank you Margie
Margie and Ross <email>
Delta, bc   canada   Wed 07/21/2004

Tea in London
Marcia~~~we were in London in May and had tea at the Lanesborogh and walked to the theater from there. I do not know of a reasonably priced tea — it seems to be an expensive affair. We had tea several yrs ago at the Oranery at Kensington palace and it was not the same atmosphere (noisy with rushed service) you get at a hotel. Check londontown.com and get info from them. I decided that one from the top five would have to be my selection. I don't get to London that often so went for a splurge. You will need reserv for Ritz — we reserved 2 days ahead for the Lanesborogh. Happy travels!
Susan <email>
Ga   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Lunch in Munich
I have an 6 hour layover in Munich, from 08:00 till nearly 03:00 pm. What's the best way to experince a great Munich bier/lunch and still make the flight? I am a homebrewer and have never been to Germany before.
Anne <email>
Essex Junction, v   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Amalfi coast
To Larry — My husband and I just returned from a 21 day trip to Italy and loved the Amalfi coast, the lower side in our opinion being very different, not as crowded, etc. We had no trouble getting on buses or boats to travel from place to place on this side. We visited Positano, but were so glad we stayed in Ravello — it was paradise! We stayed at the Villa Maria in a superior room w/ seaview — gorgeous and wonderful food, elaborate breakfast — for about 240 Euros (our splurge). If you go there, visit the villas and gardens of Villa Cimbrone (1/2 day) and eat lunch on the cliff's edge — spectacular. Have a great time- we did!
Lynne <email>
Frederick, MD   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

High Tea in London
Is there a reasonable and delicious High Tea experiences in the Theater District? How do we make the reservations before we arrive there on August 10th?
Marcia Davis <email>
Stuart, , Fl.   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Larry: Amalfi Coast
Just to add,I did find schedule information on-line. Try these two sites, they list timetables, costs, etc. http://www.coopsantandrea.com/en/default.asp http://www.metrodelmare.com/home.htm Should give you an idea of what is do-able in a day.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Larry: Amalfi Coast
Day trips from Sorrento are most likely the best option. I can only speak about my Positano day trip, we took the bus from Sorrento, off at Positano, then took the ferry back to Sorrento. Had not planned it that way, but the bus drops you off at the top of Positano, and you either walk or taxi down to the beach, about 10,000 steps (I may be exagerating), no way were we going to walk back up those steps. You need a ferry schedule, if I had one, it would be a couple years old, but it seems likely that if you started out early, you could take the bus to Salerno, then work your way back to Sorrento on the ferry, stopping a place or two and catching the next ferry, or if need be, taxi up the hill and catch the bus. have a good time.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

Restaurant Recommendation
Now that Restaurant La Serre is closed, can anyone recommend a good local restaurant in the Rue Cler neighborhood for a traditional French dinner?
Kari <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Wed 07/21/2004

What about Grand Circle Tours?
I'm considering taking a Grand Circle Tour of Malta &/or Sicily. I've taken several RS tours and enjoyed them but GCT looks more sedate with longer stays in hotels. Has anyone used this company? I'd like to get recommendations from RS readers-travellers who have tried both RS and GCT, for good/bad opinions. The GCT seems inexpensive, even tho including airfare.
Swan <email>
Calistoga, CA   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Travels to Italy — Cinque Terre
(1)Looking for recommendations on a nice hotel in the Cinque Terre region. (2) Will be in Florence for the day, can I still store my luggage at the Train Station or are there new restrictions like here in the US?
vince <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Salerma, Portugal
Traveling to Portugal, The Algarve (Salerma) Sept. 2-9. Does anyone know of a cheap place to stay on the beach or very close to the beach?
Nora Santos <email>
Broad Brook, CT   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Amalfi Coast by Bus
My wife and I are planning a 28-night trip, using Rick's book (of course), to Italy in September. We have a question we are hoping someone can help us with about touring the Amalfi Coast. Our original plans called for us to spend 4 nights in Sorrento in late September-Early October, then two nights actually on the Amalfi Coast — possibly in Positano.

However, after having read Rick's chapter on the Amalfi Coast, we are second-guessing that idea. One idea Rick suggested is seeing the Amalfi Coast in a day-trip, taking the bus down from Sorrento to Salerno, then taking a ferry back from Salerno to either Amalfi or Positano, then another ferry back to Sorrento. This is an appealing idea, as it would allow us to see the entire Coast from our bus seats on the way down, but also see the coast and its quaint towns from the water on the way back. BUT, we also want to see, at least, some of the little towns of Positano and Amalfi — more than just through the bus window.

Here's our question. If we got off the bus in Positano, and then Amalfi, to look around, maybe have lunch, etc., would we be able to board another south-bound bus to continue the trip down to Salerno? From Rick's description of the crowded buses, it makes us wonder if we could get ON another bus. OR, would we have to just stick it out all the way down to Salerno, not getting off the bus for fear of not being able to get back on another, and possibly see the towns on another day — say a day-trip from Sorrento?
Larry <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

ROME TO MADRID
2. Mike;;;;if you found a one way air fare for 80 Euros, take it. I have flown some of those national airlines for $99 and they are fine. Flying will save you a lot of time. Spanish trains are slower and crowded.....take the plane.
HAPPERS
SEASIDE, RI   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

GERMAN TRAFFIC TICKET
POLLY >>>>>If they charge you, be sure you get documentation that the offense is yours>>>>>>. check the date and location to be sure.>>>>> also check the license number on the car if you have it.>>>> if it doesnt check out, dont pay it.
COMBARDY
mountain top,    USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Rome-Madrid
Howdy, Trying to get from Rome to Madrid. Train works for Madrid-Barcelona, Barcelona-Paris, and Paris-Rome, but takes literally a day and a half and three connections to get from Rome to Madrid. Can anyone suggest alternatives? Found one fare around 80 euros each for a one-way flight; any others? Maybe a (not necessarily glamorous) boat or ferry to Barcelona, from which we could train back to Madrid? Thank you very much for any advice you can offer.
Mike <email>
New York, NY   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Flying Northwest??
About to book a flight into CDG and out of Rome — cheapest ticket is on Northwest at $750 in October. I have never crossed the pond before, anyone have any info on the service on Northwest??
lynn <email>
Greenville, SC   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

GERMANY TRAFFIC TICKET
Polly~~~~~you may find that auto rental agencies handle traffic tickets in different ways; my experience in Sweden was unusual for me. Three weeks after I got home I received notice from the agency that I had acquired a violation on the tollway in Oslo. They provided a copy of the citation and a copy of the $40 charge to my credit card account. The rental agency paid the fine.

I remember driving through a toll gate on the loop which I thought to be a free gate because there was no attendant in the booth; since I couldn’t read the signs I didn’t know what I had done. Anyway I assume that they photographed my car going through and that I had violated the toll gate. I did not contest the charge.
STROBLEKINNER
NY CITY, NY   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Pension Hargita
The website for Pension Hargita is http://www.hargita.at/en/home/index.asp
pat
pa   USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Prague & Dubrovnik
Hi, Could you please recommend reasonably priced hotels (100EU)or private accomodations in Prague and/or Dubrovnik that offer a good location + hopefully include breakfast. Thank you!

  USA   Tue 07/20/2004

Accommodation in Chamonix
Thanks for all of the suggestions re travel between Chamonix and Turin! (couldn't believe the speed of reply.) Any suggestions for cheaper accommodation (B & B?) in Chamonix for 1 night?(early October)
Judy <email>
Canberra, A.C.T.   Australia   Tue 07/20/2004

fashion
I am a college student about to study abroad in Florence,Italy.. what is the fashion style for 20+ europeans/italians?
Isa <email>
duluth, mn   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

re: passport name change
I re-read my post and it doesn't make a lot of sense. *sorry* In any event, you fill out some paperwork either at the passport office in your city or you can download the form off the Internet (I believe) and take it to the passport office. You don't have to pay anything for a simple name change. It does take a while to get it back...I was getting nervous that mine would not be here before I left. Usually, most customs agents, etc, will go ahead and flip to the back of the passport if the name on your ID and passport do not match. If they look confused, you may want to tell them that your passport had been amended. Good luck and have fun!
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Carolie's question
Calorie- It sounds like you found a good deal for Seattle>London for $650. I paid a little less for SFO>Frankfurt and back home from Milan Italy, but I booked in March before fuel went through the roof.
Tom <email>
Sacramento, Ca   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Sights not to miss in Paris
Brando, Please be sure not to miss St Chapelle in Paris. I had not heard much about it, but since it was near Notre Dame I decided to go. It is amazing and some of the people I was travelling with who did not like churches, just wanted to sit and stare. It is really beautiful.

  USA   Mon 07/19/2004

day trips from Paris
Brando, I would suggest a day trip to see the cathedral at Chartress. It is truly beautiful. It is easy to get to by train.

  USA   Mon 07/19/2004

GUIDONIA, IT.
GUIDONIA, IT. HAS ANYONE STAYED AT HOTEL JOLI VILLE AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
TOM <email>
PALO ALTO, CA   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Passport
Donna ~ when we sent in for my husbands first passport in 1996 we sent the only birth cert., that he had. They accepted it for the time, but when we got back I had to send for a different one to send back in. When his passport came back they stamped the back page to say amended and extended the date which it will expire. He has used it several times since then with no problems. Just show them the page.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

When to go
Kate ~ have you ever considered going to Europe over the holidays? Also, my sister-in-law works for Delta and she said that they wouldn't be out of business next summer.

Oh   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Meals
Laura, my husband and I was in England this spring. We ate a lot of our meals in pubs and always had a great meal. We usually spent around 15.00-20.00BP for both of us and that included drinks and everything. Not sure about the tour you are taking but a lot of the hotels in the UK include breakfast in the price of the room.

We always ate a good breakfast, then if we were hungry around lunch time we would get something small. We always had a good dinner.Pubs have fantastic food, at good prices. You can always pop into a store and pick up a sandwich, Harrods has fantastic sandwiches at a good price.Alot of the tube (underground) stations has little shops that sells sandwiches, etc. Hope you have a great trip.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Pension Hargita — Vienna
Does anyone know of a valid website or email address for the Pension Hargita in Vienna? The addresses in Rick's book are no longer valid.
Don Hamilton <email>
Dublin, Oh   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Ticket prices
Carolie, yes that is a good price considering you are traveling in high season. High season is from 15th of May to the 15th of October. If you purchase your ticket at $650.00 you can watch the price, if it goes down the airline will refund the difference or give you a credit slip towards your next ticket with them.

Oh   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Cost-Effective Eating
Laura, Looking back at my trip journal, we generally spent between 20 and 40 pounds for lunch — for 4 people. We had sandwiches, salads and/or wraps and drinks from Marks & Spencer (also found reasonably priced stuff at Harrods if you can believe it), ate in pubs (Good Pub Guide a help there), fish & chips, Cornish Bakehouse, Wagamama, and Cafe Uno (Italian chain restaurant). Dinners ran from 25 to 80 pounds for the 4 of us and the 80 pound one ran thru entrees, drinks, desserts and coffee — using up our cash at the end of the trip (and having fun). Grocery stores for picnic supplies are an inexpensive way to go also. There are a lot of nice parks to picnic in. Enjoy.
Leslie
CA   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Seattle to London
I'm looking to travel to London from Seattle during the first or second week of September and returning 2 weeks later. The lowest I've found fares is at $650 (including taxes). Is this a reasonable price to pay? Thank you :)
Carolie
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Traveling on a budget...
I am traveling to Great Britain on a Trafalgar tour. Few of the meals are included, and I am traveling on a very tight budget. What is the cost for meals, and What is the most cost-effective way to eat?
Laura Ratliff <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

re: passport name change
I went to Paris this March after changing my name. Sometimes you may have to point out that you have a name change, because this one guy was utterly confused and wasn't going to let me pass. But I didn't have any probs at all.
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Italy-Planes, trains and automobiles
Hi everyone. I have two quick questions. I'm about to book tickets for Chicago/Milan and back Rome/Chicago. Is this considered a "jaws" booking? Has anyone ever taken an overnite train from Venice to Rome? Thanks! (by the way, when is the "shoulder" season for international flights?)
Mary Ellen <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Trip Insurance
Katie, your email address is invalid. Buy trip insurance.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

re: Passport Name Change
That is how the Passport Agency handles name changes. I have used mine twice since changing my name (to France and to Mexico) with no problems.
Julie <email>
Omaha, NE   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

How to put a trip to Bavaria together
My son has given my Husband & I round trip tickets to Europe. We haven't been back to Oberammegau in 30 years. We would love to go back & see all the places etc. However, we also want to go to Italy. I teach school, if we go in the fall I can only take a week. If we wait tell next summer Delta may be out of business. Help! What to do? Kate
Kate Wright <email>
Holladay, UT   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Germany traffic ticket
I rented a car in Germany a while ago. I received a letter from my rental company today. It said that there was an offence under the Road Traffic Act, and I was identified as the renter. They forwarded my rental data to the authority. What is going to happen to me? I don't remember any thing particular during the trip. Is it a speeding or parking ticket? Will Germany police actually send me more information on it? How can I pay for it? Thank you,
Polly <email>
Princeton, NJ   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

