Graffiti Wall: Travelers' Helpline

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Travelers' Helpline: September 2005

All together, the community of Rick Steves' travelers has a wealth of European travel experience. This is your chance to help or be helped. If you've got a question about traveling in Europe, we think there's another traveler out there with an answer...

These posted responses are from the traveling public and are not supplied by Europe Through the Back Door staff members unless specifically noted.

Delayed luggage
Julie, in those cases, were you still in your arrival city, or did they deliver your luggage some distance away. I don't plan on spending several days in my arrival city just in case my luggage is delayed. I am usually far away within a few hours. Thanks.
CO USA Fri 09/30/2005

Sicily
We did a self guided bike tour in Western Sicily in May this year. We had a great time. I'd suggest a walking tour of Palermo (find a guide!) and Monreale. then get to Segesta for the Greek Temple/Theatre and Selinunte too. Wonderful examples of Greek architecture. Marsala was a dirty, busy city, but the salt reserve on the outside of town was very pretty and interesting (buy yourself some sea salt there for cooking!)

We didn't do the eastern side of the island. After our tour on Sicily we took the overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples, then the fast ferry to Sorrento as our base to see the Amalfi coast - Pompei, Vesuvio, then down to Amalfi and the 1,000 stair hike to Ravello. Feel free to email me if you'd like more specifics.

We found the people of sicily on the western side to be very very friendly, very helpful when we got lost on our route. the food was fastastic, and Sicily seemed to be less expensive than the mainland of italy. I had sticker shock on the price of gelato in Sorrento (can you say tourist town???) and pastries in Amalfi were $$$. Did they see American's coming?
<email>
USA Fri 09/30/2005

TIPS FOR TURKEY, PORTUGAL AND SPAIN
I am planning on visiting Portugal, Morroco and Turkey in Mid October. Any suggestions or tips for planning this tour are welcome. I also hope to rent an apartment for a month near a beach in either Portugal or Spain. In total, I will be in Europe 3 months. Any tips are welcome!
Claudia <email>
Peru Fri 09/30/2005

re: Delayed Luggage
We have had delayed luggage with Air France and British Airways. Both times we had our bags delivered to our hotel by the end of the day.
Julie
USA Fri 09/30/2005

IBIS hotels in Germany
Not many people seem to be interested in travelling in Germany. Here is a tip anyway. As mentioned before the IBIS close to Frankfurt Airport is ideal.- There are also three huge IBIS Hotels in the centre of Dresden and a smaller one in Nuernberg. They cost abt. E65.00 a night in May (early season), no breakfast (lots of bakeries close by which open early). Parking is E 8.00 for 24 hours. If you do not have a car, in both cities, these hotels are in walking distance from the train station. May be in Nuernberg you should book a few days ahead but we found in Dresden, a day ahead would have been sufficient.
E. Valentin
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta CAN Fri 09/30/2005

Rome and Palce to stay
A wonderful place in Rome (about 5 min walk from the train station) is Gulliver's Place Bed and Breakfast. Do not confuse this with the hostel. We stayed there this past summer and it was clean, hip, quiet, and breakfast was served daily. We will go back and stay in the future. It was a 30 min walk to the Trevi Fountain, but a beautiful walk.
hm
vt, USA Fri 09/30/2005

Sicily thoughts
I traveled with my 18 and 21- year- old daughters through Eastern Sicily this August. Catania was depressing! I would not spend much time there. We went primarily for the volcanoes because my older daughter is a geology major. Hiking Mt. Etna was thrilling- you can stay closer than Catania and even without a car there are shuttles and tour buses. Even with 100 degree temperatures below it was quite windy and chilly at the crater, but there is a place that rents parkas and boots at the top. We stayed in Taormina at a youth hostel (no comment!). Taormina town is high up above the beach, so if you stay at one of the hotels at "sea level" you need to take a 3 euro each way funicular up to the town, or, vice versa, as we did. One day there would probably be sufficient unless it's warm enough for beaching at that time of year. We then took a hydrofoil to the Aeolian Islands, which were AMAZING! I highly recommend Hotel Neri on Lipari Island- reasonably priced, huge room and bath and great breakfasts with a friendly staff. The quarry beach north of the town was surrealistic with obsidian all over the beach! We went to Vulcano and some of the other islands- Stromboli was amazing, too. They became more and more "Greek"-feeling (whitewashed walls, etc) as we went further out. I wish we had been able to get to Syracusa, and with a car (? will you have one?) exploring the rest of the island would be wonderful. I found the Lonely Planet Sicily book quite useful. I'll be frank- it wasn't always easy. Public transport was unreliable and people were not very willing to help with directions (they usually just ignored me, or shrugged and walked away). There's definitely a "toughness"- it reminded me of how I feel when I first land in NYC from my West coast home! But that's part of the learning when you travel. Have a fabulous trip and make sure to get to Pompeii and Herculaneum! You might consider Capri, as well.
USA Fri 09/30/2005

Going to Sicily, any suggestions?
My husband and I are going to southern Italy in April 2006...Rome, Naples, Amalfi coast and probably Sicily. Anyone have sight/hotel suggestions for Sicily?
Meri Reinhold <email>
Bloomington, IN USA Fri 09/30/2005

Soccer matches
I have been to several soccer matches at the Amsterdam ArenA. Holland tolerates many things, buy surprisngly ticket scalping is not one of them. The police are very strict about it around the stadium. Your sons should get their tickets before take the metro to the stadium. On the day of the match the concierge desks at the more expensive hotels (like the Victoria) will have signs advertsing tickets "for sale"-this is the safest way to buy them.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Fri 09/30/2005

Soccer matches:Amsterdam and Brussels
My sons are going to two soccer matches; one at the Amsterdam ArenA and the other in Brussels. Evidently, these are big games [something about World Cup, I think]. Does anyone have any advice to offer before they set out? Any information would be appreciated
Barbara <email>
Dallas, TX USA Fri 09/30/2005

Re: Converters/Adapters
Italy and Greece use the same outlet system..so whatever worked in Italy will work in Greece. Most of Western Europe uses the two round prongs (you may see variants of three prongs, but the two prong plugs still work in these just like two and three prong plugs in the US) with the notable exception of the UK, where they use rectangular style plugs.
Paul
USA Fri 09/30/2005

ETBD Buses
I have been on 3 ETBD bus trips. The only time I experienced motion-sickness was driving the Amalfi Coast. The buses I was on were large and comfortable (the last trip I took was three years ago).
Swan
USA Fri 09/30/2005

PARIS HOTEL
Barbara: I will recommend one for you if you tell what you mean by wonderful.
ANNETTE M
NYC, USA Thu 09/29/2005

ELECTRIC CONVERTER
Joan~~~~ the converter will work anywhere; the adapters which fit into the wall outlet vary from one country to another.

But you get an assortment of them with the converter lot when you buy it. So when you buy the converter kit it will work everywhere.
A.C.M.
TULSA, USA Thu 09/29/2005

ETBD tours-- bus feedback
Hi-- I have a question about the buses Rick uses for his tours. Does anyone get car sick on them? I normally don't get too bad of motion sickness, but I know that while travelling through Europe, the roads can get windy. What has been people's experiences with this? Has anyone gotten sick on the busses, or are they comfortable and relaxing? Do you get to sit up high? Are there bathrooms? Are they air conditioned? Let me know all of the "bus" feedback! Thanks! Also, does everyone feel like the tours are exhausting? Or are they really good for the money? Because $4,000 per person seems like a lot to spend for a 21 day tour...
Megan <email>
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Thu 09/29/2005

electric converter
Will the electric converter that worked in Italy also work in Greece? Thanks to anyone who has the answer.
Joan <email>
Winnetka, IL USA Thu 09/29/2005

Barbara, hotel Londres Eiffel in Paris
Hi Barbara-- My husband and I just stayed at the Hotel Londres Eiffel, and we absolutely loved it. It is in the 7er, which is just blocks away from the Rue Cler, and about 4 blocks away from the Eiffel Tower. There are eiffel tower view rooms here as well. We loved it-- we paid around 115 EUR a night for a 4th floor eiffel tower double room, and it was worth the money. I know Rick and everyone here loves the Rue Cler, and while it's great, it's primarily a food market footpath, so if you stay on the Rue Cler, you're going to have food smells inside your room. (Visited one of the hotels on there and that was the case.) You can easily walk two or so blocks from your hotel to get there, which is far better. We didn't have to take a taxi at all except for getting to the train station, because everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. It's a 3*** hotel with breakfast for an additional cost, but the coloring and everything is so charming in the hotel, and the staff is wonderful. www.londres-eiffel.com This was actually a hotel that Rick recommends, and while we were there, there was one of his tours that ended there, so you know it's good!
Megan <email>
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Thu 09/29/2005

Hotels/B&Bs in Rome
Can someone recommend a clean, inexpensive hotel in Rome preferrably in the center of the city?
Lori <email>
Portland, OR USA Thu 09/29/2005

Brussels Welcome Hotel
We first learned about the Brussels Welcome Hotel from a Rick Steves book on Belgium.

What immediately comes to mind about the Brussels Welcome Hotel is the unique decor. The decor of each room represents a different country. Our room was Thailand.

Upon reflection, what was even more noteworthy was the friendly and helpful attitude of the hotel staff. We were met at the Brussels airport and whisked to the hotel. After 15 hours of air travel and many time zone changes, this was a major plus.

Kudos to Michael, Vanesa, and Sofie for answering our many questions about Belgium. And thanks to Rick for putting us on to this place.
Larry & Pam McGeath
Edmonds, WA USA Thu 09/29/2005

Hotel in Paris
Barbara, There was recently a discussion on Paris hotels (may still be postings below). I stayed at Hotel Relais Bosquet and LOVED it. It's near Rue Cler and the staff was wonderful. Grocery store a few doors down for bottle water and wine purchases. Rue Cler has cafes, bistros, etc. Also, near Bosquet there are more bistros. Walking distance from Eiffel Tower, metro stops, "Batobus" (hop on hop off bus on the Siene) stop. Below is a post for a hotel in Marais. The Marais would be my second choice for hotel location, first is near Rue Cler.
Sheila
Seattle, WA USA Thu 09/29/2005

Paris Hotel
Any one have a recommendation for a wonderful hotel in Paris in midNovember? I would appreciate any feedback.
Barbara <email>
Dallas, TX USA Thu 09/29/2005

Rick's 5th Commandment
Rick Steves has broken his 5th commandment which states "...Since we use the same 40 to 50-seat buses as the big guys, our tour members enjoy plenty of extra room to stretch out in comfort...." I just completed the Best of France Tour which used a "small" bus with almost no room to spread out. Is this a trend?
withheld by request
WA USA Thu 09/29/2005

Air France Carryon
From the Air France website - Carry On Baggage Dimensions: 45.2 in. (115 cm) – length + width + height = 45.2 in. (115 cm). These dimensions include wheels and handles.
USA Thu 09/29/2005

Air France
In May, I was on an Air France flight through Delta (an Air France Partner.) Delta's carry-on limit was height + width + length = 45 inches or less. So, for example, my 10"x10"x24" bag was OK. They don't really check, but that gives you an idea of the size.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Thu 09/29/2005

Re: Lois, Car Rental
You don't mention the area you are planning on driving in; but as an example, if you are in Rome, and want to drive the Tuscan countryside, I would opt for finding a smaller city/town outside of Rome, Internet search for rental agencies in that area, make arrangements, then on the trip, take the train to that city and drive from there. It avoids picking up a car in a major city and dealing with traffic. It probably would save time as well. The same could be said for any of the major cities (Florence, Milan, Naples, Venice obviously) in Italy. Others on this board are more familiar with rental agencies in Italy, but I would suggest looking beyond agencies you may be familiar with in the states (Hertz, Avis, etc) and even consider small local agencies if it is just for a day.
Paul <email>
IA USA Thu 09/29/2005

CAR RENTAL
Lois: Best advice is to call all the major agencies and ask about one day rental rates for the city you want. Do a search for the Rental Agency by name and use the toll free number.
K. M. M.
TULSA, USA Thu 09/29/2005

Air France carryon limit
According to the website for Air France, the weight limit of carryons is 12 kg, about 26 #.
CO USA Thu 09/29/2005

Roxie-Paris Hotel
I must second the recommendation on Hotel Sevigny in Marais. The MEtro stop is across the street, as are two grocery stores, a bakery, pastry shop, several ethnic food stores, produce stand, you name it. There is also an internet cafe' a couple of blocks away. Many good restaurants very close by. We found it to be an ideal location. Clean, quiet, and resonably priced.
Rob
MI USA Thu 09/29/2005

Car Rental
I am interested in renting a car in Italy for 1 day. What is the best way to go about it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Lois <email>
Providence, Ri USA Thu 09/29/2005

Air France
Just wondering what other people's experiences were with Air France and does anyone know the size of carryons allowed. They told me the weight but didn't know the dimensions. Thanks.
USA Thu 09/29/2005

Baggage clarification
It was MY group! Glad I checked back, about the missing bags. Because we were staying way out in the countryside of Siena, the airline said they couldn't guarantee those folks' luggage arriving for several more days, and someone had to wait around to accept it, etc. As I remember, having been in the same clothes for almost three days, they opted to drive all the way to pick the stuff up themselves, instead. Plus one day they went shopping for underwear. This group was only traveling for two weeks total, and I just thought (to myself, of course) why go through all that...but it's a personal choice, of course.
USA Wed 09/28/2005

Alfonso to Bayeux
Please make sure you eat at the Petite Normand in Bayeux and absolutely must see the tapestry. We were there 2 weeks ago and its amazing. Not much else to do there. Take the Battle Bus tour of Normandy.

Bill
Bill
USA Wed 09/28/2005

Bologna Accommodations NEEDED
Vince and Paula…

Bologna's not a great place to find cheap hotels, being that it gets a lot of business traffic. The best deal I've been able to find for 6 October (I input a four-day stay to see) came up as the Hotel Il Guercino at Via Serra Luigi 7, about 500 meters from the central train station. It seems like a nice hotel, but I've not stayed there. The best deal was through http://www.inthotels.com/eindex.htm Click on Hotels in Italy, then find Bologna on the left-side list, and enter your dates. The bar to the right will fill with available hotels. Look down…about the third one down, I think, is the Hotel Il Guercino. There's a special through inthotels that gives you a four-day stay for 317 Euros, including breakfast. Click on it to see the prices…they vary for each night of my phantom four-day stay, but all are under 100 euros per night.

Good luck!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 09/28/2005

Delayed Luggage
Several years ago I arrived in Rome only to find that my bag was still in the US and would not arrive for at least 24 hours. I was very concerned because I was going to Orvieto the same day and would not be back to Rome. Fortunately, I was able to get Continental to have the bag delivered to my hotel in Orvieto. It arrived as promised in about 36 hours with no charge to me. I now take a full change of clothes in my carry-on.
Jeff
USA Wed 09/28/2005

Delayed luggage
A 9/16 posting on the “Packing Light” board, entitled “Exactly”, gives me cause for concern. The poster mentions someone in their group having to return to Pisa to pick up delayed luggage.

I have only had luggage delayed on two occasions, on domestic flights. In both cases, the airline delivered it to my hotel or home. I don’t know if they still do that here, or if they do that in Europe. Over there, now, do they bring the luggage to you, or are you required to reclaim your luggage at your destination airport?

That is a concern for me, because I generally don’t stay around the arrival airport. Normally, within 5 hours of landing, I am 4 hours away by train.

Does anyone know how far the European airlines will go to reunite you with your luggage?
USA Wed 09/28/2005

Bologna accomodations NEEDED
Can anyone recommend a clean, hotel with private bath & shower within walking distance of the Bologna train station? Under 100 Euro per night This is a last minute trip by necessity and we sure could use some help. Will arrive Bologna Oct.6, 2005.
Vince and Paula <email>
Franklin, Tennessee USA Wed 09/28/2005

Checked Bags
Jamie You will have to pick up you bags and clear customs when your first land back in the US. Baggage carts are still free at most European airports.
Andy Luque <email>
Bend, OR USA Wed 09/28/2005

re: shipping things home
I've shipped things home several times (in fact, now that I think of it, on almost every trip to europe I've done!). In some cases it was because I had packed too much and was tired of schlepping useless junk around, in other cases it was because I bought a bunch of stuff.

I've used both the national postal systems of several countries and UPS. Postal service is cheaper (sometimes a lot cheaper) but always seemed to involve some degree of hassles and bureaucracy (depends on the country - I found Morocco's postal system a bit of a challenge). UPS was about as convenient as it is at home, but it was shockingly expensive (then again, I shipped a LOT of stuff, and I didn't care so much about the price).

Bottom line for me is that shipping things home has always worked out well when I needed it (although it wasn't always easy and cheap - at the time, it was wonderful to offload that stuff).
David
Seattle, WA USA Wed 09/28/2005

Re: Credit Card
In florence and Rome, most larger hotels should accept credit card, as well as any train travel or rental car you do. The museums must, since you usally pay with reservations on-line, and I used mine in the Vatican gift shop. Plan on most everything else cash (meals, stores for smaller purchases, etc.) Most European retailers and smaller establishments still prefer not to handle credit cards, in favor of cash, or cash only. They really are not a Plastic society like the US. (I rarely use cash or check at home) As for bringing cash, please look at other pages on this board and the RS guide regarding ATM cards, that is really the way to go. Just back from Greece for 3 weeks, I took 45 Euro left over from a previous trip (aside from a safety stash of Credit Cards, US dollars, and a few Travellers checks) and used the ATM card the whole trip, never even used a credit card.
Paul <email>
IA USA Wed 09/28/2005

Re: Shipping things home
No personal experience on shipping, but you do have the option of Postal service, or private carrier (UPS, DHL, etc). Private carrier probably faster, safer, but more expensive. Postal service should be fine, with the exception that I have heard some horror stories about Italy's postal service in the past. Shop owners not only charge you shipping fees but also service charges, so handling details on your own should be cheaper. As for myself, I bring an extra duffle to give me space on the way back. Be aware also that shipping wine/alcohol has it's own problems and requires some investigation prior to leaving.
Paul <email>
IA USA Wed 09/28/2005

Credit cards at museums
Does anyone know if the major museums and attractions in Florence and Rome accept credit or debit cards? We're trying to figure out how much cash to bring, and what we can use a credit card for while in both cities. Any responses are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Waiting to Travel <email>
Norfolk, VA USA Wed 09/28/2005

paris to athens jan 2006
I have been looking for cheap return flights direct from paris to athens in january 2006. can you help me?

thank you

penelope australia
penelope <email>
melbourne, vic australia Wed 09/28/2005

Shipping Things Home Vs. Carrying
My husband likes to ship things home, cost be damned. He'd rather ship than carry, and we've never had any problem with things not arriving safely from the UK.

On our trip this past spring, however, I insisted on buying a cheap rolling bag to pack souvenirs in, and there was so much space in it, I bought extra "stuff." (I found the bag at what appeared to be a large discount store, and also bought a really nice tea kettle, some placemats and coasters, etc.) The cost of the roll-on was 15 Lbs, and I checked it. I think it was much cheaper than shipping, and I enjoyed my little last minute shopping spree (and use my tea kettle daily, with fond memories of the trip).

The benefit of packing light was that it was no big deal to check that case coming home -- I could drag it behind while I took my RS Bag on my shoulder through the airport, no big deal.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Wed 09/28/2005

CHEAP HOTEL STOCKHOLM
I forgot to add that the cost is quite low. Currently the rate for a room for 1, 2, or 3 persons is about $41.
CISS
RENO, USA Wed 09/28/2005

Shipping things home vs carrying
Has anyone had any luck shippping home things that you have bought from Europe? Any reccomendations? When we have asked shop owners the charges have been so high that we have passed. Does the mail system work (safe)? We just have not felt sure enough to try it.
Terry
OK USA Wed 09/28/2005

CHEAP HOTEL STOCKHOLM
Finding a cheap hotel in Stockholm is almost impossible. We stayed in the Formule1 motel which is out of the city center.

That means you have to have a car because I didn’t see public transportation nearby.

You will find it at : hotelformule1.com. (That’s number one, not L).
CISS
RENO, USA Wed 09/28/2005

Stockholm hotel
In 2003 I stayed at the Gustav Vasa hotel and really liked everything about it. It is considered a "hotel for budget travelers," but it probably costs more than you want to pay. (Scandinavia is not a good destination for the budget traveler.) For more ideas, look at tripadvisor.com.
Karen <email>
MN USA Wed 09/28/2005

Re:Hotel Continental- Barcelona
Sue: My husband and I were in Barcelona for two days in June and had never been there before. We did not know much about the city, so we did the double-decker bus tour. It's about as touristy as it gets, but it takes you all over Barcelona and to the important sites. Without the luxury of an extended stay in Barcelona, the tour bus was efficient, informative, and convenient.
Holly
Chicago, IL USA Wed 09/28/2005

B&B Chester
I loved the Chester Town House, 23 King Street. The number at the time was (01244/350 021), but that was a few years ago. It's a 17th Century townhouse in the old walled portion of the city. We had to park a short distance away and walk in, but that wasn't a problem.

It's only a short walk from Chester Cathedral (we got up early before breakfast and walked over -- the cathedral opens very early for morning prayer and we were able to go in and be almost the only ones there) and the Town Hall, and even a Starbuck's. (I know, I know.)

The night we stayed there we walked to a pub, almost went to the cinema. It's centrally located in the midst of the action and the old architecture. And it had a great full English breakfast.

I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

http://www.chestertownhouse.co.uk/
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Wed 09/28/2005

cheap hotel-Stockholm
Anyone know of a cheap hotel in Stockholm? So far, the one I booked is full and their recommendations were more expensive. I'm going next Friday, Oct 7. Thanks!
USA Wed 09/28/2005

K cheap to Paris
If you really want cheap, check courier service, but you will likely give up control of your schedule. THAT'S cheap.
USA Tue 09/27/2005

Jamie--it'll be easy
When I travel with my parents, I always travel Lufthansa/United with one or two layovers. There's never any problem--I'm never really aware of whose operating the flight until I get to the plane. I check my bag in Minneapolis & pick it up at the final destination. Study abroad is a great way to learn a language and expand your horizons. I did it way back in the 70's, and my children have done it in the 21st century. Have fun.
Karen <email>
MN USA Tue 09/27/2005

checking bags
Jamie, Here's a well-used tip: When you check in at SFO, they will attach a long white label to the handle of your checked baggage. The label contains the destination airport code in big black letters. Visually make sure that your labels have the code for Frankfurt International - I think it is FRA.

There's an old joke about the guy who showed up at checkin and said "I'm going to Paris and I want you to send this bag to Buenos Aires". The counter person said "But sir we can't send you to Paris and your bag to Buenos Aires". To which he replied "Why not? You did the last time I flew with you".
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Tue 09/27/2005

checking bags
Jamie, your bags should be checked through when you board the first time. However, it is a good idea to carry on anything like med's, toothbrush, etc. Because no matter what, you could get to Frankfurt and your bags arrive a day or 2 behind you
Terry
OK USA Tue 09/27/2005

United/Lufthansa flights
Jaime - You shouldn't have to claim and recheck your bags. United and Lufthansa code-share, which means they are partners and share flights. Since Lufthansa doesn't have US domestic flights, they use their partner, United, for connecting flights within the US. If you flew United to Germany, United would use Lufthansa for the German domestic connecting flights. I hope this makes sense. When you check in at SFO, ask them to make sure your bags are checked to your final destination. One last thing, if you have a United Miles card, you should rack up miles the on Lufthansa flights (apply for one!).
Sheila
Seattle, WA USA Tue 09/27/2005

Airline Transfers and Baggage Claim
I am studying abroad for a year and I have never been on an international flight before. My question is regarding baggage claim. I have a student airfare, therefore I have two layovers. I board a United Airlines flight in SFO and have my first layover in Denver, CO, at which point I transfer to Lufthansa to fly to Frankfurt. On my itinerary it says my flight from SFO to Denver is a Lufthansa flight "operated by United Airlines". Does this mean that when I transfer in Denver that I need to claim my baggage and re-check it for the remainder of my flight or will it be automatically transferred even though the first flight is operated by United Airlines. I hope this makes sense. Please help (my layover is an hour and I want to make sure I leave enough time to claim my baggage if I need to). Thanks!
Jamie
CA USA Tue 09/27/2005

B&B, Chester UK
Looking for B&B around Chester, UK. This will be in mid November. Thanks in advance
Larry <email>
manhattan beach, ca USA Tue 09/27/2005

Name of train station
Trains for that part of France leave from St. Lazare station in Paris. If you get a direct run, it'll take about two hours. If you transfer through Caen, it'll take up to 2 1/2 hours.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 09/27/2005

Name of train station
Would anybody know the name of the train station in Paris that takes you to Bayeux, Normandy?? How long is the trip?? Thanx, Alfonso
Alfonso <email>
Los Angelees, ca USA Tue 09/27/2005

InterRail pass
Kathryn,

I see that the InterRail and EuroDomino passes are good throughout Europe, or the zone(s)you pick, but they are not good in the traveler's country of residence. So, even if your friend could convince them he is still a German resident, he could not use the pass for general travel in Germany.
<email>
USA Tue 09/27/2005

Rail travel with EU citizen
Kathryn,

you didn’t say where you are traveling. If a lot of the travel is in Germany, and you have yet to purchase the railpass, you may want to reconsider at least the type of pass and number of days. The Schönes Wochenende and Länder tickets are perfect for multiple travelers and short trips. In Bavaria, for example, two people can use 2nd class on regional trains all day long (after 9 AM weekdays) for only 24 EUR (12 EUR per person). Länder tickets are also good for city transportation (U-Bahn, streetcar, buses), for which the Eurail pass is not valid.

He should check out the German Rail website, www.bahn.de, particularly the German language side, for other discounts. InterRail and EuroDomino passes are similar to Eurail passes. However, they are for those with permanent European residence; where is he currently living?

Or, he may want to get a youth Bahn Card for 25% or 50% discounts on tickets in Germany. With a Bahn Card and a Rail Plus card (15 EUR) he can get a 25% discount in other countries as well.
<email>
USA Tue 09/27/2005

Hotel Continental Barcelona
We stayed at the Hotel Continental in Barcelona, summer of 2002. It was very well located (on Las Ramblas) and surprisingly not as noisy as I worried it would be. We had a large quad room for our family of 4 and a balcony that looked out on Las Ramblas. The breakfast was fairly standard but all in all it was safe, clean, and a good deal for the 4 of us.
USA Tue 09/27/2005

Re: CO's comments on London-Paris
Very well put CO; and I agree wholeheartedly. I have flown a number of times within Europe, but always do the same analysis. Rarely does it pay to fly a route that a ferry or train can do in four hours or less. Many are fooled by thinking it is so much cheaper when you see a "0.99 Euro" Ryan-Air flight. Only other thing I throw into the analysis is baggage weight...restrictions on some airlines for bulky or heavy things can be expensive as well...not usually a problem on Trains and Ferries.
Paul <email>
IA USA Tue 09/27/2005

Re: Ron, Museum Reservations
Good basic advice, but also check the various cities, many mueseums, reservations are not needed or possible. Examples...Vatican museum in Rome..no reservations possible (except maybe with a group); Most any Museum in Paris...with the Museum Pass...no need for reservations if available; Major museums in London (Except the Tower)...No need...they are free. Each town has it's own strategy, just need to figure out the best. Reservations are great for Florence, but even there, there are ways around it such as timing your arrival, checking with your hotel for tickets if the museums are "booked", etc.
Paul <email>
IA USA Tue 09/27/2005

re:K, Pointy objects
sounds like you have the TSA list, you generally will be safe with that. We are just back from 3 weeks in Greece. our experience was that we had no problem with clippers and even a corkscrew. We did note that the european airlines seem not to allow corksrews in carry-on, but on the small airlines, you usually check your "carry-on" so no problem. But it is wise, given the judgement of multiple checkers, and various rules of different airlines, to be willing to part with anything remotely pointy.
Paul <email>
IA USA Tue 09/27/2005

Rail travel with an EU citizen
The Eurailpass is perfect for my 15 day trip to Europe, since I plan on making a lot of short train trips. The problem is, my travel companion is a German citizen and is not eligible for a Eurailpass. He is 25 and may get youth discounts, but buying point-to-point tickets is going to be very expensive! Are there similar railpasses for EU citizens or are there alternative means of travel that will save us some cash? Your tips are greatly appreciated!
Kathryn <email>
Chicago, IL USA Mon 09/26/2005

Reservations & Pointy
Shawn We visited two museums in mid October 2001 and didn’t even realize there was a reservation system. We walked into the Accademia about 1300 one day with no line at all and into the Uffizi at about 1000 the next day after waiting in line about 5 minutes. Probably not typical, but maybe normal for shoulder season.

K You can put most anything you want in checked baggage. We brought back a full sized sword last year. :-)
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Florence to Pisa or vice versa
One other question is when you are traveling. One of our group needed to go back to the Pisa airport from the Siena area and if it's late July and especially beginning Aug. 1 the road is very crowded with Italians commencing their holiday that it took over five hours (by car). Of course, by train you would avoid that. Pisa would be a great place, if you are flying into that airport (or out, at the end of your vacation) to arrive in the afternoon and see the Leaning Tower and few other sites in that vicinity and then have a leisurely meal for an early a.m. flight.
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Pointy objects--don't try
I have a Swiss army knife card. It's the size of a credit card. My daughter (a scary looking 105 lbs.) had hers taken away by airline security on one of our trips at the Minneapolis airport. Mine was confiscated in Puerto Escondido, Mexico before I boarded a 10 person flight to Oaxaca. Luckily, the airport was small enough that the security man just went over to my suitcase and stuck it in.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 09/26/2005

Rome tour times...
Does anyone know approximately how much time it takes to tour the Domus Aurea (Nero's Golden House) and Castel Sant'Angelo?? I am planning our itinerary and can not find any info on approximate times to allow for these. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Liz
Grand Forks, ND USA Mon 09/26/2005

Eurostar - London to Paris
K- We spent the extra money on the Eurostar between London and Paris and it was SO worth it. It's fast and it brings you to the center of each city. Our transfers to the Heathrow Airport were not as efficient (where we flew into from the States). Heathrow Express is great, but not cheap. Our shuttle van took FOREVER in the London traffic. This said, I would do the Eurostar and avoid the airports. I agree with the previous poster, you'll make up the extra money spent in time and transfer expenses saved. The Eurostar is very relaxing and the service on board is very good. Happy travels!
Sheila
Seattle, WA USA Mon 09/26/2005

K - London Paris
Considering you are planning well in advance, you very well may find a good fare on EasyJet, but make sure you understand ALL the costs - both money and time. The lowest fare I can find is from Luton to CDG – 17,99 GBP. Looks cheap in GBP, but it is actually $32. On top of that you will have transportation from King’s Court (or farther) to Luton, taxes and fees, and the RER in from CDG. That will amount to at least $56, so the least cost is $88.

With 45 minutes to Luton, 2 hours preboard, 1 hr 15 min flight, and at least 45 minutes from CDG, you will spend almost 5 hours to fly. Also, there are better flight times, but the lowest fares generally require you to leave King’s Cross before 4 AM or get you into Paris after 10 PM.

In comparison, with preboard, the EuroStar takes just over 3 hours. If you can travel Mo-Th, midday, the fare is only $90, $45 if you are under 26 yo.

