Graffiti Wall: Travelers' Helpline

Home > Plan Your Trip > Graffiti Wall > Travelers' Helpline

Travelers' Helpline: October 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.

Re: Best time for Greece
We have been to Greece in May and in September, both were wonderful times to go. Big deciding point is amount of beach, if you are into swimming and sunning in the islands, September wins, weather is good, water is warm. If just sites, then either is fine, in fact as early as mid-april and into October works. While no personal experience, nearly everyone agrees that July/August is best to avoid, but mainly in the islands and on the coasts, nearly all of Europe is said to be there.
Paul <email>
IA USA Mon 10/31/2005

Prague to Rome
You can try SmartWings...it doesn't fly Prague-Rome every single day, but you can get flights for about $100 US, all up. Check them at http://www.smartwings.net/en
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 10/31/2005

northern Italy weather late fall
Regarding late fall weather, We just returned from a 11 day trip to Valle D'Aosta, Piedmont, Cinque Terre and ALps from MAtterhorn to Montreux Switzerland area. We encountered no weather below 50 F except when we took the lift up to the ski area at the Monte Cervino area (Matterhorn from the Italy side) Blue skys mostly with hazy area in the Piedmont but delightful weather all in all. I have been to Northern Italy 3 times in the last 4 years always in the mid to late October and have never encountered any significant bad weather. FLowers still boooming generally everywhere. (Got home Saturday to a frost in Georgia!)
Jim todd <email>
Dalton , Ga USA Mon 10/31/2005

GREECE
I spent the month of September in greece a couple of years ago and the weather was perfect. Still warm if you are a sun worshipper, mostly in the 80's. And it was not very crowded. The prices in September are also much lower. Flew in and out of Athens. Spent several days in Athens on each end of the trip. Flew to Santorini, about $60, then took a ferry to Paros and then a ferry to Mykonos. Flew back to Athens from Mykonos - another $60. Spent about a week on each island. All three islands were great. Santorini and Mykonos are the most famous but Paros was really nice. Plenty to do on all three.
Mike
Niwot, Co USA Mon 10/31/2005

Prague to Rome
I'm trying to find a cheap flight from Prague to Rome or a cheap rail ticket but this is impossible. Please help.
USA Mon 10/31/2005

Greece- lucky you!
Most of the guidebooks will say to avoid July and August, but that was the only time we could go to Greece- some days it got up to 100 degrees, and of course, all the crowds at the sites. We had three weeks- I think it depends a lot on what you are interested in and plan from there. Athens is big and dirty and in my opinion a starting- off place- however, the Plaka district of the city was fantastic and we loved every minute of our five days there. Twisty little streets and very close to the Acropolis. We stayed at the Electra Palace (they have a Website, I checked) but make sure it is the PLAKA one. With a little rooftop pool that looks directly across at the Acropolis and you can eat and drink up there. The breakfasts were included and huge- so we could skip lunch every day. We are mythology buffs so that was our focus. We took a day trip to Delphi, and also spent a week touring the islands. You might want to read about each to decide which best suits. Kusadasi was amazing and it really felt like another continent- camels! Turkish rugs! Then we went to Crete (by air). We only had two days and that was a mistake. A week would've been better. If you are hikers (we are) the descent through the gorge was unforgetable. Have a fabulous trip!!!
USA Mon 10/31/2005

GREECE
Looking to plan a trip to Greece. We are looking for best time of year to go, sites to see, how much time would be good to plan for Greece, and any other ideas to look into for that area of travel.
Bill <email>
Salem, Oregon USA Mon 10/31/2005

Bruges
Teresa in Ga~~~We spent two days and nights in Bruges recently before going to Paris. Brussels did not seem that appealing to us so we took the train to Bruges which we found very walkable, friendly, charming with excellent restaurants. Loved it!
Nancy
USA Mon 10/31/2005

CONVENT MONASTERY
Packman~~~~~do a google search for “ CONVENT MONASTERY HOUSING PARIS”
NANCY
PHILADELPHIA, USA Mon 10/31/2005

LATE FALL WEATHER SPAIN, NORTHERN ITALY
Shari: My wife and I have traveled in Spain during October and November several times. The weather was moderate.

A sweater in the morning and shorts in the afternoon. I don’t remember any rain the time we were there. I would take only a light jacket just in case you need it.
C. C. W.
TX USA Mon 10/31/2005

Convents/Monasteries
On our last trip to Rome we stayed in a convent recomended by Rick Steves, it was like a super clean and quiet hotel (no TV's) and very reasonable. Does anyone know of a convent or monasterie in Paris that rents to the public, or how to find out about them. Thanks
Packman <email>
Franklin, Mi USA Mon 10/31/2005

re: Late fall weather, Spain...
Shari, I was in Madrid and Barcelona the second week of November '02, and the weather was beautiful during the whole trip (wore just a light denim coat layered over a thin sweater).
Fiona
NYC, Mon 10/31/2005

more re. Hotel Royal Phare
I stayed at Hotel Royal Phare for about 5 days last fall, in a single room. It was small (par for the course for the price in Paris), but clean, bright and sunny, and the bathroom was lovely - newly tiled, I think. Plus, I had a view of the Eiffel Tower out of my window (I was on the top floor). One drawback was that the mattress was a bit saggy - though not enough to prevent sleep. Overall, I thought it was a good value for the price. But there are mixed reviews on it, including at tripadvisor.com.
USA Sun 10/30/2005

Late fall weather, Spain, northern Italy
I'm thinking of a trip to Spain (Toledo, Madrid), France (Taize), and Italy (Florence, Ravenna, Assisi, San Giovanni Rotondo, Rome) late-October, early-Nov 2006. Has anyone been there that late in the season? Any particularly awful weather challenges? Any suggestions?
Shari
Minneapolis, MN USA Sun 10/30/2005

Paul - Weather in Spain
My husband and I were in Barcelona, Spain in early June this year. The weather was sunny & warm - 80s. We took a double-decker tour bus around town, and I got a sunburn. The Mediterranean sun is hot, but it hurts so good!
Holly
Chicago, USA Sun 10/30/2005

Paris to Orly / Orly to Paris: Public Transportation
One cautionary note about the Coupon Jaune....it's only valid from 12 am Monday morning until 12 midnight Sunday night....not for seven consecutive days from time of purchase. Bring along a couple of extra passport photos for these, since you need to get a (still free, I think) Carte Orange to go along with it. A Coupon Jaune to cover Paris plus Versailles and Antony RER stations (both zone 4) will cost you about 26 Euro each...to cover Paris plus CDG airport (Zone 5) will cost about 31 Euros each. And don't let any transit wicket attendant try to tell you they're for local residents only!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 10/30/2005

To USA
Hi USA: Been awhile- have a wonderful trip and have a scrumptious-rich-creamy eclair for me!

Di
Di
USA Sun 10/30/2005

Paris to Orly / Orly to Paris: Public Transportation
USA:

If you have a weekly card (it's yellow ticket & called 'coupon jaune'), then you are valid for all RER lines, metros, and buses.

Zone 1-2, cost 15 E for a week.

Zone 3 or higher, cost 24 E for a week, get you to the suburbs, like Versailles.

Is this what you have or you will be purchasing when you go to Paris? If so, then you can see that you are correct and you're covered accordingly.

Acess to RER platforms is through the same type of automative ticket barrier as the metro. If you started your journey on the metro, you can use the same ticket so have that same ticket handy to put through the barrier when you leave the system.

Orly to Paris/ Paris to Orly options:

The Orlyval service is a shuttle train that runs drirect from each Orly terminal to the Antony RER B station as "blue denim" said. A one way ticket is 10E, they run about every 7 minutes.

The buses operated by Air France( you need not to have flown with the airline) runs between Orly Airport and the Air France air terminal at Les Invalides on the left bank. The fare is 8E, takes about 30 minutes, they run about every 12 minutes.

There is a free shuttle bus from the Orly terminal building to the RER C train line. It costs 6E (including metro), leave every 15 minutes, ride takes about 35 minutes.

The RATP also runs the Orlybus between the Denfert-Rochereau metro station and Orly terminal building. It costs 6E and runs about every 15 minutes.

I hope this help clarifies some of the confusion going on here. It's alot to digest. 'FEI' (For Everyone's Information) I literally typed this from the websites and Fodors.

www.ratp.com

www.sncf.fr

www.parisairportsservice.com

www.airport-connection.com

www.cars-airfrance.com

Happy travels, Di
Di <email>
Boston, MA USA Sun 10/30/2005

Orly
I have been looking at how to get to Orly as well.....this is what I found out

You take the RER B and get off at the stop Antony.

You then catch the Orlyval (automatic métro) operates between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., leaving every 4 to 7 minutes from each Orly terminal (Orly Sud and Orly Ouest). Tickets for this service can be purchased in all métro and RER stations, and also at a special Orlyval sales desk in Orly airport. The one-way Orlyval fare is €7 for adults
bluedenim
vancovuer, canada Sun 10/30/2005

re: Royal Phare
We stayed there a year ago July and were pleased. It's shabbier than the pictures look online, and the rooms are very small (we couldn't walk around the end of the bed), but it was clean, the location is great, and the price is hard to beat! Our Swedish friends who had lived in Paris a while thought it was a great deal, and their room even had a view of the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Sun 10/30/2005

Hotel Royal Phare
Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Royal Phare in Paris recently? We have a booking for two separate times in the coming days and I am just curious about what anyone has to say about this hotel. It looks nice on their website and is recommended in Rick's guidebook for Paris, but I am looking for some first-hand info. Thanks!
USA Sun 10/30/2005

Getting to Orly Airport??
Tim - You mentioned taking Metro Line 13 to Invalides and picking up the RER C there. In Rick's guidebook, it indicates a "Bus to Orly Airport" on the West Paris map. This is near Invalides, but it shows both the Metro and RER symbols. Could you get to Orly if you had a Metro Pass for Zone 3 also or would this not apply in this case. We need to get to Orly from Paris next week and at this point, I am totally confused! Please advise if anyone has the info. I have been told using the Paris Visite pass for Zones 1-3, you can even travel to Versailles if you get off at the last stop and buy a ticket to Versailles for about E1 more. Thanks for help anyone can give on this matter.
USA Sun 10/30/2005

weather in spain
What is the weather like in Bacelona in June?
paul
USA Sun 10/30/2005

Traveling to Lourdes & Fatima
My wife and I are planning to go to Lourdes, Avila and Fatima in April 2006. We are thinking of flying to Paris from Vancouver, then we are looking for options. Is taking the train a better option than taking the bus or airline? Please advice.
Tony
Vancouver, BC Canada Sun 10/30/2005

To SHAM: Krakow/Prague/Dresden
We are flying LOT from Chicago-Krakow, rail from Krakow-Prague (via Katowice and Ostra Savana), rail from Prague-Dresden, and then Lufthansa from Dresden home via Frankfurt. Thanks.
Arnie
USA Sun 10/30/2005

KRAKOW PRAGUE DRESDEN
Arnie: Travelers would be better able to help you if we knew your method of travel. Train, Bus, Auto or Air?
SHAM
NYC, USA Sun 10/30/2005

Theresa - Belgium
Spent a while there in Sept. In my opinion, Bruges is worth a day and Brussels is worth a day. A lot depends on your desires - I am not much of a museum person.
Linda <email>
G C, PA USA Sun 10/30/2005

Found camera
Hi, this summer (2005), in Cinqueterre (Italy), we've found a digital camera (Canon Powershot S400)with around 100 pictures inside it. Looking at this pictures we can understand that the camera is property of two girls who had holydays in Europe (Paris, Interlaken, Cannes, Montecarlo and Cinqueterre), arriving by aeroplane. We think they are from USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. We want contact these girls to return they the camera with its precious content. If someone knows this story, please let the girls know my e-mail to agree a shipment. Thank you. claudio@cinqueterre-camere.com
Cluaudio <email>
Riomaggiore, Italy Sun 10/30/2005

ISIC info
For Pamela- I think you mean the "ISIC" (International Student Identity Card) My daughters have both used it. I think it depends on how many museums and attracations you will be going to- they have a Website (just Google it, I know I have the acronym right) It is supposed to offer another form of ID, since you get a photo laminated on it. It would be convenient for ID if you don't want to take your driver's license? But they list the benefits on the Website, and then you can decide! Best wishes!
USA Sat 10/29/2005

International student ID cards ... worth it?
Hi, I'm a university student and have been reading about the discounts supposedly offered if you show some kind of "international student identification." Sorry I don't know the exact name. Can anybody tell me if getting one of these cards is worth it? I really don't want to have another card to fish out (presenting opportunities for certain opportunists) when it's not going to give me a good deal. Thanks.
Pamela <email>
K-Town, WI USA Sat 10/29/2005

hotels Spain
Anyone know of a nice place to stay in Sitges or Barcelona
USA Sat 10/29/2005

Krakow/Prague/Dresden THIS WEEK>....Any suggestions?
Off to Krakow, Prague, and Dresden beginning this week. So excited! Any last-minute things to do, suggestions, ideas or warnings? Appreciate any help we can get. Thanks.
Arnie
USA Sat 10/29/2005

LOT Polish Airlines--UPGRADES in Chicago??
Anybody have any connections with LOT Polish Airlines at O'Hare Airport in Chicago? We're airline employees and always appreciate being able to have upgrades if possible. Never expected, just appreciated. We're traveling this coming week. Thanks. Write me at abc395@hotmail.com
AT
Portland, OR USA Sat 10/29/2005

Minimum Age for Rental Car Drivers
The minimum age for driving a rental car in Europe depends not only on the class of car driven, but also on the country in which it is driven. Even with a compact car it can be as high as 23 (maybe even 25).
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 10/29/2005

Belgium
I'm going to Benelux and Germany for 3 wks next month. I was planning on 2 days in Bruges and 2 days in Brussels. Is Brussels worth 2 days or can it be seen in a day and an evening? Would I be better off spending an extra day in Bruges? Also...is Antwerp worth seeing?
Teresa <email>
Columbus, GA USA Sat 10/29/2005

19-year old driving in Germany
I took my 19-year old to Germany this last summer. I had wanted him to do most of the driving, but the only cars the rental places would let him drive were the smaller cheaper cars with no air conditioning and with a stick shift. While that might be fine for some, there were five of us so we didn't go that route and I drove instead. So it is possible if you don't mind the car they offer.
Christine
USA Sat 10/29/2005

Easter in Italy
Summer - I have traveled in Italy during the holly week and Easter several years ago. I remember that churches and museums were open during the holly week in Italy. However, on the day of Easter, churches and other tourist attractions were operated under a limited time schedule if not closed (most were closed). I suggest that you consult with the website of each site that you wish to visit. I did not hesitate to visit Italy for the holly week. In fact, I felt special being a part of the holiday spirit.
Sunny M.
Philadelphia, PA USA Fri 10/28/2005

Trenitalia schedules
A previous poster’s remark that the Trenitalia schedule is only a loose guideline is a sad commentary on Italian Rail. I have been on 150 trains in Germany in the last five years and only one of those trains was seriously (1/2 hr) behind schedule. In fact, Germany Rail publishes on their website the platform number for every train, and I have never found that to be wrong. In contrast, I have been told that Trenitalia never gives the track number in advance of the train’s arrival, even on those big arrival boards in major stations. This is because they don’t know when it will arrive, and, therefore, what platform will be available.

Still, it is a good idea to know the schedule “guideline” before you travel, so you will have a rough idea of if there should be connecting trains and at what time. It is never a good idea to depend on human assistance. Many small stations in Europe no longer have a staffed ticket counters, or, if they do, the hours are limited or the clerk might not speak English. Also, the posted schedules, although easy to read, do not give complete information. For instance, most of the trains from La Spezia to Vernazza do not show Vernazza on the posted schedule. Only the first few stops, up to the target symbol, are shown. After that only the major stations are shown. However, if you had looked at the online schedules, you would know the train numbers of the trains from La Spezia that stop in Vernazza. Also, if you had looked at Bahn.de, you should know that, except for one in the early morning, every regional train shown on the schedule as going to Sestri Lavante, Genoa, or Savona, stops in Vernazza. Or, you should know that all trains that show Corniglia as a stop also stop in Vernazza.
CO USA Fri 10/28/2005

Easter in Italy?
Has anyone traveled to Italy during Easter and Holy week? We are considering April of 2006 and want to know if museums, shops and restaurants shut down during Holy week and Easter. Could we still find places to eat and sites to see? Thanks for your help.
Summer <email>
Richland, WA USA Fri 10/28/2005

St-Lazare to Orly (continued)
Taking Metro line 13 to Invalides and picking up the RER C there is a good idea. The reason I suggested line 14 was because that was what the RATP route finder gave me as the "fastest route." A point of clarification: Taking the RER B requires getting off at Antony and transferring to the Orlyval train. Thanks for mentioning that a regular metro ticket isn't good enough to get to Orly on the RER because the airport is beyond zone 2. I should have included that fact in my original post.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 10/28/2005

RER vs Metro fares
Harvey has posted good "gen" below. I'll add that within CENTRAL Paris, the RER and Metro can be regarded as parts of the same subway network. Basically this applies in the 20 arrondissements where most of us sleep and tour. Transfers ("correspondence") between RER and Metro are free. I once bought the usual "carnet" in an RER station. The tickets were yellow instead of green but I could use them on RER and Metro and even the buses. ~~~ Warning: for the airports, different fares apply. Passing a carnet ticket outside central Paris can get you into trouble! ~~~ Tip: take the bus if a bus route will get you from A to B without a transfer. Example, Gare du Nord to Eiffel Tower on #42. Transfers are not allowed between buses and any of the other RATP components. ~~~ Tip: use www.ratp.fr in French if possible.
DC
Can Fri 10/28/2005

Sardinia Italy
We are considering Sardinia for our honeymoon and was interested in suggestions of towns that people have liked
Stacy
Dallas, USA Fri 10/28/2005

Saint Lazare/Orly
Actually, you can take the Metro 13 Line (Direction Chatillon) to Invalides, which is the third stop. Line 14 adds several more. At Invalides, you can get the RER C, Direction Massey. This is really the line that serves Orly the town (Orly Ville) and has the connections mentioned by Tim below. You may also take the RER B (transfer at Notre Dame/St Michel) to go to Orly South and West, which are the final 2 stops. RER, the suburban commuter line, has forks near each end of the line. Check the "Direction" (the final stop on the line) carefully.-----You will need a RER ticket for the trip including the part on the Metro. Don't bother with a Metro ticket. It is no good on the RER, but the RER ticket is ok on your Metro link. My source for these routes is the RATP, the greater Paris regional transportation authority, (which is an anagram for "rat trap.") but nonetheless is a good routing source. The estimated trip time not including taking the shuttle is 40 minutes via Line 13 and RER C. It is a bit shorter via RER B but involves a second transfer (no additional ticket).
Harvey
ILL USA Fri 10/28/2005

CROATIA
FOR JAN IN SAN DIEGO: Suggest you visit this website... http://www.pulainfo.hr/en/kakodociupulu.asp Consider Rovinj as a fascinating destination.
Graham <email>
Wales Fri 10/28/2005

Sophie: Odd in London
Two suggestions! ~~~ (1) Watch people ringing the bells in churches. Make your inquiries locally ~~~ (2) Visit Sir John Soane's Museum, located near Holborn tube: www.soane.org. You can walk there from the Brit Museum. Small, quiet and quirky, no glitz. Type "Sir John Soane's Museum" into images.google.com. If you like what you see, you will enjoy visiting in person.
DC
Can Fri 10/28/2005

St-Lazare to Orly
Probably the simplest route would be to take Metro line 14 (direction Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand) from St-Lazare to Bibliotheque-Francois Mitterand. Transfer there to RER C (direction Pont de Rungis Aeroport d'Orly) and take it to Pont de Rungis Aeroport d'Orly. Take the shuttle bus from there to either airport terminal.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 10/28/2005

St. Lazare to Orly
Does anyone know the best way to get from St Lazare train station in Paris to Orly airport?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Fri 10/28/2005

Question about VAT Refund
I recently returned from a business / pleasure trip from Italy. I was supposed to get a 220 Euro VAT (or in Italy IVA) refund for a business expense. I flaked out at the airport and forgot to do this. Am I completely out of luck, or does anyone know another way to get the refund. I could really use the 220 Euros. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
USA Fri 10/28/2005

Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw
Louise - Unfortunately, I'm not able to comment on transportation between Krakow and Budapest. Having been in Warsaw and Krakow, I would recommend more nights in Krakow than Warsaw. Warsaw's "Old Town" is very small and is actually new, being rebuilt after the war. Krakow has much more charm and ambiance. Also, don't miss the Wieliczka Salt Mine, http://www.krakow-info.com/wielicz.htm, just a little outside of Krakow.
Rick <email>
Chicago, IL USA Fri 10/28/2005

Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw
I don't know if you can switch things around a bit, but it seems to be far easier to get a discount fare into Warsaw. Wizzair has, depending on when you fly, web fares as low as $35 U-S. They quote their fares in Hungarian currency out of Budapest, so check the exchange rates carefully at a site like www.xe.com. Wizzair's at wizzair.com
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 10/28/2005

Hotel Champ du Mar
Lisa, The Hotel Champ du Mar is a lovely hotel but the twin room we had was really tiny and the beds were smaller than our twins. Also the bathroom had a "heater" in the ceiling that came on automatically when you switched on the light (only one switch) and the room would get HOT in seconds. Since I am hot natured I could barely stand to stay in the room long enough to put on my makeup. Not convenient!
USA Fri 10/28/2005

Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw
Does anyone know if there are any low-priced airfares between Budapest and Krakow - 1 way. The only ones I could find are around $600. Is the overnight train a reasonably comfortable option? Is it safe and clean? (We'd want sleeper accomodations.) Are we likely to be able to get some sleep, or is there constant stopping and interruptions for passports, etc.? Also, we have a choice to spend 2 nights in Krakow and 3 in Warsaw, or 3 nights in Krakow and 2 in Warsaw. Which would you recommend? (We would definitely want to see Auschwitz while in Krakow.) Any advice would be appreciated.
Louise Lorden <email>
Pasadena, CA USA Fri 10/28/2005

Romania Tour Guide
Hi,

We're planning a trip to Romania for next year and are looking for a private tour guide to work with. Any recommendations?

Thanks
Neil <email>
San Jose, Ca USA Fri 10/28/2005

hotel du champ de mars
Tom, In regards to the Hotel du Champ de Mars, we booked a twin room. Are those rooms exceptionally small? If so, we will manage as long as we are comfortable. We are going on an anniversary trip, so we don't want to have to worry about the hotel. Also, we won't be in the room all day anyway. Thanks for your input.
Lisa
Groves, Texas USA Fri 10/28/2005

Day trip to Brussels
Yes, Gare du Nord has left luggage facilities, both coin-operated lockers and attended space. The earliest train you could possibly catch leaves at 10:55. If you miss it, you'll have to wait until 11:55. The latest you can leave Brussels is 21:40. You might want to wait a few days to take your day trip so you can leave earlier and have more time in Brussels.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 10/28/2005

Airtreks.com
Alex, Your itinerary isn't really "open-jaw". What you have purchased is best described as an "around the world" airfare, and airtreks.com is the best know company that sells these type of tickets. Looks like you will be ready to compete in the Amazing Race :)
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Fri 10/28/2005

Lisa,,,Hotel Champ de Mars
Lisa, Have stayed at Champ de Mars three times. Great hotel. Have stayed in all three type rooms they have, double, large double and twin. Try to get large double if possible. Approximately Queen size bed and lager room. Monsieur Gourdal is personable (in a French way) and helpful. Madame is less so (I think because she is less comfortable with English). Have stayed a number of Places in Paris on some 10 trips and this hotel is hard to beat, especially for the price.
Tom
GA USA Fri 10/28/2005

Airtreks.com
I stumbled across this website and it seems to be really nice. I'm planning a complex trip and learned that an 'open-jaw' feature is perhaps the best option for me. Japan -> Vietnam -> Germany -> USA is very affordable, around $1,900. They also recommend additional stopover cities where you can choose how long you'd want to stay. I was really impressed when browsing through the bookmarks (Prepare and TripPlanner) and the services they provide. I've read the raving customer reviews of this company, but thought it strange that I've never heard nor read about it before now. How about you - ever used it or know of someone who has?
Alex
Japan Fri 10/28/2005

Brussels day trip?
Several people posted earlier that they found Brussels "dull," and one said there was nothing to see "besides architecture." Well, for someone who DOES love Art Nouveau architecture, is it worth one day away from Paris? (6 days in Paris, 6th trip). Is December a bad time to go? Is there any place to store luggage at the Gare du Nord in Paris? (Arriving at CDG 9am-- I assume it would take too long to go to Hotel Leveque, check in and leave luggage, then take the Metro back to Gare du Nord for a train to Brussels?)
Fiona <email>
NYC, Thu 10/27/2005

Lisa...Parisian weather
We go to Paris each March (Spring Break) and the weather is different each year. One year it was very cold, one year it rained almost the entire time, one year it was absolutely perfect...it rained for just a few minutes one day, while we were in the Louvre, so it wasn't a problem. It just depends. Bring a jacket, at least. You can always buy an umbrella once in Paris...once the first drop of rain falls from the sky, the umbrella vendors come out of the woodwork! Also, half the fun is buying stuff once in Paris...if it's cold, hit Rue de Rivoli (across from the Louvre) for very pretty and inexpensive scarves.