TRAIN TRAVEL
JUDY>>>>>You can buy a ticket, but when you buy your ticket ask the clerk to print an itinerary showing all train changes for you. They can do it on a computer....it will show departure and arrival time at every point..if you have to change trains you will know where and when. I used one every time I rode the train...you can also ask fellow travelers on the train for help.>>>>.many speak English and will offer to help.....you can also ask the conductor for help. If you should miss your station you can get off at the next stop and ride back without charge.>>>>be sure to ask how to validate your ticket because sometimes you do it at the station before you leave and sometimes the conductor will validate it.>>>>ask beforehand.
WALTERISEN
DULUTH, MN   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Passport Name Change
I sent in my passport to have my last name changed and received it back from the Passport Center exactly as it was with only a note stamped on to the last page that reads: This passport was amended (date) to change the bearer's name to read (my name.) Will this pass? I'm going to France in just 4 weeks and am having anxiety attacks fearing I'll not be (1) let on the overseas flight or (2) not let into France. Anyone with knowledge of this please post an answer.
Donna L. <email>
Tulsa, OK   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Weather in Europe during Christmas
I am thinking a trip to Europe this Christmas but I cannot decide where! I am thinking about two options:
1. Belgium, Paris and Amsterdam
2. Germany, Switzerland and Austria Which option offer better weather, more sunny skies and less overcast, pleas help. Thanks much.
May <email>
Los Angelos, CA   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Paris
Brando~~~you will not have a shortage of things to see in Paris! Lesser visited sights that we found interesting were Pere LaChaise cemetery, Napoleon's Tomb(incl htere are the weapons and military uniforms through the various ages), the Catacombs. If the line is not too long, of course the Eiffel Towere is a must. A trip to Bon Marche food hall is a must. Walk down Champs de elysse and Rue St Honore-Auburg. The view from Sacre Coeur is great! While in that area ride the Funiculare — there is so much to see in Paris!
Nancy
Atl,    USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Staying in Dublin
I am staying in dublin,for two days,after my Rick Steves tour.Has any one stayed at the hotels on Parnell Square?
P.J. Ishimatsu
  USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Inexpensive room near Frankfurt
My daughter needs an inexpensive place to stay for 2-3 weeks near Frankfurt & Hanau. I think something with a small kitchen or a a B&B would be best. Can anyone suggest a place they know from experience? Thanks. -Carolyn
Carolyn <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Nova car rental
Sunny T, I rented a car in Oxford a month ago through Nova, and I was generally pleased. Nova had a Mastercover insurance they were peddling, for which they wanted to place a £550 hold on my credit card (which already covered the CDW), but I refused it. The actual rental company was Alamo, and they were terrific! They were pleasant, efficient, and we got a car with AC. One problem: whenever I tried to phone either Nova or Alamo from the USA, the line was busy. Every time. In the Alamo office, I noticed that the phone could ring 20 times, and they wouldn't pick up until they were done with the customer they were helping.
Linda W.
Huntsville, AL   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Chamonix to Turin
While it is true that there is no direct train service from Chamonix to Turin, you can make the trip in around seven hours. However, you will need to change trains a minimum of three times. Visit www.bahn.de, click on "English," and enter your starting and ending points to see the schedules.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Paris Suggestions
Brando........do a search on google.com or dogpile.com for “Attractions Paris”....you will find many listed from which you can choose, depending on your interests. Day trips I would take are to Versailles and Fountainbleu. Do a search for them and read what you can see in each one. Versailles is over-rated in my opinion and Fountainbleu is far more interesting to me.
Melody
Omaha, Ne   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Train Travel
Judy~~~~if you check raileurope.com you will see that there is no direct train schedule from Chamonix to Turin; You can travel this route through Paris, but it is over 24 hours. suggest you take the bus.
Trallisie
denver, co   USA   Mon 07/19/2004

Train travel
I need to get from Chamonix to Turin in a day, and would like to travel by train. Is this possible and if so, by what route?
Judy Bell <email>
Canberra, A.C.T.   aUSTRALIA   Mon 07/19/2004

to Ruth — Tap water in italy
My advice is to not make a big deal about the tap water vs bottled water. of course ask for it in Italian and you have a better chance of getting what you want. Others may disagree but if i'm not so comfortable with the language, i accept that these sort of things will happen and as long as i'm not blatently being ripped off, i can live with it and don't make a big fuss. italy has some of the best bottled waters in the world so its only natural when you say water it's assumed that you want bottled. "con gas" is the best.
scott
London,    UK   Mon 07/19/2004

Brugge to Amsterdam
To Sara: No, you don't have to go via Brussels; you can take a train to Antwerp via Gent, and transfer to an Amsterdam-bound train there. Note that there are two main stations in Antwerp: Antwerpen Centraal and Antwerpen Berchem. The high-speed Thalys trains stop at Berchem only. However, if you don't mind spending an extra hour or so on board, you can take a "normal" train that stops at Centraal (since that's where the trains from Brugge arrive).
Peter
Amsterdam,    NL   Mon 07/19/2004

car rental
Has anyone ever rented a car through a rental car company called 'NOVA' which guaranteed no hidden charge? How's the experience?
sunny T <email>
vancouver, BC   Canada   Mon 07/19/2004

looking for info for Spain
Im going to be in Spain for 6 weeks, 4 of those will be in Seville, any recommendations for places to see/food to eat. Any good hostels in Barcelona? Madrid? Malaga? thank you
Simone <email>
Mill Valley, CA   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Dealing with hot flashes in the air / Autumn in Britain
I will be travelling to SE England for close to a month Sept/Oct — Looking for suggestions regarding: In the age of hot flashes, what would fellow sufferers recommend for comfort while on the plane? I'll be leaving warm Kansas and arriving into ?? Britain. Second — has anyone out there been to Britain during that time of year — do you have any suggestions? This is a combination genealogy research/meet the cousins I've found so far/see where Dad was born trip — laptop in hand!
Sharon <email>
Wichita, KS   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Paris suggestions
Brando, You may have a difficult time narrowing your selections in Paris but what a problem to have! ;-) We have enjoyed two visits to the Musee Jacquemart Andre with lunch on the terrace, Sainte Chapelle, the Rodin museum with lunch in the garden, walking in the Marais and the Place des Vosges. Take the test-tube like elevators to the top of the arc at La Defense — thrill ride with a view. Stroll through the Ile St. Louis and have ice cream. Day trips are numerous. Chartres can be reached in an hour by train from the Gare Montparnasse. Lots of trains daily, English speakers at some ticket windows. The town is lovely and the cathedral amazing. We have made day trips to Disneyland Paris (beautiful), Fountainbleu and Versailles. We tend to make short work of the chateaux and spend our time outdoors. At Versailles we (middle-aged and non-bikers) rented bikes and had such a wonderful time we squeezed a visit to the palace in an hour at the end of our day. Versailles is an RER ride away and Rick's Paris book will tell you exactly how to get there. Bon chance!
Scooter <email>
CA   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Paris suggestions
I need as many great ideas as possible for an upcoming trip to Paris...for some it won't be the first, for others it will be the first time traveling abroad. In addition to the must-sees like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, etc, what are some other places to see (some back doors and off the beaten track places)? Also, what about a daytrip? I'm not sure how to go about that...which would be the best place to go...easiest to get to...and all that jazz. Thanks for the info!
Brando <email>
  USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Short Side Trip from Vienna — Graz or Hallstatt?
My husband and I will be in Vienna for a five-day "work" trip. We have two extra full days (Thursday & Friday), with flight leaving from Vienna on Saturday morning. We've had the opportunity to see Prague and Salzburg. We would like to see some of the scenery/mountains, but know time is limited. I am thinking taking train to Hallstatt or Graz. Which would you recommend? Something better for the two days? I sincerely appreciate any advise.
Robin <email>
Bloomington, MN   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Train fromBruges to Amsterdam?
Are there train connections from Bruges to Amsterdam or do I have to go back to Brussels to travel to Amsterdam?
Sara Brown <email>
Charlotte, NC   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

My son was pickpocketed during the first 5 minutes of our arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. BEWARE! The agent from whom we rented our apartment told us that 8 of his clients had been pickpocketed during the last year. I always load and put on my money belt before I get off the plane, but to our chagrin, I forgot to tell him it would be good to do that. He had the money belt and had intended to put it on when he landed. But it was too late. We think it happened while he was at the baggage claim. It was his first time in France. "BIENVENUE!"
Ann Crawford
Ky   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Krishna, We just returned from Paris. A family of 5, we took a taxi from Place d'Italie in the 13th to CDG for 52 euros. This was not too bad, since we were able to avoid the stairs in the metro with our luggage. It would have been less, but he $1 per bag, and we had 10. I usually take the metro to and from the airport when I am alone, and I prefer it. It is really simple, you catch a bus from the terminal to the RER line B. You buy a ticket there. It goes to Gare du Nord, where you can transfer to another line. Most of the time, that train is not very crowded, but you do have to lug your bag up the steps.

  USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Train from Amsterdam to Venice
Jill; go to raileurope.com and click on fares and schedules in the left column. Enter your departure and destination cities. You will find Amsterdam to Venice is 17 hours, First class fare is $171 and Second class fare is $113.
Gutierrez
Albany, Miss   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Family Transportation from CDG to Paris
What is the best way for a family of four with lots of luggage to get from CDG to a hotel in central Paris? Do RER and Metro trains allow suitcases?
Krishna
Portland, OR   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

Train from Amsterdam to Venice?
Are there any trains from Amsterdam to Venice? Hoe long would the ride take? Thanks!
Jill <email>
MA   USA   Sun 07/18/2004

For Daisy re Morrocco
Though I haven't been to Morrocco for about 9 years, it's not a place that changes very quickly, so I hope my tips help you. Firstly, it's important to understand how the money works. Don't try to figure the exchange rate for everything...the money exchange is not like that in Europe; the values are not the same. Say the rate is 5 dirham for one American dollar. If your cab ride is 30 dirham, don't think you are getting a deal (eg, a $6 cab ride). What it actually translates to is a $30 cab ride! So if it actually is a $6 ride, give the cabbie 6 dirham. I hope that all makes sense. Don't let the "guides" scare you. Use them if you need to get your bearings, give them a tip and try to do your own thing. You can bargain for just about anything! Morrocco can be the budget travelers dream. Don't get caught up in the touristy stuff...look around and find the interesting native items to haggle for. I didn't go to the areas you plan on visiting, but I did take a bus from Asila to Fez, and then the train from Fez to Tangier. Met some smugglers on the train, but it was all in good form (no one got hurt)! Lastly, don't forget that Morrocco is a third-world Muslim country. Things can be fairly filthy (I took two showers and ate three prepared "real" meals in five days); don't forget to cover yourself at all times (ankle length skirt, long sleeved shirt). Have a great time!!
Emmy <email>
West Hollywood, CA   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

Avis Car Rental, Bled, Slovenia
Has anyone rented a car from Avis in Bled, Slovenia? What was your experience and do they require you to buy their insurance? e-mail gerardpeppard164@msn.com
Gerard Peppard <email>
Centennial, CO   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

Vienna Apartment
Robyn; We stay at Ilona Kaminek's apartments. Here is the website: http://www.apartment.at/index_eng.php3?app_id=3&app_topic=&pid=Kaminek The apartment at Gerichtsgasse is about 15-20 minutes by U-Bahn from City Center. Ilona is totally honest, the apartment is very clean with a small kitchen; all at a great price. There is a Billa market right down the street so you can shop for food and essentials. I highly recommend the Kaminek apartments for a great experience in Vienna. We will be going back for a 3 week stay this Aug-Sept; can't wait!
Alex Starke <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

Hotel Help in Berlin
Can some kind sole please recommend a nice one to two star hotel in Berlin, possibly close to the Zoo hbf? Thanks!
Ed <email>
Huntington, WV   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

Tap Water in Italy
Ruth~~~~my wife and I spent a week in Italy last year and did not have a problem getting tap water, although some waiters try to make you think they don’t understand...if they bring you a bottle, tell them to take it back and ask again...if you insist you can get it. They know because you are not the first to ask.
Stuart
Pittsburgh, PA   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

RAIL FARES
MEL TAL....you can find fares on several webpages: rail railpass.com, raileurope.com, railtrains.com and alleuroperail.com. Click on “Fares and schedules” and enter your departure city and destination city.
SHOMAS
BOISE, ID   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

rail fare
how much does a first or second class rail ticket cost from vienna to prague?
mel tal <email>
jerusalem,    israel   Sat 07/17/2004

Tap water in Italy
I've just read on the 'Mouthwatering Italy" board that very few restaurants in Italy allow you to sit down and order tap water with your meal. I've been told that Italian law requires all food establishments to serve tap water if requested. Which is true in your experience? My Italian teacher told us that waiters will try to tell you the tap water is no good, but if you insist, they will bring it. I'm hoping to save a few euro for wine by drinking tap water!
Ruth <email>
Belleuve, WA   USA   Sat 07/17/2004

$100 hotels in Paris for Brenda in Port Angeles, WA
Yes, Brenda, there is a Paris hotel at or less than 100USD. It is the Hotel l'Esperance, which fittingly means "hope", in the Countrascarpe area of the 5em. We paid $94 or $96 for a double last October. Rick likes this area and lists this 2 star hotel. The area is south of St Germaine and not badly situated. Write if you wish more on the perks of the area/hotel or on contacting them.
Harvey
Park Forest, IL   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

Re: air-hitch.org? info?
Hello Martha, I've never heard of them before, it peeked my interest. I did a quick search and info doesn't seem very positive and a bit confusing. I guess b/c it was tangled with a partner that started his own company that is very similar to air-hitch. The Frommers article I found is called "What a Difference a Hyphen Makes: Untangling the Air(-)Hitch Confusion" by Sascha Segan, August 6, 2003. If you scroll to the end of the article you'll find a link to a feed back forum w/ the latest entry dated June 2004. www.frommers.com/activities/article.cfm?destid=AIRFARE&articleid=1276 Hope it helps.

tx   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

Aidussina
Edie: It looks like the town is now in Slovenia. Try http://www.calle.com/world/SI/0/Ajdovscina.html
Jeff
Bend OR, OR   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

italian town aidussina
has anybody heard of a town in old italy called Aidussina north of trieste, at one time, 1920 it was called (Heidenschaft) as it housed a Austrian/german textile mill. We want to visit the town as my mother was raised there. edie Pearson jpep@syv.com
edie pearson <email>
Santa Ynez 93460, ca   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

Hotel in the Marais
I had never heard of the Bellevue et Chariot D'Or but just did a google search and the reviews for this hotel looked really good, and the price is amazing. However, the hotel is not in the area of the Marais that I, personally, prefer. Is that worth an extra 35-40 euros to stay at the Jeanne D'Arc? That is the question. What I like about the Jeanne D'Arc is its close proximity to the Place des Vosges. Also, it is entirely non-smoking and that is important to me because of a respiratory condition. Also, the Jeanne D'Arc has an elevator, which is important to my wife who has arthritis. Plus close proximity to the metro. It would probably warrant your looking into the neighborhood to see why the price is really quite low, plus look into other ameneties that are important to you. The web sites all said that the hotel has been redone and bathrooms updated and so I would just be curious why, in a city that can get top dollar for hotels, their price is so low in comparrison. On the other hand, you may have found the mother lode of a great hotel deal! Keep us all apprised of what you find out. And good luck!
Maurice
San Francisco, ca   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

BAGS ON ITALIAN TRAINS
LARRY~~~~Post below is correct. You can store your small bags on the seat or at your feet or on your seat beside you or overhead. We left our large bags in the vestibule and got a seat as close by as possible; at every stop I walked to that area and stood by my bags so they didnt wander off.
LONORINE
OK CITY, OK   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

bags on Italian trains
Larry, On Italian trains there is an area when you first board the car where you can leave larger bags. You might not be able to see this area from your seat so anyone could leave the train with Your Bag. If you take a smaller bag it will fit in the overhead bin. I use a 22 in bag and it will usually fit overhead.

  USA   Fri 07/16/2004

To Larry re: Luggage on Italian trains
Larry – There is no checked luggage on trains in Italy.
Angela
  USA   Fri 07/16/2004

Changing ticket
Martha ~ your daughter most likely be able to change her ticket with a charge of $100.00 or more. I know of people who have changed their ticket with USAir with a charge.

