Travelers' Helpline: January 2006
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.
Frankfurt airport train stations
Iain,
there are two train stations at the Frankfurt airport. The Regionalbahnhof is underground directly in front of Terminal 1. You get to it by going down the stairs just inside the glass wall on the street side of the great hall of the terminal. It services the S-Bahns between Frankfurt and Mainz/Wiesbaden, and a few regional trains going into Frankfurt main station (Hauptbahnhof).
The Fernbahnhof is farther out. You get to it by going across a pedestrian bridge from the second level of the great hall. It services the "Fern" (distant) trains - the Intercity and Intercity express trains.
<email>
USA Wed 02/01/2006
LUGGAGE ON TRAINS
Mitch:
You cant check luggage on trains; so you have to carry it on board with you.
I always put it in the overhead rack so I can watch it. Small bags can fit on the seat beside you.
Larger bags must be left in the vestibule at the end of the car. Try to sit so you can watch them.
Or go stand by them when the train stops at a station to prevent someone from taking them.
First class seats have more room between the seats for luggage storage on the floor at your feet.
duluth, mn USA Wed 02/01/2006
Frankfurt Airport
I wonder f anyone can help me. I am looking at the timetable for Mainz to Frankfurt Airport. The train timetable shows Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Regionalbf and Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fembf. Does anyone know if these are different stations at the same airport or two stations at different airports?
Iain <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada Wed 02/01/2006
Mosel wine fests
RS has some info on fests-go to "Best Destinations", click on "Germany" and it's the 3rd one down-"Festivals in Germany". You can also google or yahoo in the name of the villages you'll be near to look at their TI site, they usually have info there. Is this a summer or fall fest?
USA Wed 02/01/2006
re:B.B.C.
There is NO ferry from Copenhagen to Stockholm.
Helen
Portland, Oregon USA Wed 02/01/2006
Gena: re - Italy in March again
Well, just to clarify: I was saying I was pretty unimpressed with Capri specifically, and felt like it was a textbook example of a tourist trap (the "blue grotto" experience particularly). I would have to strongly disagree with the previous poster about the Amalfi Coast. Although it was certainly crowded (no argument), I thought it was a five-star attraction, not to be missed. It is, however, a complicated place in some respects - it's very popular, driving there is a non-starter (for me at least - and I drove around Sicily without any trouble), and stuff there is quite expensive (like in many popular, "chic" resorts in Italy).
That said, IMHO the drive along the Amalfi coast is utterly spectacular and worth every bit of the hassles or adjustments you have to make to get there and see it - I considered it one of the highlights of our trip. And while I know some people find Sorento way too touristy, I loved the place (admittedly, it is full of tourists, and yes there are no shortage of souvenir shops). Obviously, tastes vary. Those are some of mine.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Teatro alla Scala
Has anyone attended a performance at this theater? Are there a lot of stairs to go up the boxes (Zone 2-6)? Is there an elevator? Thanks!
Lisa
San Jose, CA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Gena - Italy in march
I'd so recommend staying away from the Amalfi coast. Like the other reader mentioned, it's a tourist trap. It's more like being in California than in Italy. Sorrento is especially bad...unless you LOVE cheesy tourist souveniers.
We did take the bus trip to Pompei and Vesuvio, and that was great...even though it was an organized bus trip.
Ravello was lovely, but 4 days seems like a lot of time for that small town. Ceramic shopping is great, there is a factory there and the prices are good.
Shoes....if you want really pointy shoes for $200, then go for it. I don't really think I'd buy shoes in italy unless I had lots of money and a good podiatrist !!!
USA Wed 02/01/2006
Benelux Rail Pass - Addendum
An added note...the Benelux rail pass isn't good on the Thalys train that runs from Paris to Amsterdam.
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Wed 02/01/2006
Greek Islands
we travelled to Myknonos, Paros, and Corfu in late Sept through the first two weeks of October.The islands do not close down, they become civil , and the ferries still run. We had lovely weather too.
I recommend going Sept through Oct.
canada Wed 02/01/2006
Benelux Rail Pass
John....the Benelux pass is only good on the national railways...and on buses in Luxembourg. The railway systems are very inexpensive across that region, offering great deals, especially for return trips, since the whole system is more like a commuter rail system in its use. You may want to consider what Rick says about the Benelux pass...."Most visits to Belgium, Luxembourg, or the Netherlands don’t cover enough miles to justify a railpass. This region has plenty of money-saving local deals. For example, the Amsterdam station offers many same-day round-trip fares for only 25% over the regular one-way fare." Check out the Rail pass section of his website for some good idea as to one-way fares across the region, and compare your itinerary to that, versus the cost for a pass. The Strippen Ticket you mention, for bus and metro travel, is good on local buses across the Netherlands, not just in Amsterdam.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Wed 02/01/2006
HELSINKI TO ST PETERSBURG
Laurie:
My wife and I took the Russian train to STPB last year. We can recommend it.
We had preferred the Finnish train, but it was sold out. Reserve seats in advance so you can take the Finnish train since it is preferred by past travelers.
I also recommend the ferry from Copenhagen to Stockholm and not the train. We took a room on it and enjoyed the cruise.
Take the hovercraft from Helsinki to Tallinn. It is faster and cheaper than the ferry.
We went on to Moscow and flew back to Tallinn; so I can comment on the train from STPB to Tallinn.
B.B.C.
WACO, TX USA Wed 02/01/2006
cell phones
We are going to be in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for 3 weeks in June. Does anyone know anything about purchasing cell phones to use for a short stay in Europe? Do they work well? Where does one obtain them?
Mary <email>
PA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Gena: re - Italy in March
We went down the length of Italy (started in Milan, finished in Sicily), in March/April a few years back. We got a few rainy days (mostly in the north, mostly towards the beginning of the trip), but nothing to get concerned over (well, we're from Seattle - maybe that colors our experience!).
I'd just be sure to have a lightweight raincoat of some sort along, and any "sensible shoes" should be fine. Frankly, I can't imagine anything more useless in Italy than waterproof boots (unless you plan to wade across Piaza San Marco after a flood) - no way you could get me to lug heavy boots along (and I hate to get my feet wet). As for buying shoes while you're there...unless I'm mistaken, I believe Italy is one of the world's famous shoe-making nations. You should have plenty to choose from (although with the weak dollar, the prices might give you pause if you're shopping for something fancy); it also depends on how picky a shopper you are. But if you want to buys shoes there, I bet you'll find plenty.
As for Capri - personally, I thought the place was a seriously over-rated tourist trap. If that's your one day beyond Rome, I'd spend it elsewhere. If you have plenty of time, it's certainly pleasant enough, but no more so than a hundred less-famous (and less expensive, and less crowded) places with less hype. Personally, I'd skip Capri altogether in favor of another day along the Amalfi coast, but I'm sure others like the place better than I did.
I wouldn't bother with a swimsuit (although it's not much to pack and carry), unless you like swimming when it's not hot out, or are really itching to get in the water (on our trip, we did swim a couple times, but that was further south, in Sicily, at the end of the trip, in April; around Capri/Sorento/Amalfi, it was mostly sunny and pleasant, but more "spring"-like, not nearly swimming weather for me).
Hope this helps.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Agriturismo Near Florence/Firenze
Thanks to all who've posted and emailed me regarding the Cinque Terre....I realize my time there will be too short to really do it justice, but as several of you mentioned, it hopefully will just be my introductory trip, and I'll be back again.
Another question.....am thinking of staying 3 days in the vicinity of Florence with the idea of daytripping into Florence as well as other parts of Tuscany. I've been there previously, so don't have to do EVERYTHING again! Has anyone here stayed at an agriturismo or rustic hotel around Florence that they would either recommend or specifically NOT recommend? Am looking for a place that is rustic and peaceful, primarily.
3 things that would be very desirable are a good breakfast, an English speaking staff that could help with directions, recommendations, etc. and a place that makes access into Florence relatively simple. We will have a car, but I don't like to drive in Florence...did it several years ago and after 1500 miles in Italy, it was the only place I lost my cool.
So suggestions as to how to access Florence (drive close, then bus/walk/cab, bus, train, etc.) are most appreciated.
Beth <email>
Marco Island, FL USA Wed 02/01/2006
Gena
I have been to Rome and Pompeii in March. We didn't have any rain, but we may have just been lucky.
As far as a swimsuit, it was way too cool for swimming when we were there, even at Pompeii.
Doberry
MS, USA Wed 02/01/2006
Doug: Paris-Venice-Discount Airlines
Doug - I didn't scroll through all the old notes to see if anyone mentioned search engines for discount airlines in Europe. To be safe, I will. The best one is www.whichbudget.com. www.skyscanner.net is also good.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 02/01/2006
Italy in March
I will be traveling to Rome mid March for 7 days then on to RAvello for 4 days.
I have two questions.
1. How important will it be for me to have waterproof boots? I have a pair of Dansko I was planning on wearing but wonder how they will do in the rain. If we get there how easy would it be to buy boots or waterproof shoes? My husband would not be to happy if I dragged him all over the city looking for shoes.
2. We are planning a day trip to Capri. Should I bother bringing a swim suit and beach clothes for this time of year?
Gena
Oklahoma City, OK USA Wed 02/01/2006
paris-venice
I do appreciate all the reference to any airline.
Even if they do not offer paris-venice because there might be other ideas or flights for future reference
Doug
USA Wed 02/01/2006
Benelux Rail Pass
If I have the Benelux rail pass, can I use it to ride the subway and trams in Amsterdam? I know that Amsterdam has a "Strippen card" for its local subway/tram system, but I can't tell from the website if a Railpass is also good on the local system.
John <email>
Dallas, TX USA Wed 02/01/2006
Switzerland/Chamonix honeymoon
Matt---what a perfect choice for a honeymoon. We did a very similar trip as a "late honeymoon" last summer (although we stayed in Muerren, not Interlaken).
For Chamonix, if you will be there a week, consider an apartment instead of a hotel. There are many available to choose from on this website: www.chamonix.net. Many of them are owned by British people, so communication is not a problem. The hiking there is incredible, and on most hikes you can add a lunch stop at a mountain restaurant to the views of Mont Blanc. The hikes we liked were the two Grand Balcon walks (Sud and Nord), Lac Blanc (the loop return past other lakes and a small stretch of ladders was the best part), and a loop above Les Houches, the next town down the valley. There are many more that we didn't do. You can get a good hiking map from the TI; we also had the topographic maps (1:25000) but did not use them. The trails are very well marked (and well-traveled). Another nice short hike is up to Chalet Floria, above the village of Les Praz, for lunch. Our chalet was actually in Les Praz, and we were glad---it was a pleasant 20-minute walk along the river to get to Chamonix for groceries, but it was nice and peaceful at our chalet. There is also a large sports complex in Chamonix, with a swimming pool and many tennis courts, open to the public for a small fee. If you like tennis, it's a chance to play on clay.
I'm assuming you've chosen Interlaken as your base so you have acccess to hikes from both Grindelwald and from the Lauterbrunnen valley. You could accomplish the same thing by spending half a week in Grindelwald and the other half in Lauterbrunnen; both have nicer views, and more charming places to stay, than Interlaken.(But no lakes.)
Recommended hikes from Grindelwald: from the top of the First gondola, the walk to the Faulhorn hut is famous for the views over the Blausee, and the hut has great food. From the same lift you can also go around to the right, along the "Marmot path", and then contour around to Grosse Schedig, and back down to town. Another good one is the Eiger trail, which runs along the base of the north face of the Eiger. If you want to take it downhill, start at Kleine Scheidigg (you'll have to ride the train up) and follow it down to an intermediate train stop for a ride back to Grindelwald, or you can walk the whole way (we did). This one combines well with an early morning visit to the Jungfraujoch. There's also a fun hike, for a fee, into a gorge; it starts right near town.
For hikes from Lauterbrunnen, ride the lift up to Gimmelwald or the funicular up to Muerren, and follow any of Rick's suggestions---he has several for this area. We especially like the Rotstockhutte hike. Another one from Lauterbrunnen would be to drive or catch the bus to Stechelberg, and continue up the valley on trails past several Berghotels to a lake (whose name escapes me just now).
It's worth investing in hiking guides for these areas---Cicerone, a British press, publishes both a Mont Blanc and a Berner Oberland hiking guide. There is also a Mountaineers book, "100 Best Hikes in the Alps", that covers both areas, if you can't find the Cicerone guides.
Have a great time!
Enzian
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Greek Islands - time to travel & ferry or plane
I would recommend traveling to the Greek Islands in May or September. I hear they shut down after late September, so I'd rule out October. We went in early to mid September and the weather was wonderful. We flew from Athens to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, Mykonos to Athens. Our travel agent booked the Greek flights, transfers and hotels through a tour operator called Ya'lla (or Y'alla). It was all very easy on us, but we did pay for the convenience. I've also heard stories about the ferries being late. Have fun, it's so beautiful there!
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Luggage on train
Mitch
As in any circumstances, keep an eye on your bags, even on the train.
Rick suggested wrapping a strap on the luggage rack. That way if someone tries to lift your bag, it will get caught.
USA Wed 02/01/2006
Luggage on Trains
You are responsible for your own luggage (no baggage check). Put your luggage in an overhead rack where you can keep a close eye on it. For extra security, bring a cable-style bicycle lock which you can attach to the rack.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 02/01/2006
Helsinki to St. petersburg, Russia
Has anyone traveled from Helsinki to St. Petersburg? Is train travel recommended? Can you travel by train from St. Petersburg to Tallin, Estonia? Would appreciate any info regarding purchasing scanrail passes to include train from Copenhagen to Stockholm, ferry to Helsink, train to St. Petersburg and back to Tallin?
Would appreciate any info or help you can give! Thank you!
Laurie <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Wed 02/01/2006
Night Train - Munich to Paris
I just wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who responded to my questions about the Munich night train. Since I got conflicting recommendations, I'm still not sure what to do, but I have some good web sites and a better understanding of the PREMS fares. Thank You!
<email>
USA Wed 02/01/2006
Luggage on trains?
My wife and I are going to Italy soon and will be going from Rome-Venice, Venice-Florence, and Florence-Rome by rail. We have never done this before and I was wondering about the logistics of our luggage. What do we do with our luggage on the train does it get checked on the train like on the airplane how much carry on can we take and how do we claim the bags? Is it safe? We will be trvaling 1st class. Thanks
Mitch <email>
Toms River, NJ USA Wed 02/01/2006
Travel to the Alps
My Wife and I are going on vacation/honeymoon to the Alps for 14 days and we wanted some suggestions for site seeing, places to eat, and stay. Our plan is to use Chamonix, France and Interlaken, Swizterland for home bases. We are renting a car and plan to do a lot of hiking. Can you help?
Matt <email>
Niskayuna, NY USA Wed 02/01/2006
Night Train Munich to Paris
Reno poster,
for a night train, particularly a popular route like this, waiting to buy tickets at the station is not a good idea. Many of our posters have found out the hard way that these train often sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. And, if you get a seat at all, you will pay the highest fare.
Get your tickets as soon as you can commit!
<email>
USA Wed 02/01/2006
Rome B&B
Under "Sleeping" on this Graffiti Wall is a category on B&Bs. Check there for reader-recommended B&Bs.
Swan
USA Wed 02/01/2006
Speaking Catalan
I will be in Barcelona for a few days and need to learn a little Catalan. Can anyone recommend a book, CD, website? Thanks.
CB <email>
WA USA Wed 02/01/2006
Northwest out of Detroit
I agree with Sue that Northwest flights originating in Detroit are almost routinely MORE expensive than longer flights passing through Detroit. Two cases in point are our flights to Europe the last two Septembers, where it was less expensive to fly from Lansing or Flint to Detroit and on to Europe, than to fly out of Detroit. Basically, Northwest owns Detroit, so fares are better from competitive airports -- even if the flights then go through Detroit.
Ron
DeWitt, MI USA Wed 02/01/2006
Cheap Flights Paris.Venice
Doug - for cheap flights in Europe try Europe by Air. Highly recommended.
Judy
Adelaide, USA Wed 02/01/2006
Pousadas of Portugal
Two questions for Roy Tucker (Southport, NC) or for anyone who might know this: Roy mentioned on "Discoveries and Tips" under Rick's Portugal book that the Pousadas de Portugal have special offers: 40% off for those 60 or older, and a 299 Euro "passport" for 4 nights in the Pousadas plus two 20% discount coupons for restaurants. My questions are, (1) how do you get such a passport? and (2) is every pousada 40% off for seniors? Thanks very much - Jan, Seattle, WA
Jan <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 02/01/2006
RE: Korcula dilemma
Lori, I am assuming you will not be taking a car on the ferry- The passenger only fast Catamaran Krilo or Mala Lara goes from Korcula town to Split leaves at 6:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays up until mid July when it goes every day. Price is 55 kn each . It is better to purchase tickets from Marco Polo Tours the day before but if not their office opens at around 5:30 am for purchase. Failing the office to be open they will let you pay on board. There is a daily bus service from Dubrovnik to Korcula if the ferry schedule doesn’t work for you. As we are still planning our first trip to Croatia / Slovenia, the more I read about Slovenia the more time we are trying to schedule for it. Here is a web site that has links to info on how to get to Korcula. http://www.korcula.net/grad/pitanja/index.html The catamaran schedule is not up to date but the info I gave about times is from a resident of Korcula. Hope some of this is helpful, John & Robin
USA Tue 01/31/2006
CAB FARE FRANKFURT
Sheryl:
Do a google search for “Ground transportation Frankfurt Airport to Center”.
We have taken airline busses into town and airport busses in some cities. Other cities have a train.
If you arrive at the airport without a plan, go to the Tourist Information Office and ask for a means excluding a taxi.
ANNAMAE W.
CHICAGO, USA Tue 01/31/2006
NIGHT TRAIN MUNICH TO PARIS
The best way to travel from Munich to Paris is to buy a point-to-point ticket at the RR station.
It will be cheaper and you don’t need a pass.
RENO, USA Tue 01/31/2006
OPEN JAW TICKETS
Den: Flying open jaw means you fly from Madison to Paris or some other city and fly back to Madison from Munich.
The cost is usually computed by adding the one way fare to Paris to the one way fare to Munich.
It is not expensive. I usually fly American Airlines because even if they don’t fly to the cities I want, they have code share with other airlines and can provide you with open jaw service.
It is best to reserve your flights by phone in lieu of the web.
HAM W.
DALLAS, TX USA Tue 01/31/2006
Open Jaws
It is a general rule that only flag airlines of one of the countries at the terminus of a flight can fly in or out of that country. Thus, Lufthansa could fly from the US to Frankfurt and back from Paris by way of Frankfurt. British Air could fly in/out of London with connecting flights to Frankfurt and from Paris. Any American flag airline can fly to Frankfurt and from Paris.
In a quick check I found United, Delta, American, etc flying to Frankfurt and from Paris. I also found Lufthansa flying to/from Frankfurt with a connection back from Paris.
It is done all the time. It is just a matter of whether the fares match your needs.
USA Tue 01/31/2006
B&B in Rome
My husband and I are going to Rome in late April for about 4 nights. We haven't had much luck finding reasonable accomodations on this website or in the Rick Steves Rome 2006 book. Can someone suggest a B&B in a good location (as we don't have much time in Rome!) that is quaint, romantic, etc. but under $145 a night?
Also, if you have any hints on Rome, we'd sure appreciate it as this is our first trip to Italy.
Thanks from soggy Seattle!
JHS
JHS <email>
Rainy Pacific NW (drip, drip), USA Tue 01/31/2006
Open Jaw tickets
Open Jaw ticket. Tell your travel agent that you want one and he'll find one for you. OR-go to Orbitz or similar site and click on "multi city trip" or something similar. Then fill in your different cities, Chicago (ORD) to Paris (CDG), and then Frankfurt to Chicago. I don't know of any airline that flies to France and Germany both, but it would show up if they did.
Bissie <email>
Milwaukee, WI USA Tue 01/31/2006
Open Jaw Tickets
Can I get some info on how these work? Is the cost that much more? Planning a trip to Europe. I'd like to fly in to Paris, spend a couple days, then spend time in Germany and fly back to USA from Munich. All info appreciated!
Den <email>
Madison, WI USA Tue 01/31/2006
Cab fare/Frankfurt etc.
This site is wonderful! I want to give special thanks to the two gentlemen who took the time to answer my (lame) question. You have provided us much information and helped ease some anxiety. Look forward to hearing from you both again, with all my Millions of other questions! (I will be the most educated in the group of our four!)
Sheryl <email>
London, ont Canada Tue 01/31/2006
PREMS Tickets
Tickets can now be booked on the SNCF site up to 90 days in advance (used to be 60 days). PREMS sell out quickly so it's best to book them as soon as the 90-day window opens. I plugged in an arbitrary date at sncf.com and found 2nd class (six-person couchette) Munich-Paris night train PREMS tickets for E50 and 1st class (four-person couchette) PREMS tickets for E70.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/31/2006
PREMS
PREMS is a discounted ticket offered by French Rail (www.sncf.fr). Most noteworthy, you can print that ticket out on your home computer. Most French Rail tickets have to be picked up in France, which is not very helpful if that is where you are going.
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Night Train - Munich to Paris
Sorry to be ignorant, but what a PREMS ticket?
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Night Train - Munich to Paris
You have picked a very difficult train for which to buy tickets. Rail Europe doesn't sell the tickets online. You might try calling them.
Nacht Zug Reise (www.nachtzugreise.de) lists the train, but you can only buy tickets from a phone number in Germany. Full fare tickets for a 4/6 person couchette are 125/120 EUR. Non-refundable SparNight tickets are 49/39 EUR.
If you can find a PREMS ticket on French Rail's website (www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm), you can purchase it online and print the ticket yourself. I saw a PREMS fare for a 6 person couchette for 60 EUR.
Buying a rail pass just for one night on the train would be pretty foolish. The Aufpreis, or supplement (reservation), on top of the rail pass would be 24/18 EUR.
BTW, although the home page of Nacht Zug Reise is in German, the ordering page has an English option. To get to the ordering page, just click on the box with "Klicken Sie hier".
<email>
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Frankfurt airport to to city, to p/u rental car
Thank you to whomever provided the answer with regards to the fare from the airport in Frankfurt, to the downtown area. Now, pls educate me with regards to the
"S-Bahn?" Thanks so very much!
Sheryl <email>
London, Ont Canada Tue 01/31/2006
Night Train - Munich to Paris
I want to take a night train from Munich to Paris, but that's about the only rail travel I'm planning. Since I'll want a couchette, will I need to buy a Railpass for the trip in addition to Couchette fee or will I be able to buy a point to point for the same or less $?
MN USA Tue 01/31/2006
Re: Train or Plane?
Your best option between Paris and London is the Eurostar train. (As noted many times below, you can often get a good price on a one-way ticket by buying round-trip instead). By the time you add in the cost of getting to the airport in Paris, and from the airport into London, plus the waiting time, etc., the train is by far the better choice. And the kids especially will like it a lot more.
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Room for three near the Athens, Greece airport
I am looking for a room for three for one night near the Athens, Greece airport. BOTH the Sofitel and Holiday Inn only allow two in a room. We are leaving for Santorini the next day and would like a quiet place that is reasonably close to the airport.
<email>
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Northwest out of Detroit
I live in the Detroit area. I can't speak for International fares, but I was once on a Northwest flight out of Detroit to DC and was surprised to meet with one of my friends on the plane who was also flying to DC for the same convention, coming from Pittsburgh. She paid less for her fare than I did!
Flying directly out from a hub is not necessarily cheaper.
Sue
MI USA Tue 01/31/2006
Logically I would fly into Frankfurt and work my way West to London. It will save time and needless backtracking.
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Mosel Wine Fests
Is there a web site to find out when various villages in the Mosel are having their weinfests? It's possible for me to spend one weekend in the region and, having been to a weinfest before, I'd love to bring my friend on one.
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Train or Plane?
I'm planning to finalize my plane reservations to Europe this week, but I'm struggling with two open-jaw options
1)Fly into Frankfurt - taking the train or a flight from Paris to London and then flying home from London.
OR
2) Fly into Paris - taking a flight to London from Frankfurt or Munich and the flight home from London.
There will be 5 of us altogether (3 adults and 2 kids) so we'll be renting a car in Germany and England, but I trying to figure out the least expensive way to get from the Continent to England (any of the London airports will do).
<email>
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Paris-Versailles-Chartres-Nice
Paris-Versailles-Chartres-Nice in one day? Not possible. It takes 1hr20min to go from Versailles to Chartres, using valuable sightseeing time. To get to Nice by midnight you'd have to leave Chartres at 15:50. (The route would be Chartres-Paris and then Paris-Nice.) It would be better to take the night train from Paris to Nice, leaving at 21:17 and arriving at 08:15. You'll save a night in a hotel, sleep on a couchette, and save more daylight hours for sightseeing. Since the night train leaves from Gare d'Austerlitz, store your luggage there, then go to Versailles, Chartres, and back to Paris in time to catch the night train.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/31/2006
1st time travel in Europe
can anyone tell me anything about the Corail hotel in Paris. also is it possible to travel from Paris to Versailles palace with luggage and onto Chartres with luggage then onto Nice all in the same day thanks Delia
Delia
Thunder Bay, Ont. Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Luton University
Less than a kilometer. Head east on Station Road then south on Church Street, then east on St. Mary's road (A6), then south on the continuation of Church Street. The University main entrance will be on your left when you hit Park Street.
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Luton University
How far is it to walk from the Luton train station to the university campus?
jaybee
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Frankfurt flughafen to hauptbahnhof
The trip from the Frankfurt airport to the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof takes about 20 minutes by S-Bahn and cost €3,35.
USA Mon 01/30/2006
re: Cinque Terre
Beth, I respectfully disagree with Ronnie, but I do recommend you plan for your 2-night scenario over the 1-night. In that amount of time you can relax a bit and still hike through and linger in each village. Having said that, I confess that after spending 2 nights once, I've been back for a week 3 times! However, while each village is indeed magical, I would personally never move each night -- part of the fun is making one of the villages "home" for your stay, and your experience will be different depending on which one you choose.
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Mon 01/30/2006
one week thank
thanks for the feedback about the week trips...it feels so much better.
We are on the west coast so it is a bit more travel time but sometimes you got to do what you got to do....
dn
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Re:London B&B near train station
Hello Hank,
And others who plan to travel to London. This city has at least five "main" rail stations plus at least that many "secondary" stations, which are mostly used by commuters. You can travel from one station to another by the Tube (subway), although you may not have a direct route from one rail station to another. Tube information is at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/ If you know where you want to go on your outings, you can check out the National Rail website. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ From there figure out which station you will use the most and try to stay in that area. Also, if you follow Rick's advice and travel light, very light, then moving around London is not such a big task. Travelling on the Tube laden with baggage is an ordeal. But if you can easily carry your gear, then it's very handy. Remember, very few Tube stations are step free. Most have at least some steps, and some have many steps. If you have huge, heavy bags, you'll feel your burden mightely. Happy planning, and bon voyage.
Michael <email>
Edmonton, Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Cab fare - Frankfurt
Hello, hoping someone out there can give us a "guesstimate" on a price for a cab ride from the Frankfurt Airport, into the city to pick up our rental car from Europcar. The rental agent (euro car) told us it was about 12 klms.) If any one has an idea, it would be greatly apprciated! Thanks
Sheryl <email>
London, Ontario, Ontario Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Fly Northwest out of Detroit. That's their hub so you are able to get a cheaper airfare.
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Long weekend, One week
We've done several long weekends in Europe. Of course it sounds crazy. I haven't even confessed this deed to European acquaintances--they're used to super-long vacations. But sometimes our lives have allowed for a long weekend but nothing more. It's such a break from the tedium of life in small-town Minnesota in the winter. It's been wonderful.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 01/30/2006
Jill-DO NOT skip the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg like one of the posts suggested. It was wonderful, Bob's Tours at least. My suggestion is two nights on the Rhine River in either Baccharach or in St. Goar. Take the KD line river cruise. One or two nights in Hallstatt and 2-3 nights in Salzburg. There is an awful lot to see and do in Salzburg if you wanted to. Rothenburg warrants 2 nights. Don't miss the Night Watchman Tour.
IL USA Mon 01/30/2006
London B&B near train station
Does anyone have a recommendation for a nice, moderately priced London B&B located near a main train station? We are planning on using the BritRail pass for several day trips out of the city.
Hank
Hank
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Jill---Munich
Munich will be the worst city to visit during the world cup (jun9-july9). Munich is where the WC International Press/Broadcast Center is located. This means almost all hotels will be filled with media people paying top dollar for rooms. Prices will be sky high in Munich!
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 01/30/2006
Detroit to London
By choosing to fly out of Toronto instead of Detroit, my wife and I saved $400 each for British Air non-stop tickets to London in June. The 4 hour drive is definitely worth it, and we love to visit Toronto anyway!
Hank F.
Chesterfield Township, MI USA Mon 01/30/2006
Carry-on, Alitalia
Margie,
My wife and I travelled to Italy last summer on Alitalia. We both had carry-on bags only. Both carry-on bags were within Alitalia's prescribed dimensions except for weight. Our bags weighed lot more than 5 kg. but never once we had any problem getting on the plane. However, I will think twice about flying on Alitalia again. The service was bad, planes were late and crew was unfriendly. The plane on our returned journey had lots of safety violations as well.
MJ
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Jill---Munich
See the posts below regarding the World Cup soccer tournament going on all over Germany during June. Several games will be played in Munich, and the city will be very crowded during that time. Most hotels have increased their prices and/or imposed a minimum stay. Also, restaurants will be very busy, and museums and other sights will be crowded (on non-game days). Someone below posted the actual dates of the games, if you want to avoid those times.
USA Mon 01/30/2006
For Jean: Hotel d'Argouges
Hi Jean:
E-mail address ( d'argouges@aol.com)
I emailed them and they sent me an immediate reply. Our request was for 1 room with 2 twin beds together,or 2 twins, for early May.
They only had availabilty for a 'large double room with 1 double bed and 1 single bed with Breakfast' for 116E.
You can decline the B and they may bring down the rate, we'd plan on eating outside the hotel anyway.
Parking per day 2E.
If you have long hair, you'll need to pack a mini-travel size hairdryer as they don't have them.
Remember they have no lift.
They want you cc#, exp date and the 3 digit secuity code.
We declined because we did not want 2 beds and honestly didn't want to give them our 3 digit cc# code.
I have read only wonderful things everywhere about the 'd'Argouges'. I have been planning our trip for a year now and it was the only hotel to ask this. I felt unconfortable about it.
Di
Boston, USA Mon 01/30/2006
5 week itinerary
Jill, it is hard to judge the time planned for each town. With any of these towns, there is a big difference between getting there one evening and leaving first thing another morning vs. arriving and leaving mid-day.
Bacharach might not be worth 2 days, but the whole Rhein gorge from Koblenz to Bacharach, including Marksburg and St. Goar is worth at least that.
We spent two nights in Rothenburg. We arrived mid afternoon from Stuttgart airport and spent the rest of that day and the following day seeing the town. We left first thing the next morning. That was enough time.
Not sure I would spend 2+ days in Salzburg. My wife and I saw it as a day trip from Munich. Skip the Sound of Music tour. Too many of the movie scenes were actually filmed in California or in Salzburg with fake sets. Take the time to see Berchtesgaden. It's 45 minute by bus from Salzburg.
Instead of spending several days and a lot of money backtracking to Amsterdam, try for an open jaws flight with a return from Rome. See the Rhein gorge, Rothenburg, and Fuessen on the way to Munich. Skip the Berner Oberland. It is worth seeing, but not worth two long day trips to get there and back. Instead spend some time in the South Tyrol (Bolzano) and/or around Lake Como.
If you can't get the open jaws out of Rome, then go ahead and visit Lauterbrunnen. Leave Interlaken in the evening and meet the City Night Line train to Amsterdam in Basel.
On2 <email>
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Gatwick to Heathrow Transfer - Problem Solved
Problem solved. We'll just take British Airways from LGW to Dublin. No transfer necessary.
Thanks to those who responded.
Jacquie <email>
St. Petersburg, FL USA Mon 01/30/2006
Alitalia carry-on
Margie, if you haven't already, read http://www.alitaliausa.com/information/baggage/information/index.htm. They do say that a personal computer is acceptable as an additional carry-on. I would assume that is in addition to the 5 kg.
But you will never hear me claim that the Italians are logical.
Because of the 5 kg limit, Alitalia is on my no fly list. I can stay under Lufthansa's 8 kg limit, but 5 kg is ridiculous. And I am not going to check my luggage and have them send it to So. America.
By the way, wheeled luggage is about 3 1/2 kg. What can you pack with a 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) limit?
Lee
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Dn-1 week travel
Hi Dn:
One week is doable. If you're planning on future euro trips you may want to reconsider and spend that time in 1 country.
For 1 week do Paris and then add another region like Loire Valley or Normandy, or similar week for Spain.
Just something to think about it.
Whatever you do I'm sure it will memorable.
Happy travels, Di
Di
Boston, USA Mon 01/30/2006
Carry-on Alitalia
I'd like to travel with carry-on only, but Alitalia's weight limit is 5 kg or about 11 lb. They do allow a second "purse" or personal item. Does this 5 kg limit include both bags? Or is it 5 kg each? If a laptop is permissible as a second carry-on, it surely weighs 8-10 lb or more all by itself, so it's hard to imagine that the overall limit for the two pieces is 11 lb.
Margie <email>
Oakland, CA USA Mon 01/30/2006
More Scotland
You probably want to take a car to give yourself the freedom to move around at your own pace. Driving on the left isn't that bad and, while the roads will be narrower than you're used to, there won't be traffic like you see in huge European cities. No trains and very few buses. And scrap that Alford town website...that's the one in Lincolnshire. Alford, Aberdeenshire's website is down for a redesign.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Jill - my two cents
Jill -
Sounds like an amazing trip, hit several of those places last fall, and here's what I would advise:
Bacharach - beautiful, but two nights would be plenty. The town is soooo small...
Fussen - roll into town late, see the castles and the gondola the next day, then make an early getaway the following morning.
Munich - could be done in only three nights, but not the worst place to spend four nights (we did, but that included a day for Oktoberfest recovery!).
Brugges and Rothenberg - either one is worth an extra night above what you're planning. Both are super-touristy, but there's so much to see, especially for a child. Rothenberg in particular lives up to all the hype.
Have a great trip!
Wyeth
Seattle, WA USA Mon 01/30/2006
Scotland
Alford is a village west of Aberdeen in Aberdeenshire...Belwearie (or possibly Balwearie) sounds like an estate on which your husband's relatives lived. Start with research from home first. See if you can find any family connections at the Scottish General Registry office http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/ and at the Mormons' excellent and extensive family database http://www.familysearch.org/. For the town itself, do a Google search, but a couple of interesting pages are http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/alford/alford/index.html, http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/alford/alford/info.html and http://www.alford.info/index.html. The town's website is at http://www.alfordtown.co.uk/. You can also e-mail a note to the editors of the newspapers surrounding the area, asking anyone interested in the family genealogy to e-mail you, noting that you plan to visit. Check out the Aberdeen Independent (http://www.aberdeen-indy.co.uk/), and the Aberdeen Press and Journal, and Evening Express (morning and afternoon editions of the same paper,(http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/). Finally, you can go to the British Telecom directory and search for numbers and addresses in Alford of people bearing your husband's surname...http://www.thephonebook.bt.com/publisha.content/en/find/residential/residential_numbers.publisha. Chances are they're distantly related. Maybe write them a quick note asking if they know anything of the family tree. If your husband's surname is Scott, e-mail me and I'll send you some links to look at. You're on the edge of MacBeth country here, with lots of Scottish history surrounding you!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Michael,
My employer also has a one week only limit on vacation time. However, when I explained that I was going to Europe, he relented and let me take 10 days. It wouldn't hurt to ask!!
USA Mon 01/30/2006
a week in europe
All of my 15+ trips to Europe have been 1 week'ers. I get 4 weeks off a year, but my employer only lets me take them a week at a time. Going to Europe for a week is completely doable, especially if you live on the east coast. Even though I pay more in airfare by taking spereate trips each year, I do get more frequent flier miles.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 01/30/2006
A Week in Europe
Depending on how long you are taking to see the sights and how many there are will determine how much time to spend there. 7 days to do 2 cities is completely doable. The only thing I would suggest is taking a night train between the cities. You save more time and will probably have a story to tell. Enjoy!
<email>
WA USA Mon 01/30/2006
Scotland
Am planning a trip with my husband to Scotland this fall. My husband's family was from Aberdineenshire, Belwearie, Alford. Where would we want to stay to look up some family history? What sights to see? Do we want to rent a car? Just got back from four weeks in Europe and the best thing we did not do was rent a car - loved the trains, etc. Tell me driving in Scotland is not like the rest of Europe.
Sabrina
Charleston, SC USA Mon 01/30/2006
Safe area in Rome
Help! I need to reserve an apartment ASAP for next Christmas in Rome. I am finding that almost every affordable option is already taken. However, one apartment is available. It is located on Via Principe Umberto, which is pretty much next to the road the runs along the south west side (half way down) of Termini Station. I have read negative reviews of hotels around Termini, but I'm not exactly sure where the "scary" areas are. My 18 and 14 year old daughters enjoy doing some explorations on their own, and the last thing I want to do is reserve a place in a dangerous neighborhood. Does anyone out there know this area? I would GREATLY appreciate some advice!!! Thank you!
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Mon 01/30/2006
A Week in Europe
I know of people who go to Europe for a long weekend--but only one city of course! I would definitely go but I would probably only do one city or 2 cities but closer together so there wouldn't be so much travel time involved.
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Mon 01/30/2006
Which Prague District?
Ismay--we stayed at Hotel Julian in Prague in '04 and while the hotel and staff are wonderful, we would have enjoyed staying closer to everything, such as Old Town, New Town or Castle District. I would recommend that you do everything you possibly can to have a tour with Sarka Pelantova. She is absolutely fantastic. (Cesky Krumlov is also one of our favorite towns.)
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Mon 01/30/2006
a week in europe
do people think going to europe for a week is dumb if I am just going to do two cities such as Paris and Barcelona.
all I have this year is a week that I can use for Europe and I am really wanting to go.
dn
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Which district should I stay in Prague and Barcelona?
I will be travelling to Europe for the first time in May. Does anyone have any tips on what their favorite districts are to stay in Prague and Barcelona?
thanks,
Ismay <email>
Fredericton, NB Canada Mon 01/30/2006
Gatwick to Heathrow Transfer
National Express has frequent direct coach (bus) service between Gatwick and Heathrow. Visit www.nationalexpress.com for the timetables and prices. Important note: While the scheduled time is a little over an hour, heavy traffic can make it a lot longer. That, coupled with the possibility of a late arrival in Gatwick and any delay getting through customs, means that you should allow a minimum of five hours between your scheduled arrival at Gatwick and your scheduled departure from Heathrow.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 01/30/2006
Gatwick to Heathrow Transfer
My husband and I will be arriving at Gatwick Airport. We need to get to Heathrow Airport to complete our journey to Dublin on BMI Airlines. Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonable transfer service? We are trying (if at all possible) to avoid going all the way into London via the Gatwick Express and then having to turn around and go from Victoria Station to Paddington Station to get the Heathrow Express. Any information or suggestions would be most welcome. We'll be arriving on a Saturday. Thanks in advance.
Jacquie <email>
St. Petersburg, FL USA Mon 01/30/2006
Travel with 11 year old
Jill-haven't been to about 1/2 the places you have listed but in general I think your itinerary looks good for traveling with your family. One key thing is that where you spend 3 or 4 days try to make one of the days a "tour-free" day-i.e. no churches, museums - but maybe just walking around, window & souvenier shopping, or some outside activity (climb something, water sport). Also be sure to allow time most days for down time-our kids spent a bit of each day listening to their music or reading. It wasn't so much the stress of seeing all the sights as the stress of being around each other 24 hours a day - they needed some time where they did not need to be "engaged". Don't know about your sleeping arrangements, but I hope that at least some nights you are either in a small b&b/inn where you feel you can have your son in his own room, or, better yet - see if you can get a self-catering place somewhere. Again-you are going for a little alone time for all of you. And despite the pack light mantra, if your son is a reader, let him take as many books as he wants to carry. When we took our son to Italy he was 10. He took 9 books for a 2 week trip and we still had to find the English Language bookstore in Florence. Again, this was what he was doing to "chill" so he went through them quickly, didn't mind the weight in his backpack so I didn't mine either. Finally, though you've probably figured this out from traveling with kids before - eat lots of gelato or chocolate or whatever special treat you can find.