Check all of your options, but remember, when all is considered, flying is not as fast or cheap as it first appears.
CO USA Mon 09/26/2005

pointy objects
I flew recently (Seattle - Amsterdam - Rome - Dublin) on Northwest, Alitalia, and Aer Lingus. I had carry-on only, and in my carry-on had nail clippers and tweezers. I was prepared to part company with them if requested. However, my experience was no hassles at all, and they are now back home awaiting their next journey.
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Portugal and Anadalusia
It's tough to get from here to there. There's one overnight train from Lisbon to Madrid, I believe (10 1/2 hours)...then you take the AVE express to Sevilla. There are two buses a day from Lisbon straight to Seville (one an overnight), taking about eight hours to make the run. Check the train out, at http://www.renfe.es while the bus services can be found at http://www.alsa.es/portal/index.asp?lang=en (click on "Routes and Times" to get cross-border trips.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/26/2005

Museum Tours
When visiting any city in Europe I highly recommend getting tickets in advance to any of the museums that you plan to visit. By doing so, you do not have to wait in the long lines waisting your entire day doing so. You present your ticket and your inside within a few minutes. Most tours that go to museums will purchase the tickets in advance. We visited the Uffizzi and Accadameia Galleries in Florence with 'Walking Tours of Florence" and we went right in. They can be reached at www.italy.artviva.com. They give excellent tours.
Ron Fox <email>
Boulder, CO USA Mon 09/26/2005

Museum Reservations in Florence
I highly recommend reservations for the Ufizzi and the Accademia in Florence. The lines were very long and there were only 8 people with reservations the morning we went. I couldn't believe all the people in line did not have reservations! I purchased our's online thru a broker. A bit more expensive but worth it.
Andy Perry
Lousiville, KY USA Mon 09/26/2005

Paris Hotel
My wife and I stayed at the 'Hotel Londres Eiffel' in Paris this past August. It is located a few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower. The room was small as are most European rooms, but but it was very clean with air conditioning and french doors. There is a market around the corner and we bought a few items there and had a picnic on the lawn at the Eiffel Tower Park. I would recommend this hotel, but if you decided to stay there, I would not ask for a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. It was not worth the extra 10 Euros per night. The hotel itself is very clean and in a quiet neighborhood. The metro is a few blocks away. Breakfast we felt was too expensive, around 24 Euros for two. The picnic was much better and for much less. We would probably stay there again should we visit Paris again.
Ron Fox <email>
Boulder, CO USA Mon 09/26/2005

PISA AIRPORT
Information regarding Pisa Airport and trains from...http://www.pisa-airport.com/sat/cda/aree/index.php?idArea=5&idSection=3
UK Mon 09/26/2005

Florence Hotel
My wife and I visited Florence in July and August and we stayed at a hotel a few blocks from the Duomo. The Hotel Casci was perfect. The Lombardi family are excellent hosts. We paid around $110.00 euros per night which included breakfast. The breakfast was made up of cereals, bread, jams, crousants, coffee, tea, juice etc. It too was good. The room was small but as it seems in Europe most rooms are. However, with that in mind it was quite comfortable and quiet. The hotel has air conditioning and wow did we need it. We will definitely stay there again!
Ron Fox <email>
Boulder, CO USA Mon 09/26/2005

Carry on (or not)....
Has anyone had any difficulty with sewing kits, tweezer, nail clippers or mini-repair kits (eg. for glasses) in carry on luggage? I have read the new prohibited list and it appears anything "pointy" could be prohibited so I was wondering everyone's person experience with these items were....
K
St. Paul, MN USA Mon 09/26/2005

K - London-Paris
EasyJet was mentioned, and British Midlands (bmi.com - ?) also flies from Heathrow to CDG (the main airports, vs ones in the hinterlands). It's cheap and easy. But remember that you lose a lot of time traveling to and from the airports, arriving early enough, etc. Your idea of a bus or the cheap Eurostar tickets might be a bit more expensive than flying, but you'll save time by leaving and being deposited right in town. Trade-offs...
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Mon 09/26/2005

Hotel in Paris
Roxie, We stayed at the Hotel Champ de Mar in Paris and while it is a beautiful hotel, it was not for me. I am a plus size person and our room was tiny and the single beds were so small that I had to sleep on my side. If I was on my back, my arms would hang off the bed. I haven't had this problem with a single bed at any other hotel. Also, It took about 3-4 metro changes to get from the hotel to any of the sights we wanted to see. It is a nice hotel, but it is not perfect for everyone.
USA Mon 09/26/2005

To Randy re Orange and beyond
Randy, all the better to have your beloved in on the planning. (Even better to have valid pasports!) Good guidebooks will help the two of you plan an amazing trip.

I was last in Orange ten years ago. The Roman antiquities are magnificent and very much merit a visit, but I was not charmed by the town. You may succeed in finding a “backdoor” Orange, though, so if staying there is something that speaks to you, do it! Bon voyage.
Adam
Boston, USA Mon 09/26/2005

Transportation in Tuscany
Check out http://www.trainspa.it/en/home.html You can take a bus from several stops in Florence (Firenze, when you do a timetable search) to Poggibonsi (about 50 minutes), then connect to the bus to San Gimignano. Or, take the train right into Poggibonsi (about 1:10) then catch the bus. Many runs for both buses and trains. Train timetables, etc, at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/26/2005

K London to Paris
Have you considered EasyJet? They fly from all London airports to CDG. Price increases the closer to flight day that you book, but one way tickets begin at under 25 GBP. That is less than the 8 hour bus ride and less than Eurostar cheapies.
Chris
CO USA Mon 09/26/2005

Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe

My family of four vacationed in Eastern Europe in July 2005, and had fabulous experiences.

In Warsaw, we were able to get a great deal on rooms at the five star Sheraton Hotel. Great location, super service and wonderful breakfast included., and we paid about half price of the rack rate. Warsaw has a free jazz festival on Saturdays in July of each year, located in the Old Town Square. Get there early to find an outdoor restaurant with a great view. A wonderful private tour guide, Zygmunt (Ziggy) Jablonski showed us the usual sites, including the Market Square, the Barbican, St John’s Cathedral, the Royal Castle and Saxon Gardens, the City Museum, Palace of Culture & Science, Wilanow Palace and the very interesting Madam Curie Museum. Then a short train ride to Krakow.

In Krakow, our 2 bed room apartment was the only misrepresentation of the trip. It was described as being in the “Big Florian” turret of the old city wall, which we accepted as a wonderful aesthetic thought. It was actually upstairs over a tattoo parlor across the street, but with a view of the turret. We had a wonderful Rick Steves’ favorite tour guide, Marta Chmielowska (+48 603 668 008), who showed us the beautiful medieval city, the Jewish quarter, Auschwitz, the Schindler Factory and movie sites, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. We then took an overnight train to Budapest.

In Budapest, we stayed in the oft recommended boutique Hotel Victoria, located on the Buda bank of the Danube, with wonderful views of the Parliament, Chain Bridge and Pest. Excellent choice, and easily accessible to everything. Budapest is the only city too large for a walking tour, and there are many good bus oriented city tours available. The Terror Museum gives a gripping insight into Hungary’s life under first the Nazi siege, and then the many years of Communist control. The Castle District, just up the hill from the Victoria offers amazing nighttime photo opportunities. Look for outdoor symphony concerts at the Basilica de St. Stephens. Had goulash and listened to the music. The Pink Floyd laser show at the Planetarium was disappointing. Grundel on Vaci Street lives up to the reputation of the most popular confectionary in Hungary. From there, another overnight train to Prague, where we were met by a prearranged car for a two hour drive to Ceski Krumlov. Ceski Krumlov was easily our favorite city in all of Eastern Europe. A beautiful, small medieval town with flowing serpentine river, and an architectural delight. We stayed at a very nice boutique Hotel Barbora, located one short block from the town square. Our private tour guide, Lenka Belcherova (+420 245 438 101) was very enthusiastic about her town. The Bohemian Feast at the river’s edge Restaurant Krcma u Dwau Maryi was without a doubt the best food of our seventeen day trip! Saw a wonderful opera at night performed in the Castle Gardens; seating is on a turntable, and revolves to view the scenes played in the gardens. Returned to Prague by the prearranged car.

Prague is the grand city of all of Eastern Europe. We stayed, along with several other Rick Steves’ fans, at the Guest House Lida. Jan and Jiri Prouza are wonderful hosts! We were fortunate to get the all time favorite tour guide, Sarka Pelantova, who knows all of the ins-and-outs to make a walking tour better. Heard an excellent Smetena and Dvorak Orchestra Concert at the Municipal Hall. Also enjoyed the Alfons Mucha Museum. Found Prague to be the best city for airline connections back to the USA.

J. Almont Pierce, McLean, Virginia. Jap178@aol.com
J Almont Pierce <email>
McLean, VA USA Mon 09/26/2005

Transportation in Tuscany
What is the best way to get from the train station in Florence to San Gimignano? I am assuming a bus? Where would I find bus info/schedules?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Mon 09/26/2005

Recommendations for Portugal and Anadalusia
I'm flying into and out of Lisbon in November and want to also head down to Andalusia (specifically Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada). I fly in on a Thursday morning and leave about 11 days later on Sunday morning. What itineraries would you recommend? Any tips to share? Is this too much ground to cover? Is there time for side trips from Lisbon in addition? Is this easily doable by bus/train? Also, should I have any concerns about traveling through this region as a single woman?
JT <email>
Mpls, MN USA Mon 09/26/2005

Beating summer crowds
David,

based on my own experience, I wouldn’t expect much of a problem with crowds at that time.

Three years ago I went to Germany for the last week in August and the first week in September. According to my email records, I made my reservations the last two weeks in July. I found rooms available for all three hotels I tried in Rothenburg and the two I tried in Berchtesgaden. I don’t remember big crowds in either town, and there was no problem finding tables at restaurants. There was also no wait for the boat on Königssee or the bus to the Eagle’s Nest.

We ate lunch at the Hbf twice on the way through Munich and had no problem finding a table.

I found accommodations easily in other places (Allgäu, Schwaben) relatively unknown to Americans, but not to Germans. My favorite pension in the Allgäu was booked, but no surprise. Most people book it a year in advance.
<email>
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Museum Reservations
We had reservations to go to the Uffizi b/c we went on a tour that included the museum, which seemed like a good idea b/c the museum was very crowded and there was a very long line. As for the Academia we were unable to secure reservations (and didn't want to do the tour that included it) So we opted to arrive at the museum 20 minutes before it opened. There are 2 separate lines, one for people w/ reservations and one w/out. Once the museum was opened (I believe it was like 8:30am) They let all the people in with reservations and we waited 15 minutes and were in as well! We couldn't believe it ourselves. As soon as we went in we walked straight to the Statue of David and had it to ourselves for a good 10 minutes before the tour guides made it over to it. In this situation reservations weren't neccessary
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Pisa Galileo airport
Thanks for the info regarding Pisa Galileo airport. We didn't realize how far away it is. Would it make sense to stay in Pisa the night before and what are accomodations like? Thanks.
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Florence to Pisa Airport
There are train connections from Florence to the Pisa airport. You can find them on the Bahn website, http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en. Use "Florence S.M.N." and "Pisa Airport". Travel time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on if you have to change at Pisa Central.
<email>
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Getting from Florence to Pisa Galileo Airport
In 2002 we went by train from Florence to Pisa. Since Pisa was a day trip for us on our way from Florence to Siena, we were schlepping our packs along with us. Upon arrival in Pisa, were were informed that there were no longer any luggage lockers at the train station (post-Sept. 11 worries). We were told to go to the airport to leave our luggage there. We did, and it all worked out eventually, but it was a lot more hassle than it should have been (the luggage counter at the airport wasn't exactly a picture of efficiency).

There was a bus from the train station to the airport every 15 minutes or so (a fairly short ride - maybe 15-20 minutes), so if that's your destination, it shouldn't be difficult.

I was surprised at how busy the airport was - guess a lot of folks are flying to Pisa on discount carriers. Hope that helps.
David
Seattle, WA USA Mon 09/26/2005

Shawn - Musuems in Florence
Reservations? You'll definitely want them for the Uffizi. We were there in the spring of 2003 and we called for reservations a day or two in advance - and were very glad we did. We walked right by the looooong lines of sad-looking people who appeared to have been waiting for hours. We also had reservations for the Accademia and Bargello. It's definitely worth it.
David
Seattle, WA USA Mon 09/26/2005

Paris Hotels-Rue Cler district
Roxie, we have stayed twice at the Hotel du Champ de Mars in the Rue Cler district and it was very satisfactory. We could not get in for our October visit and are staying at the Grand Hotel Leveque in Rue Cler. Rick Steves advice about what a great area Rue Cler is right on as it is safe, inexpensive, close to everything and has wonderful bistros.
Doug Ellingson <email>
Chanhassen, MN USA Mon 09/26/2005

day trips from Paris
Nancy...you can take the RER D line from Paris to Melun (the closest town to Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte), then a taxi for about 15 euros each way. You can then take a commuter train from Melun to Fontainebleau...a 10 minute run (about one an hour...more during rush hours). Then reverse going back (without the taxi ride, of course!) With all there is to see at Fontainebleau, it might be worth a day in itself.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/26/2005

Musuems in Florence
Do I REALLY need to reserve tickets to get into the musuems in Florence?
Shawn
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Pisa Galileo Airport
We are trying to track down information on getting from Florence to Pisa Galileo aiport. Has anyone done this and have any info. Thanks.
USA Mon 09/26/2005

Heathrow thanks - Heathrow Lodge
Sara, re your second question about Heathrow Lodge. I have no first-hand knowledge, but hopefully you've found some online comments such as...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g186338-d261736-r3911251-Heathrow_Lodge-London_England.html

I might worry about the one and a half hour wait for the 10 minute shuttle. And I might worry about the only non-UK comment saying "filthy-very disgusted".
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Mon 09/26/2005

Crowds in October?
I can see the crowds in September, but what kind of crowds should I expect, if any in late October for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?
Terry
OK USA Mon 09/26/2005

Heathrow thanks!
Thank you for the websites! Even the Heathrow Express mentions the bad traffic jam issue on their own Website (talked about on earlier posts pro and con), so I imagine that, just as near my home, a lot depends on the time of day and, just plain luck! The terminal part was really helpful. Thanks!
Sara
USA Mon 09/26/2005

September Crowds
It has been 10 years--but I can't imagine that the crowds have lessened. I was in Germany, Austria, Prague & Budapest in September, and I remember big crowds of people, especially in the touristy areas of Prague. That doesn't mean that you should not go. Even if there are crowds, the weather is great--so crowds are not as annoying as they would be in the summer heat. I was told that many retirees like to travel in September to the Alps.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 09/26/2005

Heathrow Express & Terminal 4?
Which terminal British Airways flies into depends on which US city you depart from. For example SFO: Terminal 1, JFK: T3, Miami: T4. See...

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/routedest/public/en_gb

The Heathrow Express train starts at Terminal 4 and stops at 3, 2, and 1 on the way to Paddington. For all terminals, it is easy to get from the terminal to the train.

I don't know if you can buy tickets once you get there. I expect you can.

See previous postings for great debates about whether Heathrow Express is tbe easiest way to get from LHR to Gatwick.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Heathrow Exp and T4
Sara, go to www.heathrowairport.com. There you can find all sorts of info on the terminal used, by airline, starting airport, or flight number. It looks like from the US only Brit Air uses T4. They also occasionally use other terminals. There is a shuttle from T4 to Heathrow Central. Takes about 8 minutes.
CO USA Sun 09/25/2005

London --> Paris
K, National Express runs us bus from London to Paris. Their cheap non-refundable, all-sorts-of-conditions return fare is £29. Takes about 8 hours. See... http://www.nationalexpress.com/eurolines_microsite/index.cfm

On the other hand, Eurostar's cheap non-refundable, all-sorts-of-conditions return fare can be as low as £59. Trip takes 3 hours.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Heathrow Express & Terminal 4???
Hello- for the Heathrow experts that frequent this part of the Graffiti Wall, thanks in advance for your help. I would fly on British Air into Heathrow, arriving late morning, and need to transfer to Gatwick for the next leg. I've looked at the Heathrow Express website. Do international flights arrive at Terminal 4? If so, how long a haul is it to Terminal 3 where you get the Express? And it looks as if you can buy tickets there? Question 2- for the return, I will need to stay near Heathrow for a morning flight. Have any of you stayed at The Heathrow Lodge, the cheapest option? The free shuttle looked good, as did the price. But is there something else to know?! Many thanks!
Sara
USA Sun 09/25/2005

DAY TRIPS TO PARIS
Nancy: If I were planning a day trip to Fountainbleau and Vaux de Compte I would rent a car before I would consider a taxi.

Driving is easy and should be much cheaper and more convenient. Especially if there are two or more of you.
CLAUD
AUSTIN, TX USA Sun 09/25/2005

London --> Paris
Hi all,

I am planning my second trip to Europe and I was wondering if anyone knew of a bus that runs from London to Paris. The Eurostar train might be a little out of my budget and I'm almost positive I remember seeing discount buses that run between these two great cities. If need be, I think I can afford the high-speed train but I am trying to save a few bucks. Thanks!
K <email>
Chicago, IL USA! Sun 09/25/2005

London to St. Albans
Sarah~~you should purchase your tickets to St. Albans the first or second day you are in London. Just go to Kings Cross ticket window and ask for a return ticket to St. Albans. If you buy them before Friday they will cost less. The rail system in England is great and easy to use. You and your sister will have no troubl. Have a great trip.
London
Ohio USA Sun 09/25/2005

David S - Casablanca tips
Not sure what your constraints are, but when I visited Morocco about 10 years ago, Casablanca was not among the highlights. The big mosque there was beautiful (it was relatively new - not ancient), but the interior (like all others) was only open to believers, so all I could look at was the ornate exterior. Other than that, I didn't see much in Casablanca that impressed me (other than the culture shock when I arrived for my first visit to an Arab country).

Highlights of my trip thru Morocco were the old cities of Fes, Meknes, and Marrakesh - plunging into the medinas there was like jumping through a time machine and emerging in a different age (maybe a different planet, too).

I was intimidated initially but soon became confident of my ability to find my way through the maze of the old city (tip: bring along a little pocket compass - I found it really helped me stay oriented - you can get a cheap, tiny keychain one at REI or similar outdoor stores).

There are also some good Roman ruins (Volubulis).

I attracted a lot of would-be "guides" who constantly pestered me; I found this pretty annoying for a while, until I gave up being polite or trying to ignore them - eventually I turned to face them and screamed at them to **** OFF! and they eventually left me alone (I really didn't like being rude, but nothing else seemed to work). I flew in to Casablanca, so I did not have to run the gauntlet of touts meeting the boats in Tangiers. I also did not go to the cities on the north coast.

Morocco has an excellent train system (from the French colonial days) and I found it was easy enough to get around. I spoke no Arabic but was able to get by most places with my bad French - many Moroccans also speak bad French (thank goodness - I found the language very challenging).

One place I really liked that seemed to get few western tourists was the seaside town of Essouaria, on the Atlantic coast. Lovely climate, beautiful setting and a charming old city.

Good luck and have fun.
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Sue - Barcelona tips
Sue, Can't help you with the hotel but you'll love Barcelona, one of the world's most interesting cities. 2 days will feel very brief, but be sure to hit the following sites: As much Gaudi architecture as you can manage. Plan several hours at the incredible Sagrada Familia cathedral (climb all through the towers - bring some energy). Other famous Gaudi buildings like Casa Batllo and La Pedrera are musts. Also don't miss Parc Guell (a bit off the main tourist circuit, but easy to reach by train). Of course, you've got to ramble down the Rambles - great people-watching. It's an easy city to get around in with great public transit and much to see. Ricks books cover it well, of course. Have some tapas for me.
David
Seatle, WA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Rome Walks
Any and all of the RS Rome walks are excellent. Plan them out, and you can easily join one to another to keep your day filled.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 09/25/2005

Hotel Oceania- Rome
Am also staying 2 nights at Hotel Oceania in Rome in October. Comments? Experiences? And can anyone recommend any of the RS Rome walks? Thanks Sue
Sue
USA Sun 09/25/2005

Hotel Continental- Barcelona
Has anyone stayed at Hotel Continental in Barcelona? I am staying there in October. Also recommended sites to see or what to do for a 2 day stay?
Sue
USA Sun 09/25/2005

Guide/driver in Casablanca For David
Hello David, The cities we traveled to in Morocco were Tangier, fes, Marrakesh and Casablanca. We also went to Rabat. It was a great trip but very hot, which you will probably not have to contend with on your trip. Maybe a different experience in October!

We loved Marrakesh and Shopping in Casablanca...the architecture and history is very interesting. We also ate Very Good Snacks in Casablanca Rick's-Café, that was excellent, tangiertour made those reservations for us.

Fes was Great and very Interesting City, is where we had the hottest weather...so that clouds our experience a little...Also we were there on a Sunday when many things were closed. However, we saw a great Berber Folkloric show at the Cultural Centre.

Tangier's Old section was very interesting and the setting was beautiful with the hills and gorges. We did not stay in Assilah..just went to the beach, and had lunch. Also a beautiful setting on the Mediterranean. in Safi We enjoyed our Time in the beach a lot. This fishing town was Great, and Morocco is a beautiful country. Hope this helps a little! Please Click on: http://www.freewebs.com/tangiertour2/ By Idrissi arrangement, Our Permanent Guide In Morocco. Sincerely,
Hilary B.Dahan <email>
Studio City, CA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Beating the summer crowds - in September?
We're planning a 2-3 week trip to Europe next year, beginning in late August and ending in early/mid September. The exact dates are TBD (so is the exact itinerary - we're considering 3 different trips: Great Britain; Germany; or Holland+Belgium+a little Germany).

I've traveled to Europe before at the height of the summer tourism crush, and also in the shoulder and off seasons. I generally prefer the "shoulder". This time we're trying to fit the trip in between other scheduling needs, and we're trying to miss the worst of the summer crowds by pushing most of the trip into September - but also hope to enjoy good weather.

How much should we expect the crowds to drop off after September 1? I'm guessing that there will be no shortage of tourists even through September, but that the crowds will be much more manageable each day after Sept. 1.

Does this seem about right?
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 09/25/2005

More Getting to St Albans
I forgot to mention that, when you take a train ride in England, you need to know the name of the final destination. On the ThamesLink CityFlier route stopping at St. Albans the final destination is Bedford.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Getting to St Albans, England
Sarah, you can just show up at Kings Cross station and purchase your tickets at the ticket window. Look on the huge departure board for destinations, times, and departure platform.

On the ThamesLink CityFlier, St. Albans is just one stop north of Kings Cross. Trains run every 10 minutes or so and the trip takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. It is a very local, very casual train ride. You might have trouble finding a seat in the rush hour but hopefully you won't mind standing for 20 to 30 minutes.

If you return the same evening, buy a day return ticket. I see that later in the evening trains run about every 30 minutes.

Look at this link... http://www.infotransport.co.uk/trains/station/660
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Nancy/day trips from Paris
I have no idea re the taxi service, but I think the place you mean is Vaux le Vicomte, where there is a chateau. If so, try a search from Avon)(Fountainebleu) to Melun (Vaux le Vicomte) on the SNCF or the RER-D sites. Both have rail stations but they may/maynot directly connect. I think each is on a route from Paris/Lyon. If the shuttle service--by this I infer you mean service from the train or bus stations to each of the two chateaux--is not in service, does this indicate that either chateau is closed.
HG
Illinolis USA Sun 09/25/2005

Getting to St Albans, England
Help. My sis & I are leaving for London on Tuesday. My best friend whom we are to meet for dinner Friday evening just e-mailed to say "meet me in St Albans for dinner". What is the best way to go about purchasing train tickets to get there? I know we'll be leaving from Kings Cross Station. Is it best to book ahead or can we just show up at the station and buy our tickets then? This is our first visit to England and we are not familiar with their rail system. I've already looked at the Natl. Rail website, but I want to know what experiences others who are familiar w/the system have had.
Sarah <email>
PA USA Sun 09/25/2005

Guide/driver in Casablanca?
Looking for a guide & driver to handle a small group (2-6 people), picking up at the Port servicing Casablanca for a half-day excursion, preferably Inside of Casablanca and a Senagogue Visit. Not sure exactly what we want to do or just how far from Casablanca we want to venture, any suggestions & recommendations would be appreciated!
david S.Star <email>
Portland, Oregon USA Sun 09/25/2005

day trips from Paris
We are going to Paris in two weeks and would like to do a day trip to Fountainbleau and Vaux de Compte. I have learned the shuttle between the two does not run at this time of year. Has anyone done this by taxi and what is the cost?
Nancy
USA Sun 09/25/2005

Heathrow to London via Underground - weekend closures
For those fans of taking the underground to and from Heathrow, be aware that they are closing the Picadilly line between Hyde Park Corner and Acton Town, and the District line fom Earl's Court to Acton Town, on various weekends through 2007. See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/travelinfo/picc-dis-weekend-closure.asp for the list of weekend closures. You can still take the Central Line to Ealing, then south to Acton Town and transfer to the underground heading to Heathrow. But travel times will be as long as 90 minutes to downtown, and is not a route the management is advising for people with a lot of luggage.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 09/25/2005

HEATHROW TO LONDON - Heathrow Connect
Prices for Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect are £14 and £9.50 respectively, not 14 and 9.50 euros as posted below. This new service is apparently intended for locals who want to get on and off the train at intermediate stops between LHR and Paddington.

If you search for "Heathrow Connect" at http://uk.yahoo.com you'll find that the service seems to have had teething troubles this summer. Problems such difficulty figuring out where to buy tickets, difficulty finding the trains at Paddington station (they are not displayed on the departure boards) and the fact that the train does not run all the way to terminal 4. There is also an amusing article from the Observer which claims that, while the Heathrow Express was renowned as one of the world's costliest trains trips, the last leg of the new Heathrow Connect line is now the most expensive train ride in the world and is, per mile, more expensive than a flight on the Concorde used to be.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sat 09/24/2005

packing lite - ad nauseaum
I think the packing light discussion was thoroughly covered and everyone's philosophy was shared ad nauseaum. That's probably why it was removed. Packing is an individual decision - what works for one person doesn't necessary work for others. this graffiti wall section is for asking specific questions and receiving practical answers regarding travel to Europe. For real tips and ideas about packing light (not whether you should or not!) see that section of this website!
CO USA Sat 09/24/2005

Packing light
Where are the posts on packing light that were on this site until last night??
OH USA Sat 09/24/2005

HEATHROW TO LONDON
I copied this from the Oct issue of International Travel News, page 14: there is now an alternative to paying 14 euros ($26) for a 15 minute ride on the quarter-hourly Heathrow Express from London’s Heathrow to Paddington Station.

On June 12, 2005, Heathrow Connect began half-hourly rail service on the same tracks but with a big difference, a fare of 9.50 euros ($17.50).

An extra 10 minutes can save a thrifty traveler nearly $9 in each direction.
G. S.
NYC, USA Sat 09/24/2005

Hotel for Roxie
I have travelled to Paris once a year for about 20 years from the seventies to the ninties. I mostly stayed at the Tourisme Hotel 66 ave de la Motte-Piquet 60 rooms just at the Metro stop la Motte-Piquet Grenelle. It is close to the rue Cler (it is in the 15th arr. but just at the border of the 7th.). It has all you want. I see by their web site they have upgraded now to aircinditioning. The breakfast is reasonable and reasonably priced.
Steve <email>
Seattle, USA Sat 09/24/2005

Wine & wineries
I am looking for a couple nice wineries where I can experience the wine making process and obtain some bottles to ship home that are not found in the US. I have heard it is the Burgandy season in Europe. I will be in the Paris area (open to traveling outside the city) then heading to the Munich, Salzburg, Venice and Florence area. Can someone suggest a specific winery that has both the experience and excellent products. I will be in these areas for the next 3 1/2 weeks. Thanks.
Bill <email>
Salem, Oregon USA Sat 09/24/2005

Paris Hotel
My partner and I used the Hotel Sevigne. It was excellent with a Metro stop across the street, walking distance to Notre Dame, the Louvre, Pompidou Center and some excellent, inexpensive RS recommended restaraunts nearby. http://maxime.leclerc.club.fr/reception%20en.htm
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA Fri 09/23/2005

yet another ATM thought
When in Europe this summer I also took some euro travelers cheques ordered for a fairly reasonable fee through our bank. One of the hotels I'd booked offered a 10% discount if paid in full with cash upon check- in, and with a whole week's stay there not until several weeks into the vacation, I didn't want to keep almost 800 euro even in the money belt. The hotel would not take them, and I had to hunt for a bank that would and it was a big ordeal and another fee to do so. I think (see if others agree) that ATMs have become so easy to find that places just don't want the hassle anymore of dealing with travelers cheques- I thought it would be okay since they were already in euro. So if those don't really work, there really isn't another option, is there? Thanks!
USA Fri 09/23/2005

Paris hotel
I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive yet safe hotel in Paris during March. It doesn't have to be a Rick Steves-recommended hotel. I'm looking for a hotel you stayed at before, had a wonderful time and would return again if possible. I'm traveling with a fairly larger group and would prefer a hotel that offered a continental breakfast, near a metro stop and a few stores (like a grocery store). Thank you for your recommendations!
Roxie
USA Fri 09/23/2005

Thanks again
Thanks again Adam. I'll follow your advice. How about Orange? There is a family owned hotel right next to the train station that is part of a group (Chain?) that is supposed to be good. We will get a car there or in Avignon and go to the Pont o(?) Gard, the lavender center at Carpentras, etc. I now have a co planner. I had to let the cat out of the bag. Can you imagine I completely forgot about passports for each of us. We've never had one before and I just did not think of it. Indeed, that would have been the biggest of surprises when we go to depart and have no passports. I have learned a French word that I guess is ok to use here---amities.
Randy
USA Fri 09/23/2005

Thanks again
Thanks again Adam. I'll follow your advice. How about Orange? There is a family owned hotel right next to the train station that is part of a group (Chain?) that is supposed to be good. We will get a car there or in Avignon and go to the Pont o(?) Gard, the the lavender center at Carpentras, etc. I now have a co planner. I had to let the cat out of the bag. Can you imagine I completely forgot about passports for each of us. We've never had one before and I just did not think of it. Indeed, that would have been the biggest of surprises when we go to depart and have no passports. I have learned a French word that I guess is ok to use here---amities.
Randy
USA Fri 09/23/2005

ATM use
The ATM controversy continues. ATMs are easy to use, just as common in Europe as in US and any rate you pay there beats the cost of exchanging money at banks or the like. Yes, you must be aware of charges imposed but you pay, no matter WHERE you go.
Paul n Sara <email>
USA Fri 09/23/2005

ATMs
Will, you'll find tons of postings about Euro exchange and ATMs on this site. General consensus seems ATMs are the way to go, but watch out for bank fees (my credit union doesn't charge). ATMs are convenient at CDG. Your leftover Euros will ensure you won't be high and dry if for some reason you can't find a working ATM right away. You'll be fine! :)
USA Fri 09/23/2005

No longer having trouble getting tickets from London to Bath
Susan, using a Dell running Windows XP is truly a desperate last attempt. (Just kidding). Glad it worked and hope you have a great time in Bath. You MUST see the Roman baths. Fascinating.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Fri 09/23/2005

More on Heathrow to Gatwick
I second (I think) the recommendation to take the National Express bus from Heathrow to Gatwick. The trip takes 75 minutes or so. We took this bus going in the opposite direction in August. We went from Brighton to Heathrow and the bus stopped at Gatwick along the way. The route avoids London, so traffic jams should not be an issue but I suggest you allow plenty of time just for your own peace of mind.

Now why I say "I think" is due to an "only in England" experience we had. The bus arrived at Gatwick exactly on time and a lot of people got on for the onward journey to Heathrow. We sat there for about 5 to 10 minutes at which point the driver stopped the engine and, without a word, opened the door, got out and walked off.

We sat there for another 5 minutes until a supervisor got on and announced that our driver's shift had ended, his replacement had called in sick, and they were furiously trying to find another driver to continue the journey. Needless to say this caused some consternation but the new driver showed up a few minutes later. They decided that they would skip the scheduled stop at Gatwick's North Terminal and we made it to Heathrow a few minutes ahead of schedule. I have often wondered since if there were any passengers waiting at the North Terminal.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Fri 09/23/2005

No longer having trouble getting tickets from London to Bath
We decided to try one more thing before giving up on qjump.com - changing computer platforms. On our Macs, we'd tried conducting the transaction in every browser. On our last attempt I used a Dell running Windows XP. Success! ahhhh. One more reservation knocked off the list.
Susan <email>
Happy Camp, CA USA Fri 09/23/2005

B & Bs near Parma, Italy
Does anyone have B&B suggestions near Parma, Italy? We are looking for one that might offer cooking classes as well (using local cheese and meat - of course!). We saw one on Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa but didn't write the name down and I can't find it online. Thanks!
Connie <email>
FL USA Fri 09/23/2005

Exchanging to Euros
We leave for France in 2 weeks and wonder about getting Euros. I've re-read this section in the RS France book but would like your current experiences. We have some Euros left from our last visit but wonder what are current net exchange rates at ATMs (after fees and add ons.) Are the ATMs in CDG airport convenient and OK? Any other tips? Thanks.
Will
Kirkland USA Fri 09/23/2005

JB - Battle Bus
Oh, thanks to you as well.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Fri 09/23/2005

Bill in Montgomery - Battle Bus
Thanks, Bill. I'm leaving tonight to start my journey to Europe. I've got a coupla weeks of my month of October unplanned and when I saw your post it sounded like something I'd like to do. I'll look into it further as soon as I get to Europe. Thanks again, bud.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, pa USA Fri 09/23/2005

Battle Bus
To Bob C.