Oh   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

air-hitch.org? info?
I am looking for info on Air-Hitch at www.air-hitch.org, a low-fare way to travel. Have you ever used it? My daughter has a return ticket from Frankfurt to Charlotte for August 17 from Student Universe, but it's on USAir and can't be changed. She needs a flight about August 10. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!
Martha Shoemaker <email>
Hendersonville, NC   USA   Fri 07/16/2004

driving in england
the change to shifting with the left rather than the right hand was not a big deal for me. the biggest adjustment to driving on the left was getting used to judging the width of the car from the right hand side of the car rather than the left. since england's roads and parking spots are very narrow compared to the US, it is a bit scary at first to maneuvor the car in these tight spaces. Because of this, I would recommend renting the smallest car you can fit into and declining the free upgrade if offered. you'll be glad you did when you get on the roads. Finally, don't assume that the large cities are the only places where it is hectic to drive. Traffic is heavy just about everywhere and some of the smallest villages are the hardest places to drive and park.
scott
london,    UK   Fri 07/16/2004

Ferries from Spain to Italy
FOR EMILY OF SEATTLE: For details of ferries from Spain to Italy, see http://www.viamare.com/. To the best of my knowledge there are no ferries from Ireland to any Scandinavian countries.
Graham <email>
Port Talbot,    Wales   Fri 07/16/2004

Checking bags on train
Q:I've traveled via train in several Eur countries but never checked bags. What's the process on Italian trains?
Larry <email>
Topeka, KS   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

VIENNA
Robyn~~~~~~you can find the travel time for any rail trip on the webpage: www.raileurope.com....click on Fares and Schedules. You will find Vienna to Paris..13 hours ; and 2 hours, 40 minutes on to London. Vienna to Madrid, 26 hours; another route is 29 hours. If I were traveling to those cities I would check on discount air fares. Read Graffiti Wall section on Flying within Europe for suggestions.
Hulquisten
Maricopa, NY   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

dress code in Paris
To the person concerned with the French dress code: Unless you are hanging out with "la bonne societe" don't worry about the dress code. But, for information, the French "dress-up" more as it gets colder. The rule seems to be, "The more you wear, the dressier it should be. However, most persons put on their best in any season for Sunday dinner in a restaurant. It may be modest, but it is a person's best. While the older folks in the boonies may not be enthralled with deodorants just about everyone goes for the neat and tidy look. You should too. Cafes and bistros don't require much, but restaurants do depending on the season, the day, and the location. It seems that the dress code is more important if you dine late in the evening. Even in the less ritzy areas such as the 5em (except St Germaine), 10em, Bercy, for example, in the evening, women wore blouse and skirt, sweater over the shoulders, and a few bits of jewelry, and men had a collared shirt with or w/o tie in what we might call "neighborhood places" For women, flats are ok, (who brings heels on vacation anyway?)The idea is presentability rather than formality. A woman in tight black sheath, 5 in. heels, golf ball pearls on a necklace are crowd pleasers, but not necessary. It is more important to mind your manners. The French respect the well-raised.

In any French restaurant, note the low noise level. Note the lack of the raunchy background music that we have in the U.S. You can actually converse with your dinner partner, whisper to your wife or anyone's wife or grandmother that you love her and she will actually hear you. Whatever mis-steps you may take with your wardrobe, the French will forgive you because they genuinely seem to actually like Americans, or maybe they just approve of nothing but condone everything. Bon apetite and keep on smiling so the French will know you are American and are to be forgiven.
Harvey
Park Forest, IL   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Hotel in Dijon France Needed
I'm looking for a hotel recomendations in the heart of Dijon France. I want to stay in accommodations similar to that Rick recommended for Paris. Thanks!
Chris <email>
  USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Andorra
I'm interested in current information for non-skiers on Andorra I've found sites for hotels in La Vella, but not much else. I'm considering a few days in mid-October via auto. I'd welcome your advice and information.
Harvey
Park Forest, IL   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Car Rentals
Jeff ~ Bath is around 90 miles from Heathrow. If you take the A roads (A30, A303) it will probably take around 2 hours, but it all depends on traffic, etc. Dartmoor is about 123 miles from Bath. The UK has three types of roads M which is the motorway (which is like our interstates) A roads would be similar to our state routes, then there is B which is narrower and takes longer. I try to stay on A roads and some B roads. When you take these you see the most amazing scenery which you would not see driving on the motorway. But if you are in a hurry take the motor if there is one close by. From Bath I would take A367 to A37 to A303 which will turn in A30 and takes you to Dartmoor. For car rental companies I would try Woods Car Rental or Europcar have used both and was happy. As for insurance, check to see if your credit you use has insurance coverage on a rental and make sure you tell them you will be renting in the UK. I have found that if you use a company based in the UK a privately owned(not a national company like Avis, Hertz etc) that the rates are less then the national ones. Also, an automatic will be more that a manual one. In the UK they say hire a car instead of renting a car.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

London-Normandy-Paris
Looking for the best way to see London, Normandy, and Paris. Eurostar to Calais, car rental into Normandy, then Paris? Eurostar to Paris, train to Rouen, Caen or Bayeux, then back to Paris? Another option I haven't thought of? Any advice would be appreciated!
Mike <email>
TX   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

plane tickets
do yall hsve any tickets for 200 , 300,400 hundred dollars tickets
latira <email>
mendenhall, ms   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Boat Travel Questions
Still wondering if there's a way to get to Norway from Ireland by boat, but now I'm also wondering how best to get from Spain to Italy....again, boat would be preferrable. :)
Emily
Seattle, WA   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Paris Hotel in Marais
Has anyone stayed at Bellevue et Chariot D'Or in the Marais? We have reservations for October at Grand Hotel Jeanne D'Arc but it is about 40 euros more a night. I like its location better but am not sure if it is worth the cost since I don't know about the area around the first hotel.
K. Rodgers <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Paris CDG Rail Service
Stefan, There is a TGV/Paris Metropolitan RER station directly under both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Charles de Gaulle. From CDG, the TGV goes north to Calais (and the ferry service to London), south to Lyon, Marseille, and Nice ... the Eurostar goes directly to London and Brussels (check www.sncf.fr or www.raileurope.com). When I was there a few weeks ago, though, the Terminal 2 station was really crowded — a slow moving line snaked out the door of the office. Terminal 1 might be a little better. If you're Eurailing (suggested on the TGV since a few full fares will make up the price of a pass), you may consider taking the RER to a relatively less crowded station in the city. Eurail passes require validation by a station attendant and also require reservations (sometimes not by the same attendants). Any how, best of luck and happy travels. AK
AK
IL   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

ETBD Luggage
Joe — Sorry I can't show you mine (don't live near New England), but I bought mine "sight-unseen" from the ETBD Travel Store and I like it. I have the wheeled one in black. It's soft on the top, but hard on the sides and the bottom. I think the back-pack style is fairly soft all over. It wheels well and has 3 nice sized pockets on the front. It's not so different from other carry-on bags that you really need to see it first. The picture on the website shows it pretty well.

  USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Reservations for the Basilica of San Marco
JJ: Unless they’ve started doing things differently, it’s probably just too early to make your reservations. I was having the same problem 2 years ago. I was finally able to make October 6 (2002) reservations for the Basilica of San Marco some time in September. My advice would be to just check back periodically.
Angela
Lexington, KY   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

vienna
Does anyone have rec.s for apts. or inexpensive hotels in vienna?? How long is a train trip from vienna to paris? london? Madrid?
Robyn <email>
Pinehurst, NC   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

I've been trying to make reservations for Saint MArks Basilica in Venice but the web site states it is closed in the month of October. Does this sound right? Or maybe its just to earlt to reserve now? I'd appreciate any tips for booking. Thanks
JJ
Warrenton, Va   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Driving in England
Thanks for all the suggestions on driving in England. To answer some questions, I have shifted with my left hand once, when my doctor insisted on leaving an IV in my right hand over night. However, I have received recommendations on getting an automatic to alleviate the confusion. An automatic will be a must if my girlfriend is to do any driving(which would only be in an emergency, as she does not want anything to do with driving on the left). I am 26 years old, have been to Europe twice, but never to the UK. I like to keep busy during my vacations. I think having the car will add to our overall enjoyment on the trip, as I really like to be able to explore places with a car while on vacation. I have some other questions now, hopefully this is not excessive:

1. On driving times, I'm wondering about how long it takes to get from Heathrow to Bath, and I'm wondering how long it will be to drive to Dartmoor from Bath. I find myself fascinated with this area after seeing one of Rick's DVDs on southern England.

2. Any recommendations on rental company? I can get a really good deal through Enterprise, since my cousin is a manager with them. However, they will not allow a pickup in Bath and a drop-off in London. They only allow different drop-off location within the same district, which are apparently quite small.

3. CDW — should I get the CDW from the rental company, or a third party?
Jeff Simpson <email>
Escondido, CA   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Driving in England
Jeff. All the posts below have valid points. I have twice rented a car in Bath. This was less stressfull than trying to aclimate myself to driving on the "wrong" side in heavy traffic after a 10 hour flight from the west coast. After a good nights sleep I picked up the car in the morning and it was still a real eye opener!

I also took the bus (coach) from Heathrow to Bath (Spa)for less than 1/2 the price and I didn't have to back track into London to catch a train to Bath Check out www.nationalexpress.com for times and fares.

Another priceless tool for planning your driving routes is www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp You can get complete directions from street address to street address. Just print out all the directions and put them in those plastic sheet covers for your navigator to use. A good navigator is a definate plus to give you warnings ahead of time for upcoming junctions etc. I also have found that driving an automatic means one less hassle to contend with. Best of Luck.
Gary Shook <email>
Surrey, BC   CAN   Thu 07/15/2004

What do folks recommend as a travel bag comparable to the Rick Steves Back Door Bag? I would prefer Rick's bag, but have not found someone in New England who has one to view. Thanks.
Joe <email>
Merrimack, NH   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

re: renting in England
I went to most of those places you mentioned, and I took the bus or train. Its much cheaper than renting a car (unless you have several people and/or lots of luggage), and less hassle. Bath is not very big, and you can easily walk to most places you may want to see there. Trains and busses run several times a day, and you can get nearly anyplace with ease. And unless you can sleep well on the plane you will be tired and cranky when you arrive, which is NOT a good thing when you are faced with learning new driving skills and unfamiliar maps. Just my 2 cents!
Angela
Beaverton, OR   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Shifting with the wrong hand
If you have a stick-shift car at home, you might want to practice shifting with your left hand before you go. Just have someone sit in the driver's seat and depress the clutch pedal (or use a very heavy rock...) while you sit in the passenger seat and go through the gears. That, to me, is the hardest part of driving on the "wrong" side of the road. However, I normally get used to it after a couple of days.
Peter
Amsterdam,    NL   Thu 07/15/2004

Driving in the UK
Jeff ~ driving in England isn't stressful unless you yourself make it stressful. Just relax and you will do great. When you come to a round about just remember that the cars in the round about have the right away. If need be do a complete circle in the round about to see which exit you want, but the round abouts are so VERY easy.

I have driven in the UK a lot and have not had any trouble. Don't get up tight and stress, just let yourselve relax and you will do great and will enjoy the experience.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Paris Hotels
Brenda, for good recommendations on Paris hotels (or anything else anywhere else) go to www.virtualtourist.com. On the home page you will see a box in the upper right hand section labeled "Tips and Reviews". Under "Read About" select hotels, then select "Paris" for location. You will get dozens of revivews and recommendation from fellow travelers. I have found this website a great source of information for travel planning. If I can help with anything else, let me know. Good luck.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Thu 07/15/2004

Car at heathrow
When I moved temporarily to Japan a few years back, which also drives on the left. I thought I would have a hard time learning to drive on the left but discovered I adjusted almost immediately. The trick is to be on roads with traffic at first. I discovered it's very easy when there's traffic to follow. I only had a couple of minor problems on deserted roads, but quickly adjusted when traffic approached. I also had to remember that while turning right, oncoming traffic has the right away naturally. Turning onto another road wasn't a problem as long as some traffic was around. The more traffic there is, the easier it is to adjust. The overall adjustment shouldn't be as difficult as you think and you should get the hang of it the first day you drive. Having the stearing wheel on the opposite side also helps with a fast adjustment. The natural tendency to turn right without looking at oncoming traffic was the biggest adjustment for me but I did it without having any mishaps.
Douglas
  Italy   Thu 07/15/2004

Best way from Dubrovnick to Corfu
Does anyone know the most fast and easy way to get from Dubrovnick to Corfu (using public transportation, rail, bus and/or ferry) Thanks
Virgil Kayl <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Lodging in REAL monasteries and convents
I've been searching the internet for about 50 hours for an ACTIVE monastery or convent that lets cells, rooms, etc. Not finding much, I bought a book on accomodations in Monasteries and Covents, Only to find these properties WERE colosters but are now something along the line of a "Best Western" I am interested in getting"the flavor" but not participating in the day's activities. We will be in Venice Aug 20th- 22nd, Florence Aug. 23rd — 25th and Assissi the 26th. Can you give me some leads?
Lynda Driscoll <email>
Salt Lake City, UT UT   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

London Lodge — anyone?
Has anyone stayed at the new London Lodge hostel in London? (thelondonlodge.com). Just wondering how it is. Thanks!
Anjani <email>
Adelaide, SA   Australia   Wed 07/14/2004

Renting in England
Jeff: Driving in England is very trying and stressful..a lot will depend on how old you are and how adaptable you are to change....you have to think constantly to break old habits because every time you turn a corner your tendency is to veer to the right lane. ...going through the roundabouts is also un-nerving....you can do it because lots of people do it; you just have to be extra alert to break your normal driving habits. If you have someone with you, ask him or her to constantly remind you to keep left. I have driven in England, Australia and New Zealand without an accident, but it wasnt easy.
Smackerly
Boise, ID   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

airfare to Frankfurt
Paula~~~I suggest you call a few travel agents and ask about getting discount tickets at last minute.. Ask each to contact a ticket consolidator...they sell a lot of last-minute tickets.~~~you might also try bestfares.com.
rudderstone
tulsa, ok   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Xmas in Europe
May the farther south you go the better the weather will be. You will have more sunny days to take pix.....Italy would be my choice.

Mannerly
New London, Conn   USA   Wed 07/14/2004 Car rental
Jeff ~ some of the car hire companies you might have to take a shuttle to pick up the car. Driving from Heathrow isn't bad. Just take your time and now the route you want to go. It seems to me that you are trying to do a lot in 6 days. Have you been to the UK before? I would go to Wells, Bath Avebury, Cotswolds then Liverpool. You could get on A30 from Heathrow take A30 to A303 to A36 to A361 which will take you to Wells.