You can keep an eye on the weather by checking out www.intellicast.com. That web site offers a 10-day forecast.
Brandie
KS USA Thu 10/27/2005

Hotel Champ du Mars
Lisa~~~we were in Paris just three weeks ago and did not stay at Champ du Mars this time and wished we had. We walked past it and noticed a double room is still only 83E. Last time we were there the rooms had just been redecorated and we had a quiet room on the back. The rooms are fairly small but how much time do you actually spend in the room other than sleeping? The neighborhood is nice and you are so close to the Eiffel Tower. We will stay there next trip.
Nancy
Atlanta, USA Thu 10/27/2005

To Go Coffee...Anywhere
We do love to sit and sip our coffee, but sometimes it IS great to get a cup and go just walk around a park. We always carry the small (8-oz) Starbucks to-go plastic coffee cups when we travel, since they always come in so handy. I also just bought an OXO coffee tumbler that, while heavier because it's metal, is actually a vaccum thermos, so your drink stays really hot (or cold) for a long time. Great for long train or car trips!
FL USA Thu 10/27/2005

To Go Coffee in Paris
Thanks everyone for the info on to go cups of grand creme, as well as how to ask for it. Really appreciate!
Lisa W
Boulder, CO USA Thu 10/27/2005

Which airport to fly into?
Consider flying open-jaw. For example, New York-London and Rome-New York on Alitalia.) Work your way from London to Rome by discount airline and/or train. No need to return to London for your flight home.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 10/27/2005

re: Hotel Champ du Mars
Lisa, I'm sure you'll hear from folks who have actually stayed there, but we did take a look at it when we were in Paris. It has a great Rue Cler location and looks nice. It sounds like the rooms are small, even by Paris standards.
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Thu 10/27/2005

which airports to fly into?
Most national airlines will have some sort of special to their capital city on sale out of New York. But London seems to be the cheapest European entry point from most North American cities. From London-Heathrow, you can fly just about anywhere, and some good deals can be found....check www.flybmi.com as one example. Or, if you have the time and fortitude, you can switch to London's other airports....Luton, Stansted, or Gatwick, and fly one of the discount airlines....easyjet or Ryanair. Frankfurt, Germany can also be relatively inexpensive as a gateway to Europe. Also, don't hesitate to check fares out of Newark....there are some deals there you might not find out of JFK.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 10/27/2005

Paris in March
The weather could range from mild and dry to cold and wet, sometimes all on the same day. Rather than taking a heavy coat, dress in layers topped off by a jacket. Take gloves and something to cover your head. Silk long underwear takes up little luggage space and can double as pajamas. My wife and I were in Paris and London in March of 2002. We found it to be a wonderful time to visit both cities.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 10/27/2005

which airports to fly into?
My husband and I want to travel through europe this July...what are some tips for the cheapest airports to fly into, we are very flexible (and flying from JFK)
Kierstan <email>
New York, NY USA Thu 10/27/2005

Paris
My husband and I are going to Paris in mid-March and I was wondering if anyone had any info on the Hotel du Chamo de Mars. It is a Rick Steves recommendation so I assume it will be ok. However, I just wanted to hear any other info. Also, what will the weather be like in mid-March. Thanks
Lisa
Groves, Texas USA Thu 10/27/2005

International Driver's License (Permit)
An International Driver's Permit (it is not actually a license) is mandatory in Italy and is highly advisable in any country whose primary language is not English. Have you checked with any rental agencies to see if you will qualify as the driver? The minimum age may be 21.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 10/27/2005

Car rental for 19 year old.
Please check the legal age to drive a rental car in Europe before you make any more plans. In 2001 we found the minimum age was 23 for most companies, 21 for one company. Hopefully this has changed.
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Thu 10/27/2005

International Driver's License
I am 19-years-old and traveling to Germany with my mother and aunt in July 2006. I will be doing all the driving in a rental car. Do I need an international driver's license for Germany, or any neighboring countries we might decide to visit, i.e. Austria, Italy, etc.
JS
Brookfield, WI USA Thu 10/27/2005

STRANGE ODD AND UNIQUE
SOPHIE; two places in London which are fairly unknown are the underground War Rooms under Whitehall where Churchill and the UK high command directed the war.

You can find information about it at: cwr.iwm.org.uk.

Also consider the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon, about 20 minutes north of London. Over a 70 unique early years aircraft on display plus the planes used during WWII.

You can find directions for road, bus or tube and more information at: rafmuseum.org.
LESS
TX USA Thu 10/27/2005

B & B NORMANDY AND BRITTANY
HERSHEY; My wife and I have stayed in lots of homes in France, Germany and Switzerland many times.

As you drive you will see signs in the yards for “zimmer frei” or “rooms” , "B&B" or some other method of advertising rooms for rent.

Be sure you look at it and the bathroom before you agree to rent. They are accustomed to showing it. You can often negotiate a price.
SOMONE
WACY, TX USA Thu 10/27/2005

B and B - Normandy/Brittany
Chateau de Bouceel is a very nice place with helpful hosts. It is located near Vergoncey/50240 and is very convenient to many of the sites along the coast. On the route out from Paris you will pass near Giverny where La Reserve is also nice. You will want to confirm that these are open during the holidays. Both are located on beautiful estate/farms.
George
Philadlelphia, USA Thu 10/27/2005

Turkey
I'm thinking of visiting Turkey in July. Any suggestions for places to go and places to stay? I'll probably stay in the western end of the country for 7-10 days.
Dianne <email>
kitchener, Ontario Canada Wed 10/26/2005

Transportation in Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol- Spain- Nerja to Fuengirola- No car- no problema! Public transportation is the way to go. Public busses can be easily accessed from almost any resort. There is also a great little commuter train between Malaga and Fuengirola(with stops at the airport and the RENFE train station which happens to be only a few blocks from the bus station).
Doris R. Helmus <email>
Muskegon, MI USA Wed 10/26/2005

The Surgical Museum in Southwark is definitely something unusual to do! And the area is mavelous. A 1/2 block away is the Borough Market, go on Saturday morning.
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KYK USA Wed 10/26/2005

Spain
Seville's Amadeus Hotel and it's new annex, La Musica, are impossible to find by car. Get a detailed map ahead. The rooms in the annex are beautiful but much more expensive and right on a very noisy street. Madrids Best Western Santo Domingo Hotel is very nice and well located. Don't accept a room on the fifth floor as the floor above is for weddings and parties. The loud music and dancing can go on well into the wee morning.
Ron Thomas
Sherman, ct. USA Wed 10/26/2005

unusual things to do in London
This may not be the most original idea, but I always enjoy the London Walks when I'm in London. They have so many to choose from. I've been taking them since 1993 and I have barely scratched the surface. You can go on tours focusing on The Beatles, Jack the Ripper, lots of ghosts stories and local neighborhoods & Greenwich. This last May we took a walking tour that went to the British Museum. This museum is huge and overwhelming. The walking tour was great because the guide showed us a few important pieces, complete with detailed descriptions and background of the collections. I wish we could have had her show us around the Louvre! The London Walks are a great way to explore different neighborhoods in London that you may not find on your own (Old Mayfair, Westminster by Gaslight), and you'll get interesting facts and tidbits. The Walks may not the most unique thing to do in London (they are quite popular), but you can find uniquely-themed walks. Google "London Walks" for their website and more info.
Sheila
Seattle, USA Wed 10/26/2005

flight home
cris delta has a round trip fare from amsterdam to ohare for 576.36 euros dont know if that works for you plenty of seats available
USA Wed 10/26/2005

Croatia
My husband and I are thinking of going to Croatia next year. Any tips? I would love to see a castle, a beach area and maybe an island. I really don't know what else to ask about.

Thanks
Jan
San Diego, CA USA Wed 10/26/2005

Colosseum Entry
Help with entry to Colosseum (in November)! We could buy Archaeologia Card on line BUT will we have to wait in line to exchange the email confirmation ticket? Would it be better to buy AC before at a different site-like Palatine Hill? Thanks for any help!
Joan McClanahan <email>
Ft. Wright, KY USA Wed 10/26/2005

GRANADA B&B in May 2006
Arriving in May 2006 for a 3-day stay before heading west for a nine-day walk out of Capileira. Need suggestion on B&B possibly near the Granada airport. Thanks
George <email>
Tampa, FL USA Wed 10/26/2005

SOLO TRAVEL TRANSPORTATION
I will travel solo to Portugal and Spain. I was wondering which is the best way to travel(bus, train, car rental) in order to see as much as possible in Portugal, Spain and Morrocco.
Claudia <email>
USA Wed 10/26/2005

Bizzare in London
Sophie, Back in '94 I went to the London Dungeon. Very interesting and if its bizzare you're looking for, its a start. Creepy? yep. Different? oh, yes. Unbearable? no. Just go in with an open mind.

While you're there, you might ask someone of other things like this.
Lee
Nashville, Tn USA Wed 10/26/2005

Tickets Home
Does any one out there know the best source to get even a moderate deal on airline tickets to arrive in Chicago by Thurs a.m? I've lived away so long that I just have to get home for the party when the boys get back from Houston.
Chris
CO USA Tue 10/25/2005

Italy in December
What is the weather like? Is it easy to find accomodations when you arrive that are reasonable we are not sure how long we would like to stay in each city. It is our first time going. We are planning to go to venice, Florence, and Rome maybe a couple others.
Kim <email>
San Diego, CA USA Tue 10/25/2005

Coffee To Go in Paris
Lisa...We stopped many times at random cafe's throughout Paris and asked for coffee to go and it was never a problem. Just say "un grand creme, pour emporter, s'il vous plait." Can't promise all cafe's will be able to do it, but we had no problem.
Susan
Sausalito, Ca USA Tue 10/25/2005

B and B in Normany and Brittany
Has anyone stayed in rural homes or small villages in these areas in Jan? We want to have a car and would like to tour Mont St. Michel, but mainly enjoy the countryside and villages. Probably will leave Paris Dec 30 and spend 3 days Thanks for any suggestions or recommendations.
Hershey, PA USA Tue 10/25/2005

Pompeii
For those coming from Rome, I vote for Herculaneum as well. One of the fast intercity trains can get you to Naples in two hours, then the Circumvesuviana run to Ercolano Scavi (Herculaneum) station is about another 20 minutes (another 20 minutes to Pompeii). While more compact than Pompeii, there's actually more to see, and not nearly as tiring on the feet! Two bonuses, too. From Ercolano station, you'll get some magnificent photos of Vesuvius (it's right there, while at Pompeii, it's several miles away in the distance). And you can take a bus trip up to the volcano itself. The bus stops near the Tourist info center on the way down the hill from the station to the excavation site. It's about half an hour's walk from where the bus parks to the summit. Check out the Circumvesuviana train skeds at http://www.vesuviana.it or http://www.massalubrense.it/circum.htm, the train skeds and prices from Rome to Naples at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html, and the bus schedule up to Vesuvius at http://www.comune.ercolano.na.it/cme/home.asp (click on "Citta" across the top, then "rasporti" down the right side, then "Orari e prezzi dei trasporti per il vesuvio."
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 10/25/2005

odd places
Sophie, Try whatsonwhen.com. On the right lower side of the page you can browse for bizzare events/places.
Ann
Waukesha, USA Tue 10/25/2005

coffe to go
yes there are many places where you can get a coffee to go. Never ussually did this tho. I did see a starbucks and there was another chain which did this too. I just can not remember their name off hand.
bluedenim
Tue 10/25/2005

Auschwitz-Birkenau
When I visited the camps, I booked a tour through Ibis Hotel (I'm sure any hotel would be able to book for you). A mini-bus took us out there and we had an English-Speaking guide. After the tour, we had time to wonder around before the mini-bus took us back to Krakow. You can also take public transportation from Krakow, but I don't know the details. There is a lot of information about the camps, as well as nearby hotels if you want to spend 2 days, on the museum's website, www.auschwitz-muzeum.oswiecim.pl.
Sheila
Seattle, USA Tue 10/25/2005

quirky places
In the past I have liked the Lonely Planet for just those kinds of off- beat places. Their Website has a little bit, but not as much as the books.
USA Tue 10/25/2005

Pompeii
We used a tour bus from Rome near the train station that was essentially just a ride (with one bathroom stop) there- that way we were delivered right to the entrance- no tour included. It makes for a long day trip-but very doable and a nice change from the city scene if you plan it for the middle of your time there. Be advised- I planned every detail but wrongly assumed we could use a Visa card for admission. You can't! They wouldn't take my Euro traveler's cheques either-almost a catastrophe with not enough cash for admission for 3. Anyway, if I was doing it again I would stay overnight in Naples to be able to devote part of a day to the museum, since many of the finds are there and not on site. It is haunting and Vesuvius still towers through the gaping ruined windows in the walls!
Karen
USA Tue 10/25/2005

The Strange, Odd and Unique
Hello,

I'll be travelling to the UK this December and I was hoping to visit some unusual/different musuems. I have tried searching online but I can't seem to find any good websites on this subject. I have read the Rick Steve's article about strange europe (sorry I forget the exact title) but there's only two mentions of the UK. Does anyone either know of a website/book on this topic or have museum suggestions. Thank you!
Sophie
Canada Tue 10/25/2005

Starbucks types
There are huge numbers of coffee places w to-go stuff, especially along the Champs Elysee but elsewhere as well. Paris has its own fastfood joints as well as McDs and the ubiquitous cafes. Most cafes do not have cups for takeout bcuz they assume, I think rightly so, you are at a cafe to enjoy that place and the people surrounding you.
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport , MA USA Tue 10/25/2005

To Go Coffee in Paris
One quick question. Have Parisian cafes gotten to the point of having to- go cups like we have at Starbucks? I know that it is very American, but the thought of getting a great grand creme and walking along the Pont Neuf is just too wonderful. Thanks for your help.
Lisa W
Boulder, CO USA Tue 10/25/2005

Sorry but sleeping in cars is a bad idea
First of all, good luck trying to find a place to park and sleep at the same time. You'll spend more money renting a car and wasting time to find a safe place to park.

Also, once you arrive in Venice, you don't need a car. You don't need a car anywhere in Italy. Rome has excellent public transport and in Florence everything is within walking distance.

My advice to you would be to plan well. Find a nice cheap place to stay. Book a youth hostel or at a B&B. Buy a metro pass in Rome and the Vaperreto pass in Venice. And take the advantage of the train system in Italy. They are always on time, fast, convenient and comfortable.

But remember to plan ahead. Buy Rick Steves book then you'll save even more time with the planning.

You don't need to rent a car to travel economically in Italy.

Best of luck from Canada.
Simon
Canada Tue 10/25/2005

Pompeii
We have been to Pompeii, Ostia Antica, and Herculaneum. We visited Pompeii and Ostia Antica as day trips from Rome, and visited Herculaneum while staying on the Amalfi Coast.

The day trip to Pompeii did make for a long day but it was not overly exhausting. Hire a guide if you go, I suggest Gaetano Manfredi. He was our guide and was really good.

Ostia Antica is a wonderful place to visit and you don't really need a guide. We packed a picnic lunch, we did the same for Pompeii, and had lunch amidst the ruins.

Herculaneum is my favorite. Tiny compared to Ostia Antica and Pompeii, but better preserved and with more existing frescoes and even some carbonized wooden elements.

My ultimate suggestion, just pick one and go. Then see the other sites on your return trips to Italy.
Doberry
MS USA Tue 10/25/2005

Re: Pompeii
Paul makes some excellent points. We also looked into a bus tour from Rome to Pompeii and were looking at a 14 hour day. Instead we went to Ostia Antica. The guidebooks described it as not quite as good as Pompeii, but far easier to reach from Rome. We spent the entire day there and loved it. It's easy to get there via the Rome metro. The optional audioguides are well worth the small extra cost. They do a great job of explaining what you are looking at. Alternatively, there were several people just inside the entrance who offered personalized tours. These people were not associated with Ostia Antica, but were archeology/history academics who offered their services for a fee. We made it back to Rome with plenty of time for a leisurely dinner. Just a suggestion.
Rick <email>
Chicago, IL USA Tue 10/25/2005

Re: Pompeii
A Pompeii day trip is do-able, but makes for a long day. Travel time, Rome to Naples (Direct easy train) is 2 1/2 to 3 hrs, then maybe another 30 to 45 minutes to the Pompeii site on the Cicumvesuvia....so generally speaking, you are looking at about 8 hours of travel time. Throwing in a few hours at Pompeii, and a couple at the museum in Naples (really not complete without both) you are pushing a 14 hour day. Heraculeum (spelling?) is closer to Naples, many consider it better, but Pompeii is the major draw...anyway, total time would not be significantly less either way. If it is important to you, it is probably worth it, as long as you are not sacrificing much in Rome (I hope Rome in your case is not only two days)
Paul <email>
IA USA Tue 10/25/2005

Re: Thanksgiving in Paris
Barbara -- I took the RS tour in Paris last Thanksgiving. The weather varied. We had some nice mild days which were great for walking tours. But there were other very raw days -- pouring down rain and cold, so be prepared!
Sue
Philadelphia, USA Tue 10/25/2005

booking hotels in Paris
We know what hotel we would like to book in Paris. However, they say they only take reservations 4 months in advance---and we'd like to book sooner. Any tips on workarounds?
jackie <email>
Berkeley, ca USA Tue 10/25/2005

Pompeii
I am considering a day trip to Pompeii while I am in Rome. How long would it take to get there, how much it is, etc. Please help!
USA Tue 10/25/2005

Sleeping in a car in Rome
No offense but are you crazy? Rome is notorious for lotharios and men who won't quit. Just don't do it.
USA Tue 10/25/2005

Auschwitz-Birkenau
I am going to be spending a few days in Krakow with my main goal being to see Auschwitz-Birkenau. Should I spend two days to get both camps accomplished or just one. I'm trying to plan my itinerary. Help!
Billie <email>
USA Tue 10/25/2005

Thanksgiving in Paris
I will be in Paris Thanksgiving week. What should I expect weather-wise? Barbara
Barbara <email>
Dallas, TX USA Tue 10/25/2005

Karen in NYC/study in Prague
You might be well served to verify the information you've gotten on this site with the Department of State because conditions and requirements change. It has an extensive site so you will have to be methodical with your search. A second resource that is probably a prefered one is the study abroad office, or equivalent, of your university or the university in liason for the course in Prague. The staff at such a resource usually has contacts with student travel organizations that feature reduced student fare structures, and also for housing that complies with a fair practices code just as with exchange students. Of course, getting travel assistance from them presupposes that you are enrolled in a degree program or other qualifying program at an accredited institution.
HG, ILL USA Tue 10/25/2005

NOT THE LAST TRAIN
The poster below is correct. The best source of information is the clerk at the RR station. Second choice is to read the posted schedule but I have found them difficult to understand.
TULSA, TX USA Mon 10/24/2005

Not the last train
For Bev- way earlier I posted the suggestion to make sure to not use the last train of the evening for this route in either direction- we learned the hard way! Quite a few trains we used were either very delayed or cancelled. I had tried to arrange everything ahead of time and I learned it would've been best to just arrange the local "legs" when we actually got somewhere. It doesn't take long to figure out how to read the posted schedules and there was always someone to ask at the station..
USA Mon 10/24/2005

Pisa to Vernazza
Bev... Trenitalia (www.trenitalia.com) shows the connections from Pisa to Vernazza including the roughly hourly milk run trains from La Spezia to Vernazza. The fare is €1,35. German Rail and Swiss Rail also show most of the trains, without the fare.

Rail Europe does not sell tickets to Vernazza, probably because they only sell tickets with reservations, and there are no reservations on these local trains.
<email>
USA Mon 10/24/2005

Pisa to Vernazza Cinque Terre?
Bev, you are correct take the train from Pisa to La Spezia, then take the local train from La Spezia to Vernazza. The milk run trains from La Spezia to Vernazza run regularly throughout the day. When you get to La Spezia just go inside and look for the informal schedule taped to the wall or ask an attendant there. These trains are not listed in the schedule or on any website.
Lisa
San Jose, CA USA Mon 10/24/2005

Pisa to Vernazza Cinque Terre?
Does anyone have a recommendation for trains to Vernazza from Pisa? I've heard Pisa to La Spezia, then take the local train from La Spezia to Vernazza. Is there an online website?
Bev Adkins
San Ramon, CA USA Mon 10/24/2005

sleep in the car
Hey kim....you shouldnot sleep in the car with any one specialy in rome. When the car gets stolen you will be kidnaped too. think of that because you could be bigtime hurt or worst.
Toby
LA, USA Mon 10/24/2005

Train to Le Mont St Michel
There are additional trains to the ones Tim mentions. Some days have a noon or so departure from Paris. There are also price reductions for certain days and certain times of day. TGV service will require a reservation. This is all listed on the website. You should be aware that the SNCF site may not list a train if the service class you request is not available. This is rare, but happens nonetheless. Do not refer to the schedules for an approximate date. Check only for an exact date and select an early departure time. The site will then include the whole day's schedule for you. Schedules vary from weekend to weekday. The advice to take a bus is suspect at best.
HG
ILL USA Mon 10/24/2005

Need info on Corner House B&B, DINGLE: Have you stayed at Kathleen Farrell's B&B on Dykegate St.?
Has anyone stayed at the Corner House B&B on Dykegate St. in Dingle, run by Kathleen Farrell? Kathleen sounds delightful and I want to hear those stories Rick Steves says she tells. Rick recommends this B&B, but I would like to see some guest comments about it. However I have looked everywhere and can't find it mentioned so far.

I would like to hear about anyone's experience staying there? Also I would like to know if there's street noise from cars and people passing by who have gone pubbing? (I'm a light sleeper at night.)

Okay, I'm spoiled by my shower at home, I am also wondering how's the water pressure in the shower?

Thanks for any info!
Melissa <email>
San Diego, California USA Mon 10/24/2005

Corkscrews and French Security
Though the TSA now allows cork screws on flights originating in the USA, France doees not. Just returned from France and "surrendered" our corkscrew at CDG. So if you take a wine opener with you...be sure it's not your favorite!
Tom
GA USA Mon 10/24/2005

Train to Mont St Michel
There are three or four trains per day from Paris to Pontorson-Mont-St-Michel. The fastest is the TGV leaving Gare Montparnasse at 06:35 with a change at Rennes to a regional train which arrives at Pontorson at 09:56. There is a regional train which leave from Gare St Lazare and requires a change at Caen. Visit www.sncf.com for the timetables and prices. The site is viewable in English.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 10/24/2005

Coloseum
You most certainly CAN wander around inside the Coloseum. Of course, you will pay an entrance fee. The ticket line directly outside the Coloseum tends to be quite long, but there is a lesser-known ticket booth (for tickets to the Coloseum) in the Forum where there is little or no line. You can also wander around the Forum all you want (no entrance fee).
USA Mon 10/24/2005

Sleeping in cars in Italy
Ditto about Rome. You have to be very experinced and "road-wise" to drive around Rome and the surrounding areas. And yes, cars are expensive and accidents are very frequent.

Cars in Europe tend to be smaller, more efficient and standard transmission (stick shift). Try cheaper hotels or hostels, or B&B type rooms if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg, and use the excellent transportation in cities.

