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Travelers' Helpline Archives:
August 2004

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FRANKFURT OR VENICE AIRPORT ATM
Kay Spena~~~~~~I used the ATM machines when I flew into Frankfurt.... I searched the web for information about them before I left. ... It is much cheaper to use them than to buy euros here. .... And it is easier too..... There are a lot of them on every level of every terminal; you may have to try several banks before you find one that will take your card… I had to try two banks before I found one. .... Here is what I found on the internet

One of the first facilities you may be looking for at the Frankfurt airport is an ATM currency exchange. It makes sense to have some local currency on hand when arriving at your destination. You may need it to pay bus or taxi fares or to tip a baggage porter or hotel concierge. Frankfurt Airport offers a large number of ATM currency exchange facilities.

7 Banks and Currency Exchange Facilities at 18 Locations.... There are 16 currency exchange outlets in Terminal 1 and 2 in Terminal 2 where you can get the foreign currency you need in your destination country…

Reisebank:... — Terminal 1, Level 0, Terminal section B ..... — Terminal 1, Long-distance Train Station.....
Travelex:..... — Terminal 1, Level 1, Arrivals A ..... — Terminal 1, Level 1, Arrivals B, past the security checkpoints …. — Terminal 1, Level 3, Departures B, past the security checkpoints…
ICE International Currency Exchange:..... — Terminal 2, Level 2, Arrivals between D and E ..... — Terminal 2, Level 3 and 4, Departures between D and E....
SEB:..... — Terminal 1, Level 2, Skyline Arcade, Departures B .... Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Center (FAC)…
Deutsche Bank 24: … — Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Center (FAC).....
Deutsche Bank: … — Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Center (FAC).....
Frankfurter Sparkasse 1822:… — Terminal 1, Level 2, Departures A…
Commerzbank: ..... — Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Center (FAC)…
Dresdner Bank:… — Terminal 1, Area A, Level 2 (Departure A) … — Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport Center (FAC)...
Most banks also provide other self-service banking machines which are operational round-the-clock.... In addition, self-service banking machines are available at numerous other locations throughout both Terminals and in Frankfurt Airport Center 1 (FAC 1).
O'Donnel
Fresno, CA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

italy accommodation booking website
Has anyone used the website www.italyguide.com to book accommodation in Italy? It's the only place I can find that will book the Alma Domus in Siena and other obscure hotels in Sardinia and Italy, but I'm a little nervous about booking through just any website. Thanks!
Keri Cornelius <email>
Scottsdale, AZ   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

walking sticks
What is the current policy for taking telescoping walking sticks on the plane with your back pack.We don't want to check our packs but we need to take our walking sticks.
John M. <email>
Green Valley, AZ   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Debit cards in Italy
I would just like to say that on two different trips to Italy, I could not get funds using my debit card because "the network was down". Once was in Venice and on another trip it was Rome. It was only for one day each time but was very inconvenient and scary. I think you need some cash.

  USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Taking children to Ireland
Lisa, we just got back from 2 weeks in Ireland with my not-so-little son and daughter (14 & 17). I think it is a wonderful place for kids as it is more rural and outdoorsy — not as many stuffy museums to go to. Our friends took their 10 year old daughter and she had the time of her life when they booked a B & B on a working farm. She hung out with the animals. Also, my son would have enjoyed what we did on this trip -scampering around old ruined castles, abbeys & hiking up to see the views — at any age. The food was very kid friendly — porridge, scones, not to mention the nicer places that always served my friend's daughter a big bowl of plain pasta.
We took my son on his first European trip at age 8 after several US trips. The key to taking kids is to slow it down, do something physical, eat early and often throughout the day, and allow some down time in the hotel or B & B (music, books, rest). You and your son will love it.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Thanks for the comments on Paris hotels
I'll be staying at the Hotel Royal Phare in September and will post a report on how it was when I return.

  USA   Tue 08/31/2004

air travel
Hi, I'm wondering what's the best way to buy an "open-jaw" ticket into Venice and out of Rome (or vice-versa) typical internet airline shopping hasn't answered this dilemma for me. Thanks!
Jennifer <email>
Philadelphia, Pa   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

RE: Downloading Digital Cameras — Karen
Karen, if your worry is having enough storage for your photos, you will probably not be able to solve this problem at a cyber cafe. You either need to buy enough flash mem for the whole trip(can be pricey if you take a lot of pictures) or, look into a portable storage device/card reader. I bought the VP300 "X's Drive Pro" for $95 without hard drive and installed my own 40GB laptop hard drive in it for $80. The installation is very easy if you have slight technical knowledge and are comfortale with installing a hard drive and formatting it. Otherwise, you can buy it with drive installed for a bit more.
This toy is really going to help me next week when I land in London next week. I can fill a 512MB card in one day of shooting, and I only have one 512 and two 128 cards total. This will allow me to click away and not worry about sifting through pictures on my vacation to save space. If I have less than 1000 pictures when I return after 3 weeks I will be surprised.
Look into portable storage if you want to take a lot of pictures and/or have a 6 megapixel or greater camera like I do.
Here is a web site describing the above model, but there are many different models out there. There is even a card reader that can be used with an ipod. http://www.xs-drive.com/
Jeff Simpson <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Amsterdam to Bruges
My husband and I are traveling to Amsterdam in three weeks and are very interested in going to Bruges. The tours look wonderful but we feel that too much time is spent on the bus. Is there a more efficient way to get to Bruges? Thanks!!! Jody
Jody Rollins <email>
Knightdale, NC   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Food market on Amalfi Coast
Anyone know of a place to get groceries near Amalfi (specifically Conca dei Marini)?Thanks!
Lynda <email>
Harper Woods, MI   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Travel Card
Has anyone used the American Express Travel Funds Card in Italy? If so, how did it work?
Terri <email>
Waldport, OR   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Taking son to Ireland
Lisa ~ no, you are not crazy. My mother took me and my two daughters to England twice. The first time they were 5 and 7 then the second time 8 and 10. My husband stayed home both times. They had so much fun and enjoyed it. They still remember alot from those trips. They are now 24 and 26 and have gone back.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

German folk festivals
My family and I will be traveling back to the German-speaking countries of Europe next year sometime. We would really like to see some authentic festivals where people dress in traditional dress, etc. Even some where the cows are all dressed up would be fun. How can I find out about where and when these kinds of things take place?
April <email>
Salt Lake City, UT   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Jay, Tuscany accomodations
Jay I question you wanting to stay in both Montepulciano and Montalcino as they are only about 20 miles apart and either is a great base for this area.Here are a few web sites you may want to check out.www.slowtrav.com -many recommendations.http://www.castellobanfi.com/montal_stay.html — about Montalcinowww.nautilus-mp.com — for Tuscany
pat
pa   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

FRA ATMs
Kay...I have flown into Concourse A of Terminal 1 at Frankfurt airport 3 times and every time I have used an ATM that is on the right just before you enter the great hall of Terminal 1. However, I am sure there are many other free standing ATMs in the terminal as well as more in banks in the airport.

It is true that you get a more favorable rate from ATMs over there than you do from banks here. I think that I pay about 1% to 1 1/2% over the actual exchange rate.

U.S. banks charge more, but not that much more. I know in Colorado, Wells Fargo sells Euro for 3 1/2% over the exch. rate, but only at main banks. I think it's good a few hundred Euro on hand when you arrive, just in case the machine or card doesn't work (it has happened), so if you are close to a bank that sells Euro for 3 1/2%, I would consider the extra $2 per hundred a small investment for not having to go hungry until you can straighten out a card problem.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Places to Stay in Sicily
Sharon (where to stay in Sicily)...Hotel Villa Schuller in Taormina is fantastic. Hotel Gutkowski in Siracusa was also great. There is also a convent in Siracusa that may rent rooms. Both these are on the island (the old part). Check out a guide for Sicily like the Rough Guide. I understand that one can get around Sicily by train fairly easily. There are also buses.
Kay <email>
Berkeley, CA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Debit card use in Italy
Bev...Your 4 didget (numbers only) debit card with star/plus will work just fine in Italy. I went online (visa.com I think) to get exact locations for our upcoming trip. I found something like 20 ATM locations in Venice and many locations in Florence, Siena and Taormina. I have used my debit card with great success in France and Italy. It is very important, however to have your bank note your accout that you will be using it while in Italy, so they don't suspend your card for "unusual activity" as they once did with mine. THAT was a major problem.
Kay <email>
Berkeley, CA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Ireland with a little boy
Am I crazy to want to take my 6 year old son with me to Ireland this fall (without my husband)? I've been there before with adults, but I'm wondering what sort of things would a little boy like to do?
Lisa <email>
Estes Park, CO   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Frankfurt or Venice airport ATM
Does anyone know if there is a bank type ATM machine at the Frankfurt and/or Venice airport? We need euros when we arrive in Venice to pay for our appartment and I understand the exchange rate is better at European ATMs than getting euros from a US bank. Any input would be appreciated.
Kay Spena <email>
Berkeley, CA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Re: Planes, trains and Automobiles...
We just got back from a 2 week trip to Europe. It was fantastic. I posted a few weeks ago about advice from going to Venice to Frankfurt Germany and wanted to let you all know what we decided.

We flew from Paris to Venice, stayed 2 days in Venice and then took a train to Munich Germany. From Munich, we rented a car and drove to Frankfurt. We needed a rental car in Frankfurt as we were attending a wedding and could not rely on public transportation.

The train ride from Venice to Munich was amazing!!!! As a family of 4, we had our own cabin on the train that was very roomy. The scenery was breathtaking! Thanks for the suggestions to take the train. It was also the most economical way for us to get to Germany.
SGG <email>
Gaithersburg, MD   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Laptop Duty
Caroline....I think someone is pulling your leg. As a member of the EU, the UK can no longer collect duty on any item being brought into the country. If there were a duty, it would be for bringing the laptop into the EU, and it would be the same regardless of through what country you entered the EU. I have entered the EU through Germany 5 times in the last 4 years with a laptop and I was never asked to pay a duty. Note this quotation from the EUs own website, "The customs union was one of the EU's earliest milestones. It abolished customs duties at internal borders and put in place a uniform system for taxing imports."
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Rick's Books in Paris
You might find what you're looking for (although it will be expensive no matter where you go!)at Shakespeare & Co, 37 rue de la Boucherie, across the Seine from Notre Dame or WH Smith, 248 rue de Rivoli, Mo: Concorde. Also Brentanos, 37 avenue de L'Opera, Mo: Opera or the Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore , 13 rue Charles V, Mo: St Paul. I always make time to go to the first 2 shops every time I go to Paris — especially Shakespeare & Co — just for the experience!
Darcy <email>
Lewiston, ID   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Laptop Duty in UK?
Oops posted in the wrong place...I heard recently that if you are bringing your laptop into the UK that you have to go through the "red line" and pay duty on it. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm going for 17 days and need to bring it along to do a bit of university work and really don't want to have to pay anything to bring it along
Caroline
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Accomodation in Tuscany October 2004
We (2) are travelling to Tuscany in October for 3 weeksand have decided to stay in Florence,Montalcino and Montepulciano for a week respectively.We would like to stay in a self catering apartment (beautiful, clean AND reasonable) but I need recommendations and suggestions on where to stay.Please HELP.
Jay <email>
  India   Tue 08/31/2004

Normandy
Joe in Ambler, PA~~~I would recommend a car for touring the D-Day beaches in Normandy. A tour is not nessary — it is easy driving and you will see many charming villages. we stayed in Bayeaux and loved it but Etretat looked like a good place to stay also. You can see the Cemetary and all of the beaches in a day or two. If you plan to return to Paris I would recommend stopping in Giverny — quiet and charming and we actually spent a night at a wonderful B&B there. Have a great trip!
Nancy
Ga   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Re: What's so great about Italy anyway?
Just want to post to say thank you to everybody for your excellent suggestions for travel to Italy with my husband! You've written me some very insightful ideas, and I really appreciated it! We'll be in touch-
Timi <email>
Milwaukee, WI   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

paris book
where in paris can i buy your books/
liv <email>
houston, tx   USA   Tue 08/31/2004

Greece/Crete
It has been quite a while since I have been to Greece so I can't recommend hotels or anything. However, we took a ferry (overnight) to Hania Crete and just loved Crete!! The beaches there are wonderful and the sites like Knosses are facinating. If you enjoy hiking you will love the Samarian Gorge. It takes several hours, but is mostly downhill so isn't terribly hard. The food and people are really wonderful also. So don't miss Crete!

  USA   Mon 08/30/2004

budget airline — venice to nice
We need a budget airline flying from Venice to Nice. Any suggestions? Thanks.
nem <email>
palo alto, ca   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

EAGLES NEST
Hastings....I don't think I can agree with your negative recommendation concerning the Eagles Nest. I was there the first time in 2000, and it was very foggy on top, and I could not see down. However, it was interesting from an historical standpoint, eating in the big octagonal room, with the Moussolini fireplace, and realizing that this was the same room where Hitler had entertained foreign diplomats.I didn't regret spending the money to see it, but I concluded afterwards that it wasn't someplace I would ever need to go back to. I was in Rothenburg in the 80s, and I felt the same way.Well, in 2002 I went to Germany with my wife, and we went to both Rothenburg and to Kehlsteinhaus. I didn't need to see either again, but she had never seen them, and I thought she should. Turned out it was a very clear day on Kehlstein, and we could see Salzburg and the Watzmann. We both agreed it was not something we had to see again, but we were glad to have been seen it once.
Larry <email>
CO   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Interesting places in Greece
Need your recommendations on:
1. interesting places to see
2. inexpensive accommodations in those areas.
3. museums & restaurants
4. travel websites
Thanks!
Evelyn Warren <email>
Campbell, CA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Doing a Search of the Site.
Just offering a tip for finding things on this site using I.Explorer. Click on top menu bar 'EDIT'. Then "Find. on this Page" and enter your search. Just gotta click cursor at the top, search starts where the cursor is. So may want to reposition it for each Find.
Madden <email>
Rockford, Il   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Orbitz ticket changes ?
Wondering about Orbitz. We bought tickets thru them and already (10 days) we have been notified of changes to our tickets twice? Guess I can understand one change but we got 8 weeks to go! Seems to mainly be change in Carrier and Flight number. Time differs slightly. Anyone have experience with this?The airlines going to keep all this straight when I show up with tickets I originally received? Kinda makes you nervous.
Madden <email>
Rockford, Il   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Advance Train Ticket Purchase
I'm traveling by train from Brussels to Caen and then back to Paris this October. I've found a website to buy tickets. Is it wise to buy now or would I be okay waiting and buying when in-country?
Mark <email>
Salt Lake City, UT   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Hotel Grand des Escoles
Hi Sherry (feel like I'm talking to myself). Anyway I saw the same post — the really only negative one I saw. I discussed it with my daughter and she suggested that (1) maybe the guy had grudge or (2) he hoped by posting that entry that someone would cancel and he would get their reservation. Anyway, my daugher and I will be there in late Sept. and I will post an update. It's too early for your to book anyway.
Sherry <email>
sd, ca   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

PARIS IN NOVEMBER
I have read about how busy the museums in Paris can be. I am visiting Paris November 25th thru Dec 2nd. Can I expect large crowds at that time?We have reservations at the Hotel Prince (per Rick's guidebook). Has anyone stayed there?
Joe Hynes <email>
Milwaukee,    USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Husband and Italy
Timi — no matter what you decide, do let us all know what happens. So often a lot of us regular readers/posters never find out what people end up deciding to do. I remember last year a heavy woman from Ohio I think asked us all what we thought about her going to Paris weighing in at about 3oo lbs and it was so great that she wrote back and let us all know what happened. So do let us know! Good luck.
Lisa
Boulder, CO   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Hotel des Grandes Ecoles
Has anyone stayed at Hotel des Grandes Ecoles lately? I stayed there in 1999 and loved it. I am returning to Paris in March 2005, and am thinking about staying there again, except the post about the bedbugs bothers me. Has anyone stayed there lately?
Sherry <email>
Memphis, Tn   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Lodging in Reykjavik
Unfortunately, there are no cheap/inexpensive places to stay in Reykjavik escept for one youth hostle I know of. Tollerable, but the rooms are like boot camp and unisex and usually crowded. Just go with the lessor of several evils and stay farther from the city center and get gouged for transportation. I was just there last week and as always, stayed with my extremely cranky great-oncle. Irritating but cheap. Actually, everything in the entire country of Iceland is expensive. If it weren't so gorgeous, and unlike any place else in the world, I doubt many people would make the effort. The weather was chilly which beat the heat and hummidity in Wisconson. Just be prepared to pay a lot of money for everything and you will be ok!
Johan
Mt. Horeb, WI   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Lactose free milk?
I'm leaving for Italy in 1 week, and am wondering if I will be able to buy lactose free milk in Italian grocery stores? If so, what is it called? I will be carrying lactaid with me, so no big deal, but just want to be able to find the label if this product is available. I find I get a little confused trying to read Italian product labes — my Italian leaves much to be desired! Thanks.
Ruth <email>
Bellevue, WA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Bucharest
I heading to Bucharest in 3 weeks does anyone suggest a area of town to stay in or a moderate hotel?
keith <email>
conyers, ga   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Hotel Leveque Critique
I've stayed at H. Leveque, single, no bath, several times. I am completely satisfied! The single rooms are truly single, with a single bed and no room for another. The rooms and bathroom are kept clean. Sharing the bath with others is not a problem, since only a few people are sharing. The cute little elevator works fine (you will probably be on the fourth or fifth floor with no view). I had a view of the back of the apartment house in the next block — kinda like Jimmy Stewart's view in "Rear Window." Only without the murder, of course. The people at reception are completely competent and will answer your questions, without bowling you over with friendliness. Being right in the midst of the action on Rue Cler is wonderful. It is a two minute walk to the Metro....
Swan
CA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Off Season Travel to Amsterdam
Ummm that was obviously AMSTERDAM. Sorry.
Jacquie Z. <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Off Season Travel to Amsterday
We are contemplating a trip to Amsterdam in October or November of 2005. Will we run into a problem with museums or other places of interest being closed at that time of year? I have read that during the off season that hours are cut back, but if we were there over the Thanksgiving holiday, would we encounter any problems? Thanks. (P.S. We are total European travel newbies.)
Jacquie Z. <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Reykjavik
Does anybody have any recommendations for cheap places to stay in Reykjavik?
amanda <email>
honolulu, hi   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Paris Apt rental
anyone dealt with Paris Hideaways?or provation.com looking to rent an apt for a week or 10 days. looks good. Thankszazus
Clarence Heemstra <email>
3 oaks , MI   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Re: Hotel Royal Phare
We stayed at Hotel Royal Phare this summer with another couple. At first I was a little disappointed in the room (small!)but it was clean and the price is hard to beat for a double with bath in a great location, and the staff was nice. I worried that our Swedish friends would be disappointed in their room but they were thrilled! After having studied in Paris for several months a few years back, my friend thought the hotel was just great for the price. FYI, their room was on the top floor and was lighter and brighter than ours, and you could even see the top of the Eiffel Tower! However, it had the sloping walls of the roof which made their bathroom MUCH more of a squeeze than ours. I totally recommend it if you're more interested in Paris than in your hotel room. Good luck!
Kristin <email>
Bellevue, WA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Argentina
This is my 1st trip to Argentina.I'll be going to Buenos Aires Sep 20 for a 2 week stay. I'm interested in music, shopping, restaurants..hotels Recommended.Guidebook?? North — South .
Bea Gonzales <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Normandy — Tours & Hotels
My wife and I are planning a 2 night stay in Normandy in May 2005. 2 Questions: 1)What D-Day tour would you recommend? We would like to do a full day touring the WW II sights. 2) What town would you stay in for those 2 nights? Also, do you need a car? PAris would be our next stop from Normandy. Many thanks for any help.
Joe C <email>
Ambler, PA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

Dark Skinned Blacksand Light Skinned Blacks in Europe
After reading the varying posts from black american travelers, I wonder if darker skinned blacks get different treatment than the lighter skinned blacks. My only perspective is American, so I'm not sure how Europeans view that sort of thing.
Melissa <email>
VA   USA   Mon 08/30/2004

"Dorm rooms" in some hotels
Anna, I have stayed at a hotel in Rome and also one in Venice that have regular rooms, but also have what they call "dorm rooms". There are 5-6 people in each room (hall bath) all women or all men together. They are much cheaper than a "regular" room and I have never had a problem except for a roommate that would come in at 1 or 2 am and turn on the overhead light!!

  USA   Sun 08/29/2004

CAR RENTAL IN ITALY
Gerry~~~~~~~~~Any company will rent an automatic car, but they will seldom guarantee one because they have so few of them.~~~~~ When you get to the agency to take your car you may find that they don’t have an automatic.~~~~ Don’t be surprised.~~~~ If they promised one, persist until they provide one for you.~~~~~ The companies I have most success with are Sixt 1-800-800-4000, Kemwel 1-800-678-0678, Auto Europe 1-800-223-5555 or 1-800 or Alamo 1-800-327-9633.~~~~~ Always talk to an agent~~~you need to ask questions and get answers~~~~~Never rent on the webpage.
Lombardy
Denver, CO   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

hotel prices
Anna…Double bed, $20 a person usually means $40 for the room regardless of the number of people in it. Call the hotel and ask or email and ask.
Andretta
Portsmouth, NH   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Car rental
Seeking advice about car rental in Split or Dubrovnik, Croatia and traveling north to drop off the car in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Paul Harrison <email>
Granite Bay, CA   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

EAGLES NEST
CAROLE…Larry is right about the Eagles Nest. I had intended to go up when we first visited it in 1987, but the clouds had it socked in and the busses weren’t running. On our next visit in 1984 we drove to the bus station to go up and they told us the road was closed because of cloud cover. On our third visit we got to go up. If they close in Oct I would forget about it. Having seen pictures and read about it so much during the war I expected more than we see. I was disappointed because it is so barren. The bus ride up is uninspiring…. Buy some picture postcards in the hotel and tell everyone you went up! They will never know the difference. Next time I will save my money and spend it elsewhere.
HASTINGS
NEW LONDON, CONN   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Eagle's Nest
Carole... The website for the Eagle's Nest is http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/. Perhaps you could not find it because they use the German name for it, Kehlsteinhaus, not Eagle's Nest. According to the website, they close at the end of October; they are not open in November.Further, for future reference, you can not drive to the Eagle's Nest. You can only get there by hiking or by taking a bus from Obersalzberg, at the bottom of the mountain. As I remember, the bus is the major part of the expense, but I don't remember how much. The buses park several hundred feet below the top of the mountain, and there is an elevator inside the mountain the rest of the way. The cost for the elevator is nominal, but you can also hike up the last bit. I have been there twice. Both times I went up the elevator, but hiked back down.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Personal tour guides
Can anyone give me info on personal day guides in Avignon, Arles,or Nimes? We would love to see these places with someone familiar with them.
Margaret <email>
Richmond, Tx   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Eagles Nest
Can you go to the Eagles Nest in November? We are travelling in November and would love to go up to the Eagles Nest. We don't want to go on a tour, just drive up to it. Thanks!
Carole <email>
Ripon, Ca   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Hotel Prices
I have been looking online at various hotels and hostels in Paris. There are cheap rooms in hotels — some as cheap as 20 bucks per person. I am confused, though. The hotels will say: double bed, 20 USD per person. Do I need a second person in order to stay in that room? Or does that mean I get a double bed for 20 bucks? Do hotels room strangers together, or is that just a hostel thing? I am on a super tight budget, and would love some more info!Thanks!
Anna <email>
St. Paul, MN   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Timi's Question
Timi, a couple of thoughts. First, don't fall into the trap of planning everything for him. It's a no win situation if anything goes wrong, and in Italy, it will! If he elects to go, tell him that he's in charge of every other day. By doing the planning, he'll have a sense of ownership. Lie a little and tell him that you need him to help you feel safe. Right now, his fear is in charge (Yeah, right, us guys aren't afraid of anything.). Second, FYI, violent crime in Europe is one zillionth of what we have here in the 'safe' USA. Learn that pickpockets and gypsy kids are normal, just like standing in a blizzard BBQing polish before the Packer games.Third, Charles was absolutely right in his advice. Follow it.
Michael Kidd <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Car rental in Italy
We're in Michigan, and would like to rent an automatic car in Italy -any suggestions on companies??Thanks!!!!
Gerry <email>
St Clair Shores, MI   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Cell phones for Italy
We're in Michigan, and would like to rent a cell phone in Italy — any suggestions on companies, and how much should we expect to spend per week?? Thanks!!!!
Lynda <email>
Harper Woods, MI   USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Railpass
A travel day is from Midnight to Midnight on railpass.If you train leaves at 7pm then you should enter the next days date on your pass. Overnight travel only counts as 1 day.