USA Mon 01/30/2006
Advice on 5 week Europe Itinerary
I'm almost done planning a 5 week excursion through Europe for my husband and I and our 11 year old. I'm looking for advice on our itinerary. Since we are travelling with a child I tried not to rush the itinerary, following RS's advice only seeing 1 major site a day, however I'm worried that I may have over done it. Here it is 3 nights Harleem / Amsterdam, 4 nights Munich, 2 nights Hallstatt, 3 nights Salzburg, 2 nights Venice, 2 nights Florence, 3 nights Rome, 4 nights Lauterbrunnen, 2 nights Fussen, 2 nights Rothenburg, 3 nights Bacharach, 1 night Brugges, and last night in Amsterdam before we fly home. This includes 2 night trains.
I wanted to see if people thought it was too much, or we are spending too much time in some of these places?
We've spent quite a bit of time in England and France on past trips.
This trip is from mid/late May to the end of June. Figuring out what to pack is interesting also. We've purchased RS carry-on backpack/bags.
Thanks!
Jill <email>
Oahu, HI USA Mon 01/30/2006
Experience with Turkey Melitours?
Has anyone been on one of the Melitour trips of Turkey recently and can comment on it? Am considering one.
EMH
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 01/30/2006
Korcula dilemma
Need some advice. We're planning a trip to Croatia for early September. Unfortunately, Jadrolinja's ferry schedule between Dubrovnik-Korcula-Split doesn't run daily and that means I will probably need to spend either 3 days on Korcula or barely one day. arriving mid-day and then departing 2pm the next day. Is there enough to do on Korcula for three days? My husband and I are not sit-on-the-beach types but would hate to rush Korcula. I should add that by staying just overnight on Korcula we would be able to add a full day in Ljubljana, Solvenia to our trip instead of a half-day.
Lori <email>
Palo Alto, Ca USA Sun 01/29/2006
Train tickets - Benelux
John,
a railpass covers the normal trains run by each of the national railroads, but Thalys is not part of the national railroads. It is a quasi independent company, founded to run special, high speed premium trains between France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. An additional surcharge, which comes with a reservation, is required in addition to the railpass, to use these trains.
USA Sun 01/29/2006
CINQUE TERRE
Beth: One night is sufficient for each of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. That means 5 days and nights.
Each one is different. I visited each one and would do it again when I return.
If you hike the trail, and you should, you should allow at least one day for that event.
RONNIE W.
ALAB , NM USA Sun 01/29/2006
Train tickets - Benelux
On the raileurope.com website, there is a statement saying that "seat reservation" tickets are required for Thalys trains in Belgium/Netherlands. We don't remember having to buy the "seat reservations" before in either France or Switzerland, i.e., we just got on the trains with our Pass. But maybe they didn't have Thalys trains, don't remember. Is this definitely a requirement for Benelux?
John <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sun 01/29/2006
Greek islands - air/ferry vs. cruise
We went to Greece last year. We heard that the ferries are very, very unreliable due to weather, etc., so we decided to fly from Athens to Santorini and stay on that island. We aren't cruise people, so while we would like to see other islands, I don't know if we'll ever do the cruise thing. We were told by experienced travelers to the islands that if you use the ferries, allow a lot of time on both ends of the "scheduled" times.
John <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sun 01/29/2006
Berlin. Which district?
We are going to Berlin in late June (World Cup) for the first time. I would like suggestions as to which District it is best to rent an apartment in. My wife and I will be renting bicycles (call a bike) and are very adept w/ taking public transport. We'd rather stay in a quiet neighborhood rather than in the middle of a tourist area. Any opinions?
jf
USA Sun 01/29/2006
Wheat-free breakfast in France?
My husband is allergic to wheat, so I'm wondering what he can eat for breakfast in France. I've been there several times and never saw breakfast foods which were wheat-free, only baguettes, croissants, and so forth. I don't want to drag along a bag full of wheat-free breakfast bars! Please help!
Merry Mc <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Sun 01/29/2006
Accessibility
Sorry, I should have said that tracks 2/3, 4/5, 6/7 etc generally have cross platform loading. But that is not always true; best to look at the station layout, if available.
USA Sun 01/29/2006
Munich hotel
This subject was thoroughly discussed on this board within the last week. Look at past postings.
USA Sun 01/29/2006
Munich airport hotels
I'm looking for hotel recommendations near Munich Airport.
Mary <email>
Perkasie, PA USA Sun 01/29/2006
Alps in May
May is definitely early for anything but the lowest level hiking. If you are planning anything that involves passes or high-level huts you should wait until July unless it has been a very dry snow year.
Jeff
USA Sun 01/29/2006
Accessibility
Barb,
I ride mostly regional trains, so I am not absolutely certain of this, but I am pretty sure the InterCity Express trains load at platform level, and probably the InterCity and EuroCity trains as well. Cross platform connections on these trains should be a breeze.
On some busy routes, there are double deck regional trains, with platform level loading, but these would be difficult to predict. S-Bahns in major cities have platform level loading.
In general, tracks 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, etc are cross platform connections. When you find a connection you want on the Bahn website, if you check the box and click "details" it will show you the track numbers for the connection.
Major stations in Germany will have elevators providing access between platforms. Not all stations will. You can find layout maps of all stations in Bavaria on www.bayern-takt.de. It has an English side. In addition, I have .pdf files for over 100 major stations in Germany. If you email me, I can send specific stations layouts to you.
On2 <email>
USA Sun 01/29/2006
dover ferry
We researched this and really to be honest I guess it depends how much time you have but there is nothing more relaxing and easy going than that eurostar.
USA Sun 01/29/2006
handicap accessibility
For Italy, go to Trenialia's English home page at www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html, and click on "Services for".
<email>
USA Sun 01/29/2006
handicap accessibility
Barb,
for travel in Germany, go to bahn.de, click on "International Guests" at top of page, then the "handicapped" link at the bottom of the next page.
<email>
USA Sun 01/29/2006
handicap accessibility
Our travel companions have limited walking ability; one uses a cane, a second a wheelchair for distances. Will we be able to take and use the wheelchair? Are there ramps or elevators at train stations?
Barb <email>
IL USA Sun 01/29/2006
Pickpockets in Roma
Pickpocket are your biggest threat...number two, those carrying bags on their backs or at their sides, out of their view. As long as you keep your luggage in sight, you'll be OK.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 01/29/2006
Pickpockets in Roma
Thanks to those who replied about getting to Gianicolo from Ciampino airport.
One quesion about pickpockets -- although I will have a neck wallet, so I shouldn't have to worry about anything on my person, what about my luggage? Should I get those little luggage locks for the zippers -- do pickpockets target luggage also? Or are they more concerned with the money in peoples' pockets? Thanks!
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Sun 01/29/2006
Dover Ferry
Jen....you can connect in Calais to Paris via local trains that connect with the TGV in Lille (the downtown train station), or via Eurostar (at the station in nearby Frethun). I think there's one evening train that isn't TGV/Eurostar that goes to Paris via Amiens....but it takes more than three hours to do the run. You'll need a reservation for the ferry (http://www.aferry.co.uk/) and the French TGV/Eurostar portion of your rail journey (http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm)
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 01/29/2006
Getting to and from airport in Rome
Bryan....take the metro, as advised, to Termini station, then head out the front doors of the station to catch bus 64 (runs every 10 minutes or so). It'll take you on a 20 minute run out to the stop at Gianicolo (just before the tunnel), and Bambin Gesu will be right there across the street. We take the 64 to the apartment we rent when in Rome and so far have escaped the notorious pickpockets....but be on guard! You can find Rome transit maps at http://www.atac.roma.it/ Look down the left side for "Percorsi e mappe" and a number of downloadable maps will show on the right side. They come zipped, and will unzip into pdf format.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 01/29/2006
Dover Ferry
We have decided to see London and then go to Paris. At first I figured the best way to get to Paris would be on the Eurostar (quick and efficient) but the whole reason for this trip is to "take it all in" and not rush from one sight to the next. That said, I am very interested in taking the ferry , in particular, the Dover ferry. I know there is a train directly from London to Dover, and Im wondering if it's just as easy once we get to France. Is there a train that connects ,wherever it is that we dock , to Paris??
Jen
USA Sat 01/28/2006
Bayeaux area lodging
Will, how did you reserve your room at D'Argouges ? do the have E-mail? what was the rate for B&B ? Thanks
Jean <email>
Riverside, CA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Ciampino airport in Rome
The cheapest way to get to the citycentre is to take a bus from the airport (ticket 1 euro, purchase from driver) to the first metro station of Line A , Anagnina station. Then it is no more then 30 minutes to the centre.You might ask your hotel for directions from the center as it is a long uphill walk but I am sure there is a bus.For more options to/from Ciampino airport go to http://www.adr.it/content.asp?Subc=2019&L=3&idMen=204
John & Robin
Atascadero, California, USA Sat 01/28/2006
Gite in The Loire
We have reserved a gite through www.frenchconnections.co.uk they have a good selection & they direct you to the owners.
Jean <email>
Riverside , CA USA Sat 01/28/2006
FLYING OPEN JAW
Beth: If you look close and read all the small print on every page you can probably find out how to buy open jaw tickets on all those websites.
But I have found it safer to use the toll free phone number and talk with an agent about it.
If you leave a car at another town the drop charge is often prohibitive. Be sure you talk with an agent and ask how much it will cost you.
Don’t depend on the webpage to give you all the info you need. And some rental agencies wont let you drop in another city.
JAN Z.
DALLAS, TX USA Sat 01/28/2006
Neuschwanstein
Mardy Ann,
the only castle I have ever seen is Neuschwanstein. It is nice to know that now I don't have to bother to see any more, since all other castles look like it.
USA Sat 01/28/2006
NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Lisa: It definitely is worth detouring to view Neuschwanstein.
It is unique in the world. And worth photographing from all sides and from the bridge half a mile away.
The interior is similar to many other castles. I regretted paying to stand in line to go inside because it looked like every other castle I had seen.
Mardy Ann
NYC, USA Sat 01/28/2006
GITE IN LOIRE VALLEY
Laura: If you don’t get a suggestion from this page, go to google.com and search for “Gite Loire” or “Gite Angers”.
You will find many with descriptions, photos and travelers comments.
L. S.
TULSA, USA Sat 01/28/2006
Gite in Loire valley
We are a family of 5 traveling to Angers/Loire Valley this summer. We'd like to rent a gite for a week, any recommendations?
Laura Ikehara-Martin <email>
Vancouver, WA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Paris Hotels - for Laura
Last September we stayed at the Hotel Londres-Eifel, walking distance to the tower, the tourist buses and batobus. Plenty reasonably priced restaurants nearby. Walked to station for Verseille. Place was clean, the bathroom sparkled. Breakfast was extra, but, for Europe, quite substantial. Staff was most helpful and pleasant. We would stay there again.
Iain
Edmonton, AB Canada Sat 01/28/2006
climate in the Alps
planning a cross continent tour with the wife and need some climate info. is it still cold and snowy in the Interlakken area of Switzerland, and/or the Innsbruck area of Austria in mid-May? are the hiking trails open? or should we put the trip off until june?
Joe Mc
Gilbert, AZ USA Sat 01/28/2006
Greek Islands - ferry/air vs. cruise
We're planning a trip to Greece (focus on islands) in late Sept. or early October 2006, or perhaps in May 2007. We've done well with traveling in Western Europe using the Rick Steves Guidebooks previously, in the summer. However, we have some concerns about a) not having that level and style of info, and b) the apparently undependable nature of the ferries. We are pretty organized,and like to have our itinerary, tickets, reservations in hand before traveling. My wife has suggested that perhaps we should take a cruise of the Greek Islands instead of taking the ferries and organizing our hotels, etc. I don't really want to do a cruise, but I am interested in feedback on this. Thanks.
Dave H <email>
San Jose, CA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Neuschwanstein
Is it worth taking a short driving detour to view this castle from the outside only? We are planning some other castles during our trip- so we are not interested in the whole tour. Thanks.
Lisa
Chicago, IL USA Sat 01/28/2006
Open Jaws
The websites refer to open jaw as "multiple destinations". I have found that Orbitz usually gives the best fares for open jaw flights.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Sat 01/28/2006
Open Jaw
If you want to book an "open-jaw" ticket on travelocity... Go to the Travelocity main home site. In the orange box on the left, where you would type in your destination, there is some small type on near the bottom of this area. Click on the "multi-destination link". Here you can type in all your locations.
A
Marina Del Rey, CA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Open Jaws Considerations
I plan to visit Europe in September and have two questions about Rick's recommendation for flying "open jaws"....in to Paris/back from Rome. Is it possible to navigate the travelocity/expedia/orbitz websites and somehow get info on this? I only see a choice of round trip vs one way. Also, if I pick up a rental car in France, will I be able to return it in Rome? I don't object to using an American company such as hertz or avis...used them on a previous trip and it was fine. Please email me with any help...and THANKS!!
Beth <email>
Marco Island, FL USA Sat 01/28/2006
Christmas in Rome
Could anyone tell me if there are any places open on December 25-26 in Rome? I am planning a trip and trying to figure out the best ways to spend these 2 days. I am interested in finding out if most churches are open to visitors at this time. Also, any restaurants? Do trains run on these days? Thanks!
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Sat 01/28/2006
Getting to and from airport in Rome
I am flying to London, then Rome. I found the London Journey Planner site (http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk), which is immensely helpful in figuring out how to get from Heathrow to where I am staying in Chelsea, then from there to Luton a few days later.
But I am having a bear of a time figuring out how to get from Ciampino airport in Rome to the Janiculum Hill! None of the web sites that I have looked through are terribly clear as to what forms of transportation are cheapest (I am a poor student). Where I am going is on Via del Gianicolo near the Bambino Gesu Hospital. Can anyone offer advice on what forms of travel from Ciampino are going to be the best/cheapest? I don't care so much about efficiency -- I just want to save money!!! Thanks!
Bryan <email>
Maryland USA Sat 01/28/2006
Children in Paris
Scattered throughout Paris are play areas and kid-friendly parks. Luxemburg gardens, Champs du Mars at the Eiffel Tower, and other smaller areas.
USA Sat 01/28/2006
cinqueterre
We are 3 adults who will be staying in the south of France for 3 weeks in September, then will spend a week driving south into Italy the first of October, ending up in Rome before flying home. I haven't been to the cinqueterre and have read what Rick has to say. 2 questions that come to mind: Have you stayed somewhere especially great/terrible (esp those Rick recommended as I will check those first for availability)? and secondly, is one night there sufficient to see the towns or should I plan on two nights? Would also like to stop in Lucca for one night before Roma. PLEASE E-MAIL ME INSTEAD OF POSTING (or in addition to posting) IN CASE I DON'T HAVE A CHANCE TO CHECK THE BOARD RIGHT AWAY! Grazie....
Beth <email>
Marco Island, FL USA Sat 01/28/2006
Munich in June
Edward--Lee is right; the soccer tournament will mean tons of people in Munich and higher prices for accomodations. Since you like rural areas, consider staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and taking day trips into Munich to see the sights--it takes less than an hour. YOu might even be able to find a farm to stay on.
USA Sat 01/28/2006
Pension in Munich
Edward,
you may have to modify your adenda somewhat. If you had been watching this site, you would know that the World Cup of soccer will be held in Germany June 9 to July 9, and will bring hundreds of thousands of fans to Germany. The last June match in Munich is the 24th, but there will also be plenty of tourists visiting the city at other times. You may have extreme difficulty finding accommodations for two, let alone a large group.
As for "farmstay", the German word for farm is "Bauernhof". If you have a specific place in Germany, www.[place].de, look for Bauernhof under "Unterkünfte" on the site. Otherwise try a Google search for Bauernhof Bavaria.
Lee
USA Sat 01/28/2006
Kid Friendly Accommodations in Paris
I’m looking for reasonably priced accommodations in Paris that are family friendly. My boys are 11, 9 and 3 and very experienced travelers, but we’ve found that finding kid friendly places seems to be easier in rural environs than in touristy areas and cities. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Rebecca <email>
State College, PA USA Sat 01/28/2006
I wish to add to my previous question. Among other things I keep bees, garden and raise livestock. That makes us rural though my million dollar neighbors would call it picturesque. I am having little/no luck finding farmstay opportunities in Bavari/Austria/Checzk Republic. Perhaps I'm merely lacking asking the correct search item.
Edward Markus <email>
Mount Vernon, WA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Korcula to Split Catamaran
Does anybody know if the Passenger service Catamaran Krilo or Mala Lara from Korcula to Split are currently running and more specific will they be running Friday morning May 19th 2006? There web site is unclear. Hoping to get information from someone who is there, or a local Croatian who would know. Thanks again, you people are great. John & Robin
John & Robin <email>
Atascadero, Ca. USA Sat 01/28/2006
Pension in Munich
We are part of a large choral group heading to Salzurg and beyond Summer 06 at the end of June. We wish to spend days before that in Munich and need pension recommendations for that fine city.
Edward Markus <email>
Mount Vernon, WA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Re: Bayeux area lodging
Di, my wife and I stayed three nights at the Hotel D'Argouges in late October. If you want to be in Bayeux within walking distance of everything, it's a great choice. Very French, very understated elegance. They have a secure parking area for your car. Have fun!
Will
WA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Laura-Paris Hotels
Hi Laura:
1. How many nights do you need lodging for in Paris?
2. What is your budget range per night for lodging?
Small hotels with A/C, clean rooms, and good rates are the Hotel Beaugency, Hotel Prince, Hotel Muguet.
Also, there is the Grand Hotel Leveque which has A/C with lower rates. Maybe already filled with Rick's travelers as he was the one to introduce us to this hotel.
Hotel Relais Bosquet has studios and (1) bedroom apartments with A/C, doesn't have to be a week's stay.
Need to book soon for summer.
Check his website for lodging, or go to bookstore and get the info' you need.
Also, try this sites: venere.com, activehotels.com, travelnow.com, parisby.com,
and check the hotel at tripadvisor.com
From what I've read in the Summer you'll be appreciate having A/C when in Paris.
Regards,
Di <email>
Boston, USA Sat 01/28/2006
Followup Bayeux Hotels
Thanks for the imput.
My husband is not a B & B guy, wish he was. So I need to concentrate on finding
a hotel/chateau in or outside the Bayeux area.
Di
Boston, USA Sat 01/28/2006
Thanks on2
Thanks for the helpful info...although train website is in German, I was able to use alta babel fish to translate and booked us into that overnight train. GREAT assistance! The flight $$ were adding up and I was concerned if I could get all of my stuff & the babies in a suitcase weighing only 44 lbs! The additional fees were getting scary.
Kristine <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Sat 01/28/2006
VENICE HOTELS
Missie: You will read lots of advice in this column and in the archives too. We stayed in Mestre which is 5 minutes away on the train and much cheaper than Venice.
At the time, the fare into Venice was 25c. Cant remember the name of the hotel, but if you walk around the RR station area you will find several first class hotels at reasonable prices.
C.C.H.
PLACKA, TX USA Sat 01/28/2006
Logis Les Remparts -Bayeux
Di, I've heard that this place is wonderful. We were unable to get in when we visited Bayeux, but looked at it when we were there and thought it looked nice. Logis Les Remparts @ www.lecornu.fr
Ann
USA, USA Sat 01/28/2006
Bayeux - for Di
Di-
My husband and nephew were in the Bayeux area last July and stayed at a B&B nearby http://www.nighty-night.net
They absolutely loved it. It cost them 70 euros per night for two, including breakfast, Early Morning Tea or Coffee delivered to the room, and coffee or tea in the salon (if you should arrive home around tea-time).
If you need any recommendations on sight seeing or places to eat, let me know and I'll put you in touch with my husband,
Connie <email>
FL USA Sat 01/28/2006
Paris hotels
We are planning our first trip to Paris this summer. Has anyone got advice about hotels? What about the Rue Cler area that Rick suggests? We are looking for something that is very clean, but not pretentious. Thanks!
Laura
Il USA Fri 01/27/2006
Venice Hotels
Missie---we really like Pensione La Calcina; we spent 5 nights there last year. It is on the water (Giudecca Canal) and you can get a room looking out that way. The rooms are quite nice---parquet floors, wrought-iron bedsteads, very nice (newly redone) bathrooms. There is good access by vaporetto and Alilaguna. It's a short walk from there to the Accademia Bridge and then to San Marco. This area is known for being warm and sunny. Our double room was 160 euros in April---I believe that was "high season" price. They are recommended by Rick and just about everyone else, so book early.
There are many reviews of Venice hotels and B & B's in the Venice section of the "Guidebook feedback" section of this site; there are other suggestions there (Albergo Marin, mentioned below, is well-liked too; I just prefer the location and charm of La Calcina).
Lura
Seattle, USA Fri 01/27/2006
Venice Hotels
We stayed at Albergo Marin in October. It is in a greta location and minutes from the train staion. Not fancy-but nice. The staff are very nice. One night they recommended a local non-tourist restaurant that was amemorable experince. I highly recommend them. It was 95 Euro at that time for a doubel room. The info is below.
ALBERGO MARIN
Santa Croce, Ramo delle Chioverete 670/B
30135 VENEZIA
TEL. 0039 041 718022 - FAX. 0039 041 721485
WEB: www.albergomarin.it
Sue
Ohio USA Fri 01/27/2006
Venice Hotels
Does anyone know of a good place to stay in Venice? 150 -200 euros is about what we want to spend.
Missie <email>
Macomb, MI USA Fri 01/27/2006
Bayeux Area lodging: need feedback
Options available for our May travel:
Bayeux Lodging>
Hotel d'Argouges
Hotel le Lion d'Or
Chateau du Sully
Chateau de le Bellefontaine
N/A for our dates: otel Churchill and the Ferme de la Ranconniere in Crepon.
Any feedback, especially on the Chateau de le Bellefontaine, where tripadvisor from Fall 05' stated they had beetles and flies in room and luggage.
Di
Boston, USA Fri 01/27/2006
St Goar Schloss Restaurant
We didn't eat at the expensive part of the restaurant because we didn't have reservations, so make them if you decide to do it. We did eat in the more casual part and the food was very good.
American in Germany Fri 01/27/2006
Paris Potties
I'm sure you'll all be glad to know than, starting February 1st, the city of Paris will begin converting its 200-plus self-cleaning public toilets to free toilets! No more scrambling for 40 cents (Euro) after that morning coffee.
nORM
Ottawa, Canada Fri 01/27/2006
New shuttle: Beauvais Airport to Paris
Hi everyone: Just read about this>
(http://beauvais.airport-shuttle.com)
Cost E28-E38 pp, Door to Door service.
Di
Boston, USA Fri 01/27/2006
Norma~~it would be a lot easier to get around Cornwall with a car.
USA Fri 01/27/2006
Day trip bag
As the other poster mentioned, I LOVE the Eagle Creek Guide bag. It's just the right size for a day's worth of stuff. I have one that I got as a gift 5 years ago and it's the first bag that I grab when we start to pack for our trips.
It easily holds a guide book, small camera (although I've stuck my full size 35mm in there too, until I switched to digital) comb, chapstick, pencils, i.d. passport, etc. I've even stuck a small waterbottle in it too.
The guide bag was recently redesigned, and looks nicer than mine, but I can't see buying a new one when mine works great.
It also has a plastic clasp and zipper, so it's hard to get into for anyone trying to steal from you.
Check into it...it's the best $25 you will spend. They are available on ebags.com and at REI stores.
USA Fri 01/27/2006
on2 thanks
Thanks on2 I was actually just wondering about train. I like the idea of overnight train. There will be two of us traveling
doug
USA Fri 01/27/2006
Paris to Venice
Doug,
depending on your travel arrangements (alone?) and your need for privacy, you might want to look at the Artesia night train (221) from Paris to Venice (www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm).
The train takes 13 hours from downtown Paris to downtown Venice. The flight, including travel to Beauvais, preboard time, flight time, post board, and travel from Treviso, will take over 6 hours. Considering most people spend 8-10 hours in their hotel room, the train actually takes less prime time. What's more, the train is more convenient, leaving Paris 5 hours later (8:30 PM vs 3:30PM) and getting into Venice mid-morning at 9:15.
On top of Ryan's seemingly low fares (I found mostly €30 to €60 in April, for example, with a few lower and a few higher), you must add €38 for taxes, fees, and transport to and from airports, plus the cost of another night in a hotel.
A full fare private double on the night train, at €160 per person, might not be justified, but I found PREMS tickets for the train for €35 in a 6 person, 2nd class couchette, and €70 in a four person, 1st class couchette.
So, depending on your requirements, the train might be a viable option.
On2 <email>
USA Fri 01/27/2006
NAME ON PASSPORT AND RAIL PASS
G Thomas: Just as you have to show the same name on your passport as on your international airline ticket, you may be required to show your passport wherever you go in Europe.
What do you care if it shows a name you detest? It gets you where you want to go; so keep your passport handy for whoever asks to see it.
Not a lot to ask for the privilege to travel.
Yes, you can have your Swiss pass issued in any name you choose, but it may complicate your travels.
L. M. A.
CHICAGO, IL USA Fri 01/27/2006
RE: Paris Venice Airlines
Two websites for low cost airlines in Europe are www.flybudget.com and www.whichbudget.com. In addition to EasyJet, RyanAir appears to fly from "Paris" to "Venice", but they use Beauvais and Treviso, neither of which is as convenient as the regular airports.
Lee
USA Fri 01/27/2006
paris-venice airlines....
What airlines fly between paris and venice?
the only one I have found so far is easyjet but I am not crazy about their flight times. Wondering if there are any others. I know there was a web site with a list of all charter airlines and regular airlines for Europe but I can not seem to find it
doug
USA Fri 01/27/2006
RE: Name on passport and rail passes
Not 100% true about never having to show passport again. Nearing the end of our 2-week Swiss Rail vacation a conductor on one of the trains asked for our tickets, as usual, then asked for our passports. Not a big deal, but yes, they may ask for your passport.
Tim
USA Fri 01/27/2006
Donna : day trip pocketbook
Donna, I know the kind of bag that you want. One of the best is in the L.L. Bean catalog, Spring 2006.Page 95. It is the "Shoulder Bag", under the heading of "Sunwashed Canvas Bags".
The size of the bag is 10 3/4 inch length, 9 inch height, 4 3/4 inch thick. It has an adjustable strap to go over a person's shoulder. Available in your choice of 6 different colors. And some military bags are similar to that.
The bag that I carry with me nearly all the time when I am a tourist in Europe is of that same general type and size : a military "Bread bag" that can be purchased for a much lower price, from a catalog that sells new and used merchandise that was made for militaries of nations in Europe. My Bread bag is the perfect size and shape for me : Length : 11 inches at bottom, 10 inches at top. Height: 9 inches. 3 1/2 inches thick. Inside it has dividers for 3 compartments in which I put a water bottle, small tape recorder, hair brush and health care supplies. And it can hold two books,and food,... I think my bag was made for the army of a Benelux nation. When I am in a place very crowded with people close to me, such as in a METRO underground train in Rome, the bag is in front of my torso, with my right hand grasping the bag. Holding a bag like that, no thief will try to grab it. The bag's strap is around my neck. The bags flap is buckled down (two buckles) thus the bag can not be opened very quicky. No need for a lock on the bag. It is the only bag that I carry with me in an airplane, I set the bag on the floor by my feet. One of the catalogs that has bags like that is "Cheaper Than Dirt.
www.CheaperThanDirt.com Prices as low as $ 3.97 variety of styles. The popular AmeriBag teardrop design ("Bean's Healthy Back Bags") from L.L. Bean, is advertised as distributing the weight better. But when carrying it, the bag is behind a person. That is not safe, because a thief walking behind the person could unzip the bag and take its contents. And my military "Bread bag" does not look valuable: the color is army olive drab, and the bag is old. Thus it does not attract the attention of theives. The Gypsies doing pick pocketing of tourists in Italy totally ignored me.
Ken <email>
Missouri USA Thu 01/26/2006
Newgrange Tours
The Ireland guidebooks by Rick Steves and Lonely planet both recommend Mary Gibbons Tours (www.newgrangetours.com).
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 01/26/2006
Oz - Daytrips from Paris
You can get to Mont Saint-Michel on your own by taking the TGV to Rennes and a bus from there to MSM. A regular ticket costs E58.90 each way. If PREM (discount) tickets are available, they cost E30.10 each way. Leave Paris at 07:05 and arrive at MSM at 10:50. Leave MSM at 16:45 and arrive in Paris at 20:40. Visit www.sncf.com for the details. (The site is viewable in English.)
You can easily go to London on your own. A Paris-London same day return (roundtrip) ticket on the Eurostar costs $94 US. Buy tickets from www.eurostar.com in advance to be sure seats are available at that price.
For information on hop-on hop-off London bus tours, visit www.theoriginaltour.com and www.bigbus.co.uk.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 01/26/2006
Name on passport and rail passes
Tom,
YOur Swiss Pass must be issued with the exact name on your passport. When your first arrive in Switzerland, you will have to get your pass validated at a ticket window by showing your passport, if the names don't match they won't validate it. After its validated, you won't need to show your passport again.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Thu 01/26/2006
For Karen about Cornwall
Looking for some info about getting around in SW England. Would love to see the Cornwall area, but are there bus lines for us to use...not wanting to rent a car. Thanks for any info.
Norma <email>
Denver, CO USA Thu 01/26/2006
paper tickets storage while backpacking
If your backpack has a pocket for a hydration bladder, that would be a very good place to store paper tickets while backpacking. I would think that it could even be used if you were planning to have a hydration bladder with you. (For those who are confused, this is a liter or more bag with tubing so that you can drink while hiking without taking out your water bottle.) A ziplock bag for the tickets would also be a good idea. In case of leaks and such.
Sharon R. Johnson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA Thu 01/26/2006
Swiss trains and passes
Tom---I can't answer whether your legal name is actually required on the train pass, but I can tell you that in some 20 days of travel on Swiss trains, I've never been asked to show ID along with my pass, or seen the conductor ask anyone else for ID. I can't imagine it would matter---it's not like an airline ticket with security requirements.
As for reservations, the poster below is correct---the local trains run the same route, and you don't need reservations---just get on and off where you like. The scenic trains, such as the Glacier Express, have panorama cars with windows that wrap onto the roof so you can see the mountains without pressing your nose to the window, and comfortable seats at tables. They don't stop at all the local towns.
The advantage of not having reservations is that you can go where the weather leads you. Often when it is cloudy in the Berner Oberland, the sun is shining on the Glacier Express route to the south.
USA Thu 01/26/2006
Re: Ireland Itinerary
For BMB---the first question is whether you are renting a car. I would recommend that you do, and get one with an automatic transmission if possible. From Shannon, a very reasonable trip would be up to Galway, across to Dublin (worth 2 nights), and back west through Birr to Dingle (also worth 2 nights). Since you have chosen Birr, you must already know about Birr Castle Demesne and the huge telescope---that was one of the highlights of my trip to Ireland. We went for a run through the gardens and came across the Earl, who was out for his evening stroll. We stayed in a great B & B that was just across the road from the entrance to the gardens. When I couldn't remember the name, someone here suggested "The Maltings" on Castle Street. But it may also have been "Spinners" on Castle Street. It was converted from an old woolen mill, so that one makes sense.
Right there, you have 6 nights. You can consult a map to see if Kenmare and Ennis fit on the route for the other two--I don't have one handy. Waterford, as mentioned below, is also lovely, but it may be out of the way for you.
Lura
Seattle, USA Thu 01/26/2006
Pat : England Cotswolds
In England the Cotswalds region is green and pretty in May and June. The air temperature is ideal then. In England there could be rain any day.
A good place for overnight accomodation is Moreton-in-Marsh. It is a good central location for visiting any of the places : Warwick to Bath, if you have a car. And if you travel on trains, it is a good place to stay for one night while traveling from Blenheim Palace (Woodstock) to Warwick Caastle. A good way to see the beautiful green farm land in that region, in a short time, is to ride on a bus from Moreton-in-Marsh (bus stop is very near the train station) north to Stratford Upon Avon. I can give you good directions for getting to Warwick castle from Statford-upon-Avon, in E-mail, if you are interested. The place to sleep at, at Moreton-in-Marsh is Treetops B & B. It is modern and clean -very fine. It is possible to walk to it from train station, or a quick taxi ride. And, this B & B is a good place to stay at for a day or two, for people who need to rest during the day. A nature reserve is near it. In my opinion: the town Bath is over rated in Rick Steves' book on England. If you go to Yorkshire go to York. I can talk about traveling on trains in England, in E-mail, if you are interested.
Ken <email>
Missouri USA Thu 01/26/2006
Donna-travel purse
Donna,
I have used the Eagle Creek guide bag, you can make the strap long enough to go across your body or shorten it to carry like a regular purse. It will fit all you describe.
USA Thu 01/26/2006
Clothing in Europe
When you are at a place in Europe where there are many tourists, from various countries, the clothing that you described is O.K. Places that have restrictions/requirements on clothing are some cathedrals and monasteries in Italy and Greece. I don't know about other countries. Rick Steves gives information of clothing restricdtions/requirements in cathedrals and monasteries, in his travel guide books on countries and cities in Europe
Missouri USA Thu 01/26/2006
IRELAND ITINERARY
BMB: Get a map of Ireland and decide how much travel time you need between towns and how many days you plan to spend in each town.
I would visit the towns you list plus Waterford. After you determine the amount of time you need, you can delete one or two towns.
After you look at a map you can pick a town that is centrally located and stay there and make day trips to other places.
I recommend renting a car, but they are expensive in Ireland. But the trains are efficient and fast.
After you go to the library and read some travel guides you can decide what you want to see in each town.
You may decide that you don’t want to take time to visit some towns.
H. M. C.
DALLAS, USA Thu 01/26/2006
ARE RESERVATIONS NEED IN SWITZERLAND FOR MAY
Tom:
If I were you I would forget paying the extra fare for the scenic train ride.
I found out by accident that I could take the local train for half the cost and enjoy the same scenery. So I did. I took that ride in Sept without problems.
Hotel reservations are different. You may be safe going May 1; later in the summer crowds may make reservations needed.
M DADAR
RENO, USA Thu 01/26/2006
Name on passport and rail passes
I'm about to buy a Swiss Pass for a trip through the Alps in May. But before I do, I want to know if it is mandatory that I use the same version of my name on the Pass as I use on my US Passport. I detest my first name, and never use it or even reveal it if I can get away with it! But I had to use my birth certificate to get a US Passport, so that uses my full legal name. Do I have to use exactly that name on a Swiss Pass as well? Or can I have the Swiss Pass issued in my customary name, G Thomas Seeley?
Tom Seeley <email>
Murrysville, PA USA Thu 01/26/2006
RE: Flight or train
Kristine,
NZ 379 leaves Köln at 10:39 PM and arrives in Prague the next morning at 10:20 AM. It crosses the border into the Czech Republic at 8:30, so you could be awake into Prague. Five adults in a 6 person cochette, booked online at Nachtzugreise far enough in advance to get the SparNight fare, would be €195 for all five, but if you list the toddler as a child (0 - 14), you would have a bed for him and assure there would not be a stranger in the compartment. That fare would be €234 (still only €47 per adult).
Other SparNight options would be 2 triple compartments (with washstands) for €354 total (€71 per adult) or, if the toddler does not have his own bed, a double and a triple compartment for €315 total (€63 per adult).
If you are really worried about being on a night train into Prague, even though it will be during the daytime, you can get off the train in Dresden, wait 2 hours, and take the 9:55 Eurocity train to Prague (12:27) for an additional €19 per adult on the International Surf n Rail promotional offer.
Any of these options is going to be less than the cost of flying plus a hotel room.
A problem you will encounter with night trains (or even flying) in June is that there are going to be hundreds of thousand of people traveling in Germany for the World Cup, and they will flood the transportation systems. You had better book early, if you still can.
On2 <email>
USA Thu 01/26/2006
Cotswolds
Sorry Pat~~~just realized you did ask about the weather. We were there in 2005 at the same time you plan to be there. It will be cool--not really cold but I wore my heavy Irish knit wool sweater with turtleneck most days with a shell water repellant jacket to replace sweater if it did get a bit warm
Jamie
USA Thu 01/26/2006
Cotswolds
Pat in Ms~~~Not sure of your hotel budget--you may want to check smoothhound.com for accommodations. We used some of their inns/B&B's and were satisfied. We loved a small hotel in Lower Slaughter which was somewhat of a splurge. Stow on Wold is well located for sight seeing. I must say the tiny hamlet of Stanton was among my favorite places and I will stay there next trip.If you have not seen Bath that should be on your list. Some places within driving range from most of the Cotswolds are Hidcote Manor Gardens, Blenheim Palace, and Westonbirt Arboretum--all worthy of a visit. We stopped at every country church possible and explored graveyards. IMO Chipping Camden had the most homes with thatched roofs. The Cotswolds are beautiful and you will wish you had more time to explore. Enjoy!
Jamie
USA Thu 01/26/2006
Are resv REQ'D as a practical matter in Switz in EARLY May
Practically speaking, how important is it to make scenic train seat reservations and/or hotel reservations for a 10-day whirlwind trip through the Swiss alps specifically May 1-10. The summer season doesn't kick in till later in May, according to timetables. I'd like NOT to have to OVERplan my trip, but I also don't want to be stranded. What's your advice, folks, from those who've done Switzerland in early May?
Tom Seeley <email>
Murrysville, PA USA Thu 01/26/2006
England in late May early June
Going to the Cotswolds and surrounding area. Looking for ideas of what to see and where to stay. Also wondering what the weather will be like.
Pat Hadaway <email>
Byhalia, MS USA Thu 01/26/2006
Ireland Itinerary
I'm looking for some advice on itinerary for a 10 day/9 night trip to Ireland in March. Some of the places I would love to hit would be Lahinch, Galway, Birr, Dublin, Kenmare, Dingle and Ennis. We are flying into Shannon and are absolutely flexible. I'd prefer to stay more than one night in a few places. I know we have an ambitious plan and I'm willing to cut some stuff. Would love advice on best routes, what can be left off, where we definitley need to go... basically some guidence. I've been before, but never planned the trip all by myself. Thanks!
BMB <email>
Greenville, SC USA Thu 01/26/2006
Bacharach vs. St Goar
Of the 2, I would reccomend 1 night in Bacarach. Traveling down the Rhine a few years back (on the KD Line, beginning in Koblenz), I got off the boat in St. Goar and enjoyed walking down the main pedestrian way and then up to Berg Rhienefells (sp!) (not to be missed- ruins of an old castle, with fantastic views of the Rhine below), but then got back on the boat to continue on to Bacarach and spent the night there. I found Bacarach a bit less touristy and quietee. While there is not all that much to do there, it was a great, small German town in which to spend a night. If you go there, I reccomend Hotel Kranenturn (spelling might be off there- it's in Rick's German book)- granted, it IS next to the train tracks (as is most of the town, as referenced by another traveler below), but there are double pained windows in the guest-rooms and the trains did not disturb me at night. My room was small, but clean and pleasent and had a nice, if small, private full bath. The owner's wife (Fatima, if I recall) is a bit over-bearing, but cooked a GREAT b'fast and both the outside terrace and in-door dining room both have a great atmosphere . At night, it was just such a pleasure to stroll down the main cobble-stone pededstrian street- a nice break after time in larger cities such as Berlin and Munich. If you have any other questions about travel to Germany (know it pretty well, as I have been there several times), please feel free to e-mail or post questions here. Happy travels.
Lawrence <email>
New York, NY USA Thu 01/26/2006
Flight vs. Train
Trying to decide train vs. air from Cologne to Prague. (June 2006) We have 5 adults & 1 toddler (1.5 yrs). German Wings (any feedback?) is about $100USD/adult. Train looks like it would be close to $200USD. Plane= 1 more hotel room night in Prague. But, I've seen nightmare postings about taking night trains into Prague. Seems flight would be easier.....any comments/suggestions?