We stayed at 3 different hotels in Rome a couple of years ago and liked them all. Here is one of them: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/romva. They have easy access to the metro and also a free shuttle to/from airport and to/from city center - just email beforehand when you'll arrive!
FL USA Mon 10/24/2005

Rebecca
I don't beleive there is very good train service directly to Mt St Michel. If you are in Paris, I would suggest looking into a bus trip. Takes all day, but they stop along the way snacks and lunch. Well worth the trip.
USA Mon 10/24/2005

Mont St. Michel
I'm planning a trip to Mont St. Michel and need suggestions on the quickest, most direct route from CDG or Paris? I will not be driving. Thanks in advance.
Rebecca
CA USA Mon 10/24/2005

Sleping in the car
Sleeping in your car is not a good idea! I love all of those cities but I think sleeping in your car would be very unsafe!Rental cars in Italy are very expensive you would be better off taking the train and renting a hotel room or stay in a hostel.Whatever you do have a great time!
AP
Vista, CA USA Mon 10/24/2005

Re: Visa
For your class in the Czech Republic, if your stay there will be less than 90 days, you should need no visa, more than 90, you will. As for Germany, since it is a Schengen country, and Czech is not, once you go there, you will again have 90 days. If your teaching is an informal arrangement, meaning primarily cash and not a "scheduled" job, just working with students say; and within the 90 days, you could go without a visa. Anything over 90 days in either place, or formal work arrangements, will require a visa. Please spend some time at both the Czech and German Embassy Websites.
Paul <email>
IA USA Mon 10/24/2005

Sleep in car in Italy - is this for real?
You don't need a car in Rome or Venice. There's no place to park the parking garages charge enough money that you are better off in a hotel room. If you can't afford a hotel don't travel.
USA Mon 10/24/2005

Lodgings in Alsace
We stayed at Hotel Winzenberg in the tiny wine-route village of Blienschwiller last summer. The hotel has just 13 rooms and provides a substantial buffet breakfast. It's very pretty, and the proprietors are very kind and helpful. Our "superior" double cost 48 euros and had a balcony overlooking the flower-bedecked patio. We visited several other of the towns in the area, and each one was beautiful and picturesque.
EK
CA USA Sun 10/23/2005

I am traveling with a 16 year old. We are curious about the comfort of cars. We often travel in the US and will sleep in the car would cars in Rome Venice and florence be as comfortable as US cars?
Kim <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sun 10/23/2005

Visas
Hello- others will correct me if necessary, but you want to be taking care of this right now! To help I have pasted the URL of the German Embassy: http://www.germany-info.org/relaunch/info/consular_services/visa/study.html Since you have to send your actual passport and sometimes actual letters of acceptance, (they will make a visa page in the real passport) leave ample time before your departure. My daughter needed her passport for a trip, but her letter of acceptance to the European school came so late (two weeks before she was going) we had to use an immigration service. They were excellent, and it only took three days to get the passport back with the visa, but it was EXPENSIVE!!! You should be fine with several months to get it all together. What an amazing opportunity- best wishes!
Karen
USA Sun 10/23/2005

Dreamer in Maryland
I doubt that you can actually go into the Colisium...you certainly can walk around the outside all you want. There are specific ways to get into the site, and there are huge gates to keep you out. There is a fee. count on that. Go - have fun!
USA Sun 10/23/2005

Venice transportation
How do you get from Venice to the port where the cruise ships are?
Irwin Maloff <email>
Lincoln, CA USA Sun 10/23/2005

Passports for Europe - Help
Karen, I assume you know that you must get a Czech student visa BEFORE you leave the US.

If you have a US passport you should have no trouble travelling from Prague to Germany because you don't need a visa to enter Germany.

However, if you plan to WORK as a teacher while in Germany, you should carefully study the German Embassy website to see what you need to do. I suggest you find out, before you leave, what you have to do to get a German work permit.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sun 10/23/2005

Passports for Europe - Help!
I plan on taking a course in Prague, but I want to teach english in Germany early in 2006. I wanted to know if my passport will allow me to travel from Prague to Germany without any problems. I also wanted to know if I should get a visa while I'm here in the US for residence in Germany even though my trip will be first to Prague.

I'm sorry if I sound a little silly, but I have never travelled outside of the US before.

Thanks in advance!
Karen fM. Fletcher <email>
New York City, NY USA Sun 10/23/2005

Gordon in OLM - Flights to Europe
As others have already noted, best options for flights to Europe from the US east coast will probably be the NY area. But I'm not sure your plan to use FF miles to fly west coast to NY, then pay for a ticket to Europe would be the most efficient use of your money & miles. A ticket from NY to Europe in Aug./Sept. probably won't be very cheap even from NY (high season). Yes, it will be less expensive than one from Seattle, but you'll be spending miles, too. If you've got enough miles, I'd try and just use them for the flight the whole way. On most airline programs it doesn't take *that* many more miles for a trip to europe versus a domestic ticket. Assuming you have the miles, the rub is usually the very limited number of seats that are available for the basic rate in the FF programs. That's the problem - for a couple of seats from the US to Europe, in high season, you need to be one of the very first people to look for those tickets. The trick is to watch the airline's website and jump on the FF seats IMMEDIATELY when they're released. The airlines don't make that easy, since it's hard to know exactly when the seats will become available, but it can be done (I just did it a few weeks ago: my wife and I grabbed 2 seats from Seattle to Amsterdam, then returning back from Frankfurt to Seattle, for 3 weeks of travel late Aug/early Sept 2006 - we got the seats within a few hours of when they were released). On popular routes like this, you have to be ready to jump on the tickets about 11 months in advance (that's roughly when the airlines release them, but it's not a precise measurement - things vary and you have to be watching carefully). For next aug/sept 2006, to use FF miles to get free tickets you should have booked by sometime mid-sept through early oct. 2005. Seat's *might* still be available, but will be more limited now. In many ways it's a game you are forced to play, but if you're persistent you can succeed. Most of the international vacation travel flights I've done over the past 5 years have been on free tickets obtained this way (Italy, Mexico, Thailand, this time it'll be Benelux/Germany). Good luck!
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 10/23/2005

Re: Travel in March
Hi, Gina. To get an idea of the weather in Tuscany and Rome this past March you can check out my photos at http://picturetrail,com/bepineurope Of course, this coming March it may be completely different. Who knows. (PS-I'm in Arezzo right now and it's been pretty rainy the past few days. Ciao.
Bob C. <email>
N. Little Rock, AR USA Sun 10/23/2005

Marseille-I want to go now
Harvey can make any place sound great. I would guess he had some good food there too.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 10/22/2005

Marseille, Milan, etc
Marseille is a magnificent city. It is "gritty" but not in the sense of dirty. The people are culturally advanced, earthy, ignorant, cosmopolitan, sophisticated, devious, joyous and very warm-hearted. You will find that for which your look. The city is magnificent, ancient and reborn again and again. It is not for the superficial tourist except perhaps for the gold statue, and the wonderful street that sailors of the USN like to call "the can of beer." It is for the person whose mind and heart is open to people of heartland Asia; North, West, East Africa; Indonesia and other Rim nations; and of Balkan Europe, Spain, and of course, France herself. In Marseille, you can hear the languages of nearly every part of the world, sample the food from those many areas. Marseille has been and continues to be a prime cultural and trade and intellectual (accent on intellectual) crossroad of the world. I just don't see how anyone can pooh-pooh the city, especially someone who has never been there. The place makes my senses vibrate.
Harvey
ILL USA Sat 10/22/2005

france/luxembourg
Anyone have any suggestions for a B&B in the area of Alsace or Luxembourg (western area?). I know we would like to spend about three days in the area and will have a car. We will be traveling with 7 year-old twins. Thanks.
Lisa
Chicago, IL USA Sat 10/22/2005

Pete Hall & wife from Scotland
Looking for Pete Hall from Scotland was spent time at the Alpenland Sports Hotel in St. Johann, Austria early October. Trying to re-establish communications via internet e-mail.
Bill <email>
Salem, Oregon USA Sat 10/22/2005

south of france, thanks plus...
thanks for all the suggestions regarding Marseille, Milan and Genova....it has me thinking and I have done some research and I think everyone is right about Marseille. Milan I am unsure of and not sure if I will really have the time to do it but I am really thinking about Genova.

Anywhere else in the area that people can suggest....
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Sat 10/22/2005

flights to europe
i agree newark is very manageable but airlingus an irish airline flies from boston to dublin very inexpensive from there the opurtunities are endles example right now they have a special from boston for less than $400.00 they run specials all the time good luck
USA Sat 10/22/2005

Flights to Europe
New York City (Newark & JFK) has the most flights to Europe, and the highest number of arilines serving Europe. Since NYC has more comptetition, that is where you will find the best deals. I personally prefer Newark airport, it is smaller and more managable.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Sat 10/22/2005

Flights to Europe
From what east coast cities is one likely to get the best RT airfares to Europe in August-September? My wife and I will be traveling to Europe and are thinking of using our frequent flyer miles to get us to the east coast and back to Seattle.Then taking whatever flights seem to be the most economical from the east coast to Europe. Anyone have suggestions or comments on this idea?
Gordon <email>
Olympia, WA USA Sat 10/22/2005

Moulin Rouge
The observeration that the food served with the shows at the Moulin Rouge is crud is right. The speciality of the house is well presented females not food, but there is a Michelin starred restaurant on premises, the" Laurent Tarridec".************For the other poster, the street you have in mind may be rue Lepic.
deCoucy, E
USA Fri 10/21/2005

winter travel in french countryside
I would love some suggestions. I am planning a trip for my family(daughters ages 19,20,23) we will meet one daughter who has been in Asia for 6 months --in Paris. Great so far we've found an apt. and lots to do for6 days. But I need help planning 3-4 days,Dec30-Jan3. Provence? weather?, villages "closed down". in Jan? What about Mont St. Michel area?
Bobbie
Harrisburg, PA USA Fri 10/21/2005

Rome-Coliseum-Forum
I plan to visit Rome in March. A gentleman told me he stayed in a B&B or small hotel very near the Coliseum,Forum, and he would wander over very early in the morning with a cup of coffee for a look around. Now, I don't want to doubt his tale, but is this a feasable goal to aim for? I dream of the wandering around part, and wouldn't mind paying an entrance fee. I don't even insist on solitude. But, I don't want to set myself up for disappointment if this is not to be. Oh, and by the way, any suggestions on lodging if these 2 places are my #1 indulgence?
Dreamer
Maryland USA Fri 10/21/2005

Regarding the Moulin Rouge
When I was in Paris with Contiki a group of us went to a show which was very similar to the Moulin Rouge yet about half the price. It was down the street that is almost virtually accross the road from the MR, sorry I've forgotten the street name. For me the MR screams tourist trap.
Emily
Wollongong, NSW Australia Fri 10/21/2005

Birr B & B
Tim---thanks for your help. Maltings Guesthouse looks and sounds like it might be the place, although I don't remember the river. On the other hand, the arched doorway in the interior view looks just right. And I can't find anything else on the Net that comes even close. At 70 euros, it is a bit more expensive than I remember, but then isn't everything now, thanks to the Celtic Tiger.

Another note for those interested in stopping in Birr---it is just down the road from Tullamore, home of Tullamore Dew. Worth a stop if you like the stuff, but not overnight---the town is not nearly as charming as Birr.
Lura
Seattle, USA Fri 10/21/2005

Moulin Rouge
While in Paris last month, we went to the Moulin Rouge for dinner and a show. The show was fantastic, but dinner left much to be desired. The food was average and the service was horrible. If you are going to do dinner, make sure to order everything you are going to want throughout the evening (including water) while you are ordering your dinner. The staff are almost impossible to flag down after they have taken your order. If I had it to do again, I'd go to the later show which doesn't serve dinner. But regardless, the show was definitely worth it!
Janell <email>
Portland, OR USA Fri 10/21/2005

B&B in Birr, Ireland
For Lura in Seattle (and David in Houston): As described in the Lonely Planet Ireland guidebook, the Maltings Guesthouse in Birr sounds like the name of the place you're trying to remember. Am I right?
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 10/21/2005

For David in Houston
Ireland can be lovely in March; it can also be a bit rainy. But that is true of any time you visit there! We were lucky with beautiful blue-sky days when we visited for St. Patrick's Day some years ago. For a 7 to 9-day visit, a compact trip on the Dublin-Dingle axis would be just right---lots of time for exploring during the day, and for sampling a pint and enjoying the conversation in the pubs in the evenings. You will need to rent a car.

If you like history, be sure to see Newgrange, just north of Dublin; it is a "passage-tomb" built around 3200 B.C., and recently rebuilt so one can see how it looked originally. Unlike many ancient sites, one can even go inside. Also, on your way across to Dingle, try a stop in the town of Birr (County Offlay). Visit Birr Castle to see the 72-inch telescope built in the 1840's---the largest in the world then and for many years onward. The castle itself is not open, but the grounds are lovely, and house the telescope and a visitor center. You may even get lucky and meet the Earl (Brendan, Earl of Rosse) on your tour of the grounds, as we did. The B & B just across the street from the main entrance to the grounds makes a nice base. Unfortunately I can't remember the name, but it was converted from an old mill and shouldn't be hard to recognize. The breakfast, with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon instead of black pudding, was the best we found in all Ireland.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Fri 10/21/2005

Monaco
Monaco is not just "rich people's apartments and casinos"! We spent the day there and walked all over the city. It's on a hill, so the walk was a challenge, but the architecture is interesting, the parks are gorgeous with all their flowers and shrubs, and the views spectacular.

Yes, we went to the casino, won 100 euros in the first 15 minutes after spending only $5, had overpriced drinks nearby while people-watching (the perfect place for it), lunch later at a tiny café (good prices and food) way up the hill, went to a small museum near the center, talked to some locals who were working-class about the stress and strife, etc, etc. The weather was great! We were spending 3 days in Nice and Monaco was just a side trip - took the bus there since there was a train strike. Go for a day-trip to Monaco if you ever have the chance - it's worth at least that much time.
FL USA Fri 10/21/2005

Milan
Agree with all. If you have an extra day I'd suggest taking the train to Lake Como and tour the lake and villages by water taxi. You can get on and off. Have lunch in Belligio. Beautiful and very easy to do.
Bill
USA Fri 10/21/2005

What I liked and didn't like about Milan
Liked: the Duomo, the piazza in front of the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel with all the designer shops (you're not in Minnesota any more!), the African merchants of imitation designer items (perhaps not legal anymore), watching the fashionably dressed ladies & seeing the highly groomed dogs. Didn't like: most of the time it seemed like any other big city. Conclusion: Glad I went, probably won't return.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 10/21/2005

International Driver's License
In his books Rick mentions the International Driver's License (IDL), but is noncommital about whether it is really necessary. For each of our last three driving trips in non-English-speaking countries I have grudgingly gone ahead and obtained one, even though it sometimes feels like a waste of time and money ($16 at AAA). I felt it might come in handy someday, a relatively inexpensive kind of insurance. On our trip this fall I got my money's worth! Within about a mile of turning in our rental car at the Atocha railroad station in Madrid, Spain, I was slightly bumped in a roundabout by another car. Fortunately, there was police officer right at the location at the time it happened. Unfortunately, neither that officer, nor the next 4-5 police who showed up at the scene spoke any English, and neither my wife nor I speaks much Spanish. The police woman writing up the accident report struggled to make sense of my Michigan driver's license, and I gave her my international driver's license, and with it she was able to fill out the necessary reports. Even if it were not required, everything was a lot easier after that. On future trips to countries with foreign languages I guess I'll continue to waste my time and money on the IDL.
Ron <email>
DeWitt, MI USA Fri 10/21/2005

Milan
I also agree with the suggestion on Milan. I spent 2 days and felt I had seen enough. Duomo, Last Supper and the Castello Sforza (spelling?) were my highlights (especially since the Castello was free museums included!)
Candace
USA Fri 10/21/2005

Milan
I would have to agree with Frank P.'s recommendation for Milan. There's not anywhere near as much to see as Rome or Florence, but it is worth a day or two. The Duomo and the Last Supper are outstanding. And the people were very friendly.
Rick <email>
Chicago, IL USA Fri 10/21/2005

Milan
The thing about travel is that everyone has their opinion. I certainly would NOT consider Milan to be gritty. I thought it was a wonderful city -- many great sites. But I agree that Marsille and Monaco is not worth visiting. And Genoa is worth a day.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO USA Thu 10/20/2005

Suggestions for Bluedenim
Everyone has different tastes; but unless you really like gritty cities, you should delete Marseille and Milan from your itinerary. I haven't been there, but I've heard that Monaco is nothing but rich people's apartments and casinos. What's wonderful in Provence is the villages and countryside. Base yourself in one or two places and explore the wonderful food, wine, ancient sites, art museums, etc. Genoa is an underrated and interesting city; and it is easily accessed from Provence.
RH
Berkeley, CA USA Thu 10/20/2005

Cadiz
We loved Cadiz, especially for its beaches and its people. We met members of an astronomy club during an evening stroll and they invited us to view Jupiter and her moons thru their scopes. It is a noisy city but what views and what swimming!
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport , MA USA Thu 10/20/2005

Carnvial in Cadiz
My wife and I will be taking a trip to Spain in Feb/Mar and we are interested in the carnial in Cadiz but Rick's book refers to Cadiz as a "just passing through". My question is, has anyone been to the carnival, and was it worth a stop or would you too pass on through?
Charles
Seattle, wa USA Thu 10/20/2005

Ireland in March
We visited Ireland for a long weekend in February '04. If you like history, Derry & Belfast are very interesting. Rick has some information on those destinations on his "Best Destinations" link. Watch the '02 film "Bloody Sunday" before you go.
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 10/20/2005

Car rental insurance--decrease in value?
I am just settling a claim from damage to a rental car. My VISA card insurance paid everything promptly--I even had the phone extension of a real person to talk to :) However, in the itemized bill, Sixt is asking for 500E for "decrease in value." Visa will not pay that. My claims representative said that sometimes that fee is waived. Has anybody heard of such a thing? There was no damage outside of a scrape--no damage to the engine or axle. Of course, I do not plan to pay it--unless I am legally required to.
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 10/20/2005

Car rental insurance abroad?
Whether to buy car rental insurance or to accept the Collision Damage Waiver is still a confusing issue for me. I've done a little research and discovered a few things. 1. If you do purchase insurance from the rental car company, you cannot also rely on any coverage otherwise provided by your credit card company. I found this out when a window in my rental car shattered in France. I had purchased insurance and had a 250 Euro deductible. However, the car window only cost 160 Euros to repair, so I had to pay it myself. Even though I have not received any reimbursement, my credit card company would not pay for the repair either. This was because they were not the "primary" insurance provider - the car rental company was. 2. I also found out that it is best to check with your credit card company before you go. Although I had verified that I had coverage for rental cars in the past (and so, never bought insurance in the United States), the company's policy changed on 9/01/05, which was only a week before my trip to Europe. Lesson: if you plan to rely on your credit card, be sure and reconfirm your benefits before you go.

In this case, neither option would have done me any good for my repair expense in September, 05. For the future, I plan to obtain a credit card with the provider coverage for rental cars. Then I will refuse the CDW when I rent cars in Europe. However, I understand that some countries, such as Italy, do not allow this. So, good luck and research your options carefully before you go.
Karen Bush <email>
Auburn, WA USA Thu 10/20/2005

Ireland in March
Wife and I have 1 week spring break mid-March. Wanted to see Ireland, maybe Dublin then Dingle? Looking for good itinerary ideas. Ricks trips don't start this early and I travel when I can. Could wait till June if absolutely necessary. Interested in a little history, music and pubs, countryside. All help appreciated.
david <email>
houston, tx USA Thu 10/20/2005

HEATHROW TO LONDON
FOR CAROL: Suggest you visit www.baa.com Click on Heathrow and then To and From Our Airport
UK Thu 10/20/2005

re:Bluedenim - France/Italy
Bluedenim, It's definitely doable for you to experience each of those areas. If you TGV from Paris to Avignon you could spend some time in Provence (Nimes, Arles, etc.) before heading to the Riviera for a few days (I recommend Antibes for its low-key atmosphere and easy access to Nice's museums). Then you can pop down to the CT and fly out of Genoa or Milan. Sample itinerary: Paris (4 days), Provence (4 days), Riviera (3 days), CT (3 days). Still gives wiggle room for travel days, etc. You might want a car for Provence, but everything else is easy by train. We did this trip with just slightly more time (3 wks total) a year ago June, so email me if you want any other details, suggestions.
Kristin <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Thu 10/20/2005

ITALY IN NOVEMBER
Spent Thanksgiving week in Florence a few years back. They were having terribile weather further nor (around Milan), but the weather in Florence was pretty good with only one day of a light rain. A couple of trips out of town further south were sunshiny and very nice.
Devra <email>
Lake Forest, CA USA Thu 10/20/2005

Carol, RE: Heathrow to London
Carol -- the Heathrow Express is a good bet by train. It takes roughly 15 minutes or so, and drops you right at Paddington station. Alternatively, there is a somewhat cheaper train that makes several stops on the way, and takes about 30 minutes. From Paddington, cabs can get you the rest of the way to your hotel if you dont want to take your bags on the Tube. Fares for the Express are 25GBP return (from the Heathrow Express website). http://www.heathrowexpress.com/ Hope this helps, and have a great trip!
Tom
St. Louis, MO USA Thu 10/20/2005

south of france, cinque terre, Milan, paris????
Planning my next trip for June and I think we want a mix of culture, history, nightlife and also sun and beach.

So I am thinking about Paris and then the south of France.

My question is where should we go in the south of France. I am thinking Nice, Marsaiile, Monoco, perhaps Nimes and maybe Milan.

What about Cinque Terre? Is this doable. I will have a total of about 2 to maybe 2.5 weeks.
bluedenim
Vancouver, canada Thu 10/20/2005

ITALY IN NOVEMBER
Marie: Italy is really two areas. The south is warm and sunny in November with a little light rain some days. As you go farther north and gain altitude, the weather gets cooler. Not cold until you get high in the Alps.

I have been in Italy twice in November and never had TERRIBLE weather. Much will depend on chance because the weather in Italy changes just as it does here.

You are reading one person’s opinion which is affected by his expectations. If you go expecting good travel weather you will be happy. Take sweaters and ponchos and remember to layer clothing when it gets cold and you will have no problems.
ANNABELLE Q
IDAHO USA Thu 10/20/2005

Crowds are in North
Karen- Tell your husband that the crowds are in NORTHERN Italy. There are far fewer people in the South at any time. Visit Puglia and Calabria.
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport , MA USA Thu 10/20/2005

GETTING AROUND IN PORTUGAL
I will be travelling solo in Portugal. My trip will begin in Santiago de Compostela and I would like to head south through Portugal and then go to Spain and Morocco. There are many cities to visit in Portugal all many of them seem quite close to each other. Which mode of transport would you recommend and which cities should I consider as BASES? Thanks
Claudia <email>
Peru Wed 10/19/2005

Gena--My vote is....Rome & south of Rome
Gena--I would vote for Rome and south of Rome. My reason is that I would love to go to southern Italy, but my husband would never agree to it in the summer with the heat and crowds. I was in northern Italy this past summer--it was great, but not really Italy.....at least not the Italy where people talk with their hands, ride Vespas & dark, handsome men blow kisses at young women. There's so much to see and do in southern Italy. For now, I have to settle for having "Star Maker"--a film taking place in Sicily--in my Netflix queue.
Karen <email>
MN USA Wed 10/19/2005

Salzburg Crucifix
We just got back from a wonderful trip to Europe (France, Italy, Austria and Germany). We took a few of Rick's walking tours and were wondering if anyone has a picture of the crucifix behind "door #8" in Salzburg?
Tracy <email>
Sarasota, FL USA Wed 10/19/2005

Gena - Italy in march
Gena, Sicily is like a country in itself. It's a flight over, or a 10 hour train ride from Rome. I'd recommend the Amalfi coast if you have a week. There is a lot to see in the region...just avoid Naples - unless you want to see museums. Sorrento is quant, but touristy (maybe not in March) you can visit Pompei and Herculanium, Vesuvio and then down the coast to Capri, Amalfi and Ravello...lots within hours of each other. Sicily is great, but things are further apart, you would need a car, and you'd have to decide which end of the island you'd rather see....! This is ONE readers opinion..I'm sure others will chime in and help you make up your mind!
USA Wed 10/19/2005

Travel in March
My husband and I are first time travelers to Europe. We have the first two weeks off in March and were thinking of spending one week in Rome and one in a rented apartment or villa in Tuscany. I have not seen much on weather/travel conditions in March. Would we be miserably cold/wet? Should we go further south to Amalfi coast or Sicily for our second week?
Gena <email>
Oklahoma City, OK USA Wed 10/19/2005

Another vote for Copenhagen
Cindy---Copenhagen is lovely anytime, but in December it will be all lit up for Christmas. I was there once in late November, and the lights and decorations were already up. It's a very pleasant city for strolling, with a long pedestrian zone, and good museums, castles, and other sights (particularly the Resistance Museum). The food there is wonderful, and the people are warm and friendly. Overall, expensive--- but worth it. (And probably not as expensive as London---we were just there in August, and everything cost considerably more than our expectations from two previous trips).
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Wed 10/19/2005

East vs West
Surely, the cost of airline tickets depends mostly on demand, rather than costs. In November, Americans want to fly home across the Atlantic for Thanksgiving, so fares rise east to west. The fares west to east may drop, as demand may be less. There are many different influences on why people in one part of the world want to fly in one direction rather than the reverse, and prices reflect that. Over here, the cost of getting to the Mediterranean in mid September is less than the cost of getting back. British Airways now follows the low cost airlines in pricing each leg of a return trip separately.
Bob
Bristol, UK Wed 10/19/2005

Italy in November?
We are planning for a 3-week honeymoon in November of next year and would like to go to Italy. It seems I've picked up several books that say, Italy is lovely all year round...except never go in November, as the weather is really terrible. Does anyone have experience with this?
Marie <email>
Bellingham, WA USA Tue 10/18/2005

East vs. West
FWIW:

Concerning the great "This way / That way" debate:

Using ITA-Software (http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/prego) :

One way flights going east (to Europe) are much less expensive than going west (from Europe)

For example:

One adult passenger flying one way on April 1st, 2006 from Seattle to Paris (SEA/CDG) (American Airlines, Two stops) would be $443. The same flight going from Paris to Seattle (CDG/SEA) would be $742.