  USA   Sun 08/29/2004

Railpass Days
Nathaniel>> First, I think it is 5 days out of 2 months, not out of 2 weeks. Second, I can't find the specific reference right now, but I know that when using an overnight train with a railpass, you only validate the second day of the overnight trip, not both.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Railpass Days
If you buy a railpass that is good for 5 days out of a 2-week period, and you ride a night train, will it count as 2 days used instead of one?
Nathaniel <email>
Sharpsburg, GA   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Wheelchairs at Munich airport
FOR JUDY: Suggest you e-mail the Munich Tourist Office directly at...tourismus@muenchen.de
Graham <email>
  Wales   Sat 08/28/2004

Wheelchair
Is it possible to rent a wheelchair in Munich, for a 3 week stay (preferably at the airport)?
Judy Hooper <email>
Fresno, Ca   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Downloading Digital Cameras — Karen
I don't know about all internet cafes, but I was able to download digital photos in two ICs in Germany in March. An IC in Karlsruhe had a card reader for about 8 different cards. The second IC, in Koblenz, couldn't read cards, but they had USB connections on several computers. The XP computer was able to read my jump drive, but 98SE can't do this without the drivers. I don't know if the same thing applies to connecting the USB directly to a camera.What you do with the pictures after you download them to the IC's network is another thing. I was sending emails with pictures attached (cyber postcards). If you want to put them on a CD to free up you card space, that is another story. I don't think any of the ICs I was at could burn a CD, but some (like one under Marienplatz in Munich) say they can.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Timi and Husband
Timi, Thought about it and we might be doing you a dis-service — think many of us reacted emotionally. Bottom line, if your husband doesn't want to go — don't make him but that doesn't mean you can't go — unless he "forbids it". Italy is so beautiful and the people are so nice and friendly and it's rich in history -the men are great "eye-candy" also (can't hurt). I've been happily married for 35 years — doesn't mean I don't appreciate looking at a handsome man. The food is absolutely great. They eat much healthier in Italy than we do. They do have pizza, etc. but there is very little meat in the dish — a lot of healthy vegetables that are delicious (and I hate vegetables). I even brought back some Italian cookbooks — my favorite souvenir (which have regional recipes) and I use them a lot — my husband loves the diversity. The Roman Forum is incredible (especially at night — as is the Colloseum). My daughter and I felt very safe and walked to the Vatican at night to take photos. We also did the day trip. Florence was wonderful (I was dreading it — because I'm not into art) but once you see the statute of David — you fall in love with Florence. I have been completely turned by Michaelangelo and the history of Florence. I have grown intellectually because of it. My husband is a gardener and I brought back tomatoe seeds from Florence, planted them and they are thriving. It sounds stupid but I brought part of Italy back with me and I am still enjoying it. We also saw Venice (a little touristy for me — but I think everyone should see it once). We then went on to Siena and kind of "kicked back" and relaxed. Pompeii was fantastic also. We're a relatively "young country". We tear things down and rebuild. Unless you live on the East Coast and have walked the Freedom Trail, you don't get a lot of sense of history. Italy is the history of what we all studied in high school/college. Don't force your husband to go but at the same time, don't let time pass you by — life is short. Two star hotels are fine — you only sleep in the room and everyone on this website will have recommendations of places to stay.
Sherry <email>
Escondido, ca   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Rome FCO meet place
at the arrivals there isn't a great place. Take the elevator upstairs to the departure area. Then there is one flight of escalator to "Cafe di Roma" (or something similar. There is a large bar and cafeteria where you may sit and wait (and eat and drink, too). let me know if i may help you with anything else you may need while you are in italy! :)
Laura Quinn <email>
Florence,    Italy   Sat 08/28/2004

Downloading digital photos
Do most internet cafes have ports to plug in and download from a digital camera?
Karen McGowan <email>
Tacoma, WA   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Seconding request for info on Paris hotels
I'm seconding the request below by another poster for your thoughts on the Hotel Royal Phare and Hotel Levecque in Paris, especially if you've stayed there recently. I've hearing quite the mixed reviews on some of these at other review sites. Thank you.

  USA   Sat 08/28/2004

What to see and do in Italy
Timi,I answer a lot of questions for folks about travel both here and among our friends, particularly about Italy since its our favorite place, and your question has provoked more thought than probaly any I have encountered here. There is not much I don't know about Italy but I can't answer your question and I am not sure anyone can. Except maybe you. When faced with similar problems in the past what I do is this. Think about your husband and what he enjoys and no, I don't just mean Disney, I mean things like: Is he an architect? Does he like mysteries? Does he want passive entertainment? Does he have a hobby? What movies are his favorites? What books? What field does his company work in? And more, more, more. Then, you look at Italy and ask yourself (and others) what does Italy have along the lines of things that turn my husband on? He's an architect? Your kidding? The Colloseum will blow his mind! His hobby is photography? How can Italy miss? (See the Alinari Bros. studio in Florence) He works for GM? Milan is the auto design Mecca. And I could go on and on in ever greater detail but you get the idea. And if you see some possible benefit in this approach, write me and I'll try to help. I'll send a copy of this to your email address.
Charles M. Luther <email>
Katy, TX   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Timi — Husbands and Italy
Timi — Go without him. If you've been there before, you know what there is to see and do. My husband didn't want to leave the States either, so I went to Italy with my adult daughter and had a wonderful time and great memories. As we were planning, he felt somewhat left out. Now he talks about going in a year or two. Maybe we will, maybe we won't but "I" have been. He probably would look for things to complain about. Go and have a great time!
sherry <email>
Escondido, ca   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Day trip from Lake Annecy to Italy?
Does anyone have any suggestions for a day trip from Sevrier, France (on Lake Annecy, near Geneva) to Italy and the best means of travel (car rental, train, etc.)? We'd love to visit a nearby Italian mountain village since we'll be so close to the Italian border but can't find much information about the area. Thanks for any advice!
Susan Demarest <email>
Dallas, TX   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Tips for Driving in France & Italy
KristinWe’ve driven in both Paris and Rome and picked up cars at both. We have found it better to pick up the cars outside of both cities, mainly because of the time it saves. For instance, we thought leaving the center of Paris and heading for La Mans would be a cinch on a Sunday morning as everyone would be in church. Wrong. They were all on the Peripherique. Parking is the problem in any of the places you mention. The toll roads in France are also expensive. We had no problems in any of the small towns in France or Italy. Well, we did have an adventure driving through Lucca — I'm not going to reccommend it however. Also note parking costs approximately 25 Euros a day in Florence. (Believe me, Paris was easier to drive than Florence-no matter what time of the day it is.) We rented an apartment in FLorence which had a garage. We stayed in Sorrento for five days at a hotel that could accommodate our two cars and then used the local transportation for visiting the islands and the coast. It was easy and the drivers got a break too. We dropped our car at Fiumicino airport. It’s one of the easiest and best airports we have ever had to deal with as far as dropping off a rental. Have a great trip.
Devra <email>
Lake Forest, CA   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Home-Stays
Ted in Sunnyvale California spoke of "home-stays" in Europe where you stay with a family. Anyone know how you search for these accomodations?
Tom Cramer <email>
Evanston, IL   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Convents/Monasteries in Bavaria and Austria
My family is travelling in Bavaria and Austria over Christmas. Any recommendations for convent or monastery accomodations for a family of 7?
Tom Cramer <email>
Evanston, IL   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Ireland car rental
Jennifer>>>>>>>>>Yes, every agency I have rented from in Europe charges for extra driver.>>>>>always ask about additional charges (like airport fees). >>>>Sometimes I take my car at the downtown location if it is cheaper than the shuttle bus. Be aware that most agencies can not guarantee automatic and air conditioning. Ask if they will guarantee it. I have rented a car only once in Ireland, but I found it confusing just as you have. Be sure to talk to an agent so you can ask your questions>>>>don’t book on the internet without asking…use the 800 number to call…NEVER book a car without talking to an agent.
Beverly S
Waco, TX   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

ARRIVING IN PARIS
Linda....yes the shuttle service is a great way to get to your hotel… However, ask the driver when you get on if he stops at your hotel…if not how far from it. There is good underground service from CDG , but check to see if you take a bus to get to the nearest station. I used that service several years ago, but I don’t remember how it works. When you say rather late, you might want to check the schedule on the webpage for “Ground transportation CDG”. In some areas the busses run until midnight, but you should check.
MILDRED
TAMPA, FL   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

ARE ITALY CARS 12 VOLT
Lee.....As far as I know, every auto I have rented in Europe in the past 15 years is 12 volt..... When you take your car, ask the auto agency clerk to verify it. If it doesnt have 12 volt, ask for a car that does have it. Every agency has an inventory of cars available....if not on premises, at least nearby. When required, I have asked for another auto when they don’t have the one I reserved and never a problem in getting what I want.
CULLERSVILLE
NORMAN, OK   USA   Sat 08/28/2004

Need opinions of Paris hotels
I am going to France next May and am looking for hotels in Paris. I contacted 4 of Rick's recommended ones and they all have available rooms. Have any of you fellow travelers stayed in any of these? Please share your opinions with me. 1.Hotel de Turenne, 2.Hotel de la Paix, 3.Grand Hotel Leveque, and 4.Hotel Royal Phare. I've read some reviews online with quite a few negative ones for some of these. I will be getting a single room (bathroom in all but Grand Hotel Leveque — shower on the 5th floor??) and the prices are similar.Thanks for any help.

  USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Luggage lockers in France
We were in Paris last April and they DID have lockers for luggage storage at Gare de l'Est. The area is downstairs from the Eurostar boarding area. They solve the security problem by sending everyone wanting entry into the area through an airport-style security check. The lockers come in several sizes — the large one accomodated all the luggage for our family (four 22" roller-type bags, plus assorted shopping bags).
Lura
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Are Italy cars 12volt?
Would like to charge my camera, laptop, etc. in our rental car while on the road. Are Italy cars 12volt? I have cigarette adapter inverter...but, do they even have cigarette lighters???? Ciao!
Lee <email>
McHenry, IL   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Women packing light
Melissa, I'm 31, so that's a bit older than you, but I like to be fashionable, and I travel for 3 weeks with a small bag — roughly 1/2 the size of a "Rick Steves" bag. My husband says I have a sickness. So here are my packing tips... Black and White (so you can mix and match EVERYTHING), stretchy fabrics that don't take any room. You can add color with a scarf (fun to buy one in Paris!) or something if you feel too boring. On our trip this summer to France and Italy, I brought the following: 2 pairs of pants (one black boot cut "yoga" pants that had a sheen and kept their shape great — looked dressy even!) and one khaki quick-dry for hiking, etc. (both Nike). 1 pair of shorts — most women don't wear them a lot in Europe, but they were good for hot casual days. 1 black skirt — knee length, polyestery/matte jersey type. Goes casual or dressy, takes up no room. I wore it almost every day. 1 black v-neck T (shiny-ish, stretchy — from Target,) 1 sleeveless black in same fabric. 1 white collared fitted tee (like a polo but cuter). 1 "dressy" top — mine was a stretchy BCBG polyester wrap-type thing with cap sleeves, a print on black, of course. 1 wrinkle free white button down. 1 little hooded black jacket. 1 cute red hat. 1 black and 1 beige sports bra (non-smasher type). Undies in quick-dry microfiber or polyester. 1 swimsuit and pareo. Hair product/toiletries in travel-size containers (transfer myself if they don't come that way). I roll my clothes a la Rick Steves. Men's clothes are harder to pack in a small space because their fabrics are bulkier. For girls, it's easy! Where I really save space is with shoes. This year I only brought my black Chaco sandals. They were great for everything, but it's true that they're not very dressy looking. But for me, the luxury is having a tiny bag with room for new purchases, not wearing the perfect heels for my evening out. Others I'm sure would feel differently. But how awful would it be if the occasion demanded that I buy a new pair of shoes in Paris or Italy? :) Too bad that didn't happen....Happy packing!
Kristin <email>
Bellevue, WA   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Don't Try to Convince Someone About European Travel!
Timi — my advice to you is to find a friend to go with to Italy and leave your husband at home. Let my life be a lesson to yours. My husband sounds just like yours and finally, finally, I talked him into going to Paris with me for a week. I lived in Paris for a year, going to the Sorbonne, and I really wanted him to see what a great city Paris is. Well, after much discussing, clipping of articles, etc. etc., he and I made the trip across the big blue ocean and let me tell you, those were the worst 7 days of my life. Everything that wasn't perfect was suddenly my fault from the weather to strikes to a rude waiter to the exchange rate. Not to mention, he thought I was crazy to have loved to be in such a weird place for an entire year. Well, the marriage survived and we go our own seperate ways. He goes to his Packer games with his other doctor friends, sits in duck blinds (though he wouldn't eat duck in Paris) to bag a duck for dinner and goes on golfing excursions with other doctor friends around the country. I go with two friends to Europe, Canada, South America, etc. We are happy this way. It works! It will continue to work. My final word is not to try to fit a round peg into a square hole! Good luck, though!
Marcia
Madison, WI   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Arriving in Paris
Is the shuttle service from the airport a good way to get to our hotel? We will be arriving rather late.
Linda <email>
Puyallup, WA   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Ireland rental car
I'm having a hard time comparing rates for rental cars for an upcoming trip to Ireland. There are so many variables: what fees are or aren't included (like airport fees); do they charge extra for an additional driver; what's the deductible, if any, for the insurance; what the insurance does (and doesn't) cover; I've seen rates for 9 days ranging from 300 euros to 570 euros- for the same size/style car (we're looking to get an economy automatic). Any advice on finding a good company (we'll be picking up & dropping off in Dublin) and/or deciphering all the charges, insurance, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Jennifer <email>
OR   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Eastern England
Have been thru the western part of England with my son & plan to return next summer & drive perhaps from Scotland down thru York ending up in London. We love old castles, old villages little pubs & inexpensive B & B's. Has anyone traveled this route? Any input/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Eleanor <email>
Sarasota, FL   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Italia, Timi, Italia...
There is so much that can be learned while traveling, the culture of the place, the sights, the people, the art, the food, etc, etc,etc. Please do not hesitate for one minute. Go to Six Flags and learn all you can. I hear their corn dogs and popcorn are out of this world.
Paolo
Italy, NY   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Traveling to Italy
Timi, my husband and I traveled to the UK with his brother and wife. His brother doesn't like to travel and he didn't enjoy most of the trip. Then after getting home he made a statement about "ugly" England. No way is England ugly. I agree with other posts here, you would enjoy it more traveling with someone else. Good luck

Oh   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

Airfare Website
Has anyone used the travel website affordabletravel.org? There is a fee to join and they claim to have the lowest airfares. I'm curious if they really do have lower airfares.
Terri <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   Fri 08/27/2004

What to see in Italy
Timi, Leave your husband at Disneyland and go to Italy. You can see the Ice Man in Bolzano, stunning Alps — Dolomite and others, Verona, Vicenza, Il Santo in Padua, Venice, Venice, Venice, Ravenna, Assisi, Rome, Rome, Rome, Tivoli, Palestrina, Monte Cassino, Capri, Ercolano, the Villa of Poppea at Oplontis, Paestum, Taranto, Metaponto, Lecce and many many other places that have lots of wonderful people, great food and stunning scenery.
Ken <email>
Gunnison, Co   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Husband probably won't love Italy
Timi, I totally love Italy but I feel like your husband would be more comfortable in a country like Germany or a city like Paris. Italy is no place for someone who is sure he will only accept 5 star service. What about restaurants and public transportation? They are surely not 5 star in Italy. If he encounters the common rude waiter, or has to stand in endless lines, etc, he will probably be miserable. Take him somewhere more civilized for his first taste of Europe, then try Italy later.

  USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Tips for driving in France and Italy
Kristin~~~~~Driving the route you describe is not difficult except for getting out of Paris which can be trying. Study your map of the city carefully before you leave so you will know the route of departure. Be sure you have a helper in the front seat beside you who knows how to read a map.~~~~~~~ Be aware that the fastest roads in Italy are toll roads and expensive. You can drive the back roads, but they are slower because you go through every village~~~~~And you will need a good city map of Rome to go into that crowded city and to reach your destination. If you have a choice of drop of points, choose one on the south side of town.~~~~~~ I have driven over 10,000 miles in Europe and the best thing I learned is to stop and ask advice when I need it. Service stations are the best place to ask; there is usually a person who speaks English in them.
Jacobienst
Amarillo, TX   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

MILES FROM STEVENSON RANCH TO BANGKOK
Erica…go to this page and enter your two cities and you will find the distance: http://www.indo.com/distance/
EMILY W
TULSA, OK   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Lockers at French Train Staions
I was last in France in 1997. At that time there was no storage — neither lockers nor baggage check — at French train stations due to securirty concerns. Can't imagine that security concerns have lessened since then. Anybody know — is there now a place to leave your bags at train stations in France? Thanks! PS- Erica Flores: Going east, about 7,900 miles.
jason <email>
CO   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

WW I site in Belguim/France
I'll be staying in Brugge and then heading to Paris by train are there any WW I battle sites accesible by rail along the way to stop at along the way?
Kent <email>
phoenix, az   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Miles
How many miles from Stevenson Ranch, California to Bangkok, Thailand.
Erica Flores <email>
Stevenson Ranch, CA   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Tips for Driving in France & Italy
Does any one have suggestions while driving in France & Italy? BESIDES, the normal "stay away from the major cities with a car". Leaving Paris with car, driving to S. France then to Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast then dropping car in Rome.
Kristin <email>
Tucson , AZ   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

luggage searches
Last yr my train trip Paris to Amsterdam had no luggage searches. Air travel this yr Munich airport had 2 luggage cks but all went smooth with only minutes for checking. However I did not have any questionable items in my luggage not even a lap top. Keep it simple do not travel w/ sharp items, knives, scissors etc.and do not wear metal like jewelry, belt buckles. metal shank shoes and the like. All this stuff just slows you down when going thru detectors.
JS
CA   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

where do i get bus passes?
how do i get bus passes in the uk and in ireland? can i get them over here, or do i have to buy them when i land at heathrow?
andy <email>
chaseburg, WI   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Laptop power plug
The first, and most important, question is what is the input rating for you power supply. If it says ~120-240V, then you can get by with a simple "plug adapter". I believe Sweden uses the same 2 round pin plugs as continental Europe, but maybe someone knows for sure. If, however, your power supply says just 120V, then you have a much larger problem. You will have to get a voltage converter, part of which is a transformer. You can get these at Radio Shack. They plug into the standard continental European 2 round pin receptacle and take an American 2 blade plug. I have not seen one that accommodates a grounded plug, so if your power supply has a three prong, grounded plug, you will have to get an adapter for that, but they are readily available over her.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

HOSTELS PARIS, FLORENCE, ROME
Selena>>>>>>Before I went to Europe last time I read the web pages for each hostel I planned to visit to see if they offered rooms for two persons. I reserved a double by email in those that I wanted to stay in. Some offer bathrooms included so you don’t have to go down the hall. Do a google.com search for “Paris Hostels”, “Florence hostels”, etc. to find web pages. Dorm rooms with 10 to 20 bunks are cheaper but not as safe. My wife and I have stayed in private rooms in 13 hostels and always feel safe. Some have washers and dryers, but don’t count on it. Only a few of the five villages in CT have hostels.
HAROLD S.
WASHINGTON, KS   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

What's so great about Italy?
Italy is our favorite country. What's great(NOT in order): 1)The food — very familiar for most Americans in that they can recognize dishes, but they taste so much better there. 2)The wine — ditto, plus you never seem to get a hangover when traveling even when drinking during the middle of the day 3)The art — My 10 year old son spent 30 minutes just looking at The David, from all angles, slowly walking around. Not to mention the Sistine Chapel, Uffizzi, etc. 4)The country & architecture — poster below said it best-Eye Candy you have to see it to believe it 5) The people — they are the best, so friendly, so eager to talk to you 6)The history — again, so familiar to most of us. Did he like Gladiator? I think it is incredible that there is a structure as large as the Coleseum still standing. And Pompeii is like nothing else — it is a city, not just ruins. You wander the streets, it is just incredible 7)The Romance-need I say more? I sure you hope can persuade your husband to go.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Laptop power plug in Europe
I will be using a laptop for school work in Sweden. I have a north american power plug (120 or 125V). Can I use a converter or should I get a european one (to avoid potential shocks/destructions of the laptop)? If I can buy a simple north american-to-europe converter, are there any other things i need to get (e.g. a transformer, or whatever)? Thanks for any help
John <email>
Toronto,    Canada   Thu 08/26/2004