You should plan on at least two days in the Cotswolds and even with 2 days you will not be able to see all of the beautiful villages. I would suggest that you get a road atlas of the UK, and every night plan out the route you want to take. If you do it makes the next day driving easier. You really do not need to tape a paper to the steering wheel, just say to yourself think "left" and you will do great.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Car at heathrow
I think you will be ok renting a car at heathrow IF you are a really good driver (narrow lanes, quick decisions) and good with a stick. My only strong suggestion is to get a piece of paper and print "LEFT LANE!" on it and tape it to your steering wheel every time you get out of the car. The only time I have had trouble was pulling out of a parking place and onto the road.
Jeff Omalanz-Hood <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

X'mas in Europe
I am thinking a trip to Europe during X'mas but not sure which country to go!!! I like to take pictures, lots of them and prefer some place with sunny/not stormy weather. Prefer some place festive during X'mas. Any suggestions on which countries to go? Thank you very much.
May <email>
Los Angelos, CA   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Renting in England
Let me clarify. We will be touring the countryside at the beginning of the trip, and seeing London at the end of the trip. We will take 6 days to see Avebury, Bath, Wells, The Cotswolds, Ruthin, and Liverpool, then return to London for 3 or 4 days. Heatrow looks like it is somewhat on the outskirts of London proper. Is it a good idea to rent at Heathrow and drive to Bath via Avebury and Stonehenge, or am I going to be in over my head? I'm thinking we could return the car to the airport and then take a train in to London from the airport, ditching the car for the last 3-4 days.
Jeff Simpson <email>
Escondido, CA   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Renting in England
Let me clarify. We will be touring the countryside at the beginning of the trip, and seeing London at the end of the trip. We will take 6 days to see Avebury, Bath, Wells, The Cotswolds, Ruthin, and Liverpool, then return to London for 3 or 4 days. Heatrow looks like it is somewhat on the outskirts of London proper. Is it a good idea to rent at Heathrow and drive to Bath via Avebury and Stonehenge, or am I going to be in over my head? I'm thinking we could return the car to the airport and then take a train in to London from the airport, ditching the car for the last 3-4 days.
Jeff Simpson <email>
Escondido, CA   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

airfare to Frankfurt
What is the cheapest way to get airfare to Europe at late notice -like for the26 July to FRA from PDX?
paula <email>
portland , or   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Renting in England
Is it ridiculous for a driver that has never driven on the left to pick up a car at Heathrow?
Jeff Simpson <email>
escondido, ca   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

good hotel
my granddaughter and I are going to Paris in July or august 2005, can anyone recommend a hotel, that is nice an under $100 an night. We want to be close to the eiffel tower etc. Does anyone know anything about the Latin Quarter district, is it a safe area
brenda holton <email>
port angeles, wa   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

TRAVEL TO CINQUE TERRA FROM MALPENSA
Ann DiNola~~~~my wife and I took the train from Malpensa to CT last year.~~~Buy a ticket to whichever town you want to visit; you will change from the express train to the local train...it is quick and easy. From there on you take the local train to Varenna.~~~Look at the room before you agree to take it because there is a great difference in rooms in CT.~~dont rent without seeing it.
ROGERITMO
ALBANY, NY   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

WHERE TO STOP IN GERMANY
KIM......take a look at this page for information on a downtown hotel in St Goar:. http://www.hotelsabroad.co.uk/b1593.shtml.
MALAMOSE
RENO, NEV   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Trains from Charles DG airport
Do trains go directly to and from CDG Airport in Paris? Or does one have to take ground transport from the airport to the train? Any advice on getting from the airport to Strasbourg or Lyon directly from the airport?
Stefan <email>
San Francisco, ca   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Prageu Pension
Anyone every stayed at the Pension Platan in Prague?

  USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Travel to Cinque Terra From Malpensa airport
Is there any easy way to travel from Milan's Malpensa airport to Cinque Terra? Then Cinque Terra to Varenna. Also, is there any special inexpensive pension you would suggest to stay in Cinque Terra
Ann DiNola <email>
Hamilton, NJ   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

CONTACTING BREAD AND BREAKFAST
KIRSTEN>>>>>do a google.com search for “B&B, than list a town name”>>>>then list another town name and do another search until you have checked all the towns you plan to visit.....you will find lots of places to stay... and can decide by location and by price....I have preferences, but they will be for towns you may not want to visit.>>>In Germany and Switzerland you will find signs in the front yards of homes for “ZIMMER FREI” which means room for rent. Some will offer breakfast; so you ask...and always look at the room before you agree.>>>>> You can also go to the Tourist Information Office in every town and ask for a zimmer.
SAMUELSON
IDAHO FALLS, ID   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Terezin and Prague
I would like some impressions from anyone who has been to Terezin ... and how much trouble it is to get there from Prague. Also, is anything open in Prague on Monday, or is everything closed? Thanks!
Kat <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

bed & breakfast?
If you are students and want really cheap, your best bet is a youth hostel. They will have kitchen facilities where you can fix your own meals. Most are located in great areas, are as cheap as it gets, and some even offer smaller rooms for 1-4 people at a slightly higher price.
Angela
Beaverton, OR   USA   Wed 07/14/2004

Contacting Bread & Breakfast??????
STOP! and please read this. How do I contact a Bread and Breakfast... a 'house' that will house 3 people? We have a VERY Limited budget. I'm looking for very inexpensive places to stay.... but at the same time we would like to have fun like any good traveller. If you have any preferences that you know is nice give me a call.... but for the sake of my studies and bank account I need CHEAP PLACES to STAY. BREAD AND BREAKFAST???? ITALY GERMANY SOUTHERN FRANCE SWITZ.
Kirsten <email>
Singapore,    Singapore   Wed 07/14/2004

Where should we stop in Germany?
We are going to drive from Copenhagen, Denmark down to St. Goar, Germany to stay for two days, but we'd love to have a great place to stop for a few hours or to spend the night. However, there's nothing in the Rick Steve's guides on Northwestern Germany. Any great suggestions?
Kim Burlinson <email>
San Jose, CA   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

SALZBURG TO PRAGUE
KATHY SCHLOSSER~~~~we have driven and taken the train between the cities...take the train if you want to enjoy the scenery and not make stops. ...driving is more costly, but allows you to see the more interesting sights in between...take a look at one family’s trip at : http://home.apu.edu/~jseeba/weblog/cgi-bin/archives/00000083.html.
GLADNEY
GARY, IND   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

VAT
Mel ~ it is easy to get a refund of your VAT, the stores that take part in this usually has a sign in their window stating so. But you can ask.You have to spend a minimum of 50.00BP to qualify for a refund. This 50.00 or more is a single purchase and not several purchases add together. The store where you make your purchases will give you paperwork, you HAVE to get the paperwork from where you make the purchases.You have to fill out the form and present it~with the good, receipts and passport at the Customs office at the airport. You should allow a 1/2hour to complete this. After you get your paperwork stamped, you can either mail the papers (make sure you have a stamp)and receive your refund as a British check (which you might have trouble cashing it here is the states) or a credit card refund. I used the credit card refund, it was on my credit card the next month.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Experience with France for Rent.com???
Does anyone have any experience with www.franceforrent.com? I'm trying to make some final decisions and have heard glowing stories of apartment rental and horror stories. Would like to make the best choice possible.
Amy <email>
Ramsey, NJ   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Cesky Krumlov or Hallstatt
If you had to choose between Cesky Krumlov and Hallstatt which would it be? (I have an extra day and a half on my upcoming trip in August and have heard good things about both). Thanks!
Beth <email>
Alexandria, VA   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

To reserve or not
My friend and I are going to Italy the first two weeks of Oct. Is it possible to find a double without reserving for cheap? Basically, we're thinking of just flying to Rome and going online and finding a place for cheap. Your advise is appreciated.
Lee <email>
California, CA   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Monestaries of Spain & Portugal
Can anyone recommend a list of monestaries and bed & breakfasts throughout Spain and Portgual? I want to take a romantic vacation in November/December 2004 (this year). Theresa_Kunda@hotmail.com
Theresa <email>
Forest Hills, NY   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Eddie- Bahn.de
Eddie — I had a similar problem with Rail Europe when I was trying to get sleeper car reservations. The website wasn't showing the sleeper car/couchette options or prices. I called their phone number and the person told me not all information is displayed online, some things are meant to be done on the phone. I have no idea why that is, but I was able to get the sleeper car reservations I wanted. I don't know much about Bahn.de, but if I were you I would call them, or else try Rail Europe. Good luck!
Cathy
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

ITALY ROOM AND FOOD
RACHEL::Do a search on google.com for “hotel plus your destination”....you will find a listing of hundreds of hotels and inns so you can estimate your cost. Food will cost about $40 a day if you eat all meals in restaurants...however if you can buy groceries and picnic lunch and do a continental breakfast you can get by on much less. Food is not that much more expensive in Europe than home. We never buy deserts or drinks and that helps. Buy bottled water in the supermarkers or grocery stores. We take it into the restaurant too.
ZARROWE
BUFFALO, NY   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

VAT AND HEATHROW
Mel>>>>>>do a search on google.com for “VAT England”...you will find all you need to know about it. After you complete the form ask someone at the airport where to deposit it.
SMONTYY
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

TRAVELERS CHECKS IN EUROS
KRISTIN~~~~read the Graffiti Wall Section on “MONEY, COMMUNICATIONS AND ATMs" for ideas. Experienced travelers don’t buy travelers checks at all....use your ATM card...it is a lot cheaper and easier. Call your bank and ask what the fee will be for withdrawal in Europe. In the 10 countries I have used ATMs the most I have had to pay is $1.00 total. I quit buying travelers checks over 10 years ago. In Russia I had a choice of rubles or dollars at the ATM.
LAMARKE
SAN DIEGO, NM   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Tuscany
In September, we will be visiting Tuscany for the first time. Has anyone stayed at Castello di Gargonza near Arezzo. Any suggestions for apartment/villa rentals for 2 (non-touristy travelers)? thank you, Ellen
Ellen <email>
Laguna Beach, CA   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Basilica in Venice
I've been trying to book a time for Saint Marks Basilica in Venice for over two weeks but it never seems to get through. Is anyone else having this problem? Any ideas,how to book? Thanks
JJ
Va   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Traveler's Checks
Why take them in either form? There are ATM's everywhere and you get to "pay as you go" rather than putting up money in advance for checks that you may not use. In addition, you will get the best exhchange rate and won't have to worry about what to do with those unused checks after you get home.
Jeff <email>
  USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Travelers Checks in Euros
Has anyone used Euro Travelers checks offered through Bank of America? Are they better than checks in Dollars and then having to exchange them? Pros or cons to using them?
Kristin <email>
Tucson, AZ   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

To Scotland in November
To Shirley @ Scotland in November. I went to Edinburgh in November 2 years ago and it was perfect! The weather was cool enough to need a jacket, but nothing crazy at all. It is Scotland, so it rained some, but again, nothing that bad. Everywhere we went was open so we had zero problems seeing the sights. It wasn't super crowded anywhere we went either, just normal city/tourists people. I would definitely go back in November again without hesitation.
Holly <email>
Washington, DC   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Hotel on Ischia
We will be traveling in September and intend to stay on Ischia for 2 nights. I have been unable to confirm a room and believe the problem is that most hotels require a longer stay. Does anyone have any advice?
Kim <email>
Sausalito, CA   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Blades Hotel/Pimlico/London
We will be in London for a week in December. We've heard several positive comments about Blades Hotel in Pimlico and are considering switching from our usual hotel nearby. Has anyone stayed at Blades recently and are there any rooms (double) you would recommend in particular? Thanks.
Sally Roof <email>
Dayton, Oh   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Buckingham Palace/Kensington Palace
Wendy ~ Buckingham Palace is only open for tours of the State Room, Grand Staircase, Throne Room, in August and September. You can visit the Queen's Gallery all year. Both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace are fantastic. You should go to The Organery at Kensington Palace to have a cream tea. It is so pretty in there. If you have time I would suggest that you take the train from Paddington station to Windsor, and visit Windsor Castle and St. George's Chapel which is beautiful. The train ride is 1/2 hour and the train station is across the street from the castle. After going into the castle you could walk to Eton and visit Eton College (which is really a high school). This is where Prince William and Harry attended along with other boy from wealthy family. Have a great trip.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

To Rachel: Budgeting for Italy hotel and food
Rachel: Like anywhere else, Italian hotel prices vary greatly by city, time of year, and class of hotel. My best advice would be to get a copy of Rick Steves’ Italy 2004. My husband and I have used Rick’s guides while planning our last several trips to Italy, and he’s never steered us wrong. He gives hotel and restaurant recommendations ranging from the VERY basic to the splurge. Even if you don’t use one of his recommended hotels or eateries (though, we’ve had very good luck, especially with the hotels) his books will give you a pretty good idea what you should expect to pay in each area.
Angela
Lexington, KY   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

VAT @ Heathrow
I am searching for information about VAT — value added tax — from a traveler with recent experience in re-claiming the VAT. A friend told me this is as simple as filling out a form, including it in an envelope with your receipts, and dropping it all in a red mailbox in Heathrow. Is this accurate? Where can I get this form? Is it available on the Internet? Where exactly are these "red mailboxes?" THANK YOU!
Mel <email>
  USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Italy Room & Food $$$
First off, big thanks to all who responded to my plea for better flight prices. I have found some through travelocity.com, orbitz,com, and americanair.com that are all right around the $675-700 round trip price! Next question: How much should I expect to pay for A) hotel (I don't need 5 star, but I don't really want to hostel-it!) and B) food? I'm trying to figure this all out so I can see how many days we can afford to go! Thanks all!
Rachel <email>
N. Tonowanda, NY   USA   Tue 07/13/2004

Algarve to Spain...
I'm looking for the best way to travel from the Algarve to Gibraltar or somewhere close to this in Spain. Any suggestions would be appreciated as I have hit a dead end in my travel plans.
Kim <email>
Toronto, On   Can   Mon 07/12/2004

Christmas in Rome — for Tim
We spent Christmas in Rome last year and it was great. Everything was open that we wanted to see (all the major sites). the 25th and 26th are both holidays so you need to get some local help in finding a restaurant open those days so you can eat. Our B&B owners helped us find a place and made reservations for us. There are some really fun Christmas markets that are open even after Christmas since they celebrate in January (can't remember the name of their other holiday) as well s on the 25th. If you are interested in getting tickets to midnight mass at St. Peter's on the 24th, let me know. It takes some planning way ahead but it's well worth the effort.
Renee
CO,    USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Paris Apartment Rentals for 4 women who like their space!
I'm having a little trouble trying to find an apartment that has 4 single beds (www.cheznous.com is the best but a little pricey). Any recomendations?
Amelia <email>
Ramsey, NJ   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Salzburg to Prague???
Would like suggestions as to the best way to travel from Salzburg to Prague. Has anyone driven or taken the train between the 2 cities? We will be there in mid-August and are unsure yet as to what mode of travel we should do ...although we are sure that we will not be sightseeing on the way there(we will be staying 2 nights in Cesky Krumlov on the way back). Does anyone have any suggestions to help make our decision easier? Thank you so much!!!
Kathy Schlosser <email>
Roseville, MN   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Athens, GR to Italy
I am having difficulty determining economical travel alternatives between Athens, Greece and Italy. Ideally, I would like to fly into Rome or Florence, but the prices are quite high b/c of the Olympics. Can I take a ferry or train? How can I find out what aternatives exist?
Jerome <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Connection Time — CDG
Chris, 55 minutes between flights sounds tight, especially if American Airlines and Air France don't code share. You might want to call Air France and ask about check-in deadlines, their recommended connection time and what options you'll have if you miss the flight to Barcelona. That should help you decide. Also, note that terminals 2A and 2F are in different buildings and you may need to take a shuttle bus between them. Check www.paris-cdg.com for information about the airport.
Frank
Wilmington, DE   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Paris Museum Pass et al...
Wendy...the museum pass will get you into the Versailles Chateau, but not into the gardens. It is a separate charge. In my humble opinion it is very worthwhile to purchase the museum pass. We bought ours at a metro station. TEACHERS: If you bring a teacher id with you (mine had a photo on it as well): you can get into some of the museums for free (Louvre, Pompidou, Cuny, for sure) Not sure about some others. Saint Chappelle will let you in for a reduced price. Since I was not sure at the time, I bought a museum pass as well. So, the teacher Id may also get you into Dorsay, Versaille, etc.. Just thought some of you educators would like to know!
Steven <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Has anyone been inside Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace? Could you give me your opinion on what Palace on the inside is more enjoyable and interesting to see. Thanks
wendy <email>
  USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Paris museum pass
Can anyone tell me if it is worthwhile to buy a Paris museum pass? Does anyone know if this pass includes entrance in to Versailles. It says it does in one of Ricks books however I would just like to confirm. Thanks a bunch
wendy <email>
sugarland, tx   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