SEA to Rome (FCO) on April 1st (one way, one passenger, two stops, AA) = $468, FCO/SEA = (not on American Airline) $751

What? You don't like Seattle? OK, how about New York?

JFK/CDG = (April 1st, two stops, American Airline) $337. CDG/JFK = $543

JFK/FCO (not American Airline, two stops, yada, yada, yada) = $361. FCO/JFK = $464
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 10/18/2005

Airline charges/beating the question to death.
It's quite common for airlines to charge different prices for the reverse of a given flight. I believe it is so common as to be considered a normal practice. Local taxes, local fuel prices, airport fees, and passenger traffic contribute to these disparities. It's not a difficult point to understand.
Chris
USA Tue 10/18/2005

Dingle and Beara Peninsulas
Hello, The next time I go to Ireland, I want to make Dingle my home base and take day trips out from there. Do you think it's feasible to start from Dingle, do the Beara Peninsula, and return to Dingle in the same day or will I need to stay overnight along the Ring of Beara?
Lanny Fields <email>
Richmond, VA USA Tue 10/18/2005

Had a Great Trip
Just retired and am completing a 9 week trip in Europe. Perth (Scotland) Edinburgh, Paris, Geneva, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Pisa, Manarolo (Cinque Terre), Lucerne, Salzburg, Prague, Vienna, Venice, (then a non-Rick-recommended luxury Cruise through the Adriatic and Aegean back to Venice)and London. Thanks for all the questions answered on this site ahead of time and the guidance of Europe Through the Back Door. All our hotels were at least adequate and some outstanding, about half from Rick's guide books. Train travel most of the way and the pass recommended by Rick's staff worked out exactly right.

Highlights? Too many to mention, but a concert in the Hofburg, Vienna was fantastic. A dinner cruise on the Siene was also memorable.

What a way to start the next phase of our lives! Look forward to another trip, though not sure when we can afford one quite as extensive as this one!

Thanks to everyone for their help, whether consciously given or not.
Iain <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada Tue 10/18/2005

Expedia prices
Norm, actually the difference in prices is pretty simple to explain. The SAS fare from Amsterdam to Copenhagen, including the $5 Expedia booking fee, is $73. For some reason SAS charges more from Copenhagen to Amsterdam than they do for the other direction.
USA Tue 10/18/2005

RE: Air travel
Myra, first, I hope you were asking about travel between Copenhagen and Amsterdam, not whether you can fly RyanAir from/to the U.S.

You should consider as an alternative the night train, NZ 40483, which leaves Copenhagen at 7 PM headed for Cologne and points beyond. Get off at 6 AM in Duisburg. From there you can have a leisurely breakfast, catch the 9 AM ICE, and arrive in Amsterdam at 10:30.

Considering you will save the cost of a hotel room on one end, your total cost will be much less than flying. Currently the fare for this trip would be 88 EUR per person. For this you also avoid the hassles of transportation to and from airports, pre-board time, and, probably, luggage check . The fare includes 69 EUR SparNight fare for the night train and 19 EUR Europa-Spezial fare for the ICE. Both of these fares can be booked online from nachtzugreise.de and bahn.de.

If you are willing to call NachtZugReise at 049 1805 14 15 14 (someone will speak English), you can book both the night train and a connection in Duisburg to City Night Line’s CNL 318 (gets into Amsterdam at 9:41), all for 78,50 EUR.

I would have posted this earlier, but while I was confirming the fares and connections, I noticed that the train is not shown after the first weekend in November. I called NachtZugReise and found that the train doesn’t run for a few months in the winter, but will be running in August.
<email>
USA Tue 10/18/2005

Mimmel---Perhaps what you propose will work adequately but, from some points of view, the ground you want to cover is sacred. Omaha Beach ( to mention but one example) is worthy of thoughtful lingering. Respectful contemplation of what was done here (and why) is well worth the time. Spending some time in the German cemetaries can be instructive. But if time is really compressed, perhaps the museum at Caen, unhurriedly examined, would be a suitable goal. Best wishes.
k-b
Seattle, USA Tue 10/18/2005

airfares, Norm
I also can't find a $73 airfare on Expedia for SAS. However, since we are looking at the price on Transavia's website, we should look at the price on SAS's website, which is $81. And also in fairess, Transavia charges a 5 EUR fee for using a credit card, which you have to do to get the web fare. That makes their fare 62,47 EUR or about $77.

Transavia certainly has a competitive price, but it's not much less than SAS, and the actual cost is over three times what they advertise.
USA Tue 10/18/2005

Airfares
Michael....I'm still getting $85 for that flight on Expedia.com, even for the date you suggest.SAS flights 2551, 1549, 553 and 549. $49 for the ticket, $31.70 taxes and fees, and the $5 booking fee. How come we're getting different results?
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 10/18/2005

thanks to everyone and suggestions for next trip
We had an amazing trip, went to London, Paris, Loire Valley, Amsterdam, Bath, Blackpool, Manchester...it was amazing. My first trip and I am still digesting how it all affected me....it was unlike anywhere I have ever been. Thanks to EVERYONE here who helped me plan it through the board and through email.

Well I am already planning our next trip. Not sure when but might as well start researching now right.... So what do people think of this London 2 nights Stiges 3 nights Barcelona 3 nights Nimes 2 nights Nice 4 nights London 2 nights
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc Canada Tue 10/18/2005

RE: Vienna? Copenhagen? Brussels?
Copenhagen is my personal favorite, since there are all kinds of activities and events, museums put on special displays, but the weather is not so overwhelmingly cold, and public transportation is great! Copenhagen is beautiful in winter snows, has nice hostels, one just opened in a renovated tower hotel near Tivoli. If you go, definitely buy a "Copenhagen Card" which gives you unlimited entrances into museums, as well as Tivoli, and all public transportation in and around the city and most of Zeeland, the island where Copenhagen is located, plus discounts on other stuff. We have used it several times and have never been disappointed!

Web: http://online.citybreak.com/Search/Other/SearchOther.aspx?pdid=4525&onlineid=1459618727
Phoebe
FL USA Tue 10/18/2005

Searching for reasonably-priced apartment in Venice
A friend and I plan on visiting Venice for the month of December, so we'd like to rent or sublet a small apartment for less than $1000 US. (We did this last year in Paris, so we know it's possible.) Does anyone have any contacts? The agencies I've contacted in the past have been overpriced, and while I've found some independent renters on the internet, I'd rather get a personal recommendation.

Thanks! romanhans@yahoo.com
Roman Hans <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Tue 10/18/2005

TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL SPAN AND MOROCCO
I am Planning a trip to Portugal, Spain and Morocco from North to South starting on Oct. 28 - Nov 26. I would appreciate any tips on Bed and Breakfasts or MUST SEE SITES. I plan on arriving to Santiago de Compostela and head south, cross over to Morrocco, back to Spain up the cost thru Valencia. Thanks Claudia
Claudia <email>
Lima, PERU Tue 10/18/2005

December trip
Cindy, they are right on about London. My wife and I have been 3 times. The last trip to England she wanted to spend a week of it in London. After 3 times we still haven't seen it all.
Terry
OK USA Tue 10/18/2005

December
Cindy, Give London a try, it is a city that can be enjoyed any time of the year. You could spend an enitre day at Harrods doing holiday shopping or just eating :)
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Tue 10/18/2005

Normandy and Chateaux Quick Tour
Mimmel~~~~~~The previous poster gave you two good pieces of advice (1) the itinery (2) you should wear winged sandals. The trip you propose is a leisurely 2 weeks or a no-time-for- sleeping-late one week tour. Using your schedule and itinery, it would be much like watching one of the Rick Steves travel tapes on fast forward. Although Usse is a photo-op only type of place, you won't have time for the major castles if the chateaux country schedule is as tight as Normandy Beaches. In your favor though, there are 4 or 5 late afternoon and evening trains from Paris to Bayeux (may as well skip Caen and the wonderful Le Memorial there because of time). Now, if you can expand your alloted time, there are great possibilities including places to stay.
Chris
Chicago, USA Mon 10/17/2005

Vienna? Copenhagen? Brussels?
So confused!! I am not sure where we should go in Dec!! With 4 days and flying from Edinburgh, where is a good winter time place that will have stuff to do?? We have been to Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Dublin and Geneva. Any ideas????
Cindy
San Diego, CA USA Mon 10/17/2005

RAINS in Munich
Terry in OK. The time I spent in Austria and Munich was mostly overcast and wet but you make the most of it any carry on. I would focus on the events, places, and views you want to see, eat the cuisine and enjoy the beer because it is gooo--ooo-ooood. Fussen has the Disney castle but right across the road is another castle just as nice as the other and both offer photo ops. I would suggest getting shots from above if you can find a trail that will give you a vantage point. Ask the tour guide or one of the castle staff. e-mail me when you return. You'll have a great time. Excellent steins are available at the Disney castle and the Hofbrau House in Munich. Forget the rain, it is just a shower without the soap. Pretend it's another romantic getaway and go walk in the rain. Great trip.
Bill <email>
Salem, Oregon USA Mon 10/17/2005

Airfares
The Copenhagen-Amsterdam airfare is still $73.41 at expedia. Enter a date of 9/6/06 and you will see it.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Mon 10/17/2005

Lost Photos
Bill we are leaving for Munich, and Fussen this Wed. If I get some good Pics I will post it, and if you want I would be glad to send you some. Also, did you run into much rain? It looks like we can expect some.
Terry
OK USA Mon 10/17/2005

Air travel
Norm, come on, compare apples to apples. The previous poster gave an all inclusive Expedia fare of $73.41 on SAS. The €19,99 Transavia "fare" is irrelevant. Unless you know how to sneak onto the airplane without paying the taxes and fees, there is an additional €37,48 on top of the €19,99 - you should have said €57,47. That is about $70; not much different from SAS.

BTW, SAS allows a carry-on weight of 17.6 lb; Transavia only 11 lb. I know I could carry everything on an SAS flight but would have to wait for checked luggage on Transavia.
USA Mon 10/17/2005

Lost Photography
LOST PHOTOGRAPHY--- Just returned from Europe. 1st time and had a very enjoyable experience and leaned many lessons that I will use on my next journey across the Atlantic. However, the 'very' sad and depressing conclusion is that I lost all my film canisters and memory sticks. Tacky request, I'm sure, but would anybody have digital photography they can burn a CD and send it to me. I would gladly pay for it. I just would like to have some memories from my visit. I experienced the Oktoberfest, Munich and Fussen for the castles, Venice and the splendor of the canals and St. Mark sq, took the trains towards Switzerland and got a couple hikes in with scenic beauty of the lakes and Alps backdrop, some brief shots of the Parisean ambiance, Brugges, and London. It just makes me sick to think of all the shots I had of the people in their moments doing their daily stuff unaware the were being frozen in time for an American-passer-by, and the scenery. I would appreciate anyone who can help me.
Bill <email>
Salem, Oregon USA Mon 10/17/2005

Vienna?Copenhagen?Brussels?
Cindy....Easyjet flies out of Edinburgh to Amsterdam and Geneva. bmi (British Midland) does relatively inexpensive flights from Edinburgh to Copenhagen (162 GBp RT) and Brussels (118GBp RT). They're at http://flybmi.com. If you want to extend your range, consider taking easyjet from Edinburgh to London Luton, Gatwick, or Stansted, then flying out of there with easyjet or Ryanair. Personally, Brussels isn't worth four or five days, unless there are personal reasons for going there. Why not Paris....or Rome?
<email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 10/17/2005

Vienna?Copenhagen?brussels
Cindy i checked ryanair for those dates you would need to fly out of glasgow but round trip would be 37.00 gbp you may also try airlingus or easyjet
john
kentucky USA Mon 10/17/2005

Vienna?Copenhagen?Brussels?
We will be traveling to St Andrews for our daughter's graduation and will have from Dec 1-5th free. We are interested in Vienna, Copenhagen or Brussels. Can anyone give me advise on where to go and how to get there from Edinburgh?? Thanks
Cindy
San Diego, CA USA Mon 10/17/2005

Ryanair - Brussels
For Kate in the Netherlands: Ryanair uses Charleroi Airport which is 45km south of Brussels, not Zaventem (the main Brussels airport). There is bus service from the Brussels Midi train station to Charleroi. Visit www.ryanair.com, click on destinations to bring up a route map, click on Brussels, and finally click on the link to Charleroi Airport. From there you you can read about the bus schedule.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 10/17/2005

Down-time
Re: Bill from Oregon. You are so right that we all need some "down" time; time that is not dedicated to sightseeing or visiting museums, just time to think and to take in all that's around you. Of course it's easier on a longer trip, but even if you have only a week, mark at least an afternoon as "down" time. It makes travel even more fun and interesting.

• You don't have to nap the whole time - take a book to a park, read and people-watch.

• Check out all the little "Mom & Pop" grocery stores in the area or try a store you would never try at home: Antique or gardening stores for me!

• Visit a pet store or a dog park to get a "fix" if you are missing your pets back home, or check out a vet clinic and pick up a new kind of snack or vitamin.

• Talk to an older person about the city or town you're visiting - get them to tell you what it was like 30 years ago (or more!).

• If time, take a class - cooking in Chiang Mai (Thailand), language class in any city (ask at the public library)...and so on.

• Pick a bus that goes cross-town and just watch the town go by; take the next bus back by a different route.

• Get a haircut or facial or manicure, or get your shoes shined and really chat with the person providing the service.

• Play Frisbee with yourself and someone will join you.

You all get the picture!
Phoebe
FL USA Mon 10/17/2005

Driving to Cornwall
Sara - as long as you are not going all the way to the end of Cornwall (Lands End, Penzance) you should be fine with a week. We did Cornwall & Wales a few years ago and had a great time though we spent a week in Cornwall alone and then 4 nights in Wales. It is a VERY long drive from London to the end, but if you are only going to go as far as Tintagel, you should be fine on the way out. Then it is a long way up to the top of Wales, which is where we wanted to go, but not sure if you wanted North or South. We rented a car - picked it up outside London (one of the airports, but can't remember which) and had a great time driving the countryside. Use the Via Michelin website to get an idea of driving times. If you do decide on the Northern part of Wales, Edward's castles are a must - use this link to see some great pics -www.castlewales.com/edwrdcas.html
Karen
Atlanta, ga USA Mon 10/17/2005

from Brussels
There is direct train service from all three Brussels stations to the terminal at Zaventem airport. There are four trains per hour, they take 20-30 minutes depending on the downtown station, and cost 2,60 EUR. See www.brusselsairport.be/train/
CO USA Mon 10/17/2005

Re: Cornwall and Wales
I agree, a week would give you a nice slice of the areas. Have not been to Wales, but Cornwall was my wife's favorite UK area. I suggest visiting Mevagissey, a simply perfect fishing village and if gardens are your thing there are the lost gardens near Mevagissey, and the Eden Project near St. Austell that are must sees. While public transportation is pretty good, mostly bus except for the one main rail line, a car is better. Maybe consider picking up the car in a central location (Like Bath or Bristol) as opposed to London?
Paul <email>
IA USA Mon 10/17/2005

Cornwall, and Wales
Sarah, yes on both. A week is enough time, and you really need a car to see it. (a small car, don't let the rental agency upgrade you to a big one.) We were there last year, and had a great time.
Terry
OK USA Mon 10/17/2005

Cornwall and Wales
Greetings, travel experts! Is a week enough time to visit Cornwall (Titangel Castle, primarily)and some of Wales? Would it be best to have a rental car? This is with a flight into and out of London. Thank you!
Sara
USA Mon 10/17/2005

Ireland from Brussels
Hi, I will be traveling to Ireland in a couple of weeks via Brussels. I am taking ryan air. Does anyone know how far away the airport in brussels is from any particular train station. ALso, we arrive in Dublin and leave from Shannon, any suggestions?
Kate
Netherlands Mon 10/17/2005

Air Travel
Transavia (http://www.transavia.com/en) also flies Copenhagen-Amsterdam, but their schedules into next September aren't out yet. They have flights as low as 20 Euros, if you book early enough.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 10/16/2005

air Travel
Ryan Air doesn't fly between Amsterdam and Copenahagen. SAS currently has one way fares between those cites for $73.41 according to Expedia.com
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Sun 10/16/2005

Air Travel
Hello: My husband & I are travelling to Copenhagen, Denmark on 8/31/06 and returning from Amsterdam, Netherlands on 9/15/06. Is it possible to fly Ryan Air that way. We are leaving from Seattle, WA.
Myra Clarke <email>
Port Townsend,, WA. USA Sun 10/16/2005

Mimmel & H: Normandy Beaches
You will be on a dead run with that time table, but can be done. I'm sure others will have more input, but..

I'd suggest the train to Caen to pick up a car. Drive to Bayeux to see tapestry then to Arromanches where the Allies built an artificial harbor and some of it is still there. There's also a good and small museum that should take an hour.

Then drive to Saint Mere-Eglise to see where John steele hung from the church. A dummy hangs there as a reminder.

Then to Utah and Omaha beaches. You can walk in the old German bunkers and see Point D'Hoc. Visit the Omaha military cemetary, a must.

Drive on to Mount St. Michel and the rest of the trip.

Rent the movies Longest Day or Band of Brothers before you go and enjoy the experience.
Bill
USA Sun 10/16/2005

quick trip to Normandy & Loire
Will this work? I want to leave Paris (in late April) in the evening & travel to the Normandy beaches area where I'll stay overnight. I can go by train & then pick up a car. I'd like to see the highlights including the beaches, maybe a museum, the tapestry & the town with the soldier hanging from a tree. In the evening I'd like to drive to Mont St Michel & stay there overnight. See the sights in the morning before the tourists & drive to the Loire & see some chateaux starting with Usee. I could return the car & return by train. It doesn't matter if I do the trip in reverse. Would you experienced travelers give me some pointers about this trip & suggestions of where to stay. I'd prefer budget rather than multi * hotels. I like details. Thanks
Mimmel <email>
NH USA Sun 10/16/2005

Re: Ray, Eurail and Ferries
You would need to examine the restrictions of the pass, but off-hand I would say that a eurail pass, especially a country pass like Italy, would not include the Italy/Croatia ferry, mainly because Croatia is not a part of the Eurail system. It might possible cover the Italy/Greece route, but you would probably need a multi-country pass. Look on this site (rick Steves) under the railpasses, it should list ferry routes.
Paul <email>
IA USA Sun 10/16/2005

B& B in Rome
Hi Traveler, I spent almost 3 weeks at Casa per Ferie San Marie. It's in the shadow of the Vatican & on several major bus routes. They have a great breakfast & nice staff. Rick says:Casa per Ferie Santa Maria alle Fornaci dei Padri Trinitari houses pilgrims and secular tourists with simple class just a short walk south of the Vatican in 54 stark, identical, utilitarian, mostly twin-bedded rooms. This is the most user-friendly convent-type place I found (Sb-€65, Db-€85, Tb-€120, groups welcome, air-con, elevator; bus #64 from train station to St. Peter's Station, then walk 100 yards to Piazza S. Maria alle Fornaci 27; tel. 06-393-67632, fax 06-393-66795, www.trinitaridematha.it, cffornaci@tin.it).
Mimmel <email>
NH USA Sun 10/16/2005

Re: Airfares
Just a note, go beyond just the "big-name" sites and the airlines. The last three sets of tickets I bought were from consolidators. I have bought off both www.airgorilla.com and www.airconsolidators.com with no problems. In fact, they were able to get me an itinerary that flew me over on one alliance of airlines, and back on another...something a travel agent said was impossible without paying one-way fares.
Paul <email>
IA USA Sun 10/16/2005

Trains in AMSTERDAM
SHANNON-TRAINS IN BRUSSELS/AMST. I just returned from Europe, spending some time in Brussels and Brugge. I had done all the research for schedules and costs, and received alot of advice from the nice people of the Graffiti Wall. My opinion, after I returned and looked back on it, is to simply have some flexible itinerary for your trip and have fun. You are looking at 6 hours for Brussels now, but you wish to stay over night after you get there, or leave earlier then expected. The previous writer was right, Brussels is doing alot of construction and, outside of the architecture, it is just another big city. Your time would be better spent in Brugges. One tip I learned from my trip is when you get off at any point always stop off at the information window in the terminal (symbolized with a Green box and and "I" in the middle)and see what the schedules are like to your next destination. If you have a Urail pass you won't have to worry about waiting in line and missing the next train. I found the people are very friendly and willing to help, so ask, but always use the information window. You'll save yourself alot of waiting and wondering. Also, I found the efficiency of the train system throughtout Europe was phenominal. Puts the US to shame. Because you may spend much time going from one point to another on the train I would suggest bring a couple good books along, or something to occupy your time, and if multiple countries are involved you may wish to upgrade to a sleeper car and catch up on sleep while getting to your next point. Maximize your enjoyment by being flexible and using time effectively. Enjoy.

Bill-Oregon
Bill <email>
Salem, Orgon USA Sun 10/16/2005

Airfares
If you the flight you are searching for requires a connection in a city like NYC or London ect. then it is quite possible that Expedia or Orbitz can get you a cheaper flight versus the airlines website. Sites like Expedia will check fare combinations with all the various airlines. An airline's website will only do it's own flights and their partner airlines.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Sun 10/16/2005

Airfares
When I check airfares on Orbitz, Expedia, etc. they are almost always cheaper than when I go to the referenced airline's website. What am I missing? Is there a downside to using Orbitz, Expedia, etc.
Gary Mc <email>
Salt Lake City, UT USA Sun 10/16/2005

Normandy D-Day Sites
3 days in Normandy Nov 05. Any suggestions regarding best D-Day sites for a 3 full days in NOrmandy?

Thanks H.
H <email>
US USA Sun 10/16/2005

Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam Train
Part of the problem you're having with the Thalys site is that it will only allow you to book tickets 90 days in advance. So pick your travel dates, then visit the Thalys site 90 days before your return date, and you should be able to book. Flash or Prem fares should be available, the cheapest around, but they are non refundable....you can print these tickets at home. Otherwise, just fill in the mandatory fields (Name, email address) and you'll get a confirmation e-mail that will allow you to pick up your tickets in Paris. If you book through the French national website, (http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm) instead of Thalys, they are now offering ticket insurance that covers against missed connections, strikes, lost tickets, illness, etc., for 2 Euros per ticket. It, too, only offers Thalys bookings 90 days in advance. When you're coming back from Amsterdam, make sure your IC train goes to Brussels Midi/Zuid station, since that's the only place the Thalys stops in Brussels. When we did this run in 2004, we did Paris-Brussels-Bruges-Amsterdam, then Amsterdam-Brussels-Paris on the way back. Outgoing, it was a busy day, but enjoyable....allowed us to do Grand Place and Bruges, but still get into Amsterdam at a half-decent hour.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 10/16/2005

January Travel
Ca' Del Dose (in Rick's Italy book) has January specials in Venice. It's a nice place to stay, convenient. The owners are very nice, friendly, and speak English. Check out their website.
USA Sun 10/16/2005

re: trains, Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam
Shannon -- Norm has good advice below that applies to you as well as the other traveler. You can get your Brussels-Amsterdam ticket in Brussels, and the train leaves every hour, I think. You can buy your ticket when you get to Brussels, and it doesn't matter which hour you take the train to Amsterdam, so you can spend as little or as long in Brussels as you want.