You can pick it up in Bayeux. They have many tours to select from. Cost for our American Highlights was 75 euros per person. Tour bus holds 8 people and takes 9 very fast hours. You can look at their website for more info. They are closing for the season at the end of October. Book early.
Bill
USA Fri 09/23/2005

Battle Bus Tours
We took the "American Highlights Tour" June 2005 offered by Battlebus. I would highly recommend Battlebus. There are several tours offered. Our guide Gert Van Den Bogaert was very knowledgeable. Well worth the money and time. The tour was 9 hours long. Only 8 people per van. Meeting place for our tour was in Bayeux.
JB
USA Fri 09/23/2005

To Randy re Surprise Vacation
Glad to be of service. May I say that I’d see Avignon, but stay someplace smaller, like Arles (just a short train ride away). Beynac makes a really lovely base for the Dordogne and Vezere valleys. Either way it is a brilliant itinerary and I hope you have a great trip!
Adam
Boston, USA Fri 09/23/2005

Bill in Montgomery - Battle Bus
Sounds very interesting. Any details? How much? Where does it go? How long does it take. Where to you hop on the bus? Thanks, bud.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Fri 09/23/2005

Battle Bus Normandy
just returned from Normandy where we took a tour on the Battle Bus. It was the best tour I have ever taken on 12 trips to Europe. Highly recommend taking this if traveling to France.
Bill
Montgomery, ny USA Fri 09/23/2005

capri pants and sporty
I agree about the capris for men! Traveling this summer I noticed that it was only American men (and sometimes the Germans!) who wore those baggy cargo shorts with pockets- all the European men (dads with kids, too) were in rather tight capri- style pants with those sporty gym shoes (colored, suede, narrow) or sandals and tight t- shirts. It might not be an option for older gentlemen of a "certain age" or more robust body shape- but if neither of those apply and you really want to fit in you could wait and shop at a street market there! Happy travels!
USA Fri 09/23/2005

Hat/Vests - Europe
I wore a baseball cap once and I stood out a lot, if thats what you mean. Europeans don't really wear shorts either, capri-like pants seems the most common.
WA USA Fri 09/23/2005

Converted Over-Packer
I agree whole-heartedly with Paul n Sara. On my trip I vowed to pack (I usually am an compulsive "over-packer") and I found it to be very beneficial. Because on our trip we were relying heavily on public transportation I never felt "weighhed" down my luggage. Everyone in my group was responsible for their luggage and it helped out trip be as smooth as it was.
Candace
USA Fri 09/23/2005

Hotel in Amsterdam
We stayed at the Hotel Washington (www.hotelwashintong.nl) about three years ago. It might be a little over 100 euro now, but the rooms were high ceilinged and lovely. It's near the museums, near resaurants, grocery, and trolley. Breakfast was typical. You have to be able to climb steep narrow stairs.
IA USA Fri 09/23/2005

Hotels in Amsterday
Anyone been to Amsterdam lately that can suggest a great budget hotel (100 euro per night) for 4 women? We are celebrating a 50th birthday for one and it will be their first time in Europe. We are planning for this time next year.

Thanks. Pat
Pat <email>
Glendale, AZ USA Thu 09/22/2005

21 days--Best of Europe
September 06--wow you plan ahead! You're going to have a great time. I don't think it's necessary to buy travelwear from Tilleys or Travelsmith (kind of pricey), but I do sometimes because it gets me in the mood. As far as dress, just look nice--any smart person will know that you are American. Renee had some great ideas and the "Travel tips" on the Rick Steves website really tell you all you need to know. I finallly went digital for cameras & I'm glad I did. I always like to read about where I'm going before a trip. I also watch videos (Hannibal & Room with a View have great Florence scenery--the Talented Mr. Ripley has great Italy scenery. Go to Netflix and click on foreign films for ideas.) I also listen to CDs to get in the mood. Putomayo has Italy CDs, French Cafe CDs and a Eurolounge CD. Do your Christmas shopping in Italy....Purses & scarves at the market in Florence, inexpensive Murano class earrings in Venice and Limoncino in the Cinque Terre... Have fun!
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 09/22/2005

To Adam and HG concerning surprise vacation
Thanks to the both of you for helping me. I had no idea of the exact places I was looking for or where they are. They certainly are spread out and we are going to each of them. We will just take the extra time. This is sort of a special mission. I have maps now and the help of the librarian in town. She's a gem and has told me how to use the computer to "Google" all the places I need to check such as the rail schedules and routes, the toll roads, tourist sites, and all those things. I got a French phrase book ordered from Borders, maps and directions from the kind people at Michelin who put all of this on line, Free. As a matter of fact, a lot of people have been really helpful, but it all started with the librarian and you two. She gave me the name of the grafitti wall and how to get it, but you Adam and HG did the detective work that made sense out of my confusion. I re read my posting on this site and have to admit I really sound like a ding dong. But you helped anyway. Thanks from my heart.
Randy
Mt. Vernon, IL USA Thu 09/22/2005

Driviving from Spain to France
Does anyone know anything about driving from Barcelona, Spain through Provence, France, and finally dropping the car off in Marseille? Is this a crazy idea? Or should I pick up a rental car in France instead of doing the cross country route?
Howard <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Thu 09/22/2005

To Renee - Email
For Renee: I have more questions than I do answers :)...I'd love to have youe email address. Thank you!
Chuck
CA USA Thu 09/22/2005

Hat/Vests - Europe
Are the "Tilly Hats & Travel Vests" in style for the 21 day Eruope tour....don't want to stand out too much :)...! Any suggestions and words of caution are appreciated....this is my first trip. Thanks!
Chuck <email>
CA USA Thu 09/22/2005

Chuck - best of Europe 21 days
I'm so jealous!! I've taken that tour three times back when it was a "bus/plus" trip. Advice would be: start walking a lot now (we averaged 5-15 miles a day on the trip). Wear a pedometer just for fun to keep track. Bring a travel journal (spiral notebook worked for us) and write in it every day. We have done this with every trip and love to read what we did, where we ate, etc. Bring or buy an extra suitcase and if you buy souvenirs along the way, store them in that suitcase under the bus. Check it on your return trip. Plan to arrive in Haarlem a full day before your group meets to get that jet-lag under control. Pack light because you will be carrying/rolling your bag from the bus to your rooms. Not all hotels have elevators so make sure you're good with stairs carrying your luggage. As quick as you can after you arrive, buy plastic cups, utensils, plates and look for every opportunity to buy picnic fixins for lunches and dinners. Bring your own ziplock bags - tons of them (didn't see them an stores over there). Really fun, saves you money on restaurant meals and you get to explore the markets and stores and interact with the locals. Find parks, benches, steps, etc. for picknicking and people watching. September is a great time to do this trip. We got a little chilly in Switzerland - otherwise we had great weather. Pack rain jackets (buy umbrellas there if you need them). Of course, use your money belt and keep track of it!! Watch yourself on the metro in Rome - three ppl in our group were pickpocketed on the same day. Depending on your group dynamics, plan on lots of parties and fun on the bus (sharing treats, wine, etc.) If you are a drinker, pack your extra liver...you'll need it! :) I could go on and on - love the itinerary, love the guides, love the experience!! Have fun!! If you want more details, respond here and I"ll give you my email address...
Renee
CO USA Thu 09/22/2005

More on Heathrow to Gatwick
To USA--we also flew to Venice on BA and had to transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick. Our flight from Seattle landed at Heathrow shortly before noon, and we had several hours for the transfer. We used the National Express Bus for the transfer, and at midday there were no traffic problems at all. As BA transfered the luggage for us, we had nothing to worry about, and napped peacefully on the bus.
USA Thu 09/22/2005

Gatwick to Heathrow
An alternative that we have used is to take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station and then take the Underground from Victoria (either the Circle or District line), transfer to the Picadilly line at the South Kensington station where it is a quick trip to Heathrow. It sounds more complicated than it is and you do not have to worry about traffic jams.
Doug Ellingson <email>
Chanhassen, MN USA Thu 09/22/2005

Heathrow to Gatwick
To USA~~there are bus service between Heathrow and Gatwick which takes at least 70 minutes, but there are traffic jams between the two airports so it probably would take longer then 70 minutes. You could take the Heathrow Express to Paddington which takes 15 minutes, then depending on how much luggage you have you could either take the tube or taxi to Victoria Station to get the Gatwick Express. Good Luck.
Ohio USA Thu 09/22/2005

Heathrow to Gatwick
Well, Heathrow is west of London and Gatwick is to the south. As how to get there, I can not really remember. There is a train from Heathrow to Paddington and you might be able to connect there.
Wa USA Thu 09/22/2005

Heathrow to Gatwick
We've booked a BA flight to Venice. At Heathrow we have to change to Gatwick and then fly to Venice. Has anyone done this and where do you get information and transportation, schedules and costs?
USA Thu 09/22/2005

Suggestion for the 21 Day Europe tour
I'm planning to take the 21 day Best of Europe tour Sep 06. I'd like to here your travel sectets...ideas,,,,hints,,,,precautions....any helpful info,,,,please email me or post here. Thanks
Chuck <email>
Fresno, CA USA Thu 09/22/2005

Checking in luggage in Naples
We plan to arrive to Naples central train station from Rome in the morning, spend there a day, and go to Sorrento in the evening. Does anyone know if it's safe to check in luggage at central station?
Maya Neyman <email>
Rockville, MD USA Wed 09/21/2005

Bitter Lemon (Radler)
Yeah, that's the name on the bottle. Look for it near the tonic water or ginger ale. I think the previous poster was right that Schwepp's makes it, but there might be other brands, too.
Kristin
Bellevue, Wa USA Wed 09/21/2005

Tickets for Christmas Mass at the Vatican
I will be spending Christmas in Rome this year. I would love to attend the Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican. Does anyone know how to go about getting tickets or whatever is needed to be able to attend the mass INSIDE the church? Thank you for your help.
Terry <email>
Tampa, FL USA Wed 09/21/2005

Some info on Radler
A quick google search found this interesting article:

http://www.csulb.edu/~parayner/Radler.html
Stefan
Pa USA Wed 09/21/2005

Radler
Bitter Lemon? I am unfamiliar with that. Thta exact name will be on the bottle?
Stefan
Pa USA Wed 09/21/2005

Radler
Stefan, try the Bitter Lemon (suggested by a poster earlier). A friend of ours who lived in Europe uses that, and we think it tastes like what we had there. We can usually find it in the grocery store near the other mixers.
Kristin
Bellevue, Wa USA Wed 09/21/2005

PARIS TO ST GOAR AND VIENNA
Gordon: I have flown to Frankfurt many times because when I compared air fares to other cities, it is always cheaper.

Call the airlines you consider and ask for the fares. You may want openjaw fare (into one city and back from another).

Getting from one city to another is often cheaper by air, but not all discount airlines fly to all cities. Try applefares.com. And europebyair.com.
M A DAFA
TX USA Wed 09/21/2005

BOOKING PLACES TO STAY
Beth: We have been to Euorpe many times in the fall and never had a problem in finding a room where we want it.

Having a car makes it easy because you can drive the neighborhood where you want to stay and watch for zimmer frei signs in the yards.

Always look at the room before renting and sometimes you can negotiate the price. Staying more that a few nights will often earn a discount.

If you don’t want to stay in homes, there are many inns, pensions and country inns which rent rooms cheap. I have often stopped in bars and pubs to ask for the nearest rooms.

The local Tourist Information Office at the RR station will help you find a place.
C C CYRES
CHICAGO, IL USA Wed 09/21/2005

HORSEBACK AND PHOTOGRAPHY IN EUROPE
Bill: My wife and I have traveled Europe three times in Oct. and always find the weather comfortable. You can expect a few days of light rain, but not cold weather.

I took my digital, 35mm SLR camera and palmcorder one time to find what I prefer. Most travelers have an opinion, but I recommend you try all the first time you go and eliminate any you don’t use. Don’t go by other's opinions; use your own.

You may even find after a few days that you will leave one of them in your luggage the balance of the trip. Experiment and determine which you prefer.
CHARMU
DALLAS, TX USA Wed 09/21/2005

Re: Mike's Chauffeur Service
AT - We hired Mike a few years ago and couldn't have been happier. So, "yes" to all of your questions. We hired Mike for a one-way drive from Krakow to Prague and for a full day, round-trip between Prague and Cesky Krumlov. We requested only one 5 minute stop in Ceske Budjejovice (sp?), which was no problem. However, for anything more involved, it would probably be best to check with him ahead of time.
Rick Manyik <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 09/21/2005

Mike's Chauffeur Service -- Prague
Interested in comments from those who may have used Mike's Chauffeur Service in Prague. The usual stuff: on time? polite? rate as quoted? willing to stop along the way?
AT
Portland, Oregon USA Wed 09/21/2005

Bill and cameras, Part II
I agree with jackidancer below. Don't take too much camera equipment. I used to take my entire SLR kit, lots of lenses, a gob of filters, etc. I'd end up with maybe 1 "keeper" for every 20 shots. What an expensive pain in the bazoo! I feel that unless you're a professional photographer or a super-gifted amateur the best way to go is digital. I also have never taken a camcorder, but be advised that lots of digital models (I use a Sony DSC-V1 Cyber-shot) have "mpeg" capability allowing you to take short movies that come out just fine on your computer monitor. They do suck up alotta memory, but can be transferred to CD's/DVD's or emailed home from cyber-cafes. With my one small digital I'm able to capture enough good stuff to keep me happy between Eurotrips.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Wed 09/21/2005

Bill and cameras
Bill, check out the Photography in Europe wall here for some hints about taking cameras. Lots of opinons - of course! My personal opinon, having taken both a 35mm and a digital on one trip...then only a digital on the last trip...but never a camcorder is - Don't overwhelm yourself with photography equipment. You won't find the time to use them all. I'd recommend taking just your digital camera with extra memory cards, batteries (or your charger and one extra battery) You are on vacation, and I understand that you want to capture every moment. But - do you really want to spend your vacation looking through the viewfinder of some camera? Take one, make sure you can use every function, and understand how it works, and go for it! Digital cameras will help you to capture so much more than just a 35mm...no hassle with film (but like above, take extra memory cards) No hassle taking the film through security at the airport.

That's my vote...I'm sure other readers will have different opinons!
<email>
USA Wed 09/21/2005

Horseback and photography in Europe
Leaving for Europe Sept 27th. Does anyone know where good horseback riding is on the Northern Italy coast or in Switzerland and Austria? What will the climate be like in October? And, digital, 35mm, and camcorder: Is this too much equipment to take if one wants to capture the trip in full? Any suggestions based on personal experience.
Bill <email>
Salem, Oregon USA Wed 09/21/2005

Catherine in Fla. re foreign keyboards
this might help...in France. http://gofrance.about.com/cs/internetaccess/a/keyboards.htm
Corinne <email>
Dijon, FRANCE Wed 09/21/2005

Teach a kid Geography - Send a Postcard
What a good idea! I wish my kids could do that at school. I'm going to send them a card from Dijon. shall I write in French or English? (maybe both! ;-) )
Corinne <email>
Dijon, Burgundy FRANCE Wed 09/21/2005

Radler
According to legend, a German innkeeper was expecting a lot of bicyclists and hikers. He realized he did not have enough beer for the groups, but he had plenty of lemon soda, so he mixed them. Hence the name "Radler", which means "cyclist".

I have seen many official recipes for Radler, with lemon soda, lemonade, or Sprite. Probably doesn't matter.
USA Tue 09/20/2005

Keyboards in Germany
The French keyboards are specific to France. In Germany, their keyboards are essentially the same as our except for the umlauted characters, which seem to be mostly where our [ ] ; ' are. The major exception is that Z and Y are interchanged. The Germans seldom use Y, but use Z a lot more than we do, so the letters are exactly reversed. Using a keyboard in Germany drives me crayz.
CO USA Tue 09/20/2005

The beer in a Radler
In Germany and Austria, the beer they used was the typical Helles. A Paulaner Original Munich would be an easy beer to find in the states that would be similar. But I am still hoping to get some more ideas about the lemon part of it.
Stefan
Pa USA Tue 09/20/2005

Catherine in Fla. re foreign keyboards
Harvey's right that foreign keyboards have different layouts. Even an English keyboard is not quite the same as a US one. Unfortunately, you can't just plug another keyboard in. Settings in the operating system (Windows) have to be changed too. The attendant in the cyber cafe might be unwilling to do that (even if he or she knows how).

Don't worry about it. You will still be able to hunt and peck your way through your email.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Catherine in Fla. re e-mail
I've used Yahoo in France to read and send e-mail with no problems except one. The keyboards there have diacritical markings and a key arrangement different from ours. I presume this is common throughout Europe. If you are using a cyber cafe or similar, ask the attendant to give you an English setting or an English keyboard.
Harvey
Illinois USA Tue 09/20/2005

Still having trouble getting tickets from London to Bath
Susan, Sorry it isn't working for you. Probably time for you to use the old-fashioned telephone. I see that you will save £10.50 per ticket if you buy them now rather than wait until you get there. So it's worth a phone call.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Radler Beer
Candace and Stefan. We're radler lovers also! Can either if you tell us what kind of beer is best to use? Since we got back from Austria and Germany we've also wondered what it's made from.
Paul <email>
Netcong, NJ USA Tue 09/20/2005

E-mailing while traveling
Catherine, check to see if your existing email provider has a web-based interface. Lots of them do these days. If it does, then all you need to do is access it from any browser in any internet cafe. I found that my hotel had a free browser in the lobby.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Brighton transportation
Lyn, This link is a map of downtown Brighton bus routes http://www.buses.co.uk/bustimes/citycentre.pdf

It is quite possible to walk from the station to the pavilion and to the pier - if you are traveling light.

This link allows you to find the right bus http://www.buses.co.uk/frameset.html?$placesserved/indextoplaces.asp

By the way, I was annoyed that the entry fee (I think it was £6) does not include the key to the numbers on all the exhibits. To get the key you have to buy the glossy magazine (Another £9 or so if I remember).
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Teach a kid Geography - Send a Postcard
Teach a kid Geography - Send a Postcard

An elementary school Geography class at Littlerock Elementary School (in Littlerock Washington) is hoping that you can help their kids learn about different places in the world by sending them a postcard from your trip. As a part of their "Passport Club" they learn about different cities in different countries by the postcards they receive from all over the world.

If you want to take the time to send them a postcard from somewhere on your trip, please do. Here is their address:

Lottlerock Elementary

Passport Club

P.O. Box C

Littlerock, WA 98556

I know they would appreciate it. And it might be fun for you to do as well!! Be creative, teach the kids a little something about Roman history or a mountain range etc.
USA Tue 09/20/2005

Brighton transportation
We want to go from the Brighton Train station to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England. Does anyone know if there's any public transportation between the two, or from the train station to the pier?
Lyn <email>
Encinitas, CA USA Tue 09/20/2005

E-mailing while traveling
I use yahoo mail when I'am traveling. When you set up a yahoo account, it gives you the option of also checking your regular "pop" email account. It's very easy!
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Tue 09/20/2005

E-mailing while traveling
Catherine - Simply open a free email account with Yahoo, Hotmail, or one of the other services. You'll be able to access and send email from any internet cafe. If you need extra info email me.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Tue 09/20/2005

E-mailing while traveling
Need help about sending and receiving email in Europe
Catherine <email>
St George Island , FL USA Tue 09/20/2005

Kinsale
Jackie in Raleigh~~~We stayed at the Old Presbytery in Kinsale and liked it. Convenient to everything and nicely furnished in English pine furniture. Nice breakfast in a sunny room. Good parking also if you will have a car as we did.
Jamie
USA Tue 09/20/2005

Sicily suggestions
I have just finished my photo scrapbook of the week- long stay I had in eastern Sicily with my two college- age daughters, so will post my suggestions. (You didn't mention kids or ages thereof, so I will assume either no kids or that they can handle long drives!) First off, a car will be a big help- we had to rely on public transportation. Granted, we couldn't have gone at a worse time, mid- August-but I assume even if the crowds to get on and off hadn't been bad the uncertain arrivals and cancellations would be the same any time of year. Often the trains were late and the bus service was SLOW- so- everything should be easier for you with a car, at least getting from point A to point B between cities and towns. I can't help you with Palermo or points west. We flew into Catania, and then right away took a bus to Taormina. We had three days there (and do NOT stay at the youth hostel called Toarmina's Odyssey!!!!), partly as a base to get to Mt. Etna. It might be worth a day- long visit, but I didn't think the beaches there were as spectacular as I had read about. We did go to see Madame Butterfly in the Roman Ampitheatre which was an incredible experience. If you like hiking and volcanoes I would instead stay closer to Etna. We took a shuttle bus and then paid to go to the top crater, which was AMAZING. It's not much of a hike, physically, but the air is very thin. Make sure to dress warmly because it was almost 100 degrees down below in the summertime and we were cold in thin sweaters- really windy. You can rent stuff (boots and jackets) at the top so you don't have to pack it...there is another little town just south of Taormina called Giardina (?) Naxos (?) (very close to that spelling) that looked nice and might be cheaper. To get to the beach in Taormina you pay 3 euro and take a funicular down from the town, unless you stay at a place right on the beach...we then went to the Aeolian Islands which were spectacular. Much more laid back. Again our focus was on the volcanoes. We stayed on Lipari Island in Lipari town. The Hotel Neri was FANTASTIC- inexpensive, just 9 restored rooms in a villa, really clean with huge rooms and big breakfasts and minutes from the main street. It was a great base for island-hopping. I would suggest using always the hydrofoils (Ustica Lines) over the ferries- we learned the hard way unless you SEE the ferry docked right there! You can write back if you are interested in volcano recommendations, since that is what we mostly did on the other islands. The "cave de pomice" beach (operating pummice quarry) just outside of Lipari town was unbelievably gorgeous. I don't think we saw other Americans the whole time we were in Sicily. It is definitely poorer than northern Italy. We were in Catania just for an afternoon and evening before the morning flight. It was depressing! One last thing- if you are flying out of Catania airport make sure to get there hours too early. We almost missed our flight to Rome, which left at 7:15 am. The hotel manager insisted getting there an hour early was plenty, so I split the difference and we arrived at 5:45 and it was a mob scene. No lines, just hundred of people with suitcases the size of small houses pushing each other. Being able to drive to smaller towns and get to some of the ruins will be wonderful. I hope you have a wonderful trip!!!
USA Tue 09/20/2005

Stansted stay, Part 2
Hart....in this case, I WOULD take the Stansted Express, then take a subway all the way out to Heathrow, or take the subway to Paddington station and take the Heathrow Express rail service. Traffic jams are notorious in London during the daytime, and I've been caught too many times taking the bus....I'll always take the train and/or subway if I have that option. Be aware, for those similarly looking for the early-morning National Express bus service from London Liverpool street to Stansted, as mentioned earlier, that it won't show up in the National Express site dedicated to airport transfers. Enter the location from their main homepage to find it.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 09/20/2005

Rooms n Bookings
We have never had difficulty despite seldom booking ahead, tho we sometimes had to look at 4 or 5 places before finding a bed. More often the first place is available. Popular destinations and recommended hotels will often be booked solid but there are places in almost evry city or town that are a few blocks away and they have vacancies and MUCH lower rates

Paul n Sara
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport , MA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Randy's trip
Adam seems to have identified the itinerary you asked about to a tee. He's identified Beynac, a small town well worth a visit as the B city. Beynac is adjacent to Sarlat en Caneda which is a popular tourist town. I think the "5 relays" is there. There are 5 significant chateaux in the area hills, and a relais that once served them. A relais in French is a stagecoach stop, a place to get fresh horses or to stay over for the night in the inn. There is now a restaurant on the spot called Le Relais du Cinq Chateaux. It is, if it is still there, a fine place. The name translated is The Relay of the Five Castles. I think your source certainly referred to the French word but spelled it in English because the sound is identical. The fast train from Paris is abbreviated as TGV it goes in about 2 1/2 hours from Paris Lyon station to Avignon. The area is Provence though is was once spelled Provincia by the Romans. Your source evidently used Avignon as a hub and picked up a car there. I made a similar loup in 2000 and did it in 19 days not counting the arrival and departure days in Paris. I greatly underestimated the drive times from Avignon to Beynac and Beynac to Dinan. I would have done much better had I used the Michelin travel site so I recommend you check Michelin's routing.
HG
Ill USA Tue 09/20/2005

amalfi coast and sicily
We recently spent a wonderful week along the Amalfi Coast. We split our stay between the Olympico Hotel near Salerno and El Nido hotel near Sorrento- both were clean and reasonably priced.The view from our room overlooking Sorrento -the bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius in the background was breathtaking. This gave us good access to the area including a day trip to Naples, a day trip to Capri and a memorable day trip to Matera,and Alberobello. We are now planning a week trip to Sicily and would appreciate any advice on things to avoid-things not to miss and any good hotels, b&bs , restaurants that are clean and reasonably priced. We will have a car with us.
Steve <email>
Yavne, Israel Tue 09/20/2005

Stansted to Heatrow
Hart~~look at this website, tells about the Stansted to Heathrow buses.

http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/heathrow_stansted_transfer.htm
USA Tue 09/20/2005

London to Bath
Susan~~it would be a lot easier if you just call over like a post below suggested. They would have your tickets waiting for you at the station.
Ohio USA Tue 09/20/2005

Still having trouble getting tickets from London to Bath
Thanks to Tim, Tony & the other folks who responded.

Unfortunately, we are having exactly the same problem on qjump and on thetrainline.com that we did on First Great Western's website: they refuse to allow us to book our ticket because they don't like our post code. We follow the instructions in their FAQ in response to the question "I am having difficulties registering with my non UK address?" and we are still unable to register even after we try all their suggestions. We have written to their web support team so that they can set up our account for us, and we will wait until either they respond or we figure out a better way to make our travel arrangements from London to Bath.
Susan <email>
Happy Camp, CA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Stansted stay, Part 2
Thanks, Norm, that was the answer I was looking for (although Nat'l Express was not as hard to navigate as your answer made it seem to be.) Now for the 64,000 (pound, Euro, dollar question) - Coming back on an afternoon flight to Stansted; what's the best way to get to Heathrow?
Hart <email>
Toms River, NJ USA Tue 09/20/2005

Fellow Radler Drinkers!
I love radlers too! Ever since I had my first one I have been trying to figure out what is in them as well. The closest I have gotten to it is Squirt soda pop, or Schweppes Bitter Lemon (although I have only found the bitter lemon in Germany and I brought a 6 pack home with me) The Squirt tastes good too. Another good drink is called a Suss (I know I am spelling it wrong it sounds like this - shooss) it is half light beer and half malt beer. Very yummy as well.
Candace Vocelka
FL USA Tue 09/20/2005

For Randy Re Surprise Vacation
Randy from Ill. wanted help identifying some towns he'd heard about.

"the place with the pope palace" is Avignon.

"someplace small on a river" that "begins with the letter B and there is a restaurant with 5 relays there. It is near that area where the cavemen painted the famous caves" could be lots of places, though I do not know what "5 relays" are. However, if you heard about this place in connection with Rick Steves' itineraries, I'd guess that it is Beynac on the Dordogne river, near the cave sites in the Vezere valley. There are other cave sites in France, though, and other river towns begining with B near the Vezere (such as Bergerac).

The "historical town called Dinah (that may be not the real spelling) that is near mount saint michele" is likely Dinan, second guess Dinard.

These three destinations are stunning but are a lot of ground to cover in 16 days if time in Paris is also included. It's doable, I just mean whoever this is a surprise for should enjoy being nimble and moving fast on a vacation. Good luck!
Adam
Boston, USA Tue 09/20/2005

Radler
Can someone tell me what is used in Radlers? Is it lemonade? Or Lemon Lime soda? Sprite? Something else? (Yes, I know beer is in there :))

Thanks
Stefan
Pa USA Tue 09/20/2005

London to Bath
I went from London to Bath back in July and took the bus. It was the bus line at Heathrow and I can't remember the name. I also can't remember the price, but it was much less than the train. About 1.5-2 hours with a few stops. There are stops within London if you can't begin from Heathrow.
Stefan
Pa USA Tue 09/20/2005

Stansted stay
Not sure when you're travelling, but the Stansted express doesn't start running until 5 am Tues-Thurs, and 430 am, Fri-Mon. With a 45 minute trip to Stansted station, you're cutting it pretty close....the discount airlines open their checkins 90 minutes before departure and close them 30 minutes (easyjet) and 40 minutes (Ryanair) before departure. The alternative is to take a coach (bus). National Express runs a 24-hour operation out of the London Victoria coach station, each run about 90 minutes. But they also run early morning services out of London Liverpool which take about 65 minutes. It's a little tough to find that schedule on the National Express website...trying jumping to http://www.nationalexpress.com/home/hp.cfm?t=own, then enter "London Liverpool Street" in the From box, and Stansted Airport in the "To" box. Search the resulting starting points for London Liverpool street, and you'll find the schedule.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/19/2005

Buying train tickets from Bath to London
Susan, Use the website you mentioned and select that you will pick the tickets up at the FastTicket machine at London Paddington. They will accept a US credit card for payment. I used this method in August to pick up a slew of tickets from the machine in Bath Spa. Worked like a charm.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Mon 09/19/2005

Booking places to stay early
My husband and I are going to UK the 3rd week of Oct and Germany the 4th week. We have a few places booked but don't know exactly which towns we will be in each night, especially in Germany where we have a rental car. We fly into Munich and will most likely not travel further north than Wurzburg (where we have friends) and then to Heidelburg...after that we're going back south. Question: will we have any problems finding places to stay without booking ahead of time??
Beth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 09/19/2005

Jay in Chicago
Jay, Lake Geneva is just north of you in Wisconsin. Lac Leman is the lake you have in mind.
USA Mon 09/19/2005

Anyone visited Gondola Makers in Venice?
Has anyone visited the Gondola maker workshops in Venice? I read somewhere that they can only be visited with official tour groups, otherwise tourists are basically interrupting the gondola maker's workday. Also, does anyone know about purchasing those carved wood "forcula" oar rests? Any thoughts or comments on this would be appreciated.
Ozzie <email>
CA USA Mon 09/19/2005

Stansted stay
I have an early (06.25) flight from Stansted to Bratislava. Should I stay in London (nearby Liverpool Station) in order to take the Stansted Express (and will it get me there in time if I take the 04.00 one?) or should I just forget about a cheap place to stay and stay near the airport so I make the plane on time?
Hart <email>
Toms River, NJ USA Mon 09/19/2005

Milan to Cinque Terre Dive
Milan to Cinque Terre is an easy drive. Once out of Milan, the road is a four lane toll interstate all the way to La Spezia. Very nice scenary when you cross over the Italian Alps. Give yourself 3 hours. La Spezia is a port city and easy to get through. Just follow the signs around the harbor and then on to Cinque Terre. You can pay to park, but it is free anywhere along the road (except on curves).
Rob
Little Rock, USA Mon 09/19/2005

Vienna or Frankfurt to home
Gordon--you didn't say when you are leaving,but I just tried SEA to CDG, returning out of VIE and then out of FRA and it was only US$50 more out of VIE. (I guessed you'd be leaving out of Seattle?) It hardly seems worth the money or the time to leave out of Frankfurt. Of course maybe there's a greater difference depending on what month you're traveling; I figured out on a Thursday, in on a Monday.
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Mon 09/19/2005

Paris to St. Goar and Vienna to home
My wife and I are taking back-to-back tours with ETBD next year--7 days in Paris followed by Germany, Austria, Switzerland. We start out by flying in to Paris Then I think we will fly (or should we train?) to Cologne and train from Cologne to St Goar to start our second tour which ends up in Vienna. What is best (least expensive) way to get from Vienna to Frankfurt or somewhere else to fly home less expensively than from Vienna?
Gordon <email>
Olympia, WA USA Mon 09/19/2005

Walking Tours in Munich
I just returned from Munich. Most of the walking tours are at 10am or 2:30 pm. There is a 6:30pm walking tour on how beer is made. There are a few companies. Do a web search for "walking tours third reich munich" (they all seem to offer that one.)
FtWorthGuy2
Ft Worth, Tx USA Mon 09/19/2005

milan to Vernazza-Bill
Better to train it from Milan centrale train station to Vernazza. A car is a hassle until you really need it. Rent it after your cinque terra visit if you need it. A good place to visit after cinque terra and to pick up a car is Sta Margarita Ligure. We were there in April it is a beautiful seaside town to walk in.
JS
CA USA Mon 09/19/2005

Milan to Cinque Terre
We are flying into Milan Malpensa and have a car reserved. We are planning to drive directly to Vernazza after landing. We know we won't need the car there. Would we be better off taking the train and getting the car later? How hectic is it to drive after flying all night? Is that a hard drive? We don't want to start off with a bad experience. We would appreciate any advice.
Bill <email>
Rice, MN USA Mon 09/19/2005

London
Susan~~if you call the following number you can purchase tickets for your trip London to Bath 011-44-8 457000125. Have a great trip.
`
USA Mon 09/19/2005

Re: Lake Geneva Cruises - Ooops
I meant to type "April UNTIL October"
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Mon 09/19/2005

Re: Lake Geneva Cruises
Jay - The regularly scheduled boats on Lake Geneva are indeed covered by your Eurail or Swiss train pass. Be advised that these services generally run only from April thru October. You may want to check out http://switzerland.isyours.com/E/guide/basics/boat.html for extra info.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Mon 09/19/2005

Stephanie -Cortona apartment II
Stephanic, a word of warning. We were aware because we have been to Cortona a few times, but it is a steep climb to get to the apartment. The streets in Cortona are very narrow and steep and we never drive inside Cortona. Instead, we park outside of the walls and walk in.