What I think was great about Italy
In response to the question about Italy ... our family travelled through Italy last month — I am more of the free spirit spontaneous type — the rest of the family has 4-5 star tastes. We managed to see most of the sights Rick's book recommends while staying in comfortable places. All of us loved the trip. Here are several reasons to go:
1. Italy is pure eye candy. The landscape and the people are gorgeous.
2. It's safe. I feel more threatened in our sleepy Florida town than I felt there.
3. There are plenty of 4-5 star accomodations throughout the country. We enjoyed the Cinque Terre and stayed in 4 star hotel in Monterosso. Same elsewhere.
4. The food. It was great. If nothing else go for the gelati.
5. The language — wonderful to listen to. In fact, I borrowed some Italian CDs from the local library library which were really helpful during the trip.
Marcus Castillo <email>
Clearwater, FL   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

Customs Security between cities
Michele~~~~Having flown the small European discount airlines, I can tell you that you will go through security in each airport just as you do here in the States. If you read travlers experiences in the Graffiti Wall section FLYING WITHIN EUROPE, you will see that most small airlines use remote airports which require more travel time to reach them. It is impossible to predict the amount of time required going through security; so allow as much time as you can to avoid excessive rushing .
Allisoney
Budamine, TX   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

May or Sept for Rhine Cruise
Hille…...Having cruised the Rhine in May and driven that route in October, I can recommend going in Sept. You will find the weather milder and less rain. I always travel Europe in the fall if possible because there are fewer travelers and if there are seasonal price reductions, they will be in effect.
Rothenberg
Los Angeles, CA   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

TRAIN AT CDG IN PARIS
John~~~~~I found that I could buy tickets at the station as cheap as I could have on the net before I went to Europe. I now wait until I need the ticket to buy it so I can be more flexible in traveling. If I want to change my itinerary I can do it easily if I am not locked in with tickets. I have read that buying passes may be cheaper before you go, but I havent experienced it.
CLAUDETTE
ROME, TX   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

CINQUE TERRE
Madden....Taking a day trip from Florence to CT is a bit much because the bus or train schedules wont allow you much time to see the sights in the five villages. I spent a week there just walking through the villages and hiking the trail. You should allow more time.
CALKWALLER
LINCOLN, NE   USA   Thu 08/26/2004

ATM Card
I am leaving next week for my very first trip to Italy. I have a Washington Mutual Check Card with Debit and Visa on it.I can use it at ATM's that have Plus, Interlink or Star. Will I have a easy time finding links that apply to my Card in Italy? Also I have a 4 digit Code and I understand that is what they basically use in Italy? Hope that information is valid?
Bev <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Packing cubes or folders?
I am considering getting either the Eagle Creek packing cubes, or the Eagle Creek packing folders. Anyone have an opinion on which is a better method for packing light?
art
  USA   Wed 08/25/2004

CinQue Terre
Will be in Florence in late Oct. Are there buses to C-T for a day trip? Is a tour suggested. What all to see/avoid?
Madden <email>
Rockford, Il   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Rome FCO meet place
I plan to meet another couple at FCO Rome airport. In the event flights get delayed etc, is there a spot in airport that could be suggested to be a good meeting place? Maybe able to sit? Not stand arond 2 hours!
Madden <email>
Rockford, Il   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

What's so great about Italy anyway?
I need to make a list of 6 to 10 items of what there is in Italy to do (for an American during his first trip to Europe) and why one would have fun doing each of these things. Any help making this list would be much appreciated.

Here's the story behind it. I love to travel and my husband does not. I have lived abroad and have had wonderful experiences traveling numerous times thus far in my life. My husband has never been outside the US, and with terrorism and US-involved war activities going on, he feels very strongly about not ever going overseas.

I want to go to Europe, back to Italy where I have friends and have only loved traveling there in the past. He says he'll go, but only with STRICTLY the BEST quality of travel services and accomodations that we can afford. (Meanwhile, I'm more of the "bohemian" or liberated type of traveler who can stay in hostels or sleep on the train or just roll with whatever.) He wants first class five-star everything for this trip.

Plus, in order to go to Italy, he wants to know what there is to do and why it would be fun. I don't know how to put my passion for travel into terms for a non-traveler to embrace. (Well, I take that somewhat back... he'll happily go to Disney World or Six Flags anytime. But that's amusement parks / roller coasters and we've done that and now it's time to do something else.) So, I'm posing the question here, as my husband puts it: "What's so great about Italy anyway?" I'm looking to give him a list of 6 to 10 items to do and why they are fun. Would love to get some input.
Timi <email>
Milwaukee, WI   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Paris Hotel suggestion
We stayed at the America Opera Hotel in Paris — under $100 euro for room for 2 — close to Montmartre & 4 metro stations though a bit off the beat & path otherwise. Very hospitable & desk spoke good English, supplied maps and there is a laundry across the street. We got breakfast at one of 3 patisseries within a block each morning & there's a nice italian restaurant 2-3 doors down from hotel. There's also a cheap (for Paris) internet & phone location around the corner. It's a 3-star hotel.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Moneybelts — where to store them?
My husband refused to believe that anyone could get into his front pants pocket and we lived to regret his cockiness. We both had a money belt around our neck but he had just gotten into his wallet & put it back in his front pocket before we got on the RTR in Paris. He grabbed the guy's hand as he pulled it out of his pocket but his accomplice apparently had already gotten the wallet & within 30 mins charged $7,000 on 2 credit cards! I never had an issue keeping everything down my shirt, with the straps under my bra. His neck belt was never bothered either. I met a woman in line at AMEX in Paris who had gotten her purse strap cut in order to steal her wallet (successfully) in Prague. I would NOT put your money in a backpack ever given their boldness.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Customs
No luggage searches now because of EU — couldn't be easier to go from city to city, country to country. We rode Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris — no one ever checked a thing we had other than our tickets. The greatest customs hassle you'll have is at airport on your way home — we flew out of Zurich to ATL and got hassled by the agent checking paperwork at the gate in Zurich and huge lines in ATL but no one hassled us really (we were a family of 4 travelling so that probably didn't appear to be much threat).
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Rhine Cruise
I just did a Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam in July (weather was unusually cool) on the Amsterdam II (Intrav). We really, really enjoyed it. As far as seasons go, I think you'd be fine either way — we had rain the first 2 days from Basel north but it didn't ruin anything and it was very, very cool — made going on deck rather miserable though. Amsterdam is pretty moderate in terms of climate so it won't much matter. The Alsace region was cooler than we expected.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Provence Weather in March
We are considering a trip to Provence and the French Riveria on March 18-28, 2005. Do we have much risk of cold or extremely rainy weather? Any help appreciated.
Mike Roads <email>
Charlotte, NC   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Train at CDG Airport in Paris
We will be flying from the west coast to Paris. At CDG airport we will be taking a train to Lyon. I found a WEB site that has the ticket price at 35 Euros. However, airplane schedules are not always acurate and I do not want to book a train and have the plane land late. My question is....If you purchase a ticket at the train station will the cost be about the same as the WEB site?
John <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

May or September for Rhine Cruise??
Does anyone have any experience with/opinion on when would be the best weather/best month to do a Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel or reverse? May or September or?
Hille <email>
Neenah, WI   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Customes/security between European cities
We (two) will be travelling between European cities in September. Amsterdam to Paris (on the Thalys train), Paris to Milan (EasyJet), Milan to Barcelona (Volare) and Barcelona to Amsterdam (Basiq). What problems should we expect at these destinations. Will we be subjected to extensive luggage searches, how much time to we need, etc.?
Michele <email>
Sarasota, FL   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

Driving in Rome
Kristin~~~I agree with the other message given to you — do not drive in Rome. We were so happy not to have to drive. However, we did drive in Florence and it was very hectic and confusing and our driving was limited to getting a rental car and heading out to the Chianti Rd which was fine — easy driving. Coming back in about a week later we missed a turn and getting back into Fl not fun.
Sandy
New Orleans,    USA   Wed 08/25/2004

HOTELS
Allison~~~~~~Do a google.com search for “ Brugge Budget Accomodations” and another for each town you will be in. You will find lots of choices. My wife and I stay in hostels, which are much better now, but you may want better accommodations.
CARLOS
WACO, NM   USA   Wed 08/25/2004

FLEA MARKETS
A short time ago someone enquired abou flea-markets in Barcelona. I have just discovered this site... http://www.sable.co.uk/fleamarkets/cities.asp
Graham <email>
  Wales   Wed 08/25/2004

Luggage locker size
Can anyone tell me how large the paris train station lockers are (specifically Gare de Lest)? Would they have any large sizes that would fit a standard 29 — 30" upright? Thanks!
Julie T. <email>
Kirkland, WA   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Hostels-Paris,Florence, Rome
I'm trying to find good/safe (also cheap) hostels in Paris, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome. I'm traveling with another friend of mine and we are both female. I've found that alot of the Hostels are mixed rooms. Are they safe? Also do most hostels have washer/dryiers? The only other hostels i've been to were in Japan and they were exceptionally clean and safe ( also had washing machines) I'm looking for recommendations and warnings ;) Thanks!!! -Selena
Selena <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Marie — Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Roman Forum
Hi Marie, As of last March the temple was still blocked off and a bit overgrown. Although you can see into the temple through fencing, it was not possible to get close or enter the courtyard. From that perspective it was not evident whether or not the pools were filled.

  USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Driving in Rome
Kristin, I think you will regret trying to drive in Rome. My husband, (former Navy Jet Pilot) is a very experienced driver and he nearly had a heart attack trying to drive in Rome. We ended up paying to park the car and just let it set the whole time we were in Rome!! Rethink driving in Rome!!

  USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Brugge & Paris Hotels
Allison, I suggest for Brugge Astrid's B & B. The rooms are wonderful and breakfast is included for about 60 Euros per night for two. Check http://astrid.v3.be/ For Paris try Grand Hotel des Balcons at www.paris-hotel-grandbalcons.com Don't know about Amsterdam as we always stay in Haarlem. Congratulations on your anniversary and have a great time in these wonderful cities. If I can be of further help, let me know.
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Parc Disneyland
Oh, and if you've been to Disneyland or WDW in Orlando you'll find Parc Disneyland a BIG disappointment! Very small parks with not much different and hotels are not very good relative to Orlando expectations. I would however highly recommend Walt's, the restaurant on main street Disneyland for dinner & a great view of the evening parade.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

airport to Parc Disneyland
Parc Disneyland is accessible by RTR from hotel and there are also shuttles to the hotels on parc. The RTR pulls right up to the MGM and Parc Disneyland entrances — couldn't be easier.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

DVD burning in Europe
We checked several places to burn DVDs while in Europe 17 days (400 pictures). Several places wanted up to 20 euro and several hours we didn't have. It just never worked out for us as we weren't anywhere long enough to do it. Glad I took 4 memory sticks and some spare disposable cameras.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Kids in Paris
We spent 17 days in Europe as a family — 2 children ages 15 and 10. The kids loved Paris, particularly the older one who was more familiar with the art when we visited the Orsay and Louvre. Both absolutely loved the Eiffel Tower (go at dusk to see lights go on in Paris below & to see the lights flicker at the top of the hour once it gets dark) even though there were armed military guards around the base (freaked the 10 yr old out a little). The Champs-Elysees was kind of too much walking. They also loved riding the metro and loved the trains in general in Europe. We did eurail from Zurich to Salzburg & then to Basel where we cruised the Rhine to Amsterdam then train to Paris. Really enjoyed looking out the windows, played lots of cards and we brought snacks on board to munch on.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Museum Pass in Paris
Just there at the end of July — Paris museum pass was a good deal — we got into Louvre, d'Orsay & Versailles (exc. the gardens) — remember kids are free so don't buy them a pass. Bought it at metro station along w/ train passes.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Hotel in Brugge
I would suggest Hotel Cavalier in Brugge. It's right near the Markt, friendly, clean, and serves a great breakfast which is included in the price. You can check it out here. http://www.hotels-belgium.com/hb-brugge-cavalier.htm
Pat
pa   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Trains in Spain
Marc, You can buy tickets up to 90 days in advance. Try www.renfe.es for train travel ( Renfe is the national rail system). You can also try www.alsa.es for bus reservations ( they are privately owned). You can reserve and buy tickets online and you will pick them up in person by showing your ID at the counter. Good luck. Don´t forget to try the serrano ham!!!
Sebastian
Addison, TX   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Kristin, The train station is right on the ground floor at the airport and there are frequent trains to the Termini in Rome. From there Hotel Italia is less than a 10 minute walk.

  USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Hotels
My husband and I are going to Europe for our first wedding anniversary. We will be travelling on a budget — budgeting $100 USD per night for accommodations, but would love to spend less if possible. We will be in Paris for 3 nights, Brugge, Belgium for 2 nights, and Amsterdam for 2 nights. Any suggestions on where to stay?
Allison Danielson <email>
Lenexa, KS   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Rome HELP
Specific HELP for getting from Hertz car rental at Fiumicino Airport-Rome to Hotel Italia. Since we don't have an exact arrival time booking a hotel shuttle has been difficult, without stopping and calling ahead. Any SPECIFIC ideas, since this is my first time to Rome.
Kristin <email>
Tucson , AZ   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

Re. voting from overseas
I also live in Washington State and contacted my elections office here as we will be traveling Oct and Nov this year. Was told to pick up an "early ballot" at the end of September. Problem solved!
Liz Smith <email>
Bellingham, WA   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

One-way flights, cheap?
We are planning a trip in November to Frankfurt. I have our air already done, however, we are thinking of staying for a few more days. We went through priceline, so therefore we can't change our flights. Is there any site that has cheap one way flights, so that we can change our dates? Any help is soooo appreciated! Carole
Carole <email>
ripon, ca   USA   Tue 08/24/2004

kid travel
Can anyone reccomend a good diaper bag and types of kid goodies(toys) to take with on a flight from AZ. to Zagreb
Courtney Runyon <email>
Peoria, az   USA   Mon 08/23/2004

Hostel & valuables
Prasgue — Hostel Tyn? Has anyone stayed in the Hostel Tyn in Prague? What is your opinion. Would recommend it is safe to lock a laptop or other valuables there?
Steve <email>
Austin, Tx   USA   Mon 08/23/2004

Train Tickets in Spain
Two questions for trains in Spain; 1. How do I buy tickets in advance for the over night train from Granada to Barcelona? 2. How do I buy AVE train tickets in advance from Madrid to Seville/Cordoba/Toledo? Thanks
Marc <email>
Houston, TX   USA   Mon 08/23/2004

DVD Burning
I have a question regarding the availability of DVD burners in Europe. I've heard and read of many people burning their pictures onto a CD during their trip to free up memory on their memory cards so they can take more pictures. We are thinking of taking our DVD Camcorder and are wondering if these Internet Cafes have the DVD burning service as well? Is it readily available? We're just trying to decide how many DVDs we should bring. Thanks.
Troy <email>
Champlin, MN   USA   Mon 08/23/2004

Accommodation in Lake District
Do a search for Heatherbank Guesthouse, in Windermere. We stayed there last year and we really enjoyed the place. It is a B&B owned by a Japanese couple, Hiro and Yoko. They are really friendly. The rate was 23 GBP per room.
Gabriel <email>
Abu Dhabi,    UAE   Mon 08/23/2004

High Tea
Zaida, I had Tea at the Ritz in London last year. For 29 GBP they brought many small sandwiches of various sorts and many pastries and you could get tea or coffee as much as you could drink. Same applied for the sandwiches and pastries. All of them were delicious. You can find details on their website. Do a search on Ritz London. Other big hotels do it as well, like savoy for example. You get a high class service and it indeed is quite an experience.
Gabriel <email>
Abu Dhabi,    UAE   Mon 08/23/2004

Roman Forum, Vestal Virgins
Can anyone who has recently been in Rome tell me the current status of the Vestal Virgin statues in the Forum? Is it overgrown and blocked off, or are the pools filled and the area reopened? Any information would be of great help!
Marie
NYC, NY   USA   Mon 08/23/2004

Storeage lockers
Last time we were in Venice we were not allowed to lock our vehicle therefore had to carry all of our luggage. Are there now storage lockers for luggage?
Pete Guinosso <email>
Ocean City, NJ   USA   Wed 08/18/2004

Room Arrangments in Sicily
Please provide me with recommendations on places to stay throughout Sicily, Italy without the use of a car.
Sharon <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Wed 08/18/2004

To Francis Tully, re: Rome to Florence
Francis Tully – Trains between Rome and Florence are frequent, inexpensive, and fairly quick (1.5 – 2.5 hour and about 30 – 40E for first class, depending on the train). There is no need to buy tickets in advance. Just get them at the station.
Angela
  USA   Wed 08/18/2004

Excess Baggage Shipping Ideas
I am going to be in Europe for business and I am looking for an economical means of shipping two large pieces of luggage from Stockholm back to California. I need some ideas about where to look to make these arrangements.
Ray Ward <email>
Cupertino, CA   USA   Wed 08/18/2004

Re: Melinda, Train Tickets
For the Eurostar/Chunnel, buy here in the states, use the Rick Steves website. Cheaper, plus dates sell out early, or at least the bargain fares do. As for Paris to Amsterdam, we bought ours (actually Amsterdam to Bruges, then bruges to Paris) in Europe. When you arrive in Paris, stop on your way out of the station and purchase tickets. Take a look around as well, you will arrive from London at Paris Nord, and use the same station to get to Amsterdam.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Wed 08/18/2004

Paris for kids
Brandi-Paris would be great for your daughter. As to airfares, it will depend on the airline and what kind of ticket you buy. We bought full fare coach in order to use miles to upgrade and there was a discount for under 12. If you buy a sale fare ticket there is no discount. As for the museum pass, we did not buy them for our kids, just the adults. They would just walk in with us without standing in line — it was great. Paris will be of interest to her even if you just do the "tourist" things — The Eiffel Tower and the Catacombs were their favorite sites. They preferred the Musee d'Orsay ("modern art" — lots of the pretty expressionist paintings) to the Louvre, though they thought is was neat to see the Mona Lisa. They enjoyed the train trip to Versailles and the palace tour. The food is also very kid friendly-make sure she orders hot chocolate for breakfast and eat lots of pastry. You'll have a great time.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Wed 08/18/2004

Staying in Como (town)
The Let's Go 2004 guide to Italy has info on Como.
Swan
  USA   Wed 08/18/2004

Travel to Disneyland Paris
How much does it cost for a taxi from Paris Beauvais Airport to Disneyland Paris and can they carry five people?
Catherine Robertson <email>
Glasgow,    UK   Wed 08/18/2004

Hotel in Rome
At the end of september we're going to Rome. Do you know a nice & clean hotel in the center (about 100 euro per night per room)? Has anyone been to Hotel Navaro; is it recomendable?
Marielle <email>
  NL   Wed 08/18/2004

Train Ticket purchases
Two Rail questions: 1)Eurostar — travelling from London to Paris mid-Saturday one-way early September. Better to purchase ahead in the states or purchase in London? 2)Travelling from Paris to Amsterdam — plan to purchase point-point. Better to purchase in states or in Paris? Thanks
Melinda <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Children in Paris
My 11-year-old daughter is dying to go with me to Paris in March 2005. Are there any discounts for children — like airfare, for instance. Would she even need to buy a museum pass? Any advice on where to go/what to do that would be of interest to a little girl? Thanks in advance!
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Amy: Paris Museum Pass
That does seem rather expensive to pay $60+ for a 3-day museum pass. Earlier this spring, we purchased a 5-day museum pass for 54 Euros, I believe. If I were you, I would wait until I arrived in Paris and buy a museum pass at a metro stop. I do know we purchased ours at the Cite metro stop near Notre Dame. But don't go without a museum pass...The pass is your passport to bypass the long lines at museums.
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Heathrow to Paddinton
Oops!! Tim is right Heathrow express does go to Paddington Station. You could get the tube from Heathrow and it goes to Earls Court then transfer to tube to take you to Waterloo, that is if you do not have to much luggage.

Oh   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

To Matt M. re: Money Belt
Matt M. — Yes, your money belt goes under your clothes. Don’t worry about feeling awkward accessing it in public, because you NEVER SHOULD. Part of the point of having your valuables in a moneybelt, under your clothes is not letting potential thieves know where you are keeping things worth stealing. If you are in public and decide that you need something from your moneybelt (a credit or ATM card, more cash, etc) you should go to a restroom where you can access your valuables in private. In answer to the backpack question, I've never had it happen, but I have heard of people having their backpacks opened while they were carrying them. I would be careful to bury anything of value deep in the pack, away from the opening, and maybe use a small lock (or even a large safety pin) on the zippers to make it less convenient for potential thieves.
Angela
  USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Como, Lake Como
Looking to travel to Lake Como in mid Oct. Rick's book has nothing on the city "Como" If you have stayed in Como or any of the other cities not listed in the Lake Como area, any information would be appreciated. Staying 4 days.. Thanks!!!!!
Bella <email>
Sparks, NV   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Tour to Sienna and Tuscany
I will be in Florence for three weeks in late Sept/October. Would like to tour the Sienna and Tuscany area. Is there a good group tour that does that?
Francis <email>
Rio Vista, Ca   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

train or plane from Rome to Florence
I will be arriving at 1 pm on a flight from the U.S. to Rome. I need to go to Florence the same day. Which is best- train or plane? least expensive? should I buy train ticket in advance?
Francis Tully <email>
Rio Vista, Ca   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Convent guest house in Venice
I am going to Venice in October and am interested in staying in a convent or monastery that rents rooms to travellers. Does anyone have any information about this type of accomodation?
Jill Israel <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

camp sites
is there any camp sites in Santasusanna,Costa brava
mike <email>
Staffordshier,    ENG   Tue 08/17/2004

Traveling single with Rick?
I'm a 50 y.o. male. Don't mind traveling by myself, but I'm thinking of doing one of Rick's escorted tours to Spain to avoid the hassle of planning transportation, hotels, etc. Any comments from singles who've been on his tours? Did you feel out-of-place? Would you have rather done-it-yourself? Thanks for your thoughts!
Tom <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Toulouse Connection fro deGaulle
I'm traveling from the U.S. to Toulouse. Can anyone give me advice to make it easier to find my connection gate to Toulouse inside Charles deGaulle airport?
Mike <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

I'm traveling from the U.S. to Toulouse. Can anyone give me advice to make it easier to find my connection gate to Toulouse inside Charles deGaulle airport?

  USA   Tue 08/17/2004

I'm traveling from the U.S. to Toulouse. Can anyone give me advice to make it easier to find my connection gate to Toulouse inside Charles deGaulle airport?

  USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Help us find Ryan Air
Where do I find the Ryan Air airport shuttle in Paris? Ryan Air has a specific address, near a hotel, but no Metro Line, or nearest station. We are coming from the Marias area. Merci!
Doug <email>
Olympia, WA, WA   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Travel in France
We want to travel from Reims through Beauvais to Rouen and Honfluer. Can anyone tell us if the E46 (also designated as 31) is a reasonably good highway to travel to these destinations. Any idea on how long this trip may be? Are there any good spots to stop for the evening before Rouen? Thank you. Roger
Roger Jenz <email>
Lombard, , IL   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

As long as we are discussing costs, I've noticed a number of recent postings concerning how expensive it might be to travel in Italy. I spent three delightful weeks in the Dolomites in July and kept careful track of my expenditures. I ate very well, always had clean and comfortable rooms (with superb views)and included all ground transport — trains, buses and ski lifts — in my calculations. Figuring the euro at $1.25 (although the exchange was always slightly better than that) my daily average was $61.25. Rick suggests that the Sud Tyrol is an expensive region of Italy so I came away feeling a little smug. Great scenery, great people, great food, great experience — GO!
k-b
Seattle,    USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Heathrow to Waterloo
The Heathrow Express goes to Paddington Station, not Victoria Station. From Paddington Station you could take the tube (Bakerloo Line) directly to Waterloo. Your cheapest option would be to take the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to South Kensington, either the Circle Line or the District Line to Westminster, and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo. Or you could take a National Express coach from Heathrow to Victoria Station and then a taxi from there to Waterloo.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Barcelona flea markets
Flea markets in Barcelona?? I will be there for 9 days in November. Thanks.
Mary Ann Wennberg <email>
Scandia, MN   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Julie/Sacramento — just a slight correction — 100 POUNDS?!!!? Sorry, that DOESN'T sound reasonable.I'd try to reach the Tourist Information Center by email. Anyway, my error — I misread pounds for dollars; apologies. But best wishes, too — Lakeland is a superb place.
k-b
Seattle,    USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Heathrow to Waterloo
Dave ~ I would take the Heathrow Express into London arriving at Victoria Station, then a cab to Waterloo Station.

Oh   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Boxing Day
Tim ~ boxing day in the UK is a National Holiday and most of everything is closed.

Oh   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Julie in Sacramento —-Your problem with finding a room in or near Keswick may have to do with (apparently) only wanting one night. The glories of the Lake District in autumn are no secret and most places will have no trouble booking people for two or three nights which, understandably, they prefer. However, Keswick has LOTS of small B&Bs — whole blocks of them on some streets — so if you were able to get there fairly early in the day, a stop at the TIC in the Moot Hall (right in the center of town) will almost certainly produce a bed somewhere. One more thing: the pound is up around $1.84 today so $100 for two people with a (very likely) splendid breakfast may be about right. Stay a week and there would probably be a better price.
k-b
Seattle,    USA   Tue 08/17/2004

re: Larry, Paris Museum Pass
Your information sounds correct. Passes are available at any of the participating museums and most, not all, Metro and RATP (Regional Transit Authority) ticket windows. We were just there in May, can't remember the one day price we paid, but I believe that prices did go up from what is in the 2004 RS books. We plan out our museum days when we go, consolidating into as few days as practical. Rule of thumb is you need to visit 2 to 3 museums each day to make it worth the price. Even at a premium, just being able to avoid the lines is worth the price of the pass. I suggest buying the pass at a Metro counter, or at a less popular museum (Napolean's Tomb) to avoid a wait.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Laurel — Staying in Paris
Walking from any of your hotels would be fine. If you are staying a week or more, you might stay in two different hotels. From H. Leveque you can walk the west side of town and from either of the others you can walk the east. I stayed in the 6th last year, a 5-min walk from Notre Dame. I would have been fine not riding the Metro at all. I have stayed at H. Leveque and walked as far as Notre Dame from there. H. Leveque area is quieter. Latin quarter is livelier and things are closer together (and probably has more "budget" options for eating out).
Swan
CA   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

London Boxing dat
I will be in London on Boxing day is there anything to do that day or is everything closed.
Tim Cardinal <email>
Burlington twp, NJ   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Where to stay in Paris?
We currently have three hotel reservations for our October trip to Paris — Grand Leveque (7th), Hotel Eugenie (6th), and Hotel Monge (5th) — the last two are closer to the Seine. We'll be there 6 days, and we're looking for a central location that minimizes metro usage, which is why we're hesitant about the Leveque even though it's a RS fave. Any input from those of you who have been to Paris would be greatly appreciated!
laurel <email>
issaquah, wa   USA   Tue 08/17/2004

Vatican City
Have anyone been to Rome during Easter holiday ? Is the city overrun with tourists like the guidebook says ? My main purpose is be there when the Pope gives his Easter mass at the Vatican. Would it be more feastible to arrive at the beginng or the end of the holiday ? Thanks for any input.
sue <email>
  USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Heathrow to Waterloo International?
We're flying into London and taking the Eurostar to Paris. What's the best way to get from Heathrow's Terminal 4 to Waterloo International on a Friday around 4:00 pm. Thanks
Dave Glenn <email>
Denver, CO   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Reserve Taxi/car at Port/Rome?
Am disembarking in Rome after 14 day Euro cruise w/Holland America. Should I reserve taxi/car before leaving home or risk take the chance of getting one amid the hundreds of pasengers disembarking at the same time. We do not want to waste precious time waiting around..Can you recommebd taxi service!
Faith C <email>
Montreal, Que   Canadand   Mon 08/16/2004

Phone cards
Both my international student card and my Hostel International card come with a "phone card" option and a voice messaging service. I was wondering if anyone had used either of these, and if it was worth doing instead of buying phone cards in Europe?
Melissa <email>
Seattle, wa   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

SILLY MONEYBELT QUESTION
Matt M....I quit using a money belt after 10 years of travel and now use a neck pouch which I like better. It is easy to get into and doesnt feel as uncomfortable for me as the belt. When I wore a belt I always kept everything in it. Don’t keep loose bills in your pockets. I have had pickpockets try my pockets in Italy, but never anyone try my neck pouch.
Harvey
New Orleans, LA   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

CINQUE TERRE
Katie…..Don’t reserve a hostel or B&B before going. You will want to inspect your room before agreeing to rent. I spent a hour looking at apartments in Vernazza before taking one because you will find all kinds for your dollar. Most travelers walk the streets and ask for rooms. I found the hostels below average in appeal; SO we rented the apartment for $70 a week.
Mandy
Cleveland, OH   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

DRIVING ITALY TO FRANCE
Michael~~~~~~Go to viamichelin.com and enter your two cities in the menu. You will find the distance to be 686 miles. It will also give you step by step driving directions.
RUDY
ST LOUIS, MO   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

DIFFERENCE IN FLYING PRICES
KRISTEN >>>> Read Graffiti Wall section on “Flying within Europe”....there are a lot of discount airlines, but they fly from only a few cities. Try germanwings.de, europebyair.com, opodp.co.uk, skyeurope.com, volareweb.com, airberlin.com, easyjet.com. I have flown europebyair.com; their normal fare is $99 one way. You can phone them at 888-387-2479 or 888-321-4737.>>>>>If none of these helps, do a search on google.com for “discount airlines Germany” and again listing Italy.
RUCKOSTEIN
DALLAS, TX   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

voting from overseas
I wish to vote in the November election — I will be traveling in Spain for October and November — the League of Woman Voters has told me that they can send the absentee ballot anywhere that I request and give them an address for — I was going to pick a small town in Spain that I will be passing through and have it sent General Delivery — any comments or suggestions from other folks who have actually done this? thanks
c. macnairn
Seattle, wa   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Difference in Flying Prices
I am trying to book an airline ticket from Frankfurt to Rome and back to Frankfurt from Florence. If I lived in Europe the ticket would cost about $300 but since I live in the U.S. it costs $750! Does anyone know a)why and b) is there a way around the difference in flying prices. None of the cheap airlines in Rick's book fly the routes I need. I'm posting this in the airline helpline, too....TIA!
Kristen <email>
San Mateo, CA   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Paris Museum Pass
I did a quick Google search for "Paris Museum Pass" and came up with a website (www.ratp.fr/ParisVisite/Eng) for what looks like the Paris Transit Authority (I don't speak French). Click on Paris Museum Pass in the lower RH corner of the page. They give the price of a 3 day Museum Pass if you buy it in Paris as €36 (about $45). It says you can buy the pass at any RATP station, so it looks like the tour company is making some fast $$. Has anyone bought a pass from RATP?
Larry
CO   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

driving italy to france
Has anyone information on driving from venice to paris: length of time, easiest route,etc. thank you.
michael <email>
ann arbor, mi   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Paris museum passes
Our tour group wants to charge $62 per person for advance purchase 3 day Paris museum passes. That seems a little high. Has anyone purchased these passes recently? We're planning to go to Notre Dame, Sainte Chappelle and Versailles and that's about it for what we'd use the pass for. Would it be cheaper for me to just pay individual admission to these places? We've heard the museum passes get you out of waiting in line, that would be nice. We're going in mid-Oct, don't know how crowded it'll be. (or how rainy!) Thanks for any info you can share. Amy
Amy
Sanford, FL   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Pant lengths
Are capri or cropped pants appropriate for late September in France and Italy? Does anyone wear anything other than sandals with these shorter pants?
MK <email>
Winona, MN   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Moneybelt/Backpacks
I always wear my moneybelt underneath my pants, and keep my passport/railpass/money and important stuff in their. I only keep a bit of spending money in my pockets. Backpacks — Ive only been to Europe twice, but I have never had any problems with theft. That said I always keep zipper locks on my pack to discourage thieves. Airports/train stations/subways can be extremely busy, so its good to be prepared.
John
  USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Cinque Terre
I'm going to Cinque Terre with a girl and a guy. It seems hard to make reservations anywhere and we want to stay somewhere reasonable! (Hostels or cheap b&bs or even reasonable hotels are ok). Anyone have recommendations and how to book a place? Or can we leave it up to when we get there? We'll be there september 14th-ish until 17th-ish.
Katie <email>
orange county, ca   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Silly Moneybelt/Backpack Question
A silly question or two about money belts. Are they worn under the shirt (next to the skin)? Do most people keep all of their cash in there and just keep walking around money in their pockets? It seems awkward for me to imagine being someplace and having to untuck or unbutton my shirt to get at cash.

As far as backpacks and pickpockets/theives go, does anyone perceive there to be a problem if I carry my backpack (with both straps) on my back? Did anyone have an experience where someone was trying to undo zippers while you were wearing the backpack? Thanks to all in advance.
Matt M
Washington, DC   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Hotel in Paris
Does anyone know anything about Hotel Eugenie in Paris? Thanks!
laurel <email>
issaquah, wa   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Young person in need of packing tips
I'm a young woman (25) going to Tuscany for just over a week, in the month of September. The packing list for women, on this site, doesn't really suit my tastes and I'm not sure what length of days the list is for. I would love either a) a good website with packing tips or b) suggestions from some experienced younger travelers or c) both. Thanks to those who have the heart to help.
Melissa
Sacramento, ca   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Vernazza Apartment Rental
I am looking for an apartment to rent in Vernazza for one week (September 2004). I cannot find any listings. Can you help?
Lynne <email>
Vancouver,    Canada   Mon 08/16/2004

hotel in paris ideas
need reasonable hotel for two in paris — something central-latin qtr/marais-around 80 euro a night-maybe a little more or a little less, clean, with shower and toiltet in room. any ideas? we will be staying 7 or 8 nights.
robert <email>
san francisco, ca   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Tours in Siena area
My husband and I will be in Siena on October 13-14, without a car, and would like to take a tour of "wine country." Can anyone recommend a tour guide (we contacted Roberto Bechi and are on his waiting list)?
Linda <email>
Eugene, OR   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Tea
Zaida~~~Afternoon Tea usually includes four types of sandwiches and four or five different tarts & pastries. Sometimes strawberries or other fruit is included. a glass of champagne is an option. If you have tea at 4 or 5 it will be your evening meal. It is my understanding that "high tea" may include soup and perhaps salad. I had tea at the Lanesborough in London in May and they will bring addtional sandwiches. It is served in a lovely atrium with piano player providing music. Most hotels offer tea as well as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. It is expensive but well worth it!I think if you have tea outside of London it would be less expensive. Just make sure cucumber sandwiches are included.
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Mon 08/16/2004

New Year's in Paris
We are getting married in late December and thinking of a New Year's Eve honeymoon in Paris. Are there fireworks at the Eiffel Tower or other New Year's celebrations around Paris?
Jim & Amy <email>
St. Louis, MO   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Prague accommodations
In your "04 Best of Eastern Europe regarding Prague sleeping p 81 you say "You can save 30% by showing up in Prague without a reservation...finding accommodations upon arrival". Yet you refer to Athos Travel who is picking us up at the airport. Do we have them take us to booking agencies and which one? We arrive September 9, '04 for 4-6 days. Suggestions welcome.
Emil Graziani <email>
Salem, OR   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

ITALY TRAVEL AND LOCKING BAGS
Katie: To me "lock your bags" means lock the latches on your suitcase with the key. If you have only a back pack you must buy a padlock and use it. Wherever you are, ask about leaving your bags in a locker. Hotels and hostels have them. Railroad stations and airports rent lockers. Wear your money belt always. Keep your camera under your shirt, blouse or sweater out of sight except when you are using it. In Italy I always hold it in my hand if I take it out; don’t let it dangle on the strap around your neck. Don’t be frightened . People travel with cameras and money constantly without problems.
SOCURINEO
ST LOUIS, MO   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

DRIVING DISTANCES
Barbara~~~~~Go to “ mapquest.com,” click on ”directions”, click on “Europe”, enter your departure city and your destination. You will find Zurich to Vienna to be 463 miles, driving time 7 hours, 17 mins. Pick your own cities.
CHANDULOSE
WACO, TX   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA FROM NYC
Lynn Ratner.....my wife and I flew from Dallas to Australia with stops in Los Angeles and Hawaii; we did not feel the need to rest at any stop. We were 60 at the time; if you are older, you might want to rest, but I don’t think it will be needed. I suggest you continue your through flight.
LAMARSONE
DALLAS, TX   USA   Mon 08/16/2004

Guidance on High Tea
I've never had the luxury of high tea in England and I am a little confused as to the pricing. If they bring out a full cake stand of pastries etc., is that all included? Or are you charged by how many pieces you eat? Thanks for any enlightenment.
Zaida <email>
CA   USA   Sun 08/15/2004

Travel to Australia from NYC
My friend and I are going to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji with SmarTours in March. Tour starts in LA and we are in NY. Should we spend a night in LA, near airport, and continue on to Australia next day, just to break up trip, or should we just continue on same day? Please e-mail response.
Lynn Ratner <email>
Merrick, NY   USA   Sun 08/15/2004

Vigo di Fassa
Has anyone any information on Vigo di Fassa? Is it worth a day trip from Bolzano and what should someone do there in winter (apart from skiing)?
bartell <email>
australia, vic   aus   Sun 08/15/2004

10 night stay Paris
4th trip to Paris, 1st during thanksgiving week end Nov. looking for a 10 night stay, usually stay in 1 or 2 star, and or B & B, this trip is longest stay. any suggestions?? apt. stay?
Clarence Heemstra <email>
Three Oaks , MI   USA   Sun 08/15/2004

Venice Hotels
Tom — you don't mention a price range. I have stayed at the Hotel Paganelli and thoroughly enjoyed it, even the sloping floors add quaintness. The rates have increased dramatically though, so much so that on my next trip several of my friends won't be able to afford it so I have been looking into Hotel Ai Do Mori which I learned about on this site. I really like being near Piazza San Marco. You're welcome to email me: Darcyj@cableone.net
Darcy <email>
Lewiston, ID   USA   Sun 08/15/2004

Please Help with Venice Accommodations!
My wife and I headed to Venice soon and need accommodations only for 1 night. We do not know the area at all. We are middle age, like reasonably quiet and moderately priced. Any suggestions on which area we should stay in or any particular hotel to check into? How about a restaurant? Thank you so much! There are just so many.
Tom <email>
Belleville, IL   USA   Sun 08/15/2004

Storing clothes & Lockers at train stations in Paris
Hello... I'm wondering how long one can store luggage/belongings in a locker at a Paris train station? Is there a time limit? Is it possible to rent it for approximately 10 days? The reason is that we're travelling to the south of France & Italy for the last two weeks of September (summer clothes) and then we'll head to Netherlands & Belgium (Fall clothes). So I'm wondering if we could store our fall clothes somewhere like the lockers in the station instead of lugging them all through the south. Any info & suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Carol <email>
Toronto, ON   Canada   Sun 08/15/2004

Adapters vs. converters
Larry, you are right. I misused the words. Heck, I knew what I meant!!! Katie probably only needs an adapter, not a converter! Thanks for clarification.
John <email>
Apopka, FL   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Driving Distances
Barbara — Your e-mail link didn't work so I'll post my note here. There are several good online sources for the information you need. The ones I'm most familiar with are www.viamichelin.com, www.mappy.com, and www.maporama.com. Pick the one you like best.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Swiss Trains & Sicily
We are going to Switzerland and Sicily next May. I cannot decide which scenic train to take: the Bernina Express or the William Tell Express. I picture a gourmet meal on the boat/rail trip with William Tell, but then, there's that wonderful scenery you see on the Bernina Express! Anyone been on both? Also, haven't found much on Sicily by Steve Ricks. Can anyone give ideas for a 4-5 day tour?
Nancy <email>
Palm Coast, fl   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Europe Rail Schedule Book
Pedro, this may be more than you want to know, but you can by a single months issue of the Thomas Cook Europe Rail Timetable (they come out monthly) for $45. The website is: http://www.newconcepts.ca/eur-rail.htm
Rex <email>
Decatur, GA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Driving Distances
I am planning on driving Switzerland and Austria, where can I find driving distances between the cities/towns that I choose?
Barbara <email>
Santa Cruz, CA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

"GFCI" converter-adapters, Marcie
Because of her terminology, it took me some time to understand what Marcie is trying to say. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that is installed in the wiring of a house to protect a person from a low amperage, but potentially fatal shock. What she called a “GFCI 3 prong plug” is actually a GOUNDED plug. The “3 prong... 2 prong ... plug” to which she refers is an American grounded plug adapter.

A grounded plug adapter would be necessary IF your electronic device requires a voltage converter AND also has a grounded plug. Voltage converters seem to come only with ungrounded receptacles. For all other cases it is not necessary.

Any dual voltage (~110-240V) device needs only a simple European receptacle adapter (2 pins, 2 slots), available at stores like Target for less than $5. This adapters is thin, and the pin of a grounded plug will fit outside next to it. A 110V device with a 2 bladed plug, will fit into the required voltage converter without needing an adapter.

Check your equipment before you go! I expected to travel in Europe with my handheld computer and digital camera, so when I bought them, I made sure that they were dual voltage devices. I didn’t want to have to carry around a separate (and heavy) power converter.

Another hint, if you have multiple devices, get a three-to-one adapter (American) and attach it to your European receptacle adapter. That way you can use your laptop while you are charging your camera. I have taped mine together ever since leaving an adapter in the receptacle at a German hotel.
Larry
CO   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Charging your digital
Katie and John: Let us not confuse adapters and converters. An adapter is a simple device that goes between the wall and your plug. You can buy adapters for England or continental Europe at Target or Radio Shack. A converter is a device that converts 240V to 110V. It has a transformer and is fairly heavy. Most converters I have seen have the two pin continental plug and a two-slot U.S. receptacle.
Larry
CO   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

is this hotel OK?
HOTEL AI TOLENTINI any comments regarding this hotel in Venice? Sue
sue <email>
SV, CA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Charging your digital
Katie, your digital camera AC charger PROBABLY will work, except for the converter to work in the electrical outlets in England and Italy. Check the tiny print on your AC adapter to see if it ranges in volts from 100 or so to 240 or so. If it does, then it will work, except you have to have the converter to make it fit the European outlets. I took a digital camera and a laptop to England last year and all I had to buy was the converter because both were rated to take the 220 voltage in Europe.
John <email>
Apopka, FL   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Charging my digital camera
I will be studying in London for four months (well..traveling italy a bit before then) and I just realized that my digital camera battery needs to be charged by plugging the charger into the wall. I'm a little confused about how i will be able to charge the battery. Will I just need an adapter or will I need a special converter too for each country? HELP!!! :)
Katie <email>
Orange County, CA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

Italy travel and "locking bags"?
I've read a lot in the tourist rip-off section and a lot of people recommended you "lock your bags" and don't get into them in public. What does lock your bags mean? What do you lock them with? I'm going to Rome, Florence, Venice and Cinque Terre...and I'm getting sort of frightened by all of these warnings. I have a money belt...but what is the best bag to carry around in the day time while I'm traveling? Is it safe to have my digital camera with me in Italy (I love taking pictures and I know I'll take a lot there) but can I have that in a bag with me?
Katie <email>
Orange County, CA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

PackMates
Holly ~ The Pack Mates might work well, but for our trip to Europe this summer (as well as several other family trips), we used the 2 and the 1 gallon ZipLoc baggies. You can find these at Walmart, Target, Kroger, etc.
jdcwc
GA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

For Chris re: Cell phones and electrical
Chris ~ My daughter and I were in different parts of France and then in London for 2 weeks this summer. We did not purchase cell phones, but instead bought the inexpensive International Phone Cards at any of the numerous Tabacs. You can use these in your hotel rooms (for the price of a local call) as well as at any phone booth. The card has instructions on what numbers to dial for each. By the end of our visit, we had purchased 3 cards at 7euro50 each... and probably had half of the minutes still available on the 3rd card! This was a very easy method for us.