Kristine <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Thu 01/26/2006
Jen's First Trip
Jen; You would be taking on too much trying to travel to all three destinations. What really motivates you; hiking in God's playground; or drinking in some of the world's greatest culture? As RS says "plan to return". Slow down on the first trip and really enjoy.
Robert Shimp <email>
Paradise, Ca. USA Wed 01/25/2006
Family travel to Europe
We are based in Chicago and planning travel to Europe this summer with an extended family of 8, including 4 teens. Any recommendations on travel agents (per Rick's recommendations) and consolidators would be appreciated.
Walt <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 01/25/2006
Europe
Yes, it's true, Americans stand out like sore thumbs with the way they dress -- while traveling in Europe. Refrain from wearing shorts, white socks and running shoes. Also, leave the Disney garb and stretch pants at home.
Susan <email>
USA Wed 01/25/2006
3 way Power Cube
One little device that I always bring to Europe is a local Power Cube. IE: You plug it in the wall and it gives you 3 outlets; just like the ones we get here in the US, except it's got the local plug and receptacles. What do I use it for? In Europe, most of the outlets only have one receptacle and sometimes it may be the only one in the room AND it has the only light plugged it! I use a CPAP (sleep apnea machine). I unplug the lamp, plug in the cube, plug the lamp & machine into the cube. I also bring an US cube and an extension cord; I find them invaluable when I need to recharge my cellphone, camera, IPOD and other stuff in one batch. Where do you get one? Just make it a fun scavenger hunt to find a hardware store or other local store and then trying to explain it to the clerk! Found mine in Venice. When I get to Britain again, I'll have another shopping adventure!
-Marty
Marty
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/25/2006
Day trip pocketbook
I am looking for a comfortable pocketbook (not a backpack) to use on my trip to Italy and Greece in May. I am wanting to use it for a water bottle, camera, sunglasses, etc. I am not looking for anything really big. I was thinking about the Civita Day Pack but I am thinking it might be too big to carry all day. I was in Germany and the UK last year and used a wallet purse but it was really too small. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Donna <email>
Dallas, TX USA Wed 01/25/2006
Europe/shorts
My husband and I were in London for a week in September,and really didn't see too many men wearing shorts at all. Lots of baseball caps, but no shorts.
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Wed 01/25/2006
clothing
baseball caps are fine...
I have seen logo wear, depends where in Europe. I saw alot in London, less in paris.
and if you wear shorts def short socks or no socks
USA Wed 01/25/2006
Rome Rentals
I want to rent a 2/3 bedroom apartment in Rome in late September. Does anyone have any recommendations for what part of Rome to rent in (we don't want to be too far from City Center, but we like to walk,too)Any good apts?
Tom Coleman <email>
Cal USA Wed 01/25/2006
Clothing in Europe
Baseball hats are common--I wore mine a lot in Switzerland last spring. Funny story about clothing with advertising...I was wearing my University of Wisconsin sweatshirt at a tiny, very local restaurant north of Zurich, where a local guy who hardly spoke English told me that he had been in Wisconsin. The world is smaller than you think, and wearing something with American logo's may just strike up a conversation with a European local who has been where your clothing is advertising.
M
USA Wed 01/25/2006
Airfares
Lisa,
Normally airfare would get a bit lower for summer travel to Europe, but this summer Germany is hosting the World Cup (June 9-July 9) the world's biggest sporting event-bigger then the olympics. As a result, airfares for all of Europe, not just Germany, will be sky high, I wouldn't expect much movement in prices. If at all possilbe consider changing your dates for outside of the tournament.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Wed 01/25/2006
Clothing in Europe
Baseball caps aren't a big deal in Europe lots of the locals wear them. What will make you stick out though are t-shirts with logos or advertisments. Its best not to use your body as a walking billboard for Old Navy.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Wed 01/25/2006
St. Goar
Thank you for your helpful comments on St. Goar and Bacharach. Now I'm wondering if anyone has stayed (or dined) at the "splurge" Hotel Schloss Rheinfels. It sounds pretty nice, especially the view. This would be for a birthday celebration, so I don't mind the cost (actually, at 140 euros for a superior double, it's not all that much of a "splurge").
USA Wed 01/25/2006
Clothing in Europe
I was wondering if I wore a baseball cap in Europe this summer would it make me stand out like a sore thumb? I was also wondering if Europeans wear low or high socks with shorts, if it is an area where they do where shorts?
<email>
USA Wed 01/25/2006
bus travel from badajos spain to lisbon portugal
We are traveling to spain and portugal in October. We want to take the bus from Badajoz to Lison. Has any one done this before. Is it possible to buy advance tickets. Is availablity a problem?
any help would be appreciate. We are experienced travels but information in this topic has been sketchy
frank <email>
san francisco , ca USA Wed 01/25/2006
RE: Como to Munich
Michelle,
the train you were on goes from Milan to Munich via Como San Giovanni, Chiasso, Lugano, Basel (no stop), Karlsruhe, and Stuttgart. Since it is a direct train starting in Italy, you can book it online through Trenitalia for pickup in Italy. Full fare for a double or C6 is 170/120 Euro. There are also "Smart fares" for 99/49 Euro for a double/C6.
For the other direction, it can be booked online and self-printed through Nachtzugreise. Same full fares, but their special fare (SparNight) is 69/39 Euro. I don't know if you can get the lower SparNight fare from Como to Munich by calling Nachtzugreise, or not.
On2 <email>
USA Wed 01/25/2006
re; Neuschwanstein
Kate - I believe Gary had his tongue firmly planted in cheek with his "seen one castle, seen them all" comment regarding Neuschwanstein.
Sarcasm/irony/satire/snark doesn't always come across completely in online, text-based communications....
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/25/2006
Took Die Bahn from Italy To Munich
I couldn't find the original post, but saw people commenting on Munich to Italy train.
I took the German's Die Bahn train from Lake Como TO Munich (the night time over nightone). We left Lake Como at night and arrived in Munich in the morning, just in time for breakfast/ brunch.
If you go to Die Bahn's web site, you can book the train. I could not figure out how you can get a sleeper car so I had to email Die Bahn.
The emailer told me how to do it and when got to Lake Como, we were presented with a private sleeper car and the porter (?) who made sure no one disturbed us.
The sleeper car we slept in consisted of bunk beds, a sink, with access to a bathroom and shower. In the morning the porter gave us a wake up call and gave us bread and coffee.
This was in 2nd class, and everything was clean and safe.
Michelle
Anaheim, USA Wed 01/25/2006
London or Chamonix?
Jen---since "USA" found the night train to Chamonix for you, that makes that option quite possible, time-wise. I found a train down on Saturday night (departing Paris at 10:44 pm, arrive St. Gervais-les-Bains at 8:28 am; catch the train to Chamonix at 8:42 and arrive there at 9:25 am on Sunday. There is a return on Tuesday night, departing Chamonix at 8:19 pm, changing at St.Gervais, and arriving back in Paris at 6:20 am. That, as USA explained, is on a schedule running through May, but it shouldn't change too much. This opens up the possibility of, say, 3 nights in Paris, a night on the train, 2 nights in Chamonix, another night on the train, and a final night in Paris. It's hard to compare the costs of the two trips without knowing the price of the night train, but generally hotels in London are more expensive than either Paris or Chamonix. Assuming that, expense-wise, the trips are fairly comparable, it comes down to what kind of experience you want for your first trip to Europe---two wonderful cities, full of art, museums, architecture and history; or one city and a smallish resort town with incredible scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Having been to all three, I myself would find it hard to choose. But we are avid hikers, and go to Europe mainly for that purpose, with a city on each end of the trip. We spent a week in Chamonix last summer and loved it---hiking, playing tennis, and swimming at the public pool with all the European vacationers (we saw very few Americans but lots of Brits). And then we went to London; our fourth visit there because we like it so much.
So both your options A and B are good ones; it sounds like you've done your research to get this far in narrowing things down. I'm sure you'll get more opinions here too. Then post again as to what you decide, and you can collect hotel recommendations.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/25/2006
NEUSCHWANSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY
I disagree with Tim. He says if you have seen one castle you have seen them all. How rediculous.
He must be thinking of Hohenswangau, Mad King Ludwig’s other castle down the road. That’s the unimpressive one.
Neuschwanstein is in a class by itself. Neither you nor I nor Tim has seen a castle like this one anywhere in the world.
Visit it even if you have seen a dozen others because the outside will take your breath away. The inside is much like others I have seen in Europe.
KATE M.
NYC, USA Wed 01/25/2006
To Jen, the Novice Traveller
Jen, what do you want to see most, with Paris--London or Chamonix? I think both are doable, though the doubling back from Chamonix is not terribly efficient.
In a week it seems to me you could visit Paris + one other destination as long as you are nimble and okay with the fact that you won't see nearly all there is to see. You could also spend the whole time in Paris, with maybe a daytrip or two, and not be bored.
Adam
Boston, USA Wed 01/25/2006
Lisa -- Airfare
Lisa, the airfares are so unpredictable it's scary. Check what the listing price for your trip is NOW and compare what you would like to/afford to pay and work with your travel dates. Travel on Tue, Wed, Thu since they are the cheapest. This also depends on where you are going. If it's Rome, buy early, if it's Bratslava, you can wait a little while.
CMB
WA USA Wed 01/25/2006
Neuschwanstein
I was stationed in Germany for some years and the area around Neuschwanstein was one of my favorite getaways. There are a couple of lakes, many walking routes, wild life and a couple of castles to photograph. There are crowds close to the castles but once you get away on a walk they soon disappear.
Gary
Salt Lake City, USA Wed 01/25/2006
Paris to Chamonix
Jen,
there doesn't appear to be a night train directly to Chamonix. There is a night train from Paris Austerlitz to St-Gervais-les-Bains; you take one regional train from there.
If you try to book with Rail Europe, you have to find the Paris-St. Gervais train separately. Rail Europe does not show the entire route as one ticket. They only book two months ahead, and do not even show schedules for May/June yet.
German rail (reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en), which generally has the best overall schedules, shows the night train running through May. French Rail (www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm) shows trains on the schedules in early June.
However, the train does not run every day in May and June; it runs mostly on weekends, so the day you choose for your search might determine whether it shows up or not.
<email>
USA Wed 01/25/2006
RE: Neuschwanstein Photography...
Let's see now, the most photographed castle in the world, Disney theme castle modelled after Neuschwanstein. It might be a rather striking photograph. Yes, the surrounding forest and lake is beautiful and will add to your photograph. The little village of Horn is a delight. Several excellent daytrips are possible from this location. No, I don't think I would even bother with this place. After all, if you've seen one castle you've seen them all, right? ;-)
Tim
USA Wed 01/25/2006
Jen -- Novice Traveler
Considering that this is your first trip, and you have only 7 - 8 days, I would go with London/Paris. I haven't been to Chamonix (yet,) but when I did research for my 2005 trip, I discovered that the train trip from Paris required several train changes at various towns, and took a large chunk of a day each way. The most stressful part of travel is the travel itself, and I would keep the connections of a first trip as simple as possible (especially the first day, when you are jet-lagged, and culture shock is at its height.) London is a great city with lots to see, and has no language barrier, so it is an easy beginning of a first trip. The Eurostar takes less than 3 hours now, so you can make the best of what time you have. Also, if it is at all possible, go in May. Airfares go up dramatically in June, and a few days can make a huge difference.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Wed 01/25/2006
Nice,France hotel
Anyone with any information on Hotel Nice Riviera in Nice, France?
Don
Atlanta, Ga USA Wed 01/25/2006
Scandinavia
Hi Charle -
My best friend and I went to Scandinavia in '02 and used Rick's books. I posted a review that will be in the 2002 RS archives.
Copenhagen - stayed with Puk and Holdger de la Cour near the Palace - great location, friendly, clean. Lots of stairs. Stockholm - stayed at Nordic Sea hotel near the train station (got a deal through my work). Modern, business class hotel. Bergen - stayed at Park Pension (quite clean, great breakfast, comfy rooms, good location) Oslo - Anker Hotel (great breakfast, close bus transportation, neighborhood looked a little...older...but hotel was nice inside. There was a bar/lounge inside.
Enjoy!
Stephanie <email>
Columbus, OH USA Wed 01/25/2006
Neuschwanstein
Is this castle worth a trip just to see the outside and surroundings? We'd like to stop and take pictures- we're really not interested in the interior since we will be visiting other castles around Europe. Please advise- Thanks
Lisa
Chicago, IL USA Wed 01/25/2006
Airfares
For those of you more experienced- are fares for summer (late June) going to move at all before summer? I have been checking fares (sometimes daily) since August- everything is about the same price. Should I stop the madness and buy now- or are they going to change? Even a $100 decrease would help us since we are buying four tickets. Thanks.
Lisa
Chicago, IL USA Wed 01/25/2006
Dave: Rome to Barcelona
My husband and I flew from Rome to Barcelona on Vueling in June. It is a no frills, cheaper airline. I think we paid 60 euros per person for the flight. I booked about 1 month before we left, but had I booked 3 months in advance (when I first looked), I would have only paid 30 euros. We had no problems with the airline. It was really cramped, but the flight is so short it's hardly worth noticing. Also, they have weight limits for luggage, but I had a lot of stuff and still came in under the limit. It was convenient because Vueling flew out of Fuimincino and into Barcelona's main airport.
Chicago, USA Wed 01/25/2006
B&B in Cornwall
Chris - we LOVED Cornwall & Devon when we visited in 2001. Near Penzance we stayed at a great B & B in St. Hilary called Ennys (a google search will provide you the website). From here we visited St. Michaels Mount, took surfing lessons at Sennen Cove and had great Indian food in Penzance. We also met another family with children the same age as ours. They all enjoyed the pool together, the kids exchanged emails and we have had many visits since - in the States, their home in London, and they even came out to stay with us when we visited Ireland. So we definitely have a soft spot in our heart for the Ennys B & B.
Karen
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Scandinavian Hotels - Update
Update: We are taking the RS Scandinavian tour in July and are going over early and staying after and are looking for RS type accommodations. Would be most indebted to alumni that could provide tour hotels in Stockholm, Bergen, and Copenhagen. Thanks
Charlie <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 01/24/2006
Rentals in France and Italy.
Thank you to Karen and Susan for the helpful information.
Susan
PA USA Tue 01/24/2006
Ric in Oceanside - Eurostar Tickets
Do NOT wait until you get to the station to buy Eurostar tickets. The discount seats will be long gone. Buy them in advance at www.eurostar.com. Eurostar has different prices for standard class seats. They vary widely depending upon which days of the week you travel, what time of day you travel, and how many discount seats are available.
Return (roundtrip tickets can be cheaper than single (one way) tickets! If that turns out to be true for the day of the week and the time of day that you wish to travel, then buy a return ticket and throw away the portion you don't use.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/24/2006
Novice Traveler
planes, trains, reservations etc... This can be quite a daunting task for a novice traveler like myself, so I am begging for a few tips, a bit of advice, anything to help me out with planning would be GREATLY appreciated! I am trying to decide whether to A) fly into Paris, take a train to Chamonix and then back to Paris or B)fly into London, take chunnel to Paris and fly out from Paris. We dont have as much time and money as we'd like (who does?!) so about 7-8 days is our limit. Which of these would be the best itinerary for first time travelers with limited time? Also, I tried looking up night train schedules from Paris to Chamonix and came up with nothing. Is it too early for these times to be posted (end of May-early June)?
Jen <email>
Houston, TX USA Tue 01/24/2006
Scandinavian hotels
Charlie---you don't say what your criteria are---cost? Location? Ambiance? Friendliness? It would help to know. But regardless, I would highly recommend the Hotel Augustin in Bergen (www.augustin.no). I love this place---lovely, friendly, great location, really great breakfast; but it may be pricy these days.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Tue 01/24/2006
A Little More About Storing Luggage at Heathrow
A clarification to my earlier post. In Europe "left-luggage facilities" refers to storing luggage, not to lost luggage.
Tim
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/24/2006
Scandinavia Hotels - HELP PLEASE
Still looking for hotel recommendations for Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, Bergin, and Copenhagen for July 2006.
charlie <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 01/24/2006
RE: Plastic in France
There appears to have been an original post about this that is missing. Nevertheless, I'll add my "2 cents" on the topic. I too had difficulty with my credit card in a French phone booth---until I discovered that instead of inserting a credit card in the "phone card" slot, you swipe it on the right side. The place to do that wasn't obvious---but it worked fine once I figured it out.
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Cornwall and Devon B&B's
We are going to Cornwall and Devon in The UK in May. Any suggestions on nice B&B's. Rick's DVD's do a wonderful job touring this area --all the way to Land End but his 2005 Guide skips SW England.
Also --we stayed in a fantastic and very reasonable Agriturismo near San Gimignano in Tuscany last year if anyone wants a reference. Cheers
Chris Canning <email>
Boca Raton , FL USA Tue 01/24/2006
plastic in France
We had an experience not unlike Dan's with a phone booth. Tried several different credit and debit cards. . .nothing worked. Finally, my husband trundled off to find a place to buy a phone card. Not so easy in a tiny village in the evening, but a bar was open and had them. Someone told us that French cards have i.d. chips embedded in them, and cards without won't work in self-service situations. If that's true, it would explain the problem.
USA Tue 01/24/2006
CJS- staying near Munich airport
I am seconding the post from CMK from Arizona regarding places to stay near Munich airpot. We also stayed at the Gasthaus zur Post in Erding before an early flight out of Munich.( I recommended this place on an earlier post) Very clean, comfortable, staff very helpful. Great breakfast. In fact, Conny Strasser took us to the airport herself. Highly recommend this hotel. Great rates. Had a wonderful dinner the night before at a local restaurant that she recommended. There are hotels closer to the airport (Movenpick) but they will be much more expensive.
Conny <email>
Williamsburg, Va USA Tue 01/24/2006
DLR to Greenwich
Get an Oyster card for the time you are in London, top it off beforehand. Makes everything easy. They won't charge more than the amount of a day pass anyway. Greenwich is lovely, enjoy it!
Maggie
Philadelphia, PA USA Tue 01/24/2006
Euraide
OK, they do mention that they "assist" travelers who want tickets, not just railpass reservations. You would have to call them. I don't know that anyone outside of DB can sell SparNight tickets. Euraide will charge $45 for the service, but one charge applies to your entire order.
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Cheap Fares
I have started to use those consolidators just as a reference for pricing to get started and then go to the relevant airlines own Websites...I did like the service of e- mail notification if your price drops below a certain point that you set; assuming you have the time for that. You might try that and determine what your time limit is before you decide to go with the prices you're seeing- that way, "they" are doing the surfing around for you.
USA Tue 01/24/2006
RE: Munich to Italy Train
Yes, Euraide can get you reservations (for use with Railpasses) for those trains. They buy them over there at European prices, in Euro, and ship them over here. They charge $45 for the service!
I have never seen any indication that they sell actual tickets, either SparNight or full fare.
USA Tue 01/24/2006
CJS-staying near Munich airport
We stayed at a place close to the Munich airport last July that was referred to me by someone on this site. We were very pleased with it. We had a VERY early flight out of Munich in the morning and I didn't want to risk it with the subway. This place had a bus that picked us up. I dropped our rental car off at the airport the night before and they arranged for the bus to pick me up and take me to the Gasthaus. Their web site is: www.hotel-postwirt.com Conny Strasser is the lady who handled everything. She speaks English and the web site is also in English. She also packed up a breakfast for us to take since we were leaving so early. She was very helpful.
CMK
Gilbert, AZ USA Tue 01/24/2006
Munich to Italy Train
got to www.euraide.de/ricksteves ... they can help you with the reservations...
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Finding Cheap(er) Fares?
I have pretty much given up trying to find affordable fares Boston - Paris for July (high season, I know). My question is this: I am really frustrated with companies such as Cheap Tickets, Bestfares, even Expedia and Travelocity etc. I have been scouring those websites and they don't have fares that are any cheaper than ones I can find on my own at the websites for each airline. In fact, on Icelandair's website I came up with a fare that is actually CHEAPER than the Icelandair fare Cheap Tickets quotes. Am I missing something? Or are these websites better at finding cheap fares in the off season and not helpful in high season?
Chris
MA USA Tue 01/24/2006
Munich to Italy night train
Times have changed since you made that trip. Rail Europe now sells tickets and reservations only for day trains on that route to Munich and nothing from Munich to Italy. For night trains from Italy to Munich you have to use Trenitalia.com. (You can also call that number in Germany.)
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Munich to Italy night train
I bought tickets for a double compartment on this train a few years ago from Rail Europe. (It was going the other direction, Italy up to Munich, but that shouldn't matter). It probably cost a bit more, but for me the peace of mind in knowing I had the reservations for the date I wanted was well worth the extra cost.
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Germany in June
Kristi,
I suggest you find out what tickets are available for the Munich to Italy night trains before you get too commited. Advance reservations are recommended and, particularly in the case of the train to Rome, might be difficult, or impossible, to get online.
For the train to Rome, full fare is €180 in an economy double, €130 in a 6 person couchette (C6).
There is also a night train to Venice. Full fare is €145 in an economy double, €95 in a 6 person couchette.
There are SparNight fares for either train. In both cases, an Eco double is €69 and a C6 is €39, much less than full fare. SparNight fares are train specific, non-exchangeable, non-refundable, and require an advance purchase.
Railpass supplements (reservations) on either train are €65 for an Eco double or €20 for a C6.
Tickets or railpass reservations on these trains are not available online from stateside railpass sellers. I don't know if you can get them by calling Rail Europe directly.
Tickets can be purchased online from the German Rail website for delivery by mail, but they don't give a fare in advance. I suspect you pay full fare.
As far as I know, SparNight tickets or reservations for the Rome train can only be obtained by calling a number in Germany. Tickets or reservations for the Venice train can be purchased online and printed out at home via www.nachtzugreise.de, or you can call the number in Germany.
<email>
USA Tue 01/24/2006
Norma in Denver---Of my 11 trips to Europe, 1991 remains the benchmark: April 15 to June 1. Went to Cornwall and the Lake District plus, of course, things in between. Cornwall was largely devoid of tourists and the weather was mild and largely dry. Loved it---especially the prehistoric sites west of Penzance. Then I made my way to Keswick in the Lakes, thinking to spend a week/10 days. Twenty-three days later I was finally able to tear myself away but only because I had a flight to catch. It was Spring, so each day the daylight lingered a bit more and the weather tended to improve. If it's quiet and peaceful you want, along with great scenery, nice people and lots of fresh air, Cornwall and the Lakes are for you. Best wishes.
k-b
Seattle, USA Tue 01/24/2006
Buying Gas in France
On my last trip to France I rented a car for a day in Amboise and had a little trouble paying for gas before returning the car. The station that I stopped at was an unmanned self service station that wouldn’t accept my debit or credit cards. I am planning a driving vacation this spring and would like to know if my experience was typical or did I just stop at the wrong gas station. Also, any tips on driving from Mont St. Michel to Sarlat would be appreciated.
Dan <email>
Bremerton, WA USA Tue 01/24/2006
Amsterdam Hotels/Neighborhoods
Any suggestions on where to stay (or where NOT to stay!) near the City Centre of Amsterdam?
I'm more intersted in what neighborhoods to avoid at night.
Mark <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Tue 01/24/2006
Lockers and CDG
Virtually all major train stations in Europe have lockers and/or left luggage facilities, I think you're safe in assuming that is true in the cities you listed. (Someone is welcome to correct me if that's not true for any of the cities in question.) You asked about pastries, not lockers at CDG. However, for the record, there are no storage facilities at any Paris airport.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/24/2006
Left Luggage at Heathrow
Heathrow has an attended left luggage area, not lockers, so size should not be an issue.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/24/2006
Portugal Itineraries
Hi All -
Looking for itineraries for a trip focused on Portugal. Does anyone have one? Any "don't miss it" sites/experiences? My best friend and I will be there from 4/20 - 4/30.
Stephanie <email>
Columbus, OH USA Tue 01/24/2006
Germany in June
Kristi----you said you will be there from June 1 to 18. Stuttgart is hosting World Cup games on June 13 and 16 during that time. Munich will have games on June 9, 14, and 18. So you should be OK for the first part of your trip, and then head to Italy. A Munich to Rome night train might work well; from there work you way back up to Venice. Hopefully you have an open-jaws ticket and don't have to return through Germany.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Lockers and CDG airport
I've been reading from various sources that the charles de gaulle airport is really nasty and disorganized. Is this true? Also, I have a 5 hour layover in CDG before my flight home to America, are there any bakeries around where I can buy to bring home?
Now to lockers, which stations have lockers in? Im going to Nice, Geneva, Milan, Florence, Naples, Rome, Venice, barcelona, Sevilla and madrid.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Heathrow lockers?
Does London Heathrow also have lockers for luggage- big? Like a large duffle?
Thank you!
USA Mon 01/23/2006
luggage lockers in Oslo & Stockholm
I traveled through both Oslo and Stockholm last year, and I can report that the train stations at both cities have hundreds of lockers of various sizes for rent.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Mon 01/23/2006
Viatour.com for Daryll
Hello- I used Viatour to book our day shuttle trip to Pompeii in Rome and the bus was prompt and the guide recognized my online booking reservation voucher. I just looked at their Website to be sure it was the same place. They were recommended several places on Rome websites...of course, that's a different country than Ireland, just because it's the same company! Maybe someone else has used them in Ireland and will be more helpful to you.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Cindy--Germany
First of all, is there a reason why you're visiting so many places--family, old friends from Army days, whatever? Otherwise, I'd say that's a lot of ground to cover in 2 weeks (assuming you're taking a typical 2 week trip). We took our family to Europe for the first time in 1994 for two weeks and the smartest thing we did was to stay for 3 days in most of the places we visited: Michelstadt, Hamburg, Klotze, Rugen, Berlin (we visited with friends in Michelstadt & Klotze.) Another smart thing we did was to do activities where the kids could run around: visited a castle, had a picnic on the beach, visited a farm, saw wild pigs in the forest. At the time our 3 kids were ages 10-14.
I can't help you with hotels in those specific locations. I just made a reservation inquiry to the Hotel Hauser in St. Goar, recommended by Bob from Arkansas on this helpline. St. Goar seems like it would be a good place for kids because there's the castle to explore. If money is an issue, pensions in small towns are a good deal.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 01/23/2006
Munich Airport
Freising is closer to the Munich Airport than Munich itself. Trip Advisor had a favorable review of Hotel zur Gred near the train station in Freising. The airport is serviced by bus from the train station and I have read a comment somewhere that puts a taxi ride at 20 euros.
Without time to do Munich justice I thought a last night in a pleasant small town in Bavaria might be a good send off. We are going in April.
You can find Hotel zur Gred and Freising on the internet, both have English pages.
Regards, Gary
Gary
Salt Lake City, USA Mon 01/23/2006
day tour to Newgrange
My family and I are trying to book a day tour to Newgrange outside of Dublin, Ireland on Sat April 15, and are having trouble finding a day tour. Has anybody heard of Viator tour groups and have any recommendations? Thanks!!
Daryl
New Orleans, LA USA Mon 01/23/2006
to Brit
Not sure exactly if the crop pants and boots are stylish in Paris, but you'll have a hard time living up to the Parisians anyway. I wear blue jeans a lot, and in the winter black pants with clogs. You can take a pair of nice black pants for dressing up and still wear clogs, dress up the outfit with fake gold/silver chains and scarves. Yes, all black is boring but it makes it easy to decide what to wear! I usually wear a black sweater with a different color turtleneck under it. You can do a carry on if you take 1 extra pair pants, an extra sweater and only 3-4 turtlenecks total. Wash! I went to Scandinavia for a week on 2 prs jeans, 4 tops, and 1 sweater. Yeah, boring. Yeah, easy to carry! Get travel size toiletries. One coat.
American living in Germany Mon 01/23/2006
Germany/Italy June
Kristi,
the World Cup is will be held in 12 German cities (including Stuttgart and Munich) starting June 9. Accommodations are going to be tight. If you don't already have them, you had better start looking right now. You might be spending more time in Italy than you had planned on.
As for the value of a rail pass, that really depends on a lot of factors and is something you can only determine by careful analysis. For travel mostly within Germany, a 2nd class German rail pass is more likely to be cost effective than a 1st class Eurail pass.
If you are willing to travel in regional trains, and a lot of your routes will be regional trains anyway, a lot of money can be saved using the €25 Bayern pass (total for up to 5 people) for daily travel. I can travel for less using Bayern passes than I could with a railpass.
Be aware that for the night trains from Munich to Italy, special savings fares, which can be obtained online, are not much more than the cost of a reservation needed on top of the cost of a rail pass. These reservation can also be difficult to obtain from over here.
<email>
USA Mon 01/23/2006
to Grace
Cut it down, girl! Look at a map, you're all over the place! Any of these places would be worthwhile to visit, so I won't tell you where to go and where not to. But, try to pick places nearer to each other. You have to consider travel time/cost, finding your hotel and the fact that the tourist season will be starting and it will take longer to get thru "sites", museums etc. Think that you'll be back!
American living in Germany Mon 01/23/2006
Amsterdamming
I'd fly open jaw too, you'll save money and time. Gas prices are around $5-6/gallon here (sold in liters). You will spend LOTS of money on gas!!
Germany Mon 01/23/2006
Accomadations
Wow! That was fast USA! ^_^ Nurnberg, Rotenberg, Stuttgart(area),Fussen/ Reutte, Baden-Baden,Freiberg/Staufen,Amsterdam,Trier,Koblenz, Bacharach/St.Goar/Boppard and Frankfurt. Talk about a whirlwind tour! My head is spinning!
Cindy Klein <email>
Snohomish, WA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Accomodations in Germany
Cindy---if you could give us an idea of where you are thinking of going, or what you and your family would be interested in doing and seeing, we could offer more focused suggestions for accomodations. Or if you are open to any and all suggestions that's good to know too.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
luggage lockers in Oslo & Stockholm
Are there overnight luggage lockers available at the train stations in Oslo and Stockholm? I looked in my RS book but didn't see a reference to lockers. Thanks.
Will
WA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Hotel Rooms
Guten Tag Fellow Travelers!
My husband and I are taking our 4 children(ages10-18)to Germany with us this summer. Any suggestions regarding accomodations would be appreciated!
Cindy Klein <email>
Snohomish, WA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Not worried... as much!
Thanks for the encouragements all! If I can survive the riots in East LA, what's a little pickpocket, eh?
BTW: My hubby is laughing and rolling at my paranoia.
Shelly
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Germany/Italy in June '06
My husband and I spending June 1 to 18 in Europe. We fly into Frankfurt and want to take the train rather than rent a car. We want to see Rome and Venice but otherwise spend our time in Germany (mostly Munich & Stuttgart). Do you think it's worth it to get a rail pass?
Kristi <email>
Calgary, Alberta Canada Mon 01/23/2006
Faro, Portugal
I was wondering if anyone has been to Faro, Portugal? Does anyone know how to get there via the train system or how long it takes via the train? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks so much! -moriah
Moriah Benge <email>
Port Orchard, WA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Munich B & B
The Gastehaus Englischer Garten in Schwabing is very comfortable, and inexpensive for Munich. Don't know how close it is to that stop for the airport bus, but if it's not close they could direct you to the S-Bahn stop.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Dublin Airport showers
Nora---you can shower (and have a bit of breakfast) in the VIP lounge, which is open to anyone willing to pay 20 euros for a 3-hour stay (you don't need a business class ticket). Look at the "VIP services" area of the Dublin Airport website. It says you must book 12 hours in advance.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Showering in Dublin
Help!!
I will be landing on Dublin next month at 8.40am and will be immediately renting a car and driving to the North. I would LOVE to take a shower on arrival but it I cant find anywhere on Dublin Airport's website where it says there are showers there. Any alternatives you can think of for me? I think a shower will not only wake me up, it will put me in a better mood!
Nora
Surprise, AZ USA Mon 01/23/2006
Denmark - Oct. v Nov
The only real difference will be the amount of daylight you have - it can decrease by up to 4 minutes per day at that time of year.
My experience is that is much chillier in November than at the beginning of October - and it can go below freezing or feel like if the wind whips up.
But tourist wise, a few places shut starting in November or restrict hours, but it shouldn't really make much difference. And by the middleof November, the city's decorated for Christmas and Tivoli is open again.
Kate
Kate
Kate
Scotland Mon 01/23/2006
re: JFK to LGA
I would think that is not nearly enough time. You've got to factor clearing immigrations and customs (sometimes really fast, sometimes a nightmare), then getting a cab/bus/subways etc. through rush hour traffic and across at least one bridge, then arriving at LGA in enough time to check into your next flight and get through security, again at a very busy time.
I wouldn't risk it...
My suggestion would be to call the domestic airline to find out how far in advance you must check in and also google for the JFK and LGA websites to see if they give any info on transfer times.
Kate
Kate
Scotland Mon 01/23/2006
Hotel Royal Munich
The Royal in Munich looks like a pretty good deal, location and pricewise. But, if you book there, make sure you check the price through the hotel. For a random date in April, the price, including breakfast, through their website, www.hotel-royal-muenchen.de, was less than through any of the booking websites I tried.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Flying from Munich
The Hotel Royal, on Schillerstraße, is a short walk from the Hauptbahnhof. It's changed owners since we stayed there last, so I can promise nothing, but in the past, despite a rather grungy-looking entrance at street level, it was clean, attractive, comfortable, with private bath and a very nice buffet-style breakfast. Previous posters are absolutely right, it's just a short jaunt from the Hauptbahnhof to the airport. Also, if you wanted to check out some sights the night before your flight, the Royal is just a short walk from the Altstadt, which is delightful. Munich is a very walker-friendly city; in fact, it's a friendly city in general.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Munich airport
I agree with the previous poster that staying in town might be the easiest. Not only does the trip from the Hauptbahnhof take only 40 minutes, there is a train every 10 minutes on average. As you follow the S-Bahn routes east or west, the trip takes less time, but there are only 3 trains per hour.
Last time I was in Munich, I stayed outside town in the eastern suburbs. It was 20 minutes by S-Bahn to Marienplatz and costs 69 EUR for two people. From there it was almost an hour to the airport by S-Bahn, but I had a mid-morining flight, so it was no problem. I can send you a link. As far as I know, they do not speak any English.
Check out the stops on the S-Bahn map going to the airport (www.mvv-muenchen.de/web4archiv/objects/download/1/schnellbahnnetz_051211.pdf). You can find a website for many of the towns with www.[town name].de, and they will have a listing of hotels in that town. There are quite a few in Freising (www.freising.de), and it is a short bus ride from the bahnhof to the airport. However, when you start finding simple B&Bs in small towns, many will speak only German.
<email>
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Munich airport
For CJS---it is so easy to get to the airport from Munich itself you may be better off staying there, near the main station. The S-Bahn goes from there to the airport in about 40 minutes. A more comfortable, and slightly more expensive, option is the Lufthansa Airport Bus, which leaves from the north side of the train station and goes to the airport in 45 minutes. You can also catch the bus at Nordfriedhof, in Schwabing (northern Munich, the "artist's quarter", where you may find less expensive accomodations.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Bank Holiday in England
Joey---the major tourist sights and museums in England, including Stonehenge, Tower of London, British Museum, etc., are closed only on December 24-26, New Year's Day, and possibly Good Friday. Restaurants and pubs will be open as usual, if they are open on regular Mondays. As for visiting Bath during a music festival, you will probably have trouble finding accomodations--best book something soon.
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Susan --- rental of house
Try the Slow Travel website,www.slowtrav.com. I enjoy this website for many reasons, but vacation rentals is the specialty.
Linda
PA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Rentals in France
I used French Connections to book a "self catering" holidy for 1 week in the Dordogne region of France. I don't know about their more long term rentals in terms of whether this is a good deal or not, but we were very happy with our place - these are individually owned cottages, etc. and you rent directly from the owner. Here is the websie: www.frenchconnections.co.uk/
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 01/23/2006
Sardinia
We have a chance for a 3-day weekend in Sardinia. Anyone ever been there? what's best to see? Got a B&B recommendation or family run inn? Any experiences with car rental?
Please reply to my email. Thanks!
Martha <email>
USA Mon 01/23/2006
Flying from Munich to USA
I am looking for a guesthouse, bed and breakfast, zimmer, etc, (not expensive) near Munich airport to stay the night before flying back to the States. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
CJS
WI USA Mon 01/23/2006
Lura : St. Goar or Bacharach
Sleep at either St. Goar or Bacharach. Bacharach is more charming, but you might be able to get off the train to see Bacharach any day. (a 20 minute walk through Bacharach is sufficient). At the Rhine River in Germany I think the best places for being a tourist are the Marksburg castle, and a boat ride on the Rhine River. I recommend boat ride from Bingen to St. Goar. The boat ride from Bacharach to St. Goar is good enough.
After doing that, if you have time, I suggest ride on a boat across the river from Bingen to Rudesheim to ride on the chair lift up to the Niederwald Monument for the view of the Rhine River. If you fly back to America from Frankfurt, and if you are traveling in trains in Germany, the best place to sleep the night before your flight from Frankfurt airport is at Mainz. A train goes from Mainz to Frankfort airport. You can see the hotel from the Mainz train station.
Ken
Missouri USA Mon 01/23/2006
St. Goar or Bacharach
Lura,
Cadogan's recommendation makes me wonder if they have ever, in fact, been in Bacharach and St. Goar. Both are "pretty but touristy". Bacharach is larger, and might therefore have a little more to see, but a lot of the accommodations in Bacharach are right next to the noise of the train line. They are only a couple of minutes apart by train, so stay in the one that gives you the best deal on accommodations.
<email>
USA Sun 01/22/2006
Bank Holiday
My family and I are heading to England at the end of May. I've read that Monday 5/29 is a bank holiday. Will all the sites be closed that day? We are still debating on starting our trip in London or Bath. Would the holiday make any difference?
I've also now seen that some of the Music AND Fringe festivals are going on in Bath during our English holiday. Does this make it difficult to find rooms there?
Thanks for any help.
Joey <email>
Acworth, Georgia USA Sun 01/22/2006
Daytrips from Paris
I'm heading to Paris this spring with a group. I know there are people who want to spend a day in London and then others who want to spend a day in Mont Saint-Michel. What is the cheapest way to go about this? I noticed that the MSM trip was like 160 Euros or so for a tour...is there a cheaper way?
And about London...would it be best to go with a tour company or on your own? For the hop on hop off tour buses...where do you get the tickets?
Any tips/suggestions on either site are greatly appreciated.
Oz
USA Sun 01/22/2006
ST GOAR OR BACHARACH
Lura: I traveled the Rhine last year on a 16 day river cruise and I can recommend one for you.
When you get to Frankfurt find a cruise to either town and enjoy the river.
Since you don’t know which town you want to see, go to google.com and search for “Bacharach sights” and read what is there to see.
Do the same for St Goar. A two or three day cruise will be enough because all the towns look so much alike.
JAN
DALLAS, TX USA Sun 01/22/2006
CREDIT CARD AND TRIPOD
Jodi:
I carry that small tripod with me always and never have a problem with security. You should have no problem using your credit card.
M ZUEGELT
FRISCO, TX USA Sun 01/22/2006
WEATHER IN SWEDEN & SWITZERLAND
Lisa: I was in Gothenburg last June and it was HOT. That town is at sea level so it will be warm.
It will also be hot from there south to Lucerne except if you go over a mountain.
Then it will be comfortable. After you hike an hour you will be warm enough to wish you had not worn boots.
The only change which can make it feel cold for you in that part of Europe in June is higher altitude.
FANNY Z.
CHICAGO, USA Sun 01/22/2006
Renting an apartment or house in Italy & France
Renting an apartment or house in Italy & France:
Can anyone tell me of a web site or other contact information regarding europeon rentals. I am interesting in renting an apartment or house in Italy or France for several months. Nothing fancy. I Italy I would like rental information for the hill town region. For France any information would be helpful.
Thank you
Susan
PA USA Sun 01/22/2006
Sweden and Switzerland
Lisa--- it could be anything from near-freezing to 80 degrees. Especially if you plan on hiking, take your fleece and a rain jacket, and be glad if you don't need them. As for the boots, that depends on how much hiking you will do, and where. The higher trails in the Alps are rocky and muddy, and I always take my boots---but we usually hike ten days of our two weeks there. For one or two day hikes, you'll probably be OK in sturdy trail shoes---the kind with a good grippy lug sole.