In my unasked-for opinion, since you'll have been in Paris, I would skip Brussels -- to me, it felt like a wannabe Paris without half the ambience (though I did have my best street waffle there). Of course, I was there in the rain with tons of construction going on, it seemed. I'm sure plenty of others will sing the praises of Brussels, but I would just head for Amsterdam!
Kristin
Bellevue, wa USA Sat 10/15/2005

Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam Train
I've been reading through a bunch of travel sites, and I'm still feeling lost about direct train travel. We're going on a RS tour in Paris next year, and afterwards wish to take the train to Brussels, get off and enjoy the city for about 6 hours, then get back on another train and continue to Amsterdam. When I tried to use the Thalys site, it kept giving me strange errors when trying to book in advance. Most of what I've read has recommended that we purchase our tickets in advance; is there something that I'm missing? (Or is their web site just having issues?) Thanks!
Shannon
Bay Area, CA USA Sat 10/15/2005

lock removed from inside luggage
I have had one of those similar locks inside my bag just as you have described, and the TSA has not removed them. I have traveled to Europe about ten times since 2001, about half the time the TSA has done a hand inspection(I know this because they also put a piece of paper in my bag telling me this). I always travel out of Newark ariport and have never had a problem.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Sat 10/15/2005

Train Advice
Amsterdam-Brussels and Brussels-Bruges can be purchased locally. See Belgian national railway site at http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/. Avoid the Thalys, since it requires a reservation and costs more, and is no faster on the Amsterdam-Brussels leg. Trains every half hour from Brussels to Bruges, about an hour trip. If you don't need to go to Brussels, consider going direct Amsterdam-Bruge with a quick change in Antwerp-Berchem station....then Bruges to Brussels. It'll save a few minutes of time. Brussels-Paris requires you use Thalys, which means a reservation, so you should book before you go....you might also find some good deals. You might be able to find a good fare for this leg at the French railway network, http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm. If you can find a cheap fare, you can print your ticket at home. If that option isn't available, then you'll have to visit http://www.raileurope.com. You'll be charged booking and processing fees, but you'll have your reservation and ticket. All certainly cheaper than any rail pass. Just remember that, when coming back from Bruges, you must go to Brussels Midi-Zuid station, since that's the only one where Thalys stops. There's a train every half hour most of the day.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 10/15/2005

Train Advice?
2 of us are traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels to Bruges to Paris and back to A. It seems less expensive to buy point-to-point tix vs. a rail pass. Correct? It seems better to buy them there than in advance. Correct?
Cairn <email>
Denver, CO USA Sat 10/15/2005

Air France Bus vs. Roissybus
If you must take a bus, the Roissybus takes you right to the Opera, just north of the Seine. One Air France bus goes to Port Maillot and the Arc de Triomphe, no good if you're not staying in the northwest part of the city. If you're south of the Seine (rue Cler, etc), you may want to take the Air France bus route that ends up at Gare Montparnasse in the south....better metro connections to that area. But travel times are 45 minutes, and MUCH longer if you hit a traffic jam. For my money, the RER train to Gare du Nord is still the best bet....cheaper, about 40 minutes, no nasty traffic jams to worry about, and good metro links to the rest of the city. Check out the Paris metro map before you decide, at http://www.ratp.info/informer/anglais/index.php (look for Metro Map down the left side).
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 10/15/2005

Christmas in Paris or Belgium
Brussels, except for Grand Place, is dull...Bruges is too "touristy" and everything will probably be closed. And winter weather can be dull and gray. For my money, it's Paris, the city of lights! Just don't spend Christmas Day travelling! Service is poor, schedules are spotty, and it's a downer.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 10/15/2005

Christmas in Paris or Belgium?
My husband and I will be in Europe in December and must decide whether to spend Christmas day in Paris, Brussels, or Bruges. Or would it be best to spend the day traveling by train? Any suggestions?
Julie <email>
San Marcos, California USA Sat 10/15/2005

Does a (Italian) EuroRail pass work on the ferries Ancona, Italy to Dubrovnik Croatia ?
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Sat 10/15/2005

lock removed from inside luggage
Before leaving for Europe recently we purchased a special lock with a cable for securing luggage while traveling by train. We put the lock into a side pocket of checked luggage. It apparently was removed by TSA personnel and we don't understand why. If they had any ideas of taking it for their own use they are out of luck as we set the code the same as all our other locks that we use while in hotels during our travels. Has anyone had a similar experience?
Katherine
Atlanta, USA Sat 10/15/2005

Air France Bus vs. Roissybus
We are trying to decide between the Air France bus and Roissybus from CDG to the city. We will arrive on a Saturday morning. Do they really run every 15-20 minutes? Any advice or suggestions that would help us decide between the two?
Julie <email>
Omaha, NE USA Sat 10/15/2005

Oz:

Good weather equals higher airfare. Middle and late Sept. seems to be a good comprise.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Sat 10/15/2005

When to go to Paris
I've been to Paris in March and would like to return to Paris, just not in the spring. It's very beautiful, don't get me wrong, I just want to experience Paris in a different season, I guess. What months are the best, less tourists, what's the weather like then? I'd prefer to go when airfare is really inexpensive. Thanks!
Oz
USA Sat 10/15/2005

Mel - January destinations
Mel, I was in the UK the end of January/ beginning of Feb this year. It was great! We spent nearly a week in London followed by stops in Birmingham, Liverpool, & Northern Wales. It was such a great experience that we are going back again in 06!

The weather was way warmer than home (Detroit), and since it is off season, there was almost no one at the attractions we visited. We were able to see Stonehenge, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, etc with no lines and our pictures turned out great!

Also because of it being off season, everything from airfare to lodging was much cheaper. We just purchased our plane tickets and paid almost half of what a friend did in Sept.

Birmingham was outstanding. The Cadbury factory tour is a must see if you like chocolate :) Northern Wales is beautiful and very relaxing.

Since it was my first time in Europe, I was glad we chose a destination where english was the main language spoken (although the further north you go the thicker the accent!)

Hope this helps!
Kim
St. Clair Shores, MI USA Sat 10/15/2005

Heathrow to London
Carol, you could try the Heathrow Express. Last spring my mother and I took the express to Paddington, then took a black cab to our hotel. It was very easy. You can catch the express and buy tickets from any terminal (they take credit cards). You would want cash for the cab though. ATMs can be found in the airports. Google "Heathrow Express" and you'll find the website with fare info. It's only about 15-18 minutes from the airport to central London. We took a shuttle on our way back to the airport and wished we would have taken the express. It's so much faster, even with the added cab from hotel (we stayed near Bond St & Oxford St) to Paddington.
Sheila
USA Fri 10/14/2005

Icelandair
This past spring my wife and I and our adult daughter flew Icelandair Minneapolis-London and Paris-Minneapolis. The service was fine and the price was right. There were two minor and unimportant glitches. Even though our bags could have fit in the overhead bin, we were required to check them. No big deal--except a man in line behind us was allowed to bring a similarly-sized bag on board. We were given seat assignments on all legs when we bought our tickets. However, on our Paris-Reykjavik leg, for some unknown reason, our boarding passes put each of us in a different row. Neither one of those "issues" would keep me from flying Icelandair again.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 10/14/2005

Hotel for Nice Airport
Where is the best place to stay when flying out of Nice airport early in the morning.
Dewayne <email>
Oklahoma City, OK USA Fri 10/14/2005

Heathrow to London
For Carol. Although I haven't used it myself, I've read many positive comments on various boards about www.justairports.com. It's a private car service, not a shuttle bus. It has the cheapest rates I've seen, particularly if you pay cash rather than using a credit card.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 10/14/2005

Mel: January destination
Mel: There's a wealth of knowledge on this board. With a little focus you'll probably get more helpful advice. Is this your first trip to Europe? Do you prefer a certain area? Do you like cities or small towns? Do you prefer warm weather? Are you comfortable in a language other than English?
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 10/14/2005

For the catacombs
Hello! What a great resource the RS helpline is. We went to the Priscilla catacombs in August. We splurged and used a taxi, which was about 10 euro each way from near the train station where the hotel was. It was about 15 minutes to get there. I'm sure you could do it by bus, if you have the information. As I understand it, the main catacombs in downtown Rome are now re-opened- if time is really short they may be easier. This experience was amazing- very imtimate and it doesn't feel like a gaawking tour, because you are led by a nun with a flashlight. She spoke English, but heavily accented- read up ahead of time on the history and then it doesn't matter if you miss about half of what she is saying! Have a wonderful trip! Regards, a fellow traveler
Sara
USA Fri 10/14/2005

Rome's catacombs
My wife and I will be making a brief stopover in Rome after finishing a mission trip to help orphans in Romania. We would like to visit some of the catacombs in Rome. We have two questions: #1-Regarding time, effort, and ease of travel connections, which catacombs (Catacombs of Priscilla or San Callisto or San Sebastian)are easier to travel to & find? ...#2-What are the best travel connection to the recommended catacombs? For example, we have noticed that the new Rick Steves Rome 2006 book says use Archeobus or Bus #660 to reach San Sebastian & San Callisto. One Graffiti Wall reader suggested using bus #119 or #118. Since we will have limited time, we are hoping to locate fast transportation to the catacombs. Any information will be deeply appreciated. Please email us at the address below. Just click on!
James <email>
West Memphis, AR USA Fri 10/14/2005

Heathrow to London
Help, I'll be leaving to London in a week and a half. I'm a single female traveler and don't want to lug my bags thru the underground. I heard that the cabs from Heathrow to downtown London are crazy expensive. I'm looking for a shuttle bus to take me to my hotel. Any suggestions on a shuttle bus company that is not expensive.
Carol
Falls Chuch, Va USA Thu 10/13/2005

January Destination?
Looking for a good destination in Europe for the first week of January -- we're not skiing. Any suggestions?
Mel
Alexandria, VA USA Thu 10/13/2005

Thalys FLASH tickets
Norm, yesterday, before I posted my response to Meghan, I tried selecting the Flash fares, and the Thalys response was "The price selected is no longer available." As you suggest, it would be nice if she could get those fares, because they are self-print, but they are not available.

Actually, a $236 RT fare for two youth is available on Rail Europe's website as long as she selects trains leaving Amsterdam after 12 noon on the 27th. And - Thalys website also does not offer youth fares before noon on the 27th either.
<email>
USA Thu 10/13/2005

Re: Thalys tickets
Meghan...when you go to the Thalys website, choose to have your tickets delivered in France. That puts you to the Thalys site run by SNCF. Several of the fares available will give you the option to print your tickets on your home computer printer, so you don't even need to worry about picking them up. I notice that, for the days you want, there are still some FLASH fares available, about 24 Euros each way. Just be aware of which tickets are not refundable and which are, and under what conditions.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 10/13/2005

Brussels Hotel Welcome
Stayed at the Hotel Welcome in Brussels the last week of July, 2005. Vanessa, at the front desk, is wonderful! She gave us three restaurant recommendations for dinner, and they were all terrific. (Cochon d'Or, La Villette, and the Belga Queen) She was extremely helpful with all of our sightseeing needs. The rooms are very distinct and well furnished. This hotel is a bargain for its reasonable rates, quirky style, helpful employees and owners, and great location.
Alexis
Redondo Beach, CA USA Thu 10/13/2005

Rome hotel
Not sure of your price range, but I can recommend the Hotel Sonya in Rome. We paid E95 for a triple (but that was in August, their low season). Great location, 10 minute walk from Termini, 15 minute walk to Coloseum, clean rooms, friendly staff, decent breakfast, grocery store across the street. www.hotelsonya.it
USA Thu 10/13/2005

Sanctuary House---London
We stayed for 4 nites at Sanctuary House in summer of '04. The staff was wonderful, the accomodations were more than adequate and the location was PERFECT !!! One day we walked (a Tube Strike was going on) from our hotel, thru Westmister/Whitehall, up to Picadilly Circus, down Pall Mall to Buckingham Palace and back thru St. James Park. Very doable.

The pub downstairs is a great way to end your day.

If, make that, WHEN we return to London, we will definitely return to Sanctuary House.
Mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, Maryland USA Thu 10/13/2005

accomodation in rome
Hi Can anyone tell me about the bed&breakfast accomodation in rome,italy?Want to know which the best and not very expensive.Really appreciate the help.
traveler
boston, ma USA Thu 10/13/2005

Train from Rome to Venice
Lois...check out the Italian national railway site, http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html. It has prices, schedules, and payment options. It can be a bit quirky, but lots of people on the board have booked through them, and you can always ask questions about it here.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 10/13/2005

Bryn B&B in Conwy, Wales
Just to let everyone know that the Bryn B&B in Conwy is again open. Nick and Alison are wonderful hosts and their B&B is as cozy as it can be. They're in a great location. We all loved it there and hated to leave.
R. W. LaCombe
Sacramento, California USA Thu 10/13/2005

James House, London
Shelley---we stayed there a few years back and it was OK but our triple room was very small. If you don't mind going a bit further, I can highly recommend the Sanctuary House Hotel on Tothill St., one block from Westminister Bridge, St. James Park, etc. We've stayed there 3 times now, because we like to location so much. It is quite new, and the rooms (and bathrooms) are very large by London standards.
USA Thu 10/13/2005

Crazy Cow in Zurich
Has anyone been to the Crazy Cow in Zurich, for dinner? If so how was the food, and how expense it it?
Terry
USA Thu 10/13/2005

Car versu Train (again)
Key points in the train versus car argument is the number of people who are traveling together and what you would like to see. For most of our family travels - traveling with at least 4 and sometimes 6 people, it has actually been cheaper to rent a car than do the trains. We fly into the big city (Rome, London) and use public transport to get around the first few days. But when we are ready to head off it is wonderful to stay in those little out of the way towns in Cornwall, Tuscany or the Dordogne. Of course, when my 17 year old daughter went with friends this summer they were thrilled to take the train as it took them into the very heart of each big and exciting city they wanted to be in - this was a better way to travel than even planes. They met people on the train and used it as down time. Even if they could have rented a car it would not have made any sense for them.
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Thu 10/13/2005

Renting Cars in Europe
Our leader - Rick Steves - has his travelogues on PBS, and I see him driving a van, or a car around...so it's OK to rent a car - or use buses, trains, etc to get from place to place while we vacation. It's a personal choice.

My friends are traveling there now...they rent a car. When I travel with my husband, we use our bike for most of the trip, then base in a town and take the train to see other sights.

Bottom line - You get to choose - Just keep traveling!
USA Thu 10/13/2005

Public transportation
A lot of people enjoy using public transportation, which they might not use here in the states. There isn't a right or wrong wrong to travel around Europe. Which ever way a person wants to travel by car or public transportation is the right way for them.
USA Thu 10/13/2005

Cars in Europe
I lived in Germany for 6 years while in the US Army. I had a car and loved to travel in it. Staying outside major cities in bed and breakfast rooms was quite a cost savings as well.

There were some hairy moments like when I turned the wrong way onto a one way street in Paris to face 6 lanes of oncoming traffic. Quickest U-turn in my life.

Still, this spring we are planning our first visit back and we think that we will take the train just to see how we can get along w/o the car. Part of the adventure is seeing if you can get where you want by public transport and on foot.

There is a certain freedom of movement with a car and another type of freedom not to be attached to one. I enjoy both.
Gary Mc <email>
Salt Lake City, UT USA Thu 10/13/2005

Re: Thalys tickets
When I went on the Thayls site it showed 188 Euro total for the 2 youth tickets. On Rail Europe it was $230 for each ticket - I was surprised by how much more it was. It seems like an extreme amount of overhead, so that's why I was asking if anyone knew of an alternative.
Meghan
Quincy, MA USA Thu 10/13/2005

Gassing up Rental Car before returning
I have found it wise to simply fill the tank somewhere close to where the car is to be returned. I used to stress out about finding the closest gas station, but the last several times I have rented a car -- in the US as well as in Europe -- I simply make a point of filling up someplace within the last 8-10 miles. The rental car company will not fuss about it if the gauge shows Full.
Ron
DeWitt, MI USA Thu 10/13/2005

Train from Rome to Venice
I am interested in taking an overnight train from Rome to Venice. Has anyone done this and what would the cost be? Any websites I can check out? Thanks
Lois <email>
Providence, RI USA Thu 10/13/2005

Where to go and how to get there
There are a few places in Europe that require a car but not many. Most are best enjoyed (and with the freedom so many posters seem wrongly to associate with a car) by train or occasionally by bus. As Rick has made so clear, you should design your own itinerary and enjoy the famous and the unknown spots wherever and however you travel. That said, Famous sights like the Colosseo are famous for a reason.
Charles M. Luther
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Hotel D'Argouges in Bayeux, France
I totally agree with Bill's post below... I just wanted to add that we have stayed at the Hotel D'Argouges, twice, in Bayeux, and we LOVE it. It is like staying at a country estate. The owners and staff are wonderful, and they have a beautiful garden. It is listed in RS's book. I wish I were there now!
Susan
Sausalito, Ca USA Wed 10/12/2005

Thalys tickets
Meghan, is there something else you are not telling us? I can find Thalys tickets online from RailEurope for those dates for $238 RT for 2 youths (+$7 prem train fee). 188 EUR is about $230. Of course, I didn't actually buy the tickets because I don't need them, but I put them in my shopping cart and proceeded with the checkout up to the point of giving them my CC #. Did RE tell you those tickets are not available, or did you not do the order right?

Tish, as for picking up you tickets over there, Meghan did say Amsterdam to Paris RT. If she is starting in Amsterdam it is going to be difficult to pick up her tickets in France. Dutch Rail does not seem to be so accommodating about picking up tickets in the Netherlands.

As for German Rail, right now they are not taking orders for any tickets past Dec. 10. This is something they do every year. Dec. 10 is when they change their website for new schedules and fares. I don't remember if they started taking new orders before Dec. 11 last year or not. You might try calling them (+49 1805 - 996633). Supposedly someone will speak English.
<email>
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Thalys Tickets
Meghan, We did the same trip last year. I bought the tickets in advance from the thalys website (www.thalys.com). You can select the language to proceed in so it is really easy. You do a search for the route you are interested in and it will give you the different fare options and schedules. Just have express booking checked and click validate. A box pops up and says something about mailing the ticket to France. Just click ok and continue. Once you select the train you want and "confirm" it on the next screen, it will let you confirm by paying online and gives you the option of picking up the ticket in France. That's what we did when we arrived in Paris. It was very easy. Good luck and have a great time!
Tish
Eugene, OR USA Wed 10/12/2005

Doing our homework pre- travel
Whether Florence or any other city or region, I don't understand not researching/reading beforehand so you know what you are seeing. Europe has history and art that we don't have in America- if you want no crowds and pretty scenery go to the countryside!At the minimum, guidebooks have history/geography/etc. sections for where you are going. In fact, although I teach history, I found Rick's humorous "side" comments a perfect complement to the readable history background sections in his Italy books-for example, the Medicis in Florence. Yes the Piazza Signoria was crowded and hot in August, but you could still imagine Savanarola getting burned or imagine being part of a mob scene (since I actually was!)outside. Same thing with the hour- long wait for the duomo climb, after reading Brunelleschi's Dome...I think we shouldn't expect to be entertained, and maybe just because a particular city is on a famous "to- do" list, why not instead use your hard- earned vacation somewhere YOU will enjoy?
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Train tickets
Meghan, I would suggest going to www.bahn.de. I purchase 2 tickets from Zuich to Munich, and they shipped them to me and only charged 3 Euro to do it.
Terry
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Getting train tix shipped to US?
Any suggestions for purchasing 2 youth roundtrip Thalys Amsterdam-Paris tickets? On RailEurope they want to charge me almost $600 for the pair. On the Thalys site they are 188 euro, but it doesn't seem they ship tix to the US. This would be for travel 12/27-12/30 and am not comfortable going without a reservation. Any suggestions?
Meghan <email>
Quincy, MA USA Wed 10/12/2005

Rental Gas Larceny
Actually, the most itelligent thing is to gas up before the airport exit-the stations near the rental car agencies also profit from the racket by having higher fuel prices.
Susan
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Ryan Air
I have used Ryan Air twice. On-time and low-cost. Airports used are small - not the usual big International ones. I think that's why they're always on time. Another recommendation is easyjet.com

Note: Since low-cost airline, you'll have to purchase 4Euro sandwiches if you're hungry. Better eat before flt or bring own drink/snacks.
Ed <email>
NJ USA Wed 10/12/2005

James and Cartref Hotels, London
Has anyone actually stayed at the James and Cartref Hotels near Victoria Station in London? Their website has no photos of rooms. Would you recommend them?
Shelley <email>
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Wed 10/12/2005

DONT WORRY ABOUT GAS WHEN DROPPING CAR
It is a nomral comment for the rental agent to tell you not to worry about filling the tank when you return your car.

That's because they want to fill it for you and charge you twice the going rate.

The wise renter will ALWAYS fill the tank at the nearest station before returning a car. That is a lesson we all learn---some sooner than later.
HARVEY
TEXAS USA Wed 10/12/2005

IcelandAir
We booked from Mpls. to Reykjavik to Paris and back for Oct. 4-14, 2005. On October 3, 2005, I became ill and was prohibited to travel by my doctor so we had to postpone our trip. IcelandAir is allowing us to use our tickets within the next year minus a $150 charge for both (each of us to total $300) my husband and I. We thought that was pretty reasonable, considering the situation! That may be standard operating procedure for most airlines, but we feel it was very fair. That is all I know about that company, but would love to hear any other posts regarding IcelandAir also. We plan to rebook in early November providing my health cooperates.
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Re: Car Rental
I agree with Karen, I think Rich's advice is well taken. I have met many Americans who rent cars in Europe, for no other reason than that is how they travel here. Examine your itinerary and see where a car makes sense for the cost and trouble. Ireland outside of Dublin, fantastic! A tour of the major cities of Europe, Oh My, No! Myself, I have used a combination approach, mostly Public Transport, but certainly rent a car for a few days to explore Cornwall (Lovely!) or the Mosel, and certainly plan to do so to explore Tuscany and Southern France. Incidently, most of those areas, in addition to lower levels of public service, also present fewer risks and headaches associated with having a car.
Paul <email>
IA USA Wed 10/12/2005

Re: Car Rental in Europe
I don't think that there is a big disagreement between Rich and Pat about car rentals in agreement. Rich acknowledges that where there isn't public transportation, a car rental may be a good idea.

Having just settled an insurance claim from my last car rental in Europe, I feel well-qualified to talk about the pitfalls of renting a car. There are subtle differences between traffic here in the US and traffic in Europe. (In my case it was the degree in which the on ramp entered the autostrada and the closeness of the railing to the road.) Also, in Europe, if you're on a budget, you're unlikely to rent a car as powerful as the one you drive here (I drive a Honda Accord at home)--so when you punch the accelerator to enter a freeway, your car doesn't accelerate like it does here. Another thing--parking is not as simple as it in the US. At one hotel after 20 minutes of trying, I gave up on fitting my car into the assigned parking space. European cars have gotten bigger, but their parking places have not.

I could see myself renting a car for several days in a place like Provence or Tuscany. However, I will never rent a car again for a whole European vacation. I know that I'm not the best driver, but I've never had a non-ice related accident in the US. I just don't think it's the safest way to see Europe.
Karen <email>
MN USA Wed 10/12/2005

Barbara: D Day Beaches
The tours close down in late October. I would suggest contacting Myriam at Battle Bus via their website. We took the tour in September and its fantastic. You get much more insite with a tourguide than just doing it by yourself.

Our guide was Sean, a Brit in his thirties that just loved to tell the stories. He said he gives individual 1 day tours in the off season. Might do one for you.