When we arrived in Cortona, Donatella, our landlady, met us and took us close to the apartment in her car to unload our luggage. I guess since she lives there she doesn't mind driving in town, plus her car was much smaller than our rental. When we left we were on our own to get the luggage back to the car. A good reason to practice packing light!
Doberry
MS USA Mon 09/19/2005

Stephanie - Cortona apartment
We rented the apartment, Pancrazi, through Classic Tuscan Homes. It is the fourth time we have rented from them. Their website has pictures of the apartment but it is really much cuter than the pictures allow.

We have rented from them four times now, Pancrazi this year, La Certosa twice, and once a house called Casa Melody, which is my husband's favorite, but is now rented by a different company called terretrusche or something like that.
Doberry
MS USA Mon 09/19/2005

Buying train tickets from Bath to London
Is it possible to purchase train tickets from London to Bath in advance of arriving in London?

We arrive in London on October 4, and plan to travel to Bath on the 7th of October. Will we save money buying our tickets in advance? Is it even possible to buy our tickets in advance?

If so, please tell me how.

I just spent two hours selecting an itinerary and then trying to book it through First Great Western http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/ but they appear to only be capable of selling to people with addresses in the UK.
Susan <email>
Happy Camp, CA USA Sun 09/18/2005

SEINE RIVER CRUISES
Take the Seine river cruise and enjoy the dinner. It is expensive, but count it as the splurge many guide book writers suggest you take every now an then.

It is a unique city and the unique cruise that earns the suggestion of a rewarding expenditure. Look at discoverfrance.net/France/Transportation/Water/Bateaux-Mouches.shtml
H. L. ZOUDIE
HANKA, TX USA Sun 09/18/2005

Baltics and Russia
I found a copy of the 1997 Rick Steves Baltics and Russia guidebook at our local library, but can't seem to find an updated copy. Do you know if one is available? It is exactly what I need for a trip I am doing in November.
Chylene <email>
USA Sun 09/18/2005

Lake Geneva Cruises
Hi,

I will be taking a night train from Venice to either Lausanne or Geneva. I think my rail pass also covers the boats on Lake Geneva. It really is a beautiful area and I would love to see it from the water. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks!
Jay <email>
Chicago, IL USA Sun 09/18/2005

1st timers w/question- St Simeon
We are planning our FIRST trip to London/Paris during Christmas week -- on a tight budget, we found a good rate at a place in Kensington called St. Simeon Hotel. I haven't found it in any tour books, has anyone been there -- & would you recommend it? A family of four. Susie
Susie <email>
Victoria, TX USA Sun 09/18/2005

Doberry - Cortona apt??
Do you have a link or website for your apartment? Where did you find out about it??
Stephanie <email>
Columbus, OH USA Sun 09/18/2005

Kinsale, Ireland
I stayed in The Gallery in Kinsale, great location, close-by free parking, and the owners were just the niceset. One is an artist the other is a musican, it's just a treat to stay there!
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Sun 09/18/2005

Re: German Christmas markets
I've only been to the German Christmas market in Chicago, but my parents have visited them in Germany. Look at this website: http://www.germany-info.org/relaunch/info/publications/infocus/Xmas2003/Xmas_history.htm Also, be sure and get your gluhwein cups for souvenirs.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sun 09/18/2005

Paris at Night
Oz~~if you go to Scre Coeur you should be there at the time the lights of Paris comes on, it is a fabulous sight to see. You can see the entire city. You won't be disappointed.
London
USA Sun 09/18/2005

German Christmas Markets
Has anyone traveled to Germany for the Christmas Markets? I'm looking for a good itinerary.
Lawrence <email>
USA Sun 09/18/2005

B&B in Kinsale, Ireland
Seeking recommendations for B&Bs in Kinsale, Ireland.
Jackie Jordan
Raleigh, NC USA Sun 09/18/2005

Two weeks in Italy
I forgot to mention that we flew British Airways and I really liked it. We booked with them so we could fly in World Traveler Plus, which does have quite a bit more leg room. But, when we left Rome, we found out that BA had upgraded us to Club World. Talk about the way to travel, and I think there might be two levels above Club World.
Doberry
MS USA Sun 09/18/2005

Two weeks in Italy
We just got back from an incredible two weeks in Italy. I did not want to come back. This a long post, sorry.

Some notes: I really recommend what we do when we travel. We base in one place for a week at a time, usually in a house or apartment with washing machine. The washing machine makes it easier to pack light.

This trip we spent a week in an apartment in Cortona in Tuscany and a week in an apartment in Positano on the Amalfi coast.

Tuscany: My husband would rather stay outside of town, but I loved our apartment in Cortona. It was absolutely incredible! The first floor was an entry hall and a small room with a washing machine, ironing board, iron, etc., an "Etruscan" well, and a bath with bathtub that was so cute. My husband nicknamed that level the grotto. Then you went up a circular stone staircase to the next level with a living room/dining room combination and kitchen, then up the circular stairs to the next level where there were two bedrooms and a bathroom with shower, then up the stairs again to a roof top terrace with views of the rooftops of Cortona and Lake Trasimeno in the distance.

New Tuscan hilltown: our landlady recommended that we visit Montichiello a town near Pienza where we had planned to visit since we had not been there before. Pienza was great, but Montichiello was the most perfect hill town I have ever seen.

I blew the budget and took a cooking class at Il Falconiere. It was the highlight of the week in Cortona for me. We got there at 4:30 and started cooking, or rather, drinking wine and watching the chef cook. When we finished, we went upstairs, drank prosecco, then took our seats at a beautiful table while they served us what "we had cooked" with local wines. It was incredible. And our translator for the cooking class, her husband and daughter joined us. We didn't leave until nearly midnight!

Rome meeting place: We had two friends flying in to join us in Positano, and we met them in the lobby of the airport Hilton. It was very easy.

I can't say enough about the Amalfi coast. It was just breath-taking. Driving wasn't that bad as far as the road goes, but from Naples to Sorrento was literally a bumper to bumper crawl. Once we turned off to Positano, though, the traffic thinned out and we made it fine.

We had been to Pompeii before but our friends hadn't, and we had never been to Herculaneum, so we spent a day visiting both sites. I thought Herculaneum was the most interesting, (my husband's favorite ruins are Ostia Antica though), and I recommend that anyone that goes to the Amalfi coast see Herculaneum. It is easily seen in a short amount of time as it is small and you don't need a guide.

For Pompeii, I would definitely hire a guide. We did the first time we were there, and even though we had a pretty good time of it on our own, I think having a guide was better. Many things were closed, the House of the Vetii and the entire street where the brothel is. A good book to read before you go is Pompeii by Robert Harris.

We did a lot of other things too, but this post is already too long as it is. I will be happy to try to answer questions that anyone has about these two areas in Italy though.
Doberry
MS USA Sun 09/18/2005

Carry-on vs. Check
After a long, tiring plane trip home, there's nothing like the feeling of breezing by the crowds waiting for their luggage, because you managed to travel with one carry-on bag. Rather than a "fetish," I think the idea of travelling light is one borne from Rick's experiences long before he began running ETBD tours, at least according to his biography. My wife and I have been practicing his ideas for years, even before we knew of Rick, because, through experience, it just seemed to be crazy to be packing heavy when we didn't need to. And you don't have to be on a "if this is Tuesday, it must be Belgium" tour to pack light. Our last trip in April saw us spend a week in Rome, then a week in Paris, with one carry-on each. Use of those "vacuum bags" can help stretch your suitcase space, and judicious use of local laundries, as listed below, or using Rick's washing tips, can stretch your time abroad indefinitely. It is a personal thing, but largely dependent on how you plan to travel. If you have a car available, then you can carry more and do less laundry. But if you're relying on public transit, think carefully about carrying more than one carry-on suitcase. After all these years, I wished I would have started out light, then seen what stuff I should have added (you can always buy desperately-needed items in Europe, in a crunch), rather than the other way around.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 09/18/2005

help for my surprise vacation for my wife
A while back maybe a year ago somebody did a trip i think she said in about 16 to 17 days They went from 4 or 5 days in paris and took the fast train to province near the south. They went to the place with the pope palace and then to someplace small on a river. The town begins with the letter B and there is a restaurant with 5 relays there. It is near that area where the cavemen painted the famous caves. Then I think the lady said they went up to a historical town called Dinah (that may be not the real speling) that is near mount saint michele. And then they drove back to Paris in sort of a big upsidedown horseshoe. Does any of you out there know the real names of these places and if the trip is doable by car after you leave paris. I know this is sort of all over the place and i am not sure of the place but the trip sounded real kickin. Thanks if you can help.
Randy
Mt Vernon, Ill USA Sat 09/17/2005

Oz after dark
Take one of the short cruises along the Seine. The city is impressive from that angle and you get to do your sightseeing seated after a long day on your feet. Cruises come with or without dinner. Dinners can be expensive.
Chris
USA Sat 09/17/2005

Oz Where to go
First the steps at Sacre Coeur for the view of the city, and then the nearby Place Pigalle for the other views of the city.
Chris
CO USA Sat 09/17/2005

Packing lightly
According to his tv episodes and his books, Rick Steves sloshes mainly underclothes around in a washing basin in his room. Whatever he has dries over night, but I don't think he is a late night person so his drying time may be a few hours longer than the I-gotta-live set. He has one pair of khakis (I guess) and 2 or perhaps 3 shirts. One seems always to be cotton or cotton blend with a collar. The others seem to be pullies w/wo collars. He has one pair shoes. One leather jacket. Socks? That's how he travels lightly. Now, if you want to toss coins in the Roman fountains, or make out on the Seine embankment or hit the late show at Le Lido or certain sections of Hamburg, you may not have an extra half hour of energy. If so you might want to consider taking clothes for one week regardless of the length of your vacation. When they are too foul to wear on the Metro or 64 bus, for example, stuff as much as you can and then some more, colors and whites mixed, into the machines at a laundromat. French guys do it all the time. Buy soap at the grocery store, not at the laundry site. Foreign women do that most of the time. Fill all the available machines and look blythly out of the window if anyone wanting to wash a load comes in. A conscientious person can do laundry for two in about a maximum of 90 minutes from figuring out how the place works to folding the clothes. In much of Western Europe I understand, but especially in France, there seem to be no clothes thieves. People load the machines and go off especially during the day, and clothes are waiting on the folding table when they return. (True) That is the secret of packing lightly. Probably the only problem with that is if you want to lunch at the George V, or someplace with a few Michelin stars.
Siki Cameron
Ripon, Wisconsin USA Sat 09/17/2005

Nocturnal Paris
I'm going to be in Paris for a few days and would like to explore the city after dark. I'm not interested in any shows or clubs. I would like to see the most beautiful sites in Paris after dark. Now, in addition to the Eiffel Tower, where would you send me on my nocturnal tour of Paris?
Oz
USA Sat 09/17/2005

Carry-on vs. Check
Karen, It’s a Rick Steve’s thing. While it is reasonable to be frugal with hauling stuff around that you can do with out, packing lightly has become a fetish with many of his devotees. It become just another way to keep up with & best the Joneses. It reminds me of the old joke about Gandhi & Mother Theresa arguing about who ate less.

Education & personal preference are keys to learning just how much stuff is a liability rather than a facility. Rick provides a service there. We take more and check our luggage because we know we’ll have a car. Covering lots of ground quickly and “doing” cities isn’t our idea of a vacation. A cup of coffee brewed in the pot we carry hits the spot some times. The sword from Hohenzollern Castle that we were able to bring home in the checked luggage has become a real conversation piece.

Beyond altruism though, I suspect it’s inconvenient for the ETBD types to conduct their kind of tours if the customers are loaded down. They want them lean, mean & stripped for action. Those busses are only so big.

And just for the record: if we’d have had another suitcase (beyond the one we bought in Italy) we could have brought home that statue from the Vatican Museum shop or another sword! Maybe next time.
USA Sat 09/17/2005

Re: Tipping in Italy
I was in northern Italy this summer and I asked the girl at the hotel desk about their tipping customs. She said that German tourists tip and Italians don't. However, it is always appropriate to round up. She suggested leaving 1 Euro or so if we were happy with the service. I looked at the Rick Steves Italy 2005 book to see what he said, and we ended up leaving several Euros after each dinner. The customs further south may differ.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 09/17/2005

Tipping in Italy
I checked the "Tipping" section of the Grafitti wall but the postings are outdated. Can anyone tell me about their tipping experiences in Italy?
Nicole <email>
AZ USA Sat 09/17/2005

FLIGHT FROM FRANKFURT TO PARIS
Try airberlin.com. You will find fares from Frankfurt to Paris one way at 71 euros. That is worth investigating.

You have to try different dates because they don't fly every day. Try Tues and Wed. to start.

They sell out early so you should research as early as you can. The low fares make your spending time on it well worth while.
RENCY, USA USA Sat 09/17/2005

Really tiny containers
Linda, Try your hairdresser’s. My wife throws away a lot of 20 ml (0.68oz) bottles. They are designed to hold more or less smelly perm liquids so the screw on lids really work. Some perms smell more than others so it takes at least a few days and some soaking with peroxide or alcohol or Simply Green or bleach to get the stronger smells out. (Be careful if you use cleaners together. Some things react to a poisonous gas when mixed. Bleach & ammonia for instance.) Even repeated airing & overnight soaking with just water will work eventually. If there is a lingering bit of odor it doesn’t much matter when the bottles are used with perfumed stuff like soap or lotion.
USA Fri 09/16/2005

re: Lynda, Rome-Antibes-Paris
Lynda, what a great trip! Rome-Antibes-Paris won't be too hard, we did something similar in reverse. You could train from Rome to Genoa via the Cinque Terre (about 4 hrs to CT, I think, and another hour to Genoa from there). From Genoa, you'd go through Ventimiglia, where the trains connect to the French Riviera. I don't remember it being a terribly long train ride from Antibes to Vernazza (CT) via Ventimiglia/Genoa. If you want to pop over to Provence, you'll get the TGV to whisk you off to Paris from Avignon, otherwise someone else here will know where you can get on closer to Antibes. No problem! Have a great time!
Kristin <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Fri 09/16/2005

Tipping a Private Driver in Italy
Hi all: My husband and I have arranged, through our hotel, to have driver to take us from the Rome airport to Sorrento. We're read a lot of tipping advice for various services in Italy, but we're still not sure what we should tip for a this type of service. Does anyone have advice?
Jennifer <email>
St. Paul, MN USA Fri 09/16/2005

Weather in London
Lisa~~the average high in London in January is 45, average low is 36. At times it might get in the high 50's. It isn't as bad as Tony's post make it out to be. Sure it will be cold and you might get rain but you will still have a great time.
USA Fri 09/16/2005

Really tiny containers
Linda, I use a flip top (not screw off) contact lens case. With the right tool, you can even cut the lens case in half. Also, you can try this website or another like it: http://www.rusticescentuals.com/bathandbody_supplies_smallpots_tubes.html
CO USA Fri 09/16/2005

Small containers
Try the Container Store if you have one in your town. They offer small Nalgene bottles (leak proof) Or hit Target...they sometimes have a nice travel section that has bottles too. REI might offer smaller bottles too, but by far the best selection I've seen at the Container Store
USA Fri 09/16/2005

Really tiny containers?
We're leaving in just a few days for a RS "Village Italy" tour. Planning to travel light, just a carry-on, etc. One thing I haven't been able to find: really tiny containers for carrying lotions/liquids (I'm talking way smaller than a film canister). Any suggestions? I want them for homeopathic lotions and other items where I only need a tiny bit of something and don't want to bring the whole tube.
Linda
Seattle, WA, WA USA Fri 09/16/2005

Weather in January in the UK
Lisa, It will be more than cold and rainy. It will be bone-chillingly, soul-destroyingly damp and dreary. It will get light at 9 in the morning and get dark around 4 in the afternoon. The sky will probably be leaden dark gray for the entire time you are there. It may snow in Edinburgh or it may not. If it does, everywhere will be pretty for an hour or two. Then it will either melt into dirty slush or freeze into slippery ice. Be prepared for your flights to be delayed by weather (I was once bused from Glasgow to Edinburgh because the flight was cancelled due to snow).

When you go, pack the right clothing. If you have ski clothing, I suggest you take it. You don't so much need to dress against the cold as you do against cold, wet, penetrating, damp. I spent many winters in the UK and a winter in Montreal (where the temperature goes to -20F and stays that way for months). Winters in the UK are much worse (even though the temperatures are nowhere near as low). The main reason is that you sometimes don't see the sun for months.

Another thing to bear in mind is that you can expect to encounter people who are deep into mid-winter depression. November and December were OK because people were looking forward to Christmas. But now that is over, there is nothing to look forward to except spring - which is at least 3 months away.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Fri 09/16/2005

Wheeled bags
Rob's suggestion about checking the wheel placement on pull-behind bags is a good one. We have one of Rick's wheeled bags (we call it the "good puppy" because it behaves very well even on cobblestones). We also have a different brand with wheels too close together (we call it the "bad puppy" because it flips and tips at every slightest excuse). Not the end of the world but certainly annoying when you're trying to get somewhere! Before next trip we'll be upgrading to another Rick bag.
Renee
CO USA Fri 09/16/2005

Both sides of light packing
What if BOTH Karen and Rob are correct? ETBD assumes (and most using these posts are) that we want to be on the MOVE, often by trains and bus and going places that aren't always equipped with bellboys and elevators-up and down cobblestones, etc.- exploring. You've got to have just a light bag to do that, and the lighter the better- sacrificing some favorite outfits or an extra pair of shoes with that goal. But people travel for all different reasons- and especially if it is for a vacation for which you scrimped and sacrificed if having that stuff (and living out of a car, say, like a previous poster)makes you happy then you should do that. New this year to the company, it has certainly changed my philosophy and I have become a disciple- but, I was on my way in that direction anyway, personally. One last thought that's not been pointed out that I noticed for me- as the weeks went by I started to take less time on makeup, etc. And I am very "girly" and anal about cleanliness at home. But it was so hot, and eyemakeup "runs", and with just three- ish outfits it became liberating to just not care, as long as I looked neat and the clothes didn't actually smell! Nobody knew me and in photos you're usually far enough away you can't tell...and, I thought, am I doing this to have a nice photo of me looking gorgeous in front of the Vatican? You can do that with Photoshop!
USA Fri 09/16/2005

Re: Karen/packing light
Actually, there is a prize for packing light. You get to get ahead of all the people who did not pack light, and you never need to worry about where your bags are. I found that on pull behind bags, the larger the diameter the wheels are the better, and get a bag that has the wheels close to or at the corners. Wheels too close together will cause the bag to tip easily.
Rob, MI USA Fri 09/16/2005

Google Earth/Marais Hotel
If you Google Earth to Paris, you can even see the red-topped carousel at the St Paul Metro Station across from Hotel Sevigny. Enjoy!
Rob
MI USA Fri 09/16/2005

Frankfort Airport
We stayed at the Ibis in Frankfort, near the airport. They had a great shuttle and the hotel was VERY clean. I recommend it if you just need a clean place to stay before a morning flight.
Sue
MI USA Thu 09/15/2005

Weather in January in the UK?
Hi All,

I'm planning to go back to the UK. I'm going from London-Edinburgh-Dublin-London in the middle of next January for 12 days. Everyone I know has tried to talk me out of it due to the weather. I KNOW it will be cold and rainy, but is it really not worth it because of the weather? Will it be snowy in Edinburgh?

Any info would be helpful. I'm pretty determined to go and tough it out anyway, I just wanted more specifics of the weather.

Also, I'm flying from Edinburgh to Dublin and Dublin to Heathrow. Any tips on any of those airports?

Thanks!
Lisa <email>
Fremont, CA USA Thu 09/15/2005

London Theatre
One of the best musicals running in London is The Lion King. We have seen it 3 times and plan to go see it again next year. The costumes are fantastic. Anything Goes is another good musicals. It was sad when they closed Cats, but was fortunate to see it 3 times.
Ohio USA Thu 09/15/2005

Frankfurt Airport
Any suggestions for a budget hotel near the Frankfurt, Germany airport that would also have a shuttle?
Marie <email>
USA Thu 09/15/2005

Lynda: Carry-on vs. Check
Lynda: Carrying-on or checking your bag is a personal decision. My husband, who travels all the time for his job, has a delayed bag about once a year. We always check our bags. Coming from Minneapolis we always have layovers, and don't like to carry our bags around airports. Also, I'm claustrophic in today's planes--I don't want anything under the seat. That being said, since you will be doing a lot of trains, I would encourage you to pack light--Escalators are never there where you need them. However, I don't understand the obsession with light packing--the person who packs the lightest doesn't get a prize.
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 09/15/2005

Marias Hotel
I second the comment on Hotel Sevigny. Great place, great location, close to a nice internet cafe, several good restaraunts nearby. We could walk to Notre Dame, Bastille Opera, Pompidou Center, etc. And very resonable priced.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA Thu 09/15/2005

London Show
I was in London last month and saw "We Will Rock You" athe Dominion Theatre. It is a musical based on the music of Queen. I initally thought I would be disappointed in it, but WOW! What a fun show! The 30-40 and 50 year olds REALLY enjoyed it. The teens liked it a lot, but the "older" crowd really had more fun! The story is really rather silly, but the music was almost like being at a Queen concert and the special effects were outstanding.
Sue
MI USA Thu 09/15/2005

Google Earth
Just discovered a great planning tool....Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/). It allows you to zoom in to anywhere in the world, focussing in on satellite shots of your chosen location. Resolution is extraordinarily good, and will allow you to see all the buildings in a particular neighbourhood. Great way to find out where your hotel is, what it will look like, and what's around it. Also great for checking out the layout of various destinations....how far is that hotel from the Forum....what does the Eiffel Tower look like, and where is Les Invalides from there? Check it out!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 09/15/2005

Digital Camera
Do you have a lap top? We always take our laptop and download pictures to it to clear up space. It also comes in handy for looking up information on the internet.
Shelley
USA Thu 09/15/2005

digital cameras
We're taking our digital camera to France and enough (we hope) extra memory chips. If we fill them up however, are there "Kodak"-type machines to transfer pix to a CD that we can use in the US?
Will
WA USA Thu 09/15/2005

Marias Hotel
The Hotel Sevigne in Marais is nice, comfortable, clean, and right in the middle of everything. I stayed there for 4 nights in July and highly recomend it for the budget traveler.
Rob
MI USA Thu 09/15/2005

Lynda in SC
Do it all with carry-on. It takes just as long to get a small bag as a big one. If you don't check bags you beat all the people through customs that did. Remember what Rick says, nobody ever came home saying they wish they had brought more luggage!
Rob
MI USA Thu 09/15/2005

London Shows
If your into musicals, then it is usually best to book the shows ahead of time. But if drama or comedy is more to your liking, you can usually get tickets to those performances at the theater box office on the day of the show. One play that just opened is is getting a lot of buzz: "A Few Good" starring Rob Lowe at the Haymarket Theatre. For more info check out: http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Thu 09/15/2005

Carmina~~try this address

http://www.viator.com/brochure/product_show.jsp?ID=1010&PRODUCTID=1016&CODE=2390GRET3&ADREF=02&source=goog&keyword=vatican%20museum
USA Thu 09/15/2005

London Show and Hotel
I was in London in late May-early June 2005. Saw Mama Mia (I had already seen it in D.C.). It was just as great the 2nd time around - a really fun evening. Called ahead for tickets. The Guys & Dolls show was sold out for about a month when I was there. Ate at the Café Royal, 68 Regent St. (right around Piccadilly Circus) - just a few blocks from the Prince of Wales Theater where we saw Mama Mia. Great food, but a little pricey. We stayed at the Tophams Hotel in Belgravia (just south of Buckingham Palace). Great neighborhood, some nice neighborhood restaurants, and it's only 2-3 blocks from Victoria Station and the Underground, so it's really easy to get around London from the hotel.
Val
Eldersburg, Md. USA Thu 09/15/2005

Vatican Museum
I was at the Vatican this past August and had no reservations at all. (we just wanted to "go with the flow") When we arrived we were alittle taken aback by how long the line was, but it actually moves very fast. We went with a tour guide we happened to bump into there. She suggested that we go in the afternoon b/c that is when it is the least crowded. The mornings are the busiest. Hope this was helpful and enjoy your trip!
USA Thu 09/15/2005

London Show
If you can get tickets, go see "Guys and Dolls" with Ewan McGregor. My best friend just saw it last week and RAVED about it. If you can't get those, there is a half price, day-of ticket booth in Leicester Square. Also, try www.playbill.com, there should be listings for what's playing in London there as well.
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Wed 09/14/2005

London For 1 1/2 days....tickets for plays?
We will be ending our trip with an overnight layover in London. We arrive 9am on a Friday and leave Saturday at 330pm.

We'd like to see a play that night and have a nice dinner before we head back to the states.

We're in our 30's. Any suggestions on if we should look into tickets for a play before we get there? How about dinner suggestions? Hotel?

Thanks in advance!
WVJ
Colorado, CO USA Wed 09/14/2005

Clothing
OK, when I travel in Germany I look like Rick. Khaki pants, solid colored golf or button shirt (lt blue, even), and brown walking shoes. I wear a light colored, light weight jacket or, in colder weather, a black ski parka. I have had both Gypsies and Germans approach me in German. I can't be doing too much wrong.
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Reservations for Vatican Museums
Blurry eyed from too many websites, I cannot find how to make reservations for the Vatican Museum without wading through tour offer after tour offer. Also, the Vatican website offers no reservations. Help!
Carmina <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Wed 09/14/2005

Clothing
Maybe the key thought on clothing is to dress for your age (which we all should be doing at home too, but this is supposed to be about travel, so I'll stay on topic). But start looking around--from what I've seen, people of each age group dress rather similar, whether here or in Europe (well, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland--where I've been). The teenagers are into the trendy clothes everywhere I go. Another key may be to just dress neatly--tuck in your shirt and match your accessories. Just some thought on what I've seen...
M
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Clothing
For what it's worth, I'm middle-aged and not swelte any more. I wear (newish, pressed, dark blue or black) jeans and sturdy shoes (dark,not tennies), with a functional but neat, dark jacket and, often, a hat which I fondly imagine looks jaunty (not a baseball cap!) Thus clad, I've had people come up to me in Germany and ask me questions in German about the place we're in, as if they think I'm a local. Granted, this is Germany, not France, but still the sort of outfit I describe must not be all that glaringly American. The place where they will spot you instantly is in Great Britain!
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 09/14/2005

Methodist guest house
I have stayed at the Methodist guest house in Venice. It was several years ago. It is not fancy, very bare but functional. I stayed in a dorm room and it was loud and they kept the lights on at all hours. Hard to sleep!! (I am in my 50's) Also, there are only two showers for the dorm rooms and they held about 20 people for each sex. I don't know if the double rooms have their own baths or not but I would want to know before I reserved them or you will have to wait for a shower. Otherwise it was fine.
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Venice + Rome suggestions
Oh you are so fortunate! I want to go back to Florence and Rome RIGHT NOW! In Venice, the Peggy Guggenheim museum was a highlight. It is quite small in scale and at one point you step out on the terrace (where the famous statue is perched on the horse) and can look up and down the canal...taking a gondola at sunset on the side canals is worth the splurge...for cheap you can take the #1 vaporetto up and then down the Grand Canal (try to sit in the front). Burano with its multi- colored houses is magical (I thought Murano too touristy but you are going at a better time) and Torcello (part of the fun is getting there!) was incredible. If you do those quieter options before tackling St. Mark's and some of the other big sites/sights you're more ready for the big crowds. We were able to actually attend Mass in the Cathedral if you are there on a Sunday- even for non- Catholics like us a special memory. The Museo Correr (spelling?) in the corner of the square was spectacular. And so is just saving some time to intentionally get lost and wander! In Rome we splurged again (about 10 euro each way) and went out to the catacombs of Priscilla where you are led by a nun with a flashlight- fascinating. Try to find the keyhole in the Knights of Malta door and peep through- the neighborhood is just beyond the Circus Maximumus at the Colleseum- and I agree about the Borghese and the grounds! Enjoy and have a fantastic trip!
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Venice hotel
Has anyone stayed at the Foresteria Valdese di Venezia Guesthouse (run by the Methodist Church) in Venice, which is recommended by RS? I am intersted in hearing about the doubles w/bath..what they are like.
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Florence-Lynda of SC
I advise anyone going to Florence to reserve their Accademia and Uffizi museum visits online. They are usually sold out or you must wait many hrs in line otherwise.enjoy your travels and don't worry about train tickets during off season except if they are overnight/couchettes, reserve these ahead.
JS
CA USA Wed 09/14/2005

Airfare to Rome
For many travellers in North America, it's much cheaper to get from their gateway city to London. From there, you can usually get a cheap flight to a European destination aboard easyjet, Ryanair, bmi, etc. However, there are expenses, like getting from the airport where your flight lands usually London Heathrow)to the discount airline's airport (Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted). There are inconveniences, because some discount airlines land in secondary airports away from the destination city. And, above all, it means spending extra time travelling. But the financial savings can be quite good.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 09/14/2005

Shawn - airfare to Rome
If we only had a crystal ball to figure out those dang airline prices life would be easier! British Airways is having a sale right now - you might want to check out their website for details. Also, the time you buy your ticket is not usually the key factor - when you are actually traveling is key! October is "off season" so maybe what you're seeing is a low as it gets? Others will have suggestions as well, I'm sure...good luck and happy travels!
CO USA Wed 09/14/2005

What not to wear and Clothing and traveling
The key here is "in my twenties." Yes, I have seen women in jeans, even in Egypt (not so much sneakers, though) that aren't American, but they weren't mature women (translation: middled aged). I am not in my twenties (I can barely remember back that far...I am fast approaching geezerhood.) I didn't see any middle aged Parisian women in jeans and sneakers!
Val
Eldersburg, Md. USA Wed 09/14/2005

Clothing when traveling
I wore jeans and sneakers everyday i was in Europe, but I don't feel that was what made me stand out. It was my backpack and map that made me look like a tourist! I'm in my late 20s and I saw lots of local girls wearing the same thing as myself.
Beth
Houston, TX USA Wed 09/14/2005

To Linda -Train Tickets in Prague Station
Just an FYI about the Prague train station - it is very confusing and can be a little frustrating (nothing at all like the Germany stations). When you arrive, go to the left once you get into the main station area (after the steps). There is an information kiosk that has someone who speaks English. Along the wall on that side is an information room, where you can get a list of train schedule for the next city you want to go to. Also, it is not very clearly marked where you need to purchase tickets - if you are standing near the entrance (with the sliding doors behind you) you will see two sets of ticket windows. To the left of the stairs is for regional tickets and to the right is for international tickets. Hope this helps - have a great time!
Christine
Arlington, VA USA Wed 09/14/2005

Dear Rome & Venice visitor,

When you were at the Spainish Steps, you were about 5 New York City blocks from the Pantheon.
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Wed 09/14/2005

Linda: Berlin Hotels
Linda: Tripadvisor is a good place to look for hotel information. When reading the reviews, keep in mind though that some people demand more out of a hotel than the typical Rick Steves traveler. Anyway, I stayed at the Hotel Under den Linden in 1992. I walked by it last winter. At that time the rooms were typical East German--very sparse. It was clean though, the breakfast was great and the location is super. I would happily stay there again. This past winter we stayed at the Hotel Carmer 16 near the Zoo train station. That is less expensive than Unter den Linden. The room was great--it had more of an "old Berlin" feel. In 1994 we stayed at the Hotel Fruhling am Zoo on Kufurstendamn. That is a good "warm weather" place to stay because of all the outdoor cafes on the street....Regardless of where you stay, you will have to use public transportation to get around. You'll have a great time.
Karen <email>
MN USA Wed 09/14/2005

Hotel Reviews
Lynda: Have you ever heard of www.tripadvisor.com ?