USA Sun 01/22/2006
Nice to Barcelona the scenic way
I'm booked on Rick's Paris to Provence tour this summer & we are thinking about going down to Barcelona afterwards. I've heard rumours of a great, scenic train route along the coast from Nice to Barcelona, but I can't seem to find any information on this train on-line. Any ideas?
Peg <email>
Calgary, Canada Sun 01/22/2006
Swedish weather
Just like in Chicago, the weather can do anything in Sweden. I've sweltered in a Helsinki heat wave. I spent Midsummer Night (June 21) in Sweden in 1995. I put on all the clothes that I had in my suitcase....I say plan on good weather, but bring that fleece jacket too!
Karen <email>
MN USA Sun 01/22/2006
Weather in Sweden and Switzerland
We will be traveling to Gothenburg, Sweden and then down to Lucerne. What type of weather can we expect? Should we pack fleece jackets? We will be there in June. Will we need boots to hike in the mountains? Thanks
Lisa
Chicago, IL USA Sun 01/22/2006
Turkish Baths
Kusadasi, Turkey...
Does anyone know the name or location of a Turkish bath in Kusadasi? I have heard so much about them and I missed out my first trip here. Any ideas?
Stacey <email>
Baltimore, USA Sun 01/22/2006
Ric in Oceanside
Go to: www.ratp.info/orienter/bus.php. Click "reseau bus Paris". Look for Bus 42 running from south of Eiffel Tower to Gare du Nord. Very convenient and scenic. Takes 30 minutes; frequency 5 to 10 minutes. Cash is not accepted, so buy tickets from a Metro agent or use "carnet" tickets; don't forget to stamp them in the machine on the bus. ~~~WARNING: after 9PM and all day Sundays/holidays, the #42 does NOT run and you are advised to take Metro. There are several possible ways by Metro but you will have to change trains. Remember to allow time for check-in! I have used #42 to catch a 10AM Eurostar.
DC
BC Can Sun 01/22/2006
Credit card, Tripod
Two questions: Has anyone tried to carry on a small tripod for their camera? We have one that's just 7 inches tall. Next--we've "signed" our credit cards "See photo ID." Will we have any trouble using them without our signature?
Jodi <email>
Littleton, CO USA Sun 01/22/2006
Flight from FCO to BCN
I checked fllights from rome to barcelona, on Vueling.com and it comes out to 75euros, but on top of that there is an airport tax (rome 18.73)+ (barcelona 14.50), then they have a gas fee of 17.90......
USA Sun 01/22/2006
St. Goar or Bacharach?
I've been to Germany several times, but never to the Rhine. Next time I'd like to fly into Frankfurt and head for one of these two towns for the night---but which? The idea started with reading Bob C.'s description of the charms of St. Goar and Hotel Hauser (see below). But guidebooks I've consulted say to stay in Bacharach. The Cadogan Guide goes so far as to proclaim Bacharach "the only recommendable village for an overnight stay." St. Goar is tossed aside as "pretty but touristy". Given that our main reasons for going to the area would be to gaze at the Rhine and clamber around the Rheinfels castle, what do you think? This will be my husband's first visit to Germany, so I'd like to get it right.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Sun 01/22/2006
rail help
matt: search the railroad web pages:allthevacations.com, raildeals.com, railpass.com/ticket, railtrains.com, alleuroperail.com or eurail-euro-rail-pass.com. on most pages you will click on “fares and schedules.”
j.k.m.
tx USA Sun 01/22/2006
Scotland B &B
Scotland B&B in the Stirling or Perth
areas -- any ideas ? Coming from
St. Andrews.
John <email>
Santa Cruz , ca USA Sun 01/22/2006
rail help
i need to know how to get from Barcelona to Marseille by rail, and how much it would cost
matt <email>
pelham, ny USA Sun 01/22/2006
Car needed in Frejus France? (Cote d'Azur)
I found a budget hotel near Frejus, France in the town of St-Aygulf. I will be traveling with my 83 year old mom and we will NOT have a car. Will this be a problem? We hope to do day visits up and down the coast.
Sandee
Eagle Point, OR USA Sun 01/22/2006
Dave: FCO to BCN for $75
I don't know anything about Vueling Airline either but the price for a one way flight from FCO to BCN is cheap enough.
I tried a half dozen random weekday dates between March and August and they all came back $75, except April 15th which was $100. Maybe they have taxes to pay too.
Vueling Airline S.A.
http://www.vueling.com/EN/index.php
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Sun 01/22/2006
Tickets for Eurostar
If you purchase tickets for Eurostar from Waterloo Station over the phone you will save a lot of money.
USA Sun 01/22/2006
Stop in London before Eastern Europe tour?
I Always use that strategy when I travel to Europe. Although I love London and can't get enough of the place, I mostly choose London because it is served by more budget airlines then any other city. It's the best of both worlds!!
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Sun 01/22/2006
Pairis to London by Train
This past summer we took the train from London to Paris and we purchased our tickets ahead of time thru Rick Steves. Will you save money by waiting? If not, I'd purchase them ahead of time to guarantee that you have a ticket. We had a RailPas so we could purchase a lower price ticket. And if you can afford it, go 1st Class, it's wonderful!! Returning to London from Paris we took a taxis from our hotel on Rue di Rivoli to the train station. Worth it!!
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Sun 01/22/2006
Paris to London via train
Will be traveling to London via rail from Paris. Want to know if we should buy tickets before leaving US or just buy tix's at the station (Gard de Nord)?
And what would be the best way to get from the Eiffel Tower area to the above station?
Ric
Oceanside, Ca USA Sun 01/22/2006
London Stop
I cant tell you about jet lag as I dont fly to Europe but I CAN say this-- anything is "worth it" if it is something you want to do. You obviously enjoy London, so, stop there.
USA Sun 01/22/2006
Stop in London before Eastern Europe tour?
This fall, I will be taking my first trip to Eastern Europe. However, I've visited UK/London half-dozen times. I almost know my way around without looking at a map.
So I'm thinking of flying to familar London first -- spend a couple of days to get over the jet lag, which has always been a problem for me. Then take a cheap flight to Prague, return home from Budapest.
Has anyone flown to a familar city to get over jet lag before heading to unfamilar territory? Is it worth it?
Andy <email>
Kansas City, MO USA Sun 01/22/2006
day trip to Delphi
We used just a local tour operator and made a day trip to Delphi from Athens. It was a 12- hour day, leaving and returning about 7. The drive was maybe two and a half hours, but it took the highway. The several hours of time we were given to explore the site was adequate, the museum there is very small. The tours you describe would let you see and experience more of the country and history, if you can get farther north. Seeing the Marathon plain in the distance on the way to Delphi was amazing! Ephessus/Kusadasi (spelling?)Rhodes were real highlights, when you are planning your island itinerary.
Karen
USA Sun 01/22/2006
Greece - Trip to Delphi and Meteora
My wife and I are making an 11 day visit to Greece this fall (end of September and early October). Initialy, we had planned on only spending three nights in Athens then heading to the islands for the remaining 8 nights. However, recently I've been reading about the two or three day tours that go to Delphi and the monastaries of Meteora. I'm wondering if any of your readers have taken either the two day trip or the three day trip from Athens and if so, which tour they would recommend. Specifically, on the two day trip how much driving is involved versus sightseeing? Is it necessary to take the three days to adequately enjoy these two sights? Also, any recommendations for tour operators?
Thanks Jim
Jim <email>
Victoria, BC Canada Sat 01/21/2006
ROME TO BARCELONA
Dave: you can fly from Rome to Barcelona one way on www.opodo.co.uk for 105 British Pounds ($186) including tax and booking fee.
I checked for March 29 departure. The fares vary by date; so check several and book in advance. Next week’s fare is 400 pounds.
The airline is not identified.
HARRY W.
DALLAS, USA Sat 01/21/2006
Shelly Don
You live in LA and you are worried about Madrid and Barcelona--that is hilarious!!! After extensive travels all over Europe, I have never had a problem anywhere--including Spain. I have had some very unpleasant experiences in California, though. You have to realize that thousands of people go to Europe, peruse this site, and then post their experiences. Out of all these countless visitors there are only a tiny minority that have an incident--an almost none involve violence. If you follow Rick's general common sense advice, you can just put your worries away and HAVE FUN! In the last 4 years of travelling all over Europe (28 countries), mingling with the locals, and walking big city streets late into the night, I have NEVER had any incidents--oh, a few minor shortchange attempts. On the other hand, the times that I was treated with unexpected kindness and consideration could fill a book! Europe is full of great people. I would be much more cautious in my 70,000 population city in NW Washington. Just be smart, know the potential scams, be aware of your surroundings, and be confident--and enjoy the ride. Once you are there and the days roll by without incident, you will relax and realize that you created unnecessary stress for yourself with an overactive, fearful imagination.
Rich
Bellingham, WA USA Sat 01/21/2006
RE: flights between Rome and Paris
You can fly from Rome to Paris for as low as 40Euros with Ryanair. It's a budget airline so you get what you pay for and nothing else but it's worth it. Have a good trip!
CMB
Puyallup, USA Sat 01/21/2006
Rome to Barcelona
Vueling (www.vueling.com) flies from Fiumicino to Barcelona. Looks like a reasonable fare and good times. I have no experience with them. Perhaps someone else can help.
USA Sat 01/21/2006
Rome to Barcelona
I need to know of one way flights from Rome to Barcelona. I've been checking Iberia, and Alitalia, but it comes out to like 400euros. Ryanair and easyjet dont fly to from FCO (Rome's main airport) or Barcelonas main airpot. Any other airlines you suggest?
Dave <email>
Princeton , NJ USA Sat 01/21/2006
Flights between Rome and Paris
CC:
Look at buying a RT ticket and just not using the return. It is often a lot cheaper that way.
Look at connecting flights through Switzerland on Swiss Air.
Check out Berlin Air. They have connecting flights through Germany.
Beware of Ryan Air. They fly from Ciampino to Beauvais. Both airports are inconvenient. Ryan's morning flight leaves Ciampino at 7 AM, which means you have to be at the airport at 5 AM. Their evening flight gets into Beauvais after 9 PM. It is over an hour from there to downtown Paris. Also, make sure you include the taxes and fees (19 EUR) as well as the cost of getting to and from the airports (around 20 EUR) before you leap at the seemingly low fare.
Avoid connecting flights on low cost airlines, even if both connections are on the same airline. Most, if not all, will not honor a late flight, even if you missed the connecting flight because they were late.
Consider the night train from Rome to Paris. A nice compartment might cost more than the cheapest flights, but you save a night in a hotel.
<email>
USA Sat 01/21/2006
flights between Rome and Paris
Does anyone have suggestions as to finding cheap or reasonably priced one-way tickets between Paris and Rome? I've checked Air France and Italia Air and I'm getting quotes of $400 - $800 for one way tickets. I find this baffling! Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!
CC
San Diego, CA USA Sat 01/21/2006
River Boat Cruise in Europe
I am thinking about taking a river boat cruise in Europe. I'd like recommendations about which companies, cruise lines, and cruises are good. I am alos interested in suggested about the best times of the year to go.
Valerie <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Sat 01/21/2006
Deborah: JFK - LGA transfer
Deborah - that's *probably* enough time to make the connection, but of course it depends on factors beyond your control.
If your flight from Italy is late in arriving, it could be tough. If traffic is particularly bad, it could be tough.
You don't mention what day this would be. If it's a weekday, traffic will be worse than if it's on a weekend. If it's a friday before a 3-day holiday weekend in the summer - that'll be worse.
All in all, I'd say it's likely you'll have no problem, but you never know.
It's a shame they don't have the passenger helicopter flights between the NY airports anymore. Years ago, I had to make a fast transfer from JFK to LGA to catch a flight and I just hopped on the next New York Airways passenger helicopter shuttle flight. It took about 15 minutes point-to-point, and was a lot of fun too!
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sat 01/21/2006
Sonia: Mexico travel books
Sonia - Get yourself a copy of "The People's Guide to Mexico" by Karl Franz. It is probably the best travel book I've ever found (all due respect to Rick). It doesn't have any info about which hotels or restaurants to use, which places to go. But it will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about traveling there, being there, enjoying your trip - practical info you will not find elsewhere (and really great, entertaining reading). I can't stress enough how great this book is (actually, there are several, but the first is still the best). Check out their website - the info is golden. Don't go to Mexico without reading it!
http://www.peoplesguide.com/
(hope the link is OK here - it's not competing with anything Rick does)
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sat 01/21/2006
Laurie/Older traveler tour
Laurie, I sent my dad at age 80 on a Globus bus tour of Italy. It was a 2 week tour. he went by himself, my mother had just passed away the year before, and he always wanted to see Europe since he was stationed in the Pacific for WWII.
He really enjoyed the tour, the price wasn't too bad, and I think airfare over was included, as were most meals. They cater to older customers. He hit all the best spots..Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome. He enjoyed the guides and felt like he got his money's worth.
Based on his experience, I'd recommend Globus, you should be able to get info from a travel agent, or find them on the interent. I booked the trip for him after I got a catalog of tours from a local travel agent. I'm happy your parents get to travel!
Ellen <email>
CO USA Sat 01/21/2006
JFK - LGA transfer
I arrive at JFK from Italy at 5:50 pm. The only flight to Birmingham, AL, that night is from LaGuardia at 8:40. Given that a cab takes approximately 30 minutes, do you think I could make it? Has anyone done this transfer with this time frame? I could carry my bag on the plane from Italy which should help.
Deborah Young <email>
Birmingham, AL USA Sat 01/21/2006
Guided tours of Italy suitable for older travelers
I am looking for suggestions for tour companies that would be suitable for a first trip to Italy for my in-laws. They are both around 70 years old, and can walk a bit but are not in great shape for long walks or hikes. The Rick Steves guided tours look great in terms of itinerary, but look too strenuous in terms of activities. Many of the more mainstream tours look way too conventionally "touristy." Does anyone have a favorite tour company to suggest? thanks.
Laurie
Boston, MA USA Sat 01/21/2006
Civitavecchio
Anyone have info regarding transportation suggestions from Rome to the port at Civitavecchio? I have info for train travel. Has anyone gone on a cruise from that port? I am curious if someone has found a good deal on transfers that I can't find.
Angela, Canadian
Angela <email>
Toronto, Ontario Canada Sat 01/21/2006
Train Timetables
For train timetables for all of western Europe, visit www.bahn.de. The site is viewable in English.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 01/21/2006
DENMARK in November
I am thinking about waiting until November to go to Denmark, so I will have time to save more money for my trip. Is there any reason why I sould go to Denmark in October, not November ?
The book "Frommers Denmark" says the air temperature in Denmark is seldom lower than 30 degrees F. Is that true ?
Does Copenhagen and Odense have more days of rain in November than in October ? Nearly all the places for site seeing in Denmark are open in October and November, according to the books.
Ken <email>
Missouri USA Sat 01/21/2006
Taking trains in France, Italy and Spain
Is there a website where I can get the times for the trains in France, Italy and Spain? Im going to the following cities by train: Paris-Nice, Nice-Milan, Milan-Venice, Venice-Florence, Florence-Rome, Barcelona-Seville, Seville-Madrid....Help me out...Im travelling alone. Thanks!
Dave <email>
Princeton , NJ USA Fri 01/20/2006
Tube and Passes
We found the Tube day passes very good and a big savings in aggravation ( need for change, machines not working, lines). London is not a cheap cty but it is a great one. Convenience goes a long way toward making your stay there happier.
Paul n Sara <email>
USA Fri 01/20/2006
London DLR (as I recall it)
The least expensive LT passes cover only Zone 1 (Central) and perhaps Zone 2 surrounding it. Much of the DLR is outside Zone 2. The DLR branch between Bank and Greenwich is inside Zone 2. For many of the LU passes the next step up is "All 6 Zones" (which includes Heathrow Airport) and the price doubles. We used the locally sold Zone-1 7-day pass, paying additional fare only when we go afield to (say) Kew Gdns. ~~~As for "tiffle guvvuk" (tfl.gov.uk), it's all there but it takes patience to navigate. Sympathy!
DC
BC Can Fri 01/20/2006
Trains from Vienna to Munich or Prague
We'll be traveling with a group to Vienna and want to extend our trip to include a visit to Prague and Munich; flying out of one of them. Each appear to be about the same distance from Vienna and we'd like to know first of all, do both routes have high speed trains? Second of all, which is a shorter trip (what is the best use of time) and third, which route is most scenic. Many thanks!
DAR
St Paul, MN USA Fri 01/20/2006
London Transportation Help
Tube and DLR tickets are one and the same. There is a bewildering array of fares in London, with all the different zones and times of day. Sufficed to say, if you're using the tube/dlr system over a period of a few days, it's far cheaper to get a travel day pass, a multi-day travel daypass, or an Oyster card. See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl for details.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 01/20/2006
London Transportation - DLR
If you have a travelcard which is good for the tube, it will also be good for the DLR (so long as you are traveling within the zones covered by your card).
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 01/20/2006
Paranoia before a trip!
I found myself obsessively reading all the archived entries on this Website about tourist scams and warnings and in the guidebooks, too, and growing more and more anxious as the trip neared. Which is already at a high level before a big overseas trip, anyway! Taking sensible precautions as you are, what else can you do? In five weeks I never had a theft, taxi rip- off....NOTHING- other than a couple of expected attempts at requests for posing for photos at big sites, etc. Just last week at the school where I work someone's handbag was stolen. My advice is to start reading/researching all the wonderful things you're about to see- you've done all you can to protect yourself and your belongings already! Happy travels!
a fellow worrier
USA Fri 01/20/2006
Bath, England
I'm looking for comments from folks who have stayed at the Elgin Villa and the Ashley Villa in the city of Bath, England. Did you like it? Why or why not? Also, does anyone have a email address or website for the Henry Guest House in Bath, England?
Michael <email>
Marion, AR USA Fri 01/20/2006
Laundromats
Unlike EMT, I seem to trip over laundromats everywhere...even when I don't need them:) You find them far more frequently in residential areas than in tourist centers, but they are there...check with the front desk at your hotel. Many now have automated systems where you put in your money, then punch in the code of the machine you've loaded your clothes into. The same machine will also have a special code set aside to dispense laundry detergent. If the instructions aren't clear, ask someone in the laundromat....even through pantomime, they can help. You don't want to waste your hard-earned Euros. The first time around, I thought I was starting my washer, and got a box of laundry soap instead!
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Fri 01/20/2006
IS PETTY CRIME BAD IN MADRID
Shelly:
Based on my experience in Madrid and Barcelona, you won’t see any pick-pockets.
Those two cities are safe just like the others you visited last time. Just pack and go. If you are careful about how you protect your valuables you shouldn’t have a problem.
You are wise to keep you money and documents in a neck pouch. It is far more comfortable than a money belt. Your plan sounds perfect.
Be alert and stay out of dangerous places–especially at night.
LIZZY C.
TEXAS USA Fri 01/20/2006
London Transportation Help
I am planning a trip to London this summer and want to book a hotel on the DLR (Dockland Light Rail) line. Does the DLR run on the same tickets as the tube or do I have to purchase separate tickets?
Tracy
La Crosse, WI USA Fri 01/20/2006
LAUNDROMATS
Lisa: I have visited 10 European countries and have always had difficulty in finding a laundromat when I need one.
The only way you can locate one is to ask the natives of the town you are in. Most people know where you can find one.
As for tokens, yes most of the ones I have used take tokens for detergent and the washing machine.
E. M. T.
EL PASO, TX USA Fri 01/20/2006
THINGS TO DO IN ENGLAND
Norma: A lot will depend on your interests. Do a google.com search for “London sights”.
You will find far more things to see than anyone can list for you. London is full of historical sights.
I spent a full week there because there are so many historical points to visit.
Farther north there are more scenic sights to see which you will find by looking at a map.
Scotland is worth visiting; especially Edinburgh.
Why don’t you visit your local library and scan the travel guides for England and look at some pictures to help you decide?
Forget Liverpool; I didn't find one thing of interest there. The only interesting point at Dover is the cliffs. If you have never seen one, go.
BETTY ANN S.
CHICAGO, USA Fri 01/20/2006
Things to do in England in April?
Planning a trip to England in early April. Looking for suggestions on things to do and see at that time of year there. We want to do a short break canal trip, but need other ideas as I am having a hard time deciding! Want peaceful days, so Cots or Cornwall? Dover or Liverpool? Thanks for any ideas.
Norma <email>
Denver, CO USA Fri 01/20/2006
Laundromats
It's been about 10 years since I've been to Europe. I remember the laundromat in Germany sold a token which was good for you soap and a wash. Are many of the laundromats still like this?
Lisa
Sunnyvale, CA USA Fri 01/20/2006
Mexico travel books
The "Moon" handbooks for Mexico can't be beat.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 01/20/2006
hard copy Swiss rail timetables
I know I can search timetables online but I like to sit back and read them and think about alternatives, not just key in one city pair at a time. OTHER than buying the latest Thos. Cook book, is there a way to get a hard copy of Swiss rail timetables? Perhaps someone would either give or sell me a Cook book they no longer need?
Tom Seeley <email>
Murrysville, PA USA Fri 01/20/2006
any recommendations for Mexico travel books?
I'm a huge fan of the Rick Steves book - so much so that I'm kind of lost now without them and trying to plan a trip to Mexico :) Does anyone have any recommendations for travel books for Mexico that are comparable to Rick Steves'?
Thanks
Sonia <email>
Canada Fri 01/20/2006
Amsterdamn't !
Make sure before you book you plane tickets, you have hotel reservations. If your trip occurs during the World Cup (June 9-July 9) popular cites bordering Germany, like Amsterdam, are expecting a lot of "spill-over". That's gonna cause hotel rates to sky rocket.
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Fri 01/20/2006
Amsterdam & Paris
Since the price for your plane tickets is close either way, I'd definitely recommend going open jaw and flying home from Paris. No backtracking. And Paris is, well, Paris. (No need to say more.)
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 01/20/2006
Priceline in Europe?
You can usually get great deals for European hotels using priceline. But it depends on the city. As a general rule, the bigger the city, the better the selection and the prices. London and Paris work best with priceline, its not uncommon to get 4 star hotels at around $65 USD even in the summer. Amsterdam is a little more riskier; Priceline likes to use a lot of hotels that are outside of the city center like the Hilton .
Check out this site to see what bids are currently being accepted:
http://p070.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Fri 01/20/2006
Amsterdamn't !
I am planning a spur-of-the-moment trip for this summer. We want to drive thru Holland, Belgium and Normandy.
I need the advice of my fellow travellers: Do we fly roundtrip (Baltimore/Amsterdam) or Open Jaw (Baltimore-to-Amsterdam, then Paris/Baltimore)? The prices are close, either way.
Looking at a 6 full days there.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Fri 01/20/2006
Palermo Sicily
My wife and I are going to a wedding Florence Italy in August. After a week there we would like to take train down then go to Sicily and spend abut 5-days and fly out of of Palermo back to States. Do you know a a nice place to stay (we will not have a car) and thing to do. Thanks Tom
Tom <email>
Cleveland, Ohio USA Fri 01/20/2006
Shelly - crime in Madrid & Barcelona
I'd listen to your hubby on this one. There's nothing particularly different about the petty crime levels in these cities compared to other big tourist draws in Europe. I've been to both (more than once) and never had any trouble. There are plenty of other places in the world I've felt less safe. Like anywhere else, be careful, and you'll be fine - 'nuff said, enjoy the trip!
DB
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/20/2006
re Priceline in Europe
http://tinyurl.com/b3gzr
http://tinyurl.com/99akr
these are discussions about Priceline for France and Amsterdam.
Corinne
Dijon, France Fri 01/20/2006
World Cup in Stuttgart
Lesia,
the Stuttgart Transit Authority (VVS) has an entire section, in English, for the World Cup at www.vvs.de/wm2006en.
It will give you detailed instructions, time schedule and maps, for how to get to the stadium from anywhere in the transit system of Stuttgart. It also mentions that your ticket is good for travel on the VVS anywhere, all day long on the day of the match.
<email>
USA Fri 01/20/2006
Is Petty Crime that bad in Madrid?!
I'm getting ready for my trip to Barcelona and Madrid... both places "famous" for petty crimes.
I went to Milan, Paris and London last May and had no problems with crime, and felt very safe... but for some reason, this upcoming trip has me in nerves!!
I'm reading the Trip advisor Spain forum and various scams (ie: bird droppings, rosemary twigs, etc) and I'm getting paranoid-- and my husband (who's a big guy) is laughing at me, and says we are from a "big city" (well, suburbs of Los Angeles) and we just need to be aware of our surroundings.
I've read posts where even the "natives" of Madrid and well seasoned traveled vacationers got pickpocketed, and one post was where a guy's mom and dad got beaten/choked!! One other post was where two big men (football size men) were dipped! Even Rick Steves has been dipped and his car broken.
Yes I know its a gamble where ever you go, that crime can occur any time.... but AM I being another paranoid traveler who's getting all worked up for nothing?
I'm planning on wearing my small handbag across the front of my chest, and, in fact, don't plan on putting any cash in the bag. The bag will contain my cell phone (prepaid as you go kind) and my medication, and may be a guidebook and a pen.
I'm going to stuff a day's worth of money in my neck pocket and carrying one debit card. My passport and other cards/cash will be in the hotel safe.
I know how to blend in, but yet I still feel that I'm a walking target.
I'm already imagining people eye-ing my pocket, eye-ing my purse, lurking in the shadows ready to jump me....HELP!! This is already ruining my vacation, and I haven't left yet!
Shelly
USA Fri 01/20/2006
Priceline in Europe?
We've used Priceline for booking hotels with great results here in the US and are wondering if any of you have had positive/negative experiences with it in Europe? We're considering it for our June trip to Amsterdam.
RB
Roanoke, VA USA Fri 01/20/2006
World Cup in Stuttgart
Lesia---hotels in Stuttgart are already getting booked up for the final round match on July 8, and prices are high. If you want to consider staying outside the city, the charming town of Beutelsbach is 22 minutes away by S-bahn (add a 5-minute bus ride to get to the stadium). It's on the Remstal Wine Route, surrounded by vineyards. The Gastahus Restaurant Krone (www.weinstadt-hotel.de) has football packages which include a 2-night stay with dinner on one of the nights, or regular double rooms at 115 euros per night (with breakfast). I'm not sure if they can put 2 extra beds in the room for the kids, though--just ask. Or, if you don't mind a bit of a walk to a hilltop just outside the town, look at www.landgut-burg.de. For other options in the area, which is east of Stuttgart, go to www.remstal-route.de. Note that the Holiday Inn Stuttgart Winterbach, which is even farther away than Beutelsbach, is already booked up for this time. But their website (link from the Remstal Route site) has a good map showing the train line, so you could pick a town along the route. The Deutsche Bahn website says you get off the train in Bad Canstatt, east of the city of Stuttgart, to get to the stadium---it's worth looking at that too (www.bahn.de; click on the special soccer section on the opening page).
Lura
Seattle, USA Fri 01/20/2006
Cities for Grace
Grace---I'm assuming you have good reasons for picking those particular cities. It can work, starting in Amsterdam or Berlin and heading south, or starting in Italy and working north. But you will be spending a lot of time on trains. Berlin is the one to omit if possible---not that it isn't worth visiting, it's an incredible city---but it is far away from the others, which can mostly be connected by train rides of 4 or 5 hours (although I don't know about Rothenburg). From Nice to Venice (or in reverse), consider taking a night train, which would save you travel time. And an "open jaws" ticket would be a good idea.
USA Fri 01/20/2006
What to wear....
I was a bit worried about what to wear in Europe too, mostly concerned about Paris but I will tell you anyone who tells you not to wear jeans in Paris is wrong.
They were all over the place!!! Especially in areas like the Marais, Latin Quarter ect....
I agree that you won't see typical North American trainers/runners around much but Pumas and such styles are hugely popular!!!
I wore jeans all over Paris, London, Amsterdam, Loire Valley and the rest of europe....
That being said I did not wear Jeans out for dinner, I wore casual/dress pants. Depending where you eat you coudl probably get away with a nice dark pair of jeans but I prefered to dress up a bit more.
The one thing I noticed it not alot of people wearing shorts in Paris.
bluedenim
canada Fri 01/20/2006
cities
I think you could do that all in 22 days but I think you would find that you would leave wishing you had more time....
I will say that Amsterdam 3 or 4 nights is all you need. But Paris you could spend a long time....I spent 8 days there and it was just barely enough I could have spent two weeks there alone.
What I would do would be to look at what places are most important to you and then build the trip around those. Another thing to consider besides the train is the low cost airlines. For example flying Paris to Venice for example.
But then as someone else said if this is a once in alifetime trip then you might want to look at doing most of those places but I guarantee you even if you go with the perception that this will be a once in a lifetime trip you will come back thinking about your next one.
Europe is special...
bluedenim
canada Fri 01/20/2006
So many cities!
I agree with the previous poster, with an additional thought that might help: realistically do you think you will be able to go again someday, or, is this a once-in-a-lifetime trip? I think that makes a difference, in how you "attack" the travel. If you'll be back, you will end up losing time as indicated and probably feel like you didn't have enough time anywhere. On the other hand, a dizzying whirlwind sampling of all the places you've dreamed of would be another way to go!
I'd make a list from "what I'll ALWAYS regret not seeing" on down and then start connecting the dots.
USA Fri 01/20/2006
St. Goar for Karen
Hi, Karen!
You and your parents will love Sankt Goar. It's a wonderful place to
stay while exploring the Rhein!
I've been several times and always stay at the Hotel Hauser. Frau
Velich and her staff are very friendly. It is right on the Rhein river
and several of the front rooms have balconies from where you can sip
Riesling and watch the world go by. :-) Those rooms are very reasonably
priced, as well. In the high season they go for about 70 euros per
double. If you email Frau Velich in advance she will be glad to reserve
such a room or a couple of rooms for you with no down payment. Your
promise to show up on the designated day or an email/phone call
canceling your reservation will suffice. Rick Steves recommends the Hauser as well, and it's an easy downhill walk from the train station.
Although there are many fine places to eat in St. Goar, you might also
consider eating in the hotel at least once as she puts out a plate of schnitzel
that'll make your tongue wanna slap your head off! :-)
If you're interested, I have many photos of St. Goar and other
Rheinland towns (and other places in Europe) including the Hotel Hauser
and links to the the hotel's and Rheinfels Castle's sites on my
picturetrail albums (link below my signature).
Regardless, have a wonderful time (which can hardly be helped :-), and
if you end up at the Hauser be sure and tell Frau Velich and the gang
that Bob & Jerry said "Guten Tag"!
Tcheuss und auf wiederschnitzel! :-)
Bob -
"Europe's only far away if you don't go there", Bob in a drunken
stupor, Feb ' 71, Corfu.
http://www.picturetrail.com/bepineurope
Bob C. <email>
N. Little Rock, AR USA Fri 01/20/2006
Toddler Friendly Paris?
I have two small children ages 2 and 4. My family will be staying in Paris for 3 nights in July. I need some advice on "family friendly" hotels. Most listed in Rick's book only offer single, doubles or triples. Could I book a triple for my husband, myself and our 2 children? I've also noticed that "family suites" are almost triple in price - I'm not so sure that we really need a family suite given the ages of our children. Any help would with hotels plus other "toddler" Paris tips would be greatly appreciated
C. Stone <email>
Newtown, Pa USA Fri 01/20/2006
Bus Company in Italy
Has anyone heard of the Fernandes Bus Company in Italy? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
Lois <email>
Providence, RI USA Fri 01/20/2006
Gieselle- Uffize and Accademia
I was in Florence a month ago and did not have reservations for either the Uffizi or the Accademia, but found absolutley no line at either. I got to the Accademia around 3:00 p.m. and walked right in, bought a ticket, and stood virtually by myself at the feet of the David. I went to the Uffizi the next day, got there around 10 a.m. Again, walked in, no line. Considering that my hotel advised me to make a reservation, maybe I just got lucky.
Nikki
Spokane, WA USA Fri 01/20/2006
Aberdeen or Glasgow
Glasgow is a worthwhile destination, but not if you have only 3 days. Do Edinburgh. If you want to make a day trip go to Fife (St. Andrews and Anstruther)or to Stirling and Culross. I don't know about Aberdeen, but it might be out of the way.
Will <email>
Vancouver, WA USA Thu 01/19/2006
First trip to Europe
Grace, many posters will probably say the same, "less is more." Among other considerations should be your transit times. You are planning for so many places that you will spend a lot of time on the road. Even with high speed trains, it takes time to check out of a hotel, get to the station, and at the other end get to a hotel and check in. I would stick to one, or at most two countries. Look at maps and rail schedules. Select places that aren't too far from each other. Choose a base in a couple of areas and do day trips. E.g., southern France and northern Italy can easily be combined. Both offer a combination of cities, charming small towns, high culture, mountains, beaches, great food; in other words anything you might want. Assume you'll go back to Europe. It's addictive.
Edith
Berkeley, CA USA Thu 01/19/2006
Enough Time For Europe?
I am planning my first European trip and want to know if 22 days is enough time to go to the following cities:
Amsterdam, Berlin, Rotenburg, Colmar, Paris,Nice/Monaco, Viareggio, and Venice (not necessarily in this order). If not which should be left for another trip? While Rick's books are great it doesn't have a full schedule for the above cities. Also, the trip will be towards the end of May so is is best to start towards the bottom and work up or vice versa? I'm hoping some of you experienced travelers can help the "new girl"
Thanks
Grace <email>
Roseville, CA USA Thu 01/19/2006
Stuttgart and World Cup Finals
Lesia,
I don't think I would recommend this if you can find something at a reasonable cost closer in, but I have no idea how difficult that might be. A couple years ago my wife and I stayed in Herrenberg (www.herrenberg.de) the night before our flight out of Stuttgart airport. It is a delightful little town with lots of Fachwerk buildings and a lot remaining of the mideval walls. There are a number of reasonably priced hotels within walking distance of the bahnhof. The S-bahn (S1) goes from there through Stuttgart Hbf to the stadium. Takes about 45 minutes. Like I said, in a pinch you might want to look at it.
I would particularly recommend Pension Kirchgasse (www.pension-kirchgasse1.de), where we stayed. The owner, Karin Foerster speaks good English, so you can email her about rates at that time. She does have a suite.
<email>
USA Thu 01/19/2006
WHAT TO WEAR IN EUROPE
Brit: Don’t be concerned with what you wear. You will find people in Europe dress just like we do here.
Unless going to a special event.
I have been traveling over the pond for 20 years and have seen the changes in local dress over there.
I wear what I consider comfortable and neat. That usually means jeans and joggers.
Do you think those people notice what you wear or even remember a day later what you wore?
I marvel that you posters worry so much about dress. I guess I’m getting old; I couldn’t care less.
CAROLE W.
EVANS, TX USA Thu 01/19/2006
Eating in Hotel Rooms
I can think of several reasons for hotels to forbid eating in the rooms: crumbs attract vermin, juicy things drip on the floor/carpet, trash left in trash receptacles may smell and/or be a mess for the cleaning personnel, and the room may get sticky and icky. I eat in hotel rooms. I try to be considerate by not dripping or leaving crumbs. I carry my own garbage out to a receptacle on the street.
Swan
USA Thu 01/19/2006
RE: St. Goar
Karen,
St. Goar is not very big (see www.st-goar.de. Most of it is on a few streets running parallel to the river. Hotels on Heerstrasse or Markt shouldn't require climbing hills. There is a trolly (a tractor pulling a couple carts) that runs up to Rheinfels. Fully exploring the castle ruins can require a lot of climbing around, but you can see a lot of it from level paths. The train stations a a block or two up a slight hill. That's about it.
<email>
USA Thu 01/19/2006
hotel help
Any suggestions for a hotel in Lucerne that isnt too expensive?? Thanks!!
Amy W. <email>
birmingham, al USA Thu 01/19/2006
Stuttgart and World Cup Finals
Hello,
My family of 4 (7 and 10 year old) will be traveling to Stuttgart, Germany in July 2006 for the World Cup Soccer (Football) Finals. Any recommendations on accommodations?
Thanks!
Lesia
Castle Rock, CO USA Thu 01/19/2006
Easter in Dublin
Pubs and restaurants are closed on Good Friday, but not on Easter. It will be like a regular Sunday---pubs open (after noon), shops closed.
USA Thu 01/19/2006
Dublin/afterthought
Your Dublin host or hotelier might be an excellent source of information for the answers you seek.
HG
ILL USA Thu 01/19/2006
Dublin
Barbara, have you tried via e-mail the public information officer at the Irish Embassy or at one of the consular offices in the larger U.S. cities. A google search for something such as Ireland/tourism offices/U.S may also give you links to holiday customs/practices/holiday closings etc.
hg
ILL USA Thu 01/19/2006
Taxis
How can you tell it you are being over charged or scamed when you take a taxi in the large cities on the continent?
Marylyn
Boise, USA Thu 01/19/2006
Dublin
My family and I will be in Dublin on Saturday April 15 and Sunday April 16 (Easter), and leaving on Monday April 17. I am getting conflicting info on whether shops, pubs, etc are open on Easter Sunday. We are trying to plan the two days and don't want to get stuck with everything closed. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Barbara
Barbara
New Orleans, LA USA Thu 01/19/2006
St. Goar recommendations?
I'm in the beginning stages of planning a summer trip for my parents. I remember several months back seeing some posts on St. Goar on the Rhine. I couldn't find them. Does anybody have any specific recommendations for St. Goar? My parents don't do hills well.
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 01/19/2006
Bike Tours in Europe (to Shari)
You can definitely roll your own if you like. The same people who rent bikes are usually happy to advise on itinerary and even make reservations and port your bags for you (for a fee). This is a midway point between total do-it-yourself-ism (also very feasible!) and the pricier tours. Lonely Planet also has some European bike-itinerary books that are great planning aids and fun to read.
Adam
Boston, USA Thu 01/19/2006
Leeds
Meri,
I have been to Leeds a few times for business. Contact me.
Bob
Gettysburg
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Thu 01/19/2006
Airfare to Europe Sale for Spring
I check this website out quite often. Just got an email about a spring fare sale to Europe, thought it might help some of you planning your adventure.
Keep in mind, this is for SPRING time travel, not summer!
Good luck, hope some of you save some money!
http://www.smartertravel.com/air/deal.php?id=292427&source=dealalert&value=2006-01-19&u=3D4DF67ED5
EB <email>
CO USA Thu 01/19/2006
Jeans (again)
I think the jeans thing is often misunderstood. Jeans are great, especially during winter months or in the summer in some countries (Ireland, Norway). Bring your jeans to Italy during August, however, and you will never wear them. Bring ONLY jeans and you will only go to casual restaurants - no fun splurges. Bring too many jeans and you will find your suitcase weighs a ton. We all know we won't look like the Europeans, we won't totally blend. But it is so nice to wear nicer clothes (sorry, I don't do the multi-pocketed cargo pants either). During the summer a skirt is comfortable, lightweight, and you'll look better in your pictures!
USA Thu 01/19/2006
Leeds anyone?
Can anyone tell me about Leeds? I always hear about London, Oxford and other cities in England but never Leeds. I will be studying abroad at the University of Leeds and I want information on the city. The only information that I have is what the study abroad booklet contains. I want personal experinces and personal thoughts. I have never been out of the country so this will be an eye opening experience for me. Any information on the weather, the people, nightlife, and anything else would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Meri
KY USA Thu 01/19/2006
for Brit and Wyeth
Thanks to Wyeth for your comments about jeans, etc. I've been arguing this for some time now, and you are one of a few who agree. I think some of the "travel clothes" make you look more silly than regular "American" clothes.
To Brit--I was thinking about your green Columbia--the worst that could happen is people mistaking you for a ski buff...
I have said it before and I will continue to say it--we worry way too much about what clothes and shoes will make us appear more "local". Wear what is comfortable and practical for you. There is something intangible that marks us as Americans, no matter what we are wearing, and is that really so bad?
M
USA Thu 01/19/2006
Brit - don't believe the hype!