If not, rent a car, drive to Bayeux and do the beaches and towns yourself. If you include Mt St Michel you'll need 3 days. Stay at the Hotel Churchill in Bayeux. It's very easy driving.

have a great time.
Bill <email>
Montgomery, NY USA Wed 10/12/2005

Florence
I was in Florence in August, and I found the experience to be amazing. You must give Florence another chance! It was warm, but I tied a moistened hankerchief around my neck (not very fashionable I know but very practical) and it kept me cool for hours. The thing I loved most about Florence was that we were able to walk where ever we wanted. We never took a bus there. The entire city is very pedestrian Friendly. Yes, we did get lost but that was what was so fantastic! We found little alley-ways with interesting sculptures, architecture, fountains, and shops! Please give Florence another chance! I know on my next trip to Itlay I will be making another pit-stop there.
USA Wed 10/12/2005

Car rental in Europe
I have to disagree with Rich about car rentals in Europe not being worth it. While there is great public transportation in the cities and outskirts most of the best experiences we've had have been while driving about the countryside and finding hidden gems. I certainly would not want to have done the Dordogne, Provence or Tuscany while limited to public transportation. We lease a car yearly in Europe and have found it no more of a problem than in the US. We love the freedom a car gives us.
pat
pa USA Wed 10/12/2005

IcelandAir
We are flying IcelandAir for the first time next spring, (Baltimore-Reykjavik-Paris and back), and we have been given seat assignments all the way thru, and back.

Are there any horror stories out there about IcelandAir, the airport in Iceland, or anything else we should know?

Thanks!
Mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Wed 10/12/2005

Florence not my Favorite
I always feel guilty telling people that I too did not enjoy visiting Florence. Yes we were there in the summer so it was hot and crowded, but we were in Rome and Venice on the same trip and both cities were so much more enjoyable for our family. Certainly the highlight of Venice was seeing The David-it is truly incredible, but the city itself seemed noisy, congested, and touristy. My Florence-loving friends tell me I must try it again off season. Well, if I must...
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Wed 10/12/2005

7 hours in Madrid
Yes, that is a good plan. I would go to the Retiro and either just walk around the park and take in the sights, or visit the botanical garden. If you have extra time, go see the Plaza Mayor or the royal palace.
Kim <email>
Federal Way, WA USA Tue 10/11/2005

Madrid
I have a 7 hour morning layover in Madrid. That seems to be enough time for a short trip into the city. I estimate 1 hour in, 2-3 hours sightseeing, 1 hour back and 2 hours check-in. Is that realistic? If so, any transportation or sightseeing recommendations? Thanks for your feedback!
Frank
Wilmington, DE USA Tue 10/11/2005

Reasonably priced accomodations in Europe
I also find the Die Bahn Hotel function very useful. It is evidently the same data base as "Hotel Reservation Service". http://www4.hrs.de/

The format is slightly different. Each template for the same data has some functions that I like better than the other.

The Hotel Reservation Service website also has a phone number that you can call to use the service if you are not at a computer.
Gary Mc
Salt Lake City, UT USA Tue 10/11/2005

D-Day Tours: Thanksgiving week
Because we will be in Paris Thanksgiving week, I am having trouble finding a tour of the D-Day beaches and American cemetery. Battlebus and Overlord and Victory tours are not available. Has anyone toured with discoverbrittany it is associated with linkparis.com? Thank you for any help.
Barbara <email>
Dallas, TX USA Tue 10/11/2005

Avoid Florence??
We were in Florence just a few weeks ago. I loved everything about it! It even rained, it poured and everything was still beautiful. What's not to like? You avoid it, it will help keep the crowds down.
USA Tue 10/11/2005

Sixt - rental - stay away
ANY car rental company will tell you not to worry about filling up your car before bringing it back, so they can do exactly that...charge you an arm and a leg to fuel it. This isn't unique to Sixt.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 10/11/2005

Car Rentals
Renting a car in Europe isn't really worth it unless you are going to an area where the public transport doesn't run - or run often enough. Within transport nets of most cities, the family, mini-group, and weekly tickets are much less than the cost of a car - and this excludes the considerations for driving in unfamiliar territory, unfamiliar traffic rules, high fuel costs, and parking fees. Travel as the locals do! Also: If you must have a car, reservations through the www.bahn.de website will get you better cars at lower rates than you can on American websites.
Rich Young
Gresham, OR USA Tue 10/11/2005

Karen: Rome & Sorrento in November
Hi Karen:

Rome will have less vacation travelers. You will navigate the streets, shops, cafes and sights more easily. Your visual experience of the city will be enhanced because you will not have to look through the hordes of crowds to take it all in. And yes the city will still be all lighted up.

In Sorrento it will be even less crowded and as you move down the Amalfi coast you will encounter less people.

You said you're prepared to experience wet and cold (cooler) and you'll find this down the coast but not every day. Because of the season's changing and being by the water this is normal. Most 'outdoor' places for dining will be closed due to the season but the gastronomic adventure will still be plentiful. Water activities and beach resort areas will be closed.

In Rome your temperatures will be warmer. Cafes will still be opened or some will have awning tent like style coverings on them. You can still have days of 60-70 degree temps and nights to 40-60 degrees.

Tips:

If you have good weather days you could concentrate on the outdoor sights, neighborhood walks, or enjoy an outside activity.

Outdoor activities in Rome endless; Ride a bike on the Appian Way, pedal a boat in the Borghese park, take in a local football match, take a ST> Tivoli or Ostia Antica, visit the parks and have a picnic. In the evening visit a museum, take in a local concert, play or dance production. Do the opposite on days you find the weather not up to your liking.

If you hike or climb be careful due to the wet terrain.

Check the ferry-boat-bus schedules as they change with the seasons.

Most of the smaller boat services between towns & villages down the coast are not operational due to the water conditions. You will need a car or local buses to get around.

Remember your daylight hours are shorter so get an early start if you want to be outdoors. (Carry a mini flashlight).

Whatever you do I know you'll have memories to last a lifetime. Safe and happy travels! Di
Di <email>
Boston, USA Tue 10/11/2005

Reasonably priced accomodations in Europe
I've found the most helpful source for accomodations in Europe to be via the hotel lists on the www.bahn.de website. Enter virtually any rail connection in Europe, and the response page will have a "hotels" button. Press that and you will be presented with choices for the type of accomodations you want. After entering your parameters - or none - you will be given a list of choices. You make your reservations via this page through a central office in Köln, which sends a reservation number to both your Email address and the hotel you select. It really works!
Rich Young
Gresham, OR USA Tue 10/11/2005

Re:Overnight trains in Italy
We were on two overnight trains in Italy just three weeks ago. We went from Vienna to Florence and then from Venice to Vienna, we found the train cars to be very clean. I have a bed bug phobia and I checked several times on each train. I was very pleased that we had no problems. Maybe we were just lucky but we loved the overnight trains and are already planning for next year.
USA Tue 10/11/2005

First time to Germany
Corrections to First Time to Germany-

Looking for moderately "priced" accomodations "after" World Cup.
CS
Waukesha, WI USA Tue 10/11/2005

RE: Versailles in November
I took the RS Paris trip last November, during Thanksgiving week. While some of the week had relatively mild weather, the day we went to Versailles was bitterly cold and wet. And I had a bad cold. I didn't even venture out back to look into one of those little rides that takes you around the garden.

Versailles was one of the few places where we did see crowds -- tour groups and school groups going through. I am glad that I got to see the palace and plan to go back some day. Half a day is plenty without the gardens. See what the weather is like once you arrive in Paris and decide then. There is more than enough to see within Paris.
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Tue 10/11/2005

Bus and Van Tours/tipping
We usually tip the driver and the guide on bus tours. We took a day trip to Pompei this last May and most everyone tipped both people. You don't have to tip a lot, tipping isn't as big in Europe as in the US, but it's a nice gesture if you had a great tour. I'd recommend 5Euro per person, or more if you feel you had a fantastic time!
USA Tue 10/11/2005

First Time to Europe
Going to Germany for the first time July 2006 are the World Cup with my sister and my 18-year old son. Looking for (moderately) hotel/B&B near the train station in Munich and wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

Also, trying to decide about renting a car or just using the trains. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
CS
Waukesha, WI USA Tue 10/11/2005

Bus, or Van tours
We are taking the SOM tour in Salzburg. My question is do you tip the driver, or is this included in the cost? If you tip, then how much?
Terry
OK USA Tue 10/11/2005

Re: Versailles in Nov
Having only visited in the summer I cannot vouch for the beauty of the gardens in November, but the palace alone is worth the trip. Going in November may even be an advantage-not too crowded.
Rob
MI USA Tue 10/11/2005

Tickets ahead of time
I must strenuously disagree with R.A.M.’s claim that there is no risk in waiting to purchase tickets, and that buying tickets from here will cost more. While advance purchase is generally unnecessary for shorter trips, when there are a number of connection options, there are two cases where not purchasing in advance can be risky or cost more.

The first case is where there is only one connection option. This is true of night trains, which often sell out weeks in advance, especially in the summer and on weekends. If you wait until you get to Europe, you risk finding that only seats or the most expensive compartments are available, or you might find the entire train sold out. That happened last year to one of our posters who found an entire night train sold out a month in advance, long before she got there.

Something similar happened recently with someone who wanted to travel all day long on a series of three trains. They waited too long to buy tickets and the middle train had sold out. They had to change their routing, eliminating some of what they wanted to see.

The second case where buying ticket from here is advisable is where you can get a substantial savings with a promotional fare that is limited in quantity. Although in Italy these fares can be purchased the day before, that is only if tickets are still available. If you wait until the day before, and the low fare tickets have all been sold, you will pay more. Right now, Freedom to Travel 15 fares are offered on the IC from Venice to Rome. You can get a 52,63 EUR first class seat for only 15 EUR with advance purchase, but those tickets are already sold out for over a month.

Tickets purchased online from a U.S. based ticket seller will generally cost more than a full fare ticket purchased over there, but tickets purchased online, in advance, from a national rail company or from a night train company are usually the least expensive.
USA Mon 10/10/2005

swiss air
Hi Terry, We flew Swiss Air from Newark to Munich with a stop in Zurich 2 years ago and it was no problem. We had great service and everything was beyond our expectations. Theres no need to worry. paul
Paul <email>
Netcong, NJ USA Mon 10/10/2005

Easter In Paris
Hello there, I am currently planning a spring trip to Paris for me and my husband. However I just realized that I have made the dates over the Easter weekend. Can anybody shed some insight on Easter in Paris? If the city shuts down for 3 days I might consider changing my dates, but there also might be some wonderful festivals or events to attend..What is there to do over easter weekend in Paris? Thanks for the help.
Katie <email>
Denver, Co USA Mon 10/10/2005

Swiss Air
We are flying for the first time on Swiss Air from Chicago to Zurich. Does anyone have feed back on them? The only time we have gone to Europe on any airline other than American, it was on British Air and they were great.
Terry
OK USA Mon 10/10/2005

Ryan Air
We flew Ryan Air from Charleroi to Dublin. The flight was fine, and we actually arrived early. The weight restrictions are enforced.
CS
Ponte Vedra, FL USA Mon 10/10/2005

Tickets Ahead of Time
If at all possible I would get tickets ahead of time. While traveling from Paris to Rome this summer we had problems making reservations on the Trenitalia line from Milan to Rome and when we did get 1st Class reservations it was the train from Hell! No air conditioning, open windows as we went past every hog farm in Italy, 6 in a compartment, stopping at every town and village, and people in wheelchairs being loaded with a fork-lift!! And it was first class! We look back on it now and laugh and it's a great story to tell our friends but at the time it was unbearable! Try to make reservations on a Euro train, not the Italian line.
Andy Perry <email>
Lousiville, KY USA Mon 10/10/2005

RYAN AIR
Don’t believe the "on time" comments. Read the testimonies of travelers about Ryan Air on the “Flying within Europe” column of Graffiti wall.
MO USA Sun 10/09/2005

BUYING TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME
Kareng: It wont be risky at all if you go to the RR station the day you arrive in Venice and buy your tickets.

Ask if there is any discount you can qualify for. Buying them here wont gain anything and will cost you more.
R.A.M.
JERSEY CITY, USA Sun 10/09/2005

Ryan Air?
Can some of you flying experts share your experiences with Ryan Air? When looking at their Website the flight status for every single flight to every single place is "on time". That seems a little hard to believe, but by and large are they reliable? Thank you!
USA Sun 10/09/2005

Flying to Crete from Athens
Hania is also called Chania (airport code CHQ). It is in the Olympic Airlines "To" list.
Tony
San Jose, CA USA Sun 10/09/2005

Flying to Crete from Athens
I am trying to book a flight from Athens to Crete (town Hania) but when I go to olympic airlines website, I do not get this name. Does anyone know what name it is called in their website
Alnoor Aziz <email>
Vancouver, bc canada Sun 10/09/2005

Versailles in November?
I'm planning a four day trip to Paris in November. It will be my first time in Paris, and I'm trying to decide whether to take the time to go to Versailles. I've read that the gardens are beautiful in the Summer, but is the trip worth it in November? Does the palace itself merit sacrificing a half day (if not more) of my trip?
Jean <email>
Chicago, IL USA Sun 10/09/2005

Spain Information
I leave for Spain tomorrow and have a few questions.

1. Best way to get from Barajas Airport to central Madrid? Metro or Aerocity Shuttle. I will be travelling by myself with a suitcase.

2. Locations in Spain (Madrid, Seville, Granada) that cash American Express traveller's cheques without a commission? I brought a few as backup in case there are problems with the ATMS.

Thanks for your help and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
mccorca <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Sun 10/09/2005

Tickets ahead of time
kareng... I suspect that you want to go from Venice to Genoa on the night train, EN 358, which leaves Venice at 10:52 PM. I don't think that train is included in the Family Freedom to Travel fare. Note the ** at the bottom of the offer says it is limited to InterCity, InterCity Plus, Night, and Espresso trains. I think Night means InterCity Night. Note, on the Italian side, the offer says it is for "domestic" trains. EN 358 is an international EuroNight train going to Nice.

You can, at any time, reserve all the way to Vernazza, including a couchette 6 for two adults and 4 youth on EN 358, for 178 EUR. That includes 18 EUR that you would have to pay in addition to the Family fare for Genoa to Vernazza.

Before you worry too much about maybe losing the lower fare, you need to write to helpdesk@trenitalia.it and ask them specifically if that train, EN 358, is included in the Family Freedom to Travel fare.
<email>
USA Sun 10/09/2005

Overnight Trains in Italy
Bedbugs and ticks in Italy. Just read in the paper: After angry protests about begbugs and ticks, Italy's state railways said Saturday it is pulling 508 train cars out of circulation. On Friday passengers stormed off a train crawling with bedbugs during a stop in Genoa along the Nice-to-Naples overnight run and police had to be called to restore calm. Similar protests erupted during other long-distance runs in recent weeks because of insect infestation. Trenitalia said 2,800 cars have now been given a clean bill of health. The CUB train workers union said the infestation were the result of cutback in cleaning crews, from seven to three people. My advice, try not to go overnight!
EV <email>
- CAN Sun 10/09/2005

Tickets ahead of time
We're a family group of 6 (2 parents & 4 kids 12-19) who will be traveling in Italy next June. On the Trenitalia Web site there is a family fare avialable for night trains, but it looks like you can't get it on the Internet. We want to travel overnight from Venice to Vernazza and are wondering how risky it is to wait to get the tickets (Thursday, June 15 to be exact)until we are there. Any feedback?
kareng
Aiken, SC USA Sun 10/09/2005

tickets ahead of time
...and also, regarding Trenitalia, I bought our tickets for 2 IC (local intercity) trains before leaving the US. When one of those was completely cancelled, and we ended up getting a car instead from another group handing theirs off near the station, we were refunded only HALF your money...I kept the tickets and after returning home had to mail them to the contact in New York. Especially off season I would from now on just wait and get them there.
USA Sun 10/09/2005

Special fares on Trenitalia
As a previous poster mentioned, the Trenitalia website is the place to find fares for Italian trains. However, for those wanting to take advantage of the specials, there is this to consider. The site often won’t display the lowest, promotional fares. In cases where there are multiple train connections, you have to dig for the low fares. An example is a Venice to Vernazza connection that involves four trains; a regional, an IC, and two more regionals. Clicking on the shopping cart will only give you the standard fare, based on a normal fare for the IC. A 15 EUR Freedom to Travel fare might be available on the IC, but you can’t get it in conjunction with the other fares. You have to look up the IC separately and see if the Freedom fare is available, then add it to the separately obtained fares for the first regional train and for the last two regional trains.
<email>
USA Sat 10/08/2005

Levanto italy+ceramics
About a year ago I was in Levanto, Italy, and I ran into a very unusual shop. It was ceramic dishes,etc. but instead of the usual bright colors these were pastel. I could kick myself for not getting any dishes or at least the guy's card but there you are. If anyone can help me I would SO appreciate it. Thanks
kathy <email>
st paul, MN USA Sat 10/08/2005

northwestern GREECE
I will be in Greece in November. Can anyone suggest an itinerary for 3 days in the Ioannina area ? I want to visit the Theatre of Dodoni, and see a good view of the Vikos Gorge. I will rent a car at Ioannina. Which Zagoria village should I go to ? I will fly from Athens to Ioannina, and fly back to Athens 3 days later. I will not have time to go to the Meteora. Is a visit to Metsovo a high priority ?
Ron <email>
Springfield, MO USA Sat 10/08/2005

Siracusa, Italy?
I will be studying abroad in Siracusa, Italy from January to May and I was wondering if anyone can give me some helpful advice. Anything ranging from the weather, clothing, and the treatment of African-American women. Any advice would be helpful and greatly appreciated.
Mary <email>
Nashville, TN USA Sat 10/08/2005

RE: Trenialia... sleeper options
Katie, when the Trenitalia screen comes up with your connection options, there is a column of numbers on the left-hand side under "info". If you click it, it gives details for that train. Hold the cursor over the symbols under "accommodations". It shows "2nd class couchettes" and "1st and 2nd class couchette service". That would lead one to believe that there is only couchette service on that train.

However, both Swiss and German Rail (who might use the same database) indicate that that train has both couchette and sleeper cars (?)!

My hunch is that a 2 bed compartment has beds that are always out - kind of like a two person couchette - and that a 2 seat compartment has seats for the daytime and beds that open up at night. I wish someone could confirm this. I have written to a contact at Trenitalia, but who knows how long it will take to get the answer.
<email>
USA Sat 10/08/2005

France suggestions
My husband and I will have two weeks in France next summer. We have been to Paris many times, but this time we plan to start out in the south, and wind ourselves north. We will have just finished two weeks chaperoning high school kids, so here's the plan: drive down to Villefranche-sure-Mer and spend two nights (veg out on the beach), then spend two nights in Arles, one night in Vaison La Romaine, exploring Provence. Next, its norht through the Beaujolais/Burgundy region with stops in Arbois and Beaune, then on to Alsace with stays in Equisheim and Strasbourg. I'm just wondering if any of you have MUST DO suggestioins, don't bother suggestions, etc. FYI, I speak French and love Beaujolais wines!
Joni <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Sat 10/08/2005

good hotel or hostel in Paris?
Can anyone recommend a good hostel or budget hotel in Paris for two people? We would prefer something clean, quiet is good, we don`t mind minmalist. A good location is a plus too, but with cheaper places, you often have to stay a bit farther out, which is fine. Is it possible to find a good place for under 60 Euro? If you can email me any places, thanks so much in advance! I`m in London, near the end of a five week trip, and Paris is our last stop, so email is easier for me. Thanks!
Meghan <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sat 10/08/2005

couchettes from Venice to Rome
Katie, Several years ago, when we went from Venice to Rome the trip was only about 5 1/2 hours long. There was a train that left late at night but it only had the four couchette option--second class only. I don't know if they have changed or not but at the time that was the only option.
USA Sat 10/08/2005

Air France Bus
The Air France Bus might be the most convenient way to get from CDG to Paris, but it is not the fastest nor the least expensive. The RER B line makes the trip to Gare du Nord in under 30 minutes, to Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame in 33 minutes, and costs 8 EUR. See "www.ratp.info/informer/anglais/aeroport_rerb.php?partenaire=".
CO USA Sat 10/08/2005

HERE IS WHAT RICK SAYS ABOUT AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Taking an Air France bus is one of the most convenient ways to get to central Paris from either airport.

And, you don't have to fly Air France to use it. From Charles de Gaulle, the journey takes about 45-minutes at 23 km (15 miles).

The cost is 16 EUR for adults. Children under 11 receive a discount and infants ride for free.

The trip from Orly is 14 km (8.5 miles) into the city. The cost is 13 EUR round-trip and 7.5 EUR one way.

A cab would be much more expensive.
TX USA Sat 10/08/2005

More for Sue about trains
Hello- maybe other posters will disagree, and maybe because it was summer, but only one Italian train we took was actually on time (an express). Rome to Siena when we had to transfer at Chiugi the connecting local was just entirely cancelled with another not due for five hours! Etc. Personally I would not ever count on taking the "last" scheduled one, especially with a flight involved...just because it shows on the schedule in the station doesn't mean it will show up or leave! It's the IC (intercity) ones that seemed to have the problems...
USA Fri 10/07/2005

Avoid Florence???!!!
By all mans avoid Florence!! Avoid Il Duomo, one of the most magnificant buildings of the Renaissance, avoid Michelangelo's David, avoid the Uffizzi, the most amazing collection of Renaissance artwork I have ever seen, and most of all avoid seeing Il Duomo for the first time the way I did: after arriving in Florence late at night: by moonlight, coming into the piazza from a narrow alley and seeing the green marble shining in the night. Yes, above all, avoid Florence!!
Andy Perry <email>
Lousiville, KY USA Fri 10/07/2005

Venere Dot Com:
I've used it a few times and have had good results. A word of caution though: It's always a crap shoot when you book a hotel via the internet! You've seen the Glamour photo shots of your homely neighbor that make her look like Paris Hilton haven't you? Well, hotels can have Glamour Shots that make them look like THE Paris Hilton. Be forewarned.

That said, Venere is a good resource. Just read the reviews and try to read between the lines.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Avoid Florence?

Having a bad day are ya buddy?

I've been there and I loved it. I'm going back next summer. FWIW: The best Italian food I've had was in Athens.
Ray <email>
Tscoma, WA USA Fri 10/07/2005

Avoid
Avoid Florence. Horrible train ride from and back to Austria. The city itself was nothing special. True, there is the dumo, and the David, but the city smelled, was dirty, people peeed all over buildings there, and its so so overcrowded with Americans and Brits. Small Italian villages should be nice, but Florence was overrated, plus the best Italian food I had was not even in Italy, it was in Melk, Austria.
USA Fri 10/07/2005

Venice to Vernazza
We actually went the other way, but it was much simpler to go through Genoa and Milan, with a change in Milan. Going the other way has more train changes.
Karen <email>
CO USA Fri 10/07/2005

venere.com
We used Venere.com this past summer with no problems. We had requested a room with terrace. The owner was very apologetic that the people didn't leave - and gave us a very nice room with bath instead. Once we had reservations, we had email contact and could request specific rooms, etc. It seems hard to contact hotels directly in Italy, until you have a reference - the web searches seem to go back to booking agents, but the price was good.
Karen <email>
CO USA Fri 10/07/2005

Venice to Vernazza
Thanks to all who posted info regarding my question of fastest route from Venice to Vernazza. Looking at an actual map, going through Milan looked geographically like a longer trip, but maybe because of train routing, it will be faster. Any one else have problems with late and delayed trains in Italy? Is this fairly common and how bad is it? Also, my fellow travelers and I were planning on taking an evening train out of Vernazza to Pisa as we need to catch a plane from Pisa to Barcelona the next morning. Do I need to be concerned that we might not be able to get that evening train into to Pisa and/or not be able to make our flight? Thanks
Sue
USA Fri 10/07/2005

hotel recommendation in bologna?
Try 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. Thre might be some good deals at under 100 Euros per night. You can double-check your choices at www.tripadvisor.com to get some opinions from others who have stayed there.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 10/07/2005

Re: Ireland
We Just returned from Ireland, and we had a very positive experience at Highfield House in Trim, Tudor Lodge in Laragh near Glendalough, Butler Court in Kilkenny, Lansdowne Arms Hotel in Kenmare, Cill Bhreac House near Dingle, and Cill Eoin in Ennis. We rented our car from the Ryanair site and were very pleased.
Connie Shea
Ponte Vedra, FL USA Fri 10/07/2005

Sophie - winter travel
Sophie, Europe has a winter just like most other places. Imagine traveling in the winter in the United States: some places will be very cold, and will get plenty of snow, pretty much all the time (Minneapolis, Stockholm). Most places have weather that's more mixed - depending on your luck, some rain (maybe some snow if you're in the north or in mountains or if a winter storm comes through) but not every day will be awful - you'll get some rainy days and some sunny days (think of New York, DC, London, Paris).