There is a specific section of the website dedicated to travelers' feedback on hotels. You can search for the city and hotel that you have in mind. Then read what everyone has to say about it.
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA Wed 09/14/2005

Trains
Hi Lynda~~your trip sounds wonderful!! When my 16 year old daughter and I traveled around Europe by train this is what I did. We had railpasses, after getting off the train in a city I would go straight to ticket booth to check the train schedule to our next city. While at the ticket booth they told me if we needed reservations. Even with a railpass sometimes you have to pay a small amount if you need a reservation. We traveled to Oslo, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris then to London. I think you and your sister will have a great time and have no trouble with the trains, I would just recommend that after arriving in a city to check on your next train you want before leaving the train station.
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Tickets-Rome
I'm leaving for Rome Oct. 6. Are the price of tickets going to go down in the next week? The price has been the same since August, I figured it would go down after the holidays.
Shawn
Roselle, NJ USA Wed 09/14/2005

Hotel comments
My sister and I are leaving for our "dream" vacation next week - we've got places to stay in most of our stops - has anyone got any comments on these hotels, etc. - ? In Berlin - Hotel Unter den Linden; in Prague - Pension Brezina; in Vienna - Martin Gally Apartments; in Salzburg - Hotel Am Dom; in Munich - Eden-Wolff Hotel; in Rome the Terry House; in Biot the Hotel Mediathel and in Paris the Rue de Dragon in St. Germaine. Know it sounds like a lot of stops but we are going for six weeks - absolutely can't wait!!!! Just gotta do my final packing and be sure I can stay under my 20 pounds - how can I do that w/all this guide book info? Was planning on taking RS's backpack/carry-on on the plane w/me but now have decided to check it since I'll have to wait for my sis for three or four hours in the Newark airport. Besides, once we get to Berlin it won't take that long to get one little bag will it? The scariest part is the trains - making or not making reservations, etc. Seems VERY confusing!! Think understanding the trains (even w/our passes) been the most intimidating item on this whole trip. Still trying to get from Rome to Antibes and then from Antibes to Paris but think we'll just wait until we get over there to do those. Thanks to all of you who have helped us gather ideas and told us what we should and shouldn't do, as well as sharing your fabulour stories. . We'll stay in touch if we ever find a cybercafe over there. Oops, we're going to Florence to, but don't have the hotel for there yet ---- thanks for any input you may have. :)
Lynda
Charleson, SC USA Wed 09/14/2005

Rome & Venice Sights
I got back from my trip a couple of months ago, and it was great! In Rome we didn't have much time. We saw Vatican City and the Museum (which took an entire day and I could have used a 2nd day!) We also went to the Colloseum and the Roman Forum. We managed to squeeze in the Trevi Fountain, which is amazingly beautiful but hard to find. Along the way we ran into the Spanish Steps. In Venice we did the standard speil. Dogge's Palace, San Maggiore, Accademia etc. We didn't go to any restaurants in any of these cities b/c we wanted to be cheap and ate at lunch carts, still very good. I wish we had time in Rome to see the Pantheon. Enjoy your trip!
USA Wed 09/14/2005

Val: Sites and Food in Rome
Congrats on the up-coming trip--we were in those cities the week of Nov.6th last year and had a fabulous time--no lines anywhere! Chances are the weather in Rome will be beautiful--make time to see the Borghese Gallery if you haven't ever been there and then take time to explore the park. We rented a pedal car and rode all through the park. Our favorite restaurant in Rome is right around the corner from Largo Argentina down a little side street. It's called Ristorante Santa Anna. They have a website: ristorantesantanna.it Great food and very reasonably priced. You won't get the people-watching that you would sitting in Piazza Navona or Campo dei Fiori, but the food will not disappoint. Sorry to say I have no recommendations for Venice. We saw the standard tourist sites--doge's palace, St. Mark, Rialto--and never found a really good restaurant. A beautiful, unique city, though! Have a wonderful trip!
Elizabeth <email>
St. Louis, USA Wed 09/14/2005

What not to wear - SHOES -
Forgot to mention what shoes I DO wear. I can't walk in spike heels or spike boots on cobblestone streets (that's all I'd need - a sprained ankle!), so I wear sandles in warm weather, and also an Oxford syle shoe (leather or brushed suede). I find SAS shoes (San Antonio Shoes), though expensive, are worth it (got a tip about these shoes from another traveler). You can walk forever. They're not as fashionable as spike heels, but they don't look like Herman Munster shoes, either.
Val
Eldersburg, Md USA Wed 09/14/2005

What not to wear
I don't wear jeans or tennis shoes anywhere when I travel to Paris or anywhere else in Europe, for that matter. The jeans/tennis shoe attire usually screams "American" and I try to look as European as possible - I like "blending in." I do, however, wear a jeans jacket if I don't have a blazer that matches my out fit. Also, I have a selection of scarves that I wear (especially in Paris) - they can dress up an outfit to look more fashionable. Looking fashionable in Paris, as Martha Stewart would say, is "a good thing." Of course, being a size 2 in Paris would make me fit in even more, but that ain't happening anytime soon!
Val
Eldersburg, Md USA Wed 09/14/2005

Venice and Rome in Nov 2005
I will be traveling to Venice & Rome November 6th for a brief 9-day stay. Does anyone have any "must-see" places or some great places to eat in either of these cities?
Val
Eldersburg, Md. USA Wed 09/14/2005

Train Station Lockers/Baggage Check
I got back from a trip through Italy and Germany this past August and found that most of the train stations had "baggage check" areas that were open approximately from 06:00 - 24:00, but the Munich Train station did have lockers.
USA Wed 09/14/2005

BEST TRAIN ROUTE
Alfonso: Going from Rome to Berlin, I would go to Munich first, then Prague , then Krakow and then to Berlin. You will find train schedules best going that way.

If you wish you could reverse Prague and Krakow, but Munich must come first.
B. C. ZOLT
DALLAS, USA Tue 09/13/2005

Vignettes & Photo Storage
Vignettes: The price for vignettes is minimal, but we try to avoid superhighways wherever we go so we don’t bother with them. Slow Travel close to the ground seems to make the journey at least as important as the destination and the most enjoyable part of the most trips. The $50 or so we don’t spend on zipping along burning more (increasingly dearer) fuel buys a few gelati.

Photo Storage: Last year I brought back 4000+ 4 mega pixel hi-res pictures (about 1mb each) on my FlashTrax. It is a 40gb portable hard drive with a color screen. The pictures took up about 10% of the storage capacity. FlashTrax are made or marketed by Smart Disk.
USA Tue 09/13/2005

To the attention of Mr/Mme JS
Madame ou Monsieur JS. I give you thanks for your interest in my observation, but as you now may have taken notice, it has been removed from the web site. I conclude that it has been offensive to someone although I do not know of the grounds, so I am sorry but I cannot spend time teaching the unwilling student. Perhaps you will find helpful information in the books of PLATT, Polly, which do not give extensive information, but do offer sufficient to aide you to become la belle americainne. Bon chance
CZEC, Christian
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Tintagel
Sara~~leaving from East Sussex you will need to change trains a couple of times and end up at Paddington Station. From Paddington you would go to Bodmin (which is the nearest station to Tintagel. From Paddington to Bodmin is a 4 hour trip. Then from Bodmin it is a 30 minute trip, which you would have to hire a car or take a taxi, there is no bus service from Bodmin.
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Rome Airport
Maybe this website will help.

http://www.adr.it/content.asp?L=3&idmen=200
Liz
Hyattsville, MD USA Tue 09/13/2005

Rome Airports
Hi all,

My sister is studying in London this semester and has a break. We are planning on meeting up in Rome. I will be flying into Fiumucino and she will be landing in Ciampino. I land a few hours ahead of her and since she doesn't have the best sense of direction and is a little timid to say the least. So I would like to meet her at Ciampino. My question is, does anyone know a good place where we could meet at the airport? Is there a McDonald's there? (We wouldn't eat there, it would just be familiar to an American and easily recognizable.) If anyone could help, that would be great. Thanks!
Jay <email>
Chicafo, IL USA Tue 09/13/2005

It's Just MHO, but:
Jess from Fairfax: Cold & Wet: Warm and Dry.

Brandie from KS: I've never been a woman so what do I know about walking in womens shoes, but............

I think I could get along with high heels, even on cobblestones, but the long pointy toe shoes that Euro women all wear would kill me in under 1.6 km's.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 09/13/2005

Benelux Tourrail Pass
Annie, seems these are details you should have investigated before you invested in a pass.

You will find the best schedules on the German Rail website, http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en. The website does indicate, with an exclamation point in a red circle, which trains require a reservation. In general those are Thalys trains (THA), and you should try to avoid them because they also require a hefty "passholder supplement".

Look for trains designated simply "IC". You shouldn't need reservations for them, but if you want them, they can be purchased at ticket counters over there, probably for 3 EUR.
CO USA Tue 09/13/2005

Digital Photo Storage
I'm traveling to Italy next month and have concerns about digital photo storage. I'm bringing a Nikon Coolpix 7900 which takes an SD card. While I own an iPod (4G), Apple doesn't recommend their media transfer hardware for non-color display iPods and the Belkin models do not support my camera. To anyone's knowledge, do Internet cafe computers have media readers? At this point, I think my best option is to take a few SD cards and hope for the best. Any recommendations are welcome!
Nicole <email>
AZ USA Tue 09/13/2005

Christian of Rouen- guide to Etiquette
Christian, great comment. Could you guide us to proper etiquette in France? We all respect other cultures and wish to do the right thing but often do not know what that might be. I do know customers are to greet and ask for entrance to stores (boutiques). thanks for any insights.
JS
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Best train route
Hi y'all, Anybody have any suggestions as to which route would be best to take? I'm going North from Rome to Berlin. Along the way I want to stop at Prague, Krakow, and Munich. What order is best to save time and rest from train travel?? Comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Alfonso
Alfonso <email>
Los Angeles, ca USA Tue 09/13/2005

Walking tours in Munich
We are going to be in Munich in late Oct. Are there any good reccommed walking tours in the evening? Like the one in Rothenburg? Are is it too late in the year.
Terry
OK USA Tue 09/13/2005

Travel to Baltics and Russia
You will need a visa to travel to St. Petersburg Russia. There is a tour operator in Seattle WA that arranges group and individual tours to that area. Mir Corporation (you can google them). They can help with hotels, train tickets, visas and day tours, depending on how much money you want to spend. The Baltics and St Petersburg are great places to see. Good luck with your planning
Seattle, WA USA Tue 09/13/2005

UK- East Sussex to Cornwall?
Do any of you experts know how long a train from Hailsham in East Sussex to Cornwall (specifically Tintagel Castle/village)really takes? Is it even do- able without a car? When I enter the info on the online tripfinder with the UK system, it looks like 10- 11 hours! Many thanks!
Sara
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Benelux Tourrail Pass
Okay - I have another one of those questions that I know I have seen here before but can't find the answer to now... and can't seem to sort out on my own. In October we will be using a "Benelux Tourrail Pass" (purchased through RS - thanks!) to travel from Brussels to Bruges to Amsterdam, and possibly a few side trips from there. I cannot seem to find a basic schedule / timetable that includes which trains require reservations. Our preference would be to just be flexible and get on the train when we decide we are ready to move on! However, I don't want to get on a train that requires reservations and end up penalized. Or, frankly, in any way incorrectly utilize our passes. So... could I get some feedback as to how to use this pass correctly and find a valid timetable? Thanks so much!
Annie
Denver, CO USA Tue 09/13/2005

Luggage Lockers
Are there still luggage lockers available in Europe? I thought they stopped having them because they were afraid of bombs. How do they protect against that?

Thanks.
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Beer Steins in Munich
Kim - The cheapest beer steins are at the Chinese Tower beer garden in the English Garden. They are only 2,80 Euros. Just go up to the window where you get the Helles beer and ask for a clean one.
Christine
Arlington, VA USA Tue 09/13/2005

What Not To Wear
When I travel to Paris, I like to fit in, or attempt to. I know that Parisian women tend to dress up more than the women in the US. After all, Paris is the fashion capital of the world. But some times you feel like a tourist, some times you don't. I'm not sure where you're going in France, but I'm sure it's pretty much the same idea where ever you travel.

Dark jeans are fine. Leave the bright white tennis shoes at home. Since it will be colder when you're going, bring turtlenecks...they're fashionable and they're warm. Knee-high boots are always in style. Dark clothing is best. Usually with jeans, women wear boots. A nice, fitted coat is always chic, not a big puffy parka. Basically, everything fits...not extremely tight, but not big and baggy either. You can always buy a scarf once in France...that's half the fun! When I've traveled to Paris in the past, I've noticed that women tend to wear a lot of black and then sort of jazz it up by adding splashes of red as accessories...whether it be red shoes or dyed red hair.

Now, that being said, sometimes you feel like looking like a "tourist." Maybe you're suffering from jet lag or don't feel like trekking around cobblestones in a pair of sky high heels. No problem. Wear your tennis shoes (I always bring my New Balance runners...in gray/black/blue...like heaven on earth after I've been running around in heels), a pair of jeans, that comfy sweatshirt and a moneybelt. Never leave home without it. If I'm going to oh, say, Galeries Lafayette, I'll try to dress up a bit...but if I'm going to Versailles and fight my way through the huge bus tour groups and frolic over to see Marie-Antoinette's hamlet, I'm more apt to wear the comfortable clothes. Everyone else is a tourist there, so why not? Besides, trying to frolic on the cobblestones in high heels isn't a lot of fun.
Brandie
KS USA Tue 09/13/2005

Jess~~ the average temperature in London for November is 46. But it could be warmer.
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Marais Hotel
Do a search for Marais hotel in the search box. Go to "Rick on TV" and scroll down to the Marais section. He has several hotel recommendations.
Liz
Hyattsville, MD USA Tue 09/13/2005

Beer Stein
I am going to Munich in a few days and my father has asked me to get him a beer stein..not a tacky souvenier type from Oktoberfest but a nice stein..does anyone know a good place to get a good one?
Kim
Brooklyn, NY USA Tue 09/13/2005

Austrian autobahn sticker
We purchased our Austrian autobahn sticker at a gas station.
Karen <email>
MN USA Tue 09/13/2005

AUSTRIAN AUTOBAHN STICKER
Woody: Some cars will have the sticker and some won’t . Be sure to ask about it when you rent your car. Ask before you take possession. If possible ask for one with the sticker.
L. K. Z.
DALLAS, USA Tue 09/13/2005

Austrian Autobahn Sticker
Does anyone know if/when I rent a car in Vienna, does it come with the Austrian autobahn sticker or do I still need to purchase one?
Woody
USA Tue 09/13/2005

Marais hotel
Jonathan, There's not much lodging in the Marais. I've stayed at the Grand Hotel St. Jeanne d'Arc. The rooms are small but the location is perfect. It's just a 5 min. walk to St. Paul Metro stop. http://hotels.parishotels.com/hotel-direct.php?hotel=64&lang=en
Valerie <email>
Chapel Hill, NC USA Mon 09/12/2005

DRIVING IN AUSTRIA
Yes you need a windshield sticker to drive on specified autobann I alway s buy mine at the first point of entry intoAustria. Watch for signs warning you that you must have the permit.
J
LSKD, USA Mon 09/12/2005

England Weather
I am going to England in November and I was wondering what the temp. is like and what sort of clothes I should bring. If anyone can help that would be great.
Jess
Fairfax, Va USA Mon 09/12/2005

PAYING TO ENTER SWITZERLAND
Val: I doubt you paid to enter Switzerland. If you didn’t ask, you probably paid the Swiss toll to drive on the autobahn.

I paid it on my car when I entered Switzerland . They ask where you plan to drive and if it is on the autobahn, they charge you and put a sticker on your windshield to prove you have paid.
CAROS ZOUDIE
N C USA Mon 09/12/2005

Kathy - Passport question
Passports are valid for 10 years...so yes, your passport is still good until 2010. it is a good idea to renew about 6 months before it expires if you plan to travel. We renewed ours this summer (they expire in Jan 06) I thought it would take months...but they showed up in about 5 weeks. Remember, you will need a passport to travel to Canada and Mexico - anywhere outside the US - this rule goes into affect shortly.
USA Mon 09/12/2005

Passport Question
Okay, I know this may be a silly question but I have never traveled out of the country, so this is my first passport I've ever had. I got it a couple of years ago just in case I travelled. I was a little confused about the experation date. The date of issue is 11 Oct./Oct 00 and the date of expiration is 10 Oct./Oct. 10. Does this mean my passport expires in 2010? Once again I know this is a stupid question but can you please help????
Kathy
Fairfax, VA USA Mon 09/12/2005

Driving Germany to Austria
I will be driving from Germany to Austria. have heard you need to get a special "Vignette" sticker in order to drive in Austria. Where do you purchase this? Is this sticker required for all roads in Austria?

Need info quick. Leaving in a few days.
DiDi
FL, USA Mon 09/12/2005

What not to wear
If you don't want to look like an american tourist, my best advice is not to wear short pants, and don't wear shirts with logos or advertisments on them. Darker colored "dressier" jeans are okay. This topic usually set off a lot of controversy on this board. I prefer blend in with the locals; IMHO It makes me less of a target to thieves and panhandlers.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Mon 09/12/2005

Baltics transportation, etc.
I'm not exactly full of information because I've only been in Tallinn and Riga (in 2003.) They're very interesting--and Tallinn is a party town for western Europeans because it is inexpensive. (I remember some British fellow walking around in sexy ladies' underwear--it was a bachelor party.) One thing you should know is that because the people are relatively poor, you can hire private drivers through your hotel to take you where you want to go. Sometimes that is easier than public transportation. We hired a driver to take us from Riga to Tallinn.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 09/12/2005

Baltic States
Any tips on travelling to the Baltic States? I don't want a glitzy cruise or a bus tour. How are the trains? I'd like to visit St. Petersburg, Russia as well. Only want to be gone 9 or 10 nights. Info on the net seems overwhelming.

Thanks, M.K.
Mary Kay <email>
West Bend, Wi. USA Mon 09/12/2005

What not to wear - France
Carol-- Don't wear anything baggy - that screams "American." Also, it is less common to see French women (and men) wear running shoes as street shoes. I was in Paris all of August and wore "Not Your Mother's Mary Janes" sold by Title 9 sports. They were perfect. If you're overweight, that's a dead giveaway.
Valerie <email>
Chapel Hill, NC USA Mon 09/12/2005

Paying to get into Switzerland
There is an annual fee of 40 CHF (about €26) for driving a car in Switzerland. If you drive a rented car into Switzerland, you have to pay it at the border. See www.usa.myswitzerland.com.
USA Mon 09/12/2005

Isle of Wight
Sorry....never been there, but I hear it's a lovely place, well worth a stop if you have the time. If this is your first trip to Britain, and you're limited to a week or two, it may be a bit out of the way. As for a car, the island's less than 25 miles long, and it's covered by a bus service much like a city. Check out http://www.iwight.com/default.asp. If you don't need a car for the rest of your trip, you probably won't need one for the isle. If you are planning to book a car for your trip, then be prepared to pay for the ferry back and forth, and probably the need to make reservations if you're going during the summer. Good luck!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/12/2005

Isle of Wight
Have you ever been to the Isle of Wight? We are starting to plan for our trip to the UK next year. Would like to add the Isle of Wight to our itinerary. If you have been there, should we plan to hire a car?
London
USA Mon 09/12/2005

Paying go get into Switzerland
Val~~why were you charged 30 Euro to get into Switzerland?
USA Mon 09/12/2005

Re: From Sevilla...Morocco or Portugal for Michelle
Portugal is a fabulous destination, but not that easy to get to from Sevilla! That may be a consideration for you.

Two possible strategies: fly to Lisbon, or jigger your itinerary so that you visit Madrid after Seville and take the night train to Lisbon from there.

Good luck!
Adam
Boston, Mass. USA Mon 09/12/2005

What not to wear
I'll be vacationing in France this Nov. and would like some advice on what to wear. I don't want my appearance to scream "American Tourist" and alert scamers and pickpockets.
carol <email>
cincinnati, ohio USA Mon 09/12/2005

Munich weather
I just returned from Munich and it was sunny and in the 80s everyday I was there except for one (70s and rainy that day). They had a pretty dreary summer so the past two weeks have been the nicest. Before I left, the forecast said 80s/sunny for my first week, 60s/rainy second week, which was completely off.

I would bring 1 pair pants, a skirt or possibly capri pants, and shorts to be covered for all types of weather. It gets really hot in the Hofbrauhaus as well, so even if it is cool outside, you'll want to have layers to take off.
Christine
Arlington, VA USA Mon 09/12/2005

Cinque Terre hikes
How fortunate you are to get to travel to the Cinque Terre! I would really agree with the previous post about the rain impacting safety on the trail- assuming that you ARE hikers? It would be really dangerous, I'll reiterate, to make the stretch between villages 3- 5 in or after a rain- sometimes there was only about enough room for your feet, with a very sheer drop- off to the water below, and the rocks themselves are used for steps in some of the steeper parts. On the other hand, the trail map showed amazing- looking hikes that didn't hug the water, either. It sounds like if you are there for several days you're bound to have at least one that's sunny anyway (we were there in August, and then heat makes the hiking tough, too!)...and just exploring the villages will be excellent, if you don't hike.
USA Mon 09/12/2005

$16.00 I could handle, but $150.00 for exceeding the speed limit by 10 miles an hour?! That's ridiculous. Heck, I was already charged 30 Euros ($50) at the border just to get IN to Switzerland! Thanks for your responses. Anybody else out there have any tips for me? P.S. I already gave about that amount to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Val
Eldersburg, Md. USA Mon 09/12/2005

Sully: Leftover euro
We came back with British pounds and sold them to a friend for what the bank would have given us (exchange rate minus the bank's fee). Worked out for both of us.
USA Mon 09/12/2005

Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre in late October will be 60 degrees F or warmer during the day. The only potential problem is rainfall which makes the walk on the CT trail rocks slippery and hazardous (there are no safety railings). We found these trails to be tough but worth the effort if precautions (e.g.,proper footware) are taken and the hikers pace themselves.
Doug Ellingson <email>
Chanhassen, MN USA Mon 09/12/2005

Cinque Terre
K.L.M. from Reno - One more question regarding CT....when you say mild in October, what exactly do you mean? 60s? 70s? 50s? Just curious since we live in Wisconsin, plan to be in CT in October, and anything for us over 40s or 50s is mild. We want to pack accordingly. Thank you in advance for your answer.
USA Mon 09/12/2005

CINQUE TERRE
Terry: We traveled to CT in October last year and found the weather mild. Several afternoons it rained lightly, but briefly and never enough to hinder our activities.

Most afternoons were sunny and warm. But overall it was a great time to visit that part of the Mediterranean.
K. L. M.
RENO, USA Mon 09/12/2005

Re: Speeding ticket in Switzerland
it may indeed affect your ability to rent a vehicle next time you're in Europe. Besides, you broke the law. Pay the ticket. Just my humble opinion.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Mon 09/12/2005

SPEEDING TICKET IN SWITZERLAND
Val: After I returned, I received notice from my auto rental agency in Stockholm that I had a citation at a toll booth in Oslo for $20.

They sent a copy of the citation and they just added the charge on my credit card and I had no way to dispute it.

In your case, I would ask for documentation of the citation before approving it. If they charge your credit card, you can always protest it with the issuing bank.

The only time I have been stopped for speeding it was in Slovakia and I had to pay the officer ($16) at the time. If they expect you to pay the ticket and you want to ignore it, I doubt there is anything they can do about it.

It might go on their records in Switzerland; in that case you might avoid driving in that country.
WALT
DALLAS, USA Mon 09/12/2005

Sully - give the Euro away, or donate to Katrina fund!
If you feel like you won't return...save the Euro and donate the money to a student traveling there, or give it to the American Red Cross for Katrina...they will take any donation!
USA Mon 09/12/2005

Speeding ticket in Switzerland
I got a speeding ticket for 180 Swiss francs (about $150.00) in Switzerland for exceeding the speed limit by 17 kilometers (about 10 miles an hour)! I've been driving in Europe for years (Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria) and never gotten a speeding ticket. The ticket was mailed to me in the USA, but it was all in French (and some German) so it took awhile for me to understand it. Does anybody know what happens if I don't pay it? I rented the car from AutoEurope and used my VISA card. Val Eldersburg, Md. USA 09/07/2005
Val
Eldersburg, Md. USA Mon 09/12/2005

Marais Hotel
We are staying in Paris this spring. We are looking for a nice place in the Marais district within walking distance of Notre Dame, not too noisy, and less than $150/night. Any advice?
Jonathan <email>
Oakland, CA USA Sun 09/11/2005

To Stephanie: UK report trip
Hi Stephanie: Thanks for taking time to post a trip report. You really did your HW. Hopefully, we'll be there November.

Would you mind sharing how much the 'Vancouver Studios' cost? It sounds so covenient to have the fridge, kettle, and all, for breakfast fixins, drinks,snacks.

It also sounds like a 'homey' feeling hotel giving you guys cookies, coffee, tea, every day.

Did you find staying in the Bayswater area inconvenient for using the tube & bus?

Your idea of having the sights listed by area & opening times is a great tip. I also like the ziploc 'freshen up' bag idea is great for the plane, airport.

Glad to hear you both had a wonderful time.

Di
Di <email>
Boston, MA USA Sun 09/11/2005

London Hotel Feedback
I'll be traveling to London with friends next spring. We are looking for any feedback on Manzi's Hotel and the Mentone Hotel (positive/negative comments).
Cinda <email>
Muncie, IN USA Sun 09/11/2005

Euro exchange in Phoenix
Don't exchange them at all. Keep them for for your next trip. Take Rick's advice, assume you will return. That way the next time you go over you will have a few Euro in your pocket and won't have to depend on the first ATM.

Also, you won't have to pay the exchange rate twice, once when you cash them in, once when you buy them them next time.

I ALWAYs bring back about 200 Euro from each trip so that I have something in my pocket when I arrive the next time.
USA Sun 09/11/2005

Weather in Munich
(Wow, thanks Philly for answering my euro exchange question so quickly).

Kim, a good place to get worldwide weather is www.yahoo.com - at the home page, choose News, then choose Weather. Then go from there. Looks like the forcast for Munich for the 18th to 20th is highs 71-73 degrees; lows 52 with mostly sunny.
Sully
Mesa, AZ USA Sun 09/11/2005

Exchange Euros in Phoenix
To exchange euros to dollars in Phoenix contact American Express Travel Office at 602-468-1199.
Philadelphia, PA USA Sun 09/11/2005

Where do I exchange left over euros for US dollars?
I came home with 30 euros. Where can I exchange them (Phoenix area)?
Sully
Mesa, AZ USA Sun 09/11/2005

Weather in Munich
I have read Rick's book and have read a bit about the weather in Munich for September. Does anyone know what the weahter may or may not be like for next week Sept. 18-25? Will there be rain? Can I bring a pair of shorts? If anyone has any knowledge of this please pass it on. Trying hard to not over pack and want to bring what will be suitable for the weather. Thanks-Kim
Kim
Brooklyn, NY USA Sun 09/11/2005

Cinque Terre
Can anyone tell me what the weather is like in in the Cinque Terre the second half of October? Is it worthwhile to visit this area at this time of the year? How about early May? Thanks!
Terry
USA Sun 09/11/2005

My UK Trip Review...a Big One...with restaurants, sugestions, what we did
Hopefully, I won't kill you by reading this...:-) It's long, be forewarned!

Setting the stage: Our luggage & getting ready: - we each had 1 backpack and 1 wheelie bag (all carry-on) that we could each manage on our own without assistance from the other or anyone else - We used “Rick Steves” London 2005 book for most of our planning. - We are a couple in our late 20’s, early 30’s with a lot of US travel experience; both have been abroard a few times.

Arrived way too early at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and ended up having a lot of beer at a Max & Erma’s restaurant! Of course, the day that we actually plan to have time to encounter traffic or construction, we breeze through. That’s fine…we’d rather wait than be rushed.

Our flight took off at 7:30 p.m., and we were giddy with excitement through our first drink. Note to anyone traveling Continental: drinks in economy class are NOT free! We used many Continental Currency coupons from our days of traveling too much for work to get “free drinks”.

We were shortly served dinner, and after 2 drinks plus the beer, I promptly fell asleep for a couple of hours (poor husband did not!).

We arrived at Gatwick a bedraggled mess. No bathrooms until you get to the passport control area...go on the plane beforehand.

I had packed – in advance – what I called “plane bags” in Zip-locked bags. These plane bags (one for each of us) had: - a toothbrush (we saved ones that we were about to throw away/ exchange for a new one) - a “sample” pack of toothpaste that the hotels give you that is good for 1 use - a string of floss - some mouthwash – disposable pack - sample pack from Oil of Olay of 1 “waterless” wash cloth (disposable) - some wet naps - sample pack from Oil of Olay of 1 use of SPF 15 lotion - deodorant (which was saved and then put in our regular toiletry bag) - gum

We cleaned up in the toilet room and then threw away the bags.

Note: I am obsessed in life with free samples, and receive many in the mail which I use for traveling purposes ;-)

We used the ATM at Gatwick to take out approximately 200 GBP, and got a couple of coffees (bad mistake as you’ll soon see).

We took the Gatwick Express train to Victoria at approximately 9:30. I had purchased the Return tickets online before leaving the US and had printed out the confirmation number. We boarded the train without having to queue, and the ticket-taker punched our confirmation number into her handheld computer…no money transfer required.

We *assumed* that we would have a seat. We did not, and promptly spilled coffee on ourselves, the train, and luckily, no other passengers! Better to sit down, drink the coffee, and then take the train. The train was quite warm, warmer still with the coffee!

I recommend sitting down, getting a drink/snack/meal and composing yourself at the airport prior to moving…especially after such a long flight.

I saved a ton of money by booking a cheap, inflexible national rail return ticket to Bath. We arrived at Gatwick about 30 minutes early at 7 a.m. vs. 7:30 a.m. and spent about 40 minutes in line for passport control. I had prepared for about 1 hour in customs, a 30 minute breakfast, and some time in transit. I had booked a 12:00 train from Paddington to Bath. We arrived at Paddington about 10:30. I tried to exchange the tickets, and realized that I would have to pay approximately double what I originally paid, so we waited. Moral of the story: I liked how much money I saved (I paid 48 GBP for 2 return tickets instead of about 80 GBP), and we planned accordingly for travel delays, but had plenty of time to check out various stores at Paddington. However, after a long flight, the last thing that you want to do is wait in a train station and look at the pigeons!

Monday, post-arrival

The train ride to Bath was peaceful.

Once in Bath, we “alighted” the train and wheeled our luggage and walked to Harington’s Hotel in the City Centre. I’ll do a full review of the hotel, but we were very pleased with the hotel.

I recommend showering, as we did, upon arrival…it really woke us up when we were ready to crash. We decided to keep moving…

We toured the Roman Baths and had dinner at a pub “ Crystal Palace Pub”. Good pub-grub. I liked the Baths, but I was pretty tired and therefore not having a lot of patience with waiting in line, too many details, or pushy tourists!

We then collapsed into bed around 9 p.m.!

Tuesday

Lunch: Old Green Tree Pub on Green Street, where we ended up having a drink with some older Welsh guys who were hilarious. The lunch was great food – good atmosphere. I tried a Ploughman’s Lunch (mixed) and it was enough cheese, bread, and salad for 2. My hubby had fish and chips, and they were also great! Reasonably priced.