Brit - before our trip, the wife and I heard over and over how jeans and sneakers would make you stand out like a sore thumb in Europe (in general, and Paris in particular). Bull. Guess what? Blue jeans are as fashionable there as anywhere in the US - I bought a brown leather jacket in Paris and the salesperson (scoffing at my travel pants) practically insisted I go down the street and buy a pair of blue jeans (and she was right, the combo looked great and I blended in more than I could have ever imagined). Granted, most of the sneakers people wear there are obviously soccer-inspired; you don't see fat, hi-top Air Jordans, but running/soccer-style shoes are ubiquitous there.
However, can't help you with packing light. But as long as you're just going to one city, what the heck, take what you want.
Wyeth
Seattle, WA USA Thu 01/19/2006
Moselle River cruise
Any recs for a half-day cruise on the Moselle? Which company? From where to where? Round trip or one-way? We're staying in Beilstein.
Alan <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Thu 01/19/2006
Paper tickets
Brandi---Rick's travel store sells a "security pouch" for $4.95 that is sized to hold airline tickets. You clip it inside your backpack. I used one last summer for our train passes and it was perfect---my backpack had a loop just inside the zipper, so it was always easy to fish out the train passes when needed. You should still carry a photocopy of the actual tickets, separately from the tickets, just in case. Also, I wouldn't leave the tickets in my backpack at a hostel when you're out for the day---clip the security pouch inside whatever you carry for the day, well covered with book, map, water bottle, etc. In a dicey area, you could still put them in the money belt just for the day.
USA Thu 01/19/2006
a little on the paper tickets
What to actually put 'em in hopefully someone else will have good ideas...but what I usually do with the paper tickets is get rid of some of the "weight" that's all the disclaimer stuff and take them apart with just the invoice (for proof of purchase you might need) and one-two page actual flight part. Super water- tight (sweat tight!!) baggie protection as mentioned below for each little packet. Uncomfortable a little, I have, while in transit on trains or buses, used a couple moneybelts front and back until settled in a seat, if you still have a super thick wad of paper. I like that the moneybelt(s) form a little envelope that you can keep everything valuable togehter in, under your pillow on a night train, etc. I don't have good backpack suggestions, though- sorry!
USA Thu 01/19/2006
Food in Rooms
I dont think any hotel really cares whether or not you eat in the room. What concerns them is cooking in rooms without kitchen areas. This is a real fire hazard,whereas simply eating there is no big deal. Food in the room was never an issue anywhere we stayed during our 5 months in Europe.
Paul n Sara
USA Thu 01/19/2006
Re: Hotel Leveque Paris
Jodi -
I just stayed at the Hotel Leveque in Paris 2 weeks ago. We were aware of their policy from their website and the listings, but there was nothing specifically stated in the rooms. I think they were more concerned with people bringing their breakfast that you can purchase back to the rooms - along with the plates, silverware, glasses, etc. We had some late-night snacks of crepes, wine and bread and we didn't have a problem. Good luck!
Liz <email>
Aston, PA USA Thu 01/19/2006
Gary: France farm holidays
I would definitely check out this site we've found helpful in our searches.
http://www.pour-les-vacances.com/index.htm
pat
USA Thu 01/19/2006
best way to store/carry paper tickets for 2 month backpacking trip
I am wondering if anyone has fantastic advice on the best way to carry paper plane tickets throughout a backpacking journey. We've done it before and kept them in our moneybelt, but that was a 3 week trip, not 2 months. AND it was a pain in the butt. The airline said they MUST issue paper tx because of the multiple airlines involved.
Can anyone help?
Brandi Mills <email>
Norman, OK USA Wed 01/18/2006
Bike Tours in Europe
Last summer I booked a bike tour through Tulip Cycling in Holland. It was unguided but had great maps and directions. They are very flexible in that you can pick your starting point and date and ending point and date. They were a little pricy, but in the end the cost was worth it....great bike, great lodging, great time. By the way, I went solo.....and I never complained about how slow I went or the number of times I stopped for coffee. Check out their web site.
Terry D <email>
Rochelle, IL USA Wed 01/18/2006
Bike Tours in Italy
If you are an experienced traveler, and have someone else to travel with you, I'd totally recommend going on a self guided bike tour instead of an expensive guided tour. However, if this is your first European bike tour, then go with a US company and pay for it. Shop around, there are a LOT of US companies offering bike tours in Italy, Prices vary, VBT, Bike Riders, Easy Riders, Cicilismo Classico, REI, Trek Tours, Backroads. They pretty much go on the same routes, with a little difference.
Be prepared to pay the guides a tip at the end too. Expect to pay up to $100 per guide, this is not discussed in the expenses of the tour.
We've found guided tours to be restrictive. You are at the mercy of the guide, and the slowest rider in the group.
That being said, if you are not a strong rider, then a guided tour is the best way to go.
There are several Italian companies too that offer slightly better prices. I'd recommend: Florence by Bike, Cicloposse. They both offer Tuscany region bike tours. Cicloposse also offers rides in Umbria. They are based out of Pienza, and they are wonderful people to work with...very friendly.
Ellen <email>
Centennial, CO USA Wed 01/18/2006
car rental
Has anyone used carhire3000.com to rent a vehicle in Italy? If so, what was your experience with this company? Their rates, that include insurance, seem too good to be true.
Ann <email>
Kenmore, WA USA Wed 01/18/2006
Bike tour cost
Shari---it depends in part what you consider a high price. REI bike tours in Europe average about $250-$270 per day. That includes bike rental, van suppport for your luggage, lodging in "charming" hotels (probably 3-star)and meals. You could certainly tour on your own for less; it's a question of how much you value the camaradie of other riders, and the tour guides' expertise in choosing routes, lodging, etc. I have done one group tour (hiking, not biking), and I enjoyed it a lot. Also, I learned enough that since then I have planned and guided similar trips for my extended family. So for me, it was well worth it. For another person's opinion, howevr, see a post on the "Adventure Travel" section.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/18/2006
Bicycle Tours in Europe
Are U.S. organized bicycle tours in Europe worth the high price charged? I am interested in the overall experience anyone may have had.
Shari <email>
Fresno, CA USA Wed 01/18/2006
DB's Money Belt
TravelSmith: www.travelsmith.com has exactly what DB is describing. They call it a "Hidden Pocket." It's available in tan or black for $9.75.
Jeff
USA Wed 01/18/2006
Hotel Leveque Paris
Has anyone stayed in the Hotel Leveque in Paris? Do they really mean it when they say we can't eat in our rooms? Not even little snacks?
Jodi
Jodi
Littleton, CO USA Wed 01/18/2006
Enuf Said!! ??
I guess all of us can only answer re what has or hasnt worked and what pleased us or not. No matter what system you use just be careful and aware. THAT and not WHAT you use, will determine how safe your money is. It is like staying out of bad neighborhoods and weird situations- it isnt the martial art you learned that protects you but the fact that you dont give opportunity f
or unfortunate things to happen.
HAPPY TRAVELS
Paul n Sara
USA Wed 01/18/2006
money belt
Money belts are a pain. Sometimes I wear one or sometimes I wear a pouch. Sometimes I do not use either and just put some cash in my pocket. Sometimes I just put everything in a fanny pack or a small back pack if I have a camera and waterbottle or maps, etc that day. Mostly I just put some cash and a credit card and drivers license in my wallet in a pocket with a button or flap on it. Nothing ever happens except one time when I lost my wallet in Italy. It was in a restaurant or on the bus or in a washroom. I am not sure which. We canceled the card and went on our way with a different card my wife had in her purse.
Chuck Ristfer
Little Rock, Arkansas USA Wed 01/18/2006
Gites alternative
It's not really a gite, but a lively young Brit named Sam Owen rents out self-catering accomodations in the south of France, near the village of Goudargues, and in Les Praz, adjacent to Chamonix. We rented the Chamonix chalet for out group of 9 last August, and it was perfect. The other property, called "Les Beaux Terroirs" (Sam is an enthusiastic oenophile) has 2 apartments for 2-4 each, and a larger villa. WE haven't been there, but it looks quite nice on the website: www.lesbt.com.
Lura
Seattle, USA Wed 01/18/2006
My LL Bean neck pouch is old but perfect for me. And though I'm "well-endowed," as someone mentioned, the pouch is not obvious at all. Luckily, the cord adjusts to a very long length, so that I can wear it over to one side and tucked into the waistband of my pants. It's also long enough that I have worn it to the back with the pouch tucked into the small of my back (like a pistol).
One tip - always use a small zip-lock bag to hold anything in the pouch, in case it gets sweaty. But better sweaty than lost!
Phoebe
USA Wed 01/18/2006
DB's money belt
DB: That's a great idea. For anyone who is "needle & thread-challenged" or just doesn't want to sew, buy the money pouches already made that way - with 2 loops that you can put your belt through, so the pouch hangs down inside the pants or skirt.
Tallahassee, FL USA Wed 01/18/2006
Cargo Pants
Watch out for the cargo pants to store credit cars etc. I had mine unzipped and out the metro door before I could blink. Thank goodness it only had cards and no money...I was lucky! The car was crowded and I had let my gard down as I had been all over Italy for 3 weeks with no trouble...not that I hadn't been tested!!! SPR
SPR <email>
Al USA Wed 01/18/2006
Farm holidays France
have you tried Gîtes de France website?
http://www.gites-de-france.fr/eng/index.htm
and also
http://www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com/
happy travels!
Corinne <email>
Dijon, France Wed 01/18/2006
GLASGOW OR ABERDEEN
Sara: The older I get the more times my brain lets me down. I said the castle is in Glasgow!
As all of you know, the castle is in Edinburgh. I would choose that city over Aberdeen or Glasgow.
All other comments I made seem to be correct.
JAN Z.
WACO, USA Wed 01/18/2006
Farm Holidays France
My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Provence and the French Riveria. Were are trying to find a gite that is similar to an Italian agriturismo. Any suggestions would be great. We are planning a 2 week stay.
Gary <email>
Miller, TX USA Wed 01/18/2006
Money Belt
I posted this last summer on one of the other boards, but this is what I did this past summer for me (and for my 15 year old daughter).
I found neck pouches at a local dollar store. They are about twice the size of a credit card. I cut them in half and sewed the top shut on one half and the bottom shut on the other half. I then sewed them onto the inside of the waistband on all of the skirts/shorts/pants that I took with me.
Each half had a zippered pocket and it was perfect for my ATM card, credit card and extra cash. It was also so comfortable, there were times that I was in a bit of a panic because I couldn't remember where my credit card was!
When I got home a quick seam ripper job took them off and they are now stored for the next time.
We were in a very secured lodging that we trusted 100%, so there was no problem leaving the passort there while we were out for the day.
Sue
MI USA Wed 01/18/2006
Money belt
Here's what I use: I liked the design of the neck pouch wallets, but didn't want it hanging from my neck (seemed uncomfortable and too obvious).
I cut off the string, which left the important part. I got about 6" of web belt material at REI (the stuff used for backpack straps, nylon belts, etc.) and had one end sewn securely onto the top of the pouch, and the other end sewn in a closed loop the size of the belt I usually wear with pants.
I wear my regular belt as normal, and through the "secret wallet pouch" loop; the pouch hangs from my belt. I can use this combo two ways: if I'm not acutely concerned about getting robbed, I just wear it inside my front pants pocket - the only thing that's visible is the small, black nylon "belt" material running down from my real belt into my front pocket. There's no way it could be stolen without a struggle and a face-to-face confrontation (and me pulling down my pants, which I assume would attract some attention!). If I'm in an especially dicey neighborhood/situation or want even more security, I simply wear the thing on the inside of my pants (again, hanging from the belt). If/when I want to access it, it's easy enough to pull out.
I've used this for years on trips from Europe to Latin America to Africa to Asia and has worked perfectly for me. It's quite comfortable and more secure (I think) than Rick' money belt or a neck pouch - about as secure as a "truckers wallet" attached by a chain but without the metal hardware. This obviously wouldn't work for those wearing a skirt or dress, and it does require that a regular belt is worn, but it has worked very reliably (with both long pants or shorts) for me for years.
Hope that helps.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money belt alternative
I use a purse which is available from Travelsmith and other vendors. It has steel cables sewn into the straps, so they can't be cut. I wear the strap diagonally across my chest and with my arm over it, as several people have advised. I did not buy the large size and still am able to carry lots. There are several zippered compartments and a hook on the outside that you can use to fasten two of the zipper pulls together for additional protection. Count on being a target for thieves in Barcelona. They tried me twice but didn't get anything. One common ploy is they spill some water on you. While one guy apologizes profusely and wipes your shoulder, the other is trying to get your valuables.
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Scottish cities
We liked Glasgow a lot. The University of Glasgow has a good art gallery, featuring works by Charles Renne Mackintosh, including rooms he designed. The Mackintosh society headquarters is also worth touring. There is another good art museum,name escapes me. There are lots of good restaurants and a lively night life. You also have easy access to the west coast.
EH
California USA Tue 01/17/2006
MORE ON THE MONEY BELT
Having traveled in over 50 countries I feel qualified to speak on this subject.
The neck pouch I have worn for the last 20 years is far more comfortable than the money belt I leave in my sock drawer at home.
It is easier to get into for money and is not restrictive. I guess the only way any of you will learn is to wear each one for a short time.
I never leave it with the hotel desk; I sleep with it under my pillow. Of course color is of no concern to me.
CHARLIE D.
NYC, USA Tue 01/17/2006
GLASGOW OR ABERDEEN
Sara: Last time I was in Scotland I stayed in Glasgow. It is larger than Aberdeen and should provide a cheaper rental car.
The castle is there and deserves 3 hours visit. You can drive to so many other sights from there than you can from Aberdeen.
The scenery around Aberdeen is more impressive.
JAN Z.
WACO, USA Tue 01/17/2006
Glasgow? Aberdeen? Advice?
Hello, do any of you recommend either of these cities with only three days to tour Scotland and a rental car? I have heard they are pretty industrial...thank you!
Sara
USA Tue 01/17/2006
More on the money belt
Although generally a faithful moneybelt user (and always when in transit, no matter how swelteringly uncomfortable!) , I had great luck this past summer using room or hotel safes (assuming your lodgings have them)for most of its contents and the belt itself when out and about for the day and evening. I always retrieve it from the hotel desk safe for the night, in case of a fire (which happened once!). I don't know if cargo pants are your style, but many sporting supply companies (like REI) make lightweight quick- dry versions as long pants or capris with all kinds of sturdy zippered pockets. In black or beige, and if not the baggy ones, they don't scream "US tourist"! The ones I got had a zipper on a pocket on on the lower leg (always visible) just the size for a passport, credit card and room/contact info (as RS suggests to always carry) on an index card. Then I just kept the day's small bills in another zipped front pocket. I have used a small across- the- chest- wallet arrangement, too, but having NO purse at all to worry about, just a day pack with guide book, etc, was really liberating. Cargo- style is still so popular you can find skirts with a gazillion pockets, too...
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money belt alternative
Shelly-I taught my teenage daughter how to hold her purse the "big city" way - as described below, across your chest, in front of you with your hand on it at all times. I also subscribe to the multiple zippers theory and even caught a young boy with his hand in the large open compartment, which, of course, only held my guide book. Barcelona is definitely one of the cities to be on the lookout for pickpockets and other thiefs. Be especially careful on public transportation and in areas where people can crowd up next to you. We did not have any problems there ourselves, but did hear of a group of young friends who got robbed late at night. Having said that, we LOVED Barcelona - Gaudi's cathedral is fabulous. You'll have a great time.
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money belt alternative
Shelly---like Kelli, I use a small shoulder bag and wear the strap across my chest---never dangling from one shoulder. I keep anything important inside multpple zippers, and keep my hand on the purse in a crowd of any sort. I've never felt the least bit unsafe with this system in Madrid, Paris, London, Florence, or anyplace else I've been. Of course, I would not be safe from an actual mugger, but I wouldn't be with a moneybelt or neck pouch either.
USA Tue 01/17/2006
B & B's in England
We are looking for affordable bed and breakfast accomodations close to the following three areas in England: Cotswalds - Exeter - Arundel. We have a British B & B book and of course Rick's book but are having difficulty finding a location that has availabilities in late March & early April. Everything so far is over 70 pounds and we need to stay under 70 pounds per night. Email addresses and or websites would be deeply appreciated. Our email addresses is noted below by clicking on.
James <email>
West Memphis, ARr USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money belt
I'm also not a fan of the money belt. This past spring my travels took me to both France and Spain and I rotated between a purse and a backpack. The purse I used went across my chest and zipped close, in addition to having a flap that went over that (with the flap towards me). To be extra safe I rigged the zipper with a twist-tie. I kept my money and such inside a zipped pocket. I would say most of the time I used my book bag. The important stuff I kept in a zipped compartment, either alone or insided a book, towards the bottom of the bag. I had so much stuff on top of it I dont think anyone could have gotten to it. Im sure better suggestions are out there but this is what worked for me :)
Kelli
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money belt alternatives and security
Altho I have never experienced discomfort with $$ belts, my wife uses a neck safe. She appears to have 3 breasts at times but she likes having one as she is free from a handbag. They can also be worn to the side, about halfway down from arm to waist or whereevr cmfrtable.
The best way to be "safe" is to keep large amounts , credit cards and the like and passport out of sight and to get stuff from those sites only by accessing them in private. Generally speaking , metro Europe is no more dangerous than any large US city and often safer. Thieves are working EVERYWHERE.
Paul n Sara
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money Belt alternatives?
Shelly,
I started my first trip of my Rick Steves era with a money belt. It didn't last the plane trip. Very uncomfortable. From that time on, I have used a neck pouch. Works as good as a money belt. Main stategy with either, keep it out of sight. Of course, if you are endowed like Dolly Parton, it will not be convenient, but then you will have many other place to stash stuff.
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Money Belt alternatives?
I know Rick stresses using that famous Money Belt to keep your stuff safe. I tried one one and it was uncomfortable!
Can someone give a little lady like me suggestions on how to "be safe"? I'm going to Barcelona and that's supposed to be a pretty big "pick pocket" city.
I'm getting nervous, and refuse to use that money belt.
Shelly
Anaheim, USA Tue 01/17/2006
melatonin
Melatonin is effective as a jet lag/sleep treatment; but some warnings are in order. I had to post this after seeing it mentioned in a post dated about a week ago. A 3 mg dose is a LOT. It is a very powerful hormone. 3 mg is the size tablet in most bottles I've seen. Try just 1 mg (bite off a third of a 3 mg tablet). Chances are it will be more than enough unless you've used it a lot and have built up a resistance. And DON'T take it constantly! I find after 3 days of use it induces a mild depression or moodiness. A psychiatrist friend warned me sternly about this. It is well known in medical circles for this effect. Also, more than a few days in a row and your body reduces its own output of melatonin. Then you really won't sleep without it. Use it for jet lag and then STOP. Also, its effects last more than 8 hours. So you WILL be groggy in the morning. If you need sleep help for hotels use something different, like Valerian or Chamomile tea. They work but you need to take over an hour before bedtime. No side effects, wear off promptly before you have to get up. Chamomile: 2 cups of tea, brewed very strongly (at least 5 minutes)till the color of yellow beer. Taste is "blee-ah" but you start liking it after a while. Better sweetened. I bring an immersible heater and a mug with me.
Linnea LAhlum
Buffalo Grove, IL USA Tue 01/17/2006
Quad in Rue Cler neighborhood
Laurie---I don't know your budget, but you can get a 4-person studio or one-bedroom apartment a block off Rue Cler from www.VacationInParis.com. It's an American company and the price is quoted in dollars, so it doesn't fluctuate. The studio sleeps 4 people (one double bed, one futon) for $140 a night; the one-bedroom (in which we have stayed) is $150. It has a kitchen, living room, bedroom and 2 bathrooms and sleeps 4: a double bed in the bedroom, plus a daybed with pull-out trundle bed in the living room. The bonus of an apartment, in addition to the space, is that you can save money on meals: shop for groceries on Rue Cler and cook "in" sometimes instead of going out every night.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Tue 01/17/2006
LEFT LUGGAGE IN MILAN
I copied this from the hotels webpage.
Hotel Mac Mahon, Milan
LEFT-LUGGAGE OFFICE:
There's available our free private left-luggage office for the morning and evening, where you can deposit your excess baggage,allowing you to travel Milan free of charge.
For more than 1 day there's a fee to pay.
A. CYRES
AUSTIN, TX USA Tue 01/17/2006
Heathrow Connection
Jennifer: By all means check to see if your inbound carrier has a baggage forwarding agreement with the connecting carrier. If so, you can check your bags through to the final destination and not have to worry about dealing with them at Heathrow.
Jeff
USA Tue 01/17/2006
THALYS TICKETS
Beth: Another help which RR ticket agents can give you is, when asked, they will print for you a summary of your trip when you buy your ticket.
It will show the stations you pass through and the times; plus info on any train changes you make, including times and tracks.
Be sure to ask for it because they don’t normally offer it voluntarily. I found it extremely helpful when traveling through unfamiliar areas.
BETTY M
CHICAGO, USA Tue 01/17/2006
Quads in rue Cler
To put 4 persons into one room is not the same as having one room that takes 4 persons. If you are budget travellers you likely will be staying at a 2-star hotel, or a 1-star or what is called a tourists hotel, which has no stars. Paris hotels, as are hotels in the rest of France, earn stars as they add amenities such as an elevator, a dinning room, or staff which speaks some English or languages other than French. Though the star ratings are supposed to indicate levels of service and amenities, they often indicate the quality of the stay a hotel provides. Except for the "deluxe" hotels, mid-range hotels tend to be designed for 2 persons. A triple if usually a room for two with a roll-a-way added. There is little room for a second added bed to make a quadruple. You may find a room with 2 doubles. If you are lucky, the beds may be the larger queen size, but don't expect it except in what is often called a deluxe room at higher than standard rates. Whatever you find, don't expect it to be a room designed for 4 persons. A place to start is Steves' Paris book. The Grand Hotel Leveque (there is also a Hotel Leveque but not in the 7eme) used to provide a quad or two and may still do so. The Muguet may also because it has some larger than usual rooms. Some hotels that are newly remodeled sometimes carry a family sized room. There are several such places in the 7eme, but you will have to inquire of each as to rooms large enough for 4 persons.
HG
ILL USA Tue 01/17/2006
Brit in Paris
Brit-one way to cut down weight and bulk is to only bring 2 pairs of shoes. This is from someone who has very picky feet but I still manage to limit myself to wearing one pair and bringing the other. As for the jeans - they are very appropriate in the cold damp weather you are likely to encounter. Black jeans or black khakis are a lifesaver because you will look dressier but still be warm. Use most of your space for different tops(I'd take 7 and you won't feel so boring. You'll probably be fine with one pair of jeans and one pair of black pants for daytime use. Bring a dressier outfit only if you know you will need it for night. I would even forgo my usual skirts at this time, having been to Paris in March when it was snowing while we were on the Eiffel Tower. Arrange your trip so that you can drop your laundry someplace - this is a luxury I allow our family and never regret the cost.
USA Tue 01/17/2006
Question about Paris Museums - First Sunday of Month
Hello, I went last summer to Paris, my budget was very very tide so i took the risk going the 1 sunday to the Louvre, everybody told me i was crazy and SURPRISE there was no wating line!! also i didnt make like the rest " going very early int the morning" i got there around 11, and i had enough time, i saw everything, and it was FREE
andrea
mexico Tue 01/17/2006
Uffizi/Academia
Definitely make reservations for the Uffizi. If for some reason you can't, you could try going at the end of the day - about 45 minutes before the museum closes. My husband and I did this in the summer (high season and it was free that day) and were able to get in without a wait. If you do that, I would recommend buying a guidebook beforehand so you know what you really want to see. The museum is rather small though and easy to navigate, so seeing it all in 45 minutes is not out of the question as long as you don't linger. For David at the Academia, wait until early afternoon when crowds subside.
Chicago, USA Tue 01/17/2006
Uffizi and Accademia Reservations
Giselle--We were in Florence last November and crowds were non-existent. We walked right up to everything we wanted to see, including the Accademia, and once inside we walked right up to David. No lines anywhere! The woman who ran our B&B told us Uffizi would be no problem also. So we were over-confident and did not make reservations. On the day we decided to go, the lines were horrendous, and tickets were sold out for the remaining time we would be in Florence! So we missed out. If seeing Uffizi is important to you, I would make reservations. Even in the off-season, getting in is tough because the museum is small and tickets are limited. Accademia is not as tough, but again it is small, and crowds back up to see David. Why not make reservations so you are sure to see the things you have come so far to see?
Elizabeth <email>
St. Louis, USA Tue 01/17/2006
Paris hotels
Does anyone know of a hotel in the rue Cler neighborhood of Paris that has a quad to accomodate 4 people? I know rooms tend to be small but am looking to conserve our budget! Thanks!
Laurie
WI USA Tue 01/17/2006
Heathrow connections
From BAA website:
"Connecting from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2
Your connection will take approximately 60 minutes, from landing to departure gate. Take a coach from Terminal 3 to the Flight Connections Centre. Pass through customs and security and visit our airline desks before making your way by foot to Terminal 2 and your departure gate".
Chrismo1
Denmark Tue 01/17/2006
Uffizi and Accademia
Do you think reservations are necessary for the Uffizi and Accademia in the low season. (I will be there next week). Is it too late? Thanks everyone.
Giselle
Cambridge, MA USA Tue 01/17/2006
Heathrow Transfers
We have to make a transfer from Terminal 3 to terminal 2 in Heathrow. I have read conflicting information on transfer times: anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. We have 2.5 hours to make the transfer and check into a different airline, and now it doesn't seem like enough time to do it unless we only have carry-on.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Jennifer <email>
AB Canada Mon 01/16/2006
Brit and Paris
...another option is very, VERY dark wash jeans (tightly tailored, if your body- shape allows!) that you could wear with your boots (tucked in or not). They won't show stains and you can wear them three or four times during the two weeks. A big obstacle for me personally in packing light as per RS was the idea that it's dirty to re- wear clothing. (Now I'm over that!) Lucky you!
USA Mon 01/16/2006
Question about Paris Museums - First Sunday of Month
My Son and I will be visiting Paris the first week in April. We arrive on Saturday April 1. While there we want to visit the Orsay Museum. I noticed that the Museums are free the first Sunday of every month. I like the idea of not haveing to pay(saving money would be great), but I am also concerned about the possible crowds and being able to enjoy the great works. Same holds true for the Lourve, etc Can someone give me some insight and advice? Thank you
Joe <email>
Indianapolis, Indiana USA Mon 01/16/2006
to Beth - San Marco Island
One of the best, most hidden secrets of France for Americans is www.gites-de-france.fr. It's a fabulous resource for people (US and Europeans) who want to rent a home or apartment in France for a week or longer. The site can be navigated in English but it helps to have a French-reading person handy when you start looking at specific properties. I'm certain you'll find multiple homes that will work for you. Good luck!
Will
WA USA Mon 01/16/2006
For Brit---Paris
Brit---don't worry about the carry-on. I know lots of people swear by it, but we never do, and have never lost our luggage. But we still pack light. One thing you might consider is a matte jersey dress (black of course) that you can pair with different tops (cashmere sweater?). And consider a scarf or two---very Parisienne. If you don't have one, Google "matte jersy dress" and see what comes up---one is a cute Issac Mizrahi sleeveless, very practical for dress-up and combining with different tops, from Target(!) for $29.95. Or try Nordstrom. THey pack small and don't wrinkle. Your crop pants/boots also sound fine. Remember that in March it can be cold, rainy or windy so your coat or raincoat is part of your outfit. As for a daypack, I carry a tote instead to look more local. My daughter has a Kate Spade, but mine is less expensive. Nothing you would miss if stolen goes in there. Instead of a wallet (or a money belt), I use a very small leather shoulder bag that I wear cross-wise, not draped over one shoulder. Heresy, I know, but in 10 trips I've never had a problem.
Lorna
Bellevue, WA USA Mon 01/16/2006
Packing for 2 weeks in Paris
I know this may seem like a silly subject, but I do have some questions regarding fashion while visiting Paris. I would like to try to blend in as much as possible while in Paris, but I realize that as soon as I open my mouth, that idea goes out the window.
I'll be in Paris in March. Obviously, I'm not going to wear my lime green Columbia coat and wind pants. I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb: a target for pickpockets. I know black is big. Do they wear those crop dress pants and knee-high boots or no? What else can I pack besides black pants? It seems so, well, boring.
And what kind of daypacks would you suggest? I have a rather larger digital camera that I'd like to take with me. Something that's big enough for the camera, my wallet, a bottle of H2O and maybe a mini snack (granola bar or something). Oh, and my Rick Steves' Paris book of course.
And how on earth can y'all survive with only a carry on? I fill a carry on suitcase when I'm traveling to my parents' house for the weekend, never mind two weeks in Paris. I don't want to take a ton of clothes and shoes, but I figure at least three pairs of shoes to get me through. What do you suggest to take to Paris...seriously, not a mink fur coat and pearls. There are days when I'll probably wear jeans and then there are days that I want to sort of dress up.
Thanks for all your help/suggestions!
Brit
USA Mon 01/16/2006
Small House Rental - South of France
We are planning a trip to the south of France for approx. 1 month starting in early September. Would love to have some recommendations for house rentals in Languedoc-Rousillon, esp in the Gard, as we have acquaintances there. Uzes esp. appeals to me....but I'm open to suggestion. If you don't specifically know of a house in that area, the name of a good website or agent would be most appreciated. Am looking for a 2 bedroom/1-2 bath house for 3 people (2 are a couple, third is our best friend).
Beth <email>
Marco Island, FL USA Mon 01/16/2006
Thalys - thank you
Thank you for the information regarding purchasing Thalys tickets. Since I only needed one-way tickets, the price on RailEurope was not much more per ticket than on the SNCF site. I went ahead and ordered there for convenience's sake, but it's good to know that there are other options available. Thank you!
Beth
Portland, OR USA Mon 01/16/2006
Olympics 2006
My husband and I are looking for affordable housing in Turin for roughly 2/17-2/21. So far, we've found a few very pricey rooms in private homes...anyone interested in sharing costs of a rented flat (hopefully one you've already secured, there doesn't seem to be much left!) Any other advice welcome!
Chris <email>
Los Angeles , CA USA Mon 01/16/2006
leaving luggage in rail sta in Milan
I have RS Italy but it is 2003 book and not sure if any info has changed. Is it still possible to store luggage in rail station in Milan? Thank You.
RK
USA Mon 01/16/2006
B&B in Bath
We were in Bath in October and stayed at Holly Villa (a Rick recommendation). It is an easy walk from the center of town and just a beautiful B&B. Jill and Keith are wonderful - book now!
Annie
Denver, CO USA Mon 01/16/2006
GO-TODAY.com
We booked our very first trip to Europe (London-Paris) on GO-TODAY.com. I had read good reviews on the company in Budget Travel magazine. Ever since, we have booked our own European hotels, but for a first time trip, it made everything so easy. We had a great experience with the company and would recommend it completely.
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Mon 01/16/2006
Prague Accomodations
My husband and I stayed at Guest House Lida in Prague and had a wonderful experience. The hosts are very helpful and it is a great value. It is close to a metro line. I think it was in the 1200-1400 kc range for a double room with bath. It is listed in Rick's book.
Eugene, OR USA Mon 01/16/2006
go-today.com
Has anyone booked a vacation through go-today.com? I only know of one person that did, and she had no problems. Interested to see if anyone has used this site and if you were happy with the trip.
I'm thinking of booking a 7 day, air inclusive vacation to Budapest/Prague/Vienna in September. Thanks!
Waiting to Travel
Norfolk, VA USA Mon 01/16/2006
Thalys Ticket - Clarification
I should clarify that my earlier reference to "the Web site" was for sncf.com rather than thalys.com. It was there that, had I actually ordered a ticket, I could have chosen to pick it up at a train station or ticket boutique.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 01/16/2006
Paris v. Frankfurt
for Gordon---Paris is not much farther from St. Goar than Frankfurt. You might do as wll just flying in and out of Paris. check British and KLM/Northwest; they both have good flights from Seattle, non-stop to either London (British)or Amsterdam (KLM), with a short hop from either to Paris (or Frankfurt if you'd prefer).
USA Mon 01/16/2006
VIENNA TO PARIS DISCOUNT AIR FARES
And you can fly from Vienna to Paris for 89 euros on airberlin.com
DAN
USA Mon 01/16/2006
DISCOUNT AIR FARES IN EUROPE
You can fly from Paris to Frankfurt for 71 euros. See fares at airberlin.com.
DAN
WY USA Mon 01/16/2006
Hotel Recommendation: Bath, England
During our stay in London in May, my Wife and I will be going to Bath for 1 night. Does anybody have any Hotel recommendations? We will be travelling by train.
Thx!!
Glenn <email>
Marlton, NJ USA Mon 01/16/2006
Thalys
If you find the lowest fare tickets, Smilys (RT only), you can print them on your home computer. Full fare tickets are not self-printing, but check the price vs. the price on Rail Europe. No promise, but in the past I have found them to be close in price - and you can get them at home in the US.
RE also has a lower priced ticket only for round trips on Thalys. It isn't obvious, you have to put in a RT and look for it.
<email>
USA Mon 01/16/2006
Vienna to Paris
Gordon---since you have 3 or 4 days between, you could go by train and see places not on either tour, such as Italy. One possiblity would be via Venice--a train leaves Vienna at 3:30 pm and arrives in Venice at 10:30 pm. (There are other options, but they involve train changes and take considerably longer). You could spend 2 days there. From Venice, one option would be a night train to Brig, in Switzerland. It departs Venice around 11 pm and arrives in Brig at 6:15 am. From Brig, you can catch a train that would get you to Paris (Lyon) in early afternoon the same day (one change in Lausanne), or break up the trip with an overnight stop in Lausanne, which is about 4 hours by TGV from Paris. Another possiblity from Venice would be to cross Italy (via Verona, Milan, and Genoa, with stops along the way) to Nice, and from there up to Paris (6 hours by TGV).
There are also more direct routes, back through Germany, if you prefer that.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Mon 01/16/2006
Thalys Tickets
According to the Web site, you can choose to pay for your tickets online and pick them up at any train station or SNCF ticket boutique in France. Or you can have them mailed to an address in France. If you choose the former, you won't to contact your hotel and have them hold your tickets for you.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 01/16/2006
Looking for Accomodations in Barcelona, Prague, Paris
Hi, I am planning a trip to Europe (Barcelona, Prague, Paris) in May and was wondering if anyone has tips for places to stay that are clean, safe, less than 70 euros per night for a room for 2 people, and close to the metro.
Thanks!
Ismay <email>
Fredericton, NB Canada Mon 01/16/2006
Thalys question
I've heard that one can purchase tickets directly from the Thalys website and have them sent to a hotel in France. However, the Thalys site seems to indicate that any purchases would be mailed in 4-5 days. I'd like to purchase my tickets now, but I won't be in France for another month. Am I missing something? Thanks much.
Beth
Portland, OR USA Mon 01/16/2006
Men's clothing
Steve in Irvine---Try Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com). Do a brand-name search for Ex Officio men's clothing. They have travel shirts and pants in 2XL, which is worth a try because I find this brand runs large.
USA Mon 01/16/2006
Vienna-Paris-Frankfurt
Consider flying open-jaw: Seattle-Frankfurt and then Paris-Seattle. The price is usually comparable to a regular roundtrip ticket. Air Berlin is a budget airline that flies between Vienna and Paris. The sooner you book your ticket, the cheaper the price. Or you could take the night train and save the cost of a hotel room. Tickets can be booked on the France National Rail site (www.sncf.com) up to 90 days in advance. PREM (discount) tickets are limited and sell out fast so check prices as soon as the 90-day window opens for your travel date.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 01/16/2006
Travel between Vienna, Paris, and Frankfurt
My wife and I are booked on two back- to-back ETBD tours next September. The first is Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the second is a city tour of Paris (to celebrate our 40th anniversary). We have not made any transportation reservations yet and would appreciate suggestions. Our current thinking is to book round-trip from Seattle to Frankfurt to begin our first tour (St. Goar). The tour ends in Vienna and we have 3-4 days to get to Paris for the start of the city tour. We have two questions. What would you suggest we do for transport between Vienna and Paris--plane or train? Then, what suggestions for getting from Paris to Frankfurt for our return home after the city tour? Thanks for your help!
Gordon <email>
Olympia, WA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Prescriptions
Maryanne, you meant you keep your prescriptions in your carry-on bag, didn't you? I just wanted to clarify for Cynthia. I wonder if smaller prescription-type bottles could be purchased and the original Rx label placed on them--they are probably put on with superglue though because they are really difficult to get off.
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Sun 01/15/2006
PRESCRIPTIONS
Cynthia: I always keep my medication in original bottles or in plastic daily compartmentalized boxes and carry them in my checked luggage. No one sees them.
On occasion I have carried them in my train case which was inspected without question. If you have only carryon luggage that might make a difference.
MARYANNE W.
WACO, USA Sun 01/15/2006
Re: Sicily
My impressions of Sicily, like Linda's, were great. We did a 21-day trip around Italy in 2002, finishing with a *very* quick loop around Sicily at the end. We loved Sicily, I wish we would have had more time there. We actually didn't spend much time in Palermo - we picked up a car there and headed out for a drive around the island. We liked Taormina, loved the ruins at Agrigento, Selinunte and elsewhere. Great food, authentic people, nice beaches, pleasant scenery, warm weather, and few of the crushing crowds we saw in the main tourist spots (Venice, Rome, etc.) - although there certainly WERE no shortage of other tourists there, it was orders of magnitude less than we encountered elsewhere. I will admit, driving there was a bit of an adventure, but we managed. We had a great time in Sicily, never had any problems, felt as safe as we do anywhere, and would go back in a heartbeat. No reason to stay away.
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Men's size 3x travel clothing
I am looking for a company that sells
microfiber travel pants and shirts in a men's size 3x. HELP!
Steve Dawson <email>
Irvine, CA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Prescriptions
I need to take several prescription medications daily and buy them through my insurance's mail order pharmacy, which supplies 2 months' worth in huge bottles. How critical is it to take medications (including one Schedule II Rx) in the original bottles? I'm going to France & England in May and I'm planning to take just one carry-on bag, plus a very small one. The original bottles will take up a ridiculous amount of room if I have to use them.
Thanks!
Cynthia <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Sicily?
I have been there twice and loved it, hope to return. Palermo was fine. I was there 3 days (woman, 60's, alone) and had no problems. They have a wonderful beach, Mondello, you can get there on the bus from Palermo in 20 minutes. Also enjoyed Cefalu very much. Taormina is wonderful, I think, good swimming, beautiful town. Also enjoyed the Aeolian Islands: get the ferry in Milazzo or Messina (Messina only summer time I think). Train from Messina to the mainland was interesting; the train goes on a ferry. Next time I go I will go to Erice, Trapani, Pantelleria, Noto, Ragusa, Agrigento. I also spent a week hiking from near Catania and it was great. We climbed Mt Etna. If you love Italy (and I do, not the art and stuff but the outdoors, the little towns, the food, the beach) you'll love Sicily.
Linda <email>
PA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Hotel Goldene Ente
Brigdoon-My son and I spent 4 nights in September in Salzburg at Hotel Goldene Ente. It was perfect. We had a nice comfortable traditional room. They offered a very good breakfast buffet and had a very friendly staff. The restaurant was always busy even the 4-6 tables that were outside. The best thing about it was how centrally located it was. We were right in the middle of everything. It was great. I know where Weisse Traube is but have not been inside. I'm sure it's very nice too with a good location.
Dee
DG, USA Sun 01/15/2006
Car rental insurance
Travelguard offers auto insurance at about $9.00 per day. You pre-purchase the insurance before you leave on your trip. No need to buy insurance in a foreign country or fool around with insurance through your credit cards.
Norm <email>
Tustin, CA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Narrow boating
Regarding narrow boating Middleton is at cross roads of two canals so lots of choices AND good boat hire interesting town to spend night in before rental been a while so not sure exactly where (on way to chester ) do not try a circle until you are Sure about this vacation !!! could be the begining of divorce action!!!
John Brangwin <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Sun 01/15/2006
Fulham Area
Staying in London for the 1st time ever in the Fulham area for 3 nites and taking in a football match on Saturday. Any tourist "must do's" in this area and any recommended local restaurants/pubs?