:55 enough intl. connect time in Paris? pt.2
See my original message below. Also, what would be helpful to know if there is an Air France check-in kiosk in Terimal 2A? That is the terminal of my arrival and the departure terminal of my Air France flight is 2F. Thanks!
Chris <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Luggage in Trunk
One thing that should not be open for discussion is the advisability of leaving ANYTHING in a car. While some say the trunk is OK, I disagree totally! Two years ago while in France, we parked our cars at the Chateau Beynac. When we returned 30 minutes later, several cars, including mine, had been broken into. The thiefs punched a small hole under the drivers side lock and unlocked the doors. We had a hatch-back and had made the mistake of leaving the cover over the back. This apparently gave the thieves the impression that there was something there to steal. For the driver of the Mercedes, they knocked the back lock out of the trunk and left a rock on the trunk to hold it down so it would not be so obvious. I don't know if they lost anything but they would have had it been in there. If you think having all of your belongings stolen while on vacation is an acceptable risk, you are more of a gambler than I am willing to be while on vacation! DON'T TAKE THE CHANCE, IT IS NOT WORTH IT!!
Keith Jones <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Barcelona/Costa Brava
I am looking for recommendations of hotels/B&B's in Barcelona and the Costa Brava where I could get a room for around $100 a night. Any traveling tips for the area would be appreciated as well.
Amelia <email>
New York, NY   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Vernazza A/C
Simon- I was just in Vernazza two days ago and I didn't have air conditioning either, just a fan that barely worked. I don't know how much hotter it will be in August, but I'm also not sure where you could find a place with A/C in Vernazza. It was very hot in the room, but we kept the window open and the fan on, and were able to sleep.
Cathy
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

EDINBURGH TO LONDON CHEAP
WHITNEY~~~~~try these pages for discount Scottish air fares: ryanaire.com,air-scotland.com, flyglobespan.com, easyjet.com, maerskair.com.
SMITHNING
PORTLAND, OR   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Vernazza, air conditioning
Am I crazy to stay in Vernazza in a place without air conditioning in August?
Simon <email>
Pasadena, CA   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Edinburgh to London on the cheap
I'm a student who needs to get from Edinburgh to London (Ironmonger's Hall, specifically) as cheaply as possible for a weekend in early October. EasyJet seems to be a good option. Rail seems rather expensive. If anyone has any recommendations re aiports, transportation to the city from airports, rail vs. airports, etc, I'd LOVE to hear it. Thanks!
Whitney <email>
Greenville, SC   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Hotel Residencial Florescente
I would like some information on the hotel Residencial Florescente in Lisbon;Can anyone help me.
Stanley <email>
Duluth, GA   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Rome
We are planning a trip to Rome and want to know if December 23 2004 thru jan 1 2005 is a good time to go or are the tourist things all shut down for the Holidays.
Tim Cardinal <email>
Burlington twp, NJ   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Hotel in Burgundy
We are looking for suggestions for a B & B or small family run hotel in Burgundy, preferably south of Beaune. We have tried several of Rick's recommended hotels with no luck.
Julie <email>
Omaha , NE   USA   Mon 07/12/2004

Ruth — palm pilot
Look at the power supply for your charger..if you see input 100-240v (or thereabouts) and 50-60 hz, then you are ok using just a plug-style adapter (no voltage adapter used). I believe that the palm sold in the US should be specified like this (laptops power supplies are). if the input is restricted to 110v then i would NOT use a voltage converter but go without the palm. In my experience, voltage converters should only be used with the cheapest, simplest of electric devices (hair dryer, curling iron, etc).
scott
london,    UK   Mon 07/12/2004

Places to from Heathrow
Don ~ you could go to Bourton-on-the-Water in the Costwolds, Eton, Windsor all three are great. Would love them all.

Oh   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

Places near Munich
For JS: Suggest you visit www.passau.de and click on "tourismus" for the English option. If I can be of further help, just e-mail.
Graham <email>
Port Talbot,    Wales   Sun 07/11/2004

Rain gear for Paris
We are leaving for Paris at the end of July for a 3-week home exchange. Should we pack rain gear? (We will spend 4 days in Normandy as well.)
Mary <email>
Orange, CA   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

train reservations
Do I need reservations for the train from Cologne to Amsterdam. There will be 4 of us...August 2. If so, is it best to book online on the Bahn website?
Ellen <email>
Grand Rapids, MI   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

Hotels in Nimes France
I'm looking for a quaint hotel in Nimes France in Rick Steves style. Can anyone make a recommendation?
Bev <email>
Silverdale, Wa   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

Great place to stay in Killarney Chelmsford House
I would like to say if you are going to Killarney in Co Kerry Ireland, spend some time at Chelmsford House we had a great 4 days in Killarney the BNB was excellant with great view of the Mountains the breakfasts were lovely with lots to choose it was a short walk to the town. They also arrange all the tours for you and take the hassle out of driving, the rate was 70 euro for a double room ensuite with breakfast.This was by far the cleanist BnB we had stayed in while in Ireland for 2 weeks. www.chelmsfordhouse.com
Garry Smith <email>
London,    UK   Sun 07/11/2004

grafx shop
I would like to ask where can I buy cans and caps in dublin or cork? is it possible? e.g. Montana, belton molotow, aeorsol art... just graffiti supplies?
oklok <email>
  Sun 07/11/2004

Estonia & Poliand
We are on a Cruise that will include Estonia and Poland. In May they became part of the EU. Are they now on the Euro for currency?
Neil <email>
Calgary, AB   CAN   Sun 07/11/2004

Small cities in southern England
To Don from S.F. — Re: places to go after landing at Heathrow. You might want to look into Winchester or Salisbury. Both are laid-back medium-sized towns with spectacular cathedrals. Or, for a considerably more lively (but still spectacular) experience, Oxford.
Peter
Amsterdam,    NL   Sun 07/11/2004

Directions — Mauthausen/Dachau
Can anyone give me travel directions/routes and times from Munich and/or Salzburg to Dachau and Mauthausen. I would also appreciate any impressions of each. Thanks!
KL <email>
Orlando, FL   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

towns nr Munich?
I will be in Munich area in Aug and I am looking for some great backdoor towns/villages that are on the bus route/train route.Any suggestions and B&B's in and around? thanks, pls post on this website. JS
JS
CA   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

manchester for non-smokers
can anyone recommend a non-smoking, centrally located place to stay in manchester?
Don Ciccone <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

besides bath?
have already been to bath. can anyone recommend another nice "jet lag pillow" straight from heathrow?
Don Ciccone <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Sun 07/11/2004

Airline Correction!
Rachel — I'm so sorry. Here's the link — copied and pasted! http://www.airlineconsolidator.com/infobookaff_fs.html?GCID=C3770x220
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

AIRLINES PISA TO SARDINIA
AIRLINES PISA TO SARDINIA Judith>>>>>try these Italian discount airlines: volareweb.com, windjetvola.com, thomsonfly.com, www2vbird.com, basiqair.com, airone.com, alpieagles.com, meridiana.com.
ELMOSONE
TYLER, TX   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Re Paris Apartment
Barbara...We just returned from Paris at the end of June. We stayed in an apartment near Place de Republique in the Marais. The apartment rental website is: www.paris-rentals.com Our apartment was on Boulevard du Temple (very close to metro stops). the cost for the week was $1300. Quiet with room for 4 people; 2 baths; washer AND dryer; nice kitchen and living room; and a balcony on the 6th gloor; There is an elevator. On the website look for the apartment that is listed as Boulevard du Temple. Any questions...feel free to email me.
Steven <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

FLIGHTS TO ITALY
Rachel~~~~ I assume you tried orbitz, travelocity, priceline, hotwire, and expedia.....if so try any or all of these pages: justfares.com, europebyair.com, virgin-express.com, easyjet.com, eurair.com, sidestep,com, anyway.com, applefares.com, cheaptickets.com, flybudget.com. Then search the Graffiti Wall section on “Flying to Europe”.
HERMONDON
CASPER, MONT   USA   Sat 07/10/2004


try www.airlineconsolidator.com It may not be the same site but it looks like it could be.
Jeff Keller <email>
Bend, OR   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Airline-consolidators website
Karen — I tried to get onto airline-consolidators.com but it said that the site was "under construction." How were you able to use it? Is there a different URL?

  USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Paris apartments
Has anyone used Paris Appartements Services for stays of a week or longer? Rick suggests them but you can't choose the apartment you want until paying which makes me a little nervous.
Barbara <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Airline tickets to Rome
Rachel, I recently purchased some tickets for my dad on airline-consolidators.com and were really pleased with the price and the customer service. It looked as if they had some good deals to Rome.
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

travel travel travel
Hello, I am a school teacher(female) who would like to find a travel partner(s). I have varied interess and am open to suggestions. Europe, Asia, being at the top of my list. If you are between 45-65 (f or m) please e mail me & we can discuss travel nterests, times, etc. I am less interested in the "typical" tourist sights and more in a countries culture, history, and people. ghistory@msn.com
gh <email>
ny suburbs, ny   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Flanders Fields Tours
Has anyone used "Quasimodo Tours" or "Daytours of Flanders Fields Minibus Tours" in Bruges? Any comments greatly appreciated.
Gary Shook <email>
Surrey , BC   CAN   Sat 07/10/2004

Lake in Berner Oberland
Does anyone know a good place to swim or boat around Murren Switzerland.
Francesca <email>
  USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Capri Hotel
Does anyone know a good place to stay in Capri that has a pool and air-conditioning?
Susan <email>
  Sat 07/10/2004

Amalfi Coast
Anyone know of a hotel for less than 150 euros per night on the Amalfi coast with a room with a view?
Sutcliffe, Gail <email>
Frisco, Tx   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Karyn...Paris hotel
While in Paris, we stay at the Republique Hotel (www.republiquehotel.com). It's a centrally-located hotel...near a number of metro stops, lots of dining and shopping options. It's a nice, quiet neighborhood, too. There's an ATM across the street, great restaurant — Maya — , a grocery store, an Internet cafe, even a McDonalds. They are quite affordable. 90-100 Euros for the family room (sleeps four, I believe). They also have the continental breakfast available (6,5 E/person). Good luck!
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Paris Museum Pass
Prices are as follows: 1 day: EUR 18 3 days: EUR 36 5 days: EUR 54 Here's the website: http://www.ratp.fr/ParisVisite/Eng/Actuas/m&m/musetmonument.htm
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Sat 07/10/2004

Flights to Italy $$$
Help please. I am interested in info about flights to Italy. I'm coming from New York. It's for my (already-postponed) honeymoon, and it looks like the only time to go will be end of August, or very early September. All I'm coming up with is an avg. of $1400/per person. Is this what I should expect to pay? Or is there something big that I'm missing here? Please, any info would be great! Happy Travels!
Rachel <email>
N. Tonawanda, NY   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Airlines — Pisa to Sardinia
Air One flies daily between Pisa and Cagliari, Sardinia. Their website, www.flyairone.it, has an english version. Air One usually offers good discounts for advance purchases (14 days when I flew Rome-Milan in 2002). Reservations can be made by calling Lufthansa's US 800 number. Meridiana flys between Florence and Cagliari. Their website is www.meridiana.it.
Frank
Wilmington, PA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Paris Museum Pass
It's also very easy to pickup the Paris museum pass at metro stations. They are sold at the ticket windows. The current price (if purchased in paris) is 18 Euro for 1 day, 36 for three days. I don't recall the price for the longer ones.
R.K.
CA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Cooking class/Tuscany 1-2 days only
I'm looking for a 1-2 day cooking class in the Tuscany/hill-town region. I've seen many week-long classes advertised but nothing for 1-2 days. Anyone?
Melanie Hamon <email>
  USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Is there a real place called The Convent of the Little Sisters of Tourvilon, near Avignon, France?

  USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Eurostar tickets
Karyn~you can call Waterloo Station and purchase your Eurostar tickets and they will hold them. So all you have to do is to get to Waterloo Station in plenty of time for you to pick up the tickets. There may be a line. The numbe is 011-44-207-620-1032. I have purchased my tickets this way and it was so easy, and there was only a very short line so your not in line long.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Hotel in Paris under $100
If there are only two of you, the Ibis hotels are under $100. They aren't charming, but they're clean and very comfortable — similar to a Comfort Inn here in the States. We stayed at the Ibis Porte d'Italie and would do so again.
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Chunnel tickets and Museum pass
Karyn — we booked our Eurostar (Chunnel) tickets through Rick Steves site, but were booking about 2-1/2 months before we needed them, so I'm not sure if that's the way to go for you at this point or not. It's possible to buy the Paris museum pass in the Eurostar waiting area, also.
Leslie
CA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Dress code in French restaurants
We try to dress a little less casual in Europe, but have noticed that the "dress code" doesn't seem to be a big issue. I think Europe has become somewhat more casual as time goes on. Dark pants/skirts are always good, but in most places (we don't do the fancy/expensive) there's no need for a tie. We usually intend to go back and dress for dinner, but it often just doesn't happen, so we go as we are (generally still in dark clothing(not jeans or shorts, though) and haven't felt out of place.
Karen <email>
CO   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Karyn — Paris info
Karyn — Two star hotels in Paris generally seem to be acceptable, if not fancy. With the exchange rate right now, it might be a little harder to find under $100, but should be able to find for under 100 Euros. We stayed in the 17th (one mile from Montmartre but in a nice neighborhood) — Hotel Batignolles Villiers — which was fine. It's a little out of the center, but within walking distance of the Opera and Sacre Couer and easy metro from anywhere. The Rue Cler area (recommended by Rick) is always nice, but may be harder to book at this point — Hotel Leveque has air conditioning — important in August. Also, get your museum pass at one of the smaller museums (we went to the sewer museum — if I remember correctly, the entrance is between the Eiffel Tower and Musey d'Orsay along the Seine). You don't even have to go to that museum, though the sewer was interesting — just get your ticket there — the Rick Steve's Paris or France book has a pretty good list of some included museums — it's well worth it. We drove to Prague, so can't help with train info — sorry — I'd look into renting an apartment rather than hotels — I've heard Tom's Travel recommended, but haven't used them — have a great trip.
Karen <email>
CO   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Dress Code in French Restaurants and Cafes
I have read that it is considered good form to dress up when going to a French restaurant. I don't mean the Michelin-starred restaurants. What exactly constitutes dressing up. Tie and jacket? Polo shirt and khakis? Thanks BK
B. Krishnakumar <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Paris and Prague advice
We are going to London, Paris and Prague.Late July-August 2004 What advice do you have for hotels under $100 US. In Paris and Prague. How do you get a museum pass for Paris? What is the best way to get from Paris to Prague cheap/quick? Train? or Plane? How do you book the chunnel? Thanks!
Karyn <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Palm Pilot recharging in Italy
Has anyone used a Palm Pilot in Italy? Any trouble recharging using a converter? I don't want to burn out my palm. Thanks for any help. Ruth
Ruth <email>
Bellevue, WA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Hostel near Stansted
I'm looking for a hostel near the Stansted airport in London. Any ideas?
Lori Nelson <email>
Glendora, CA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Airlines, Pisa to Sardinia
We want to fly from the Pisa/Florence airport to Sardinia but can't find an airline. Can you help?
Judtih Erickson <email>
Juneau, AK   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Babies to Go
In Paris, there are supermarkets with baby supplies — try Monoprix or Prisunic. And I've not been to Venice, but I should think they would have the Supermercado Standa. Mind you, I've not bought baby products overseas, so I don't know about prices but I have noticed the baby things. There are a lot of great posts on traveling with babies on Lonely Planet's Thorntree.
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

TYPE OF TRAVEL SPAIN
Fran~~~~~~For discount air fares check these web pages: aireuropa.com, easyjet.com spanair.com, airportugalia.com. You can also find RR fares at railsaver.com/railsaver.asp, railpass.com/ticket, raileurope.com, railtrains.com, or alleuroperail.com...look for “fares and schedules”.
THOMASON
ST LOUIS, MO   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Recent Vernazza Info
Just back from Italy,one place we stayed for a few days was Vernazza. Can't comment on Barbara's rooms, but some observations: Go, and fall in love with it. Driving down the twisty road to the parking lot above the town is NOT for the fainthearted; next time I will park in La Spezia and take the excellent coastal train in. It was HOT- if going in summer, make sure to ask if your room has adequate cross ventilation;ours did not and it was stifling. Also ask specifically about features: what we thought was a 'kitchenette' in our apartment didn't turn out to be one as I would understand it. Lovely area, nice people. You'll do a lot of walking, have good footwear and get in shape.
Gerard> <email>
Mt Vernon , WA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Scotland "off-season"
I've been to Scotland twice in mid-March, both times based in Edinburgh. I found it to actually be good walking weather because it was cool. We had a snowstorm the day we left last time — snow on the daffodils! The only things we had wanted to see that were closed were the cathedral in Stirling and a museum in Dunblane, if I recall correctly. One thing you might check out is staying in Rosslyn Castle in Roslin (just outside Edinburgh) — lots of hiking in the gorge around the castle, walk to Rosslyn Chapel nearby, excellent meals at the Roslin Glen Hotel, sitting in the atmostpheric drawing room reading about the castle's history. We had a great time! Check out www.landmarktrust.org.uk for info on staying at Rosslyn Castle (or Collegehill House nearby — they have a washer and dryer!). Weather varied from dry and sunny to rain to hail to snow to sleet, sometimes all in the space of a few minutes! We've done all our Great Britain travels during the offseason (November or March) and even though someday I want to go back during the summer to visit the great houses and other things that are closed during the off-season, I highly recommend putting up with the less than ideal weather in order to compete with fewer tourists at all the sights. I'm more a museum and castle type than an outdoorsy type, but even I would highly recommend visiting Hadrian's Wall — just south of the Scottish border and very remote. Go to the old Roman fort there (I forget the name of it) and then drive through all the small border towns on your way up to Edinburgh — very atmospheric and the hike up the hill to the fort will get you your day's quotient of exercise! If you have time you could stop at all the ruins of the abbeys along the way. I better stop now, this is long enough...but definitely give off-season a try!
Barb
IA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

Monestary
Hi! Iam looking for a monestary in England or the UK where I also can do a English languege course. Does somebody know?
Heleen Hulshof <email>
Den Haag/The Hague,    HL   Fri 07/09/2004

for Shirley — Scotland in Nov
As you may know, scotland can be quite cold and rainy in the winter months. Nights are also very long. In scotland, the weather can turn very rapidly from calm sun to wind/rain (although i would be mentally prepared not to see ANY sun during your visit). for clothing, i would recommend a good gore-tex or other high tech waterproof shell. thick fleece is good to provide warmth under the shell. i like to avoid cotton as it is awful when wet. We spent most of our time hiking in the mountains which is probably not something you would do in the winter unless you are experienced in this. Lower altitude walks would be a good activity. Other than that, we found the Glenlivet distillary tour (free) to be nice. I haven't been to Edinborough but i'm sure it would be lively enough year round.
scott
london,    UK   Fri 07/09/2004

Type of travel
Appreciate feedback on options of flying or train travel between Madrid and Barcelona? Fran-fchasen.ci@juno.com
Fran Chasen <email>
Santa Monica, CA   USA   Fri 07/09/2004

cleaning pack
how do you best clean the rick steves over-the shoulder/backpack???
saraki <email>
dallas, tx   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Amsterdam Apartment?
Any advice on renting an A'dam apt. for 2 months this October?
Bea <email>
Los Angeles, CA   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Baby products in Paris & Venice?
Does anyone know a good store to buy baby products (diapers, food, etc.) in Paris and Venice? We will be travelling there with our 1-year-old. Also, any tips on packing light with a baby?
Mike Zuschin <email>
Cleveland, OH   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Le Moulin du Fief Gentil near Amboise???
Rick recommends Le Moulin du Fief Gentil near Amboise, but when I went to the web site, I found that it will be under new ownership. Does anyone know whatt it is like under the new owners?
Jim <email>
Westlake Village, CA   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

To Toronto and BC ~ in the UK and on the Continent it isn't called the Chunnel. They refer to it as the Eurostar.

Oh   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

to "Toronto" re: Chunnel
The Chunnel journey to Brussels (and Paris) is roughly 3 hours. When going from London to Brussels, adjust your watch 1 hour ahead. Timetables should reflect this. Examples.... Depart London 9AM UK time, arrive Brussels 1PM euro time. Conversely, depart B at 6PM, arrive L at 8PM.

BC   Can   Thu 07/08/2004

Hadrian's Wall
Has anyone walked Hadrian's Wall? I am thinking about a mid-Sept. 2004 visit, but don't know if I should go solo and work out the luggage transfer on my own or sign on with a tour company (found quite a few via www.hadrians-wall.org and www.nationaltrail.co.uk) and let them deal with the logistics. Thanks!
Amy <email>
WA   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Vernazza — Eva's Rooms
Does anyone have any comments to share about "Eva's Rooms" in Vernazza? The web site is http://www.sedac.191.it/eva.htm
Nick <email>
Burbank, ca   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Ireland Trip Questions
Flying into Shannon Airport, is an overnight stay that evening in Galway a stretch as far as time & distance? What is tipping procedure for bed & breakfasts? Any horsetracks to recommend?
Jane <email>
Palm Harbor, FL   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Scotland in November
I've been reading lots of information about traveling in Scotland. However, it all seems to be aimed at summer travel and we will be there in November. Please give advice on winter packing and any activities that might be interesting in the cold.
Shirley <email>
Greenville, SC   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Morocco
Hi! Has anyone been to Morocco lately? I am going in November, and would appreciate any information. I am planning to travel by bus from Casablanca to Agadir. Has anybody done that? Thanks a lot.
Daisy
Lees Summit, MO   USA   Thu 07/08/2004

Good Hotel in London
My husband and I stayed in the Jarvis Marylebone Ramada in March for a week. It was reasonable, the room was sizeable (by London "reasonably priced hotel" standards!) and the best thing about it was the location! It was directly across the street from the Marylebone rail station (service to Birmingham) and tube stop! There's a wealth of cheap "fast food" options in the station (a GREAT noodle bar with very good prices, a Marks & Spencers Simply Food, A Cornish Pasty shop, a soup takeout shop and many more), a couple of newstands where you can buy stamps, batteries, film etc., and it was very close to a couple of good pubs and Indian restaurants. It's just a short walk to Regent's Park and a good 1/2 hr. aerobic walk to Abbey Rd. Studios/crossing. It's about 2 blocks from Baker Street (and the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Elvis Museum . . . go figure) AND the Baker St. Tube stop. We walked easily to the Wallace Collection (with their FABULOUS cafe — try it for a splurgey, leisurly lunch!) and felt that we were literally a few minutes by tube from almost anywhere in London. We'll definitely stay there again. We got a GREAT package from www.go-today.com with airfare from Portland,OR, 6 nights hotel and free transport from Heathrow for $1600.
Sherry <email>
Lyons, OR   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Valencia, Spain
Hi. I'm looking for anyone who has visited Valencia in Spain. I collect Lladro porcelain statues and they are made there so a day or two there might be nice. Any info about the area would be appreciated!
Jackie <email>
Crown Point, In   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

day trip from Amsterdam
Jan — we took a train to Leiden for a day trip from Amsterdam/Haarlem. It's the birthplace of Rembrandt and you can pick up a walking tour map at the TI near the train station that takes you through all the back streets. You walk by Rembrandt's family home and also you can tour his artist studio...still a real working studio with a lovely courtyard. The tour also takes you to the famous University area. We bought picnic stuff in small shops and sat near the canals and shared our picnic with the pigeons. It was a wonderful day and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It's about 30 minutes by train.
Renee
CO   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

SuiteHotel Rueil/Paris
Has anyone stayed at the SuiteHotel in Rueil outside Paris? They state they are next to the RER station. Is this correct? Are there restaurants within walking distance? What is the travel time by RER into the city center? Thanks!
Julie M. <email>
Omaha, NE   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Time changes
Toronto ~ You are correct, the Continent is an hour ahead of the United Kingdom. So if it's 5:00pm in London it would be 6:00pm in Brussels.

Oh   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

train fares- RER
RER train from Paris to St Germain en Laye- how to find out the cost of a ticket? It appears that St Germain is outside the metro zone, and requires a separate ticket, but I cannot determine the cost. So, how to use the RATP or RER website? If I board the metro at Gare du Nord, where would I transfer, to get on the RER line A?
B. Jones <email>
TA, WA   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Ireland — Norway ferry???
I'm planning a trip to Europe right now, and I'm the process of hammering out a route. What I'm wondering is whether or not there's a ferry from anywhere in IReland to (preferrably) Oslo, Norway. Other arrival cities would be fine, but I'd prefer Oslo.
Emily
Seattle, WA   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Amsterdam
Can anyone recommend a couple of interesting day trips from Amsterdam?
Jan <email>
  USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Day Trips from Amsterdam
We are thinking of going to Amsterdam in September. Our friends will have a timeshare we will be using. That means we pretty much have to stay in Amsterdam at night. Can anyone suggest a couple of interesting day trips?
Jan <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

ATMs in Europe
Many overseas ATMs use numerical PINs only, so make sure to convert any alpha PINs before leaving.
Amy <email>
  USA   Wed 07/07/2004

running
doesn't anyone who takes a ETBD tour go for a morning run? If you only have one small bag, where do you put your running stuff (shoes, clothes, H2O belt,etc.)? the morning run in a waking city or town is one of the great joys of travel, giving a perspective unlike any other. it's the reason i put in all those routine miles at home.
elliot goldman <email>
clifton , nj   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

TIME ZONES
Go to the page below and you will find all the major cities of the world listed with current time. That makes it easy to determine difference from our time. Most European cities are 6 or 7 hours ahead of our time. Go to this page: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/.
ANDERWALD
LOUISVILLE, KY   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Disabled tours in Rome
Want suggestions for Rome sightseeing with disabled man. Can walk only very short distances. Any private tour suggestions.
Jean <email>
Denver, CO   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

THE ROMANTIC ROAD
Pace...I have driven that road twice and recommend that you buy a good highway map before you leave Frankfurt. Pay close attention to the highway numbers.. The highway is well marked, but you go through a lot of small villages and you have to watch the signs in the villages in order to take the right route out towards your next village. Also do a little research about what to see in Rothenburg and the other towns in the area because there are a number of historical sights which may interest you.
MARTIN
WACO, TX   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

RADIO AND BIKE IN ENGLAND
Shan...I have taken my AM-FM radio to Europe 7 times; no problem in receiving stations....the stations have lower power than here so your radio is highly directional...that means you can sometimes improve your reception by turning it slowly....I always use an earplug in order to hear better.
SEARCHLY
CHICAGO, IL   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Time Zones — dumb question
So... I have a really dumb question about time zones. We are starting our Western Europe trip in a few weeks and I was wondering about time changes. From what I can gather... once we leave London and arrive in Brussels we need to set our clocks ahead by an hour?? Does that sound right. And then when we arrive back in London the night before the flight home we need to set them back again by an hour. Just a bit concerned about making our trains and flights on time. Also, the trip from London to Brussels is stated as 3 hours on raileurope.com so I am assuming it is "technically" 4 hours after changing to the correct time zone? Thanks

Toronto, ON   Canada   Wed 07/07/2004

VCR in Europe
Frank You can certainly buy cheap VCRs in Britain which will read NTSC tapes and output to PAL system TVs. I saw some myself this morning for about £80. I think that most TVs sold in France will now work with both the PAL and SECAM systems. If this is not the case, you could easily buy a PAL tv in another European country.
Bob <email>
UK,    USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Vaccines
To answer the vaccine question. You do not need any special vaccines for Italy. You only need vaccines if you are going to a 3rd world country, etc.
Jamie
Chicago, IL   USA   Wed 07/07/2004

Frank — VCR in Europe
there are 3 things to consider with video in Europe: PAL vs NTSC (as discussed in other posts), Region specific titles, and, of course, voltage/hertz difference. i would not recommend bringing any TV/VCR/DVD equipment from the US. The delicate motors in these things do not work well under voltage converters and most US DVD players are US region specific. What I would do is to convert your tapes to DVD before you leave. A computer with DVD writer plus a fairly cheap conversion device will make this an easy task. Then in France, buy your DVD player making sure you get one that has been hacked to bypass the machine's region check (assuming you wish to bring over pre-packaged US DVDs and maybe buy some in the US or recieve them as gifts. This hacked machine will allow you to play back DVDs purchased in the US or Europe. I know it sounds like a lot of hassle but this is one of the headaches of expat life. you may know this but I would not bring any electronics or electrics to Europe from the US. in my experience, voltage converters do not really work well in the long term. better to sell it all and buy new in france. good luck.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 07/07/2004

hotel website problems
Has anyone used nethotels.com for hotels in Europe (Germany)? Any problems in using this site?
Ron B <email>
Jacksonville, FL   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

Vaccines?
I looked through the last six months worth of posts but did not see any answer. We (2 adults/1 7 y.o.) are planning a three week trip to Italy to visit friends and see the sites. Does anyone know if we should have certain vaccines ahead of time?
Alena <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

Cell phone in Italy
Barbara, my husband bought a tri-band unlocked cell phone on Ebay, then got me a SIM card for Italy from http://www.0044.uk.com/index.htm. You get the number before you leave, and incoming calls are free. The card can be refilled in Italy. It was a great deal for us — my husband could call me every day. :)
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

cell phones in Florence
My daughter is studying in Florence for one month. We thought we had the phone situation taken care of with phone cards, etc. Pay phones are difficult to use and hard to find plus her residence does not have a phone. I'd like to find a cell phone for her to rent. Any suggestions?
Barbara <email>
Parkersburg, WV   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

RE Getting to Normandy from Paris
Susan, I would suggest getting a shuttle from the airport (www.airport-connection.com). You can reserve online. They meet you at the airport and can take you to any place in the city. Since you are going to Normandy I would suggest taking a train from the Gare St. Lazare station. You can check www.sncf.com for schedules. 3 weeks ago my family did this same exact thing. We got to Gare St. Lazare...and bought out tickets there. we took a train to Rouen. They have trains to Rouen as well as La Havre. Not sure if you can get a train from there to Caen or Bayeux. That should not be too difficult to track down. Any more questions...feel free to email me!
Steve <email>
Cincinnati, OH   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

radio and bike in England
I'll be living in England for a year and want to take a small portable radio for when I go running. Will I be able to get British reception on it or will it be useless? Also, any tips on transporting a bicycle easily and cheaply?
shan <email>
PA   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

TV systems
AFAIK, there were two TV systems in Europe: PAL (principally UK) and SECAM (France). They were not compatible with each other or with the North American system. Does anyone know if SECAM is still out there?