If you stick to the southern areas (Miami, Dallas, Athens, Barcelona) you will generally find warm weather most of the time, but even in the south it could vary from cool-with-showers ("sweater weather") to hot-enough-to-swim.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to visiting Europe in the winter. The crowds of foreign tourists that swamp the major sights in the summer are largely gone, some things will be cheaper (air fares and hotels), and some would say you can enjoy a more authentic European experience. But if it's raining hard all day long (and in some places, it does that sometime), it can take some of the charm and romance out of being outside (although some folks like the gray, wet climate - I'm from Seattle, so I'm used to it!). Also, a few things may be closed more often since it's the "off" season.

Many places still have plenty to do when the weather's rotten. Major cities like London or Paris have great museums, shows, and other indoor attractions that could keep many travelers busy and happy for days even if it's cold and wet outside. But some places - where you go for the scenery, the natural beauty, and the enjoyment of outdoor sightseeing - would be somewhat less enjoyable in the winter (exactly how much less you would enjoy them depends on your tastes, the kinds of things you like to do, and your luck with the weather).

I've traveled in France, Spain and England during Oct., Nov. and Dec. and there were times when the weather did limit what I was able to do and how I enjoyed things. There were other days when the sun came out and I was able to picnic outside, go for long walks, etc., and it was nice to avoid the crowds. It was a different kind of trip, but still very enjoyable.

Of course, if you go to places in the south (anywhere along the Mediterranean) the weather should be *mostly* warmer and sunnier - but in many places it still won't always be reliably sunny and "hot" (swimming weather, at least for me). At the beach resorts in the south, there will be plenty of European tourists (mostly Germans, Brits and Scandinavians) who are fleeing the cold, gray north - they love to head for the sun during the winter, too, and it's not "off season" where it's warm and sunny.

Hope some of that helps.
David
Seattle, WA USA Fri 10/07/2005

Ireland
A friend and I are thinking about traveling to Ireland. We want to stay in small towns/villages. Any information on B&B's or small hotels would be great. Anyone who can share info on car rentals would also be appreciated.
Pat <email>
Glendale, AZ USA Fri 10/07/2005

Re: Bologna Hotels
No recommendations, we did look to stay there once, but had little luck finding a low cost hotel, so we cjanged plans. From what I was able to pick up, Bologna sees many business travelers so the hotels tend to be expensive...in fact did not see much under €100. Good luck.
Paul <email>
IA USA Fri 10/07/2005

VENICE TO VERNAZZA
Sue: Finding the fastest and best route would be hard to do while you are in the U.S.

When I had that question two years ago I went to the RR station in Venice and asked the clerk and he told me quickly.

Then I asked the fare and he asked if I qualified for the senior discount and I did; so he sold me a ticket at a discount.

Always ask for discounts wherever you are. Be sure to take food and drink on the train because you can't afford to buy it.

We always visit the nearest supermarket and buy cheese, rolls, fruit and bottled water and soft drinks.
J. M. K.
BOSTON, USA Fri 10/07/2005

Normandy Battle Tours
We took a Battle Bus Tour (9 hours)in July 2005. EXCELLENT. Well worth the time and money. http://www.battlebus.fr In my opinion, you would have to arrive in Bayeux the day before the tour. There are trains leaving after the tour in time to make it back to Paris day of tour.

I use the Swiss train schedule when researching train information for Western Europe. http://www.sbb.ch/en/ play with the site until you are comfortable with it. I usually enter the time as 06:00 and click later several times to show the schedule for all day. Enter a date a few days later than current date - 90 days is usually the max. After you have entered FROM and TO, date and time....then click on Search Connection. Then click LATER several times until all of the day's schedules are shown.

Only then put a checkmark in the Details box...then click on DETAILS FOR SELECTED. It will show you all the information you will need except the price.

As you will note, the train from Paris to Bayeux (and also return)departs only from the Paris - St-Lazare station.

France Rail Site for prices: http://sncf.com/indexe.htm Click on "Information Schedule and Booking"...and enter necessary information.

SBB and Die Bahn ( http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e ) are excellent sites for checking train schedules when doing research for European Vacations (not for all countries - but does cover many) as they are very easy to work with.
JB
USA Fri 10/07/2005

WINTER TRAVEL
Sophie: there are a lot of good spots in Western Europe. It all depends on what you want to see. The best places to avoid the extreme cold would be to stay at the lower altitudes; that is avoid the Alps. Your question sounds like you are a novice at travel. So I would suggest Paris, Berlin, Prague, or London. Why don't you get a good map of Europe and pick some cities?
ANNA K.
WACO, TX USA Fri 10/07/2005

One more comment on Cinque Terre trains!
I don't think we realized how long it really took to get to the Cinque Terre by train. Make sure to allow a full day and just be pleased if you get there sooner, instead of stressed out! This was summer, so unless especially the IC (local) trains become more reliable off season, you need to be careful not to assume the one you are planning for when you look at those nice online schedules will come on time! My husband's train from there back to Genoa was an hour and a half late and one heading to Pisa was FOUR! Have a wonderful trip, it's gorgeous there!
USA Thu 10/06/2005

hotel recommendation in bologna?
Can anyone recommend a nice, reasonable hotel in Bologna, Italy? We are trying to find something there but can't find much online.

Thanks!
david
nashville, tn USA Thu 10/06/2005

Normandy Battle Areas
Are there any 1-day tours, leaving from Paris, that cover the Normandy battle areas? The key is 1-Day, with affordable transportation from Paris and back. Unguided tours are ok. Any info on public transport (bus/rail) from Paris to Normandy (Caen/Bayeaux)?

Merci!
Mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, Maryland USA Thu 10/06/2005

Re: Venice to Cinque Terre
As Norm noted look at the schedules, but my impressions as I recall: The main line from Venice, through Milan and into Genoa, is pretty fast; probably faster than Venice to Florence to La Spezia, (plus seems like there is another non-Florence route), but that leg from Genoa to the Cinque Terre...seems like forever! La Spezia to Riomaggiore on the other hand is a breeze. In the end, I think they all wind up being about the same time.
Paul <email>
IA USA Thu 10/06/2005

Venice to Vernazza
Sue....try the Italian rail website at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html. It'll give you their entire schedule and fares, and you can take advantage of their specials and book on line, if you wish. Just be aware that the lowest fares, 15 Euros, are non refunable and non-changeable.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 10/06/2005

Re: Venere.com
We had no problems using venere.com this past summer. However, I did comment to my dad how our rooms were all on the top floor (not convenient, given that my parents are in their 80's) & he speculated that rooms booked through agencies probably aren't their best rooms. I think that if you book directly, you can probably ask the hotel for special consideration. Maybe somebody else has had a different experience.
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 10/06/2005

Winter Travel
My friend and I have a plan to travel through Western Europe in the winter. What are some good spots during the cold season?
Sophie Tram
Los Angeles, CA USA Thu 10/06/2005

Venice to Vernazza
Sue, the best website for schedule information (without prices) is the German Rail website, http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en. There are many connection between Venice and Vernazza. A few go through Florence, most don't. Look them up and decide for yourself.
CO USA Thu 10/06/2005

Venere.com
Has anyone had problems with reservations made using venere.com?
R
Philadelphia, PA USA Thu 10/06/2005

Venice to Vernazza
I will be traveling in Italy next week. At one point I want to take the train from Venice to Cinque Terra. What is my fastest, best route? Through Florence to La Spezia?
Sue
USA Thu 10/06/2005

Getting to Treviso
Jonathan, ATVO runs a bus service from Treviso to Mestre . It is coordinated with RyanAir and Basiq-Air flights, but I don't think you have to use those airlines to ride the bus. http://www.atvo.it/eng/airport.php?ld=index_euro.php&id=1&var=t
USA Thu 10/06/2005

Getting to the Treviso Airport
Hi, I am going to be staying within Venice and was wondering if anyone knows the best way to get to the Treviso Airport? I checked the website and it only tells you how to get there by car.
Jonathan <email>
Brea, CA USA Thu 10/06/2005

Porto or Algarve in November?
Hello, I will have three extra days during my trip to Lisbon and wanted to visit another destination in Portugal. Do people recommend Porto or Algarve (or another destination)? I will be there in November so also am curious if it will be too cold for the beach then. I would prefer train transportation but also could take a car.

Ideas and suggestions welcome!
Paula
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 10/06/2005

Eurostar
I also bought my Eurostar tickets online and picked them up at Waterloo - fast and convenient! The only thing that I would advise is to bring the credit card that you used to purchase the tickets. The machine asks for the card before retrieving the tickets. I didn't remember which card I used and tried one other before finding the right one. I had almost left it at home, but brought it at the last minute for a back up.
Linda
Fl USA Thu 10/06/2005

Trenitalia... sleeper options
I am trying to book an overnight Venice to Rome train. The train that fits our schedule is an ICN and our sleeper options are "Couchettes for Four" and "Double Seat Compartment". I was trying to get a "2 bed compartment" and while it is listed on the drop down box as an option, the system gives me an error and won't let me move forward. Rick gives a great description of couchettes, but what would a Double Seat Compartment be? Any help/description would be appreciated!
Katie
Nashville, TN USA Thu 10/06/2005

Jane , Paris and Germany get rain in the winter, how much do you hate rain.?

You may get clear days, but , if you really " hate rain" I suggest Egypt or Arizona! Actually , Australia summer is in Jan. so maybe go down under! LOL

Seriously, Jan is winter, so you most likely aren't going to get two weeks of sun.
Canada Wed 10/05/2005

Eurostar
I bought our Eurostar tickets online and picked them up at Waterloo day of travel , easy and no shipping fees. I also knew my dates so was able to get a great rate, 80 US .

If you get them day of travel you will pay more .
Canada Wed 10/05/2005

RE: B&B July 2006
Carol, by now you may have tried the Google search and come up with nothing, and all that in German.

I tried the website for the town of Grosskarolinenfeld (www.grosskarolinenfeld.de) and found a listing of seven accommodations under “Unterkünfte”.

Three are Ferienwohnungen (vacation apartments) and they do have websites. Ferienwohnungen will come with a small kitchen corner in the living room, but there will be no breakfast provided unless you fix it yourself. One of the Ferienwohnungen, the one on Wendelsteinstrasse, is near the Bahnhof. No idea about prices.

One accommodation is a private room, but there is no website or email address.

There were three Gasthäuser listed in the neighboring town of Schechen. Two have websites; one even in English. They look pretty good (48-74 EUR for doubles). Schechen is less than ten minutes by train from Rosenheim on the line that goes up to Wasserburg, not the line to Munich.

I did not find accommodations in the other towns Lura mentioned. A lot of this is in German; write to me if I can help.
<email>
USA Wed 10/05/2005

For Carol S.
Münich and Rosenheim are not far apart, so even the RB (Regionalbahn) trains don't make many stops between the two. The Deutschebahn website list stops in Grafing, Aßling, Ostermünchen, and Großkarolinenfeld. Some of those are probably Münich suburbs rather than small towns---you'd have to check a map. Maybe try a Google search for accomodations in Großkarolinenfeld, the last stop before Rosenheim, and see what comes up.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Wed 10/05/2005

RE: Paris to St. Goar
Gordon, you should go by train.

Air France and Lufthansa are the only airlines that fly non-stop from FRA to CDG. The flight takes about an hour and a half, but with travel times to an from the airport and pre-board, the trip takes 5 hours. The lowest fare I found was Air France at $527, about €420.

There are other connecting flights via Milan, Zurich, etc. The least expensive is Air Berlin through Nuremberg, starting in Nov. With transportation to and from airports it will cost minimum €92. The flights themselves take 4:25. With pre-board and to/from transport the trip is over 8 hours.

The fastest way by train is on Thalys (www.thalys.com/fr/en) via Brussels and Köln. If you leave Paris at 10:55 the trip requires two train changes and takes 5:24. Full fare is €105, but you can purchase a RT Smilys fare for €48 and only use half of it. Köln to St. Goar is another €22, for €70 total. Smilys fares require a 14 day advance purchase and are non-exchangeable, non-refundable.

There is a EuroCity train that leaves Paris at 8:52 and goes to Frankfurt via Saarbrücken and Mannheim. There are a lot of options with this train depending on where you connect to other trains. The fastest, least expensive trip takes 6:40 and costs €74,60 for a fully refundable ticket. However, it requires three train changes in Saarbrücken, Bad Kreuznach, and Bingen. All these connections can be found on the German Rail website (http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en). Select “Saarbruecken” for via or ”without ICE” in the Means of Transport” box to filter out Thalys.

So, if you can commit 14 days in advance, your best connection is Thalys for €70. If not, using the EC takes an extra hour and costs €30 less than Thalys full fare.
<email>
USA Wed 10/05/2005

LEONARDO EXPRESS FROM FCO
Anaia: Seventy pounds of luggage is a lot to lift onto the train. it will depend on whether the platform and the train or at the same level. Most often the platform is lower than the train and you must lift your luggage on to the train.

That makes it difficult, but not impossible. Often there will be a conductor nearby to help you with heavy luggage so look for him before you try to board the train or exit the train.

Finding space on the train for a bag that large will be difficult but you can leave it in the vestibule and find a seat where you can watch it so that someone doesn't steal it.
MARY M.
DALLAS, TX USA Wed 10/05/2005

AMSTERDAM LAYOVER
12 hours will give you lots of time to take a train into the center of the city and see the sights . Be sure you remember the route from the airport into the city in order To reverse trip back to the airport.
CLIME
NYC, USA Wed 10/05/2005

Day trip to Paris
Jessica~~by all means buy your ticket before, if you wait till the day you want to go you will pay a higher price.
London
Ohio USA Wed 10/05/2005

Re: Sistine Chapel
I have been to the Vatican Museum 3 times now in the last 4 years - this May being the most recent. I have never had a difficult time seeing the Sistine Chapel. Each time I went to the Vatican, I went in the afternoon (1:30/2:00) and did not have to wait. It is tempting to go in the morning, but wait until the afternoon if you don't want to wait in line.
Holly
Chicago, USA Wed 10/05/2005

Re: Eurostar, My take
Depending how far off your trip is, at least look at the rates online, sometimes there are discount tickets available that sell out early. Not sure what the fare was for the poster that bought them the day of, currently this web site (Rick Steves) is selling sameday RT for $94 (USD). We bought ours before we left, we knew the exact date, and we also ordered a UK rail pass. If the pre-order price looks good, and you know your date...may be best to order now than chance it.
Paul <email>
IA USA Wed 10/05/2005

B&B July 2006
I am looking for a B&B between Munich and Rosenheim for July 2006 in a small town if possible after the World Cup. Must be on the railway system as this our only mode of transportation. First time in Europe. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Carol S
Waukesha, WI USA Wed 10/05/2005

amsterdam layover
i would first become familiar with where your departure gate is since schipol is a huge aiport then take the train to centraal station about 7 euros round trip travel time 15-20 minutes take the number 4 tram to rembrandt square (or plein) from there you could walk to the anne frank museum or the museumplein either way they are about 20-30 minute walk i returned from amsterdam yesterday spent 8 days there and walked everywhere never took transport found that walking i was able to find things that i otherwise would have missed good luck with your journey
J.B.F.
KY USA Wed 10/05/2005

Paris to St. Goar
Does anyone have experience (suggestions) for getting from Paris, France to St. Goar, Germany? Train or plane? Thanks.
Gordon <email>
Olympia, WA USA Tue 10/04/2005

Eurostar
My two-cents on the eurostar train, Before I left for Europe this past August I bought my tickets on-line and then just picked them up at the station, very easy!!

This trip to Paris broke up our trip to England very nicely.
david
tolleson, az USA Tue 10/04/2005

Jessica-- Eurostar tips
Unless you know the specific dates you want to travel to Paris, I wouldn't buy the tickets ahead of time. For one thing, most places will charge you a shipping fee, which you wouldn't pay if you purchased them over there. When my husband and I wanted to take a day trip to Paris in the summer, we went to Waterloo the morning of and bought tickets. Trains leave about every half hour or so, and we had no problem getting on one. In fact, we made it on the very next train from when we arrived. If you're in London, a couple days prior to your departure, I would recommend taking the tube to Waterloo station (very, very easy to do) and going up to the Eurostar counter and purchasing them there. You can also order them online if you want and pick them up at the Eurostar counter. I would recommend that you do that once you're in London though, when you know exactly which day you want to visit Paris. It's really, really easy to do so I wouldn't worry about it!
Megan <email>
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Eurostar Train-Paris
Hello everyone out there. Question for you, I'm going to be in London for 2 weeks and I wanted to take a day trip to Paris. Would you guys recommend buying tickets for the Eurostar train before I get to London or is it better to buy my tickets when I'm already in London. Any feedback would be great. Thanks:)
Jessica
Falls Church, Va USA Tue 10/04/2005

Hate rains
Are Germany and Paris too wet in Dec or Jan? Please help
Jane <email>
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Amsterdam Layover
I have a 12 hour lay over in Amsterdam any suggestions what to do?? Here's the catch, it's the day after Christmas.
Mar
USA Tue 10/04/2005

ETBD buses
To the people who asked about the size and comfort of the buses: I took one of the France tours this summer and we had 24 people and the Heidelbloom bus seated 56. It was very comfortable with a place for water bottles and magazines/papers on the back of each seat. The air conditioning was good and the seats reclined a bit. I was very, very comfortable. I will be disappointed, though, if they start using small buses - sure hope it doesn't change!
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Terry-Chocolate
Actually I prefer the Lindt chocolates of Switzerland over any Austrian. And they are readily avail. in USA. If you are going to Brugge Belgium try some chocolates ie. Madame Dumons etc they are all very good there.
JS
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Terry - chocolate in Salzburg
The brand you will see most is "Mozart" like the composer. it's good chocolate...not the best. You will also find Milka brand there. The "best" is subjective...are you looking for milk chocolate, or dark chocolate? Try different candy bars and decide what you like the best. A lot of shops carry the Mozart brand, grocery stores, gift shops. You will even find liquours with the brand.
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Vespa Question - My point of view
In the US, the ET4 is the 150cc motor...will haul your weight around just fine. The ET2 is 50cc...too small to keep up with traffic. The newer Grandisimo (or something like that) is the largest of the US Vespa models. Look for any scooter that is 150cc or bigger engine. In Italy there really aren't that many Vespa scooters around...lots of other brands...just look for engine size for the most comfortable and safe ride.
Vespa Girl
CO USA Tue 10/04/2005

Vespa
For the question about Vespa's; It depends on the terrain and number of people on the vespa, and how fast you want to go. fairly level ground and only you aboard, the Vespa 150 should do you fine up to about 55 mph. the 220 up to 70 mph
James C Halligan Jr <email>
St Petersburg, FL United States Tue 10/04/2005

Alternative accommodations
Edith,

all over in Germany they have accommodations they call Ferienwohnungen (fair-e-un-voe-nung-en) or vacation apartments. These would be perfect if there are two of you. They commonly have a bedroom and living room with a cooking corner. Bed and bath linens are usually provided, but no breakfast. Rates are often by the apartment, not per person, perhaps 35 EUR per day for up to two people - maybe 5-10 EUR more for an additional person. There is also a cleaning fee when you move out.

You can usually find them on a town’s website, which is likely to be www.[town-name].de. If the website is not in English, look under Unterkünfte, Hotels, etc.

First bad news – these are often family run by people who don’t speak English. You would probably need to book through the tourist office.

Second bad news, for some weeks, they might be reserved a year in advance. You might have trouble finding one that is open for a whole month.

If you got something near the Rhine between Freiburg and Karlsruhe, you would be able to go easily north towards Cologne and Amsterdam, south to Switzerland and Italy, or cross the river at Strasbourg to France. There are also Ferienwohnungen in Bacharach and St. Goar for reasonable prices. You could get to France from there via Saarbrücken.
<email>
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Paris - Hotel and Cheap Eats
I have two corrections to the post suggesting a hotel in the Marais district. The correct spelling of the hotel's name is Hotel Sevigne (www.le-sevigne.com). The street is spelled Malher. If you choose to eat breakfast outside the hotel, I recommend Au Bouquet St Paul, a cafe and bar on rue Rivoli/rue St Antoine within a block of the hotel. The croissants are as good or better than you'll find at a patisserie. If you want more than a continental breakfast, you can get eggs fixed the way you like them for a reasonable price.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 10/04/2005

Car rental recommendation
Anyone have a recommendation for a good and cheap way to rent a car either in Portugal or Southern Spain? I would need an automatic and everything I've found seems to be pretty expensive. Advice?
JT <email>
Mpls, MN USA Tue 10/04/2005

Re: Alternative Accomodations
Nothing specific, but in general, many places will negotiate longer term stays at lower rates. Mid Range hotels are maybe less likely to give much of a break, especially in peak season, but small family run places should, obviously with both, early reservations/negotiations would be needed. In many resort areas, cities, and areas seen a "holiday" spots for Europeans, there are also Studios and Apartments for rent that compared to a nightly price of a hotel are a bargain, especially since you will have more space plus a kitchenette. These are typically only available for a week or more, so may suit your needs better. This may not be true for a solo traveler though. If you have a specific location in mind, there are probably others on this board who can help.
Paul <email>
IA USA Tue 10/04/2005

Chocolate in Salzburg
We are going to Salzburg later this month. We have heard that there is great chocolate there, and would like some recommendations.
Terry
OK USA Tue 10/04/2005

Hotel in Copenhagen
Lura~~we stayed at Hotel Astoria, very nice and very clean. Just across from Central Rail Station and a couple blocks from Tivoli Gardens. I think you would like this hotel and its great location.
Robin
Ohio USA Tue 10/04/2005

Alternative accomodations
Has anyone been successful in getting a substantial discount for a staying a month in one location and/or staying more than a week. I plan a 3 month vacation in Europe and would like an inexpensive home base.
Edith Moates <email>
Oklahoma City, OK USA Tue 10/04/2005

Does anyone know the max weight that a Vespa can handle. I weigh 210....wonder which model would be well suited for us big guys?
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Re: train from airport to Termini/Rome
I think you can do this, but it will be one huge hassle. Make sure you get a luggage cart to assist you from the plane to the train station. However, there will be places where the carts are not allowed. I felt like the airport to train station was pretty safe...as was the binario where the train comes in to in Rome..it's off to the side, not too many people there, until you walk around to the main part of the station, then it's wall to wall. Just make sure your purses are close to you at all times. Watch each other's backs while loading the luggage onto the train. I'd recommend getting as close to the front of the train car as possible...there is usually a little space for luggage there. We've traveled with 2 bike cases and 2 pieces of luggage, one daypack and my shoulder bag (2 people) and been OK.

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get luggage on and off the train, be ready to load as soon as the doors open.

What's worked for us is - one person gets on and the person on the platform hands the luggage up. You can get seats as soon as all luggage is on the train and you are both on too!
USA Mon 10/03/2005

Leonardo Express from FCO
Thanks for the info on taking the train. I forgot to ask....do you think I could do the train with a 70 lb piece of luggage, at 25 lb duffle bag, a carry-on and a purse? There will be 2 of us but my niece will also have 2 pieces of luggage, a carry-on and a purse. The reason I have a 70 lb luggage is my sister is moving to Italy and I am bringing some of her things with me (we are all helping her with this!) I'm pretty strong and I don't have a problem pulling this stuff around, but I just wonder if there will be room on the train and will I be a prime target at Termini for pick-pocketing?? We are trying to budget and 9.50 Euros is better than 40 for a taxi! Can it be done?? Thanks in advance for your help!
Anaia
Portland, OR USA Mon 10/03/2005

Copenhagen hotels
Lura, The new opera house is finished, so, perhaps, your old standby will suit.
RH
CA USA Mon 10/03/2005

Copenhagen hotels
I'd like to hear from anyone who has a favorite hotel in Copenhagen, located near either the Nyhaven or Tivoli/Radhusplatz area. I've been there several times---I love the city, but haven't found a favorite hotel yet. I liked the Admiral a few years ago, but have read that construction in the Opera House across the water makes it somewhat noisy and unpleasant. Or perhaps that's not true; I'd like to hear from someone who's actually been there recently. I know Copenhagen hotels are expensive, and I'm not looking for a budget option, but rather something with nice rooms (either traditional or "Danish modern"), friendly staff (although that's pretty much a given in Denmark), and a nice breakfast. We'll be there on a weekend, so the lower weekend rates should help a bit. Thanks!
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Mon 10/03/2005

Erik - Vespas in Florence
Try www.florencebybike.com They do bike tours and rent Vespas too..they also offer tours by scooter!
<email>
CO USA Mon 10/03/2005

THEFT FROM LUGGAGE and happier thoughts
BE CAREFUL!! On page 169 of Rick's "Europe Through The Back Door" is the statement. --"Carry the phone numbers of your bank and credit-card company in your luggage, along with photocopies of the front and back of your cards." --We did just that, having placed them (and some money) in the little pouch attached to the inside of our Rick Steves luggage. We were flying from Rome to Paris on Ryan Air 2 weeks ago. When we got to our room and opened the suit case we found the pouch unzipped and the money and photocopies gone. It appeared that whoever did it knew where to look. We don't know of course exactly at which airport the theft occured, but it did!