Patrick Murray <email>
Oldsmar, FL USA Sun 01/15/2006
luggage storage
Has anyone had the experience of using luggage storage at Milan's Malpensa airport? Is it available there? Thanks!
Jenny
USA Sun 01/15/2006
Rome airport hotel
Looking for a cheap place to stay near the Fiumicino. We have to pick up our kids at 7:30 am and just need a place to crash. Any suggestions?
Greg Ball <email>
Stephenville, Texas USA Sun 01/15/2006
Travel in Tuscany
Joan:
You would find it very difficult to travel around by bus in Italy - there's no national bus network, just a hodgepodge of different local bus companies mainly connecting outlying places to the nearest major town.
The train, however, is a different story; any decent-size town has a railway station, and train travel is inexpensive in Italy. (Except for the overpriced Eurostar Italia trains.)
As long as you stay in towns and cities, there's almost always a local bus from the railway station to where you're staying.
The train would be fine for Tuscany, but Chianti is more rural, and you would really need a car there.
David L. Flurrie <email>
Philadelphia, PA USA Sat 01/14/2006
re:Narrowboating
We have rented narrowboats twice in the last 5 years. Both experiences were unique and enjoyable. It is suggested that you pick a boat floor plan that suits your needs and then pick a route where that boat is available. There is a "Pearson's Canal Companion" map book for each group of canals and it is a great guide for planning your route. Most boats (but not all) are available for "short breaks" (3 or 4 days)or a week. For first timers 4 days is about right. The locks may be confusing at first but you soon get the hang of it. It is one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience and you usually get to interact with other boaters as they help you through the locks or you help them. As a bonus you can usually expect to tie up for the night next to a pub!
Gary Shook <email>
Surrey, BC Canada Sat 01/14/2006
Northwest of London
Can anybody recommend a clean and cheap place to stay (besides Bath) (in early March) that is about 2 hours northwest of London, when driving south from Scotland/Glasgow? Thank you!
USA Sat 01/14/2006
One more thing on study abroad
I have to put in a good word about Augsburg's Center for Global Education. My daughter traveled to Central America last year with this program. Her eyes were opened, and so were all of ours. We were quite impressed with the contacts that the program's administrators have and the opportunities that she was provided with. Rick Steves, himself, has traveled with this program. (Actually, my daughter met him in El Salvador.)
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 01/14/2006
The Contrarian View on Brittany's college experience
Because most Rick Steves graffiti wall posters are going to encourage you to go to London for college, I'm going to take the contrarian/mom point of view and tell you NOT to. It's a long way away and will be pretty difficult to come home when you feel like it (unless your parents are wealthy.) Travel is great, but so is being able to be in touch with family and old friends.
Instead, why not look for a college with a study abroad program? Two of my children have spent semesters abroad, one in Germany and another in Central America. These same children have also spent J-terms in Cuba. Most colleges and universities in Minnesota offer these international programs, and I'm sure that colleges in Colorado also offer these programs. I just got back from visiting with my daughter who goes to college 65 miles away. We all survived when she was in Central America, but closer is better.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 01/14/2006
Peake District
Natalie - the Peake District in Derbyshire and the Lake District are two different regions.
My daughter and I stayed in Derbyshire 2 years ago and I would recommend Derby as a good base.
Both regions are magnificent.
Judy
Adelaide, SA Australia Sat 01/14/2006
Oystercards - London
From what I've read on other boards in recent weeks and from reading the guide on the tfl.gov.uk site just a moment ago, it looks like visitors who want a seven-day pass will be given an Oystercard. One- or three-day passes will be issued as Travelcards. (Someone is welcome to correct me if I'm mistaken.)
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 01/14/2006
Accomodations in England
My wife and I will be driving through the English countryside in March. We are planning on using 5 accomodations that Rick mentions in his book but for one night we are not for sure where we will end up. How difficult is it to just drop into a B & B and find an empty room during late March? The area we will be in is between Land's End and Wells/Bath. Are there billboards and signs for B & B's along the roadside? Are there signs posted directing you to the B & B's? My email address is posted below.
Michael <email>
Marion, AR USA Sat 01/14/2006
I was on the London tube website and saw that they have this new "oyster" payment plan. Is anyone familiar with this and can tourists use it?
Amy
San Francisco, USA Sat 01/14/2006
Swiss Fondue
I have had fondue in late spring and early fall in Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland) as well as France (Chamonix). Fondue is most often considered to be just cheese, but some places also add other ingredients such as wild mushrooms. When choosing from the menu you order your preference. Even if with a large group, two people can have their own fondue pot. Just ask for your own. My husband and I travel alone, but if we were with another couple, or more, I see nothing unusual about asking for your own. If in fact you wanted one with mushrooms and the others didn't...you would get your own anyway. There are different sized fondue pots (for 2 persons, 4 or more etc). Nothing unusual about seeing two couples dining and 2 pots on the table. Fondue is wonderful, don't miss the opportunity and share a pot with your wife. As previously mentioned, some lack the etiquette of fondue manners but if you share only with your wife there shouldn't be a problem. Raclette is wonderful also, whether with raclette or rebluchon cheese. There is also Tartiflette, an individual casserole type dish, somewhat resembling au gratin pototoes, but a main dish with lovely melted cheese. Whatever you try, melted cheese will never be the same at home again! After our first trip we bought a raclette for home...and special order the raclette cheese!
<email>
Maryland USA Sat 01/14/2006
car or bus travel in Tuscany
We plan to stay in and tour Tuscany but are usure if we should do it by car or bus. Neither of us drives a manual transmission and most rentals are. How easy is it to get around in Chianti and Tuscany by bus? Will it limit what we can see? Are there accommodations that are accessible by bus? Help please!
Joan
NY USA Sat 01/14/2006
Brittany
One word: GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will NEVER have this oppportunity again. Plus, you're going to such a cool place that you'll have MANY visitors from the US!
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Sat 01/14/2006
COLLEGE IN LONDON
Brittany: Don't question going to London. There are millions of us who would grab that chance immediately and go. You can't even imagine the benefits of living in another country for a few years. Your education will exceed any of your learning at college.
You can travel to 10 other countries while you are there and learn about other cultures. Save your money so you can spend your holidays in Vienna, Prague, Paris or Rome.
Living in another culture will teach you so much about people and other ways of living. Most people who spent their formative years in another country will tell you that doing so was so helpful in forming their ability to get along with others.
Don’t give it another thought–just go and 10 years from now you will wonder why you even considered not taking advantage of learning so much about the rest of the world.
MARYJANE D.
TRENTON, USA Sat 01/14/2006
Scandinavia Hotels
We are taking RS Scandinavia tour in July. We will be in Stockholm 2 days before the tour starts and stay in Bergen and Copenhagen after the tour is over. Can any alumni clue us in to tour hotels in any of those 3 cities?
Judy <email>
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/13/2006
Hotels in Helsinki and Tallinn?
We will be going to both Helsinki and Tallinn prior to taking RS' Scandinavian Tour in July. Any RS type hotels in either that you would recommend?
Charlie <email>
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/13/2006
Fondue, etc.
Unless you and your wife really want to have fondue, there are many other wonderful dishes specific to Germany and Switzerland that you eat on your own plate. There is also a meal consisting of raclette cheese and assorted meats that you cook on a kind of griddle thing on the table that seems a little less "germy" than sharing the fondue pot--you kind of have your own place on the griddle for your meat, and you have your own little pan for the cheese that goes under the griddle...Both fondue and raclette are fun meals because everyone is cooking and eating with each other, and you talk a lot while you wait for your food to cook.
From what I understand, both fondue and raclette are typically winter-time meals, so unless you are travelling soon, you won't find either of them much anyway. Have some brats--they vary according to region, but every one I've had is excellent--not as lumpy as ours here. Try some salads with your meals--they are much more interesting than our salads here.
Switzerland has the cleanest restaurants I have ever seen. Switzerland also has very strict rules regarding how food is proccessed and prepared, so your wife should not worry about that. Whatever you and your wife decide to eat, I think you will be quite impressed with the cleanliness of Swiss restaurants.
M
USA Fri 01/13/2006
Fondue---no worries
Please tell your wife not to worry. Fondue is a specialty of the Alpine regions of Switzerland; you won't find it in Germany, and even in Switzerland it is rarely served outside of ski season. In three trips there (6 weeks total), we've only been served fondue once, and that was as a treat when we returned to a favorite hotel for a third stay.
If you are traveling with an organized group, and going to the Alps, I suppose it is possible it would be served as part of a "cultural evening." In that case, you have several options. She could simply say that she can't eat cheese, and request a substitute. Or, if she would like to enjoy the fondue, simply explain to those seated close to you that she is "immune-compromised" (you needn't go into detail) and can't share food. Since one pot is provided for every 3 or 4 people, it shouldn't be hard to arrange with those close to you to be very careful with their forks---use the fondue fork only to transfer the bread and cheese to the plate after dipping, as the other poster said is the proper way to do anyway.
If you will be traveling with this group for some time, it might be best to explain the immune thing at the outset. I'm sure everyone will understand.
USA Fri 01/13/2006
College in London
I have the greatest opportunity that anyone could ever want. I have the chance to go to college in London. I just got my acceptance letter, but now that I have gotten it... I hate to say I am questioning and doubting myself. Is there any advice anyone should give me on why I should go? I know I want to go.... it's just such a big transistion from High School to College... and I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice. Thanks!!!!
Brittany <email>
CO USA Fri 01/13/2006
I'll second the recommendation for Kilronan house in Dublin. We stayed there July 2004 and had 3 rooms for our party, including the very large (and well priced) family room. We were especially happy with Terry who we found to be very friendly and gave us a perfect recommendation for our first night's dinner.
USA Fri 01/13/2006
Golden Este or Weisse Taube hotel in Salzburg?
I have narrowed my choices down to these 2. Neither have ac but I gave up finding that in the historic disctrict at a reasonable rate in mid June. On the wesite, the Golden looks more appealing, but I am concerned about posts since 2003. There are lots of complaints since the Golden got a new owner. Can anyone advise?
Brigdoon
fairfield, ct USA Fri 01/13/2006
Such good advice
There is so much good advice here- I would just like to change the topic for long enough to thank you all. It finally occured to me to paste recommendations for various places to stay, etc. into a continuing Word document I just call "RS Ideas"- even if that particular country is not in my immediate traveal plans. It seems easier than wading through the archived information with key words, as I did when I first starting browsing on the Website. Many thanks again!
USA Fri 01/13/2006
Natalie : Peak district in England
The peak district (Lake district) in northwest England is a good place to go to. It is good that England has a wilderness for people to go to. Keswick at the lake Derwentwater is less crowded and less expensive than the lakes in the southern areas of the Lake district. Ride train to Penrith, there ride bus west to Keswick. On the bus you will see England's tallest mountain peak. Keswick has a pleasant outdoor cafe at the supermarket (at the bus stop) for views of mountains, very pleasant on a sunny day. Walk from there around Derwent water. Keswick is better than Windemere, Bowness, Amblesie. Keswisk has good B & Bs. Read about it in the book Rick Steves' Great Britain.
Ken <email>
Missouri USA Fri 01/13/2006
Fondue
Fondue is not all that common. I don't recall ever even seeing it on a menu in Switzerland, let alone Germany. To answer you question, though, you use the cooking fork only for cooking. Cooked or coated items are transferred to your plate and a different fork is used for eating.
Jeff
USA Fri 01/13/2006
Fondue in Europe
OK, I'm going to sound like an absolutely ignorant "tourist" but the question is legitimate.
My wife and I will be traveling in Germany and Switzerland where fondue is popular. We have never had fondue.
On the travel shows it appears that everyone at the table is eating out of a common pot of melted cheese. Are they all actually putting their forks in their mouths and then back in the cheese?
I'm not real finicky, but my wife has had cancer and chemotherapy and is very, very germ conscious. She is appalled by the thought of sharing a fondue pot!
We will be traveling with others, so just having a meal where we alone share a fondue pot is not an alternative.
Any information will be appreciated.
Frankly Ignorant
San Antonio, Texas USA Fri 01/13/2006
Dublin Hotel
Jac,
I have to disagree with the poster who recommended Kilronan House in Dublin. We stayed there in 2003 and were not happy. The room we originally requested was not available the first night of our stay and we got a room with the toliet down a flight of stairs. When I complained, the owner, Terry, told me there would be a reduction in price for the first night. He reduced the rate 13 euros. Also, he gave us our final bill in dollars not euros which I have since heard benefits him in the exchange. There are much nicer hotels. Go to tripadvisor.com and look at traveler's recommendations. Good Luck
Lisa <email>
Groves, Texas USA Fri 01/13/2006
Peak District
I am going to the peak district in England in May. I was hoping for some suggestions on where to stay in Derby or Chesterfield or surrounding areas. The cheaper, the better.
Natalie
USA Fri 01/13/2006
Rijksmusuem Earring
Just to clarify, the permanent home of Vermeer's "Girl with the Pearl Earring" is at the Mauritshuis museum in the Hague. If you're anywhere near there, it's worth a stop....the painting will mesmerize you! The Rijksmuseum does have Vermeer's "The Little Street,"....3-D before 3-D was invented. By the way, posters and pictures do neither of these paintings justice.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 01/13/2006
Sleeping in London
Carrie---I highly recommend the Sanctuary House Hotel at 33 Tothill Road, just a long block from Westminster Bridge and Westminster Abbey, and thus very close to the Parliament buildings. If you have a map of London, it's between Victoria Street and Birdcage Walk (the edge of St. James Park). The hotel is quite new; the rooms are large by London standards and very nicely furnished. We have stayed there 3 times and find it comfortable and safe enough that our teenage girls get their own room, across the hall from ours. We prefer this location to the Victoria Station area recommended by Rick, because we like to walk everywhere we go. The price for a double room last summer was 99 pounds, including a substantial continental breakfast. Although the hotel is above a Fuller's Pub, we have never found it noisy---this is a business district and pretty much clears out at night.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/13/2006
Reasonable London Hotel
Premier Travel Inn London County Hall - located at the london eye, across the Thames from Parliament and Big Ben. Very reasonable.
Tim
USA Fri 01/13/2006
Sleeping in London
Hello! We plan to go to London for the 2007 New Years Day parade; our daughter's high school band is marching in it. The route is Parliament to Cockspur to Regent to Piccadilly. Any suggestions for reasonable accomodations near the route?
Carrie <email>
Wauwatosa, WI USA Fri 01/13/2006
TO DB
The Rijksmusuem is open, although it isn't as comprehensive. Still worth the visit though. I was there last week and it took me about 1.5 hours to walk through. Be warned: the famous painting "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" is visiting at a musuem in The Hague.
Liz R. <email>
Aston, PA USA Fri 01/13/2006
To DB
The Rijksmuseum is not totally closed. We were there over this past Thanksgiving and all the "important" paintings are in the Phillips Wing in the museum. There are enough paintings that it will probably take 1-2 hours to see what is available.
Jac <email>
FL USA Fri 01/13/2006
FIRST TIME TRAVELERS FAMILY HELP
Jose: Yes there are homes which rent rooms in Europe.
Go to google.com and search for Zimmer Frei plus the city you are looking for. such as "zimmerfrei Berlin"
You will find scores of them ...some listed as B&Bs.
MANDY CUTLIR
DALLAS, TX USA Fri 01/13/2006
To DB
DB-The Rijksmuseum is closed till sometime in 06 or 07, check this website for dates. However, most of the "important" paintings have been moved somewhere in Amsterdam, not sure where, but it probably won't take long to go thru-or as long as the whole museum. Also, there's a renovated castle outside Luxembourg in Vianden, called Vianden Castle. I was there several years ago when they first started renovations, have not been able to get back yet, but if you like castles Luxembourg might warrant more than a quick stop. Of course there are castles along the Rhein also. Haarlem was lovely to stay in, I stayed at the Amadeus Hotel on the square and really liked it except for the cigarette smoke smell, but it was a single room so sometimes I have no choice...Take along a pretty smelling candle. Good breakfast, free internet, excellent location, reasonable. Have fun
Elaine
Weselberg, Germany, USA Fri 01/13/2006
Are Dansko's good for wide feet?
Hi! does anyone know if Dansko Mary Janes are good for wide feet? I'm looking at a pair online that are width Medium (B). There's no shop in my town with Dansko's so I don't get the luxury of trying them first.
THANKS!
Ismay <email>
Fredericton, NB Canada Fri 01/13/2006
Dublin hotel
Jac in Fl~~~we liked the Kilronan house in Dublin. Definitely quiet and walking distance to CC. We had a nice room which was well appointed and they serve wonderful breakfasts.
JK
USA Fri 01/13/2006
ATM AND MASTERCARD PINS
Susan: Any time I have a problem using an ATM in Europe I go into the bank where the machine is located (OR any bank) and ask my question of the clerk.
She has always helped me. I have never had a problem using my 4 digit pin number in the 13 countries I have visited.
Even in Russia and Estonia.
ZOYSE
NYC, USA Fri 01/13/2006
FIRST TIME TRAVELERS FAMILY HELP
Jose: Yes there are homes in Europe where you can stay. They are called zimmer freis in Germany and Austria. Other names in other countries.
You will see signs in the front yards of homes where the family rents rooms.
My wife and I often have stayed in zimmers because you really do get a feel for Europe when you see how people live.
And the owners give you objective, useful advice. And of course rooms are far cheaper than hotels or pensions.
When you decide where you want to go you buy rail tickets at the RR ticket office locally. Ask the clerk for advice.
Traveling in April usually doesnt require reservations in advance.
Buying a railpass or the point to point tickets is a decision you can only make after researching the costs of each type on the net.
Do a google.com search for “rail tickets Berlin to Paris” or wherever you plan to go.
That will give you point to point cost. You can obtain the rail pass cost on railpass.com/ticket or railtrains.com.
DAN Z.
CHICAGO, USA Fri 01/13/2006
Sicily
I traveled to Sicily last summer, primarily for Mt. Etna, with my geology major daughter. We flew into Catania (from Pisa) which WAS dirty and depressing; but we were there just briefly. We used trains and buses. The eastern coast was beautiful- Mt. Etna, of course was amazing (we went to the top) but only if you like hanging around on a volcano :) but the best were the Aeolian Islands. You could check and see if the boats run as regularly as they do in the summer, I would think so, by May- I found some useful Websites just through Google. Lonely Planet was also helpful. If you do opt to go, it was worth paying more for the hydrofoil because the ferries were so unpredictable and slow. Lipari(town) was fantastic, and some of the outer islands looked and felt like Greece with whitewashed houses...hope this helps! We never got to Syracusa, which is supposed to be amazing, too.
Karen
USA Fri 01/13/2006
NEXT WEEK IN SWITZERLAND
Dave: Going from Zurich to Zermatt, the cheapest way is to rent a car.
It will cost you far less than $130 and provide you with far more convenience.
I have driven it twice and can assure you that it is an easy drive because the roads are great.
I put my car on the train over the pass to avoid the anxiety of driving in the snow through the mountains.
HARVEY S.
DALLAS, USA Fri 01/13/2006
Sicily
We are thinking of visiting Sicily on our trip to Italy this May. I have heard conflicting stories; either it is dirty and crime ridden,(Palermo), or it is beautiful. Is it worth a trip from Rome? If so, where should we go? We prefer out of the way places to crowds.
Carole <email>
Garberville, CA USA Thu 01/12/2006
Jane re luggage
I don't particularly subscribe to the lighter is better school of packing. That being said, I get along very well with a 22 inch rolling suitcase and a carry-on tote; and we always spend a minimum of 3 weeks and usually longer on our trips. I would do the tote no matter what, because I want to have my toiletries and one change of clothing with me, just in case my checked bag is delayed (voice of experience). I think trying to get along with just a 20 inch case is skimping, especially as you are going to be in big cities and might want to look nice for restaurants or cultural events.
RH
California USA Thu 01/12/2006
USA wants to know the best time to buy plane tickets.
What? You don't have a crystal ball?
OK, assuming you can't see into the future any better than I can.......
Use ITA Software ( http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/prego ) at least once a week to track the price of the trip you are planning to take and log the result into an Excel spreadsheet. Orbitz is the next best web site for price shopping. Use three vertical columns in your spreadsheet: Date, Absolute Cheapest Price, and Your Preferred Ticket. You do have MS-Office don't you? The boys in Redmond will hunt you down if you don't.
Buy the tickets anytime the price takes a dive, but don't wait until less than about 30 days before departure. The price is just as likely to go up as it is to go down. And $50 one way or the other on a $1,000 ticket isn't that big of a deal.
When you decide it's time to buy, you should either buy the tickets from the airline web site or call the airline directly. That reduces the chance of any confusion if something should go wrong. Orbitz, Travelocity, etc., and even most Travel Agents charge a little extra for their service, so buying from the airline will also guarantee you the best current price.
I've heard people say that Tuesday morning is the best time to buy tickets. Other people say February is the best time, or maybe the VERY last minute is the very best time ............. I say, whatever used to be true isn't true any more. The airlines are using much more sophisticated software to wring every last cent out of the paying customer and there is really no best time anymore. Ya pays your money and ya takes your chance.
Best of luck to you. Tell my girlfriend just outside of the Moulin Rouge "Hello" for me. I'm sure - well, pretty sure - she'll remember me.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Thu 01/12/2006
Italy (and Garmisch) for Mary
Mary---Garmisch-Partenkirchen is lovely, but I don't know how much skiing is left there in May; maybe way up on the Zugspitz there will still be snow. The Klamms (gorges) are probably open for hiking, but not the higher areas. It is a 7-hour train trip from Milan; 5 hours from Verona. But if you want to ski, there are opportunities to ski in Italy in May on glaciers---either Passo Stelvio, near the town of Bormio, or Passo Tonale, near Madonna di Campiglio (in the Brenta Dolomites), or on the Marmolada Glacier (west of Cortina). These are open all summer---but it would require a car to get there. Also remember that if you're going to ski, you will end up carrying a lot of extra clothing your entire trip, even if you rent the ski gear.
You also wondered if you should skip Lake Como and/or the Dolomites because "all of the mountain towns are closed in May." I don't know where you heard that---Lake Como is definitely open and lovely in May. There is nice hiking from Menaggio, across from Varenna (see Rick's Italy book). If you have a car, Lago di Garda is also nice; we stayed in Malcesine (highly recommended!) on the eastern shore and hiked up Monte Baldo in mid-April. So those places are definitely open. As for the Dolomites, many places do shut down for a rest between ski season and summer, but that is usually mid-April to mid-May. The recommended Pension Seelaus at Alpe di Siusi opened back up on May 6 last year; they don't have their 2006 dates up yet but it should be similar. You could write and ask them what it is like in May---if the meadows are starting to green up and are open for hiking, you would have incredible views there.
Lura
Seattle, USA Thu 01/12/2006
On line booking for museums
I just used an on line service to reserve and purchase my tickets for the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Museum in Florence. Has anyone ever had any trouble uisng these online reservations sevices for booking museums?
Rayanne
san diego, USA Thu 01/12/2006
Jane and 24
26" is too large to carry on. You need to check with the airline you are booked on to make sure your luggage is acceptable for carry on. Airlines have different rules.
I'd also recommend that you not take a large case...you do not need that much clothing on vacation. Read the "tips for packing light" section of this board.
USA Thu 01/12/2006
Switzeraland - Zermatt
Dave - you did'nt say whether this was a once only trip to Switzerland? If so I say forgetthe expense and go to Zermatt. In years to come you won't regret it. If you are lucky with the weather I don't know a more spectacular mountain area - you cannot beat the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Spend more money and take the cable car to Kleine Matterhorn where you get off at about 12000 feet.
Murren/Wengen and the Eiger/Jungfrau are also stunning but in my view Zermatt just about tops it.
BP
Nr London, UK Thu 01/12/2006
Manchester eating suggestions?
I leave for a trip to England in about a week and one location Im planning on visiting is Manchester. It was sort of a last minute addition to my trip (my travel buddy wanted to go as of Tuesday) so I was wondering if anyone could suggest a couple of good place to eat in Manchester? Websites or even a book suggestion would be great. I know England has a bad rap when it comes to its cusine (although that is changing). Most cities I have a list of places I have staked out but I have lacked the time to find anything for Manchester. Any suggestions would be wonderful!!
Sara
Athens, GA USA Thu 01/12/2006
Advice on Hotel in Dublin
We'll be travelling to Dublin (first time) in a few months. Looking for a nice hotel - QUIET HOTEL - up to 250 Euros. Breakfast would be a plus, but if it's not included, that's OK. Would like to be fairly close to the city centre, or barring that, near transit to city centre. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.
Jac <email>
Florida USA Thu 01/12/2006
Jose - first euro trip
Jose -- Jane's right -- Europe Through the Back Door is a must-read if it's your first trip there. Rick will tell you all about how to book B&Bs vs hotels to get the local, personal experiences you're looking for -- along with lots of other valuable planning tips. If you're planning a "survey of Europe"-type trip, his Europe in 22 Days (or whatever) is a great place to start. Otherwise, when you know what area you'd like to focus on, the people on this board will have tons of great advice to share! Rick's Europe planning map is also a great way to start...
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Thu 01/12/2006
Rental car drop off in Paris - Question
The farther you stay away from downtown Paris in a car, the better. Since you're flying out of CDG, drop the vehicle off there to save yourself time and aggravation.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 01/12/2006
ATM and Mastercard Pins
Past experiences listed here seem to indicate that 4 digit PINS work best in Europe, as long as the first digit is NOT a zero. My 4-digit pin has never caused problems working anywhere in Europe.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 01/12/2006
re: Germany/Benelux tips - thanks!
Hello...
I found a great tool for rough drafting my days in Europe. Go to Rick's page on Railpasses. Get the "Time and Cost" map out of the Point to Point Cost section (I know you won't need the cost... but the dist. is great, it's by the hour) I also bought Rick's book on Germany and went from there. I mapped out the different possb. routes in different colors and then made my choice baised on the most important places I wanted to see. I was trying to jam way too much in and found a really great plan of action once I figured out how far away everything really was. Hope this helps!!!
Julie <email>
USA Thu 01/12/2006
Weekend in Switzerland
Dave---Switzerland---lucky you! If you want to get into the Alps, there are closer (and less expensive) places to go than Zermatt. I suggest either Muerren or Kandersteg. Trains depart directly from the Zurich airport, or the downtown train station. The trip to Muerren involves several changes and takes about 3 and a half hours from Zurich. For Kandersteg, you can actually get on a train in the airport that will take you, with no changes at all, right to Kandersteg---one leaves at 8:39am and one at 10:39 am. In-between trains change at the main Zurich station, which is easy. All trips are about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Kandersteg is a lovely town in the valley on the route to Zermatt, but much closer. For a real Alpine experience, I suggest you check in to your hotel (the Hotel Adler is nice), put on your warm clothes, and catch the chair lift up to Oeschinensee---a beautiful lake (now frozen) with skiing and hiking paths. The mountain hotel up there is open for meals in winter, and they have wonderful food. Check it out at www.oeschinensee.ch. We love Muerren too; you can read about that in Rick's book, so I won't go into details. You can check the train connections on the Swiss train site, www.sbb.ch. As for cost, Kandersteg would be the cheaper trip, at CHF 138 for a roundtrip. A better deal would be to get the Swiss Transfer Ticket, which would get you to either place, and back to Zurich for about $88 (I didn't confirm this just now, but you can look in the Railpass section. It's only good for the two days---out and back. Buy it before you go. I'll e-mail you in case you have questions.
Lura
Seattle, USA Thu 01/12/2006
Jose-First time traveling
Regarding Rick Steves' books and vidoes: Our library has everything of his. (And they deliver!!) Watch the DVDs and return them. Check out the books to see which ones you'd like to buy. Europe Through the Back Door is VERY helpful.
Jane
Orlando, fl USA Thu 01/12/2006
Next Weekend in Switzerland
I just found a way to attend a conference in Zurich the week after next; I arrive early Saturday (21st) morning in Zurich, and don't check in for the conference until Sunday evening.
What can I do for 2 days/1 night in Switzerland? I'd love to make it to the alps and hike around in the snow, but it looks like swiss rail tickets are quite expensive (zurich-zermatt $130). Any other suggestions, or cheaper means of travel?
Thanks for any tips.
Dave <email>
Houston, TX USA Thu 01/12/2006
Car in Florence
Hi Barb-I would also like an answer to this. We are staying in Poggibonsi/San Gimignano and I have been unable to find a car rental that has cars available in those cities. I think we will have to pick up in Florence too. The other option was Siena but that is south of where we are going. Email me if you want and we can compare notes!
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Thu 01/12/2006
Car Rental In Florence
A friend and I are travelling to Italy in early May. Flying into Rome, staying 3 days, then training to Florence. we will be picking up a car in Florence and driving to Il Borro in Tuscany (south of Florence). We will be staying in Tuscany for a week and then training from Florence to Venice. The question is: where is the best place to pick up a Hertz car? We would rather not drive through Florence so somewhere in the southern edge of the city would be best. Any ideas? Thanks for help.
Barb
Minneapolis, MN USA Thu 01/12/2006
Dolomites/Cinque Terre
Hello- my daughter did a lot of hiking in the Dolomites in August and loved it. Another possibility for you is the Cinque Terre area, easily accessed from Milan. RS has a whole "section" on it on this Website. We are avid hikers, and besides the fabulous day hike between the 5 villages there were numerous other paths going up even higher that we didn't have the time (only there for two days) to experience. You might check that out!
USA Thu 01/12/2006
Re: Frankfurt
Angela, not sure about the airport, but baggage check is indeed available in the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
Bob C. <email>
N. Little Rock, AR USA Thu 01/12/2006
ATM & Mastercard pins
4 digit PINs work just fine in Europe (without any extra zero). If your card won't work there it's for another reason.
Bob C. <email>
N. Little Rock, AR USA Thu 01/12/2006
Tickets to Paris and Nice
When to buy your tickets to get from home to Europe is a guessing game. I suggest you check your preferred airline's site and sites like expedia.com for a few weeks to see if price for July are dropping or rising. (My guess is they will rise since July is high season, but someone could announce a fare sale.) Are you flying "open jaws" (home-Paris and then Nice-home)? Or are you getting between Paris and Nice by train or budget airline? If you plan to take a budget airline (like easyJet) between Paris and Nice, the sooner you buy your ticket the less it will cost. When the cheap seats are gone the price goes up. Also, the Cote d'Azur is crowded in July and August. Book your hotel in Nice sooner rather than later.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 01/12/2006
ATM & Mastercard Pins
I have been to Europe(Italy) a couple of times and I used the same pin number I use here in the US.
Lois
USA Thu 01/12/2006
Rome transportation
6 people traveling to Italy in July looking to hire van with driver around Rome, any ideas?
Beth
West Palm Beach, FL USA Thu 01/12/2006
Jose - First-Time Travelers / Family
Jose - Well, the obvious stuff first: have you picked your itinerary yet - narrowed it down to which country(s)? Get the appropriate Rick Steves books, watch your local PBS station for the videos on that area. The videos can also be purchased and in some places can be rented. Don't forget Rick's general vidoes/books, too ("Europe 101", etc.) - find out when your PBS station is doing a fundraiser - where I love, they have Rick Steves marathons during pledge week, usually with the "basic european travel skills" episodes. All this info should help get you started. Finally, don't be afraid - it may seem overwhelming right now, but as long as you do your homework, traveling in Europe is a lot easier than you think it will be.
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/11/2006
First-Time Travelers / Family
Help!
My wife and I are traveling with our son to Europe this April. This is our first time traveling to Europe and many people I have talked to said to wait till after January 1 to purchase round-trip tickets. I have no idea where to begin from purchasing tickets to getting rail passes and even accomodations. We are attempting to budget the trip. Are there homes in Europe where we can stay to get an all-around experience as oppose to staying at hotels? Anyone, help.
Thanks
Joe
Jose Jara <email>
Chicago , Illinois USA Wed 01/11/2006
ATM and Mastercard Pins
I called my Mastercard company today to say that I would be in Europe this month. The customer service rep told me that European ATM's have 5 number pins instead of 4 and to put a "0" in front of my pin so it would work. Then the ATM rep told me that there are only 4 digits in Europe for ATM's.
I'm confused! Can anyone help???
Susan <email>
San Francisco, USA Wed 01/11/2006
re: Backpack vs Rolling suitcase, and Amalfi Coast
I was in France & Italy this last October and I think I was more comfortable rolling along than most of the backpackers I saw. Remember that even when you're waiting in a long line at the train station, you still have that thing on your back!
Amalfi Coast - Definitely recommend Sorrento for a couple days, and if your hotel is at the Marina Piccola - TAKE THE BUS. Its waaaay down the hill on from town and you'll be sorry (like I was) for not hopping on. Take your time in Pompeii, and take the bus from Sorrento to Positano/Amalfi. The actual highway isn't bad - but there is no parking once you get into the towns! And the driving is crazy - you will do fine with the bus.
Sheri <email>
Encinitas, CA USA Wed 01/11/2006
Mary: re - Italy
Mary,
Can't help you much with specific info on the far north of Italy, but I can't help wondering if May wouldn't be way too late for skiing.
Everybody seems to love Italy and I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter where you go.
As for Sorrento, Pompei etc., we went in 2002 and really loved Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. It's definitely crowded with tourists, but it's easy to understand why it's so popular. I would strongly suggest that if you're going to Sorrento, you really should experience the drive along the Amalfi - it's spectacular (we took the bus and were happy not to be driving). Sorrento makes a great base for day trips around the area.
Que bella Italia!
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/11/2006
First Trip to Italy
This is our first trip to Italy. We are arriving in Rome in early May (Plan to stay 4 days and do Pompeii and Sorrento). Our trip will last for a total of 14 days. We fly out of Milan May 20th. We are interested in including the Dolomites and Lake Como/Northern Italy in our itinerary. After reading that most of the mountain town is closed during May I was wondering if we should eliminate these destinations from our trip. I also wondered if anyone had any information on visiting Garmisch, Germany from Milan, Italy/Northern Italy. We love the outdoors and would love to include skiing during our trip, or another outdoor activity.
Any other suggestions for a healthy yet relaxing itinerary would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Mary <email>
Clarkesville , GA USA Wed 01/11/2006
re: Germany/Benelux tips - thanks!
Thanks to everyone who offered their suggestions/input on my (early and very rough) itinerary for 19 days in Benelux & Germany this upcoming Aug/Sept.
It wasn't unanimous, but there seemed to be some common threads: Several people said to slow down a bit. Give a bit more time to Amsterdam, skip Brussels. If you're going to Brugge, skip Ghent as it's redundant, take another day in Brugge instead.
I still think we will do part of the trip by rental car (trains in Holland, Belgium, Luxumbourg; car in Germany). While I don't doubt that the trains in Germany are cheap, efficient and great, along the Mosel and Rhine, we would like the freedom to stop and wander at our own pace, and we don't mind paying for that flexibility.
I think we'll skip Austria and Prague on this trip - we'll be back another time and do the eastern part of Germany and things to its east.
I'm thinking of the trip in three rough parts: 1. Benelux (about a week); 2. Mosel & Rhine rivers (about 4-5 days); and 3. Southern Germany (about 4-5 days).
I'm still not entirely clear on priorities for that last part. We definitely want to spend a day in Rothenburg, another at Neuschwanstein, and a day or two at/near Munich. I guess that's probably about all we'll be able to squeeze in without being too frantic.
We haven't got the Rick guidebooks yet - the 2006 editions for Germany and the Netherlands will be out in early February - we'll grab them then and continue planning.
Thanks again for the tips/suggestions/input - more are welcome!
Preliminary trip route here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v43/greenplate/trip2006_map01.jpg
DB
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/11/2006
Rental car drop off in Paris - Question
Early April, My son and I are traveling round trip from the US to Paris (CDG). After spending some time in Paris and London, we are renting a car at Gare du Nord to spend the remaining part of our vacation traveling around Normandy. My question is: Would it be easier for us to drop the car off at CDG or Gar du Nord and then take a train to the airport to catch our flight? The rental charge is the same regardless of the drop off point.
Thank you.
Joe <email>
Indianap[olis, IN USA Wed 01/11/2006
BAckpack or rolling suitcase
Will be traveling for 2 weeks in April with my daughter (Paris, Budapest, Prague, Austria). Should I use my 20" rolling suitcase or a backpack? Can I check a 26" backpack?
Jane
USA Wed 01/11/2006
siena to florence
frequent busses from bus station in siena to florence. maybe every hour during busy season. the trip takes an hour. also think about a day trip to siena from florence instead, since the trans between florence and siena ia very good.
Linda
USA Wed 01/11/2006
Frankfurt
Is there baggage check available at the Frankfurt airport post-9/11? Or at the train station in the city of Frankfurt?
Angela <email>
Toronto, Ontario Canada Wed 01/11/2006
Frankfurt, Germany
Thank you to Meg, Lura and the other American friend who gave me excellent info on the Frankfurt airport and city. Thank you so much.
Angela <email>
Toronto, ON Canada Wed 01/11/2006
Train to Siena via Chiusi
We did Rome to Siena and then on to Florence last summer and we used the train (Trenitalia website or RailEurope were both helpful for planning schedules). However, the local train from Chiusi (where you have to stop and transfer for Siena) was cancelled, with the next one not for four hours! Maybe. So some people ended up taking the bus, which is at the same station- it's tiny! From the schedules it looked like it was really about the same amount of time. I think you might want at least a very long afternoon or morning, though, instead of just a quick overnight stop, with all there is to see!
USA Wed 01/11/2006
Ferry to Dubrovnik
To Kate B: Try www.jadrolinija.hr for information on ferries from Italy to Dubrovnik. The website has schedules, prices, a map showing routes and more. If you plan to devote a week to Croatia but decide not to spend it all in Dubrovnik, consider dividing your time among Dubrovnik, Korcula or Hvar (islands) and Split. You can move between them by ferry.
Frank
Wilmington, DE USA Wed 01/11/2006
We are planning to spend 10 days in Paris and Nice in early July. When would be the best time to purchase our plane tickets?
USA Wed 01/11/2006
To Kate B.: Week in Dubrovnik
We were in Dubrovnik for a week in August 2005. We spent two days exploring the old city and surrounding area (walking along the city walls is a must!), two days on the beach, and two days making day-trips (one to Montenegro and the other to Mostar).
Rita
Philadelphia, PA USA Wed 01/11/2006
How to get to Siena from Florence and Rome
We are headed to Rome at the end of the month and I am very interested in stopping overnight Siena en route to Florence.
There is only a tiny snippet about bus travel between Rome and Siena in Rick's 2006 guidebook.
Does anyone have any information regarding the cost, frequency, and duration of the bus ride from Rome to Siena? Would it be better to take the train to Chiusi?
More elusive (to me) and more urgent, is information regarding the Siena - Florence segment.
Thanks everyone!
Giselle <email>
Cambridge, MA USA Wed 01/11/2006
Wine Tasting - Provence
In his 2005 Provence and the French Riviera Guidebook, RS recommends staying in Vaison la Romaine, Suzette, or in the countryside nearby for people who want to follow the Cotes du Rhone wine road.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 01/11/2006
Tips for James
James---you can certainly use Rick's 2005 book for finding accomodations; the recommendations should still be fine. The B & B's will cook and serve you a nice big breakfast. In the Cotswolds, be sure and visit the "rare and endangered breeds" farm---it was one of the highlights of our trip. And consider renting a car with an automatic transmission. Many people find that the hardest thing about driving on the left is having to shift with the left hand.
USA Wed 01/11/2006
Car Insurance in England
Check with your credit card company to be sure they provide car insurance in Europe, not just in the USA. Get a statement in writing to that effect which you can show to the agent when you pick up your car in England. Then decline the CDW. If you want suggestions on rentals, I recommend AutoEurope, a broker that gets you the best deal from among several companies. Visit www.autoeurope.com. You'll find a USA toll-free number on the Web site. Whichever company you use, be sure to book your car before you leave home. You'll pay more if you wait until you get to England.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 01/11/2006
Car Rental Insurance
James, we never take the car rental insurance unless we have to (i.e. Ireland and Italy required the extra insurance) and did not take it when we rented in England. I use my AmX for car rental, had a small accident in Copenhagen and they paid 100% without a question. You must, of course, completely understand the insurance that your credit card and your own auto policy offers, but my understanding is that most additional insurance (at the car rental agency) is a waste.