We toured the Bath Abbey (beautiful) and the Georgian House Museum (very interesting to see the interior), before departing on a 2 p.m. Mad Max tour to Stonehenge. We had booked the tour in advance via email (GBP, travelers cheques, no CC). We went in a van-bus that was not air-conditioned (it was almost uncomfortably warm, even with the windows open) but the guide was terrific. Stonehenge admission was not included. It’s about a 60 minute trip to Stonehenge, and then you get 1 hour there, followed by about 30 minutes in Bradford-on-Avon. The 1 hour at Stonehenge was more than adequate, and we enjoyed seeing a bit of the beautiful English countryside. The audio guide is interesting, but I felt like I could have lived without it. You *can* see quite a bit of Stonehenge without actually paying admission…admission is 5 GBP. Many people were parked on the road and walking up the fence. Bradford on Avon was cute, we saw a Saxon Church that is quite old…and were ready to go back to Bath.

Dinner: Martini Restaurant at 9 George Street. Italian food. I had a pizza, which the waiter said was for 1 person…um, we could have shared it! It was huge.

We did a lot of wandering around….also had a drink at Boater pub on Argyle Street. Seemed like it could be a “hopping place” in the evenings. Had one random beggar approach us while sitting in the Boater beer garden. We declined and were not bothered further.

Wednesday

We had breakfast and took a 10:15 train to London Paddington. We ended up walking from Paddington to our hotel in Bayswater because 1) we’re crazy 2) the taxi line was long 3) we wanted to see a bit of the city.

We deposited our luggage at Vancouver Studios (would definitely recommend!) and took off for Westminster Abbey. We took a tour of the Abbey, but really, probably wasted some money by taking the tour. Our guide really wasn’t very interesting or particularly sociable) so we could have followed the leaflet and done just fine.

We then went to the National Gallery (amazing to see paintings that you’ve studied in school…highly recommend).

Lunch: Pret a Manger Dinner: forgettable meal at the Whitley’s Mall in Bayswater (Potter).

Thursday

Buckingham Palace and Queen’s Gallery. We tried to attend “Changing of the Guards”. We arrived at about 11:00, and it’s true…every tourist in London was there. We were hot and hungry, so we skipped and went to lunch at Crumpets deli, a block away. Inexpensive (relatively) good quality sandwiches, which we ate in the park.

We booked tickets in advance for the State Rooms online which arrived promptly (within 1 week). If you have London Pass, you can just go straight to the Queen’s Gallery – no need to go to the Ticket office. Lesson learned, the hard way! Dinner: Belgo Central at Neal & Shelton Intersection near Covent Garden. Recommend highly. From 5 p.m. – 6:30, there is a “beat the clock special” where (for a couple of selections) you get a beer + meal for the time = clock time. The half-chicken is a ton of food. I got a plate of mussels, fries, and a lager for 6.05 GBP. There is also a beer garden which looked like a lot of fun.

Friday Phew!!

London Eye. The view was spectacular and I recommend it (although it was very pricey). We did not book online as we were unsure of the weather. There is an air-conditioning unit in each of the capsules on the London eye, but the capsule was almost uncomfortably warm on a sunny day.

Tower of London (randomly saw a friend’s brother at the Tower of London!). Awesome, just awesome! If you’ve got a London Pass, go directly to the entrance. No need to queue.

Lunch: Anchor Tap in Southwark area (Todd worked in the area for a while and used to eat dinner at the pub each night)

Dinner: Wagamamma Noodle in Piccadilly Circus Area. Loved it – big portions, very busy, reasonably priced. I want one in Columbus!

Saturday:

Hop on Hop off Big Bus Tour Portabello Road Market Shopping in random locations

Lunch: Portabello Road Market vendor Dinner: Prince Edward Pub in Bayswater area (good selection of ales, good pub grub, friendly staff)

Sunday: Cabinet War Rooms (Loved it, very interesting! Took about 2 hours to go through exhibit + Winston Churchill museum)

Walked around city Navigated through various Tube constructions situations

Lunch: Pret A Manger Dinner: Bella Italia on Bayswater (decent, reasonably-priced Italian food with a yummy-looking dessert menu).

Monday… Sadly enough, we’ll have to start preparing to go home on Tuesday.

We’re planning to go to the British Library.

General Suggestions: - Do a lot of walking/standing prior to departure in the shoe(s) that you plan to bring with you - I wore my wedding band, but not my diamond engagement ring. Why? Because it was one more thing to mess with. After a week here, I have never been in a situation where I would have felt weird with my diamond on my finger. - You know, I brought a neck wallet and wore it between Gatwick and Paddington, and then between Bath and Paddington. Other than that, I used a messenger bag. I actually “linked” my neck wallet to the inside of my bag with a keychain and let my husband carry our cash in his money belt. Otherwise, our passports and valuables stayed in the room safe. Same as any other big city. I really wouldn’t have felt uncomfortable with having the major cash in my “purse”, but as a general practice, I always spread credit cards, cash, and ID around so to always have some of all…in any situation. - My husband carried the driver’s licenses (for ID), and our passports stayed in the safe. - Careful with bag across front of body with a button shirt (ladies). Lesson learned. Although, I bet that I gave quite a show! - We brought 2 1GB memory cards. We needed to use 2 on 1 day. We brought a laptop (ugh, work) but had WI-FI in hotels. We secured the laptop with a lock down cable to the bar in the closet. Fool-proof, no…but it worked for us. - Hand on bag in crowded situations. - No wallet in back pocket (men). My husband carried his “major cash” in a money belt, and his day’s spending money in a front pocket. - Be prepared for tube construction on weekends and keep a tube map handy for plotting your travels. - Keep your train/tube tickets available – you’ll have to use on the way in and way out - Be prepared for bag checks at all tourist sites (Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms, London Eye, Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace). - if you are an “overview” kind of person and are with someone who is more detail oriented, you may become overwhelmed when visiting the museums if you’re with someone who likes to read everything. Take evasive action! - Booking online saves time, headaches, and sometimes money. However, if you are a flexibility person, this is not the right thing for you. It does, however, give your trip a structure.

How I saved/should have saved money: - I am a “have to eat when I get up in the a.m.” person. My husband is not. One of the hotels (Vancouver Studios, in Bayswater, London) did not have a breakfast. We buy the ba-zillion pack of individually packaged Quaker oatmeal from Sam’s Club warehouse store, and I threw in a pack for each day that I would be in London. The Vancouver Studios had a kettle, fridge, microwave, and 2 burner kitchenette. They provided coffee, milk (creamer) packets, sugar, tea, and wonderful cookies …replenished daily. I had oatmeal each day and we made coffee in the room. That was breakfast! We also bought some small groceries at a local Tesco – a couple of muffins, juice, bagels, water, beer, etc. - Originally, we were planning on doing a lot of touring/sightseeing. We bought the London Pass with the intention of doing a ton of “stuff”. We actually used it 4 times: The Queen’s Gallery, Tower of London, for a 3 GBP/person discount for the “BigBus tour, and a “free gift with 20 GBP purchase” at the Hard Rock Café ( 2 neat luggage tags with “Hard Rock Café London” stamped on it). We ultimately decided to not do so much sightseeing and taking more time in pubs, hanging out, etc. So, it was a loss…however, at the Tower of London and the Queen’s Gallery, it was nice to not have to queue – which is definitely worth something! - Re-filled water bottles and drank that at lunch instead of having ale or Coke. - Portions at Wagamamma noodles are HUGE. Sharing is a real possibility, seriously. - I had pizza 3 times while in the UK. In each instance, it was enough for 2 people. - Remember the VAT forms when making purchases. Ask for them! - Once, when the department store was out of my foundation, they gave me a container out of their “trial” stuff. Before we left, I asked at my local department store make-up counter for a “container” in which to put my foundation. They gave me a small tube which was enough for well over 3 weeks of foundation (I don’t wear much makeup). Saved some weight and room. - Pared down the make up case, removing all the stuff that you “sometimes use”. - Prior to leaving, I went to our local library where they have a “friends of library” sales and you can buy “new to you” books for either 50 cents or $1 USD. I buy books to read during travels. If I like it, I keep it. If I like it but won’t read it again, I give it to another traveler. - Loved the Christmas store at Harrod’s! - Great bathrooms at Harrod’s! - Before I left, I made a chart in Excel with name of attraction, store, etc., and their tube stop and opening hours each day of the week. This helped to figure out if we were in an area, and we had some time, where we could pop in for a few minutes. I am happy to share, so let me know an email address. I don’t claim to be 100% right, but you can definitely review and customize to your own liking.

What we brought and were happy about: (I know that these can be bought here, but it was easier for me to plan to bring and carry) - Burt’s Bees foot creame - Makers Mark nips (!) - Snack bars /mini candy bars (I have a blood sugar issue and when I need to eat, I need to eat!) - Oatmeal - Small container of Downey Wrinkle Release - Rick Steves book - Temperature conversion chart

What we brought and should have left at home: - Sweater (in our defense, the weather looked like a sweater was needed!) - Umbrella (just wore rain jackets) - Extra books ( I usually go through books like nothing you’ve seen) as I didn’t spend much time reading on the flight or in the room
Stephanie <email>
Columbus, OH USA Sun 09/11/2005

Chantilly
Try http://www.chantilly-tourisme.com/uk/menu_uk.php. Chantilly's a short train ride northwest of Paris....under an hour on the RER D line (many trains) or the regional rail service (less than half an hour)...both out of Gare du Nord. Fare is 6.70 Euros each way.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 09/11/2005

Chantilly info
I believe in RS Paris 2005 he talks about Chantilly as a good day trip etc. It is fabulous, go on a fair weather day as you will walk from train st to chateau stables to chateau/gardens. Enjoy.not to be missed.
USA Sun 09/11/2005

visiting Chantilly
We're looking for info about visiting Chatilly. We'll be in Paris in early October but haven't found anything in our RS book about visiting Chantilly from Paris. We'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences.
Will <email>
Kirkland, USA Sun 09/11/2005

More about safes
Room safes are excellent! When there is one, I use it. I put the entire money belt in there (this would include all your plane tickets, vouchers, etc) Then I took just enough cash for the day, my license for ID, a credit card, health insurance card and list of contacts on a 3 by 5 card that includes hotel phone numbers. All that fits in a tiny hidden pocket (NOT in my day bag) and it was lovely to not have to wear the sweaty money belt. One more thing: after experiencing a hotel fire one night, I after that made sure that EVERYTHING was zipped in the money belt and, the little folder of stuff that wouldn't fit, right beneath it. I put out the clothes for the next day on the bedside table and the money belt in the middle of the pile so it could all be grabbed at once. Fiddling with the safe- heart pounding- lost precious seconds if you have to get out in a hurry! Make sure to have a little flashlight on top of the pile...
USA Sun 09/11/2005

Safes
I used the safe in my room at the H. Leveque in Paris last year. I had my own key. Sometimes I left my entire money belt there. A friend traveled to Spain and says she had a safe which used her own personal code. Both these situations seem "safe enough" to me.
USA Sun 09/11/2005

Airline Passengers left Stranded
To add to the posting about airline passengers being stranded: A recent ruling of the European Court of Justice has set forth the requirements for airlines to compensate their passengers when those passengers are left stranded. The BBC News website has an excellent explanation of passenger rights and responsibilities. They also have a number of links to other sources.
Michael <email>
Edmonton, Canada Sun 09/11/2005

Re: Safes in Italian hotel rooms
If I had a safe in my hotel room, I certainly wouldn't carry everything in a money belt or neck pouch. I've never had any problem leaving things in a safe. (Nobody would look in my safe, expecting to find lots of cash or diamonds!) Has anybody out there had any bad experiences leaving things in a safe?
Karen <email>
MN USA Sun 09/11/2005

Safes in Italian hotel rooms
I've been reading the Graffiti Wall for several months now and I haven't seen this question asked. If you are staying in a hotel in Italy that has a safe in the room, do you still have to carry all your money, passport, airline tickets,etc. in your money belt? Thanks!
Karen
PV, AZ USA Sun 09/11/2005

Yet more on passports-does this help?
Hello, all- my understanding is that it all has to do with whether you want to LEAVE the US and WHERE you are going when you do so, versus getting back IN as a US citizen. So while technically the US doesn't "care" about the 6 month thing for re- entry purposes, each foreign country has its OWN requirements and many of them DO stipulate about 6 months not being okay. If you check the embassy page for the country where you are going the info is also there. Safety wise, in these post 9-11 days, if yours is expiring you might consider what would happen if planes were cancelled (or whatever) and you have to travel in unexpected ways through countries you perhaps hadn't planned for some days or even weeks. If you have time before the trip, it just seems prudent, especially as more folks get passports ahead of whatever is decided about this continent's borders....
USA Sun 09/11/2005

Jewish Holidays
My wife and I will be in Florence during Rosh Hashanah. Can anyone pray at that time or do they need reservations?
Alan Traster <email>
Montville, NJ USA Sun 09/11/2005

Passport reentry
Nat. Passport Info. Center (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_839.html)at 1-877-487-278.

The center does mention in several places that SOME, only some, countries require a person's passport to be good for 6 months longer than their stay. In that case, with a passport with less than that amount of validity, they would not be allowed entry, and no carrier would take them there. They would not be allowed to leave the US. The person might have asked about their passport's validity for such a country.

However, we are talking here, not about going to other countries, but about reentry into the US. THE CENTER makes it clear that a valid US Passport is not absolutely required for reentry. To quote the website, "Other documents that establish U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport..." If an expired passport works, obviously one with less than six month remaining would also work.
CO USA Sat 09/10/2005

Soap!
Soap hints again! I save the last bit of all the soap bars I use here at home, dry them out well, then when travelling: put them throughout your suitcase or bag. It helps your clothes smell nice, keeps bugs out, and you have soap that's just like yours at home for your trip. Leave each one behind after you've used it a couple of times. Doesn't take up any space at all.
SJ
Canada Sat 09/10/2005

Stranded travellers
See: “Ryanair passengers are forced to hire bus to get home after their flight is cancelled “ By Justin Stares in Brussels (Filed: 11/09/2005) At: http://www.portal.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=3L1PH40CESMD1QFIQMGSM5WAVCBQWJVC?xml=/news/2005/09/11/wryan11.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/09/11/ixworld.html
USA Sat 09/10/2005

Passports
I called the passport office information line listed below. Your passports DOES need to be valid for 6 months from the date you reenter the US
Ohio USA Sat 09/10/2005

Passports
The passport question that started a few days ago included something about being required to have a passport with an expiration date 6 months in the future.

According to the official US State Dept website, "... for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship." Nothing is said here about the passport being valid for another 6 months, and it is silly to think that our state department would care, as long as it is currently valid.

The state department website also says, "some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip." Note: some countries, not the state department.
CO USA Sat 09/10/2005

Haircut in Venice
I am going to Venice for 13 days at the end of September and want to get an "Italian" haircut. Any suggestions?
Deborah Herzog <email>
East Brunswick, NJ USA Sat 09/10/2005

Tube maps for London
I was just reading how people thought RS's London book could be improved. Someone wanted a mini tube map. So I thought I would write a short note~~~at each tube station you can pick up (free) a mini tube map~~~just in case someone might not know this.
Ohio USA Sat 09/10/2005

Eurostar seating
Terry....yes, you should be seated together in a group of four. Their numbering system puts, for example, your seats facing front as 51 and 52, the same seats across the aisle as 53 and 54...then the ones opposite you as 55 and 56...then the ones across the aisle from THEM, as 57 and 58.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 09/10/2005

Familiar with Eurostar seating?
Eurostar seating I have been on the Trenitalia web site and am about to order tickets for a trip that 4 of us are going on. My question has to do with seating. On the seating diagram I picked out a grouping of 4, but when I got my seat assignments, the seating numbers were not consectutive. Is this the norm? Is this just the way they do the seat numbering? Below is the seats they would be assigning me: Assigned seat in couch 10: 55 , 52 , 56 , 51. Would this seating indicate that the 4 of us will be seated together, as was my preference? I wanted us to be seated opposite of each other in a grouping of 4. Hope my question makes sense. Appreciate your help.
Terry
USA Sat 09/10/2005

STUCK IN FRANCE
You forget that FRANCE is a different country than Italy. Asking a clerk in Italy about Italian trains is much different than asking in France.

Rail clerks in Aix won’t know as much about Italian trains as will clerks in Italy.

I agree that asking in Genova is best. That city is one stop from Cinque Terre. Buy point-to-point tickets to Vernazza from there.
C.C.D.
SALT LAKE, USA Sat 09/10/2005

USING YOUR ATM CARD IN EUROPE
I reprint a letter from the archives: I found out during my trip to Germany and Holland that a 6 digit PIN is not the way to go. A 4 digit PIN is.

I was really frustrated by this because I had plenty of money in my account, but I did not have ATM access to it. I did not carry travelers checks on that trip, which was not prudent.

Thankfully, I did have about US $500 with me.

Before I left on my later trip to Italy , I stopped by my bank and changed my PIN to a 4 digit PIN. I had no problems.

The officer at the bank said that all European countries will accept a 4 digit PIN, but not all will accept a 5+ PIN. BE SURE YOU CHANGE YOURS.
A.C. DAGGOR
DALLAS, USA Sat 09/10/2005

GERMAN RESERVATIONS
Karen: My wife and I hardly ever reserve a room in advance. We like to stay in homes (zimmers) or B&Bs.

We usually stop in the area we are in at 5 pm and look at rooms until we find one meeting our cost and needs.

It is not difficult. If you have a car. Most people have signs in their front yards. They cater to last minute guests. And they don’t mind showing a room before you rent.

If you travel by train , go to the Travel Information Office in each town or to the TIO in the RR station. It has always worked for us and we have traveled in EVERY country in W Europe.
M. CZER
OR USA Sat 09/10/2005

STUCK IN FRANCE
Kyle: When you get to Genova, go to the RR station and buy a ticket to Vernazza.

The clerk will know a whole lot more about trains from France that readers of this page will.

Ask him how to avoid the closed lines. Buying tickets point-to-point is the ONLY way I have traveled in that part of Italy.

It is not complicated.
RENO, USA Sat 09/10/2005

TRANSPORTATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Kimberly: Try this page for information: www.ticotravel.com/forms/air.htm.
HYM
NYC, USA Sat 09/10/2005

Uffizi or Accademia
If you have never seen Michelangelo's Slaves at the Louvre, you must go to the Accademia to see them. If you have, look at the replica David in the piazza and go to the Uffizi for the Botticellis. The Uffizi is enormous and exhausting BUT has the best duomo-view rooftop cappucino.
Susan
USA Fri 09/09/2005

Paris practique
Amazon.fr has them.
USA Fri 09/09/2005

Paris Pratique Par Arrondissement
Try this website.....http://www.ulyssesguides.com/ca/fc_1022.htm
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 09/09/2005

Columba--Paris Pratique Par Arrondissement
Columba--I looked in my copy of Paris Pratique par Arrondissement for an e-mail address, but there is none. There is a phone # though, maybe the # will help you.....01 45 65 48 48.... Bonne Chance!
Susan
Sausalito, CA USA Fri 09/09/2005

Paris Par Arrondisement
Do any of you seasoned Paris hatibutes know of any way to get a Paris par Arrondisement other than actually going to Paris and getting one at a Tabac? I appreciate your input. Thank you so much!
Columba
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 09/09/2005

London Train/Tube passes
For info on London's transit system and the myriad of passes, check out http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/. Most find that a pass covering zones 1 and 2 is adequate for visitors. As for Gatwick, you need to take a train or bus into London....no subway link with that airport. Check out the options at http://uk.visitlondon.com/travel/airports/gatwick.html
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 09/09/2005

transportation in central america
I am planning a trip to Belize this winter and I am trying to find flights from there to costa rica, or other central american countries. Does anyone have any tips? Thanks, Kimberly katejch@yahoo.com
Kimberly <email>
USA Fri 09/09/2005

London Train/Tube passes!!
Please help! I leave for London in 2 days, and I still have not figured out the tube pass possibilities. I would like to buy a day pass with unlimited rides, or maybe a pass that covers transportation to/from Gatwick Airport. Does anyone know a website I can visit for information? Thank You!
Nicole <email>
Dixon, Ca USA Fri 09/09/2005

Passports
For anyone who has questions about passports call this number 1-877-487-2778 its the number to the passport office. You will get correct answers there. They are very helpful.
Ohio USA Fri 09/09/2005

Passports
Robert is wrong with one of his statements. As of now to reenter the US from Canada or Mexico all you need is birthday cert., and/or state issue ID like a drivers license. But, as of Dec 31, 2006 you will need a passport to reenter from anywhere. As of Dec 31, 2005 you will need a passport to reenter from anywhere in the Caribbean.
Ohio USA Fri 09/09/2005

Derric...suds and such
I'm pretty sure that the majority of hotels in Europe provide soap and towels. The towels aren't the fluffiest, but they get the job done. The soap is usually a bar of soap. I always take one of those small plastic containers (in the travel toiletries bin at Wal-Mart) for my body soap and discard the bottle when it's empty rather than taking it back to the US. Same with shampoo and conditioner. Now, one thing that usually is not provided is a waschloth...I opt for the loofah sponge since it's easier to dry. Bring a plastic baggie to put it in so it won't get everything wet in your luggage. Have a great trip!
Brandie
KS USA Fri 09/09/2005

Passports
The US feds require six months remaining on your passport to reenter the US. Home land Security and all. You have to use a passport to reenter from Canada and Mexico as well. The six months starts after your return date, not when you start the trip.It is easier to travel around the world than get back home.
Robert <email>
Paradise, Ca. USA Fri 09/09/2005

Germany reservations
Unless you are staying at a 4 or 5 star hotel, I would not ask the hotel to make reservations for the next day. At the small family run places I stayed at, the staff/family seemed pretty busy dealing with check-ins, check-outs and breakfast. If you want reservations, they are pretty easy to make yourself. Also, driving through southern Germany, it seemed like there were a lot of guest houses in small towns that would never be featured in a guidebook. I would guess that they would have vacancies for the last minute traveler.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 09/09/2005

Passports
This is from the Department of State website.

Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.
USA Fri 09/09/2005

Passport Validity
Martin--Years ago I was told by the Passport Office that a US passport has to be valid for 6 months after the trip. Maybe in case we decide to extend the trip?!
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Fri 09/09/2005

Re: Daytrip from ROme
Hi, Susan. Yes, a daytrip to Assisi from Roma is easily done. There are many trains per day each taking slightly over 2 hours to get there.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Fri 09/09/2005

Passports
Upon booking a flight to Germany, I was told by the booking agent at the airline (United) that our passports had to be valid to at least 5 monthes (beyond) from the first day arrive in Germany. Have you ever heard of this requirement? (It's the first I have heard of it) Thank you for your help. martin
Martin <email>
Livermore, Ca USA Thu 09/08/2005

Soap/Towel
My experience has been that every place we went to (hotels, B&B's, a castle and a Girl Scout/Guide Lodge) had towels. Very few had soap and NONE had washcloths.
Sue
MI USA Thu 09/08/2005

hotel soaps/RS Italy tour
We have had mixed experiences with soap in RS tour hotels - some had it, some didn't. Not sure which ones you will stay at on your tour, but what I do is buy a small liquid soap (dove or whatever you like) in the travel sizes section at walmart and put in our bathroom bag. If the hotel has soap, we use theirs. But on the off chance they don't, we have a back up to use for a night or two.

happy travels!
Renee
CO USA Thu 09/08/2005

Deric and Soap
We were in italy an Sicily in May. We stayed in 2 or 3 star hotels, as well and a couple of B & B's. We had soap in every place, sometimes it was liquid soap in a dispenser in the shower. the towels were sometimes more like large dish towels, didn't absorb well, but did manage to get us dry. if you have sensitive skin, the take a soap dish and your favorite soap from home. You might invest in one of those fast dry towels too (like a chammy)...you can find them at REI. (Divers use them to dry off between dives- they are good for camping too)

Bottom line...there should be soap and towels in all hotels in Europe. it's really no different than in the US...you stay in a Comfort Inn and see what you get...then stay in a Marriott or Hilton and see the difference! Happy Travels!
USA Thu 09/08/2005

Responce:
Norm: Thank you

Gary - Travel in Germany: World Cup soccer (football) is in Germany from June 9th through July 9th. What this means to you and me is that there will be NO (as in ZERO) hotels available in all of Germany for a month. No rooms, no food, no service, no nothing except lots and lots of people.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Thu 09/08/2005

Soap and towel trivia!
The amazing thing about these posts is that there is always something new to learn or contribute! Recently back from Italy, we were provided little hotel- kind-of-soaps whenever we stayed in hotels. (I swiped some of them when we shifted to hostels, where it isn't!) There were always towels, too- maybe not always big and fluffy, but certainly fine to not have to pack one with you- hostels will rent them for about one euro. Usually they even had the little shampoo bottles if you don't want to pack those- I often used them to make bubbles in the sink to wash underwear when I rean out of packets of Woolite! Have a great trip!
USA Thu 09/08/2005

Uffizi or Accademia choice!
Hello- I recently toured both, so I hope I can offer some insight. You would have to be sure to get a reservation to the Accademia, with such limited time, which adds to the price. And, when are you going? That will determine the size of the line. If your primary goal is to see The David (and if you are a Michelangelo fantatic, like me, the Prisoners are right there, too) I think that would be "quicker". The Uffizi is so full of such glorious art that I wonder if you wouldn't feel much more rushed. (What a tough decision!) Depending on how much of an art person you are, another option might be the Duomo museum (famous pieces there, too, including Michelangelo) and climbing the dome and just enjoying the vicinity. I'm sure others will have suggestions, too! Have a great trip!
USA Thu 09/08/2005

Stupid Question.
I'm leaving soon on a RS tour to Italy. Do I really need to bring soap or won't there be those little bars in the hotel? I realize this is trivial but I don't want to pack soap! And what about a towel?! Seriously though, I'd appreciate any responses. I've been reading this "board" for almost three months and have gained incredible insight. Thank you everybody. DerricM@aol.com
Derric Miller <email>
Algona, WA USA Thu 09/08/2005

Day trip from Rome
Is it possible to do Assisi as a day trip from Rome?
Susan <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 09/08/2005

Getting from Rome to Priano
Can anyone please advise me: I will be making my first trip to Italy, spring of next year. My question, what is the best way, to get from the Rome airport to Priano, on the Amalfi coast. I have read about the train and bus service, Rome to Naples, Naples to Sorrento, by train, Bus from Sorrento to Priano. This seems like a lot of different connections and having to deal with luggage (we are only taking 1 carry on each.) The problem, my mother is in our party (80 and extremely active and healthy). Has anyone used a driver from Rome to Priano, if so what kind of cost are we looking at. There will be 4 adults in our party. Just trying to make this part of our trip without too much hassle.
Sandra <email>
Redmond, W USA Thu 09/08/2005

Transportation mapping glitch
I am leaving for Spain and Portugal in 2 weeks (yea!); but, I have a grandbaby that may be born while I am gone. With that said, I want to map out what days I'll be in what towns so I reserve my hotels should there be any problems. I seem to be running into problems finding bus routes online that give me times and days to go from Spain’s Andalucía to Portugal without going through Madrid and losing quite a bit of travel time. Any suggestions where to get help mapping out bus routes & times? (without taking a night train!)
Angela <email>
Houston, TX USA Thu 09/08/2005

French appliance on US voltage
Joe, Radio Shack sells reverse voltage converters, but none, I think, can handle enough wattage for your teapot.

Most American homes have 230V service, but probably not to your kitchen. You could pay an electrician $$$ to put in a 230V outlet, or you could use your teapot in the laundry room, from the dryer outlet. In that case you would still have to replace the European two-pin plug with an American 230V plug.

I think you should put the teapot on a shelf as a conversation piece and get a practical one that runs on US voltage.
<email>
USA Thu 09/08/2005

Kyle re: train to Vernazza
Kyle: I read on tripadvisor.com this morning that there has been some flooding in the southern area of France and that they are repairing the rail lines, but that the repairs should be made pretty quickly. That may be what the problem is this weekend. Maybe you could rent a car to get from France into Italy and take the train from there. And regarding the point-to-point tickets from Genoa - that's the way it works. The train from Genoa to the Cinque Terra towns is just a local train and you can get point-to-point tickets at the station with no problem.
Martha
Athens, GA USA Thu 09/08/2005

More sistine chapel art
Go to webshots.com and then prints and gifts. Under fine art and renaissance is a nice print.
pat
pa USA Thu 09/08/2005

Sistine Chapel Print
http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/customorder.asp?id=1620

You can also click on the art renewal on top and see others.

For detail posters here http://www.grandmas-attic.com/michelangelo.html
pat
pa USA Thu 09/08/2005

Can I buy an appliance in France and use it in the USA?
Hi,

Wondering if anyone has done this. Friends of mine were in France a while back. On their trip they bought a really cool and unusual electric teapot. Now they are trying to figure a way to use it in the USA. If anyone knows if there is some sort of converter or something that can be purchased in the USA or France to use a 240 volt appliance on 110 volt current?

Thanks

Joe
Joe <email>
Cambria, CA USA Thu 09/08/2005

stuck in France NOW, help please!
Help! I am in France and want to get to Vernazza, Italy this Sunday, when I will be in Aix-En-Provence. The Deutsche Bahn train website says it is do-able, but a train agent told me today that *this weekend only*, the tracks between Nice and Vernazza are being repaired and it is not possible. I checked with another train agent in a nearby city and she cannot verify this information. Either way, it does not appear possible to even buy a ticket from a starting point in France that goes into Italy. Both agents said they could sell me a ticket from Aix to Genova, but after that I would have to buy tickets point to point. Has this been your experience, and how the heck do I find out whether these track closures are for real? Travel agents, the train agents, and the French national train hotline do not appear to know what is going on. I am frazzled because I am supposed to meet a friend Sunday night in Vernazza. I had checked all this from the US a couple months ago but things seem to have changed. I do not speak French which is hampering the situation... thanks for help! I am sitting in a little Internet place in Arles and there have been floods all over the region this week, so my spirits are a bit damp. :-/
Kyle <email>
Seattle (Arles at the moment), WA USA Thu 09/08/2005

Rome Tour
Rome Tour **(Correction of price)** We will be in Rome for 2 days, Sept 18,19 with our adult daughter & would like to use the upper-end tour company, ThroughEternity Tours for a full 2-day private tour of Rome for up to 5 persons. (Vatican, Ancient Rome, The City, etc)We are looking for another couple, or 2 singles to join us in order to lower the tour cost to approximately $80/day per person. A GREAT way to see most everything in Rome in only 2 days at a LOW price! Anyone interested? Rick highly recommends them!
Carol <email>
Fresno, CA USA Thu 09/08/2005

WHATS THE BEST HOSTEL
Do a google.com search for “Amsterdam hostels reviews”. You can find lots of travelers recommendations on hostels.
ANN C.
NYC, USA Thu 09/08/2005

MAKING RESERVATIONS
Gary: My wife and I never reserve a room more than a day ahead and have never had a problem. Your hotel concierge can help you reserve a day in advance. That is part of the service hotels render guests.
H. S. CHARME
DALLAS, USA Thu 09/08/2005

WiFi Hot Spots in Euroland (???)
Check out http://wififreespot.com/
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 09/08/2005

Driving in Europe
Driving in Europe is great. The road signs are simple; check Rick's books. Driving on the left; England, Ireland; is a snap. Automatics cost more to rent; uses more fuel. The gear shift on the clutch is left handed; everything else is the same, brake gas etc.
Robert Shimp <email>
Paradise, Ca USA Thu 09/08/2005

Help!
I will only have one day (and not the full day, this is a shore excursion)to see Florence. I would like to squeeze in at least one museum. Do you think it is best to see the Accademia or the Uffizi?? How long does it take to see them? What is the entrace fee?? Thanks in advance for your help.
Sara
USA Thu 09/08/2005

Reservatons In Germany
Gary, making reservations using Rick's guide book is much easier.We travel all over western Europe w/o reservations. Use the book when you know for sure where you will be that night. Early spring, May-June,is the best time to travel. Most of the time we just show up.
Robert Shimp <email>
Paradise, Ca. USA Thu 09/08/2005

Candace~~try this website, think they might have what you want. If they don't have what you want, type in how to buy poster of the Sistine Chapter

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0807613150/103-4546661-5711852?v=glance
Ohio USA Thu 09/08/2005

Desperately Seeking Sistine Chapel Poster
I know this isn't really a travel related question, but I thought someone here might be able to help me. I have just returned from a trip to Italy a couple of weeks ago. During my trip I visited Vatican City. I wanted to buy a poster of the Sistine Chapel there, but knew that since Rome was our first stop it would be destroyed by the end of our trip. Now I am wishing I had bought it! I have been searching the web for a print of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and can't find it. I wanted to get it as a birthday gift for my friend who travelled with me. Anyone that could help me out I would REALLY appreciate it! Thanks so much
Candacw <email>
USA Thu 09/08/2005

Travel agents
S. Adamowitz~~the airlines no longer pay a fee to travel agents, so now the agents are charging us the fee. Online ticket sellers, like Expedia, also charge a small fee to handle the sale.
USA Thu 09/08/2005

cell phone
I constantly have people calling me at work with problems they should handle on their own. They call me at home, on weekends, whenever, just to check in as they usually put it, so if I bother to leave the country when I vacation, I certainly am not taking a phone with me. I check e mail twice a week for messages from my immediate family. It is amazing how unimportant "urgent" situations become when there is a 2-3 day response time.
Jack Corman
USA Thu 09/08/2005

travel agens/on line
I do not understand Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. to be travel agents, but to be consolidators. I have not used a travel agent in about five years, so my experience is dated. They always charged the service provider a fee, not the traveler. Has the system changed in that time? Consolidators usually charge the traveler. I wonder if the discussion is based on mis-information or mis-understood information
S. Adamowitz
Ludlow, Colo USA Thu 09/08/2005

WiFi Hot Spots in Euroland (???)
There are lots of WiFi Hotspots in Europe. You can find them everywhere from Mcdonalds to hotel lobbys. But free is a different story. It is rare that you will find a free hotspot. All the Starbuck's I have tried always charge a fee.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Thu 09/08/2005

Headphones
I used my CD player headphones on the plane. They sound much better than the cheap things the airlines hand out. Just remember to take them with you when you leave!
Rob
MI USA Thu 09/08/2005

Rome Tours
We will be in Rome for 2 days, Sep 18,19 with our adult daughter & would like to use ThroughEternity Tours for a full 2-day private tour of Rome for up to 5 persons. We are looking for another couple, or 2 singles to join us in order to lower the tour cost to approximately $160/day per person. A GREAT way to see most everything in Rome in only 2 days! Anyone interested? Rick highly recommends them!
CJ Wilson <email>
Fresno, CA USA Thu 09/08/2005

Single Female Traveler
Any recommedations for a single gal traveling to London, England for 2 weeks.
Jessica <email>
Falls Church, VA USA Wed 09/07/2005

Making Reservations.
We wish to visit Germany in the spring, using a flexible schedule. We only want to make reservations on line for the first stop and then adjust our schedule as we wish. Is it common in Germany to use the hotel desk where you are staying to make room reservations at your next stop?
Gary
SLC, UT USA Wed 09/07/2005

Sistine Chapel
Try art.com, they might have something like that.
USA Wed 09/07/2005

Sistine Chapel
I just returned from three weeks in Itally and Germany. I am now trying to look for a good poster (or sligthly smaller) of the entire sistine chapel ceiling, but can only find the creation of adam scene. Does anyone know of a good place to look on-line to order one? Thanks so much.
Erika <email>
Orlando, fl USA Wed 09/07/2005

Online vs. Travel Agent
My husband books most of our tickets online because we only fly Northwest (it's just about the only game in town if you fly from Minneapolis), and half of our tickets are free (my husband flies a lot for his job.) However, I have heard enough horror stories that I would be reluctant to use an agency such as Expedia or Travelocity. In the Sunday newspaper travel section there is always somebody asking the travel ombudsman for help in dealing with a problem created by an online booking agency. Last winter I reserved a hotel room through Expedia for my parents. When I tried to make a one day change to the reservation, I spent a long time on the phone, made several international calls only to learn that the change couldn't be made. Now I always try to contact the hotel directly...although sometimes it is difficult to find their e-mail address. This summer when I was making reservations to visit Las Vegas with my daughters, I found that Northwest World Vacations has better deals and more convenient flights than Expedia.