BC   Can   Tue 07/06/2004

Re: TV/VCR?
In the interest of traveling light, I should explain: The plan is to move to France permanently, not to visit. We just didn't want to leave our video collection behind when we moved. DVDs are a good idea up to a point, but not everything we have is available on DVD.
Frank M. <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

The Romantic Road
Does anyone have experience driving from Frankfurt to Rothenburg and Ruette on the Romantic Road. Any problems? Is it clearly marked? We are going in September.
Pace <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

To Joan on Tracking a Memory
Joan, the St. Augustine beer hall is still there and going strong. It is one of the biggest and best halls around. They still sell all types of food and if you would like one of there stines, you can buy one with your beer. Don't forget to stop in to see the church, which is also very beautiful. Just ask tourist information and they will know what you are talking about and give you directions, but your memory is pretty good. Have fun.
Greg <email>
Mpls, MN   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

RE: Athens in a day
With only one day, if you get to city center, everything can be reached on foot. The Acropolis, Parthenon, Agora, and Plaka are easily a full day and all adjacent to each other. The Archealogical Museum is fantastic as well, not a bad walk from the other sights, probably shorter to walk there than by bus or taxi, given Athens traffic.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

Sightseeing in Athens
We will be spending only one day in Athens in Oct. Is it better to take a taxi tour or bus tour to see as much as we can? Also, any recommendations?
Judy <email>
Merced, Ca   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

Siena Hotel
Has anyone stayed at Frances Lodge in Siena? Can you walk to the Campo or is it necessary to have a car?
Jan James
Warrenton, Va   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

PARIS RIVER CRUISE
Karen~~~~~~~Take the dinner cruise on the Seine; my wife and I did that a year ago and enjoyed it immensely....it is far better than any dinner we have enjoyed in a 5-star hotel. Go to google.com and ask for “dinner cruise on Seine.” You should find sailing times and costs. Take a camera.
HANDLER
LITTLE ROCK , ARK   USA   Tue 07/06/2004

Genoa?
We may find ourselves in Genoa for a night before flying out of Italy. Does anyone have any recommendations of a hotel or area to stay in (cheap, safe, clean, convenient to Brignole station preferred)?? Thanks!
Kristin <email>
  USA   Tue 07/06/2004

paris
Myself and 5 friends will be travelling to Paris at the end of July to celebrate my 40th birthday. While we've sorted out accommodation, I am looking for ideas for dinner on the special day! Has anyone got any feedback on the dinner cruises on the Seine or any other suggestions? many thanks
karen <email>
cardiff, wales,    UK   Tue 07/06/2004

Athletic Shoes
Today we don't need to choose between just running/tennis shoes and uncomfortable dress shoes. There are many models that are built to walk 12+ miles per day but look more like regular leather shoes. Outdoor type stores (EMS, REI, etc) are a good source of these. With these shoes, you can be comfortable and still respect the local norms for how an adult is expected to dress. Being away from your hotel for 12+ hours a day is just the reason to choose a versital shoe that is comfortable just walking around but also looks OK in a nicer restaurant or shop, church, museum, etc.
scott
london,    UK   Tue 07/06/2004

Re: Paris or Italy in August
Italy closes up for August probably more so than Paris. While hotels normally stay open, a lot of restaurants and businesses close for the month. You can still find places to eat without difficulty but that place you read about and are looking forward to trying may be closed. Of the cities you mentioned, Verona will probably be the most affected by this practice. Milan, Florence and Venice will be less affected. Not sure about Pisa and Genoa. Usually the larger the city and/or tourist center in Italy, the fewer places that will close, or maybe it's because there are so many places to choose from that you don't notice them as much. On the seaside on both coasts in Italy and in the mountains everything will be open because that's where all the locals go for August when they close their shops. August is not the best time to find that quaint village (unless it's in the mountains) in Italy to hang out in because most of the businesses and restaurants will probably be closed during that time.
Douglas
  Italy   Tue 07/06/2004

Re:American VCR/French TV set?
Unless your VCR is multisystem, it won't work hooked to a European TV unless the TV is multisystem. Most TVs in Europe are not multisystem and only work under the PAL format. American TV's format is NTSC. TVs in hotel rooms probably won't be multisystem. If your VCR doesn't say multisystem on it then it's probably not. Even if it would work, I wouldn't want to mess with the extra weight and trouble. If I was in France and was tired & wanted to rest, I'd find a park to relax in or a sidewalk cafe to sip on some wine, coffee, etc. rather than sit in front of a TV.
Douglas
  Italy   Tue 07/06/2004

Stormy weather
Joan: It's been an unusually stormy early "summer" here in northwestern Europe, so I wouldn't assume it'll be the same way next year too. But I was in Finland during midsummer two years ago and it was warm and sunny the entire time. I wouldn't reschedule if I were you; unlike the western U.S. there really isn't a dry season in northern Europe.
Peter
Amsterdam,    NL   Tue 07/06/2004

Scandinavia-weather
I'm going to Denmark, Sweden, Norway & Finland for 3 weeks in late June & early July, next year (2005) and have been watching the weather reports lately and it looks like it has been raining nearly EVERY day! Is that true for those of you who have been there this year-and is that kind of weather common for this time of year? — last 2 weeks of June, 1st week of July. Perhaps we should change our dates. Thx
Joan Whittlesey <email>
Denver, CO   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Brugges
We will be traveling to Brugges in October and would like to know of good B&B's. Any suggestions? Private email answers great!!
Betsy Montemayor <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Tracking a Memory
I'm planning a trip back to Salzburg and would like to take my husband to a vaguely but fondly remembered bier hall. Can anyone tell me if it's still there, and what the name is? It was on the "old" side of town, up from a river crossing not far from Schloss Mirabelle, on a cobblestone street going up a hill. Food was served from stalls under the building, the tables were just picnic tables, and there was an outside garden. Was it an Augustiner?? It's been 36 years.
Joan McGrath <email>
Westminster, MD   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Health
Traveling to Italy in mid Sept. My brother has a prescription that needs refrigeration. Staying at monestaries and convents. Any suggestions?
Donna Lebold <email>
Canby, OR   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

travelling by boat along Turkish coast
Hello — I want to take a gulet trip from Bodrum to Troy, but can't find any companies that run such a trip. I would also like to travel by boat from Troy to Istanbul. are there any companies that run such trips? if so, how do i contact them and get further information
Diana <email>
Takoma Park, MD   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

VCR
Frank ~ you would need to use an adapter and a converter, then you should be able to use your vcr.

Oh   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

transportation from Paris to Normandy
We are arriving in Paris and need to get up to Normandy. Can you recommend the best way to do this? (we'd prefer not to drive ourselves as we will have been up all night) Are there guides who would meet us at the airport and take us there?
Susan Jacoby <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

RENTAL CAR RETURN IN MUNICH
Pace....you may get advice from other travelers, but the only authentic advice will be from your rental agent. All auto rental agencies have toll free numbers in the U.S. Call the toll free number and ask the rental clerk. There was an auto rental agency in the RR station in Frankfurt, but I don’t remember seeing one in Munich.
Morganstern
Columbus, OH   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Wine Tasting Class/Bar Rome
Does anyone have recommendations for wine bars or wine tasting classes in Rome?
Tamara <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

American VCR/French TV set?
We would like to watch our American videos in France, but their VCRs use a different format. So we are thinking of taking our VCR with us. Will it work properly connected to a French television set?
Frank M. <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Rental Car
Does anyone know if a rental car can be turned-in at the train station is Munich? We will pick-up the car in Frankfurt and want to turn it in when we get to Munich.
Pace Goodwin <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Paris in August
Ozzie in San Fran~~~I have been to Paris in August and had no problem seeing the "real Paris." The only places I noticed that were closed were a few shops such as shoe stores or bookstores where locals would shop. All the attractions were bustling with activity — Bateaux on the Seine, museums, churches, outdoor cafes, street markets, etc. we made the side trips to Chartres and Versailles easily. It was warm but not hot (you will have this in Italy in aug) and the crowds were not impossible at all. France is cheaper too — especially hotels. Happy travels!
Nancy
Atl,    USA   Mon 07/05/2004

travel shoes
Maggie in St. Paul~~~I absolutely agree with others on this board regarding travel shoes. I have several pair of Clarks which are fine if you are walking no more than 5-6 mi. Often in our travels we leave our hotel at 9 am and do not return until 12 hrs later — this may entail walking 12 or more miles. I wear my New Balance and my feet feel good and I do not concern myself with trying to look like a local. that is simply ridiculous! In fact, I do not recall even noticing anyone's shoes except for my last trip to Italy — the 5" heels and pointy toes the locals wore were amazing — a good opportunity for Podiatrists to acquire new patients!
Nancy
Atl,    USA   Mon 07/05/2004

Carte Orange
I can only find the Carte Orange info in French, but here's the link: http://www.citefutee.com/informer/tarif_abonnements_o.php. The price depends on the zones you need. (We got zones 1 and 2 and supplemented the one day we left those areas.) Please note the card is only good from Monday through Sunday. You also need a picture to put inside the card's holder; a school or passport picture will be fine.
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Paris-Metro-Carte Orange
I am traveling to Paris in August. I have been trying to find out how much the Metro costs. Can anyone who has used it recently tell me how much a carte orange ticket costs, or can you direct me to a website?
Adrienne <email>
Jasper, GA   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

ATM's
ATM trouble Just something to think of — at least in Italy when using an ATM — you don't have a choice to withdraw from your checking or savings account as you do in this country. They will draw only out of your checking account. I was in Italy in April of this year and was almsot stranded because my account was set-up only through my savings account. Some quick work by my banker aved my trip. Be sure check BEFORE you go.

  USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Shoes
Maggie, I have been to Europe many times and have always worn athletic shoes. If you have any kind of foot problem you will need them. Even college aged kids appreciate having them after walking over rough streets for miles. Incidentally, people come up to me and ask me questions in the local language so it must not affect their perception of me. Go for comfortable walking shoes!!

  USA   Sun 07/04/2004

How to get a Double on TGV
My wife and I are planning on taking the TGV from Paris to Rome and back this summer. We were planning on taking a nighttime and trying to get a "double" so that we can get a nights rest and can lock the door. What is the process for getting a reservation for two in the same compartment? Is it first come first serve once you have your Reservation? Help is appreciated, thanks.
jackson <email>
CA   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Cheap rooms, please?
I'm a dirt-poor student, and I'm trying to give my fiance a nice honeymoon in Europe without staying in hostels. Can anyone recomend inexpensive double rooms in Florence and Cinque Terre, Italy; Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland; and Munich, Germany? I would really appreciate it.
Brian <email>
Scottsdale, AZ   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

To Ohio re: ATM's
Then I must have found the 1% of all the ATM's in Europe then. Both of accounts are linked to my cards, and I had absolutely no problem withdrawing money. Imagine that. It's just that the checking account is the default one.
Zaida <email>
CA   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Athletic shoes
Maggie, I have been taking student groups to tour France for 20+ years and can only count on my tennies to keep my feet comfortable and from getting blisters. Wear what is best for your feet or you will pay a huge price! And you will see many, many people(tourists and natives)wearing all brands of tennis shoes. It is a fair question, but no one will judge you by your shoes. I have been asked often if I am French by the locals....my Reebocks (sp?) completely ignored! Have fun.
Laurie
  USA   Sun 07/04/2004

train Fiumicino to Florence
What is the easiest way to get by train from Fiumicino airport to Florence?
Joyce <email>
Mystic, CT   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Moulin Rouge
We have reservation for the Moulin Rouge during a 4 day stay in Paris. The web site says "elegant attired required". I would appreciate a definition of "elegant attire". Basically what is the minimum our group can get away with? The remainder of our trip we will be at a camp ground in southern Germany where anything close to "elegant attire' will not be needed at all! Thanks for any in put.
Lynn Turner <email>
St Paul, MN   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Footwear fashion
Everyone Europeans and americans now wear athletic shoes in europe. They call them trainers. But you see them everywhere. However, I opt for the black athletic shoes like Reeboks only because the white ones get very dirty. Athletic shoes are perfect for the cobblestone streets.If you are trying to disguise an american look stay away from Tee shirts and logos.

Ca   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Paris or Italy in August ... Which is better?
Hi Folks :- ) I just found out I have 2 weeks vacation time coming up in August ’04 and am seriously thinking of traveling to Europe. I need your expertise rather quickly! I’ve read Rick’s travel books and others and have narrowed my choices to spending 12 days in either Paris (incl. day trips to Chartes &Versailles + overnight at Lourdes) (or) 12 days in Italy (ambitiously thinking of the following circuit Milan > Florence > Pisa > Genoa (not critical) >Verona >Venice > Milan).