USA Wed 01/11/2006
Walks in York moors
Has anyone hiked with a guide in the Yorkshire moors? We'd like to go on a full-day walk there, and we think it would be nice to have a knowledgeable private guide to tell us about the sights, history, etc. -- plus it would allow us to relax and focus on the beauty of the area and not have to have our nose in a map. Here is a Web site that lists some guides, many of whom are quite reasonable (some only ask that you donate to charity, which seems very nice) -- any personal recommendations with these or other guides would be appreciated: http://www.nymleisureguides.co.uk/directory/walking.php
We do realize it's possible to do these walks on your own, but we feel like we'd get more out of it with a local guide.
Thanks!
ALS <email>
USA Wed 01/11/2006
February Switzerland Advice/ Ideas
Unless your really into skiing, I would only spend a few days in Switzerland. That time of year the Swiss tourist industry caters mostly to skiers. I would ride the scenic Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St Moritz. After that I would travel outside of Switzerland and visit some of the big cities. Since Switzerland is so centrally located, the possibilites are enless: Amsterdam, Berlin, Milan,Paris, Rome, Venice, Salzberg, Vienna, Munich. Basel is major rail hub; there are lots of overnite train that can connect you to northern Europe. Check out http://www.citynightline.ch
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Wed 01/11/2006
mid-to-late Oct in Spain and Italy
I'm planning a trip and debating between going in mid-Sept or mid-to-late October. I'll go to Toledo and Madrid, followed by Italy (mostly Umbria). I'm fine with mixed weather (including rain), but hate being really cold. Can anyone share their recent experience at these times? Thanks
Sharon
CA USA Wed 01/11/2006
Car Insurance in England
My wife and I will be taking a driving tour of the south English countryside in March (Bath, Cotswold, Land's End, Wales, Brighton). Our credit card (which is issued by our car insurance company - USAA) gives us additional car insurance coverage besides our regular car insurance. Should I purchase the rental company's insurance? Any thoughts?
James <email>
Marion, AR USA Wed 01/11/2006
Venice Hotel & B&B
We also stayed in Mestre. We stayed at the Villa Graziella, very nice little place. Much, much cheaper that staying on the island.
Lois
Providence, Ri USA Wed 01/11/2006
February Switzerland Advice/ Ideas
Hello friends, I need some helpful ideas for an upcoming trip to Switzerland. Work is taking me to Basel the second week of this February (for just a few days), and I am planning to stay about two weeks (perhaps more). Any opinions on whether I should travel exclusively in Switzerland or try to visit the bordering countries too? Any advice would be appreciated (travel route, lodging, rail, etc.) as I am unfamiliar with the area and will be traveling alone. Thanks so much!
Minta mullins <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Wed 01/11/2006
VENICE HOTEL OR B&B
Jim: We stayed in Mestre, a tiny village just west of Venice and about half the cost for rooms. The train ride was 25c and took only 5 mins.
Everything you want to see is within walking distance in Venice, but take a boat ride to one of the islands just for a change of scenerey.
Z. CHANDE
WACO, TX USA Wed 01/11/2006
Maps for Driving in England
Michelin Regional Map #504 would be a good one for you to have. It covers South East England, the Midlands, and East Anglia. The scale is 1:400,000 (fairly detailed). You can order it at www.thesavvytraveller.com.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 01/11/2006
Norway in March
Kerry---I don't know how far off the beaten path you want to go, or how you are planning on traveling (car?). But if you want some winter sports (like Nordic skiing), Lillehammer is a charming town not far up the E6 highway from Oslo. Plenty of lodging opportunities. If that isn't rural enough, ask there for recommendations---there are probably places nearby that are loved by the locals. The Dovrefjell area north of there, on up the E6, is dotted with national parks and opportunities for hut-to-hut skiing.
USA Wed 01/11/2006
RE: Frankfurt airport
Angela, there are two train stations at the Frankfurt airport. You don't want the Fernbahnhof (distant trains) which is further out. You want the Regionalbahnhof, from which S-bahns and regional trains leave for a 11-17 min trip into Frankfurt main station.
The Regionalbahnhof is actually under the bus station which is across the street from Terminal 1. You get to it by going down stairs just inside the window-wall on the street side of the great hall. These stairs lead to a passage under the street to the trains. You can buy tickets there.
Note that many US airlines, except United, use Terminal 2, from which it is more difficult to access the trains. You must either wait outside T2 for a shuttle to T1, or follow the signs to the top of T2, take the Sky Line to the top of T1, then come downstairs to the great hall.
Eight hours should be plenty of time to get in some sightseeing, but remember that you need to get back in plenty of time (up to 2 hours) for security and for check-in, if necessary. If you are using Terminal 2, you need to allow time to get back to it, as well.
Go to www.airportcity-frankfurt.com and click on "airport maps".
<email>
USA Wed 01/11/2006
More on Frankfurt
Angela---the "very short" train ride to which Meg refers exactly that: only 7 minutes from Terminal 1 in the airport by ICE, or 11 or 12 minutes by RE (Regional Express train) or S-bahn. They leave every 10 or 15 minutes, so you will have no trouble getting into the city and seeing some of the sights that Meg recommends. If you take the S-bahn, just be careful where you get off---it makes a couple of stops before the main station (Hauptbahnhof). You can view the details at www.bahn.de (the site can be viewed in English).
Lura
Seattle, USA Wed 01/11/2006
Provence Area - Wine touring
My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in the Fall - Provence and Italy (Emilia-Romagna & Veneto - maybe a little of Toscana). He would like for us to find a home base in each country. We are looking at staying near Bologna in a Agriturist Farm (Il Gaidello - has anyone stayed there or have a suggestion?) except for a couple days in Venice but don't know where we should stay in Provence as our base so we can do some wine touring. We are looking at Avignon and Nimes but if anyone has suggestions, we are certainly open for them
Connie <email>
FL USA Wed 01/11/2006
Frankfurt, city and airport
To Angela: The airport is just a VERY short train trip from the heart of Frankfurt, and the train station is actually inside the airport! If you use your time cleverly, you could at least have a few hours to see the Römerplatz (old city square which shows up on posters)and a few other sights. There's a boat-trip on the Main which lasts about an hour and departs from very near the train station.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 01/11/2006
Traveling to Norway in March
My spouse, sister, parents, and I are going to Norway in March. We are looking for a somewhat rural place that is centered around winter activities. We want to be somewhere that the locals love that is off of the beaten path but has some things to do other than hybernate.
Kerry
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/11/2006
Driving in England
I don't recall if I saw it here or on another board but it was suggested that you remove the hubcaps from the left side of the car before you start out. As noted, one of the biggest challenges of driving on the "wrong" side of narrow roads is knowing how close you are to obstructions on the left. By removing the hubcaps in advance you will eliminate the chance of losing one during a chance encounter with a curb.
Jeff
USA Wed 01/11/2006
James-Driving in England
Review the basics before your start out with the car. My challenges were at traffic circles and when making a turn after coming to a T in the road. I had to keep reminding myself that, as the driver and in the right seat of the car, I was suppose to be in the middle of the road. Rent a Mini Cooper and have fun.
USA Wed 01/11/2006
Driving in England
For our driving trips in England we have used the Michelin maps (which can be found on-line or at local bookstores)but also saw more detailed maps for purchase in England that actually seemed to include all the lanes, very small roads, etc. We did without these but I think they would have been helpful. Besides driving on the left the biggest challenge was the VERY narrow roads, especially in the countryside. These roads are only large enough for 1 car so when 2 are approaching, one car will pull off into the weeds and allow the other to pass. You have to be careful though as some of the "weeds" are actually stone walls with plants grown up over it so that you can't see the wall. Your first approach to a roundabout might be scary, but we got very used to these and didn't have a problem. Have fun!
USA Wed 01/11/2006
...and north!
...to include Scotland. I posted earlier to find expert advice about current cheap and clean places to stay and sites and sights to not miss between London and the Scottish highlands. RS suggests a drive to Inverness? Many thanks!!!
Sara
USA Wed 01/11/2006
Driving in England
Hey Rick Steves' Graffiti Wall posters ...does anyone have suggestions about driving in the English countryside. I'm looking for suggestions regarding: what are the best maps to use, helpful hints about signs and highways, GPS-is this is a good thing to include with the rental, and how driving in England is different from driving in the US other than being on the opposite side of the road. Any information about driving in Great Britain will be deeply appreciated. Most of my driving in March will be in the English countryside (except for Heathrow, Bath, and Brighton). Please send your information to cofcpreacher@hotmail.com. Thanks!
James Cox <email>
Marion, Arkansas USA Wed 01/11/2006
Accomodations in England
Greetings Graffiti Wall posters! My wife and I are planning a trip in March to England and Rick Steves' 2006 Great Britain will not be out until late January or February. Meanwhile we need your help. Does anyone have hotel suggestions for the following English cities: Bath, Land's End, Lizard, Monmouth, Stow on the Wold or some other Cotswold town, Woodstock, and Brighton. Since we are only in the hotel room for about 8 hours each night and that's with the lights off, we don't mind what the hotel looks like as long as it is clean - in a safe neighborhood - and has private toliet inside the suite. We prefer mom & pop bed and breakfast accomodations. Cost is important since we are trying to budget $100 or less for housing per day. A full breakfast is a nice plus but not an absolute requirement. Any information will be deeply appreciated. Please email your suggestions to cofcpreacher@hotmail.com.
James Cox <email>
Marion, Arkansas USA Wed 01/11/2006
DB, take it easy!
DB, for sure, slow down! I only got to see Luxembourg for one night, wish I could've been there a couple days. I spent one night in Bacharach then cruised to St. Goar - planned for a night or two, wound up there for three, four nights? So nice. Brugge should be given at least a full day. So much to see and so little time!
jen
USA Tue 01/10/2006
Camera and Europe
Kameron,
During the 25 years that I travelled with a Nikkomat or a Nikon FE I ,or more correctly, my wife, carried a Vivitar 70–210mm, a Micro-Nikkor 55mm and a fast 35mm or 28mm. Additionally we usually took a doubler, assorted filters, cases and lens hoods. I was usually limited to about 20 or 30 rolls (700 -1000 shots) by the bulk & the cost of processing. I always worried about the film fogging in the security checks, but didn’t ever have a problem in that area. I did lose a few rolls in the mail over the years, though. Those were undoubtedly my best photos ever!
Upon our return we had to process the film, put the ones we wanted to show into slide trays, or get prints made, etc. Now I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30. It zooms the equivalent of 35mm to 420mm optically and 3 or 4 times digitally if I ever turn that on. The batteries are proprietary, but don’t cost much more than 4 rechargeable AA’s on E-Bay. The SD cards run the gamut of too-small to 1gB or maybe 2 by now. Getting prints (which I do of about 0.1% of my shots) is easy enough at Wal-Mart or the grocery store, etc. The slide shows I give are either done with a digital projector ($1000 – 2000!!!) I borrow from the local college or on a TV or computer screen depending on the audience.
The best part of the whole digital deal, though (apart from freeing my wife of transport duty) is that I can take several thousand pictures for no more than the expense of taking hundreds. I do have a FlashTrax 40gB portable hard drive that I down-load the day’s shots into, freeing up the card for tomorrow. The Panasonic feels pretty much like my Nikons but is self contained, lighter, more versatile by itself, cheaper & quieter. I find it easier to get good pictures with it since I can look at the shot right away and take another if I want. If I wasn’t so nostalgic I’d get rid of the Nikons right now, but will probably keep them to show the grand kids what we went through in the “good old days.”
To finally answer your question, I suggest a wide zooming digital camera that is worthy of your expertise but not intimidating. Always remember - It’s the photographer who makes the picture. The camera is just a tool. Having said that, get whatever camera you will take as soon as possible. All of them have pretty steep learning curves.
Colorado USA Tue 01/10/2006
Rail Travel in Germany
Riding the rails in Europe is fast, fun and cheap. You do miss a lot of country in between stops, however.We rarely use the train because there is just too much to see and do by car.
Happy Travels
Bob Shimp
Paradise, Ca. USA Tue 01/10/2006
Frankfurt airport
Could someone tell me how far the airport in Frankfurt, Germany is from the city of Frankfurt. Any suggestions in regards to a 8 hour lay over there. We would love to see the city. Not sure if it is possible. Thanks for any input.
Angela <email>
Toronto, Ontario Canada Tue 01/10/2006
RE: suggestions for Germany
As for Germany, having spent ten weeks in So. Germany in the last five years, and having ridden the trains extensively, I have definite ideas based on experience. First, I don’t think you should rent a car at all on the trip. The rail system in Germany is excellent, and inexpensive, and there is almost nowhere you can’t go.
From Trier up to Mannheim, all your travel will be in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz. You can use a Rheinland-Pfalz ticket each day for only €23, total for both of you. The RLP ticket is good for travel all the way to Mannheim, which is just a short trip to Heidelberg.
Also, from just south of Cochem, on the Mosel, all the way to Oberwesel, the last stop on the Rhein before Bacharach, you are in the Verkehrsverbund Rhein Mosel (VRM). An all day pass, with unlimited travel within this district, is only €18,80 for 2 people; shorter trips are less.
From Heidelberg, head south into the Black Forest. Spend a night in Freudenstadt, then take the Schwarzwaldbahn via Triberg to Friedrichshafen. Next day go to Reutte via Lindau and Kempten. Spend two nights in Reutte, taking the bus to Füssen to see the castles. Go from Reutte via Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Munich. From Munich take side trips to Berchtesgaden (2 nights) and Salzburg. Finally go to Rothenburg for a night, then on to Frankfurt. All this can be done by train, and most days will cost you no more than €25 for a Baden-Württemberg or Bayern ticket.
I had to cut down my post considerably, but if you want more information on this schedule, feel free to write me.
<email>
USA Tue 01/10/2006
Car rental/shopping in Italy
Renting a villa in Praiano (Amalfi Coast) in October. Should we rent a car? Parking is available. Also would like to find a decent, honest shop for Italian gold jewelry in Rome. Any help?
Jo Ellen
Arlington, VA USA Tue 01/10/2006
Yes, again, on the car for Tuscany!
We stayed in a place outside Siena and a car is really vital for the Tuscany area. Outside the big cities the driving is very easy, once you get the sign system figured out. Unless you never intend to leave your lodgings for the four days- but then, you would miss the joys of exploring other places. The car wouldn't be that expensive for just the four days...
USA Tue 01/10/2006
Car in Tuscany - Alexandra
By all means, rent a car! The roads are well-marked and easy to navigate. We initially had a hard time finding our farmhouse, but we didn't ask for directions - we thought we'd wing it! Once we realized how easy Tuscany is to navigate, we drove all over - San Gimignano, Chianti, Volterra, Pisa, Montepulciano, mediterranean coast... It's a lot of fun, and you get a chance to settle in and act like a local. We drove to the supermarket and got prosciutto, pecorino, and wine for dinner at night and sat out on the veranda of our farmhouse until after the sun set. I vote for renting a car!
Holly
Chicago, USA Tue 01/10/2006
Taxi to Ciampino
I'm looking into the price of a taxi fare from Termini around Termini station to Cimapino airport at around 4am. Any ideas on pricing? thanks.
Sandra <email>
Puyallup, WA USA Tue 01/10/2006
DB-Benelux
DB-I fully agree with Karen, slow down and enjoy the trip. We did the Benelux countries in September and it wasn't crowded at all. Sorry Rick, we were on a Globus tour. several people took the Ghent side trip and said it wasn't worth the time. Need a full day in Brugge. Also need another day in Amsterdam.
I'd suggest comparing the train vs renting a car for the entire trip. Driving in the countries would compare to the US, very easy. Besides, you can see all of the wonderful stuff on the way.
We were totally unimpressed with Luxembourg. Its a working city without any real attractions. Get off the train, get a coffee and get back on. The only place to visit is the US Military Cemetary outside of town. Go see Gen. Patton's grave and guys lost in the Battle of the Bulge.
Regardless of what you do and how you get there, you'll have a fantastic time. Enjoy.
Years ago, we stayed in Rothenburg for a night. Its great after all the tourists have left and empty.
Bill
Newburgh, NY USA Tue 01/10/2006
Breakfast in Paris
I can't remember where I saw it, but it was a suggestion to be sure to have breakfast at ______ in Paris. Does anyone have a recommendation that might fit that?
Hille
WI USA Tue 01/10/2006
Venice Hotel
Locanda Novo was excellent in May of 2004. Large room, large bathroom, great location, friendly staff.
Hille
WI USA Tue 01/10/2006
Venice and Paris Hotels
Just returned from two weeks in Italy and France. In Venice, try the Hotel Spagna. Rooms are small but bathrooms large (go figure). It's just 3 minutes from the train station. Staff was great. If you're going to Paris, the Hotel Leveque was as advertised by Rick. Rooms small but clean, staff very helpful, location is fantastic.
Dennis <email>
Omaha, NE USA Tue 01/10/2006
Car rental
I don't know about Spain but if you are going to Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, here is a great car rental site: http://www.sixti.com
Michelle
USA Tue 01/10/2006
Car in Madrid?
We did two wonderful day trips from Madrid by train or bus. The bus to Toledo costs less than the train, and drops you off closer to the walled part of the city.
We took the train to the palace and monastery at Escorial....don't miss that,
Barry
Houston, USA Tue 01/10/2006
MEL-- Re:Spain
Mel: I'm going to Spain in March and got a real good airfare from London Gatwick to Barcelona on easyjet (19 pounds one way) and from Barcelona we're flying to Madrid (27 euros one way) on Iberia.
Flying was way cheaper than the train, and there's flights from Barcelona to Madrid every hour.
I have on hold a car rental from Alamo. We got a compact for 3 days in Madrid for $160 USD complete, with insurance.
My husband will probably cancel the car since, thanks to the grafitti board, we found the AVE train from Madrid to Toledo is only 8 euros each way!
Fellow trip takers... do you think we need a car in Madrid to go outside the city??
USA Tue 01/10/2006
Car in Tuscany
We will be in Tuscany (San Gimignano) for 4 nights in June. Should we rent a car? We would have to take taxi's to the farmhouse where we are staying (no bus route there) but still might be cheaper than a car (which I think we have to pick up in Florence) + gas. Suggestions?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Tue 01/10/2006
Venice- hotel or B&B help
Going to be in Venice for the first time in late March. I have read Rick's list of recommended places but I would like direct comments from people who actually stayed there. My wife and I will only be there for 2 nights so we need location tips too. Thanks.
Jim
Minneapolis, MN USA Tue 01/10/2006
SUGGESTIONS FOR GERMANY AND BENELUX
DB: My husband and I have traveled this area of Europe several times in the last 15 years.
Before you set your itinerary, get a road map of the area and determine the distances between each town you plan to visit.
That will reveal the time needed for travel and will help you budget the remaining time for sights.
I can agree with the number of days you have planned for each area. I would allow a full day to see Rothenburg.
In Heidelburg only the castle is worth a visit. Allow a full day for Neuschwanstein. Skip Hohenswangau.
Allow at least half a day for Dachau. I would skip Nurnburg and Wurzburg because they are similar to so many other German towns.
Skip Lichtenstein because there is nothing of value to see there.
If you travel by train in the Netherlands be sure to ask for the senior discount on RR fares to see if you qualify.
If you must choose between these three cities, I recommend you select Prague, Vienna and Salzburg in that order.
Brussels, Brugge and Ghent are so similar, I would choose only one and plan a day and a half for it.
If you plan low cost rooms, investigate Formule one motels in each country. You will find info at: www.hotelformule1.com.
We have rented rooms for 3 for $22 to $30 in the countries where they are located.
Anna Z.
WACO, USA Tue 01/10/2006
B&B in Milan
Denise in Iowa~~~check karenbrown.com for B&B in Milan. Unfortunately I left info on a B&B at work but it looks great--a quaint little place with a garden in the heart of Milan for about 120E night. We are thinking of booking a room there for a night in April. Good luck!
Kate
USA Tue 01/10/2006
Hotel Oceania
It is disappointing to hear about Oceania getting negative reviews on tripadvisor. We stayed there in 2004 and liked it--very nice room recently redone and a great bathroom. Friendly and helpful staff too. We were looking to book a room there this spring. Has anyone actually stayed there recently who can add comments?
Nancy
Atlanta, USA Tue 01/10/2006
RE: Bayern ticket
You can use the Bayern ticket for German Rail regional trains from Salzburg to Kufstein via Rosenheim. It would not be valid for Austrian Rail express trains (OEC) going from Salzburg to Kufstein.
<email>
USA Tue 01/10/2006
WEATHER IN ITALY AND GERMANY
Debbie: Like most travelers on this page say, the weather is just like we find in centrral USA during that same time.
Except in the mountains where it is colder. Take a sweater and be prepared to layer your clothing in case it turns cold.
After all, weather is unpredictable.
SAMMY
CHICAGO, USA Tue 01/10/2006
ADVICE ON VISIT TO SPAIN
Mel: Take a look at this page: http://www.hostelworld.com.
You can find room rates and travelers ratings for scores of hostels in Spain.
You can also choose one in the part of town you prefer.
As for your itinerary, only you can determine that depending on your preferences. September is not peak season for Spain.
TULSA, USA Tue 01/10/2006
Bayern Ticket (Salzburg-Kufstein)
Can I use a Bayern Ticket to go from Salzburg-Kufstein-Munich? I know it is good from Munich-Salzburg and Munich-Kufstein, but was wondering if this is a valid route.
GA USA Tue 01/10/2006
What to wear for Spain in early September
Hi it's me again. What should I wear for Spain in September? Is that Autumm yet?
Mel
Thailand Tue 01/10/2006
Advise on visit to Spain
First of all I apologies for posting my question on the Graffiti Wall. Only realise I'm suppose to use this helpline instead after clicking the send button.
Anyway I plan to spend about 5 days in either Barcelona or Madrid (depending on what cheap flights I can get from London). Can anyone recommend me a good itenary of what to do and where to go and also go cheap hostels to stay in both cities. Stories on best food to try while I'm there would be nice as well. I plan to visit the cities in early September. Is that a peak season for tourist?
Mel
Thailand Tue 01/10/2006
Babies Traveling and Seville Weather
Dear Helpers,
I have been away from my computer for awhile and came back to see all of your wonderful replies about Seville in August--and exactly the ones I hoped to hear! We will definately keep our visit as planned and take the weather as it comes. Thank you!
NOTE TO MOM OF THREE: I travelled with my twins and little one when they were about the age of your children. I think you have hit on one of my two biggest concerns at the times--the car seats are a terrible pain! If you are driving everywhere you only have to put them in the car once, otherwise have you inquired about the possibility of renting them with the car? Trains are nice because they have the aisle to wander. Mostly though, if the kids think cars and planes and trains are fun (second question) all will go well. If the travelling itself is a problem for them I would try to do it during nap time as much as possible and I'm sure you have plenty of diversions for them by now.
Very best luck!
Diane
Diane <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Mon 01/09/2006
Italy to Greece
Check www.europebyair.com They have a $99 flight from Rome to Athens.
Jeff
USA Mon 01/09/2006
Hotel Aberdeen, Rome
Alexandra--Eight of us stayed at Hotel Aberdeen for 3 nights in early June and highly recommend it. Wonderful, helpful staff, wonderful breakfast, clean, comfortable. Enjoy!
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Mon 01/09/2006
Benelux/Germany--Slow down!
DB: 19 days--what a great opportunity to see something of Germany & the Low Countries. However, just looking at your would-be intinerary is exhausting! Why not spend more days in fewer places? You must spend more than just one good day in Amsterdam. The Anne Frank house alone will take a 1/2 day. Then there's the Rijksmuseum --that's another 1/2 day. The food is great too-- you will need time to digest your food, before buying more yummy cheese. Perhaps our most memorable Dutch meal was a picnic we had on the dike separating the Zuider See from the North Sea. Finding a new hotel every night might get old pretty fast. Even if you have reservations, you have to find your way to the place.
Southern Bavaria is pretty. Stay somewhere like Bad Tolz (not too far off the autobahn south of Munich) and visit some mineral baths. Not only would it feel good, but it's also a way to mingle with and observe "the natives."
You would definitely need more than 1 night in Salzburg. I could spend several hours in the outdoor cafe (Cafe Mozart?) near the cathedral and eat torte. I've visited Halstatt--that's great, but you need time to enjoy it. Actually, Bad Ischl is my favorite Austrian destination.
I'm a big fan of eastern Germany and Berlin, but you didn't mention that. Have fun planning your trip. You don't have to see it all now.
Karen <email>
MN USA Mon 01/09/2006
Italy to Greece filights
I am looking to fly from Naples to Athens in June 2006 (though would be happy to fly out of Rome). Can anyone give me some advice of the best and most economical way of doing this?
Cheers,
Drew
Andrew McHugh <email>
Sydney, NSW Australia Mon 01/09/2006
Camera and Europe
I am travelling through Europe for 2 months and plan on taking an SLR camera. I would like to know which camera lenses (focal lengths) would be the most useful. I am assuming a wide angle to moderate zoom lens but since I have never been there I would appreciate any input. I am travelling light and do not want to take what is not needed.
Kameron Rausch <email>
Tucson, AZ USA Mon 01/09/2006
Hotel Oceania & Aberdeen, Rome
Both of these hotels look nice and are recommended by Rick. Has anyone stayed at either one? Is Oceania worth the higher price?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Mon 01/09/2006
Overnight ferry to Dubrovnik
I'm planning a trip to Venice and Dubrovnik in the fall of this year. I've been told I can take an overnight ferry from Italy to Dubrovnik, but I'm having trouble finding specific details on doing this. Has anyone done this? Also is there enough to see in Dubrovnik to spend a week there? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Kate
Kate B. <email>
St. Louis, Mo. USA Mon 01/09/2006
Paris Apartment
Has anyone used Home Rental Connections to book an apartment in Paris. I am looking at this agency to rent one of their apartments named "Rue au Maire" in Marais district. Thanks
Joan <email>
Toronto, ON Canada Mon 01/09/2006
France Hotels without Reservations
We've traveled March, April (it was during Easter week), May, June, September, and October in France. We only reserve first and last night hotels. We alway try to locate a hotel about 3 p.m., as they start to book up around that time. After we get our room we can continue to do more sightseeing. We never had a problem finding a hotel (no matter the size of the town). Have a great trip.
Devra <email>
Lake Forest, CA USA Mon 01/09/2006
FRANCE HOTELS WITHOUT RESERVATIONS
Joe: My wife and I have traveled Europe 10 times in the last 20 years and never reserve a room in advance.
It may depend on what type of room you need. We stay in zimmers and pensions or hostels. But we can always find a room.
We always look at it before renting. With a car I find it easy to drive through the area I want to be in and look for signs.
If we choose to stay in a hotel, we can also select one near where we want to be.
If you allow an hour each day to look for a room you can find one easily in April because that is not a popular travel month.
ATLANTA, USA Mon 01/09/2006
b&b in milan italy
my family and i will be in italy in May of 06....any suggestions for b&b in milan? thanks
Denise Howe
Iowa USA Mon 01/09/2006
France Hotels without Reservations
Hi, as Easter holidays start in a few departments on the 8th of April (Bordeaux, Créteil, Paris, Versailles) and the others dep start later, you should be fine.
happy travels!
corinne
Dijon, France Mon 01/09/2006
re: DB Benelux etc.
DB -- sounds like a great trip! I'd recommend planning at least another day in Amsterdam, since the first one doesn't really count, and it's such a neat city -- lots of interesting things to see/atmosphere to soak up. On the other hand, we thought Brussels was just a noisy big city without a lot of personality (though that could have been because of all the construction and poor weather when we were there) -- I'd give more time to Brugge instead. If you have time to make it to Salzburg, that's really fun. You're probably right about biting off a bit much with Vienna/Prague though. Have fun!
Kristin
Bellevue, WA USA Sun 01/08/2006
France Hotels without Reservations
My son and I will be traveling to France the first week of April. After three or four days in Paris, I want to rent a car and spend some leisure time driving through the French countryside. My question is: Will I need hotel reservations ahead of time or will I be able to find a place to stay easily? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe <email>
indianapolis, Indiana USA Sun 01/08/2006
CHRISTMAS 2006
Nicole: Most travelers go to their local library and scan the travel books for ideas about the three countries you mention.
If that doesn’t work, do a google.com search for each country’s sights. You need to do a lot of research before you go so you will know what sights in each country interest you.
There is a lot more to see in each country than you have time to see. You need to eliminate the sights you don’t care for.
ELIM
NYC, USA Sun 01/08/2006
April In Italy
Debbie:
Something to think about: start in the south where it's warmer and move north since your travel time is early Spring.
Sounds like a great trip plan-Enjoy!
Enjoy
Di
Boston, USA Sun 01/08/2006
x-mas 2006 w/ family
i am plaing a a trip for x-mas 2006 with my husband and then 3 year old daughter, i can't decided on spain or italy or portugal. I am tying to put this together by april may, is there any suggestions that could help my descision?
nicole <email>
lincoln, ca USA Sun 01/08/2006
for DB : Germany ...
DB, If you have read the book Rick Steves' Germanyand Austria, you don't need suggestions from other people. Go to the places in Germany and Austria that Rick says are highest priorities for sightseeing. I did that, Germany was the most pleasant country for traveling in, for me. Don't miss the castle Marksburg at the Rhine River (an English language tour is not necessary), and a boat ride on the Rhine River : Bingen to St. Goar. (it is faster that direction, than the opposite direstion). In Austria, I recommend at least a half day in Salzburg (visit the Residenz art gallery, and ride the elevator up to the castle on the big hill), and I recommend going to Halstadt at the Halstattersea. Austrian people are generally more relaxed than German people, and I like the sound of spoken German spoken by Austrians more than German spoken by Germans. You will have an enjoyable trip.
Ken <email>
MO USA Sun 01/08/2006
Debie - April in Italy
I did a trip down the length of Italy a few years ago. We began in the north at the end of March, ended up in Sicily a few weeks later, in mid/late-April.
The weather was mixed. We definitely had some rainy/cloudy/cool days, but there were also enough warm, (even hot) and sunny (especially further south, later in the trip).
I wold say it's a nice time to travel in Italy; the crowds weren't too bad in most places (although in the famous spots - Venice, Rome, Pisa, Florence) it was plenty crowded for my tastes - I can only imagine these places with the crush of tourists and heat in August.
I'd suggest being prepared for all sorts of weather and you'll be fine. Have a great trip!
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 01/08/2006
April in Italy
I was in Italy in April 2004. The weather was mellow (pleasant), not too unlike the weather in San Diego would be. Of course it depends on which part of the country you're in. I did not travel to the Lake Como or Venice areas. I think by late April, most of Europe would be nice. In Paris that same year, trees were blossoming and the weather was perfect in late April.
Swan
USA Sun 01/08/2006
Suggestions for Germany, BeNeLux trip?
I'm in the early stages of planning a trip for next Aug./Sept. to Germany and "the low countries" ("BeNeLux" - Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) and am seeking suggestions to fine-tune our itinerary.
We've been to Europe a few times before, but this will be our first time in this part. We're fairly typical Rick Steves-style travelers (a couple, no kids). We have 19 full days not including the flights there/back. We fly in on a long overnight flight from the US arriving in Amsterdam on Aug. 24; we fly back out of Frankfurt on the morning of Sept. 12. I'm assuming it'll be fairly crowded up through the Labor day weekend (which is just about mid-trip) then a bit less crowded after that. We've already got our tickets (Freq Flyer miles!) so the dates are fixed.
I'm tentatively figuring about a week in the low countries. I'm thinking 2 days in Amsterdam (first day recovering from the flight and travel shock), a day each in Haarlem, Delft, Brussels, and a day split between Ghent and Brugge. Next day train to Trier via Luxembourg (with a brief stop in Luxembourg, because it's there and right on the way to our next planned stop). I figure that train travel makes the most sense for this first part of the trip, and that we would pick up a car in Trier for the German portion of the trip.
Frm Trier, we want to follow the Mosel River into Germany; where the Mosel meets the Rhine, we would follow the Rhine upstream (south). I'm thinking that this gets us the "best" of the (popular) Romantic Rhine, wine country, castles, etc. plus more of the same in the less jam-packed Mosel River Valley. Im figuring 2-3 days along these scenic river/castle routes (by car), with overnights possibly in Koblenz, Bacharach, ending up in Heidelburg (I know Rick doesn't include Heidelburg on his trips but I've heard good things about it). From there, drive to Rothenburg, after that, head south to Baden-Baden and the Black Forest.
Not too sure of the exact route after that (suggestions welcomed), but in another day or two we would wind up in Fusen/Reutte for the big castle experience (Neuschwanstein).
Beyond that, I'm not real sure about the route or how to spend our remaining few days. The potential places I'm thinking of include Innsbruck, Berchtesgarden, the Austrian Tyrol, maybe even a quick side-trip to Lichtenstein (I like tiny countries - anything to see in this one?). We might be able to slip in a quickie side-trip to Salzburg, Vienna or even Prague, but that just seems too ambitious, and we figure that's part of another trip.
I figure we'll be heading back to Frankfurt from southeastern Germany, so obvious stops include Munich, a side-trip to Dachau, maybe Nurnberg and/or Wurzburg.
A rough preliminary map of the trip is located here: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v43/greenplate/trip2006_map01.jpg
Any suggestions/tips? I'd welcome any input from those who've been in this area before. Thanks!
DB
Seattle, WA USA Sun 01/08/2006
Weather
Does anybody know what the weather is like in April in Italy & Germany?
Debbie <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sun 01/08/2006
Narrowboating
Anybody out there done the narrowboats in England? I am interested in hearing stories for or against. Sounds fun and relaxing, but not sure.
I would appreciate any ideas. (Thanks to Ray, I've bookmarked the links you gave me.) Checking them out carefully, would also like to hear some personal stories. Thanks.
Norma <email>
Denver, CO USA Sun 01/08/2006
A.D.
Try tripadvisor.com. Click on trip advisor forums then Europe forums and the country your are interested in visiting. It may be of help to you
flclark <email>
Mansfield, GA USA Sun 01/08/2006
Bluedenim--Budget Airfares
Check RyanAir.com and EasyJet.com for budget airfares.
Swan
USA Sun 01/08/2006
charter flights
Looking at planning a two week trip to europe again this year...
what budget airlines fly Manchester-Paris? And Paris-london (brighton, bournmouth)
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc can Sun 01/08/2006
159 days to go...........
My best wishes to all of you for a very happy new year.
As I write this, there are only 159 more days until my wife and I start a four week vacation visiting Greece, Turkey, Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Assuming, of course, that the price of air travel remains somewhat stable, that some certain airline companies stay in business, that I can find reasonable hotel accommodations, and that nobody tries to blow up that half of the world between now and then. I know that's asking a lot, but I'm a man of faith.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Sun 01/08/2006
Scotland help/opinions?
Hello- my husband is going to visit our daughter studying abroad and they want to drive north to Scotland from London. Budget travel! She wants to see Loch Ness. They have three nights. Can anyone suggest a good itinerary as well as CHEAP lodgings? Many thanks!
Sara
USA Sun 01/08/2006
Travel to Croatia, Bosnia
Does anyone have any info about travel to Croatia, Bosnia and environs?
A.D. <email>
Maitland, FL USA Sun 01/08/2006
Getting around in Aberdeen, Scotland
Anyone ever been to Aberdeen, Scotland? Looking for information on hostel, B&B, hotel, or airport bench! I will be there for only a day as a layover on my way to a wedding and have never been out of the U.S. Any information about the local area is valuable to me. Anyone have friends there?
Laura
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA Sun 01/08/2006
Re: Netherlands
Hi, Ken. I'll tell ya buddy... Go to Haarlem! After several trips to the Netherlands I finally broke down and went to Haarlem since Rick Steves recommends it so highly. He's right on the money! I stayed for 3 nights and had a wonderful time. It's a beautiful town, easy to get to, and a lot less stressful than Amsterdam. It also has a world class museum (The Frans Hals Museum). The locals are extremely friendly and billeting is a whole bunch cheaper than A'dam, also! If you don't love it there you can punch me in the mouth (unless I change my mind!). If you're interested you can see some photos of Haarlem I took while there this past October at: http://www.picturetrail.com/bepineurope Enjoy your time in the Netherlands regardless of where you go. It can hardly be helped! :-)
Bob C. <email>
N. Little Rock, AR USA Sun 01/08/2006
World Cup Trip
Kristine,
Don't have an answer for your question, but you may get better results at these two sites which are specific for Americans traveling to the WC this summer:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YanksinGermany/
OR
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1081
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Sun 01/08/2006
World Cup Trip!
We're headed to Germany for the World Cup. Any suggestions on a city to stay in near Cologne? Cologne has 2 games, 1 game in Dortmund & 1 game in Gelsenkirchen. Cologne is almost triple priced for rooms at this point. Any suggestions for that region/area. We will have a car (some games begin at 9pm). There will be 5 adults & one baby - so aparment rental is an option (staying in that area for 5 nights).
Kristine <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Sat 01/07/2006
For Courtney, Amsterdam?
If you get the best airfare deal by purchasing through your group and flying home from Amsterdam (if I read your post correctly)that city would also be a great one in which to spend a few days independently. The trains are all so efficient and easy to figure out and always on time :) which was very reassuring when we were novice independent travelers. Many people speak English, so you wouldn't have to be stressed out about asking for directions, etc. Just a thought! Once you definitely choose your city(ies), you can look and book online for places to stay and/or from the RS recommendations- that will give you some "structure" for reassurance. Another vote to "go for it"! The worst that can happen is that you'll still have a fabulous time, but decide you'd rather have details arranged for you at the expense of some flexibility, and stick with tours in the future. Or- you'll love it, and be ready to start planning your next adventure on your own!
USA Sat 01/07/2006
SLR Camera
Have any experienced photographers gone to Europe with a digital SLR camera? If so, what lenses and/or filters did you find useful? Higher power flash? We are packing light (one backpack), so I don't want to take what isn't necessary.
Kameron Rausch <email>
Tucson, AZ USA Sat 01/07/2006
Courtney:
For sure, I would recommend extending your stay, and I wouldn't do it with a tour. What I would recommend would depend on where you have to fly out of. If you're never ever going back to Europe, I would recommend Paris of the three cities you mentioned. Otherwise, I would recommend taking a train to Berlin (not too far) perhaps stopping in Dresden. Berlin is so unique. Vienna has pretty buildings, but you will have seen plenty of pretty buildings in Prague...and hopefully absorbed some Central European culture. Of course, Munich is great, but I prefer Berlin.
My Rick Steves Eastern Europe 2006 book has a lot of great ideas for your Prague visit. Also, look on on the "Best Destinations" part of Rick Steves website.
Karen <email>
MN USA Sat 01/07/2006
no jet lagg
I used this on my last trip and I have to say it worked wonders on the way over...
I hardly slept on the plane and we arrived at 5am london time. We could not check in just stored our luggage and we started out day....we checked in at 2, had an hour sleep and then away we went and did not go to sleep until about 1 am.
After that we were on local time. NO JET LAG at all
Used it on the way home but it was not quite as effective but it still helped alot.
bluedenim
canada Sat 01/07/2006
Netherlands
Hello,
I am gathering information for my future trip to Denmark and the Netherlands. I know where to go in Denmark, from reading about Copenhagen and other places for sightseeing in Denmark, in the book RICK STEVES' SCANDINAVIA, and from seeing Rick Steves' video of Scandinavia. My time in the Netherlands will be brief: I want to go there because I heard that Dutch people are friendly and jovial. So ... can anyone recommend a place in the Netherlands for me to go to where I can meet friendly and jovial Dutch people who will talk to me (in English)? I do not insist on being in Amsterdam. In north Holland, I am interested in going to Edam and Enkhuizen, but I do not know anything about the people there.
Thank you. - Ken
Ken <email>
Missouri USA Sat 01/07/2006
Solo Camping in Central Europe
I'm a 22/F currently living in the UK and hoping to do a one to two month Central Europe trip in July and August. I've read the threads here about campings (which sound great! Sleep outside and meet regular European families) and also solo traveling. What I haven't heard is whether its safe (or economical) for a young single female to stay in campings. It seems like most of the young singles stay in hostels. I have a lot of experience staying in hostels and although I enjoy it sometimes, I can't see myself staying in them for months at a time (too busy and loud), yet I can't afford to stay in hotels. Are there any young single women who have stayed in campings?
