Graffiti Wall: Travelers' Helpline

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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 a