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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 pick