As for the electrical... it will not be enough for you to buy the very inexpensive adaptor — as we learned the hard way — but you will also need to buy a converter. Don't be confused... the electrical appliances will work — for awhile. We blew out a hair dryer AND a battery recharger before we figured out why! (And believe me, the recharger would have been MUCH cheaper than the cost of 50+ AAs!!!) Check the Rick Steves online store or the Mori Luggage (or other such travel/luggage store) at the local mall or even the local Target. Safe and fun trip...
jdcwc
GA   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

car and driver in rome
please recommend a reliable, safe, affordable CAR and DRIVER service company in ROME. we want to do a day toiur outside of rome but don't need a a guide.
myra <email>
potomac, md   USA   Sat 08/14/2004

BUDGET HOTEL IN AMSTERDAM
John.....what price range are you looking for?
EMUDOING
LANCASTER, PA   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Dijon to Italy, Mike Plumley
Mike, if you dig a little deeper into the Bahn Website — see my posting today on the Train Tips – you will find more information. Most trains between Beaune (or Dijon) and Venice go through Lausanne, Switzerland. However, there are some trains that cross the French-Italian border farther south at Modane, so there you would not need the additional country. It looks like some of these trains, but not all, take several hours longer. The cost of an additional country might save you some time or give you more flexibility. Also, there is at least one overnight train on the Modane route, so, with your three country pass, and a supplement in lieu of the cost of the extra country and a hotel room, you might take the overnight train.
Larry
CO   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Hampsted/Hampstead Heath Lodging
I'll be in London in October and would like to stay in the Hampstead/Hamptead Heath region. Any suggestions on where to stay?
wmarks <email>
Seattle, Wa   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Budget Hotel in Amsterdam?
My wife & I are looking for a budget, nice, safe place to stay in central Amsterdam for a few days in Sept. Any suggestions would be welcome
John <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Will a Dansko shoe work OK on a Rick Steves tour?
I'm going on a Rick Steves' Best of Italy, France and the Alps tour shortly. Just wondering for those who've been on that tour or any other that went through the Swiss Alps and Cinque Terre: Would this Dansko shoe be adequate for the type of hiking the tour would do in the Swiss Alps and Cinque Terre? Or do you think I'd need a bona-fide lightweight hiking shoe? (The Dansko shoe is very supportive, but I'm still wondering for non-urban situations whether it has 1) adequate traction, and 2) adequate ankle support.) Here's the shoe: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/1431484/c/15689.html Thanks for any input.
jt
  USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Five Gallons?
I think that the zip lock bags that you are looking for are 2 or 2 1/2 size — not five. I've never seen them that large. Two gallons is plenty large enough to wash laundry. A sandwich bag is large enough to use as a stopper in a sink.
Karen <email>
NC   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Pompeii
Pompeii, If you are trying to decide whether or not to go to Pompeii, check out this web site. www.thecolefamily.com They lived near Naples and have tons of pictures and information about Pompeii. Great pictures.

  USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Hotels in Padua
I'm trying to find an cheaper hotel in Padua, Italy near the center city. Does any have any ideas.
Jim <email>
Charlotte, n.c.   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Hotels in Cinque Terre
My wife and I got off the train in Vernazza and immediately got a room for 40 e. This was in November, 2 years ago. There were plenty of rooms under 50 at that time.
Jim <email>
Charlotte, N.C.   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Stretched too thin on time
Lenore Meyer~~~~~~I have traveled Europe many times, by train and by car; I usually plan my itinerary allowing 2 days for each town and a half day for travel between towns. That doesnt always work, but it is a beginning. I always make my itinerary tentative and change it as I travel. You didnt say what method of travel you will use. I enjoy the convenience of renting a card so I can leave when I want to and stop where I want to. Flying saves time and there are a large number of discount airlines (see Graffiti Wall–"travel within Europe" section). Of the towns you mention, I find Zurich the one I would skip. I also didn't find much of interest in Bern. Other parts of Switzerland are far more scenic and interesting historically. Design an itinerary and get a good highway map and determine the time needed to travel between towns. That will permit you to know how much time you will have in each town for seeing the attractions. Don’t go without a plan. Go to the library and browse the guide books describing the areas you plan to visit. You may find some towns you will want to skip when learn how little of interest there is in them. Do a google.com search on each attraction to determine the entry fee and opening hours. That always helps me decide on which sights I will visit.
replacingse
toledo, oh   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

WHERE TO STOW BACKPACK
Plain.....you can usually find a locker to leave your backpack during the day. I have stayed in 15 hostels and always find a storeroom or locker in each one. Another place is the railroad station where you can rent a locker and sometimes at the Tourist Information Office. Wherever you are, ask someone. Keep trying to find one until you find someone who knows where to store your things.
WELMERE
OMAHA, NE   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

NEED HELP GETTING TO OKTOBERFEST
Raechel.....I have seen cheap fares between Milano and Rome on volareweb.com. Also try germanwings, hl-express.com, sidestep.com, anyway.com, virgin-express.com, and airberlin.com.
THOMASON
ROME, NY   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

where to stow backpack
As a new backpack/hostel traveller (Europe), where do you stow (safely) your pack during the touring day?
plain <email>
charlotte, nc   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

CDW-Collision Damage Waiver
Jeff: I agree with your approach. RS recommends getting CDW for peace of mind, but it is usually quite expensive...sometimes doubling the cost of car rental. Visa gold or platinum covers CDW in all but a couple of countries (Ireland, Israel), and MasterCard does the job in those.

Twelve years ago we had a small collision with substantial damage just outside London, and my Visa covered every cent of our cost. I recommend rejecting CDW, which is just a huge profit-maker for the rental companies, and of no need if you have a good credit card.
Ron <email>
DeWitt, MI   USA   Fri 08/13/2004

Hostal in Balem, Lisbon
Does anyone know any Hostal/Hotel cheaper then Hotel da Torre & located around Monastery of Jeronimos, Balem, Lisbon??
Adrian Tan <email>
Penang, PG   Malaysia   Fri 08/13/2004

Zip lock bags. Try the travel section in Walmart. They have those plastic bags you remove the air out of by folding. I bought some for my husband and not only did they compact his clothes but I'm sure you could use to wash your clothes in them. I think there were 3 bags in the box for $10.

  USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Large zip lock bags
Try a camping store for the large zip lock bags.

  USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Hotel Cardinal, Rouen
Please, an evaluation of the hotel from anyone who has stayed there since Madame Picard left (sometime since Rick's France 2003 was published.)
Harvey <email>
Park Forest, IL   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

the B&B of Doug & Jenny Cree
Douglass and Jenny Cree ran a prime B&B a mile or so outside of Beynac. Rick's books no longer mention them. Has anyone information on these outstanding hosts? or an e-mail for them?
Harvey <email>
Park Forest, IL   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

eiffel tower quiz
thanks to the people on this board who suggested how to win tickets to the top of the Eiffel tower. i just won after trying about 4 days a week for a month. thanks!!!!
robert
san francisco, ca   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Europa Park Amusement Park
Has anyone been to the Europa Park amusement park in Rust, Germany? We will be visiting relatives near Strasbourg in September and are thinking of taking our nephews, ages 11 and 13, there for the day. EuroDisney is just too far away! We are wondering what the park is like — worth a day or just a pale imitation of Disney? Can anyone share their experience?
Julie <email>
Omaha, NE   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Hotels in London
Sandy ~ try the London Elizabeth Hotel or The Blades. Both great hotels and great locations.

Oh   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

CDW — Collision Damage Waiver
I think I have made up my mind to use the Visa CDW and decline the CDW from the car rental companies I will rent from in England and France(probably Enterprise for England and Europcar for France). Any thoughts on this approach? It seems much cheaper, and the coverage seems good to me. The official description of this VISA benefit is on the VISA site at the link below. http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/auto_rental_insurance.html Thanks, Jeff Simpson
Jeff Simpson <email>
Escondido, CA   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Washing clothes
Someone on Ricks web site suggested washing clothes in 5 gallon zipper bags, e. g. Glad bags etc. Good idea but we cant find them anywhere. We are west suburbs of Chicago.
Roger Jenz <email>
Lombard, IL   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

HOW TO GET TO PORTUGAL FROM ENGLAND
How to get to Portugal from England Cheap? 2. Selena~~~~ try these web pages: airluxor.com, bmibaby.com, excelairlines.com, easyjet.com, britishairways.com, ryanair.com, luxair.com, iberia.com. Some of them fly to cities in Portugal.
HAVERSTEIN
PRINCETON, NJ   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

From Dijon to Italy: through Switzerland?
Hello! I'm trying to decide on buying a 3 or 4 country select saver pass. We will be heading from Beaune, France to Venice, Italy. According to the Deutsche Bahn Website I'll go from Beaune to Dijon and then from Dijon to Torino, Italy or from Dijon to Venice. From Dijon to Torino or from Dijon to Venice, I'm unable to tell if I'll be going through Switzerland (what would be my 4th country)... it looks like that could be case, but I don't want to spend the extra $72 (purchasing two tickets) if I don't have to. Anyone have any insight... or a link to a site that says which countries the Eurail goes through on its routes? Thanks. Mike Plumley
Michael Plumley <email>
Columbus, OH   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Stretched too thin on time?
Our first trip to Europe. We are planning a trip to Germany, Austria & Switzerland in late May 2005, renting a motorhome in Frankfurt returning it in Munich after 17 days. The plan is to tour the castle road, romantic road, Bern and Zurich, Switzerland and Halstatt and Vienna, Austria. Are we giving ourselves enough time to enjoy this trip or shall we elminate a few towns? We cannot take more than 17 days on this trip.
Lenore Meyer <email>
Oak Lawn, IL   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

re: cheap flights from England
There are a number of airlines flying cheaply from England to Portugal and Spain. From London Heathrow, or more likely London Gatwick Airport check out easyjet.com; bmibaby.com; ryanair.com; to name a few. If you are just going to Paris from England, Consider the Chunnel Train, faster and less wait time. A quick check of Easyjet showed fares from London Gatwick to Barcelona for 33 Pounds Sterling(with taxes, on a Tuesday) one way, about $50 US. Note that fares will vary wildly depending on how long before that you buy your tickets, what day, what time of day, etc. All of the discount carriers are best booked early, do online tickets, and check out any baggage restrictions, there will be added charges if you are over.
Paul <email>
ia   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Cinque terre
Kristin in Tuscan~~~two nights in CT will be ideal. We arrived in early afternoon from Rome and had time to look around and enjoy vernazza and enjoy the sunset and a great dinner. Next day we hiked the trails and explore the five towns. Dinner was in vernazza again. What you may encounter is the trains between the towns are often not on schedule at all — this could creat a problem if you chooose to dine into a town other than the one where you are staying. It is a wonderful place and you will love it! the hikes with the views are a must. Enjoy
Nancy
Ga   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

Cinque Terre
How much time should we allow for visiting the Cinque Terre?
Kristin <email>
Tucson , AZ   USA   Thu 08/12/2004

accommodation in sorrento
My husband, daughter (adult) and myself are traveling to Sorrento in October. We plan to stay for 2 nights and would like a recommendation for a nice B&B that is not too spendy. One that we could possibly share a triple. Thanks for anyones recommendation.
Judy Buckingham
beaverton, or   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Pub Tour with Alessandro, Venice
Three of us were in Venice the first part of May, 2004. We contacted Alessandro via email regarding several of his tours. He gave us a wonderful Venice city tour- just the 3 of us, but he could not get enough people signed up to do the Pub Tour or the Ghost Tour while we were there. He speaks English very well and talking with him is like talking with a family friend. (He is slow to answer emails.
DBF <email>
Birmingham, AL   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Mont St Michel to Bayeux
My daughter and I are travelling by train in France. From Mont St. Michel, we want to go to Bayeux. I know we can take a bus from MSM to Rennes and then a train from Rennes to Bayeux. Unfortunately, it's an all-day trip and we get into Bayeux around 4:00 pm. I also found a connection from MSM to Pontorson. I guess we take a bus or a cab to Pontorson. Then we take a train from Pontorson to Bayeux and that gets in around noon — much more preferable. However, when I ordered my train pass at AAA, the AAA agent said that the Eurail pass agent knew nothing about the Pontorson/Bayeux route. Has anyone done the Pontorson/Bayeux route? Any details you can share would be appreciated.
sherry <email>
SD, CA   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

How to get to Portugal from England Cheap?
My Friend and I are trying to travel Portugal, SPain, France and Italy next month (in that order) Does any one have any good travel tips? (Euro pass of any value?) I am especially looking for tips on how to get from England (Southampton area)to Portugal CHEAP. (by plane) Alot of the cheap airlines seem to only fly in the contintent. Anyone find one that flys in and out of England? Thanks!!!
Selena <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Blow Dryers in Europe
For the first time ever I did not pack a hair dryer for our 2 week trip (to Ireland). I email every one of my B & B's, hotels and asked specificaly if there were hairdryers in the room. All answered yes — maybe this is just true in Ireland but regardless it was also true for my friend who did a similar trip but stayed in completely different places including small, family run B & B's. I hope to never have to pack one again!
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Sicily
Does anyone know the best way and how long it takes from Sicily to Pantelleria
Amy <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Need help getting to Oktoberfest — QUICK!
I want to find a flight from Rome to Munich that is really inexpensive...I'm studying for the semester in Rome, so I'd really like to go to Germany for Oktoberfest...but I'm having trouble finding a flight that I can afford (they are all like $300!). Can anyone help me?
Raechel <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Need Cinque Terre from Firenze
Doing a day trip to CT from Florence is too difficult. You will spend most of your day on the train. You can ride the train from Lucca to LaSpezia because I did. It may not be in your Eurail book, but there is one. We spent a week in CT dand rode the train to Lucca and back; I would plan to spend at the least 2 days in CT just to hike the trails and visit the 5 villages which you can do by train if you get tired of hiking.
Waterham
New London, Conn   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

SHIPPING TO US FROM ITALY
Pam Wilder: we found a supermarket the last day and bought two bottles of olive oil; we packed it in our luggage and got home with it. Almost all grocery stores stock it so you should have no problem finding vino or olive oil. Be aware that it makes your luggage heavier; so don’t buy too much. From what I have heard, shipping it home will make the cost prohibitive.
MAY S.
WACO, TX   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

CINQUE TERRE
Jamie~~~~read the section in Graffiti Walls called ROOM FINDING TRICKS.~~~~~ You will find lots of references to CT.~~~~~ My experience in renting an apartment there is that $125 for a room is too high.~~~~~ I paid $70 for an apartment two years ago .
GONZALEZ
EL PASO, TX   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Hotel recommendations
My wife and I are going to Rome mid Nov.'04. We'd like to stay in the Marasala section of Rome,just east of Termini Station. Any reasonably priced suggestions?
Max H. <email>
Rockford,, Il.   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

Cinque Terre
We are going to be in Cinque Terre in mid-November. we are able to get a room at Albergo Pasquale for 125 euros a night, but that seems high to me. I was also checking out Albergo marina in Monterosso...has anyone stayed here or have any other recommendations? We're waiting to hear back what they quote, but I know they are less than Pasquale, I just don't know if anyone recommends it there. Thanks
Jamie <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Wed 08/11/2004

hotel recommendation
any recommendation for a place to sleep in Sorrento 2 days in late December? less than 90/night 2 people
RCC
olympia, wa   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Rome Hoel Accommodations
Traveling to Rome in November The Aberdeen Hotel is booked! Any other suggestions will be much appreciated.
Brenda <email>
Victoria BC,    CA   Tue 08/10/2004

Hotel Limo/Taxi at Rome airport
Where do you get Limo or Taxi sent by hotel at airport? I assume taxi wont be at normal taxi stand spot. How do you know it is 'your' Limo/Taxi? Cost?
D.Belk <email>
  USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Lake District in September — help!
I am looking for recommendations for accommodations in the Lake District for Sept. 19. Have sent multiple requests to B&Bs around Keswick (starting with places recommended by Rick) — all full — and hotels with rooms available are more expensive than the B&B I booked in London. Am I just going to have to bite the bullet and pay 100 pounds/night for a standard double?
Julie <email>
Sacramento, CA   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

how to locate a B&B
Where does one go about locating a B&B in Europe? Are there any special websites to visit? We will be staying in Frankfurt, Germany for 4 nights attending a wedding. We will need enough room for 2 kids and 2 adults.
SGG <email>
Gaithersb,    USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Hotels in London
I am planning a group trip to London, the last week in March 2005, any recommendations for hotels?
sandy <email>
Indianapolis, in   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

cell phones and eletrical
Anybody on what to do for a cell phone in France/Italy for two weeks.My first thought was to buy an inexpensive one there and a calling card. Also what will I need for electrical conversion. Thanks for the help. Chris
Chris <email>
St Louis, mo   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

About carry-ons: British Airways has been proclaiming a 13 pound limit for some time now. I flew Seatac-Heathrow, Gatwick-Verona and return. BA showed absolutely no interest in my daypack and on the polar flights I saw people lugging aboard very full, apparently very heavy, packs of 4000 cu. inches and above. Obviously one cannot say that BA NEVER enforces its rule but at ealst on these runs it didn't in June and July.
k-b
Seattle,    USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Definitely go off season!
Kissen — after many years of traveling to Europe in the summer due to children's school schedules, we finally went off-season since the kids are now off doing their own lives and we do not take a family holiday each year. I cannot express to you how fabulous it is to go to the various hot spots in Europe in say October or February/March and not have to deal with crowds, HEAT, Crabby hotel/restaurant/museum workers and fight for space in parks for picnics, etc etc etc. Go off season. Unless I can help it, I will never go to Europe during the peak summer months again!
Julie
Gross Pointe, MI   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Krissen: Off season travel — Yes!
Krissen: I much prefer to travel Italy off season because there are fewer other travelers. During April, early May and late October the weather in Roma in particular is much nicer than during the summer months (Roma is a HOT city in the summer). I have traveled Italy several times in both early spring (April) and late fall (October/November) and found the weather to be very pleasant. I took a light sweater, which I used occasionally in the evenings in some of the hill towns, but most of the time it was very warm. During the spring and fall, I doubt that you will see much difference in operating hours, but you won’t have to fight quite the same crowds that you would in peak season, so you will probably find that you have more opportunity to see and do than you would in the summer, and under much more pleasant and relaxed circumstances (crowded + hot and non air-conditioned = miserable, in my book.)
Angela
  USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Eurail Schedule Book
When you purchase a railpass, you receive a eurail schedule book and train guide. Im not sure if they are available without purchasing a pass. However I have found sites like bahn.de to have more comprehensive schedule information
Ben
Toronto,    Canada   Tue 08/10/2004

pub crawl in venice
Has anyone taken the Pub Crawl with Alessandro in Venice recently (this is August 10th)? I sent him an e-mail and have not heard back from him and am wondering if he is still doing these. thanks, Janet and Walt
janet and walt <email>
Ponce Inlet, FL   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Has anyone used the services of RomaLimo in Rome or been on one of Sandro's tours Thank you
t marino <email>
Orleans, MA   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

off season weather
We are beginning to consider a three week trip to either Rome and the Tuscany area or France using airmiles to get there. Is it worth the savings in airmiles to go off season (before May 15 or after Oct. 15)? Considering weather and tour/site hours of availability, would it be better to go earlier in Sept. or later in June? If we went during the off season, which has better weather, early spring or late fall? We are hikers and people watchers more than museum goers so weather is important to us.
Krissen <email>
Aptos, CA   USA   Tue 08/10/2004

Re: Impact of the weak dollar in Italy?
With the conversion to Euro and weak dollar, look to pay 30-40% more today than in 2000 in US dollars, sometimes more. One example is that Wine that cost me $2.50 a bottle in 2000 now cost me about $4.50 with the exchange rate.
Douglas
  Italy   Tue 08/10/2004

Need Help with ITINERARY
Feel free to comment my itinerary!! Desperately need help!

What cities Western-Europe firstimer should skip? And how many days should be good for each city?
Italy: Rome 3, Florence 3 (plus day trip to Siena), Venice 3 (plus day trip to Verona), Pisa& Cinque Terre 2, Milan 2 (day trip to Lake Como)
Eng: London 5 (trips to Bath and Cotswold)
France: Paris 5 (day trip to Loire)
Swiss: Lausanne 3 (day trips to Geneva, Montreux), Lauterbrunnen 3, Bern 1, Luzern 2
Germany – Austria Munich 3 (day trips to Fussen, Rothenburg), Salzburg 2, Vienna 4 (day trip to Budapest), Prague 2,

Should I adjust my Swiss itinerary to cover more scenic train rides?
Lausanne and Geneva 2, Bern 1, Luzern 1, Zurich 1, St. Moritz 1, Zermatt 1, Montreux and Interlaken 1, Jungfrau area 3,
Jane Post the Firstimer <email>
Bangkok, -   Thailand   Tue 08/10/2004

Interracial Couple
I am wondering how an interracial couple will be perceived in Italy? My husband is white and I am half-black, and we plan to travel to Rome, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Venice. We live in a large city and have not had any problems in the U.S.
Nicole Winner <email>
  USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Barry — Flying vs. Eurostar
I've not flown cross-channel, but I'd say our Eurostar experience was much less hassle than flying as far as getting to the station and checking in (assuming that checkin for a flight between London and Paris is about the same as checkin for a flight between London and Los Angeles). I'm surprised at the 149 pound fare. According to the Eurostar site (and our experience booking our tickets through the Rick Steves site) you can go one way for $90-$150 depending on what day and time you're traveling. If that brings your costs for the 2 closer together, I'd choose the one that takes the least time and effort for transfers. My sister flew cross-channel because it cost about the same and it would be "faster". Ironically she happened to land at CDG during a train strike so it took forever to get a bus into Paris — not a good experience for a day trip!
Leslie
CA   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

eurail schedule book
i saw in an earlier post that someone mentioned something about a eurail schedule book, i was just wondering where i could buy this book, thanx in advance.
pedro <email>
ca   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Ireland photo ops
we are planning a trip to ireland this fall. I am a photographer looking for older cottages quaint places etc. email me at with any info. thatched roof cottages are in the images in my head
Carol <email>
New Brighton, MN   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Cinque Terre
Susan Sloan~~~We went to the Cinque in May and spent the night and hiked 4 out of 5 trails and just loved it. Sunsets are incredible! Wonderful food and CT is just a delightful place. A day trip will not do it justice. I would cut Florence short a day to allow more time in CT. After the museums, a little shopping, and a few good meals we were more than ready to leave Fl. Sounds like you are booking train through a eurail pass. We ordered tickets here and had no problems getting our train from Rome to La Spezia. There is probably more shopping in Manarossa — we bought pesto there to bring home as gifts. We chose to spend the night in Vernazza and it was perfect! We want to go back.
Nancy
Ga   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Letterboxing
Anyone into letterboxing? In which country did you find more of them?
JB Castle Hunters <email>
  USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Shipping to U.S. from Italy
We're spending two weeks in Italy in September. We love good food and good wine, and there's a chance we'll find some nice olive oil or vino to buy. Just one or two bottles, not a case, but we'd rather not carry the stuff for the rest of our trip! My question is whether anyone has had experience shipping things from Italy to the U.S. How did it work out? Did you just take things to the post office? Are there boxes readily available?
Pam Wilder <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Re: Planes, Trains, Automobiles
Thanks for the all replies on Planes, Trains or Automobiles. Also the tips regarding the trains was great! I think you have all validated some of our concerns about trying to do do much in a limited time. I think our best bet might be to travel to Frankfurt via a scenic route and take it easy. I thik we will do a combination of train and rental car. The castles in Germany look beautiful!