However, to USA, Ohio or mary, all I can say is that whatever works for you, happy travels.
Karen <email>
MN USA Wed 09/07/2005

Internet vs. Travel Agent
To USA~~I don't feel that anyone is to lazy (as you said) to get on the internet and look for tickets. They might feel more comfortable using a travel agency, and there is nothing wrong with that. Even Rick Steves uses a travel agent. Just don't assume things about people.
Ohio USA Wed 09/07/2005

Traveling from Paris to Rome and back!
We are leaving saturday for 2 weeks and driving from Paris to Rome and back (via Venice). Does anyone have any suggestions on towns to stop in or things to see. We are in Rome for a few days and in Venice. In Rome we are staying either at the Hotel Sanpeitrino (near the Vatican) or the Hotel Santa Prassede( in the Termini). Has anyone stayed in either hotel? Thanks for your help!!!
Shelley <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Wed 09/07/2005

WiFi Hot Spots in Euroland (???)
Hello again,

Are free WiFi hotspots common and / or easy to find (ala Starbucks in the USA) in Europe, specificly Northern Italy? How about Athens?

Thanks,

Ray
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Wed 09/07/2005

Online vs. travel agency
Personally, I have had very good success making my own flight reservations online. It is more convenient for me to sit down at a good website, with all of the options before me, and decide for myself what works best. And apparently I have saved a lot of money in the process. When I did check my reservation cost with a travel agent, I found I got the same price as I would have through her, less her fee. So, if you want control of the process and the lowest prices, learn to use the online websites. If you are too lazy to do this, pay more with a travel agent.
USA Wed 09/07/2005

Morocco
We had no idea of what to expect in Morocco. We were guests of a Spanish family and we just went where ever they planned to take us. They, for whatever reason, were expecting Morocco to be a beautiful, important cosmpolitan city. They were disappointed and didn't like it. Our family (13 year old and 16 year old daughters) LOVED it!!! We found the old historic section, the Medina, to be absolutely fascinating and exotic. We had a guide who showed us around the first day,which was very helpful. Culturally, it was a bit frightening for us at first. However, we soon felt very safe. Our Spanish host family went to see the more modern city the next day, whereas our family returned to the winding, narrow streets of the Medina alone the next day. We felt that the Moroccan people were the friendliest we'd ever met anywhere. Whereas few people in Spain spoke much English (and if they did, it was very difficult to understand), almost everyone in the historic area spoke perfect English, with hardly a trace of an accent. (This puzzles me...any linguists out there care to explain why this would be?) Our family had so much fun shopping in the markets. The girls even posed with snakes around their necks as we visited the snake charmer. The food was fabulous, as well. My picky eater couldn't get enough (unlike most of the Spanish food she didn't really like). We were so glad we went to Tangier. I would now love to go farther into Morocco. I loved everything about it. It was one of the most amazing countries we've ever seen.
terry miller <email>
Bend, OR USA Wed 09/07/2005

From Sevilla...Morocco or Portugal?
We'll be in Sevilla, Spain in March 06. My husband and I are debating whether to head to Portugal or Morroco? Any one had good or bad experiences in either direction? I'm leaning more toward Portugal after reading Rick's description of the bully Moroccan's!
Michelle
Fullerton, CA USA Wed 09/07/2005

cell phone
For our recent trip to Europe I purchased two $49 international cell phones from mobal.com (one phone for me and one for my kids). Yes, the per-minute charges are high, but strictly as emergency phones they worked out perfectly.
USA Wed 09/07/2005

Cell Phone
I have looked at cellularabroad.com and telestial.com and they both offer prepaid SIM cards either country-specific or international. I'm trying to determine which, if either is the better deal myself, but its worth looking into.
Jamie
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 09/07/2005

Driving on the left
FOR ANNIE, AND OTHERS WHO MAY BE TRAVELING TO THE UK, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, ETC. where they will be driving on the left - there is a wonderful little book that was very helpful to us. It is called "Driving in Britian and is available from Rampant Lion Communications at www.roundabout.net. It is by Rob Lockhart. It sells for less than $20. delivered. We thought it was money well spent to enhance our trip.
George
Philadelphia, PA USA Wed 09/07/2005

Venice to airport
There are two Venice airports. Marco Polo is the main one; the more remote, Treviso, is used by Ryan air. ATVO, the bus service doesn't show any buses running before 5:00 to MP, 6:00 to Treviso. Looks like you will have to find a taxi.
USA Wed 09/07/2005

Cell phone for Italy
Cell phones in Europe work on the GSM standard, which only a few do here in North America, and they work on different freqencies in Europe. You need a GSM phone that will cover the 900 or 1800 Mhz band, or both. Several newer model phones from American providers on the GSM system cover the 1800 Mhz bands, the so-called tri-band phones. But if you don't already have one like that, they'll be expensive. And North American companies charge high rates for minutes used. I purchased an inexpensive GSM phone on the 900 Mhz band from a seller at ebay in the UK, purchased an inexpensive SIM card to go in it, which gave me far cheaper rates than any North American company...and I had a number to hand out before I left.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 09/07/2005

Venice to airport question
Will there be trouble getting from Venice City Center to the airport at 3 in the morning? I've been told there might not be transportation at that time of day.
K <email>
LA, CA USA Wed 09/07/2005

cell phone
Bobbey, My family traveled to Italy in July and we used the same cell phones we use here in the states. We have t-mobile and tri-band phones and they worked well. (I even received business calls while on tour)All we had to do was notify T-mobile we wanted the ability to make international calls and that was it. No roaming charges, however, minutes were more expensive. It worked out great. My husband and I could split up with the kids and call and let each other know where we were.
Michelle <email>
Sellersburg, IN USA Wed 09/07/2005

WHATS THE BEST HOSTEL?
I am interested in knowing what is the cleanest but coolest hostels amsterdam?
USA Wed 09/07/2005

Cell phone for Italy
Can anyone recommend a cell phone to rent or buy for use in Italy? I will be traveling for a month. Ideally I would like to get the phone before I leave so that I can provide the number.
Bobbie Webb <email>
Rohnert Park, CA USA Tue 09/06/2005

Sicily Public Transportation
I will be in Sicily next week to visit relatives. They live in Petralia Soprana, which some may know about because it is apparently the village at the highest elevation in Sicily.

I'd rather not rent a car if I don't have to. If anyone knows if any public transportation runs from Palermo to Petralia Soprana, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!
Terrie <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 09/06/2005

online vs travel agency
After checking out all the different budget airline websites, I had a pretty good idea of how much our tickets to Italy would cost and the different options for connecting flights. THEN I contacted a local travel agent, and we worked with him to find a flight that suited us. This included deciding time of day, airports, seat reservations (aisle or window),etc. I think it cost us an additional $35 to let the agent handle the details. WELL worth it, especially after reading about the family who had similar names and was essentially told "too bad".
mary
st.louis, mo USA Tue 09/06/2005

Oberwesel
Im not exactly sure were Well is but if you are in southern Netherlands, Im guessing you familiar with were Liege is. In my experiance, from spending alot of time in Maastricht, the cheapest(if you dont take the bullet train) route to Oberwesel was from Liege to Koln, germany then from Koln to Koblenz, From Koblenz take the local train strait to Oberwesel. I was at this festival two years ago, we stumbled upon it by mere fate and it was absolutly spectacular. The wine venues were amazing and the fireworks are so big that you feel as if they are falling right on top of your head. I will never forget that day, I know you will have a great time!

PS. if you are staying the night and Oberwesel is full, which the whole region usually fills up during this festival, i recommend staying in Bacharach at Hotel Hillen, it is one stop down the river from Oberwesel, the town is cute, the hotel is cheap but quaint and the owner of the hotel is so sweet.
Jen <email>
Euless, Tx USA Tue 09/06/2005

Sidetrips from Berlin or Prague
I haven't been to Prague in the last 10 years, but I've heard that it's still great. I visited my son in Berlin last winter & I know that's great. I would not say that Berlin is a beautiful city--too much was destroyed in the war--but it is very interesting. A good sidetrip from Berlin to the North is Stralsund or the island of Rugen. A good sidetrip between Prague & Berlin is the town of Gorlitz on the Polish border. Dresden is good too. I could go on and on. Tell him to have fun.
Karen <email>
MN USA Tue 09/06/2005

Oberwesel,
Hello I am a student in Southern Neatherlands (WELL) and I am trying to get to Oberwesel in Germany for the "Night of a thousand flames" it is suposed to be going on sept 9th-11th. I am wondering if anybody knows the cheepest and easyest way to get from WELL to Oberwesel.
Mark Vashro <email>
USA Tue 09/06/2005

Electrical Adapters Jenny - Columbus
Check the Travel Store here on this site. We just returned from Western Europe and Czech Republic (Prague, Karlstejn and Cesky Krumlov and used the "Continental" adapter.

Make sure any hair dryer or battery chargers, etc. can convert from 110/240. My dryer had a switch to turn to 240.

Our battery chargers and camcorder had 110/240 noted on the back.
JB
CA USA Tue 09/06/2005

Travel from Munich to Paris on Airflights
Hello. We are a family of 10 traveleing next April 2006. We will need transportation from Munich to Paris on this date. April 22, 2006. We were hoping for a reasonable safe airline for reaching our destination of Charles De Gualle Airport in Paris. Can anyone please make a suggestion for us. Should we book from the USA or wait until we are in Europe to do this. Thank you Kindly Yvonne Oschegger-Venaas We have 7 adults. 2 teenagers and one child age 11.
Yvonne Oschegger-Venaas <email>
Tracy, CA USA Tue 09/06/2005

Travelocity Nightmare
I was in charge of booking some of my family members airfare for a family reunion in Italy recently. After scouring websites for good fares, I found an excellent rate on Travelocity and called round for everyone to jump on it. I then helped my father book his flight.

Well, I get a frantic call from him the next morning saying that Travelocity had cancelled his flight. The problem was that my Dad, Grandfather, and Brother all have the same name and Travelocity kicked out my dad's reservation because my brother had booked first. They also kicked out the reservation of his travel companion, by the way.

I was incredibly frustrated because Travelocity doesn't allow you to add a suffix or anything to the name when entering the reservation information. And of course the ticket price had jumped almost $100 the next day.

After spending 2 HOURS on the phone with Travelocity's customer service who basically said "too bad, you should have known how to alter the names so the system wouldn't get confused," I ended up having to rebook both my father and his companion at the higher ticket price. I am never going to use them again. I'd rather pay a slightly higher fare if I have to, and use Orbitz or many of the other sites who have enough foresight to realize that family members might travel together.
Terrie Tilotta
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 09/06/2005

Driving in the UK
Annie~~I'm so glad to see that you and your husband decided to go ahead a rent a car. With renting an automatic it will be a breeze. You will love driving thru all the beautiful villages. With driving it will allow you to stop and enjoy the sights anytime you want. I think that you will be so happy that you rented. Have a great trip.
Robin
Ohio USA Tue 09/06/2005

Driving in Europe...
To everyone who offered advice regarding driving in the UK - thanks so much! With all of the feedback we got, my husband and I decided to go ahead and rent a car for our time in the country. However - we took the advice to get an automatic! We are young-ish (early 30's) and live in the city, so I think we'll be fine. And - it sounds like an experience we just need to have! Again - thanks for all the advice - and happy travels to all.
Annie
Denver, CO USA Tue 09/06/2005

Hotel in Granada
Dianne, we just returned from a 3 week tour of Spain with our former exchange student from Madrid and her family. While in Granada, they arranged for us to stay at the lovely Casa del Capitan Nazari, which is also recommended by Rick Steves. You can look at good, accurate pictures on their website, www.hotelcasacapitel.com. The building itself was ancient and atmospheric, and the staff was very helpful and polite. The location was great...tucked away on a winding little street where you have to ring the bell to gain access. Very charming. Also, it was easy to walk from there to the Alhambra and to the exciting city square, full of endless, inexpensive outdoor dining options (most around 7-10 Euros for 3 courses including wine). Our family LOVED Granada, one of our favorite places in Spain. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Tue 09/06/2005

accommodation in Costa del Sol, Spain
Looking for accommodation for 3 adults in Granada, Malaga, and Marbella, Spain. Any ideas? Leaving Thursday so info immediately would be helpful
dianne <email>
Kitchener, ON Canada Tue 09/06/2005

Camera Questions & Answers
USA,

I know how to upload photos from the camera into my computer -- I've just never used a memory card before, so I didn't know if the process was different. Usually, I just fill up the camera, upload and delete what's in the camera's internal memory. (I also haven't taken a vacation in a really long time!) My concern is how it will be different with the memory card.

I will try it out as much as I can before I leave, as soon as I get the memory card I ordered.

Thanks again, USA and Norm.
Liz
Hyattsville, MD USA Tue 09/06/2005

Memory Cards
Although there are probably better answers on the photography site, my personal advice, based on experience, is not to use large capacity memory cards for digital cameras. I have used a digital camera for about four years with no problems EXCEPT for the failure of a 512 SD card last year. BIG problem -- lost a lot of good picures. Used to carry two 512s but now carry one 512 and four 256s. Cards have become cheap and I will accept the inconvenience of carrying several cards against the potential loss of many pictures.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO USA Tue 09/06/2005

Jenny Craif
On my trip to Italy and Germany this summer my traveling mates and I indulged ourselves with chocolate, gelato, beer and wine (not to mention all the others foods we ate!) and found that it was never a problem. We brought a pedometer with us and ended up walking 80 miles on our trip, so that helped a bunch!
USA Tue 09/06/2005

Liz - Camera Question
You can always take the memory card to the photo store...Costco, Target and get a CD of your photos, then play them on your computer. If you don't know how to use the computer and digital camera to download, then go to your computer store, or take a class prior to your trip so you will know.

As far as the battery charger. You might only need an adaptor plug to fit into the wall sockets in Europe.

It is a good idea to have more than one memory card. However, if you are considering upgrading your camera in the near future, don't waste a lot of money on new memory...buy one card that will net you lots of photos and save your money for a newer camera.

Take Norm's advise and practice, practice practice before your trip. Make sure you understand how to use your camera. Remember, No flash in churches , etc. If you hold your digital camera very very still, you might be able to get a decent photo inside...or just buy yourself a postcard of that shot you want, but aren't sure you will get with your camera!
USA Mon 09/05/2005

Headphones
Sally, I've used my ipod headphones, and my CD player headphones before that on airlines...no problemo. Anyone else ever have an issue? if you have better headphones, use them to watch movies on the planes! My hubby spend $300 on those fancy noice cancel Bose headphones...they worked last trip on Lufthansa. I just used my ipod pair...
USA Mon 09/05/2005

Airline Headphones
Are headphones that are used with Walkman portable players compatible with the passenager audio system on a Virgin Atlantic 747?
Sally
gainesville, Fla. USA Mon 09/05/2005

Prague/Berlin Suggestions
My husband and friend are traveling to Berlin and Prague. Please share any experiences, suggestions. What kind of power does Berlin & Prague have for adapters? They have 10 days so open to any day or 2-3 day trips via train. Thanks.
Jenny <email>
Columbus, OH USA Mon 09/05/2005

Response to Camera Questions
Memory card: I would recommend buying 2 cards instead of one large one. While there might be hassle in switching cards, IF there is a card error, then you wouldn't lose everything (I've been using digital for 5 years and never had a memory card fail).

Deleting pictures: one of the options on your camera is to "re-format" card -- this will delete all pictures so it is cleared again. !!Use this with caution!! I would, instead, get used to using the garbage can feature and being able to delete individual pictures. Its actually fun at night to review the day's pictures and delete the mistakes and missed shots.

Battery life: If you are concerned about battery life, you can always turn off the "review" mode -- so you will not see the picture displayed after you take it. This will save battery life immensely!!! (I was running low recently and shot over 200 photos with a low battery warning by turning off the review feature).

Transferring to computer: if the have the transfer cord and the software, you can just plug it in and they will automatically transfer. I, however, lost my first cord, so I bought a memory card reader for less than $20 - just take the memory card out, plug it into the reader and you can view them in a folder and then copy them to the pc. I actually prefer this method since I can use my husband's computer when we are traveling.

Most important: get your camera out NOW and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Don't wait until you are on vacation to be figuring out (and fighting with) your camera.

Good luck!!!
Buzz
PA USA Mon 09/05/2005

Camera Questions
Thank you Norm and USA. I think I'm starting to understand this a little better. I went to Target today and they didn't have anything over 256 MB flash card, but I think I will just order one on Amazon. Are there brands that are better than others, in your opinion? I noticed some of the comments about SanDisk and Viking talked about people having problems with those brands "losing" photos or having some kind of error message.

Norm, I have a battery charger but I don't think it has the right votage to work in Europe, so I think I have to buy a new one. I found a Sony worldwide charger on Amazon that has four NiMH batteries in it and works with US and European current. So ... I think I'm going to be okay.

Yes, I don't mind the quality photos my camera takes. They actually look pretty good to me, although I'm certainly no expert! You are right that indoor shots look worse than outdoor, though.

One last question -- do I need a memory card reader or can I just connect the camera to my computer with the memory card in it, and extract the photos that way? And I assume there is a way to delete the photos off the memory card when I'm done loading them into the computer, but I don't know how. (I guess that was two last questions ...)

Thanks so much for all your help.
Liz
Hyattsville, MD USA Mon 09/05/2005

Portion control..
Don't worry...all that walking you're going to be doing will keep the waistline under control!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/05/2005

Portion control..
Thanks for the tips on order light while in Italy! Phew! I was worried that my pants might get too snug while on vacation. Gelato for lunch sounds great! Thanks guys!
Jenny Craig
USA Mon 09/05/2005

getting to Les Baux
I understand there are several buses a day from Arles to Maussane-les-Alpilles, which is only a couple of miles from Les Baux. Surely there must be a taxi from there. A friend who was there a few years ago suggests renting a car for the day out of Arles....allowing you to do the whole area, including St. Remy, which has some magnificent Roman ruins nearby as well, and, if you have time, the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct over the Gardon river near Remoulins, about 20 miles north of Arles.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/05/2005

Camera Questions
Liz.....Compact Flash cards are a particular type of storage medium that you can find in any Walmart Store. Type 1 cards are the most common. Type 2 cards are thicker, so there's a noticable difference, and they have a higher capacity, usually for use in newer cameras. Your camera can handle up to 1 GB CF cards, and that will allow you a couple of hundred photos...or by two 512 MB CF cards if you find a deal. As for the camera itself, if you are using it in place of disposable cameras, then go for it. Your HP digital camera is about the same as a point and shoot camera with ISO 100 film, which is good for out of doors, but can give you stark, shadowy shots when used with a flash indoors. If you do stick with the HP, then buy at least 4 nickle-metal hydride AA batteries and a four-battery charger, because this camera eats battery power like crazy. I would also keep 4 regular alkaline AA batteries in reserve each day, in case your rechargeables die before you can get back to your accommodations to plug them in. And set the quality setting to two stars....that will allow you to store more pictures, and still run off good-quality 4 x 6 photos when you get home. If you want something better than disposal camera-type pictures, then look for a better digital camera, including the greatest optical (not digital) zoom that you can afford.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 09/05/2005

No doggie bags so bring Zip Locks!
Re: No doggie bags. Yes, there's no such things as "doggie bags" but if you hate to waste, bring a handful of Ziplock bags. We would take the bread (not eaten but already paid for) and eat it as a mid day snack when the other shops were closed. That held us over til dinner.
Michelle
Anaheim, CA USA Mon 09/05/2005

re: getting to Les Baux
Robert -- if there's still no bus to Les Baux, there are other ways to get there. In Arles, check at the bus station and see where a bus DOES go. It might get you to a closer town, where you can get a taxi. Especially if you hook up with some other people trying to do the same thing, as we did (notice the people with their RS books asking the same questions as you of the information staff), this can be a really inexpensive option, and pretty easy.
Kristin
Bellevue, wa USA Mon 09/05/2005

Liz - Camera Question
You should call your local Wal-Mart or Target and see if they have the memory card you need. you can also put in a search on Google for the card and surf websites for the best prices. Buy the biggest cards you can 512 or up. If your card is no longer manufactured, you should look to buy a new camera. a 3.2 mg will work well for you. Buy an additional memory card - as large as you can find. 512 is wonderful...or if available get a 1G. The cards that come with cameras are NOT big enough for vacation pictures! Make sure you also purchase additonal batteries, either one rechargeable, or your basic Everready...whatever your camera requires. Don't take disposable camera. you will have a huge hassle with security and x-rays - it will take up lots of room. digital is the way to go - if you plan on more vacations! Check out the "Photography in Europe" page on this site for more tips...read down and see what brand readers have recommended, see what they say about rechargable batteries, adapators, etc. I'm leaving my email address if you want to ask me more questions about my opinions!
<email>
USA Mon 09/05/2005

travel tips
Hi Fellow travel junkies! Some of my favorite travel items are those 2 gal. plastic bags with the little square plastic easy-close zippers. We each store seperately our socks, underwear, sleepwear, t-shirts, etc. in these bags - so easy to find everything, keeps everything seperate & clean, and sooo easy to unpack even on short stays. I also love my silk moneybelt, which does not make you sweat unlike all the synthetic ones I have tried, and only cost $20. Can be found in most travel stores. Also carry one over-the-door plastic clothes hook, which can be a lifesaver to hold wet coats in a hotel room. Has multiple other uses too! Travel on!!!
sandy wright
San Antonio (not San Antone), TX USA Mon 09/05/2005

Camera Questions
I know very very little about digital cameras, so I'm hoping someone will be able to help me. I have an older (3 or 4 years old) digital camera, which works fine but I can only store about 12 pictures on it. It is a HP Photosmart 318. I know I need to buy a memory card for it, but the HP website only told me I need a Type I Compact Flash card. Beyond that -- I don't know what is compatible or not, or what kinds work well or don't. Is there a good website for these questions?

Would it be a better idea for me to just get a newer camera? Or just to bring a bunch of disposable cameras? I don't want a lot of hassle, just a lot of nice pictures of our trip.

Can anyone help?
Liz
Hyattsville, MD USA Mon 09/05/2005

Solo Travel
Beth~~I feel that you really do not need to purchase pepper spray. Europe is a lot safer then here, but you do still have to use your common sense. Like, not walk down a dark street. My friend travels solo all the time and she never has had any trouble.
USA Mon 09/05/2005

Pepper Spray
Question: Can you buy mace or pepper spray once you've reached the EU? I thought if it's legal there I should purchase some since I'm traveling solo and can't take it with me on the airplane.
Beth <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Mon 09/05/2005

Potato famine statue
I'm not sure about a statue of this in Dublin but I know there is one in Connemara, we drove by it on a day trip from Westport last year. I'd have to look it up, but I know it was listed in the Connemara drive in Rick's Ireland book.
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Sun 09/04/2005

San Remo to Nice
Jane, as usual, the best advice is to start on the Bahn website, http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en. You will find numerous train connections between San Remo and Nice. They take about an hour and a half.

Further, if you look at the website for French Rail, http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm, you will find that the fare for these train connections is about 5 EUR.
<email>
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Portion control in Italy - no
Agreed with last poster. YOu can order just an antipasti, or a primi or secundi and have plenty of food. The portions are smaller, the food quality is much greater. You will eat like the Italians when you get home. You do not have to order a full 3-5 course dinner. I usually ate just one of those listed above and had plenty at each meal. Of course breakfast is usually at the hotel, and that's usually a bread or some cereal. Yogurt and fresh fruit. think about just hoping into a Cafe and ordering a salad or panini for lunch or dinner. you can eat for less than 5 euro and sit for an hour watching people walk by. We ate gelato for lunch several times, lunch is not an important meal. Pizza is everywhere. Do share it...there is plenty in each pie, and it's only offered in one size! Enjoy a glass of house wine for a true delite!
USA Sun 09/04/2005

to Jenny,sharing dinners-Italy
My friend and I have shared dinners for 3 yrs in Italy.However what we do is ie.I order a salad and she orders and entree or pizza. So we do have 2 plates.We mostly eat at Ricks recom restaurants, no prob. In hotel or fancier restaurnats I would not know.
JS
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Portion control in Italy
Sharing dishes is not done at all by Italians. If you don't want to eat a lot, it's okay to order antipasti and primi only or antipasti and a meat or fish dish. You could also order just a meat or fish or pasta dish with a contorno, or vegetable side. Enotecas are winebars that also serve food and food, usually smaller dishes than in other kinds of restaurants. There are also places that do a fixed price buffet of antipasti that serve as a full meal--Bruno's in Milan is like that and is recommended in the RS Italy guide. Hope this helps...
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Portions in Italy
For other small eaters (and I am a vegetarian, besides!)- after a month in Italy we never had a problem with ordering just one item from a section of the menu- typically a pasta plate, or the soup or a pizza. A pleasant surprise was that their portions are MUCH smaller than the huge sizes we customarily receive in American restaurants. If hungry, I never had a problem eating my own pasta serving. The pizzas are intended for one person, but I never could eat the whole thing- so those would be a good item to split, and again, we never seemed to offend anyone if we asked to do so. Also, if you specify, they won't bring bread- a lot of places did so and we were charged 1 euro a person. Gelato makes the perfect lunch!!!!!!! There is a type some places have called frozen yogurt that really IS frozen yogurt- kind of sour- but perfection if you get a scoop of caffe or chocolate along with!
USA Sun 09/04/2005

pleasing 18 year old travelers!
For Judy: what a lucky granddaughter to have you as a grandmother! As some other posters mentioned regarding an adult couple planning where to go, and having recently spent five weeks with my own 18- year- old, her interests (especially if some of them mesh with yours!) should be your guide- rather than racing around trying to check off this or that from a list of "must see classics"! The Lonely Planet guidebook series (sections are online for free, sometimes) always includes some unusual and somewhat weird/wacky ideas that expand on the usual locales...for example, my daughter really enjoyed the idea of seeing the catacombs in Rome, but, instead of the major ones downtown, we were led by a tiny nun (not a tour guide!) with a flashlight when we took a short cab ride to the Catacombs of Priscilla. Street markets (if she likes to shop) are always a favorite; if you find out where and when the big ones are in the city where you are...have a fabulous trip!
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Another Thought about Driving
In 1996 when we made a spontaneous decision to take our first overseas trip that February, we had no idea where we were going other than "England."

All of our friends gave us the same advice. "Stay in London -- there's so much to see, you'll still miss most of it." A few advised us to take some day trips out.

My husband wanted to rent a car and drive. I had this idea that I wanted to see Cornwall. I'd read too much Daphne Du Maurier! So we began investigating, and everybody kept giving us the same advice. "Don't do it."

But I ran across one person on a bulletin board who said, "Do it, you'll love it!" She gave us the advice about starting out on motorways until we got adjusted. We took her advice, all of it, and we LOVED it. Our past two trips over we haven't even gone into London.

The thing is, we knew what we wanted to do. We just needed somebody to tell us, "You can. It will be fine." Once we found someone who had successfully done what we wanted to, we felt free to go ahead and try for ourselves.

In general I don't think I'd advise somebody to drive only a day or two. You would barely have time to adjust. But if you're going to drive for several days, you'd have plenty of time to adjust and relax and enjoy the process.

I think there's something to be learned here that's more than just about driving. Whatever it is you want to do -- hike across England or drive or whatever -- it doesn't make any difference how many people don't do that. It doesn't make any difference how many people are afraid of it, or have had great trips without doing that thing and therefore don't think you should try.

Find people who have done it successfully, and learn from them, and then, go for it!

That's what these boards are all about.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Sun 09/04/2005

Rome Walks Vatican Tour
In July, we did a 4 1/2 hour tour of the Vatican with Rome Walks (recommended in R.Steves' Rome book). Our tour guide was Sophia, a California university student whose major was religious history. There were only four of us on this tour, and it was incredibly informative as well as fun and entertaining. Not at all your run-of-the-mill tour. I'm not sure if she's still available as she was returning to the U.S. to do her Masters. Their website is www.romewalks.com, and I highly recommend them. They also specialise in walking tours of the colosseum, ostia antica, the ancient city, catacombs, etc. Good luck.
Audrey
Vancouver, canada Sun 09/04/2005

Portion control
Does anyone know if they let you share plates in Italy?? My cousin and I are very light eaters and neither one of us could imagine eating the 2 or 3 course meals that we've been hearing about and I hate to have food go to waste. We will however save room for the Gelato! If anyone can let us know a better way to order, we would greatly appreciate it!
Jenny Craig
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Londono/Paris
I'm looking for the best experience possible for my 18 year old grandaughter's first trip to Europe next June. She has expressed interest in Paris and Stonehenge (?) We have two weeks to whet her appetite for travel, Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We think train travel would be best to see the real Europe, also B&B's. Anything she should not miss? All help would be appreciated.
Judy Hooper <email>
Fresno, Ca USA Sun 09/04/2005

Adriana/Re: Angel Tours
My husband & I used Angel Tours this past May for a tour of the Vatican & were very pleased, although other travelers posted (on another website) with mixed reviews.
Stephanie <email>
Al USA Sun 09/04/2005

How far ahead to book a flight
Try www.travelocity.com and go to their "fare watcher" you can put in the city(s) that you wish to fly into and the fare you would like to pay. When an airline runs a special, you get an email! If you don't mind what airline you fly, you can get a deal! you won't have to keep checking each airline everyday. Just sit back and wait! Of course, you should always check your local newspaper for specials. it's hard to tell what will happen in the next year with the war, gas prices...we might never get that $600 deal again!