Don't put money or credit cards and personal info in your luggage when you don't have it in your control! It isn't SAFE!! (On all our other flights we carried on our bags.) We called our banks and cancelled the cards and were able to get an ATM card sent to us. It took 3 days. We never did get the credit card before we had to leave Paris.

On a happier note we had followed Rick's recommendation through our 28 day trip and had the MOST WONDERFUL trip of our lives. We stayed 2 days in Varenna (at Albergo Beretta) at Lake Como. (Be sure to dine at El Molo restaurant run by young man Simone.) 3 days in Vernazza (at Albergo Barbra), 2 days in Bologna with friends, only 1 day in Siena (at Alma Domus). We then rented a car and went to Assisi for a week in a Timeshare-wonderful experience in the hilltowns. Then on to Paris for a week - in another Timeshare, then on to Normandy and the D-Day beaches. This is where we made a big mistake and only had allowed a day of sightseeing. This area definitely deserves an "overnight" stay to really experience the impact of this place. We then arrived just before sunset at Mont St Michel (at Le Saint-Michel Ridel) and spent the night on the Mont. FABULOUS! The next day was off to Amboise for 2 nights (at Le Petit Clos) seeing Chenonceau and Cheverny. Our final destination was a repeat of our 1st night in Europe. We had flown in to Amsterdam (Schipol airport) and stayed in Haarlem (at Hotel Amadeus) great location!
Jon Danielson <email>
Renton, WA USA Mon 10/03/2005

Week in January
Liz~~I also would concur with London, and as Jan said the theater in London if fabulous. You could go to several shows I've seen in London The Lion King, Anything Goes, Chicago all are great. Most of the musuems are free. By using the tube (subway)you won't need to be out walking alot. I would really consider London.
Robin
Ohio USA Mon 10/03/2005

January in Europe
For a first trip to Europe, and in January, I would concur with London - the theatre scene is in full swing, the museums are great, and you don't need to be outside much.
Jan
Chicago, Il USA Mon 10/03/2005

Re: Paris Cheap eats
Try Hotel Sevigny on Rue Mahler. The also offer breakfast for 6 Euro, although there are many food shops and eateries very close by. It is clean, quiet, close to everything including a Metro stop, and reasonably priced.
Rob
MI USA Mon 10/03/2005

Vespas
Does anyone have any advice about renting Vespas or the like around Florence or, preferably, just outside of Florence (like Fiesole for example)?
Erik <email>
Orlando, Fl USA Mon 10/03/2005

Re: Europe Tickets
Scan the "flying to Europe: branch for additional tips, But I have found buying about 12 weeks before my planned departure works best. By then, the airlines and consolidators are offering deals to move seats, but availability is still good. This coming year? Who knows what will be best, fuel prices could affect the normal trends...either up or down. Some other tips; Keep looking often and on different sites. Try to get an idea of what a good price is, then when you see it, you can snap it up. Make sure you know whether the price you see includes Taxes and Fees; those can be as much as $250.00 per ticket on a Europe flight, and at least $100.00. Try using the "Flexible Dates" feature on Travelocity, I have never bought a ticket from them, but that feature does show you the dates when specials or fee structures stop and start, and what days to fly may be cheaper. Off hand, I would say departing by mid-May, and leaving and returning on a Mon/Tues/or Wed will be cheapest for that time range. Airlines sometimes have great deals, my trips usually require more than one change, so I find Consolidators have the best deals usually (Air Gorilla and Airline Consolidators are two)
Paul <email>
IA USA Mon 10/03/2005

Paris - cheap eats and hotel
Can anybody recommend a b&b, hotel, etc. in the Marais district? And also a nice joint to eat for breakfast that won't break my bank account? Thanks.
San Francisco, USA Mon 10/03/2005

Europe tickets in May 2006
Hello, My wife and I will be celebrating our Silver Wedding Anniversary in May 2006. I have planned a surprise trip to Europe ( Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris). When would it be the best time to shop for the tickets? Should I buy them now? I just found a multiple destination (direct flights)ticket IAH-AMS / CDG-IAH for $830.00. Should I wait and buy next year?

Your advise would be greatly appreciated.
Armando J. Rojas <email>
Houston, TX USA Mon 10/03/2005

January week in Europe
My husband is a big believer in winter travel to Europe. I am too, but I am also a big believer in summer, spring & fall travel to Europe! In the winter tourist sites are less crowded. Coming from Minnesota, any place in Europe is warmer (except maybe Siberia.) Walking around in 30 degrees is a lot more enjoyable than walking around in 90 degrees. I don't reallly do outdoor sports, but I do like to eat and partake in cultural events. I think visiting a big city is ideal...take your pick, London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Rome--any big city. I am not a big fan of Scandinavia because it can be quite expensive to eat out...(last I heard, a beer in Norway cost $11.) Walk around in the day. At night go to plays or concerts (church organ concerts & evensongs are free--except for what you donate.) Then go to the pubs. Be sure to eat the local pastries. If you decide to go to France, look at Harvey's past grafitti wall postings on food. If you just want to have fun, my husband would vote for Ireland.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 10/03/2005

January trip
Liz~~before you decide to go to the Scandinavia countries you must remember that they only have very few hours of light. I think that I would go to London, it is a fantastic city to visit. And you wouldn't have any trouble with language.
USA Mon 10/03/2005

JANUARY WEEK IN EUROPE
By the way, the Copenhagen Card begins at the hour you decide and are 24 or 72 hours. We always get the 72 hours. The site also has a list of Events.

Remember also in Europe are shown as Day/Month/Year instead of the American Month/Day/Year.
Phoebe
FL, USA Mon 10/03/2005

Re: Sharon, Sistine Chapel
I guess I did not experience it as hard to see. Bear in mind that the chapel is part of the Vatican museum tour, so to see the chapel, you also see the museum. As far as I know, there are no reservations or advanced ticket purchase for individuals, so you stand in line and wait, for both security and a ticket. Not sure the best time to go...we got up early and went to St. Peters first, before the crowds, and were around to the museum close to opening. There was already a line, but not terrible. There is a set "route" through the museum, with the chapel near the end...so if your interest is just the Chapel, you may have to still work your way through the museum...we didn't look, so not sure if there was a "Chapel Only" shortcut. I can say that both the Chapel and the museum are worth even more hassle than that to see.
Paul <email>
IA USA Mon 10/03/2005

JANUARY WEEK IN EUROPE
Scandinavia is great - I agree. You can try Denmark - no mountains, but wonderful nonetheless, because of the great public transportation. Copenhagen is beautiful in winter snows, has nice hostels, one just opened in a renovated tower hotel near Tivoli. If you go, definitely buy a "Copenhagen Card" which gives you free (unlimited) entrance into museums, as well as Tivoli, and all public transportation in and around the city and most of Zeeland, the island where Copenhagen is located, plus discounts on other stuff. We have used it several times and have never been disappointed!

Web: http://online.citybreak.com/Search/Other/SearchOther.aspx?pdid=4525&onlineid=1459618727

Holland is also magical and the transportation is great as well. Look for their travel/visitor card on Google.
Phoebe
FL USA Mon 10/03/2005

Paris Self-Catering Apartments
Looking for a mid-priced self-catering apartment in Paris this summer for 4 nights. We are seniors. Thanks.
Joan Altmann <email>
Willowdale, Ontarioi Canada Mon 10/03/2005

DRIVER IN ITALY
Lois: Take a look at this page: www.a-la-carte-italy-tours.com/amalfi-coast-tour.
MANDY M.
WY USA Mon 10/03/2005

Driver in Italy
I am looking for a driver for a 1 day tour to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, also to visit the town where my grandparents came from. Anyone know how to go about finding a driver? thanks
Lois <email>
RI USA Mon 10/03/2005

Train Reservations
I was in Europe 50 days this summer armed with reservations for only Express Trains in France and Night Sleepers throughout Europe. However, I had problems on Scandinavian trains between Malmo and Oslo. I had to move four times during the day long trip on the first Friday of August. Fortunately, I did not have to move to another car with my luggage; I was able to stay in my original car. For my return to Malmo, I made reservations and had no problems. Even though it was for a Monday travel, I did not want to take any chances. When I explained my strategy to a Reservation person at the station in Voss, Norway, she was not surprised because she had recently made reservations for a lady who had been asked to move NINE times during her trip.

I did not have this problem anywhere else in Europe. I did have Train Station Locker Problems which you can read about under "Packing Light.'
Dan B. Lane <email>
Casselberry, FL USA Sun 10/02/2005

re: January week in Europe
Liz - our friends in Stockholm tell us that we absolutely must go there sometime in the middle of winter. I know it sounds crazy (cold and dark!), but it's such a beautiful city already, and they claim it's magical when you can walk across the iced-over waterways and everything is all lit up to brighten the winter. If I had a week in January, I'd be tempted to try it!
Kristin
Bellevue, wa USA Sun 10/02/2005

Rome - Sorrento in November
We're going back to Italy in late November after spending June in Siena and north. This time to Rome and Amalfi coast. We know it could be cold and wet and will pack accordingly. All the travel books seem to assume you will go by the end of October, so there's not much information on off-season things to do - like, are the sights still lit up at night in Rome or only in summer, etc. Any information and advice would be helpful.
Karen <email>
CO USA Sun 10/02/2005

Senior travel to Venice
Venice is wonderful - You can walk most places, though there are lots of steps ove the canals if you walk a bit. We stayed at Rick's recommended Albergo Guerrato. It's near Rialto Bridge (a bit away from San Marco, but easy by vaporetto). The hotel is one flight up stairs - we were on that level, but there may be more stairs to other rooms. The outside doesn't look like much, but inside is really quite nice (95 Euros - shared bath, clean and no problems)in June 2005) We had a room that looked over the produce market with a glimpse of the Ca' d'Oro and Granda Canal. Be sure to get a Vaparetto pass - it's worth it if you don't want to walk everywhere - even takes you to Murano. The hotel has a map, if you ask, that helps getting around. We used a vaporetto stop that avoided the Rialto area (touristy in June) and the steps over Rialto Bridge. I don't think I'd stay at Lido unless there's a specific reason to do so. Being in Venice itself is so much more fun. We're young retirees (mid-50s) and are headed back to Italy in November (Rome and Amalfi coast).
Karen <email>
CO USA Sun 10/02/2005

Sistine Chapel thoughts
We booked a fairly expensive private guide for the Sistine Chapel. Even so, we had to wait in a line for about half an hour because everyone must now go through security- once inside, we scooted through very quickly since the tickets were included. The plus side was that she knew just how to steer us along and had a lot of art history knowledge- the down side was that we were limited to only about 15 minutes in the chapel itself. If your time is limited that might be worth the expense- for the efficiency. This was also the height of tourist season, in August. If you are going during a quieter time just follow Rick's good suggestions for best times to get there. Whether or not you are a Michelangelo fanatic like me, consider reading "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling" by Ross King and/or "The Agony and the Ecstasy" to enrich the experience. Have a fantastic trip!
Sara
USA Sun 10/02/2005

rental car
We looked at all rental recommendations before renting for 18 days in France - AutoEurope, leasing, RS's books, Fodor's, etc. The best value by far (included CDW & theft) ended up being through AAA. They have a special program through Hertz for France - don't know about other countries.
Will
USA Sun 10/02/2005

Sistene Chapel
I hear it is very difficult to visit the Sistene Chapel. Is this due to long lines? Or are there tickets which are difficult to obtain? ANy comments for a 1st time visit to Rome are welcome.
Sharon <email>
Bowie, MD USA Sun 10/02/2005

Car Rentals
You do get a better deal if you make your reservations while you're still here in the states. We've done this four times and have double-checked each time -- our best rates have ALWAYS come from Auto Europe. Be sure you check with them.
TX USA Sun 10/02/2005

Bedbugs in Italy?-to David
For the last 4 years I have been in Italy in August and April and I have had NO incidences with bedbugs. I stay anywhere that Rick Steves guides bks recommend ataround 55-95 euro range. However if you stay in hostels standards are lower.Hope this helps.
JS
CA USA Sun 10/02/2005

Car rentals
Mike~~forgot to add, that if you take the train to York, York would be a perfect place to pick up a rental car. We have picked up a car in York, it a easy drive out of York. Have fun.
USA Sun 10/02/2005

Car rentals
Mike~~I must disagree with Megan about waiting to rent a car until you get there. I have traveled to the UK a dozen times and have always rented a car before leaving. Also, if you rent it before leaving you might get a lower cost. If I were you, I would really think this one over before deciding what you are going to do.
USA Sun 10/02/2005

I just got home
I just got home from spending a month in europe. i spent 2 weeks in Spain along the northern coast near Santander and also Madrid. then i spent 2 weeks in Italy in Cinque Terre, Venice, Spoleto (Umbria region), Rome, and drove throught Tuscany, Assisi, Cortona...We leased a car the whole time and i drove all over and put 7200km or 5000 miles on the car. we drove throught France. i didnt not spend to much time there... i also just wanted to say thanks for all your help and suggestions.. and now i would like to return it.. email me if you need info..
Valerie <email>
UT USA Sun 10/02/2005

Worried about Bedbugs in Italy
My wife and I are taking our first trip to Italy this November. We are visiting Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence, Bologna and Venice.

We've heard about the resurgence of bedbugs and were curious if any recent travelers have had problems with them in Italy. (and inlcude specific hotels if possible)

thanks, David Sylvester
david sylvester
nashville, TN USA Sun 10/02/2005

RE: Help with train from FCO to Termini..
Anaia, there is an interactive view of FCO at "www.adr.it/content.asp?L=3&IdMen=202". The Leonard Express terminal is the white tube, bottom middle of view.
CO USA Sun 10/02/2005

Help with train from FCO to Termini
The Leonardo Express runs from Fiumicino to Termini every half hour, for a 35 minute run. Just follow the signs that say "Stazione FS-Train Station." The station is just outside Terminal C, where most international flights arrive, and is only a short walk from Terminals A and B as well. You can buy your tickets there, and yes, you do have to validate them at one of the little machines on the platform before boarding. There are ticket vending machines, or look for the ticket office. The train will bring you into Termini on tracks 23 thru 27, which are off to the side of the main tracks. Just follow the crowd off to your right, and you'll end up on the main platform after a couple of minutes' walk. There's a two-storey mall underneath the train station, which is also where the entrances to Rome's two main metro lines are located. Out the front doors, you will find a massive bus terminal for Rome's city bus services.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 10/02/2005

Kinsale B&B
Jackie in Raleigh - In August we stayed for 3 nights at O'Donovan's. It was great in every way. Our host, Michael Curran, not only recommended his favorite pub for nightly music (The Spainard), but came and sang there with us.
Mary & George
San Diego, CA USA Sat 10/01/2005

Help with train from FCO to Termini..
I just found out my hotel is no longer offering their shuttle service from FCO to the hotel. My options are taxi, private car service, or the train. We decided on the train since it is only 9 Euros and our hotel is a few blocks from Termini. Can anyone tell me how to get to the train station from FCO? Do we have to validate our tickets before boarding the train?? Are there signs on which way to go after getting off the train in Termini?? Thanks!
Anaia
Portland, OR USA Sat 10/01/2005

Mike-- more tips :)
Mike, Again, I too agree with the posters about what you should do, but my suggestion would be that if your travel plans are not set in stone and you would like some flexibility if plans change, to not rent the car here and instead bring the number with you of the rental office in London (available online) and ask your hotel concierge or staff to help you in booking the car a few days prior to when you want to depart. There is nothing worse than being tied down to something when your plans change, instead the flexibility to do whatever comes at you. Hope this helps :)
Megan <email>
OR USA Sat 10/01/2005

Venice
I also used InItaly.com for trip planning and booked some places through them, including Venice- not always the cheapest options, but very detailed reviews and quite a few within your budget if it's "off- season". One thing we quickly discovered is that if you stay in the city and on one of the side canals it is VERY easy to get lost! Which is part of the fun and charm, but not when jet-lagged and trying to find the hotel and getting more and more tangled. The number 1 vaporetto will get you from the train station to all the attractions and sites easily if you stay outside the city...
USA Sat 10/01/2005

UK PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
Mike: I cannot advise you about saving money in buying a railroad ticket in this country.

But I do know from reading this page in the past that experienced travelers advise always renting a car here rather than over there.

And be sure you talk with a rental agent; do not rent the car off the web page without talking to an agent.

Every major auto rental agency has a web page which will provide a toll-free telephone number for you.
H. M. CYRES
DALLAS, USA Sat 10/01/2005

VENICE LODGING
Don: when my wife and I visited Venice several years ago, we stayed in a suburb called Mestre.

It is about five minutes by train West of Venice and is easy to reach. It contains lots of economy priced hotels. All within walking distance of the railroad station.
RANDY
NYC, USA Sat 10/01/2005

JANUARY TRAVEL TO EUROPE
Liz: The best place to go in the wintertime in Europe would be to Switzerland because of the mountain scenery and all the snow-capped mountains .

The difficulty is that it is very cold ; so you have to be comfortable in colder weather in order to really enjoy it.

But the mountain scenery there is beyond description and the higher you go into the mountains the more impressive it becomes.
JAN W.
TX USA Sat 10/01/2005

Liz/places for January
If you ski, there is Andorra (and that is all there is in Andorra) A nice place for a week--this is not tongue in cheek--is Lichtenstein.
Chris
USA Sat 10/01/2005

Mike~~I would advise you to rent a car before you go over, and not pick up one in London. Rent the car from a company in a town outside of London, like St. Albans. Especially if you would want an automatic, every office doesn't keep an automatic in their fleet. For the train tickets they could wait till you get there, but remember if you buy them a day or so before you want to take the tain they are usually a few British Pounds cheaper.
USA Sat 10/01/2005

January travel to Europe
A friend and I would like to take our first trip to Europe in January for one week (its the only time our busy work schedules will allow for it!). We are open to visting any country. Does anyone have any suggestions on great places to visit in the winter?
Liz R. <email>
Aston, PA USA Sat 10/01/2005

Jessica-- London Hotel
Jessica-- While I've never stayed there myself, I would recommend that you go to www.tripadvisor.com and type in the name of the hotel you're staying in. It is there that you will find honest feedback from fellow travellers that have stayed at that hotel, who tell you the *real* truths. This has proven to be a HUGE help for me, as I had gotten myself booked into some pretty hairy hotels without realizing it and was able to change my reservations when I found out. Remember, it's subjective opinions, so there might be some variance between people, but for the most part, you can learn what people *really* think about it, and if it is a "yay" or "nay" place to stay. Hope this helps :)
Megan <email>
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Sat 10/01/2005

London Hotel
Hi all, I'm staying in London for 2 weeks and found a decent hotel room thru expedia.com that was inexpensive and in a good area. It's called The Regents Park Hotel. I was wondering if anyone out there has stayed there before and what they thought of it. Thank You
Jessica
Falls Church, Va USA Sat 10/01/2005

Venice Lodging
HELP! Two senior couples traveling to Venice. Should we stay outskirts (Lido), where should we avoid, any good recommendations at $200 US or less?
Don Schmitz <email>
Vacaville, CA USA Sat 10/01/2005

Mike-- London tips for train
Mike, I would definitely suggest *not* to purchase your tickets in advance. I wish I would have listened to the advice of fellow travellers once I arrived in London, because once you purchase them, you're stuck. Even thought you may know exactly where you're going, things *can* happen. It's super easy to buy tickets anywhere in the area in London, and you might very well get a better rate. Same goes for the car. Unless you have a completely definitive plan, I would wait to rent the car until you get there and need it. There are always pros and cons to both choices, but when you're so far away, you want to be able to have the flexibility you'll need in case plans change for some reason, so you don't have to lose any money. The British are very helpful people and they will definitely help you figure out where to go and what you need to do to get your tickets and your rental. They arranged taxi rides for us and gave us SO much help when we were there! Don't bind yourself to the tickets purchased over here for sure, because it is super easy to buy them over there. Hope this helps :) Megan
Megan <email>
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Sat 10/01/2005

UK planes, trains, and automobiles
Armed with Rick's London 05 book I am confident of my (1st) trip to London. I am planing a trip to Scotland on the same trip with a 5 day plan. My question to fellow travelers. Should I purchase train tix's in advance (stateside)? will it save money? Same question with a rental car. London Kings Cross to York-car hire-to the charm of Scotland via Hadrians wall. One week to go and my bride to be thinks Im crazy. Ricks people never let me down.
Mike <email>
Fort Collins, CO USA Sat 10/01/2005

Delayed bags
More on delayed bags! On our last trip to Paris, American Airlines misplaced my son's bag. We were in Paris for three days. They located it on our last day there. We talked to the airline on several different occasions, explaining that we were leaving on a train for Italy at 8:00 pm. They assured us that they would deliver the bag to our hotel. Guess what? No bag! So we had to go on the rest of our trip with no clothes for him. I was very disappointed with the airline's response to this situation. They told me we would have the bag and we didn't. Bad experience all the way around. Had to buy clothes AND another piece of luggage. They covered some of the cost but it was very inconvient!
USA Sat 10/01/2005

Delayed bags
I've seen some specially made up luggage tags in multiple languages that tell baggage handlers to look beneath for an itinerary. That gave me the inspiration to simply print on the bottom of my permanent luggage tag "Hotel itinerary inside bag." Then I print out a copy of the itinerary and leave it on top of everything in the bag so it's the first thing you'd see on opening the bag. On return, I cross out the piece of paper and write "Send to address on tag."

I've done this four times now and, wouldn't you know it, my luggage hasn't gone astray yet so I can't speak to whether it works. But I have had luggage delayed in the past (luckily always on the way home!) so the peace of mind to me is worth the extra moment or two to do it.
JER
USA Sat 10/01/2005

Re: Going to Sicily - suggestions?
We spent a few days in Sicily at the end of our Italy trip in 2002. Loved it, wished we could have stayed longer. Great food, great weather, crazy drivers! We wanted to cover a lot of ground quickly, and had a car (I think it would be challenging and probably impossible to see much on a brief trip using only public transportation). If you like ruins, Sicily is certainly the place to go. Agrigento and Selinunte are not to be missed. We also liked Segesta, although it's not nearly as large as the others. Toarmina was cute but heavily touristed. Since we were moving fast, we didn't spend any time in Palermo (next time). I've got a website with a few photos from the trip if anyone is interested: http://www.drizzle.com/~davidh/travel/italy2002/taormina/index.html Hope that helps.
David
Seattle, WA USA Sat 10/01/2005

Delayed Luggage
The problem of having delayed luggage delivered to you is greatly facilitated if you have the name and address of the hotel where you will be staying for the first day or 2. Without that it may be necessary to go back to the airport.
Jeff
USA Sat 10/01/2005

Re: Delayed luggage--more
Forgot to add--when my parents' bags were delivered by taxi to Husum, they came THAT night. That's good service.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 10/01/2005

Re: Delayed luggage
This has been the experience of myself and my parents traveling Lufthansa/United. I live 100 miles from the Minneapolis airport. When my bag did not arrive with me, it was sent by Federal Express to me two days later. (If I had arrived earlier in the day, it would've been delivered the next day.) When my parents bag did not arrive in Hamburg with them, Lufthansa sent it by taxi to their hotel in Husum, a small town several hours to the north. I had the option of waiting several hours for my luggage (it was going to arrive on the next plane) but chose not to. This has only happened to me once, so I do not worry about it. However, it is prudent to carry your medications, toothbrush, etc. in your carry-on.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 10/01/2005

Sicily
I'm in Palermo and can recommend the city for a least a couple of days. Prices are lower here than I expected, the weather is fine, and there is plenty of sight-seeing to do. Or just sitting at an outdoor cafe. Public transportation seems adequate (buses, trains). I've been using the Lonely Planet book on Sicily. It's good. Giorgio has an inexpensive B&B (www.giorgioshouse.com. Breakfast is more than the usual Italian roll and coffee and quite good.
Swan
USA Sat 10/01/2005