Does anyone have any recomendations on accomodations in either Belguim or Germany? Again, we are a family of 4 so we need something that will be suitable for grade school children. I think we may try to go to Belguim and Brugge on the way to Frankfurt.

Also, a question regarding food in Germany. We are not beef or pork eaters. We mainly eat a lot chicken, seafood, pastas, veggies,ete. In my experience in traveling in Germany, I could not find a lot of dishes that did not have pork or beef in it. It was a challenge to find chicken on the menue. Any advice on cuisine would be great. Thanks.
SGG <email>
  USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Need Cinque Terre from Firenze help
My friend and I are leaving for Italy in September. Our plans include Venice, Florence and Rome. During our stay in Florence, we would like to take a day trip to Cinque Terre. Is this feasible? Also, I found a morning train from Florence to Lucca at 0615 (the one to Pisa leaves at 0925-too late!!). But I cannot find a train from Lucca to LaSpezia in my eurail schedule book, does anyone know where I can find this connection. Anyone here ever done this route??? How much time should I expect to spend in the CT?

Do you recommend taking the boat up to Monterosso al Mare and working our way down the coast to Manarola to do the easy hike to Riomaggiore??? Two ladies in good shape in our 50's. Also, any recommendations on things to see/do/shop for??? Thanks, Susan
Susan Sloan
Columbus, OH   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Re: Holly, Pack Mates
I have used the pack-mates (ordered on this site) or other bags on several trips, and they work great. Sweaters are ideal for these bags. I bring along one or two extra, one for dirty clothes, one for backup if I have wet items. The only problem I see with them, is that they encourage overpacking if you have room left in the bag.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

For SGG — Europe with kids
I agree that your 5-day Paris-Rome-Venice-Frankfurt plan will make you dizzy. I think you ought to enjoy some of the small-town pleasures between Paris and Frankfurt and leave busy, expensive Italy for another trip. One lovely route to Frankfurt takes you through the Mosel and Rhine river valleys — a great region to spend a few days with kids. Trier (Roman ruins, Germany's oldest city) and Cochem (very scenic, relaxed town) are good stops on the Mosel; Boppard or St. Goar make for good stops on the Rhine. You can tour 1,000-year-old castles (on the Mosel, see Burg Eltz and Reichsburg near/in Cochem; on the Rhine, Marksburg in Braubach, just south of Koblenz), ride bikes along the paved river bike paths, hike through vineyards, take a river boat ride, taste some wine, and relax a bit. You could also make a stop in Luxembourg if you want before getting into Germany. Here's a website to help with the Mosel: www.mosel-reisefuehrer.de/moselhighengl/moselhighlightsengl.html The route can be done by train or car — probably more expensive by car than with plain old train tickets because you'll probably need to pay a drop-off fee for the car to leave it in a different country.
Russ <email>
Galt, CA   USA   Mon 08/09/2004

Pension Schneider, Frankfurt
We would like to stay at Pension Schneider, Frankfurt before out tour, but our faxes get no reply. We fax to (011-49-69-259-228). Does anyone have a new fax # or email address? Thanks in advance for any help!!
Bob Rathke <email>
Gresham, OR   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Pension Schneider reservations
We have faxed Ricks form to inquire about a reservation at Pension Schneider in Frankfurt for 3 days before our tour starts. We've faxed several times to (011-49-69-259-228)(the # in Ricks Guide) but get no reply. Does anybody have updated info on Pension Schneider? — new fax # or email address?

  USA   Sun 08/08/2004

One more point about kids and trains — your children do not have to "sit still and behave" for several hours. One of the great things about trains is that you can get up and walk around, visit the cafe or dining car, talk, sing, play games, use the cute little bathrooms, whatever. We found that unless a train is completely full, we (family of four) often had a compartment to ourselves — other passengers looked for an emptier one! By the way — if you make any train reservations in Europe, be sure to specify if you want a compartment — otherwise you'll probably get seats in cars with bus-style open seating. The price is the same. Some trains even have compartments reserved for families with young children. Just ask. We LOVED the train! No driving in a foriegn place with different "rules of the road", the opportunity to rest, read, or chat, etc.
R.K.
Berkeley, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Train, Plane or Auto
It sounds like five days to get from Paris to Frankfurt via Venice and Rome may be too ambitious. Remember that train or auto will take HOURS of transit time. Have you looked into flying?

Within Germany, trains can be a great value for families. Kids through age 15 are FREE (if travelling with an adult), and the second adult's ticket is only 50% — quite a bargain. Also look into the Lander tickets if you plan to travel around within one Bundesland ("state"). It's only 21 — 22 Euro for up to five people (or parents with any number of their own children) to travel on any local trains within the Bundesland all day after 9:00. That can be cheaper than one adult ticket, depending where you're going. So if you decide to do trains (for all or part), don't assume that passes are your best value. And don't assume that you will need four full-price tickets for your family.

B, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

large zip-locs
Target often has larger zipper bags, shelved with the other storage and sandwich bags. "Hefty" brand, I believe. I find that the kind with the slider thing ("E-Z- zip" or something like that)helps a lot when you will be zipping and unzipping repeatedly. I also found that squeezing the air out helped keep my shirts nicely folded, reducing wrinkles. Even if you don't sqeeze the air out, or even zip the bags all the way, the bags really help keep things organized. I found it really helpful to see what's inside — which clean shirts I had left, for example. For our three-week trip, storage weight was fine — didn't need freezer or heavier. Also, I wouldn't get bigger than 1 1/2 gal. The huge ones are really too big to help you organize, since you won't have that many of each item, anyway! Way cheaper than cubes, and easier to rearrange as you make room for your souveniers!
R.K
  USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Pack-Mates — Worth it?
Do Pack-Mates one-way valve really keep the air out of the bag? I need to pack some bulky sweaters and I am considering purchasing the Pack-Mates from this website.
Holly <email>
Stevenson Ranch, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Christmas in Vienna
We are planning on taking a tour of Eastern Europe during Christmas time. We can chose between two tours; one ending in Vienna on Dec. 24 & 25 with the other ending the Dec. 26 & 27. Since the tour only has 1 1/2 days in Vienna we will probably want to add at least one day at the end of the tour. I'd appreciate any input from anyone who has been in Vienna during Christmas to help me decide which time is best for sightseeing, etc.
Holly <email>
Stevenson Ranch, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

RE: Trains, Planes & Automobiles
If your children are well behaved, and can sit still for a couple hours at a time, the train would be great. How often do kids get to ride trains in the US? Plus the scenery off of them is so beautiful, if they are old enough to appreciate that sort of thing. My family lived in Italy when I was 11-13 and my sister 4-6, and we took trains everywhere.

If you decide to rent a car and go through one of the big American companies, book your car in the US. It's much cheaper. Good luck!
Laura
Omaha, NE   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Converters-voltage
for the techno junkie just a tip make sure that you pack a 3 prong GFCI to a 2 prong (American) plug for a laptop or PDA as, the European adapaters-converters wont accept ANY american GFCI 3 prong plug. Found out the hard way!
Marcie <email>
pittsburg via palermo, pa   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Courtney — re: large ziploc bags. I found 2 gallon size ziploc bags at the "Giant" grocery store just today. They are freezer bags.

  USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Planes, trains or Automobiles?
My husband and I are traveling to Europe next week with our 2 kids (age 6 and 8) for 2 weeks. Our itinerary is as follows (London-Paris-Rome-Venice-Frankfurt). What is the easiest and least expensive way for our family to travel from Paris to Italy and then to Germany?

We have already alloted 4 days in London and 3 days in Paris. We have 5 days from the time we leave Paris to the time we need to get to Frankfurt.

We hear from some of our friends that live in Europe that the trains are not a good option when you have kids. Is it cheaper to rent a car and drive, or is flying a good option? In reading Ricks "Best of Europe" book, he says that it may be cheaper to rent a car for a family of 4. We priced out the train costs and it was close to $1,000 for the 4 of us to get a 3 country ticket!

Also, we are considering not going to Italy at all and just driving from Paris to Frankfurt and stopping at places on the way if the cost is very expensive to travel from France to Italy and then to Germany. We don't want to overdo it since we will be traveling with the kids.
S.G.G.
MD   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Carry-On Size Limits
We're leaving 9/6 for 15 days in Florence/Cinque Terre/Paris and we're trying REALLY HARD to get it all via carry-on...does anyone have the definitive carry-on requirements for Delta & Air France? Also, are disposable razors okay or ix-nay?
Kelly <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

European car rentals
We are traveling in Italy and France in October. We are trying to make our reservations for car rentals for portions of the trip and have been impressed with the prices on Argus Car Rentals. However, we are concerned about the company because we have had no experience with them. Can anyone share their experience with this company? And if negative, what companies were better? Thanks for your assistance.
Sean O'Brien <email>
El Dorado Hills, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

GUIDONIA, ITALY
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR RECOMENDATIONS FOR PLACE TO STAY IN GUIDONIA, ITALY.
TOM
PALO ALTO, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Packing for Paris
I know it's a few months away, but I'm heading to Paris for 10 days in March...what should I take, what should I leave home? I know our hotel has hair dryers (that way I won't have a 'fro going on), so I won't need anything like that. And what are some really good places to eat?
Oz <email>
  USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Cinque Terre trains
http://www.trenitalia.com/home/en/index.html
Jeff <email>
  USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Voltage converter, Nancy
Nancy, first make sure that your charger isn't a dual voltage charger. If it says "~120-240V, 50/60 Hz", then it is dual voltage and all you will need is a plug adapter. If it is not, you will need a voltage converter. MAKE SURE that whatever voltage converter you get is rated for at least the output amperage (probably 15A @ 120V) of the charger. Also, I encountered a 5A circuit in an old hotel in London. My hair dryer blew the breaker. 5A there is like 10A here. That might not be enough for your charger.
Larry <email>
Littleton, CO   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

cinque terre trains
Is there any web site for the times of the Cinque Terre trains? Or do you have any information on them?
Theresa <email>
McDonough, Ga   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

CONVERTERS
Robin~~~~~if you buy a converter, price it at Target first.~~~~~ The past few years that store has had the cheapest model every time I price it.~~~~ The adapters come in the kit with the converter.
N CHANDULOE
NEWARK, NJ   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Ireland
Fran: It's hard to know exactly what kind of weather you might have in early September. We were there the last two weeks of September 2001 and had probably the two best weeks of weather in the history of Ireland! We were constantly prepared for rain, but actually had only one semi-rainy day, our last day there. Otherwise we had some very nice weather. We actually got some sunburn, as we didn't think to pack sunscreen. We wore shortsleeve shirts and carried or wore light sweaters or jackets when needed. It should be a great time to see a wonderful country.
Ron <email>
DeWitt, MI   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Packing for a 14 day tour to Italy
We are taking a 14 day Perillo tour to Italy in Mid-September. I do not want to overpack, but I do not want to underpack either!!! Any advise as to how to be ready for everthing, without being totally bogged down?
Rose B. <email>
Carle Place, NY   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Travel in mid-November
I plan to travel from Milan to Interlaken in mid-November and would like to know what kind of weather I can expect. Is it worth it? Also, Lake Como and the Dolimites in mid-November?
Jim <email>
Charlotte, N.C.   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

travel in Italy
Kathy Couch~~~We were in Italy in May and managed our money just fine. We did not go to Venice & Milan as you plan to do but hotels were expensive in rome & florence. We found decent ones and ate meals at reasonable restaurants and got by just fine. I buy items that can't be found here — stationary in Fl, soaps, wonderful olive oil & pesto,etc. We got home and discovered we were actually under budget, Therefore we are planning our next trip! It will be a trip to England and Scotland next spring. We were in london after Italy and found it to be really costly — but worth it! Good Luck!
Susan <email>
Atl,    USA   Sun 08/08/2004

Converters
Nancy ~ the UK has 240 volts electricity, you will need an converter along with an adapter. You will plug the converter into the wall, then the adapter into the converter then the plug for your chair into the adapter. Hope this helps.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

transportation train or car
Candy: the only way to know which is cheaper is to price auto rentals and compare with total cost of rail tickets for each leg of your trip. Go to railpass.com/ticket for prices ....I rented a diesel and drove through Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark. It is far more convenient to have your own transportation than to be pinned down on travel times using the trains. However, AUTO rental in Scandinavia is more expensive than in continental Europe. Get some rental rates from major companies first.
McGill
Toronto, CA   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

converter for electric wheelchair charger
how can I fin0d the right converter for my electric whelchair charger. I am leaving from LA to England in three days and still cant find an answer help!
nancy <email>
Los Angels, ca   USA   Sun 08/08/2004

accomodations in Cologne, Germany
Does anyone have any recommendations on B&B or places to stay in Cologne?
Kathy <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

B&B Recommendation Ireland
Would like a recommendation for Ireland B&B in the Killarney and Glengariff area.
William <email>
Franklin Lakes, NJ   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Ireland Accommodations
I'm looking for a source for private rooms (1 person) for rent for my trip throughout Ireland starting early Oct. Am on a semi-limited budget.
Erik Olson <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Re food stores in Cannaregio
Susan, I can give you the addresses and opening hours of the 'supermarkets' in Cannaregio, but could you specify if it is a food store you're looking for, and if so, a special type of food?
Lauchlin Murray <email>
Padua,    Italy   Sat 08/07/2004

Marseille: airport to train station
Marseille airport to downtown train station. I arrive at 5:50pm next Sunday evening, routed thru frankfurt, and last train to Beziers leaves at 7:10pm. Can I catch the 7:10 train in time? All info greatly appreciated.
MC <email>
Roseburg, OR   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Grocery store in Venice
There is a department store/supermarket in Venice called La Standa that is one the main street as you leave the train station. You just walk straight for a while and it is on your left. It has a grocery section inside but you can only see clothes from the window.

  USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Best way cross-channel?
To those who have done cross-channel by air and Eurostar, which one did you prefer?

I will be in London during the American Thanksgiving, and then on to Paris. I've narrowed my cross-channel trip between bmi-British Midlands (LHR/CDG for 25 pounds), or Eurostar service (about 149 pounds- but they have yet to publish fares for my exact travel dates). Even with ground transportation fees to and from both airports, bmi is *way* ahead. Rick Steves seems partial to Eurostar service, though. My return flight to ATL will be from CDG- so my ticketing options must be one-way.

Is Eurostar service that much less hassle and headache to make it worth the extra $$$ ? Thanks in advance!
Barry <email>
Roswell, GA   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Rome Apartments
Can anyone recommend an apartment serive in Rome. My family and I are going to Rome in October and would love to find a nice place. JOhn
John <email>
LA, CA   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Transportation, train or car rental for most economical
We are reading you Scandinavia 2004 and going to Sweden, Norway, Copenahugen and back up to Stockholm. Is it more economical to rent a car or go by the train that you suggest in your book? Thank you
Candy Peterson <email>
White Bear Lake, Mn   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

2005 GUIDEBOOKS
Pedro…go into your nearest Borders or Barnes and Noble and ask the clerk to look up on the computer the publishing date for any books you want. They will have all the info you need. You will want to write down the titles in advance. I do it often.
ELMER SMITHE
RENO, NV   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

VENICE SUPERMARKET
Susan Bartell~~~~~~I find it best to ask for a supermarket after I arrive at my destination.~~~~~ You can ask any number of people you meet on the street, at your hotel or elsewhere and they can tell you how to find it.~~~~ You will want one close to where you are! ~~~~~ So ask when you get to Venice~~~~ I have never failed to find one in the 20 cities I have visited.
RUDY
NEW ORLEANS, LA   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Impact of the weak dollar in Italy?
I'm a budget traveler who will be in Italy in October and am wondering how badly the weak dollar will impact my travel budget. My last trip to Europe was in 2000, but I know that won't be a good gauge for today's prices. I'm going to Milan, Venice and points in between.
Kathy Couch <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Guidebook Publication Dates
ETBD is so helpful in so many ways!...I emailed and was given the following tentative dates (it all depends on the publisher).Sept1:Florence-Tuscany and Venice; Oct1:Italy and Rome; Nov1:Paris; Nov5: Provence-Riviera; Nov17:France; Jan1:Amsterdam/Bruges/Brussels. Those are the only ones I asked about. Hope this helps.
Darcy <email>
Lewiston, ID   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

Accommodations in Venice!
Does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay in Venice on a Friday night mid September that is not a hostel or a B&B that has ambiance and won't break the bank? TY
Diane <email>
MO   USA   Sat 08/07/2004

IRELAND IN SEPTEMBER
FOR FRAN: Suggest you e-mail the official Ireland Tourist Office... mailto:info@failteireland.ie

  USA   Sat 08/07/2004

BARCELONA
This is the official Barcelona Tourist Office website... http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/turisme/welcome.htm
Graham <email>
Port Talbot,    Wales   Sat 08/07/2004

Venice Supermarket
Venice supermarkets. Can anyone tell me where,in or near Cannaregio, I could find a supermarket?
Susan Bartell <email>
Tawonga, VIC   Aust   Fri 08/06/2004

weather/sights
Amsterdam/Bruges/Belgium/Haarlem mid September? would like info for B&B's, weather, sights. 2 week stay open to suggestions. France, Germany, etc.. or should we just focus on Amsterdam/Belgium, etc..
Vicki Pierce <email>
Sweeny, TX   USA   Fri 08/06/2004

vacation in Spain
what are some interesting sights in Barcelona? how many nights should I stay there? Is it worth going there? Is it clean, safe? thanks

  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Ireland — Without Driving?
I will be flying into Dublin mid-September and have 5 nights in Ireland before flying to London. As I am traveling by myself and don't wish to rent a car without a navigator (been there, done that!) I would like some recommendations on staying in Dublin the whole time and taking day trips by bus, or a couple of days in Dublin and a bus to ??? Dublin seems very expensive on the weekends, so my thought was to stay there Wednesday/Thursday and then Friday/Saturday elsewhere and back to Dublin Sunday night before flying out Monday. Any help greatly appreciated!
Joelle <email>
Corte Madera, ca   USA   Fri 08/06/2004

2005 guidebooks
does anyone know when the 2005 country and region books are due to come out?, thanx in advance
pedro <email>
ca   USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Palermo to Rome flights
Anyone have any experience flying between Palermo and Rome? I've heard there are several small airlines. Thanks.
Joan <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Bags, to zip or not to zip
I don't understand the obsession with "vacuum packing" you clothes. Getting rid of the air doesn't make the bag any lighter. If your can't get the bag zipped, you have too much stuff!

The biggest thing for me is weight. My Rick Steves bag has fit into every carry-on frame I have ever tried it in, here and in Europe.

I use smaller bags in my carry-on bag for organization, but they don't have to exclude air. Some years ago, I did a week-long bicycle ride across Colorado, one where they allowed you one duffle bag and transported it by truck from town to town. As I prepared to go, I envisioned myself digging through all my loose stuff in the duffle bag, so I went to a surplus store and bought a variety of stuff bags. They are different colors, so I can see without opening them if they are clean clothes, dirty clothes, etc. I have used them on two bike trips and five trips (so far) to Europe.

Now when I stay for one night, I unpack a few stuff bags and only open the ones I want. The next morning I just pack the small bags in my big bag and I am ready to go. I do, however, use a few zip lock bags for things like my washcloth, bathing suits, or washed clothes that didn't dry over night.
Larry
CO   USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Plus sizes in Italy
I have never seen plus sizes in Italy. Maybe you could ask at your hotel for suggestions. There must be places for larger sizes. However, the larger women I have seen have worn very plain, mostly black things.

  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Venice in summer
My nieces just returned from a trip to Europe and spent three days this week in Venice. Good news!! It didn't smell bad at all. However was very hot and crowded! Still worth it they said!

  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Large zip lock bags
You might try Lowes or Home Depot for the larger zip lock bags. I noticed that my local deli at the grocery store used them for their large (turkey and ham) items so I pursuaded the woman to give me several of them. I offered to pay, but she just let me have them.

  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Zip lock packing bags
Wal-mart also carries those zip lock bags for packing. They are back near the luggage. I think they are made by American Tourister. However, they are not as thick and sturdy as the ones from Magellens. But much cheaper.

  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Zip Lock Bags
Magellans has a variety pack of zip lock bags that are sturdier than the freezer bags. Their site is www.magellans.com
Sally Forth
New Orleans, La   USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Large zip lock bags
They are a little harder to find, but a large grocery store should have the 2 gallon zip lick bags.

  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Large size ziplocks?
I've been looking for large ziplock bags to do a packing dry run before our trip next month, but I haven't found any size larger than 1 gallon. Where do you find the 2-2.5 gallon sizes I keep seeing mentioned? Thanks so much
Courtney <email>
  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

Ireland
Help please. We'll be in Ireland the first 2 weeks of September. I need tips on the weather and what clothing to bring.
Fran
  USA   Fri 08/06/2004

RE: Italian Plus Size
Charlotte: While not Italian, H&M sells knock offs of high fashion in their plus size department, BiB. Their prices are reasonable and the clothes are nice and "European looking". Look for a size 48.

  USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Plus sizes in Italy
Charlotte, I have been to Italy several times and have done quite a bit of shopping with my daughter. I have never seen large women's clothes in Italy. I've seen lots of large women but don't know where they get their clothes. Maybe they order them? Even the regular sizes don't fit like ours do. They are smaller in the bust and across the back. I wouldn't plan on buying large clothes in Italy.

  USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Italy in a week!
Please listen to Mr. Luther when he advises you not to try to "do" Italy in a week. You would be totally exhausted and wouldn't enjoy yourself. Even tho you are having a good time, travel is very tiring and hard work. I think you could only do two cities in a week.

  USA   Thu 08/05/2004

RE: Italian Gyms, Milage/driving directions and Plus Size Clothing
Italian Gyms (Milano)- Greg,Chicago Harbour Club Milano. I didn't see a temporary or day-to-day membership on their site but maybe you can talk to them about it. I'm convinced if done right almost everything in Milano is negotiable. I'm sure there are more places, I just don't remember them.