Another thing to think about - - be as open as possible with your travel dates. leaving mid week will net you a lower fare than Saturday or Sunday. A week earlier in the year might be cheaper too. April should be less expensive than May, May less expensive than June. Happy travels!
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Clampton Junction
Bluedenim~~if you get to Clapham Junction and do not make the first connection wait 15 minutes and take the next one. There is one leaving for Gatwick every few minutes. If you leave from Waterloo East you would change at London Bridge.
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Angel Tours Rome
I was wondering if anyone has used Angel Tours in Rome? Specifically their tour of the Vatican.We're leaving in about 10 days and were thinking of booking with them.I've been reading this site almost daily and it has helped a great deal in planning our trip. Thank you in advance for all of your help!
Adriana
Vista, CA USA Sun 09/04/2005

How far ahead to book flight?
I am planning to visit Paris this spring. When I checked airfares, they were quite a bit higher than I expected. Is it too early to book? When is the best time to get a decent fare?
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Dublin
Dublin--Where is the statute in memory of the potato famine featured in your DVD?
Maxie
Huntsville, AL USA Sun 09/04/2005

San Remo to Nice day trip
I will be staying in San Remo in October. I want to take a day trip to Nice. Does anyone know if buses or trains are easily accessible in San Remo? I'm going with my mom on a bus tour but we don't want to take the trip they have planned for that day. We are interested in seeing the Marc Chagall museum and other places in Nice. Any info would be appreciated
Jane <email>
St Paul, MN USA Sun 09/04/2005

Clapham Junction
In my research for going from Waterloo to Gatwick where we transfer at Clapham junction I found out it is a very confusing station and with only 10 minutes to change trains...yikes....I wanted to have some understanding of the train station. I read that it is very complicated and difficult to find the platforms. So doing more research I found this helpful website...

http://www.martinleith.com/clapham_junction/welcome.html

I just hope that 10 minutes is enough time to transfer and not miss our train. National Rail calculates it this way so I am assuming it will be fine...
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Sun 09/04/2005

Re: Thermal bathes in Budapest
My husband and I went to the Szecheny baths and they were wonderful. A definite highlight of our visit to Budapest. The men all wore very tiny spedos no mater the age or size and the women wore just what we were. I saw every kind of bathing suit possible for women. Think - "going to the beach" when visiting. They lay beside the pools and bring snacks, books, etc. Enjoy!!
Katie Rainwater
Coquitlam, B.C. Canada Sun 09/04/2005

Thermal Baths in Budapest... and what to wear
My husband and I will be visiting Budapest in a few days and was wondering if anyone had any advice on which thermal bath to visit? I've read about the bath at the Gellart Hotel as well as the Szechenyi and just wanted to get opinions on, "if I could only visit one...". We will only have limited time (four hours) so may only be able to visit one. Also, do women wear one-piece bathing suits? Two piece? And is it considered obnoxious to wear a bathing suit with a tropical print? Thanks!
USA Sun 09/04/2005

Bus from Arles to Les Baux?
Hello all,

RIck's 2005 book on Provence states that "the bus from Arles to Les Baux may be re-instated by the time you read this." Does anyone know whether it has or not? We are in Arles in mid-September, without a car, and Les Baux seems to be the tricky bit. Any tips or inside information would be greatly appreciated!
Robert Bundy <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Sun 09/04/2005

Driving in the UK
Annie....We were in England for 10 days and rented a car and drove from Gatwick to Brighton, then to Bath and then to the Cotswolds and back to Gatwick. Was it a little tricky? Sure but definetly do-able. Would I do it again- in a minute. My husband and I are in our late 40's. We tackled many a round-about. Sometimes we were confused, sometimes we yelled, but we powered through and were better for the experience. The great thing about round abouts is that if you are not sure of your route -just circle around again until you are. I thought that traffic and highways were far less congested than in the US. I never saw one traffic accident. Keep in mind, we did not go into any big cities- just countryside with the exception of Bath and Brighton. Bath is hectic and confusing. Park your car the minute you arrive. In Brighton, once we checked into our B & B, we walked everywhere. happy travels, Sue
Sue
Ohio USA Sat 09/03/2005

Thalys tickets
Actually 8 1/2 x 11 (or 8 1/2 x 14)paper works fine for printing tickets for Thalys, as well as for sncf and City Night Line. The ticket is in the top 4" or so; what is lost at the bottom is unimportant. The important thing is that the border of the ticket is unbroken and 18cm (7.09 inches) wide. Make sure that in the print dialogue box scaling is set to "none", the box for "centered" is checked, and the box for "select paper size...." is NOT CHECKED.
<email>
USA Sat 09/03/2005

Thalys
You don't have to validate tickets, like you do in Italy. Just show it to the fare inspectors....probably as you get on the train, then again to the conductor once you're under way. Make sure you put in the correct names of the passengers, because they'll ask for your passport to check it against the name on the ticket. As well, if there are two of you, there will be four tickets.....two there and two back. May I suggest that, when the PDF window opens to print your tickets, you save those files on your computer. If you have a hotmail or yahoo mail account, or similar, attach them to an e-mail that you'll send to yourself. Save that e-mail in a "travel" folder. Then, if you lose the tickets when you're already overseas, you can go to an internet cafe, access your hotmail account, and print off new copies. We also do this with the photo pages of our passports (scan them and attach them to an e-mail) in case our passports go missing....any other documents, like prescriptions, birth certificates, etc, can also be sent this way, and kept on hand.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 09/03/2005

Thalys Thank you
Thanks for the information about Thalys and the paper, Norm. You were a big help! I wouldn't have had a clue about the paper. If I could just ask another question, do the tickets need to be validated at the station or does one just get one the train with the ticket and wait for the conductor? Thanks again, Looking forward to traveling. Bon Voyage to all on this list, Jo
Jo
USA Sat 09/03/2005

Driving in the UK
Annie,

I recently drove a rental car from Clacton-on-sea to Brighton. We had rented the car for two days but I turned it in after one day because I couldn't stand the driving conditions. In Brighton, it took me two hours to drive from the hotel to Hertz and 20 minutes to walk back (early on a Monday afternoon).

Now you might think that I'm a timid Californian. But I was born in England and lived there for 27 years. In the 30 years since I left, the English driving scene has changed beyond all recognition. The roads are too narrow, people drive too fast, and there are simply too many cars. In towns, every square inch of space has a car parked on it. In the suburbs, people have concreted over their front gardens so they can park two cars. The speed limit on the single road through many quaint English villages is 40 mph. You can't cross the street without risking getting run over.

So I recommend you think twice before driving in the UK - especially if you a little older (I am 59). If you do decide to drive, don't worry about mastering a stick shift - it's not difficult. And don't worry about driving on the motorways - they are the easiest roads to drive even though you will be passed by cars doing 100 mph. The killer roads are the "A" roads with roundabouts - getting OUT of a roundabout is not the problem. Getting INTO one requires nerves of steel. Be prepared to make many trade-offs between risking getting hit by a car coming from the right versus being rear-ended by an impatient "lorry" behind you.

Our trip involved Oxford, Bath, Birmingham, London, Clacton, and Brighton. We used the train for every leg except the Clacton-Brighton one and we took the National Express bus from Brighton to LHR on the last day. If you don't have too much luggage, English trains are wonderful.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sat 09/03/2005

Driving in the UK
Annie~~you are able to rent automatic cars in the UK. They cost a little more, but well worth your money. I really feel as though you would enjoy driving in the UK.
USA Sat 09/03/2005

Patricia in Dallas
Or his leg!!!

"To "K": Well, I guess if some pickpocket is going to hack off the pocket of one's cargo pants with a knife, then I'm outta ideas. I suppose the victim, since male, should be thankful that the thief chose to go after a cargo pants pocket and not a money belt . . ."
K <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Sat 09/03/2005

pensione Roma central city
Does anyone have any advice for a pensione,B&B,or reasonably priced hotel in Rome in the central city? 58 Via Cavour was a great idea, but unfortunately it's booked September 26-27 when we will be there. Thanks.
K <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Sat 09/03/2005

EUROHOSTEL IN HELSINKI
Julie: I agree with you about Eurohostel in Helsiki. My wife and I were in that city twice last year and stayed there both times. Easy public transportation into the city center. We recommend eating at the restaurant at Stockman’s Dept Store.
V. H DAAB
ST LOUIS, USA Sat 09/03/2005

Ireland Questions
I know I have posted this before but I didn't get to read any responses before the month changed. I am traveling to Ireland this Christmas and am looking for advice. Any tips you can give me about what to see, where to stay and anything else would be awesome. Also, if anyone knows a good your company for Connemara tours or Burren tours that'd be very helpful. Thanks!!
Megan <email>
WI USA Sat 09/03/2005

Buying Thalys Tickets In USA
Sure, it's possible...but you may have to do a little fiddling with paper and your printer. They use A4 size paper in Europe, which is a little narrower, and a little longer than our 8 1/2 by 11 in. paper (about8.27 by 11.69 in.). If you use a legal-size piece of paper, or tape two 8 1/2 by 11 in. from the back, to overlap slightly at the bottom, you should catch all the printing. If you click on "Find Out" before you confirm your order, you'll find you can print a test page to see if it works. A discussion here several months ago found, I believe, that it was possible.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 09/03/2005

Thank You.
I would like to say thank you to everyone that has given us advice, tips and experience which will obviously contribute to the success of our vacation. Your help has truly aided in simplifing plans for our trip. Instead of it being an stressful planning experience. My wife loved the ideas about focusing on a theme. This really made us think of one or two specific places we'd like to visit. We would also like to thank those of you who sent us e-mails they were invaluable. We hope you'll keep in touch. I'd also like to thank Rick for creating a wonderful site in which fellow travelers can share advice and are ready to help at a moments notice. This is truly a special group people which one seldom finds. Again thanks very everything and best wishes.
T&A <email>
greenville, sc USA Sat 09/03/2005

Manny
I've never said anything against neckpouches. I've said that people should use neckpouches or waistpouches for the majority of their money, use a wallet for just what they need at the time, and only go into their pouches in their hotel room or in a restroom -- when nobody is watching.

What I see people write here repeatedly is they use a neckpouch because it's easier to get into in public, and the idea of people standing around in public digging into a neck pouch to get out money, etc. is just foolish. The point is that neck pouches and waist pouches are supposed to be hidden.

Don't advertise what you've got. Keep a little bit of money handy in a wallet, and if it gets stolen, you've just lost a little bit of money. Pickpockets are looking for easy pickings. Pockets, obviously. Pouches on backpacks. Obvious places.

The purpose of neckpouches and waist pouches is to HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS. Not to pull them out to get money for your lunch.

Wave all your money and credit cards around in a pouch of any kind and you're making yourself a target to get mugged.

And yes, people have even mentioned going into waist pouches in public. Ask yourself this -- how did anybody with a waist pouch get it stolen unless they'd flashed it in public? I seriously doubt thieves are groping down people's trousers on the off chance they find a waist pouch.

OTOH, I've not heard of people getting the stolen like you have.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Fri 09/02/2005

MORE ON THE MONEY BELT VS THE NECK POUCH
Comments to Patricia in Dallas: I have read several accounts of travelers losing their money belts to pick pockets, but I have not heard of anyone losing their neck pouch.

I have used a neck pouch for 16 years all over the world and will continue to use it because it is safe, comfortable and much easier to get into.
MANNY
RENO, USA Fri 09/02/2005

LONDON BATH COSWOLDS
Annie: Whether you use the train or drive will depend on how comfortable you will be driving on the wrong side and shifting with your left hand.

Your age will also be a factor ; the older we get the harder it is to drive under stress.

I have always accepted driving in New Zealand, Australia and the UK as a challenge and enjoy doing it, but some travelers don’t. And I can guarantee that it will be a challenge for you.

It is far more difficult finding parking space now that it was when I started 20 years ago. And petrol is far more expensive also.

The trains are efficient and fast; so I suggest you use them. Once you learn the method of buying tickets and reading schedules you will enjoy it much more.
Ward
Walden, USA Fri 09/02/2005

CREDIT CARDS
Jep: The Visa premium card has a BIG advantage over the AmEx premium card. There will be 20 times more places accept the Visa.
A.H.C.
NYC, USA Fri 09/02/2005

PARIS
Eric; Four hours layover at Paris will barely allow you time to get into town and turn around and go back to the airport. If you have any kind of a delay you will miss your flight. Its far too risky to try.
K. L. S.
TX USA Fri 09/02/2005

Where to travel?
T&A We also like to have a theme for our trips. Last trip we were determined to learn to appreciate white wine. To that end we stayed 4 nights in a winery along the Rhein & spent several days in the Mosel Valley. While it was the superb beer that flowed like wine (Alas, we could barely stomach the wine) we did experience great swaths of vineyards during harvest and much of Western Germany. Next time we're going to Northern & Eastern France and perfect our appreciation of red wine. I predict great success in that. Being avocational paleontologists & archaeologists we had to see Neandertal and the great museum/quarry of Holzmaden. I suspect people of most professions & avocations could find similarly "holy" and meaningful places to fire their imaginations. Since I research the areas we plan to visit extensively (planning at least doubles the fun) I have a harder time paring down the itinerary rather than finding places to go. We choose which areas to visit almost with a map and dart approach. One year it was Italy, the next Lotharingia & Switzerland. Next time it’s France then maybe Paris or Greece. Going anywhere in Europe (or America or probably anywhere for that matter) can be rewarding, educational, fattening and fabulous if approached with an adventuresome spirit and a determination to make it so.
USA Fri 09/02/2005

Buying Thalys Tickets In USA
It looks like it is possible to purchase and print out a Thalys train ticket from the USA. Does anyone know if this is correct? I would like to purchase the low cost "smiley" ticket. Thank you.
JO
Charlotte, NC USA Fri 09/02/2005

European Daylight Saving Time
For members of the EU, DST starts on the last Sunday in March and runs until the last Sunday in October...so it's a week longer than ours.....until the changes passed by Congress come into effect. You can check to see if any country uses DST at http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/g.html
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 09/02/2005

European daylight savings time
Yes, Europe does have a daylight savings time. Sometimes they change on the same weekend we do, sometimes not. I actually was late twice in the same year (1987) because I didn't account for the time switch - in Germany and then two weeks later in the US (a world's record, I think).
USA Fri 09/02/2005

European Time
i know this is a strange question but I could not find the answer anywhere. Does Europe (Italy in particular) have daylight savings time? In a few books it says that there is a 9 hour diffence from California but no mention of any daylight savings. If there is does anyone know when it starts/stops? Thanks
Grace <email>
CA USA Fri 09/02/2005

Budget Vacationing
Where B&Bs are "cheapest" vacationing can be more budget friendly. Ireland, Sicily, and Haarlem, Netherlands come to mind as places with 25 eu B&Bs. Italy has less expensive train travel than some other countries. Eating out can be relatively inexpensive in Italy. For a culture vacation, staying in a hostel or B&B in London and visiting free museums could be a good way to go.
Swan
USA Fri 09/02/2005

Keep it In Your Pants
Sorry to be a broken record but:

To "K": Well, I guess if some pickpocket is going to hack off the pocket of one's cargo pants with a knife, then I'm outta ideas. I suppose the victim, since male, should be thankful that the thief chose to go after a cargo pants pocket and not a money belt . . . .

If you aren't pulling your money belt out in public, nobody will know it's there to go after it with or without a knife.

It's people who keep insisting it's fine to pull that neck-wallet out in public and dig in it, or who carry their valuables/wallets in obvious places (the bulge in a pocket is hard to miss) that will be targeted.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Fri 09/02/2005

Saving money
If you REALLY want to save money, try camping - as in a tent. We spent 7 weeks in the states and 7 weeks in Scandinavia and spent $5000, including air and a leased/rented car from Auto Europe. Never spent a night under a roof in Scandinavia and averaged about $8 a night. That was in 1990, but we tried again more recently and spent $10 a night. Luxury is a camping cabin! Accommodations can be the most expensive parr of a trip.
USA Fri 09/02/2005

Where to Go
T & A-With 10 days I suggest staying in one place, or rather one smallish area of one country. Italy would be a great place for a short trip without kids - very romantic, very first-timer friendly, and nothing beats the food. Do a night on the plane, 2 nights in Rome, Train to Venice - 2 nights in Venice, then rent a car and drive back to Rome via Tuscany.
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 09/02/2005

Money belt
To "K": Well, I guess if some pickpocket is going to hack off the pocket of one's cargo pants with a knife, then I'm outta ideas. I suppose the victim, since male, should be thankful that the thief chose to go after a cargo pants pocket and not a money belt . . . .
Valerie
Chapel Hill, NC USA Fri 09/02/2005

Re: Where to Travel (I love trip planning)
T & A in Greenville: Rick Steves link on Planning your Trip for General Europe is a good place to start. ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/europe/eur_menu.htm Also, think about your interests and comfort levels. Do you like to World War I history--if so, visit the battlefields of France. If you like Cold War history, visit Berlin. If you like to socialize, visit the pubs in Ireland. If you like healthy, gourmet food, visit the Mediterranean. If you're uncomfortable not knowing the language, stay somewhere where they speak English (the British Isles) or like to speak English (Germany.)

I sometimes plan a trip around a theme. Once the theme was the romantic paintings of Casper David Friedrich. Sometimes there is a geneology theme. More often, I go somewhere because somebody I knew went to a place and said it was great! Happy trip planning.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 09/02/2005

RE:Where to Travel?
Saying 'we have not a lot of money', is very subjective. We didnt have a lot of money for us...and not much time either...we saved for a year, and purchased what we would need as we went. Now a month ahead all we have left to do is pack. (very nice way to do it if you have the time to plan.) But as you well know from Rick there are a lot ways to cheapen the trip. The two of us will be on vacation for a total price of 4,800 including air, trains, hotels, food and spending etc etc. (less if we can limit our spending) We utilized: saverpasses for our eurrail-public transportation-limiting restaurants-interspersing hostels with 3 & 2 star hotels-Researched hotels and airports and even travel dates to maximize savings-spent a lot of time figuring out a loose itinerary so that we hit our must sees on days they are open. The only city pass found to fit our needs will be the Paris pass, and we found an international pay as you go cell phone to be easier and about the same cost as buying phone cards in multiple countries. Travelling with a youth I wanted something she could use in an emergency as well. We will be gone 15 days and will visit London,Paris,Carcassonne, Sorrento (Amalfi)and Rome.

This is my dd first trip, so we are hitting Paris and London. If it had been just me, I would've gone to Italy and just toured, as I prefer to concentrate on one area and really get to know it as opposed to the grand tour...we split the difference. Hope all that helps.
USA Fri 09/02/2005

Another film strategy
My husband still won't do digital photography, so we are still wrangling film. We've had mixed experiences with hand search requests--Milan airport was a definite "no", Heathrow was a "yes" and Schiphol was once a "yea" and once a "no" (I think it is really up to the individual screener and how pressed for time they are...)

Last European trip, we decided not to buy film till we arrived, then at the end of the trip we mailed it all back to ourselves. It did cost a little more, but we didn't have to worry about whether our pictures were ruined.
JER
USA Fri 09/02/2005

Our next vacation
The vacation my wife and I planned for next year would cost about $7,000 for air fare and tour costs, but now, we think the Lousiana or Mississippi coasts would be a better vacation place. We are crunching the numbers to estimate the travel costs, a contribution to a local church for putting us and others in our travel party up for a couple of weeks, and the remainder for building expenses. All of those people who survived Katrina that you see on tv news that are without food and water will still be without a place to live for a long time after the aid agencies have fed them and clothed them. My wife and I are going to Katrina's devastated areas to help build houses for those people through Habitat for Humanity. I'm a little old to climb rafters or lay down a roof, but I can rent a van or two and drive volunteer workers from my area to wherever our work assignment is. I can cook for them. I can paint or put up siding. I can fetch for the people doing the real work or care for kids while mom or dad is working along with the volunteers. I don't know exactly what my wife and I will be doing. We're in our mid and late 60's so we have some physical limitations, but this is already shaping up to be our best vacation yet. We'll see St. Peters another time.
Harvey
ILL USA Fri 09/02/2005

Where to travel?
Hello, this may not be the right spot to put this; but my wife and I are planning a trip to Europe. Being as this is our first ever serious vacation since having our children 12 years ago. I was wondering what those who've already been there might suggest. Should we limit our trip to one country or try and stretch it out. We are 30y.o. with about ten days and not a lot of money. But you can only watch Rick's shows for so long before the need to get up and go is overwhelming. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
T&A <email>
Greenville , SC USA Fri 09/02/2005

Re: Film
My experiences correspond with what everyone else has written. You can ask a European security person to hand-check your film, but they probably won't and the answer is always the same if you ask a second time. In London, I got a look that said "You can put the film through the X-ray machine or leave it in the trash bin." I said "thank you" and put it through the machine.

I've found that American screeners are more agreeable to a hand-check if I take the film out of the plastic canisters ahead of time, putting all of my film in one plastic bag. This is because the screener has to open EVERY canister. With the canisters, sometimes I have to be persistant about a hand-check. Without the canisters, a hand-check has never been an issue.
Rick Manyik <email>
Chicago, IL USA Fri 09/02/2005

Re: CDW
Scroll down a bit, this was discussed a few days ago. There was one post that gave the best advice, Call Mastercard and ask who the actual insurer is for your card coverage, then call them and talk...do you cover...what do you cover...how would a claim work...can I get a letter or statement stating this..etc. The short answer to your question though is I believe it will cover you in Germany, Probably in Portugal, but ask the insurer.
Paul <email>
IA USA Fri 09/02/2005

Re: Film in luggage
Just a little more detail on the debate. Eyveryone agrees (the TSA, Film people, etc.) that you do NOT want to pack film in your checked luggage. The X-ray equipment they use is much stronger than that used for carry on inspection and will damage film. As for carry on, it is hit or miss whether the checker will hand check your film, but the strength of the x-rays used will not damage lower speed film like 400, 200, etc. Film 800 and higher could be clouded, unexposed film is the greatest risk, exposed film less so. If you like, you can buy bags that have shielding for extra protection, if the screener does not like the bag..they will hand check.
Paul <email>
IA USA Fri 09/02/2005

Albenga, Italy
I have not stayed in Albenga, but I spent a week in Alassio, just west, and went to Albenga. It is on the sea, and it is a walled city. Alassio when I was there was full of vacationing Italians, but not many other tourists. The hills behind are great for walking, The sea is very nice there too. Hope this helps.
Linda
USA Thu 09/01/2005

More on Motorways
getting on the motorway is smart. yes, they go fast but you don't have to go 90 miles per hour. You are going in a straight line (relatively speaking) and you don't have to worry about stop and go, turning corners when you're not use to the cars and roads yet, or any of the things that cause most people to white knuckle at first. On the motorway you don't have oncoming traffic, or traffic turning corners in front of you. No distractions -- just you and the car and the road and paying attention to cars around you -- that are all going in the same direction you are.

The only reason I can imagine why the motorway might bother you is if you're freaked out by driving on divided insterstates in the US. I don't think many people are.

Plus -- the motorway (just like interstates) takes you around towns without having to deal with in-town stop-and-go traffic.

I speak from experience. The people I know who have had fender benders in the UK have started driving on narrow roads and through small towns before they were used to the cars and roads, and misjudged distances and next thing you know -- SCRAPE!
USA Thu 09/01/2005

Auto rental insurance
Does anyone know if Mastercard Gold or Platinum cards still cover the CDW insurance when you rent a car in Europe? Specifically Portugal and Germany.
Brian
Pompano Beach, Fl USA Thu 09/01/2005

Driving in England
Annie~~if you have never driven in England before I would not recommend you going straight on to the motorway (its like our interstate). The drive fast 90mph or fast sometimes. Also, their "slow" lane is the inside lane, fast lane is the outside lane. Get a road atlas before going over and you can look at the different ways you could go. I know you can get out of Horley on A23 which is not the motorways. All the motorways are "M". Since you are flying into Gatwick, you could rent your car from Scarlett Car Hire in Horley. Horley is 5 minutes from the airport and they will pick you up at the airport and take you to their offices. www.scarlettcarhire.co.uk Mr Scarlett would help you with which way would be best to go. Plus, if you use the motorway you miss all the small villages. I would think that is of the things you want to see is all the beautiful villages. Have fun.
Robin
Ohio USA Thu 09/01/2005

Film
O~~the screeners in the UK will NOT hand check your film.
USA Thu 09/01/2005

Film
Alot of screeners over in Europe will not hand check your film. Found out by experience.
USA Thu 09/01/2005

Castlerigg Stone Circle, England
My favorite stones are Castlerigg near Keswick in the Lake District. Especially at sunset.

http://www.stonepages.com/england/castlerigg.html

http://k5kj.net/ENGLAND/Castle_Rigg_02.jpg
USA Thu 09/01/2005

O - Film
Yes, asking screeners to examine your film by hand is the best way to go...it avoids the x-ray machines fogging your film....used or new.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 09/01/2005

Stones & London Qs
-Another great open access site for stone circles is the Rollright Stones in the Cotswolds. -Q: Anyone have any clue how much a taxi from Heathrow to Kew Gardens would cost? I found out the train will be cheap with a day pass, but its very confusing for a non-train person as you have to take 3 trains, to travel a relatively short distance. (1 hr) So Im weighing the options. We MUST go to Kew Gardens directly from the Airport as we will only be there one night, and I MUST see Chihuly's exhibition there. -Q: I have heard you must ask the xrayers to hand review your film? Is this true? non-exposed film as well?
O <email>
SF Bay, CA USA Thu 09/01/2005

Car travel in the UK
Anne, I don't know if you are talking about the expense, or difficulty of driving in the UK. But, we have rented a car on 3 trips and driven from Dover to Scotland. If you prepare yourself for driving on the left (wrong side) of the road, and take your time. You will find that you can have a much better time, and see more. I have always felt that it was worth the cost.
Terry
Ok USA Thu 09/01/2005

paris
Eric.....four hours in total, or four hours until you have to be back to board, 2 hours before takeoff? Probably not. RER from CDG to Gare du Nord in Paris is about 45 minutes each way. Sorry.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 09/01/2005

Driving in the UK
Annie, we've driven every trip we've made, and love it. If you decide to drive here are some hints that might help you:

Get a small car. The roads are narrow and besides, it's easier to maneuver a small car in and out of parking spaces than a larger one.

Pick it up at the airport. Because from either airport it's pretty easy to get straight onto a motorway (divided road) which is perfect for adjusting. Try to plan your trip where you stay on the motorway for at least an hour. It gives the driver time to adjust to the car, the roads, seeing traffic coming at you from the "wrong" side -- all without having to stop, turn corners, fight traffic, or deal with that oncoming traffic. It gives time for adjustment.

When you do leave the motorway, don't freak out about roundabouts. They're actually fun. There are two secrets to roundabouts. One, just keep circling until you know where you want to go -- it's not like in the US where you have to turn and then you're stuck going the wrong direction because you goofed. Just circle until you're sure where to exit. Two, as you approach the roundabout you will see a sign that shows where all the roads coming out of the roundabout go. Count the "exits." Then as you circle, count, "one, two, three," aloud, and you are less likely to get confused. But if you're confused, see the first secret above -- just keep circling and reading the signs until you're sure.

Bath is not a hard drive. The first day will be the most awkward as the driver adjusts, but you'll probably get so used to driving on the wrong side that when you get back to the states, you'll have to pay extra attention to switch back!
USA Thu 09/01/2005

paris
i have a 4 hour lay over in paris do you think i will have time to go to the city?
eric
los angeles, ca USA Thu 09/01/2005

Credit Cards
Visa is much more widely accepted than Amex.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 09/01/2005

Credit Cards
Is there any advantage an American Express premium card has over a Visa premium card when traveling to Italy?
Jep
Alexandria, VA USA Thu 09/01/2005

London - Bath - Cotswolds
My husband and I are finalizing our plans for our trip at the beginning of October to London. Our plan has been to rent a car when we fly into Gatwick and drive straight to Bath where we will stay for 3 days - daytripping to the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, etc. However, as we look more into the price and liability of renting a car (and I read so many nightmare stories on this board!) we are thinking twice about this decision. So - I am looking for advice on utilizing the train / bus system for these 3 days of our trip. (I apologize as I know I have seen almost this exact question posted at some point this summer - but I can't find it and the responses now!). So - if someone has an idea as to how to most efficiently do this - please share your advice.
Annie
Denver, CO USA Thu 09/01/2005

EUROPE DURING CHRISTMAS
Anna go to this site: www.usatoday.com/weather/forecast/international/europe-precip-index.htm Click on London . Go to “Weather Tools” and click on “daily average”; select a month and click on “monthly average”.

You can find the average monthly weather (high and low)for any month of the year.

Go back to the home page and click on Athens and repeat the action.
M. G. CHARME
MISSION, USA Thu 09/01/2005

Columbus Village
Has anyone dealt with Columbus Village, a broker that manages B&B's, apartments and villas for short term rent in Genoa, Italy? If so, was it a good or bad experience? Also, would anyone recommend NOT reserving lodging in Cinque Terra during the week of October 17th (no weekend stay)/ We're thinking about winging it reservation-wise.
Marcia
Racine, WI USA Thu 09/01/2005

Albenga, Italy
Has anyone ever visited or stayed in Albenga on the Italian Riviera. Any thoughts or comments?
Michael Darnell <email>
Denver, CO USA Thu 09/01/2005

Europe During Christmas
I have 17 days in late December and early January to spend how I please in Europe. I've read all the guidebooks and such on approx. temp. etc. Has any of you fellow travelers been inconvenienced by attractions being closed etc? Just how chilly would London or Athens be? We haven’t ironed out much of the itinerary yet so anything helps! Thanks!
Anna <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Thu 09/01/2005

Dubrovnik Weather
Barbara, I don't know where you are getting your information but I just flew back from Dubrovnik yesterday after spending a week there and we had beautiful weather, without a single drop of rain. It was sunny with weather in the lower 30s (Celsius). The week before that we were in Split and it rained twice but no big deal. We hiked in Plitvice on the 13th of August and it was overcast and damp but that was it. I wouldn't cancel any plans!
Rita <email>
Philadelphia, PA USA Thu 09/01/2005

Amy...Mont-St-Michel, Normandy
Last year, a group of 7 of us designed our own tour to Mont-St-Michel and Normandy with Paris Vision. It ended up being around 130 Euros or so. It was really nice...we were in a minivan, had a bilingual driver and he picked us up at our hotel and took us back. But Paris Vision and Cityrama both have tours that go to Normandy and Mont-St-Michel. I know the group who went with Cityrama felt rushed on their Normandy trip...didn't get to spend much time at the beaches. You can check out the web sites at www.parisvision.com and http://www.graylineparis.com/index.cfm.
Brandie
KS USA Thu 09/01/2005

D-Day Tour Day Trip
My mother and I will be in Paris for 9 days and would love to take a day trip out to the D-Day beaches and possibly Mont St. Michel. Could anyone suggest a company that does day trips from Paris to this WWII sight or advice on how to include these sights on our visit to France?
Amy <email>
RI USA Thu 09/01/2005

Last Supper Tickets
I just contacted the ticket office for "The Last Supper". I was trying to get tickets for Oct 16th and the entire weekend is booked. I thought I was calling in plenty of time, so if you're planning on visiting this masterpiece, you might want to book really early.
USA Thu 09/01/2005

Hotel in Barcelona
I would like to know if anyone has stayed at the Hotel Abba Rambla in Barcelona. I am planning a trip there with my family and would appreciate anyone to share their experiences.
Bob Ronna <email>
Clayton, NC USA Thu 09/01/2005

Madrid-to-Barcelona Overnight Train
In early October my wife and I are traveling from Madrid to Barcelona on an overnight train which leaves at 11:00 pm. We splurged for the deluxe sleeping compartment, and will use the VIP lounge at the Madrid railroad station. Does anyone know how far ahead of departure the train itself can be boarded?
Ron <email>
DeWitt, MI USA Thu 09/01/2005