Every travel book I’ve read says that all of Europe closes up shop for the month of August. So I’m thinking if I go to Paris, the sidewalk cafes and shops will all be bolted shut. Only the museums and churches will be open and the city will be basically deserted. Good in the sense that I won’t be battling crowds, Bad in the sense that I won’t see the “real” Paris. Is that a fairly correct assessment of what August is like in Paris? My thoughts on Italy (other than the sheer logistical nightmare it might be getting all those hotel reservations and train connections) is that these “smaller” Italian cities won’t close up shop in August like Paris apparently does. In essence, I will see a more authentic Italy. Any thoughts on the above items or itineraries would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Merci Beaucoup, Grazie Mille! — Ozzie P.S. I’ve been to Rome before (enjoyed it) and have a pretty good feel for how the rest of Italy might be.
Ozzie <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Hotels near CDG
Hotel near CDG? We are checking out of a cottage in Brittany at 10 AM 9-22, and have a flight at 9 AM the 23rd. Should we drive all day, turn in the car, take a train to a hotel near the airport?? We will be picking up and dropping off the car in St. Germaine-en-Lay, northwest of Paris. Take the RER into Paris, hook up with train to CDG? Any suggestions would be most appreciated! B. Jones
B. Jones <email>
TA, WA   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

pattern for reversible travel skirt
I have seen on Rick's website for sale under "appealing apparel" a reversible travel skirt. Do any of you sew?? I was just wondering if anyone has seen a pattern for a reversible skirt and made it? Any tips?? Where can I get a pattern??
Stephanie Foley <email>
"In the deepsouth", MS   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

ATM's
Yes, at 99% of the ATM's in Europe it does matter. It HAS to be connected with a checking account only. No other accounts can be connected.

Oh   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

Tennis shoes
Maggie ~ will you not see local women wearing tennis shoes. I would sugget that if you don't want to stand out as a tourist to wear another type of shoe. Have you ever tried Merrell's or Clarks? Merrell has a sandal by the name of Maxx Thong comes in several colors, sells for $40.00. They are so comfortable, I wore them everyday when I was in the UK. You could see them on Onlineshoes.com
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

footwear "fashion"
How would it be for me (a woman) to wear New Balance athletic as my main walking shoes in Barcelona and southern France? Is it done? Though I will be comfortable, will I look ridiculous?
Maggie Wirth-Johnson <email>
St. Paul, MMN   USA   Sun 07/04/2004

cheap hotel near Schiphol
To Gary in Wisconsin: There's an Etap Hotel right off the northern edge of Schiphol Airport. Rooms are about 50 euros a night. And of course there's an airport shuttle. www.accor.com
Peter
Amsterdam,    NL   Sun 07/04/2004

ATM Debit Card
It doesn't matter if your checking and savings accounts are on the same card. It will still work. However, it's the checking that's the default account. Don't count on the being able to access your savings account at the ATM.
Zaida
CA   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Pompeii
Is it at all possible to get from the new town of Pompeii to the Pompeii ruins? I'll be catching the train from Bari or Brindisi to Rome and I'd like to stop at Pompeii probably overnight. I have limited time so I'd rather not use the Circumsuviana train even though it would be much more scenic — unless this is the only way. Suggestions/ information? Please e-mail. Thank you.
Sherry <email>
BC   Canada   Sat 07/03/2004

ATM's
Joe ~ I used ATM's all over the UK and on the continent (France, Netherland, Germany, etc) I wasn't charged a fee from those banks. My bank at home didn't charge any fee either. So do check with your bank, if they charge and it high I would suggest calling around. But remember that your ATM card can only be connected to one account and it has to be a checking account. It will not work if it's a savings or if it's connected to two account.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

hotels/pensions in Nuremburg
What hotels/pensions are recommended in Nuremburg within 20 minute walk of the train station?
Debbie Frazier <email>
IN   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Rental Car to Slovenia and Croatia
I rented from Budget in 2001 for travel in Slovenia and Croatia, and would recommend them. Their prices were the best I could find at that time. The economy class car I rented (a Fiat Punto) was nice and amply sized for 1 or 2 people. Budget's website suggests travel from Italy to Slovenia and Croatia should be OK, but be sure to verify when making your reservation. Note that Budget required an international drivers license for travel into Croatia. You can get one same-day at AAA for about $10; be sure to take along a passport size photo.
Frank
Wilmington, DE   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Hotel in Sorrento
Janice, We just stayed at the Hotel Mignon (in Rick's book, I believe) in Sorrento. Really nice place — about $90 for a double in June. Maybe cheaper in November. Ask!
Glenda <email>
Talent, OR   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

MONEY EXCHANGE
Joe...best places are ATM machines. If you have an ATM card call your bank and ask what the fee is to withdraw currency in Rome. If you don't have one, get one.....banks have different fees..mine charges only 1% . I have used ATMs in 20 countries and they are easy to find outside banks, in RR stations, airports, dept stores, post offices and shopping malls. Never buy currency in the U.S. because the bank fee is too high.
MILLER
SAN DIEGO, CA   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Luggage in trunk
Judy ~ I agree with Waldo, if you put your luggage in the trunk before your stopping point you will be fine. We have always left our luggage in the trunk, with no trouble.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Exchange of money
Joe ~ you would be a lot better off if you use an ATM card. You can find ATM's very easy. If you take American money over to exchange you will be hit with fees, which sometimes could be high.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Money exchange
Will be in Rome sept.8,9,10 Then south by auto.Where are the best placeas in Rome, to exchange dollers for euros? Any information,will be appreciated.
Joe Sav <email>
Boca Raton, Fl.   USA   Sat 07/03/2004

Canadian Drivers License
Sunny~~~~~the police in most countries accept U.S. and Canadian drivers licenses; I have bought the Internaitonal Drivers License twice and NEVER shown it. I always show my Texas drivers license.
Whiteover
Dallas, TX   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

LOCKERS
Mandy........I was in the RR station in La Spezia two years ago and there were lockers for rent, but with security getting stricter in Europe, they may be gone like they are in some parts of France.
HOWARD
WHITE PLAINS, NJ   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Lockers
I am planning on doing a day trip to the Cinque Terra and then heading down to Siena for the night? Does anyone know if there are lockers available in La Spezia or some other town in this area where we can lock up our stuff for a few hours.
Mandy <email>
Santa Rosa, CA   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Canadian driver's licence
Is the Canadian driver's licence good enough to drive in Holland,Belgium,Germany,Switzerland and France? Do I need to get an international driver's licence?
Sunny C. <email>
Vancouver, B.C.   Canada   Fri 07/02/2004

HOTEL NEAR SHIPHOL AIRPORT
Gary~~~~I always ask about a shuttle from the airport. ...sometimes there is an airline bus and sometimes you find a train...for Amsterdam try this page:http://amsterdam.shuttle-airport.com/. Looks like 15 Euros, which seems high; I would ask as at the Travel Information Office in the airport to see if there is something cheaper.
GROVER
KANSAS CITY, MO   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

hotels near Schiphol Airport
Are there any hotels in Amsterdam that are not extremely expensive but near the Schiphol Airport that anyone would like to recommend? An airport shuttle would be nice too but not necessary. Any suggestions?
Gary <email>
Baldwin, WI   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Hotels in Sorrento
The Hotel del Corso in Sorrento is closed. Any experience with Hotel del Mare or Hotel Meridiana? We will be there in early Nov for 4 nights.
Janice <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Pam ~ it would only be 6.00BP for your daughters to get to Windsor Castle. Queen Mary's doll house is not to be missed. It's great.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Tours from London
Pam ~ here are two tour companies in London. We have been on day tours with both of these companies and they were great. Evan Evans Tours phone#011-44-207-950 1777,www.evanevans.co.uk and Frames Rickards phone #011-44-207 837 3111, www.framesrickards.com Both of these companies have all day tours and half day tours. Have a great trip.

You and your family could go to Windsor on your own. Take the train from Paddington Station in London to Windsor. After getting off the train just walk up past the stores and you are in front on the castle. After touring the castle you could walk down cross the bridge and you will be in Eton. Also, if you are facing the castle on the street if go the your left and follow the street it takes you to Windsor Great Park. Go thru the gates and you can see The Long Walk (private road for the Royal Family) also, you have a fantastic view of the residence. It's so peaceful there just to sit and enjoy the beauty. It's 12.00BP to get into the castle. St. George's Chapel is beautiful. You will love it. When you get to Paddington just ask for a "return" ticket. They call it return instead of round trip.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Day Trips from London
My mother and I are traveling to London for 10 days with my two teenage daughters (15 & 16). We have air and accomodations but would like to find some day trip tours (Warwick, Cotswalds, etc) and want to find a reputable tour agency. Any reccommendations?
Pam <email>
Huntington Beach, CA   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Train Reservations Maria.......you can make reservations on several web pages. Try raileurope.com, railpass.com, alleuroperail.com....don’t wait til you get to Europe....do it today! Knuckle New orleans La
knuckell
  USA   Fri 07/02/2004

DISCOUNT HOTEL ROOMS
Carol....Go to travelnow.com for discount hotel rooms.....I rented several rooms for two in June and found them at about 50% of the listed rate ($48).... In one instance I decided to go a day earlier and I called the hotel; the clerk told me he would have to charge me twice as much as I had reserved.... I went back to this web page and reserved the additional room at $48.... This page will work for U.S. and Canada... I also use entertainment.com for discount restaurant coupons... Some offer buy one, get second meal free.
WILLIAMSON
FARGO, SD   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Luggage in the trunk of car
Leaving luggage in the trunk of the car is not a good idea. Thieves can break into the trunk. And that is fairly common there.

  USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Rhine River Cruise
My husband & I won a Rhine River cruise on Intrav from our university alumni association (yeah!). Anyone been on the cruise line or on a similar cruise — we go 10 days from Basel to Amsterdam. Would love tips and feedback. Thanks.
jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Rick Steves Back Door Bag
I am interested in possibly purchasing two Rick Steves Back Door Bags for a trip later this year. However, I prefer not to buy sight unseen. I live in Southern NH, an hour from Boston, Southern Vermont, and Southern Maine. Does anyone in the area have one I could see? I could drive to where you are on most any Saturday or Sunday. Thanks!
Joe <email>
Merrimack, NH   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

STOCKHOLM TO COPENHAGEN TRAVEL
Try this page for information: http://www.scandinavica.com/culture/travel/ferry.htm. I took the night ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm last year. You should find enough information on this page to make a decision. ....Otherwise, just go to the Tourist Information Office in the airport or RR station in Stockholm and make your reservation....it is best to reserve your room as far in advance as possible to get the date you prefer.
ALAMOSA
SANTA FE, NM   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

LEAVING LUGGAGE IN TRUNKS
Judy....we visited Arles, Nimes and Pont Du Gard several years ago and left our luggage in the trunk of our car without fear. Don’t leave anything in sight inside the car and you should be safe. Put everything in the trunk before you arrive at the place you park your car so no one will see you do it.
WALDO
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

RENTAL CAR TO CROATIA AND SLOVENIA
Jim....the only way you can be sure is to call the toll free numbers of the car agencies you are considering and ask if you can rent a car to drive in Slovenia and Croatia. Do a google.com search for “auto rental in Slovenia” and see what rental agencies will provide cars for that area.
OTELLO
ATLANTA, GA   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

DOLLARS IN LONDON
Cindy~~~~~wait until you get to Russia to buy dollars. We found the ATM machines in the four-star hotels in St Petersburg and Moscow offered a choice of rubles or dollars. Be sure you have an ATM card. I withdrew dollars in both cities.
BUNKIE
CHICAGO, IL   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Dollars in London
Is it possible to take traveler's checks to London and cash them at the end of the trip for DOLLARS, not pounds? We will be traveling to Russia at the end of our trip and need to take American dollars with us; however, we do not want to carry that much cash with us while we are in London. AAA told us we can't get dollars in London. Is this true?
Cindy M. <email>
Arlington, TX   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Heathrow to Gatwick
What is the best way to transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick Airports? We are a family of six.
Cindy M. <email>
Arlington, TX   USA   Fri 07/02/2004

Brussels is safe
I think Brussels is as safe as any other European city. I have been there a couple times and never felt the least bit threatened. As with all cities, pickpockets should be assumed and precautions taken. Otherwise, go, use some judgement and have a good time
Jim Todd <email>
Dalton, ga   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

safety
I am going to Brussels and I have some questions. Is it a safe city? Is it safe to walk the streets? Are there pickpockets?

  USA   Thu 07/01/2004

luggage in trunk of car
Judy: I would not recomend leaving your luggage in the trunk of your car. It can get broken into. Car break ins occur in the riviera.

  USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Rental car to Croatia and SLovenia from Italy
I am travelling to Italy this October and want to drive in to SLovenia and Croatia for a few days. What is the best rental car company to deal with regarding prices as well as allowing me to drive in to eastern Europe? ANyone have any suggestions?
Jim Todd <email>
Dalton, GA   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Answer to Jenny
Jenny, suppose your passport is lost or stolen, it would simplify matters tremendously to have a photocopy with your picture to get it replaced.
Dallas
Dallas, TX   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Lufthansa Airlines
Nancy ~ here's a number for customer relations in Germany for Lufthansa Airlines 49-221-826-2666. Hope this helps.

Oh   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Leaving luggage in locked trunks
We would like to check out of our hotel in Arles and visit Nimes and Pont du Gard on the way to Avignon. Is it okay to do that with all our luggage locked in the trunk of our car?
Judy <email>
Houston, Tx   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

flight from Munich to Charlotte
How could I contact a Luftansa airline agent in Munich to buy 2 tickets for my grandchildren in Ansbach, Germany so that it may be paid for there?
Nancy Morse <email>
Kingsport, TN   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Mont St Michelle, Bayeux, Rouen and Amboise Restraurants
Looking for restuarant recommendations in Mont St. Michele, Bayeux, Rouen and Amboise — thank you very much
sherry <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

NT for Maria
Maria, you can make reservations from the US if you would like, but it is not necessary in September. There are dozens of trains leaving Paris every day for Zurich. The best train during the day leaves Gare-de-Lyon at 7:44 and arrives in Zurich at 1:46 PM (13:46) non-stop. The best non-stop night train leaves Gare Est at 22:56 and arrives in Zurich at 8:58. Happy travels.
Greg <email>
Mpls, MN   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Appenzell
In APpenzell, I would highly recommend Haus Lydia a very nice Zimmer which I have stayed at 2 times over 10 years and it is still sensational. Email me if you can;t find a website for this It was a recommendation by Rick in 1992 and probably still is.
jim todd <email>
Dalton, Ga   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Bus schedules-Tuscany
I am looking for information on bus travel to Radda in Chianti from Florence and Siena. has anyone found bus schedules that show Radda?
John <email>
Green Valley, AZ   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

laminating copies of passports
I think someone suggested getting copies of the first pages of your passport laminated but I don't remember why? Please someone remind me!
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Stockholm-Copenhagen Travel
I'm trying to find an overnight train and/or ferry from Stockholm to Copenhagen...any suggestions? Thanks!
J <email>
Philadelphia, PA   USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Rail reservations
Maria, Call Rail Europe (do a google search online for their website and call their toll free number to pre-arrange your rail travel. They can only book 60 days in advance of the date needed. You can order online also but I prefer talking to an agent.
Laurie
  USA   Thu 07/01/2004

Discount hotel rooms
Will be visiting Canada and the US next month from the UK. Does anyone have any tips on getting discount hotel rooms. Thanks
Carol <email>
Isleof Man,    UK   Thu 07/01/2004