Harbour Club Milano
http://www.harbourclub.it/english/facilities/index.php?pageNum_body=2&totalRows_body=12

Re: Italy plans (Milano)- Steve Pollaro, Henderson, NV
Mapquest has a European section. Helps it you have some sort of address to plug in.
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/europe.adp

Re: Plus Size Clothes (Milano)- Charlotte, Edmonton, AB CAN
Selections are few. The department store La Rinascente (next to Duomo on your left) has a small section. Last I remembered it was mostly black and mature styles. The other department store is Coin but I don't recall they had any, doesn't hurt to ask tho. Elena Miro a plus size shop might have more to choose from. I think there are a few locations (Corso Buenos Aires area maybe?).
Lulu
  USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Rome B&B
Has anyone stayed at or heard of the B&B in Rome called "69 Manin St B&B"? We will be in Rome for seven nights; 22, Oct thru the 29th, many of the suggested places to stay on this website are already booked. Thanks.
Terri <email>
Waldport, OR   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Plus size clothes in Italy
I never saw plus size clothes in Italy, lots of 5, 6 & 7 however. They must have them, but I guess not around where the tourist are. I have not seen plus sizes anyplace I have been in Europe.

  USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Travel Boards
I recently discovered an amazing travel board, virtualtourist.com. You can post questions like here or you can search by location for photos, info, tips, etc. virtually anywhere in the world. It is well worth a look and the info is all from fellow travelers. It has tons of information on it.
Rex <email>
Decatu, GA   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Getting to Verdon
I would like to get to Verdon (canyons & gorges in southern France) from Nice. I want to avoid renting a car. I read about a private railroad called Chemins de Fer de Provence, that appears to do the trip by scenic rail. Does anyone have experience with this or other routes? (I'll be traveling in Sept/Oct 2004.)
Marc <email>
Watertown, MA   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Plus Size Clothes
I am going to Italy in November for 3 weeks and I am wanting to take minimal amount of clothes so that I can buy some Italian fashion their....my only concern is the availability of "plus size" clothing as I am a size 18. Does anyone know if they have a decent selection of larger sizes for women in Italy.
Charlotte
Edmonton, AB   CAN   Thu 08/05/2004

Europe Travel Boards
The Thorn Tree, a bulletin board at www.lonelyplanet.com, has meetings on many different countries and continents. For Europe I read the boards titled Europe on a Shoestring, Western Europe, and UK and Ireland. There are other European boards as well. The majority of the posters seem to be younger adults, but there are quite a few older regulars (like me). I also participate in the European board at www.fodors.com. The majority of the posters are not low budget travelers, but a lot of good information is shared there.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Florence/Siena
Steve~~ Personally I would stay in Siena and perhaps day-trip to Florence. Florence is nice, and has great art and shopping, but is also a busy city. Siena is a wonder to explore, especially in the evening/night. It would get my vote every day of the week.
Carlo
Boston,    MA   Thu 08/05/2004

Seeing too much
Don't try to 'see and do' too much folks. Heed the experienced travelers on this site and cut your cities and your luggage by half. Ten days to see Venice, Bellagio, Chinque Terra, Pisa, Rome, Sorrento, Pompeii and Capri is ridiculous. If you count the travel time between these you have about half a day in each.
Charles M. Luther
  USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Paris Apartment Rentals
Has anyone had any good experiences with apartment rentals in Paris? I have seen some very expensive, and some reasonable...hoping to spend at the most 125/night for a week. Also, any thoughts on the 4th arrondissement I don't care so much about the size....just want something relatively quiet. thanks!
Dana
seattle, wa   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

ITALY PLANS
Steve Pollaro: go to this page:www.viamichelin.com. You can find mileage between any two cities.
ESPROMISO
NEW YORK CITY, NY   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Packing
SKILLMAN~~~~we have been to those countries 5 times in Sept and Oct. We found the weather mostly warm....especially in the lower altitudes. Take a sweater for the higher altitudes in Switzerland. Go to this page for Zurich weather: http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/monthly/SZXX0033>>>>you can find weather for the year for other towns too.
Middleton
Tulsa, Ok   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Italy plans
WE are arriving in Milan Linate on sept 13 and renting a car until the 22. Can you tell me how far the drive is from linate to varenna and then from varenna to venice. We will also be driving from venice to siena and dont know the best route or how far it is. We have 3 days to stay in either florence or siena. Which should we saty in. Thanks, Steve
Steve Pollaro <email>
Henderson, NV   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Spring airfares
My husband and I always travel in late May/ early June and I find the best time to buy tickets is the end of February, early March. I start checking airline sites as well as Travelocity, Orbitz etc. every day. I also sign up to get e-mail notices of sales at each airline site. Sometimes the sales only last one day so you have to be ready to jump when you see a good price.
pat
pa   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Hiking the Schilthorn in May
I am planning on going to Switzerland next year. One thing that is a must for me is hiking to the top of the Schilthorn. I have heard that the views are spectacular. However, one of my friends told me that he has heard that the hiking trails are still snowed in during May. Can anyone confirm this?
Jules
Quebec,    Canada   Thu 08/05/2004

Weather and Climate
Several people have asked about weather conditions and how to pack properly. I have found a site that gives great information on historical weather data. It is www.weatheronline.co.uk. I only looked up information for London, but the information went back several years.
Cheryl
Portland,    USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Camcorders, cameras and Rx Meds
Any advice on traveling with a small digital camcorder as well as a small digital camera? We are going to London and Amsterdam in November for 8 days and I just bought a very small camcorder. Also any advice on traveling with Rx medication? I am already working on the "packing light" part!
Susan <email>
Providence, RI   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Other Travel Message Boards?
Does anyone know of any European travel message boards similar to this one? It is a great source of information. Thx as always
Carly
NYC,    USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Booking Spring Airfares
Anyone else agree with the 6-8 week recommendation?
Jessie
Toronto,    USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Hotels in Italy
I just got back from Italy and can recommend the following B&Bs: Residenza San Pantaleo in Rome (a block from the Piazza Navona), B&B Novecento in Florence (Mid-way between Duomo and Academia, rooftop terrace with WOW view of the Duomo) and the Rialto Hotel in Venice (on the grand canal overlooking the Rialto Bridge). All would be suitable for all kinds of travellers — singles, couples, families.
Kelly <email>
  Ireland   Thu 08/05/2004

Booking Airfare, Spring
Nothing official to back it up, but I find booking about 6-8 weeks before gives the "best", maybe not cheapest, flights. Much before that, availability is great...but hardly anyone discounts, after that, availability suffers. As you look, be very aware of dates indicating price changes. For April departures there will be a bump up in prices somewhere in the middle of the month, and then again in mid to late May, another bump. Timing of your departure could mean a $100 dollars or so. Travelocity is a good place to get a sense of prices and when a good time to go will be. For booking, I still get great deals through the local travel agent, or on-line I have went with airgorilla.com twice, both times very good deals.
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

When to book flights for next spring ??
I was wondering when the best time to book a flight to London for next April/May would be. Should I book far in advance, or wait until I see some discounted fares come along? Also, when (if at all) will fare sales for next spring/early summer begin to be released?
Jessie
Toronto, On   Canada   Thu 08/05/2004

Amsterdam Hotel
Having a lot of difficulties finding a cheaper hotel in Amsterdam.But found one with a good rate and even has air-condition.To my surprise,it has a lot of unbooked rooms.No info or review from other travellers on the websites.Has anybody heard of the Hotel Jimmy in Amsterdam?
Sunny T. <email>
L.A., CA   USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Re: London Weather
John: London weather is very similar to that of Seattle/Vancouver. Never quite sure if it will rainy, and can be cloudy often. It can also be really nice. I was there this past May (first week) and it was pouring down rain, but the week before it was sunny and warm. Just pack what you would usually wear at home.

Seattle,    USA   Thu 08/05/2004

Italy in a week
Kris, Italy is doable in a week. My husband and I are going for 10 days and will see Venice, Bellagio, Chinque Terra, Pisa, Rome, Sorrento, Pompeii and Capri. It's all in the planning. We will probably not go to a lot of museums or art galleries, but will experience the cities, towns, people and food. My dad has a silly saying that we all abide by: "Prior Proper Planning Positively Prevents Poor Performance". He probably meant it for a work environment, but I use it for my travels! Read Rick Steve's Italy 2004 and plan it all out ahead.
Julie <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Hair dryer
Sue, When looking for a hair dryer, be sure to get one with dual voltage. They are very common and will just need a wall adapter plug to work in Europe.

  USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Hotel in Barcelona
We will be spending the night in Barcelona prior to a cruise. Please help with a hotel selection. Thanks
Brenda <email>
Victoria, BC   Ca   Wed 08/04/2004

Packing
We are heading for Germany in September 2004, taking Rick Steves book under our arms. Anybody have some good tips on weather temperatures in Germany, Austria and Switzerland through the month of September.
B. Skillman <email>
Surprise, AZ   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Hair dryers
Sue ~ alot of the hotels and B&B's have hair dryers in the rooms. But I would take a small travel one for backup in case your room doesn't have one.
Robin <email>
Troy, Oh   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Hair dryers
Sue, I think it really depends on how your feel about your hair. I always take a dryer because if I don't dry my hair, I keep thinking all day, "I can't stand my hair!" That detracts from the travel experience. I have a very, very tiny dryer, and it takes up about as much room a a rolled u t-shirt, so it's worth it to me. THat's one woman's opinion!
Ruth
Bellevue, WA   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

blow driers in Europe
We're taking Rick's Best of Europe tour soon — is it worthwhile to take a travel blow drier and adapter? My hair is short, but doesn't look good just air dried.
Sue
Dayton, Oh   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Traveler checks/ATM's
James Lee~ I wouldn't recommend you taking traveler checks, some places will not take them. It would be a lot safer and less expensive using the ATM's.I never charged from the banks in Europe and not from my local bank.
Robin <email>
Oh   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Money Tips
In addition to reading the Graffiti Wall for money changing ideas, check out the link to the Tips page on the ETBD home page. You'll find an excellent article by Rick taken from his _Europe Through the Back Door_ guidebook. He, too, recommends using ATMs and avoiding travelers checks.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

TRAVELERS CHECKS
JAMES LEE...that depends on how much you spend for food and housing. That would be more than enough for me and most people. But remember you have to buy travelers checks and usually pay 3% to cash them.. Avoid the risk of carrying that much money on you…Why pay when you can use your ATM card more easily and quicker at only $1 or $2 fee for each withdrawal. Read Graffiti Wall section on “Money /communications” and click on section on “ATMs”.
CHANDLERISE
TULSA, OK   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Chelsea — safe hostels
Here are a few things to consider as you choose your hostels:

1.) HI-affiliated hostels are a bit more structured — and perhaps safer — than the private hostels, as a rule. There are curfews, so people are not coming and going at all hours of the night. HI hostels are usually overseen by a national or regional board or government body that impose certain standards for the buildings, the training of personnel, and the way they are operated. They tend to be cleaner and more dependable. Many HI hostels try to attract a family clientele in addition to the independent backpacker, whereas private hostels tend to lure the party-hard types.

2.) Many hostels offer private rooms, often with bath, to groups of 3 or 4, which is naturally a much safer situation than a dorm-style room with 9 or 10 unknown occupants. Plan your trip at hostels with private (or at least small) rooms whenever possible.

3.) Whatever your hostel, keep a close eye on your things while in the common areas.

4.) Ask in advance about lockers if you need to book a hostel where you'll be sharing a room with strangers.

5.) The suggestion below for bugeurope is a good one. I've written a few of the reviews myself :).

6.) Some countries such as Holland sometimes provide mixed-sex dorms, and even mixed-sex bathrooms. This can be especially odd if the shower is of the old "gym" type (huge stall with 3-4 showerheads.) I've showered with females at the Luxembourg hostel in the past — European femalse, I believe — but I can understand why most north American women would feel unsafe in such a setting, so ask in advance what the room and bath set-up is.

7.) I hope I haven't frightened you. Most hostels are comfy and safe places to meet others. I've never heard of anyone being assaulted in a hostel, but do watch out for petty theft, expecially in larger hostels in larger cities.
Russ <email>
Galt, CA   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Teens in Europe
While backpacking through Europe in my college years, I found the "Let's Go" travel guides very helpful. They certainly have a more youth oriented outlook and are heavy on the hostel recommendations. Lonelyplanet.com is another good reference with a good blend travel info.

I would also suggest trying the travel section at your local library. This will allow to browse through all the guide books to find the one which you find most appealing.

  USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Kris — week in italy
I think that one of the biggest mistakes that americans make when travelling to europe (or anywhere for that matter) is the push to see to much in far too short a time. Travelling by train in europe can be delightful but you can't get away from the fact that travelling around is usually tiring, stressful, and expensive. Each time you change locations you must pack and unpack your bags, check-out and check-in to hotels, find the new hotel, get to and from the train stations with your bags, acclimate yourself to the new area, etc. With the exception of cinque terre, you are visiting all cities. Venice is a bit less stressful but Rome and Florence are very busy, loud, air polluted, etc. (I'm by no means saying they should not be visited!! they are wonderful). It's just that when you have that fast paced a trip in mostly large cities, (not to mention coming off a transatlantic flight) it can be punishing. You may have a much more relaxing and enjoyable time doing something like a florence (2 day)/tuscany(5 day) trip. After visiting Florence then moving on to Tuscan countryside, I enjoyed Siena less than i should have because i was just tired of being in a city. You only have a little time without the kids so relax a bit! just my opinion.
scott
london,    UK   Wed 08/04/2004

European Hostels
Chelsea ~~~~ It's always nice to see someone interested in travelling. You have no idea how much it will bring to your life. I remember asking people the same questions. You will always hear horror stories about youth hostels, because there are some pretty scuzzy one's out there. But just do your homework before you go. A great resource is bugeurope.com , you can get lots af advice and ideas about hostels where you are staying. Hostels are also good because you will be with a group of travellers and that will increase your safety. Just use common sense, and you'll be fine. Just remember, pack light !!
Ben
Montreal,    Canada   Wed 08/04/2004

Teens Traveling Alone
In the summer of '06 two of my friends and I are planning a backpacking trip through Europe as a high school graduation present. Could anyone reccomend good quality youth hostels around Europe, that are safe but also fun. Safety is very important as we are three teenage grils traveling alone. Any other tips you could pass along would also be much appreciated.
Chelsea <email>
Austin, Tx   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

FILM AND XRAYS
Daniel~~~~I have traveled to 40 countries and I always take my film out of the box and put it in a zip lock bag so when I get to the inspection at ANY airport I ask for hand inspection..... I have never been refused. .... Some will argue, but I insist and they agree.~~~~ NEVER leave film in box or pack film in luggage you expect to carry on or check through. ~~~~~ ALWAYS plan to have it hand inspected....even in foreign airports.
McGill
ORLANDO, FL   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Cubes vs Ziplocks?
I really appreciate the emails on my packing dilemnas — I think planning and packing is a big part of the fun of travel. Prior to visiting this board I neve3r heard of packing cubes or of using zip lock/space bag type bags to remove the air from clothing and save room, but I think it is a wonderful idea to save space and pack lighter.

I am wondering which method to choose. If there isn't a lot of difference, I will prob just get large ziplocks and squeeze out the air as several have suggested doing; but can anyone share additional benefits for the cubes or other organizing containers?
Courtney <email>
  USA   Wed 08/04/2004

travellers checks
I am traveling to amsterdam in early september,can anyone tell me how much banks charge to cash travellers checks?And do you think a thousand euro is enough for four nights in amsterdam? Thank you for any help..
james lee <email>
cleveland, ohio   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Deutsche Bahn online tickets
It used to be that I eschewed express trains in Germany because of the cost difference versus the regional trains, particularly the possibility of using special deals like Länder tickets. However, in recent years the Fernverkehr has fought back with some deals of its own, like Sparpreis 50, which allows you to save 50% on the cost of a round trip ticket if you stay over a weekend. These Sparpreis tickets, however, require a 3-day advance purchase, which has not been very practical for those of us arriving in Germany and wanting to travel that day.

Now, the Bahn offers the possibility of making ticket purchases online using a credit card. There is a very good English description of the process on bahn.de under “Int. Guests”. If you purchase eight days in advance, they will deliver the ticket to you anywhere in the world. Or, you can print the ticket on your home computer. You need the same credit card for identification when you use the ticket.

I think this offers great possibilities, but I have no experience with it, and therefore no confidence in it. My question is, has anyone used this online Bahn ticket purchase method, and what was your experience with it?
Larry
Littleton, CO   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Switzerland in May
Has anyone been hiking in the Jungfrau region of Switz. in May? I would like to know what the conditions are like, and what type of clothing I would need to pack. Thanks as always
Andy
Tacoma,    USA   Wed 08/04/2004

London's Weather
I would assume that the weather would be better in May, but has anyone been there those times of the year that can shed some light on this?
John
Seattle, wa   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Kris-Italy in a week
Most people will tell you that those four stops in a week are too much. I disagree, I have done close to that route in about the same time. Yes I would have liked to linger longer, but I always travel with the philosophy that I will return some day and see more. Each stop deserves two nights, giving you an uninterupted day, plus an afternoon or morning. I would do Rome, Cinque Terra, maybe a quick stop at Pisa as you pass through, instead of Florence, stay in Siena, Take the bus to Florence for the day, then on to Venice. See about flying out of Venice. It is alot to see in a week, but do-able. If I had to cut back, it would be Florence/Siena, unless you are a major art lover. Cinque Terra, though I love it, would be the other option to cut back, giving you a nice Rome-Siena-Venice route. If you have not already, buy the 2004 Rick Steves Italy Book. It can walk you through a reasonable itinerary. The trade off will be getting a taste of seeing a variety of towns, or seeing more museums. Your interests will tip the scale
Paul <email>
IA   USA   Wed 08/04/2004

Bed + Breakfast — S Brittany/N Vendee
Looking for nice B+B in France on 21st August. Can't get into our house just north of la Rochelle till the Sunday and as the day before is my husband's birthday I thought it would be nice to spend it in France rather than at home packing. HAving our own place dodn't know much about B+B for 2 adults + 2 children — all suggestions for anywhere between Rennes and La Rochelle welcome.
Ann Shaw <email>
Bath, England,    UK   Wed 08/04/2004

Hotels in Rome
I am staying in Rome in January and wondered if anyone has any info on the hotels Italia & Grifo, reviews seem ok but I would appreciate some 1st hand knowledge
Gary <email>
Sunderland,    uk   Wed 08/04/2004

RE: Scotland Lodging
I have been looking at a future trip to Ireland and ran across this site... it has castles in the Scottish highlands and some sound great! www.celticcastles.com
Kym <email>
MO, MO   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

National Car Rental
Has anyone rented a car from National car rental in Amsterdam before? Good/bad experience?
LIzzy T. <email>
Vancouver, BC   Canada   Tue 08/03/2004

Anniversary in Italy
Kris, If there is anyway possible, try to squeeze in another day or two. It will make a big difference. I think you should only try to do Florence, Rome, and Venice. You don't have time for any more. You can take a night train to or from Venice/Rome to save time.

  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Go to Venice
Venice, I am amazed that anyone would suggest missing Venice because of the smell. I have been to Venice in February, March, June, October, and November and have never noticed an unpleasant odor. I do, however, almost get physically ill from smelling cigarette smoke but I just endure it in order to visit the incredible cities of Europe, especially Venice!!

  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Train and B&B Edinburgh
I am going to be in Birmingham England for business Sept 19-21. Then I would like to take a train to Edinburgh. I need information on the train. I heard it is an overnight trip? I want a nice comfortable train experience. I purchased Rick Steves Great Britain 2004 and have emailed several of the B&B listed for Edinburgh. My husband and I will be traveling and want a nice B&B. That is well located. Thanks
Alice <email>
Austin, TX   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Re: Film and X-rays
Daniel, DO NOT put any film (exposed or not) in your checked luggage...it will be destroyed. An airline security personnel told us that checked luggage goes through 5 or 6 different x-rays, much stronger than the ones for carry-on luggage. While it may seem to be an imposition to the guards, request hand-inspection. They may scoff if it's under 800 speed or so, but who cares? It's your film, your memories. I haven't had many problems. When it did go through the carry-on x-rays, I haven't had a lot of probs...one roll was completely fogged, but one out of 100s ain't bad!
Brandie <email>
KS   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Venetian odors
I was first in Venice in 1969. It smelled like sewer. I have been there several times in the past few years and haven't smelled any of that. Even when the place stank, it was delightful.
Swan
  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Venice Lodging
Near the Accademia Bridge Rick mentions Hotel Agli Alboretti. They have offered my family accommodation in their nearby Bed & Breakfast. Does anyone have any experience with this hotel B&B?
Sheila <email>
  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Paris to London in One Day -for Jodi
In my opinion taking a bus trip to London and returning in one day is a very bad plan. Taking the train the whole way is quicker but also a bad idea.

It is almost like going to boston for the day if you are in new york for a week...it's possible but you will waste far too much time and expense travelling and you will see next to nothing. When in europe, travel like the europeans...slow down and relax.
scott
london,    UK   Tue 08/03/2004

Taxi Cost Florence Italy
Cost of a taxi from the Florence, Italy Airport to the Duomo in the center of town?
Maggi <email>
Brooklandville, Md   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Venice did smell in August of 1982
I was in Venice in 1982 in August and it was really warm. And it did smell really bad and we even saw dead rats (4 all told) or large mice, you choose, several cans of hair spray, a couple of camera cases and other run of the mill trash items too numerous to mention. This was my very first trip to Europe and I was mightily put off by Venice. So when my wife of three years wanted to go to Venice in 1996, I said no way. Well, she talked to co-workers who had gone more recently than 1982 and they said I was crazy. Well, put it this way, Venice has been cleaned up a lot since then. For those of you who had not experienced Venice of the early 80s, I do find you indignation kinda funny and it is a tribute, in a way, as to the loyalty people feel towards that city.
Josh
Portland, ME   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Mike — Tuscany Advice
http://www.lacrociona.com/ The above is a wonderful vineyard about 3 km outside Montalcino. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment next to the vineyard for under 100 euro a night. You will need a car but there are many little towns very close (within a half hour)Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Sant Antimo, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento, Murlo. The driving is easy and the food and wine in each town is special. If you want more information e-mail me. hschulte47@yahoo.com
Henry <email>
Wichita, Ks   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Global Discovery Vacataions is it a scam?
Do you have any information about Global Discovery Vacations also Global Connections? They sell memberships for the use of condos around the world for two weeks a year. Thank you!!
Marlene & Robert Cochran <email>
Lake Forest Park, WA   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Missing Venice
Rachel, Click on Rick's site, grafitti wall Venice, and see other peoples' comments about Venice. You will see many raves about Venice and very few complaints about smells. Sometimes if you are near a canal that they have blocked off to clean, it will smell, but it is easy to walk away from. Venice should not be missed because of a fear of bad smells. It is incredible!!

  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Special sale on US Air
US Air is having a sale for about a month into select cities. Munich, Paris, Madrid and one other I can't remember. You have to get your ticket by August 13. http://www.usairways.com/pro/specials/diamond_deals.htm I think the travel times extend into Sept. The fare is around $500 plus tax.

  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

?? London, Prague Weather ??
Just planning my trip for next spring. What can you guys tell me about the weather in London and Prague in the spring months. I was thinking of going mid to late April, but if the weather is noticably better, I may push it back to mid-late May. Any thoughts/experiences?? Thanks as always.
Ben
Toronto, ON   Canada   Tue 08/03/2004

Don't miss Venice!!
Rachel, I don't think you should miss Venice because you are afraid it stinks. I have been there many times, and sometimes you smell a dead fish smell as you are near the ocean and that is natural. That place is magical and is a one of a kind. It was Walt Disney's favorite city!! Don't miss Venice!!

  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Venice smells delightful . . . like ze feet of angels
Anyone who's read Postcards from Europe can appreciate that one. Yes Venice smeels, BECAUSE ITS A STINKIN LAGOON !! C'mon travelers, wear a nose plug if you have to, but go to Venice and experience a slice of Italian heaven. My advice, throw away all guidebooks and get lost in the streets.
Ben
Toronto, ON   Canada   Tue 08/03/2004

Italian Gyms
This fall I am going on my honeymoon to Italy for two weeks. Three years ago, I took a two month tour of Europe so I know the dangers of the food over there. Despite eating 4000 calories a day, I still lost fat — about 20 lbs worth. This is due to the fact that I walked 8-10 miles every day and climbed an infinite amount of steps. My wife will not be up for that amount of "hoofing it", so I need to find gyms for weight training in the cities I plan to see: Milan, Cinque Terre, Siena, Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice. I understand some of the smaller cities will require me to "take a day off". This is fine, but if I don't find some gyms for lifting, I will come back in the shape of a canoli thereby erasing the 40lbs I have lost in the last year and more importantly upsetting my wife. I have found a few gyms in Florence, but no one responds to my emails. Any suggestions?
Greg <email>
Chicago, IL   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

cellphones and walkie-talkies
We've used walkie talkies in Italy with no problem.
Devra
Lake Forest, CA   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Lucca
Where is the best place to stay in Lucca, Italy?
Mary Goss
Lake Oswego, OR   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Trip Insurance for Spain
I will be traveling to Spain at the end of the month and am trying to determine what type of travelers insurance to buy. I have read Rick's advice about Travelguard but would be interested in other advice. Also, my traveling companion and I will be renting a car and could potentially use car insurance through Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Again, any advice relating to this would be greatly appreciated.
Amelia <email>
New York, NY   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Causeway to Mont St Michel
Anyone know if there are buses or cabs that can take you from the mainland across the causeway (heard it was 2 miles)to the island. I read somewhere it was 2 miles. We're spending the night on the island and trying to figure out if I should take a roller-bag type luggage
Sherry <email>
sd, ca   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Bath / Venice/ Film v X-ray
Bath Car Rental:Alamo, Carrentals, and Europcar all have locations in Bath. Each has a website which can be googled easily. My only advise is to book your rental BEFORE you go. You will find better availability and a far more reasonable price. — Venice: I was just in Venice in May. I did not find it to be stinky at all. — Film vs. X-ray: Any film speed 400 and below will be fine going through an X-ray. Have security hand check anything above 400 (do this whether you have pictures on the film or not)
Kirk
Bham, AL   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Paris to London Bus trip question
There is a tour company that will take you from Paris to London for the day — via the eurostar. My husband and I have used Cityrama company for two years. They are located near the Louvre, off the rue de Rivioli. They do have a website with their tours, or you can get a brochure from the office. Note: If you have a AAA card, take it along, they honor the discount of 10%. We did not find out about the discount until our second trip to Paris. Good luck!
Pat
Swedesboro, NJ   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Morocco
Has anyone traveled to Morocco recently? My husband and I will be in Spain in October and he wants to take the ferry into Tangiers, get to the train and travel a few days in Morocco. We are well traveled seniors, but Rick says the "wannabe guides" are very aggressive and I don't want any problems. I would appreciate any information anyone has on their recent experiences in this country. Thank you.
Rozan <email>
Orlando, Fl   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Oslo hotel
Has anyone recently stayed (and would recommend) any of the Oslo hotels mentioned in Rick's book? I would like to find a good triple room. Thanks.
Kellie <email>
  Australia   Tue 08/03/2004

Venice Stinks?
We go to Italy every year and many times make a short stop in Venice. Rick is right, Venice does not stink. Now when I say that you can believe it because I don't care much for Venice. It is over-priced, over-hyped, over-crowded and almost falling down. Now, when I was there for the first time in the 1950s, it DID stink then. Venice is a dying queen and, for my money, hardly worth the price anymore, but it is one of a kind and, like the Grand Canyon and Mick Jagger, everyone should see it once in their lives.

One caveat: If the smell you are referring to is the smell of the market in the morning, fresh fish on display, the sea mist as it rolls over the city, expresso being made and that lovely Italian bread baking, then, yes, your're right. Venice does smell and ain't it lovely!
Charles M. Luther
  USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Venice Smells???
I was in Venice twice in May with my family. We all thought what is the big deal with people thinking Venice smells? There was nothing out of the ordinary. If you are ever near a body of water of course sometimes you will smell the bay or sea but please don't skip Venice. The first time I rode on the watertaxi from the train station I was awestruck and kept thinking I'm so glad I'm getting to experience one of the most beautifully and unique sites of this world. When you travel please appreciate what every place has to offer, that's why we travel. One other thing, I was truly impressed how clean Italy was everywhere we went cities and small towns alike! Go to Venice you won't regret it!
Wanda
Houston, TX   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

TUSCANY ADVICE NEEDED
I am meeting family in Tuscany in early October. They want to see hill towns and little towns worth the visit. Any Suggestions? I also plan on spending two months in Tuscany next spring. I want to find a farmhouse with a view the vineyards and can sleep 4. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Mike <email>
Antioch, CA   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Re Venice gondolas and smells
If you are looking for water transport from the train station to Saint Mark's Square, you would probably want to use the water bus. [I need to find their website!] You will pay about €5 per person and arrive relatively quickly. Hiring a gondola would be a very expensive proposition, and to go that distance would not be a 'normal' gondola trip. I have seen gondolas at all hours, but I don't know that anyone could guarantee they'd be there really early everyday.

It's funny how I've seen various postings about Venice stinking. I've been there during various seasons and under diverse weather conditions — snow, rain, extreme heat — and have never noticed anything unusual. Sometimes — but rarely — there is the smell of saltwater. Otherwise, I only remember the smell of the bakeries, fish markets, cafes, perfumes and such. I suppose if you fell in the water (all the streets are flooded you know), there might be some smells to get out of your clothes later.
Lauchlin Murray <email>
Padua,    Italy   Tue 08/03/2004

Film and X-Rays
Hi, i heard that going through airports with film will destroy the pictures on it...is this true? If it is how exactly do you get around this problem. Thanks.
Daniel Martin <email>
Edmond, Ok   USA   Tue 08/03/2004

Gondolas in Venice — Help Needed
How early in the morning can you rent a gondola on the grand canal? Will they go all the way from Ferrovia to San Marco? How long would that take (so I could estimate the cost)?
Julie Doyle <email>
San Diego, CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Does Venice stink?
We're planning a trip to Venice in late October. I have not read it on any of these boards, but friends tell me that I should skip Venice because it stinks. I know there is a lot to see there and will probably stay in the outskirts or is there no escaping the sewer smell?
Rachel
NV   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Paris to London by bus
For Jodi...if you truly want to do this in one day you'll need to take the Eurostar (train). Even using Eurostar it will take over two hours (closer to three) each way from Paris to London and return.
Donna
CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Hotel Booking
I am trying to book a room in Rome. When I read the rates it mentions a "double room annexe" and a "double room." What is the difference?
Sean <email>
Denver, CO   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

CAMPING IN EUROPE
Marianne…you don’t need wads of cash.....just one ATM card. Stop at a bank and withdraw currency at the machine on the sidewalk...it is very easy and quick…don’t take a chance on campgrounds accepting credit cards.
EXRDINOUS
LAMAR, WY   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Fast trip through Italy
Suggest you fly into Rome, stay 2 days, take train to Florence (3 hours) and stay 2 days, then take train (3-4 hours) to Venice and finish up there by flying home from Venice. The Cinque Terre is hours from an airport and could be saved to be savored on another trip. ciao
Swan
Calistoga, CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

NIGHT TRAIN FROM BERN TO LA SPEZIA
Andy Lau>>>> try raileurope.com and click on left margin for “Fares and Schedules”>>>>> You have to do a search in two steps: ask for fares from Bern to Milan and then Milan to La Spezia. It totals six hours and 30 mins not counting layover at Milan. Cost first class is $138 and second class is $92. If you qualify for a senior discount, ask about it.
Louckout
Tulsa, OK   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Paris-London via bus?
My husband and I are spending 10 days in Paris starting next week. We have decided we would like to visit London for the day. Is there a good tour company whose bus will pick us up at our hotel in Paris and drive us to the chunnel, then take us around London, and back to Paris? Where can I find such info? Thanks.
Jodi
CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

camping in europe
Can someone tell me if European campgrounds accept Visa/Mastercard or do we need to carry wads of cash with us to camp?
Marianne <email>
Torrance, ca   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

PERUGIA CHOCOLATE FACTORY
For JJ: The best I can offer is the web-site...http://www.perugiaonline.com/umbria_cioccolato_dicembre/
Graham <email>
  Wales   Mon 08/02/2004

Bath Rental Car
Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on renting a car in Bath?
Shirley <email>
CO   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

SWISS AIR
Go to www.swiss.com. Looks like you leave Miami at 7.40 pm and arrive Zurich at 10.55 am next day.
ERNESTDEEN
PORTA, NH   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Western Europe visas
I know Americans do not need visas for traveling in Western Europe, but what about American dual-citizens? No, yes for some or all?
J Yang
FL   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

72 hour canal pass for Venice
We will arrive in Venice at 10:30 at night, and will be taking a vaporetto to our hotel. The hotel manager tells me that the ticket office for the vaporetto won't be open that late, so we'll only be able to buy a single ticket for our ride. We are planning to buy a 72 hour pass, and would really like to use it for that first ride at night. Anyone solved this problem??
Ruth
Bellevue, WA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Italy in a week
Definitely have too much on your plate
eileen
sd, ca   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Night train from Krakow to Budapest
Has anyone taken a night train from Krakow to Budapest? Just wondering how it went if the trains were old, did they have 2 person compartment, etc.
Ann <email>
SLC, UT   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Scotland lodging
Can anyone please advise a good lodging in the Scotish Highlands? Traveling are my Wife and I with our 18-month onl baby, so baby friendly where we can get a crib in the room is a must. We would also like to be in walking distance of public transportation We will be in the highlands for about one week, and do not want to move around becasue of the kid. So someplace with easy daytrips to keep us busy for a week is what we have in mind. Read Rick Steve's GB book 2004, but couldn't find an answer there. Steve
Steve Barnett <email>
Belmont, CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Night train Barcelona to Paris
Has anyone taken a night train preferably a sleeper car from Barcelona to Paris, if so what was the cost. I checked on RailEurope and the cost quoted was over $400 which I thought was insane.
T.R. <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Italy in a week
My husband and I are planning a quick trip to Italy — 7-8 days at the end of September. Short because the grandparents have offered to watch our baby for a week so we can celebrate our anniversary. Flying using miles in to Rome and out of wherever we want. We'd like to make it to Rome, the Cinque Terre, Florence, and Venice. Are we trying to fit too many cities in to too little time? Any suggestions for length of stay in each place or which city (ies) to cut out would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
Kris <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

swiss air
how long is the flight from miami to zurich?

  USA   Mon 08/02/2004

cellphones and walkie-talkies
Can I take one of my old cell phones to Italy and have one of their cards inserted, instead of buying a cellphone there? Also has anyone been able to use walkie talkies in Italy? thanks
Margaret Jean <email>
San Diego, Ca   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

cellphones and walkie-talkies
Can I take one of my old cell phones to Italy and have one of their cards inserted, instead of buying a cellphone there? Also has anyone been able to use walkie talkies in Italy? thanks

  USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Night train from Bern to La Spezia
We are planning to take a night train from Bern to La spezia in Nov 2004. We need to buy tickets and make reservation for 2 sleepers for this route. Does anyone know where can I do that? I like to do this before going to Europe. www.raileurope.com does not have this route.
Andy Lau <email>
Greenville, NC   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

international cell phone
My husband and I are traveling by car throughout Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland in October and would like to have an international cell phone for confirming in-country reservations and for emergency purposes. Any ideas on where to go to get the best deals?
Michelle Thyen <email>
centreville, va   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

RailSaver
I tried RailSaver.com. It seems like a fair resource — maybe a good place to start. It does give actual P-P ticket prices, which Rick doesn't give (only estimates), but these prices are inaccurate and slanted toward railpasses, which, of course, they are more likely to sell — you can get P-P ticket for less over there. My major complaint is that, for German Rail prices, it does not accurately incorporate SparPreis and Länder tickets into the P-P prices. For instance, for Frankfurt to Berlin and return, staying over a weekend and buying the ticket 3 days in advance (counter or online), the Bahn will sell you the RT ticket for 2 people for €116 (about $140) during their summer special or €135 ($163) any time. RailSaver wanted me to buy 2 German twin passes for $270. For a one day RT from Munich to Salzburg, which my wife and I did three years ago for €22 total with a Bayern ticket, they recommended P-P tickets for $108. We also went one way from Rothenburg to Berchtesgaden on a Bayern ticket. They recommend P-P tickets for $124. Their worst mistake came from adding these higher P-P fares and gettting a total that made a railpass look good. For Munich-Rothenburg-Salzburg-Munich with stays in Rothenburg and Salzburg, I know I can do the trip on 3 €22 Bayern passes, about $83. They suggested using a German 4 day twin flexipass for $270. So, it is a fair place to start, and if you don't want to get into the details of saving, probably not a bad place to plan your trip, but you can do better with more research. BTW, they list a lot of Rail websites, but they omitted Bahn.de, which I have found to be the most useful resource, at least in and around Germany.
Larry
Littleton, CO   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Battle of Britain
Has anyone visited any of the Battle of Britain Air Bases recently?
Errol Loving
Carlsborg, WA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Marco Polo — > Venice
I recently left Italy from Marco Polo airport. I came from Venice into the airport via water taxi. There is a free shuttle bus which takes you from the airport terminal to the water taxis. It is quite similar to the shuttle bus you would find at any large American airport which would take you to an off-site rental car agency. I also highly doubt you can hire a water taxi from Marco Polo into Venice for 11 Euro. I am unsure if the Vaporetti service the airport or not.
Kirk
Bham, AL   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Train Travel in Italy
Nancy>>>>>you will find a big difference between first and second class rail travel in Italy and Switzerland.>>>> In Italy we found first class the only way to go.>>>> Second class is very crowded.>>>> As for the costs, go to railpass.com/ticket or raileurope.com and compare the cost of point-to-point tickets for your trip to the cost of a rail pass.>>>> The more towns you visit the greater your cost and perhaps the pass will be cheaper.
Redmondson
Tulsa, Ok   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

TRAINS FROM CINQUE TERRE TO NICE
Naomi~~~~~the local train stops at all five villages in Cinque Terre plus the other towns along the coast. You will have to change trains at Monterosso to get to Nice. When we were there two years ago the trains were operating 7 days a week.
HARVEYLIE
GARY, IN   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

MARCO POLO TO VENICE
The bus from Marco Polo to Venice takes just twenty minutes and costs 3 Euro. Details on this website... http://www.atvo.it/eng/indexen.php
Graham <email>
Port Talbot,    Wales   Mon 08/02/2004

CinqueTerre to Nice by Train
Many trains to France stop in Monterosso, Italy. In April I travelled from Monterosso to Ventimiglia then, after spending the night there, changed trains to travel on to Nice and Avignon. I like to stay at the Hotel Agave in Monterosso.
Swan
CA   USA   Mon 08/02/2004

Re Marco Polo water transport
The water taxis / boats used to be 10 steps outside the door of the old Marco Polo Airport. The newer — since two years — Marco Polo Airport is just beside the older terminal. I know you can walk from the new terminal to the dock in about 10 minutes. I haven't used the water services since the change (I find the buses less expensive), but I know you can walk out of the new terminal, turn to your left and walk ten minutes along an open sidewalk to the dock. I haven't checked to see if there is some type of transport available for luggage to get there — everyone I've seen so far lugs their baggage — or should I say 'luggage?'
Lauchlin Murray <email>
Padua / Padova,    Italy   Mon 08/02/2004

Trains from Cinque Terre to Nice
Has anyone taken a train from Cinque Terre to Nice? Is one town more convenient than another when it comes to taking the train to Nice? Do the trains operate 7 days a week? Also, any hotel recommendations for either Nice of one of the Cinque Terre towns? Thanks in advance,
Naomi <email>
Spokane, WA   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

2004 Italy
In the Venice section of your book. I am not clear when arriving at the Marco Polo airport, can you catch a boat right there at the airport and go straight into Venice for around 11 Euro's? Or do you have to catch a bus first to get to the boat?
Diana Parmley <email>
West Sacramento , CA   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Rail Passes vs Point to Point
Don't use the site listed below. Use the comparison provided on THIS site. Look on the Home page and follow the links. MUCH better discussion of the subject. And you can buy passes from ETBD too.
Charles M. Luther
  USA   Sun 08/01/2004

helpful board
This site was a tremendous help for my Italy trip this past May. I will be traveling to Asia in September Cambodia and Vietnam but haven't been able to find good information on the internet. Does anyone know of a board such as this that would help with a trip to Asia where I could post questions? I will be traveling in 6 weeks and am totally lost. Thank you
Wanda
The Woodlands, TX   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Answer: Railsaver.com for ticket info
Try www.railsaver.com to compare passes vs. point-to-point tickets in Europe. They will tell you how to organize yourself after you plug in your information.
Swan
CA   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Rome and daughters
Kym — I second the motion. Always stand behind your daughters on busses in Rome. I also had a very disturbing experience.
KA
  USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Gifts for hosts
MY huband and I travel to Europe every couple years and we always take calendars as gifts. They aren't terribly expensive (check Wal-Mart) and are easy to pack. Our friends especially enjoy National Parks and Florida calendars. Also thanks for the tip on the hotel in Iceland. Will post our experience when we return.
Ginny <email>
Largo , FL   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Credit Card Exchange Rates
I like to use credit cards where the cost is the same as cash, but a few years ago, there was an issue about some card companies charging more for the exchange than others. (the ultimate cost for the same transaction might be different for two different cards) Is there anyone (or a site)that keeps track of this information?
Ted <email>
Portland, OR   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Casablanca... what to do?
i'm heading to casablanca for 2 nights (this friday and saturday). the thing is, i don't know what to do while i'm there. so ANY and ALL suggestions would be appreciated!! thanks!
Natalie <email>
Orlando/London, FL   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Dursoduro
We leave for Venice on Sept. 16 and will be staying at the wonderful Pensione Accademia again. We want to eat in Dursoduro and have a nice meal and noticed that Rick recommends several restaurants. We tried the R. de Raffaele last time we were there and had an unfriendly waiter and high prices with food that was only okay. Has someone been to one of the Dursoduro restaurants recently who could recommend it? We just want friendly staff and some good local food and don't mind paying a few extra euros for atmosphere/ambiance. thanks, Janet and Walt
Janet Strickland and Walt Hendry <email>
Ponce Inlet, FL   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Train travel in Italy
I will be traveling to Italy in late Sept/early Oct with my sister. We will be going to Rome, Florence and Venice, with perhaps a side trip to Pisa or Siena. Is it better to buy a rail pass or buy point to point tickets? At this time of year, should we buy first or second class tickets? We travelled last year in Switzerland on a rail pass/second class and it was fine and not crowded. Didn't know if the same applied to Italy. Any help would be appreciated.
Nancy <email>
Spring, Tx   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Mom travelling alone
Kym, I took my daughter to Paris and Italy for her senior trip and we didn't have any problems except on the buses in Rome. On three different occasions my daughter was sexually harassed by men on the bus. The first time we got on a crowded bus and I was not near her. A man got behind her, pressed up close to her and rubbed himself up and down on her the whole way to the Vatican. She elbowed him and stomped on his feet and it didn't faze him. She was in tears. The second time, a man got behind her and was fondling her bottom. She finally climbed over a railing and sat on the wheel well of the bus!! So be sure to stand directly behind your daughters on the bus. Nothing like this happened on the subway. She was just in regular jeans (not tight or low cut) and a loose tee-shirt so was not dressed seductively.

  USA   Sun 08/01/2004

EASTERN EUROPE SUMMER WEATHER
John >>>>We traveled into Czech R., Poland, Hungary and Slovenia in Sept and Oct, 1998 and had no cool weather and only a few days of light rain. We used our umbrella twice in 3 weeks.>>>> That time of year, weather is of no concern. I don’t know that they have a rainy season. And cold weather will come much later in the year. Take a sweater and umbrella.
JOHNSON
LUBBOCK, TX   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Murano Glass Factory
I think you know the answer whether or not to send these people another $6000. I read the archived posts and frankly i'm shocked at the number of people who give these people thousands of dollars on the hope of getting what they ordered. the tours and factory shops are set up to prey on rich people with more money than brains. of course they see americans and their fat wallets coming from a mile away. ALL my tour books say to stay away from Murano as it's well known for it's high pressure and overall poor reputation. every time i even walked past one of the greeezy factory tour touts in venice i checked to make sure i still had my watch and wallet. An friend of mine was trying to impress me with her murano glass purchases from her trip to italy and how she got such a "great deal" at the factory. i smiled to myself and needless to say i was not impressed by her getting lured into one of the worst tourist traps in europe to have her wallet lightened.
Patrice
chicago, IL   USA   Sun 08/01/2004

Re Electric plugs/outlets in Italy
There are three or four electrical outlet sizes and corresponding prongs commonly used in Italian residential construction. The type you found on your new hairdryer was probably designed for the 16 Amp outlet, and your hotel was probably equipped with the more standard 10 Amp size. You probably could have picked up an adapter at the same store where you bought the hairdryer for about €3. The other possibility is that you bought the third most common prong set, often called the 'German' prong-set here in Italy. The 10 Amp prongs are about 1/8" in diameter and 3/4" apart — 16 Amp prongs are 3/16" in diameter, but 3/4" apart center to center. Most commercial travel converters that you would buy to convert from North American to European outlets are designed for the 10 Amp outlets. So if you need a high Watt consumption device — like a hairdryer — you may need to by a second adapter once in Italy.
Lauchlin Murray <email>
Padua,    Italy   Sun 08/01/2004