Miriam <email>
FL USA Sat 01/07/2006
Land Only or tour group all the way for Prague?
HI guys! I have been reading some of your suggestions especially for packing for other trips of mine for many months, but I just found out that my DH and I will be travelling with a tour group for a week this summer in Prague!! We're extrememly excited, but we also have the option of extending our stay...an extra 7 days would probably be our outer limit financially. There are 3 night extra 1-city add-ons to the tour (Munich, Paris, and Vienna being the ones interesting us most) or we could purchase airfare through the group and have 4 nights after the Prague tour to get around on our own and fly out of Amsterdam, or we can book Land Only with the tour and get ourselves around for as long afterward as we can afford. I have travelled only a little bit in Europe so I am not as comfortable with the idea of getting around ourselves as I'd like to be although I have friends who HIGHLY recommend it. We only have about a week to submit our choices to the tour company. Can anyone offer suggestions for making a quick decision?? I am looking through guidebooks and have viewed Rick Steve's European shows for the cities we're considering. My hubby is thrilled at the idea of getting around ourselves, but his answers to practically any question I ask is "We'll decide on the fly" which is too free spirited for my travel style. Also can anyone tell me of any not-to-be-missed sights of Prague?? Or any guidebooks you'd recommend buying? THANKS SO MUCH!
Courtney <email>
TN USA Sat 01/07/2006
HOSTELS IN EUROPE
Jenn: My wife and I stay in hostels whenever we can so we have visited 13 of them in several countries.
Some hostels furnish sheets free and some rent them. If you are going to stay over 10 nites you should take a slip sheet with you.
That is a cot size sheet, with one side sewn together so your top sheet and bottom sheet are one piece.
One is easy to make from a full size sheet by folding it over and sewing the bottom together and one side part way down so you can slip into it.
If you need a blanket I suggest you wait until you arrive to see if you need one and rent it. Carrying one in your luggage will be impractical.
MARY CHARNY
DALLAS, USA Sat 01/07/2006
Travelers Checks
I don't think that the main problem with traveler's checks is the inability to find a bank that will cash them...The real problem is the huge amount of money you will lose in the exchange rate and processing fees of cashing those things.
My wife and me took ATMs and my parents (against my advice) to travelers checks. My ATM cards were a breeze to use, and I got a decent exchange rate. My parents, on the other hand, were quite steamed when they came back from a "check-cashing" session. Seeing the small amount of Euros that they brought back from a large amount of Traveler Checks was like seeing the aftermath of a shark-feeding frenzy.
Tim
Knoxville, USA Sat 01/07/2006
Travelers checks
I had no problems cashing traveler's checks in Italy in 2005. No bank ever refused to cash them.
Cindy
San Francsico, Ca USA Fri 01/06/2006
Cash Payment Upon Checkout?
What an odd policy, and it definitely makes it very difficult. Travellers checks are a real hassle in Europe, I had so much trouble the one time (2003)that I took them that I will NEVER use them again. I had $600 worth and was refused everywhere, including banks. I only had them cashed when a hotel manager walked with me to his bank and vouched for me personally! Rick also warns against travellers checks in his books. Can't you pay ahead of time with your credit card? Most places that I arrange before I go, even B&B's and Hostels, gladly take credit cards. Or possibly wiring the money into the proprieters account before you go, if everything seems on the up and up. Carrying around and being concerned about large amounts of cash while on vacation in Italy could really detract from the fun.
Greg
Boston, Mass USA Fri 01/06/2006
Melatonin vs No Jet Lag
While we're talking about melatonin, has anyone taken the "No Jet Lag" remedy and what were your results?
Susan
San Francisco, Ca USA Fri 01/06/2006
Hostles in Europe
I'm planning on visiting Europe this summer for my graduation present (thanks mom and dad!) and we're planning on staying in hostles to keep the price mangable. I hear that there arent any sheets on the beds? Are there blankets? Is there anything else I should know to bring? Thanks! Please email me the response, I cant check this page regularly.
Jenn <email>
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/06/2006
In defense of BA
We have flown British on our last 3 trips, and I think their policy makes sense. Can you imagine boarding a 747 with everyone trying to stuff a large carry-on into the overhead bins? It would take forever. We pack light, but have to check our bags anyway, because we always have things like hiking poles and pocket knives. I've never yet had luggage get lost. My carry-on has been my hiking daypack, stuffed with hiking boots, toiletries and medicine, one days' clothing, books, and snacks for the kids. I'm sure it weighs more than 20 pounds, but I've never been asked to put it on the scale, or re-pack it. In addition to that, I carry a jacket and small purse. My husband carries a briefcase, also stuffed with books, etc., with no problems.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/06/2006
Nothing with wheels on BA
Considering that wheeled bags weigh 7#+, with a 13.2# weight limit you could carry on less than 6# of clothes - the bag weighs more!. Hardly makes sense.
BA has been on my "no fly" list for some time.
USA Fri 01/06/2006
Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 at CDG
If you arive at CDG on time, you should be able to make your connection. Here's a direct quote from the Aeroports de Paris Web site:
Making a connection from Terminal 2 at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle: When you get off the plane, follow the "Correspondance Transfer" signs up to the Transfer desk to check your departure terminal.
If your connection is at Terminal 1: Take the Air France shuttle bus (within customs zone) situated close to the Transfer desk.
Important: Please inform your airline company or travel agency of connection times (formalities + travel time). Take note of the times indicated below in order to avoid missing your connecting flight:
-Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: 60 minutes.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 01/06/2006
RE: Large amount of cash
I would suggest that first you check with the state department, or someone, to find out the maximum amount of cash you are allowed to carry out of the country. 12,000 EUR is about $15,000, which might be the limit. Of course you could split it up between two people. The same limit might apply to sending money abroad, as well.
Just for the record, the interbank rate is currently $1.2153/EUR. That would make the ATM rate, including the 1% network charge, almost $1.23/EUR, not $1.15/EUR.
Since most banks limit ATM withdrawals to $500 (and some European banks, particularly in Italy, limit it even more) using ATM withdrawals is not a possible option.
American Express, which charges about 4% over the interbank rate for traveler's checks, will only allow you to buy $1000 worth every 14 days.
In the past, I have checked on wiring small amounts of money overseas, or sending a cashier's check, and the cost of the check was too much (~$20)relative to what I wanted to send, but that is probably not the case here. However, any bank that wires Euro will charge you their standard conversion rate up front. The lowest conversion rate I know of is Wells Fargo at 5%. Whatever you do, stay away from Travelex, which charges a lot more, or from US Bank, which uses Travelex.
USA Fri 01/06/2006
Cash issue
I am only one person with a story....but in two weeks in Spain in 2004 we could only find ONE place that would cash our Euro Travelers checks. Places ...even banks....were fine with dollar checks, but in Barcelona, Madrid and Toledo, the Euro checks were a liability.
USA Fri 01/06/2006
CDG terminal shuttle issues
I have to make a connection from a Delta flight,terminal 2 to an Air France flight at terminal 1 at CDG I have an hour and a half. Will this be enough time? I know they have shuttle buses. Will there be security issues that will consume too much time after I enter Terminal 1? If I have to change my ticket now is the time. I have untill mid May before I leave .
Tom <email>
Portland, OR USA Fri 01/06/2006
BA rejects on weight and appearance
If a bag looks big and heavy, it will often be rejected quickly. If a bag appears small and light, it is more likely not to be weighed. Is that a better way of saying it? BA often enforces the 'nothing with wheels' rule on flights within Europe, but also sometimes on other flights. It's a game I don't like to play. I have a small carry on bag. I try to carry it in such a way that it appears to be light and usually it isn't weighed. If you appear to be struggling with a bag, you can bet it will be noted. BA ticket agents are very willing to make pfeople repack items (to put in checked bags), to check bags that are even a bit too heavy and to embarrass people with all of the above.
Shirley
Fort Worth, TX USA Fri 01/06/2006
TSA Locks can be broken too!
TSA Locks are hit and miss. I have the ones that turn color if someone tampers with the lock.
In my past trip to Italy, my lock was untampered. My mom's was no only tampered but ripped off. I had to buy her a non-TSA friendly lock at the airport store...
Each TSA is different, so its a hit n miss situation
USA Fri 01/06/2006
Need Large Amount of Cash in Italy
I'm taking a group of students to Italy in May and have booked accommodations that require cash payment upon check-out. I've traveled in Italy many times and usually wouldn't even think about using anything but an ATM card, but I'm assuming that it will be difficult (if not impossible) to withdraw the approximately e12,000 I'll need to pay for our accommodations throughout our stay. Therefore, I'm considering purchasing travelers checks in euros before we leave. Of course, the exchange rate is terrible compared with what is offered through an ATM (currrently e1=$1.25 through American Express when it's about 10 cents better through an ATM). Besides wiring funds to the hotels ahead of time (which might be the best option), does anyone have any suggestions for handling this?
Jeff <email>
Pittsburgh, PA USA Fri 01/06/2006
Narrowboating
I am looking for some information and advice about canal boats (narrowboats).
Want the pros and cons of it. Anyone out there have some experiences to share?
Norma <email>
Denver, CO USA Fri 01/06/2006
re: TSA locks
I agree with Patti about the cable ties instead of locks. I even found some nifty neon colored ones at WalMart. At check in after TSA has examined our bags, we just fasten one on before the desk agent checks it in. Much easier than locks -- which in my experience TSA has always cut off and ruined anyway.
Julie
Omaha, NE USA Fri 01/06/2006
Europe Trip August 2006
Patti,
I think you need to think carefully about going on to Italy.
The only airline that flies direct from Paris to Pisa is EasyJet. The LOWEST fare in August, WITH taxes and fees, is 35 EUR. I see other fares at 42 and 50 EUR. That fare applies to the kids as well.
You have to be at Orly by 5 PM. The earliest possible train connection out of Pisa Airport gets you to the station in Pisa at 9:10 PM or to Florence at 10:33; plus you have to get to a hotel from there. That is going to be long day for 3 and 5 year olds.
<email>
USA Fri 01/06/2006
Madrid-Toledo
After you type in the URL and get the main page you'll see a list of routes, including Madrid-Toledo. Click on it and then look for a heading "Horarios y Precios por trayectos y clase." Select either Madrid-Toledo or Toledo-Madrid and you'll see timetables and the E8.00 price.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 01/06/2006
Universal charger
Targus makes a universal charger. It costs about $150. I saw one several years ago at CompUSA. I didn't have tips for either my Sony DSC-S30 digital camera or my NEC MobilePro 800, so I didn't bother getting one.
CO USA Fri 01/06/2006
Madrid-Toledo AVE fare?
In the RS web site for spain, he wrote: "The high-speed AVE train line that goes directly between Madrid and Toledo is now open. The train departs almost hourly, costs €8 one-way, and takes 35 minutes. For details, see www.renfe.es/ave. This is now easily the best way between these destinations.
"
I went online and didn't see any 8 euro fare. Am I missing something??
Michelle
USA Fri 01/06/2006
Universal battery charger?
I am on the road right now and I'm carrying an Ipod charger, a cellphone charger, and a charger for my laptop. Does anybody make a universal charger with adaptors? It seems so silly to drag around all three...
JER
USA Fri 01/06/2006
Agreement with the other Karen
I think that the other Karen had some excellent ideas about making a trip with young children less stressful. I LOVE Florence, but I can't imagine taking young children there in August. It was hard enough taking elderly parents there in August. We skipped some great sights because we were exchausted.
Sometimes it seems like Graffiti Wall posters are reluctant to admit how hard it is being a parent--whether it's leaving a spouse at home with little ones or packing everybody up on a European vacation, it's tough. I certainly have no regrets about having had three children, but your life changes. The way you travel changes too...and all too soon you're empty nesters. Enjoy the stage of life that you're presently at. Kids need down time... They don't do well with lines, crowds & lots of car time.
On our big family trip to Europe we visited the Baltic Sea and had a picnic--They liked that. We also visited a farm & a castle--They liked that too. We saw two big cities: Berlin & Hamburg, but we stopped for ice cream a lot.
Karen <email>
MN USA Fri 01/06/2006
BA rejects on appearance?
Shirley,
What do you mean when you say BA rejects bags on appearance? Thanks,
Sue
Maine USA Fri 01/06/2006
Linz to Auschwitz
You can go all the way by train, but it will require from 4 to 7 changes. Visit www.bahn.de (the site is viewable in English) for the timetables. Enter Linz Hbf as your starting point and Oswiecim as your destination. The URL for the official Auschwitz site is www.auschwitz-muzeum.oswiecim.pl.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 01/06/2006
yes BA does both weigh carry ons and reject them on appearance
It's one reason I now try to avoid flying BA! The check in counter can be a miserable experience for many people.
Shirley
Fort Worth, TX USA Fri 01/06/2006
Linz, Austria to Auschwitz
I am planning on being in Linz, Austria for a conference this summer. I would like to visit Auschwitz, utilizing both rail and bus travel. I am simply at a loss to even begin to find the easiest route/combination to accomplish this. HELP!
Thanks!
Kevin
Houston, TX USA Fri 01/06/2006
Professor
I never,ever check a bag! I take my suitcase and my briefcase in the cabin with me and have never been questioned. PM me for details.
Bob <email>
Getysburg, PA USA Fri 01/06/2006
Eurostar Tickets
Visit www.eurostar.com for the timetables and prices. Cheapest: Travel between 11:00 and 15:00, Monday-Thursday, for $90 return (roundtrip). Next: Travel anytime Monday-Thursday for $120. Finally: Travel anytime on any day for $150. Those are discount prices. When those seats are gone, you'll pay more. As soon as you know what dates and times you want, buy your tickets directly from www.eurostar.com. Do NOT wait until you get to Paris.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 01/06/2006
Euro-Travel horror movie!
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about a euro-travel horror movie that opens nationwide in cinemas today. It's called "Hostel" and its been getting fairly good reviews. Its about two American teenagers doing the back-packing thing through Europe, they run into a mysterious traveler from Iceland who then leads them to a hostel in romote Slovokia; you can imagine what happens next:) Can't wait to check it out!
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Fri 01/06/2006
What is the deal with La Scaletta in Florence??
People either love it or hate it. Either the owners are terribly rude and scream at the guest or they are wonderfully friendly and helpful. It's either the favorite accomodation of the whole trip, or a dirty dump with a nice terrace. Do I dare risk it??
Kate
WA USA Fri 01/06/2006
Florence with young children?
Wow, what a great trip you are planning, Patti! I can't help with the car seats, but did, last August, combine a week- long family reunion in Italy with some weeks of continued travel as a family. Some of the relatives had children as young as yours, who loved playing in the pool and running around the grounds where we all stayed. But- it's very hot and very crowded in Italy in August (that's when we went)and some of the car rides to the Tuscan hill towns tried the patience of the adults by the end of the day! Unless you stayed put (as another poster suggested) at a place with a pool near a town of your choosing as a "base" for at least a few days in Tuscany it might be really difficult for them to be in the car so much, even with good air conditioning! They would probably love the trains, and have more freedom to run around en route. You could take the train from Pisa (major station) to Rome and not need the car at all...we also went to Florence. Passionate art lovers, a chance of a lifetime, but do others agree it would be tough with little ones? Again it was August, very hot, intense crowds (I'd worry about keeping them close- I fretted about my 18-year-old!)...the Science Museum was fascinating and listed in the "For Kids" section of my Lonely Planet guide, but not the interactive hands- on type your young travelers would prefer (instruments in cases, etc). To say nothing of the waiting in lines (definitely use the RS reservation tips if you do go there). My sister has used "InItaly" and stayed in agriturrisimos (sp?!) with her young children- a pool, working farm and prepared meals, albeit more costly than getting an apartment in a city. This is such a wonderful resource for advice and I'm sure you'll get great suggestions!
Karen
USA Thu 01/05/2006
STOCKHOLM AIRPORT BUT
Emily: look at this page for bus information: http://www.lfv.se/templates/LFV_InfoSida_70_30____15949.aspx.
Or do a google.com search for “Stockholm airport to centrum.”
If that doesnt work, as soon as you land go to the airport Tourist Information Office and ask which airline furnishes a bus into the city.
I have always found one that is cheaper than the train or a taxi.
BETTY Z
NYC, USA Thu 01/05/2006
THE USE OF MELATONIN
I take a 3 mg tablet of Melatonin every night and have for 15 years. It helps me sleep. I never dream.
Previously I would awake at 2 am and have trouble going back to sleep. Now I don’t have that problem any longer.
I have had no side affects and would recommend anyone taking it. If you develop side affects do as my doctor told me, stop taking it. I wonder if Michael Schneider, the poster below is a doctor. My doctor says 3 mg is ok. I found this article in Newsweek magazine interesting "Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap.
It's secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain, as our eyes register the fall of darkness.
"At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of it produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older.
Scientists believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people.
"Studies suggest that... supplements can hasten sleep and ease jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills."
Tests are still under way; so there is much to be learned about it and its effects on the human body.
Travelers and people suffering from mild sleep disorders find it effective.”
CARLOS
SANTA FE, USA Thu 01/05/2006
Train Travel from Paris to London
My Son and I are flying round trip to/from Paris this April. While there, we would like to take a train to London for a couple of nights. What is the best way to do this, and can someone give me a rough idea of the cost involved? My son is 15. Would it be better to buy a ticket before we go or buy the ticket in Paris?
Thanks,
Joe <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Thu 01/05/2006
Family trip: Simplify, simplify, simplify
For the would-be family traveler, I think your trip sounds very stressful. Our youngest was 10 when we took the first family trip to Europe & at the time I decided the best decision that I made was to stick to one country (Germany) and spend several days in each place we visited. Visiting smaller towns where the kids could run around was also a good idea.
Karen <email>
MN USA Thu 01/05/2006
RE: Europe August 2006
I think it's humorous how you classify "fun" and "family reunion" as 2 different things!
1) Not a clue about Verdun 2) Pisa to Florence = train (very easy) 3a) Best way from Florence to Rome is on Eurostar 3b)Family of 5 is best to rent an apartment in Rome, we rented from www.sleepinitaly.com with a good experience
Personally I would give less time to Tuscany and devote some of your time to the Amalfi Coast since you're only a couple of hours away from Sorrento while in Rome.
I'm not an Italian travel expert, but we did visit in June 2005 and these tips are just from our experience.
Tim
USA Thu 01/05/2006
Re: TSA Locks
I travel a lot on business, and instead of a TSA lock, I use Cable Ties...and pack extras in my luggage. That way, they can be cut if access is required for search, and extras are available for them to lock 'em back up. If a ner-do-well in the airport has the TSA access ability, you don't know who's been in it. With a cable tie, you KNOW if someone accessed your luggage because the "white" cable tie you used is gone and a green one is in its place (the ones available in your luggage). It's worked like a charm so far.
Patti S.
Philadelphia Suburbs, PA USA Thu 01/05/2006
Europe Trip August 2006
I will be traveling to France and Italy with my 3 children (5, 5, and 3) in August. Partially for a family reunion (Bordeaux region), and partially for fun...Verdun, Paris (maybe Normandy or Belgium), Pisa, Florence, and Rome.
Our intent is to start at our family reunion, tool around France for a bit, then head to Paris...meet friends and take an inexpensive plane Paris to Pisa (25 Euros for adults)...Pisa to Florence (best to take rental car? Train??), hang in Florence for a bit, then on to Rome via rental car while doing Tuscany on the way. I know no rental car is needed in Florence.
So, questions are...
1. Any opinons on hotels in Verdun? Before you say "don't go" -- my husband is a war-buff, and we did Normandy already, so he's dying for Verdun.
2. How to get from Pisa to Florence? Is there a shuttle from Pisa's airport, perhaps?
3. What between Florence and Rome is a don't miss? I noticed two lakes on the way...worth an overnight stay?
3. Where to stay in Rome?
4. I have Rick's old Europe and country guides from 1997 for our honeymoon...was wondering about big differences between country guides and regional ones? Are regional ones the only ones with "_____ for Kids" in it, or is it a subset of each region in the country guide?
4. For those that have traveled with children, what to do about boosters and the like...aren't they required on a plane? And if you had them, how the $*%#@* did you get around when you weren't traveling via car?
Patti S.
Philadelphia Suburbs, PA USA Thu 01/05/2006
Julie,
For the punk scene, check out www.travelpunk.com .. there's all kinds of fun links .. and I'm sure you'll find something related to the punk scene, too!
Former punk <email>
USA Thu 01/05/2006
Alexandra - CDG to Vincennes
In my previous post I recommended taking the Air France bus to Gare de Lyon and a taxi from there. If I had thought to ask how many people there are in your party, I would have recommended doing exactly what you have chosen to do. The price you are paying for one ride all the way compares favcrably with four bus tickets plus a short taxi ride.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Thu 01/05/2006
TSA Lock Works For Me
I've also used the TSA-approved lock (at home and abroad).. and it seems to work well. Of course, a TSA employee can steal from your bag if he or she wants. But at least (you'd hope) it means airline employees and non-TSA people can't get in.. or at least would have a hard time trying. (Although let's face it-- there's probably a black market with those TSA tools that unlock the lock)
Tony Reed <email>
Albuquerque, NM USA Thu 01/05/2006
RE: BA Carry on
Bob, Greg's original question was about being able to carry on a briefcase in addition to a <6 kg carry on bag. Your answer, "[I] routinely take a suitcase and a briefcase" implied that you carry on both. That is why I asked about the weight; I assumed we were talking about the suitcase. Now your response addresses only the weight of the briefcase. Can I assume you check the suitcase?
Professor
USA Thu 01/05/2006
RE: Greg BA Carry on
Have you actually seen BA weigh a bag, find that it is over 6 kg, and make the passenger check it?
CO USA Thu 01/05/2006
TAXIS FROM HEATHROW
Details from www.heathrow.com
Click on "To and from our airport" then on "Taxis"
Graham <email>
USA Thu 01/05/2006
Private Tour with the Monetti's in Italy
I was wondering if anyone has ever signed up for the tour with the Monetti's from Sorrento to Paestum or any other tour with them. It is a lot of money for me and I want to make sure that it is worth it. thanks
Moriah <email>
Port Orchard, WA USA Thu 01/05/2006
Co question regarding BA
I fly tourist and have never weighed the briefcase, but it is certainly under 12 pounds.
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Thu 01/05/2006
GREG BA CARRY ON
BA will allow one small carry on, e.g. purse, tote, camera bag, computer case in addition to your bag but they are strict about the 12 lb. limit. Weigh everything before you go with a digital scale. We usually just check the baggage on the way home because of things we have bought. Good luck and have a great trip.
USA Thu 01/05/2006
Milan Hotel
Any recommendations for a reasonable hotel in Milan for just a night?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Thu 01/05/2006
spain lodging
If you're travelling in Spain over Easter, BOOK NOW! It's an extraordinary time to be there, but an extraordinarily busy time as well for hotels, pensions, and hostals. Massive Easter festivals in virtually every town and city....the only other place it seems to get this busy at Easter is in Rome. Lots of websites out there to book accomodations, depending on your price range. As for driving....the coastal highway along the south shore of Spain is probably the deadliest in Europe. Go for trains or, even less expensive and just as fast, buses...everyone travels by bus in Spain, and the coaches are modern and comfortable.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Thu 01/05/2006
Bob re BA carry on policy
Do you travel business class (World Traveler Plus), where a 2nd item is allowed, or tourist (World Traveler)?
How much does your carry on bag weigh? Do they ever weigh it to see if it meets the 6 kg limit? If over do they let you take it on anyway?
CO USA Thu 01/05/2006
Punk Scene
Hello all!
I was wondering if any of you were familiar with the punk scene over there? Anyone have any place worth mentioning? I've done some looking around and found some places/clubs. We’ll be in London, Paris, Munich, Berlin, and Amsterdam…
Thanks!
Julie <email>
USA Thu 01/05/2006
Re: Events 25-27th February
Check out:
http://www.cwn.org.uk/whatson/
It has listings for various events around Coventry and Warwickshire. Most of the places listed are within 5-20 miles of Coventry, or within Coventry itself, and can be reached by (local) bus or train. Unless you're driving of course.
UK Thu 01/05/2006
Greg re BA carry on policy
Greg, I travel on BA for business and routinely take a suitcase and a briefcase.
Bob <email>
Gettysburg, PA USA Thu 01/05/2006
Non-Drinkers in London
Just to add my 2 cents -- I went on a few guided pub-walks last time I was in London, and asked for J2O (jay-2-oh) at the bar -- they are different flavored bottles of mixtures of juices (papaya & orange, for example). The barman will pour it in a glass of ice and give you the bottle and glass to finish. Delicious! Don't know if it is available in the rest of Europe though. Anybody know?
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Thu 01/05/2006
CDG to Vincennes
I actually was able to find a shuttle service that will take us from CDG to our condo in Vincennes. 58 Euros for all four of us -not too bad and gives me peace of mind. GREAT website www.parisinfo.com has tons of transportation info.
Alexandra Martella
Longmont, CO USA Thu 01/05/2006
Luggage locks
Susan~~we used the new locks last year on our trip to the UK and didn't have any trouble at all. I would suggest that you use them. If the security people open the locks a little spot on the lock turns color so you would be able to tell if someone was in your luggage.
USA Thu 01/05/2006
Security travel locks
Has anyone used those security travel locks that the baggage people can open? Any problems with them? Last year in Italy I used a baggie tie on one of my zippers and the baggage people broke the zipper off!
Susan
San Francisco, Ca USA Thu 01/05/2006
British airways carry-on policy
My family and I will be traveling from Boston to Spain on British Airways in late May. We are trying to avoid checking any bags. All of us are using either Rick's ETBD bags or comparable bags from Patagonia. The British Air web site said that we are allowed only one bag of 6 kg or less in the cabin (they offer more leeway to passengers with higher-priced tickets). Has anyone out there flown recently with British Air? Despite their written rules, do they allow people to carry an additional small item -- like a small briefcase or camera bag -- in addition to the one piece of luggage? I'm always amazed at the amount of stuff people manage to get on board domestic flights, but since I haven't traveled internationally in years, I don't know how flexible the rules are.
Greg
Maine USA Thu 01/05/2006
melatonin
This medication is a hormone. Though it is marketed in several strengths, even on-line, it varies and sometimes varies greatly in its effect on persons. Age is a significant factor as is the number of daylight hours you experience. That two pervious posters noted different effects of the hormone illustrates this point. Researchers know generally what melatonin does, but its effect on T1, T2, and T3 recepters is not fully understood. A prudent person would use this product only on the advice of a doctor familiar with endocrinology. That is probably why the European pharmacist recoiled at providing it otc.
HG
ILL USA Wed 01/04/2006
Alexandra/CGD to Vincennes
You have a rough problem. You don't want the expense of a taxi. You could use one of the shuttle services, but they are about the same as or more expensive than taxis. You don't want the Metro because you have too much bagage, so you probably don't want the RER either though it does go from CDG to Vincennes and is considerably less expensive than the other choices. And Air France doesn't go to Vincennes and has limited hours. Interesting, is it not? Perhaps your condo managment has a shuttle service for condo residents?
USA Wed 01/04/2006
spain lodging
In Spain for month of April, wife and I wonder if no advance reservations is a good idea for that time frame, Plan on settling in for the Easter weekend but otherwise plan on using TI. Or ???. web sites?? East coast and southern Spain with day trip to Morroco after 7 days in Barcelona, have traveled w/o reservations and with in Northern Europe and South Pacific but never in Spain. Any ideas or thoughts. Thought about a small RV. Thoughts?? tks
C.Heemstra <email>
Three Oaks, MI USA Wed 01/04/2006
Melatonin
I use that to help me sleep on the overseas flight. No bad dreams at all. It doesn't make me sleep longer, just good natural sleep in a few hours---sort of compressed. Be warned that in Europe it is not an "over the counter" thing, so you won't be able to get more. I was asked by a friend to help him get more at a pharmacy in Switzerland, because I speak German. The pharmacist was horrified---she said, "Oh no, you can't buy that here!" She offered instead what they use as a natural remedy, valerian. I don't mean to suggest that it's illegal to have it in Europe; I don't know the laws there. Just carry what you need.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/04/2006
Beverages
To "Not a Drinker Either"---that apple drink was an "Apfelschorle" (sometimes called "Apfelsaftschorle". You don't buy it in a bottle---they make it in the restaurant/Gasthaus by mixing apple juice and sparkling water, but I don't know the proportions. Try 50-50. As for Orangina (which our teenagers learned to love in Paris), you can buy that here---you're in California so look for it at Trader Joe's---they have the best price.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Wed 01/04/2006
PhilDutch
Does anybody know anything about the PhilDutch B&B in Amsterdam? Thanks.
Tim Wilson
Rolling Meadows, IL USA Wed 01/04/2006
June in Paris Wardrobe
2 pr leather walking sandals (1 black)
1-2 skirts, (1 black)
1-2 capris (1 black)
3-4 SL Tops: Neutral & bright color
* I pack at least 1 blouse/button top as I find them cooler than pullovers.
1 Sleeveless Blouse print
1-2 Tee tanks/camisoles
3/4 Buttoned Blouse layer with camisole underneath-Roll up sleeves-Tie up waist with capris/skirt if warm.
1 scarf *Treat yourself & buy one there
1 black dress, kneelength.
Lightweight cardigan for dress/skirt.
1 parashna for shoulders/wrap/picnic/coverup.
Optional: 1 bathing suit
Costume necklace & bracelet.
Pearl balls or Diamond stud earrings for
that little black dress! Wedding band.
Lightweight rain jacket/umbrella.
Di
USA Wed 01/04/2006
B&B's in Rome
BB Pascucci, BB castel santangelo - has anyone stayed at either one of these in Rome? Are they really non-smoking? For that matter, is Alitalia non-smoking?
Mimi <email>
Hopewell Junction, NY USA Wed 01/04/2006
Wrinkle Free shirts- Versatile and super!
Wrinkle free items are a blessing. In my last 3 weeks in EUrope, I invested in wrinkle free 3/4 sleeve shirts from Eddie Bauer (I'm sure other places have them). They wash and dry in no time! Plus, they travel great... especially in Rick's "Travel Cubes" (those are such a god send!).
In the warmer days, those shirts were comfortable.. and in the cooler days, I wore a short sleeve shirt under it and a jacket.
USA Wed 01/04/2006
Not a drinker either!
I am not a drinker and had no problem in Italy or Germany. I acquired a fondness for 'orangina' in Italy, which is like a mild carbonated orange juice. It cost more than wine or beer, and a small bottle, but it was delicious! In Germany my friend ordered me some sort of apple juice drink... similar to orangina, but it was selzer water and apple juice. I wish I remembered what it was, but it was great with the typical barvarian meal he served us!
So if you're not a drinker, there's plenty of options!
Anaheim, CA USA Wed 01/04/2006
melatonin
Melatonin works, but it has a side-effect of giving you very intense dreams-your dreams will be in high-definition. Try to ge it in 1mg tablets and cut the pill in half. As far as I know, only GNC sells it in that size. The 3mg dosage that other companies sell is way too much; and I'm a big guy!
Michael Schneider <email>
ny USA Wed 01/04/2006
Melatonin
Has anyone ever used Melatonin? I'm thinking I should use it but some say yes and some say no. Thanks!
<email>
USA Wed 01/04/2006
Stockholm Airport
Visit www.lfv.se, click on "English," then on "Airports," and finally on the airport of your choice from the list. Then click on "To and From" and you'll find information about buses and trains.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 01/04/2006
Condor Airlines
Does anyone have any experience flying Condor Air? Condor is a German airline flying only out of Las Vegas and Orlando in the States, to most destinations in Europe.
Norm <email>
Tustin, CA USA Wed 01/04/2006
Stockholm airport
Can someone please advise about taking train or bus from airport to downtown Stockholm? Will want to visit main Information center before heading to my B&B after very long travel day.
Thanks.
Emily
Houston, USA Wed 01/04/2006
Rome on Easter
I am travelling to Rome and Malta with 2 friends (3 adult females total) and on our way out, we have an overnight stay in Rome on the 16th (Easter Sunday). We don't get in until 7:45pm and leave at 7:20 the next morning.
Because of time constraints, we do not think we want to bother with trying to go into the city that night (and assume that most everything will be closed for the holiday). That being said, we are hoping to stay in an airport close to the airport. I've found the Hilton, practically onsite, but the only rooms I can find are for 2 people and very expensive (ie, the sum total of our 3 previous nights in Rome)!
Any suggestions on how to find cheaper rates or where to stay so we
won't have to hassle with trains and/or taxis in the morning?
Shanna <email>
Fairfax, VA USA Wed 01/04/2006
Watercolors
I would get everything here in the US. Supplies are much cheaper here and if you want to leave them, you can. I did some painting on my last trip and the paint set I used was 6 by 2 inches (smaller ones that fit in your pocket are out there)and I brought only 4 of my favorite brushes. I take my time doing a painting so I only took a few sheets of my special paper. A quarter inch binder worked great to protect my work (plus I used it to keep all my important papers from getting crumpled and it was a nice place to store things I wanted to scrapbook later) and I just slip it into my backback. Someone else might have a better suggestion on where to buy supplies but I rather not waste my time looking for a shop that may or may not sell art supplies :)
JJ
USA Wed 01/04/2006
London Black Cabs
London Black Cabs (www.londonblackcabs.co.uk) are the official ones. Note: They come in other colors, too. If the light is on, you can hail them in the street. Unlicensed minicabs cannot be hailed on the street.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 01/04/2006
CDG to Vincennes
I suggest you take the Air France bus to Gare de Lyon and then take a taxi from there. You won't have to struggle with your luggage and it will certainly be cheaper than taking a taxi all the way from CDG.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 01/04/2006
Light Sleeper
Gail
I am the world's lightest sleeper but since I love to travel I make do with a variety of methods. I use ear plugs but it is not enough so I also bring a "white noise" machine (travel size) and put it under the pillow so it does not keep my husband awake. It really helps draw my ear to the pillow and not to outside noises. I bought the soothing sounds machine from Sharper Image. It's small enough that I can travel light with it. Hope that helps.
Teri
Teri <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Wed 01/04/2006
art supplies
I will be doing watercolor paintings as I travel thru Tuscany & Venice. How can I easily carry all the supplies I need? Any recommendations about where to purchase art supplies in these areas so I don't have to carry everything from home?
Joan <email>
NY USA Wed 01/04/2006
Transportation CDG-Vincennes
We need to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to our condo in Vincennes. We would rather not take the metro with all our luggage and the fact we will be tired. The condo suggested taking a taxi but I am thinking that will be expensive? I don't think the Air France bus goes to Vincennes?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Wed 01/04/2006
Cab in London
this question has been asked before, but I don't have time to look back...
Which are the official cabs in London? I leave today, and need to get one at the airport to get to my hotel. Arriving Heathrow. Will there be a cab stand like in the US?
thanks!
USA Wed 01/04/2006
ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA
Joan: My wife and I traveled from Dallas to Moscow via St Petersburg in 2002. We flew American Airlines to Helsinki. Took the train to St Petersburg. Train to Moscow.
I arranged all transportation myself, except for the letter of invitation to Russia. Obtaining the visa was quick and easy from the Russian Consulate in Washington. Check their webpage for application form.
We flew back via FinnAir from Moscow to Tallinn for two days touring. Then the hovercraft back to Helsinki. Flew American back to Dallas.
As for cheap, we stayed with a family for 3 nights in STPB where the husband drove us around town in his car for $50 a day. We paid for room and board in his apartment. $30 a night for room and $2 each for meals.
In Moscow the personal friend who arranged for our letter of invitation provided an apartment for us for 3 nights. We used ATMs everywhere without difficulty.
Best time to go would be spring or fall.....whenever you find cheap fares. Be flexible in choosing your time and you may find lower fares at another date.
I did a lot of research on the web to find the family we stayed with in STPB. We emailed each other several times working out payment for room and guiding.
CARL
DALLAS, USA Wed 01/04/2006
Inexpensive hotels in Heidelberg or Munich??
My husband and I will be traveling with our 13 month old to Germany in April. Can anyone recommend a "family friendly" inexpensive hotel in Heidelberg or Munich? Thank you so much for your help!
Holly
Madison, WI USA Wed 01/04/2006
St. Petersburg,Russia
We are interested in travelling to St. Petersburg. Do you have any information about the best time to go,cheapest way ( We live on the West Coast),apartments. Any concerns?
Joan <email>
Walnut Creek, CA USA Tue 01/03/2006
Menus in German
Apparently at least a few people liked the Zur Krone menu. Online menus are not unusual in Germany; every town has a website with a list of accommodations, and a few include their menus.
Here are a few more, all from the middle Rhein area.
www.hotel-rebstock.com/speisekarte/index.html
www.weinhaus-wieghardt.de/download/speisekarte.pdf
www.hotel-singender-wirt.de/speisekarte-grp.pdf.
Guten Appetit!
The last one is entirely in German. I suggest you look at my posting today on "Books for the Journey" to see an excellent book for interpreting European language menus.
On2
<email>
USA Tue 01/03/2006
Darwin Airline
I was looking at ways to get from Lugano to the UK and came across Darwin Airlines. I had never heard of them and wonder if anyone has experience travelling with them. Any comments would be helpful
Iain <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada Tue 01/03/2006
Re: Hotel Italia, Rome
Jeff,
I stayed at Hotel Italia back in 2003 and again in 2004 and found it to be a very charming place. It is literally right across the street from one of the Ministries, about 10 mins walk from Termini, about 20 min from Colossuem, about 20 min from Pantheon, and right on several bus lines. I would recommend the annex rooms across the street. That is where I stayed and I felt them to be much nicer and quieter than the rooms in the hotel. Trust this helps.
Beth <email>
Chicago, IL USA Tue 01/03/2006
Gasthaus zur Krone
That menu (see below, website is www.kronegoar.de)not only stimulates the appetite, but demonstrates a good point about beverage portion sizes in Europe. Note that the juices and soft drinks are offered in either 0,2 liter and 0,4 liter sizes. That is the equivalent of 7 and 14 ounces, respectively---slightly smaller portions than found here. The fill line will be marked on the glass, so there's no question about the level. Sometimes the amounts are expressed in deciliters instead, and some places will offer wine in 1 or 2dl glasses; "ein Viertel" is a fourth of a liter of wine served in a small carafe. In most places, the soft drinks will be served without ice unless you specifically request it---and then, it will often be provided in a separate glass so you can add at will.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Tue 01/03/2006
Siena B&B
Albergo Bernini is a very nice place in Siena. We found him in Rick's book. We were there last May. Good breakfast on outdoor balcony. Wish I was going with you! Have fun, Susan
Susan <email>
USA Tue 01/03/2006
Sorrento Hotel
Albergo Settimo Cielo is very nice with a great view. Good breakfast and easy walk to town. You need to take a bus from the train station. Don't let them tell you the bus is not running...we learned the hard way. Susan
Susan <email>
USA Tue 01/03/2006
Re: JR...solo travel
I can completely empathize with you. My wife and I always travel together, and while I enjoy it immensely, I often wonder what it would be like to just go to Europe myself. When we travel together, it is always a compromise of sights and pace to meet both our needs. While we share many interests, we also have our own. My dream trip... a beer tour, either a grand tour (Ireland, UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Czech Rep.) or just Belgium and Germany. Pretty much solid beer tasting and brewery tours, something my wife has little interest in, but I have a great interest in. Still no luck in convincing her of this though.
Paul <email>
IA USA Tue 01/03/2006
Light Sleeper
Gail - Being a fellow light-sleeper, I whole-heartedly agree with David from
Seattle. The foam earplugs are awesome. After about 7-8 uses, they do
compress somewhat and lose some of their effectiveness, so you may want to pack
several pair. And a small container or plastic bag to store them. Also,
when we book a hotel, we try to look at a map. On most maps a major street,
with more street noise, is wider than a side street, which will tend to have
less street noise.
Rick <email>
Chicago, IL USA Tue 01/03/2006
Dover B&B
St. Alban's might suit you. (I haven't stayed there, but the site looks good.) Here's the URL: www.accommodation-dover.co.uk.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 01/03/2006
Dover U K B7B
Need an econamical B & B near the Dover UK Ferry Terminal
jJean <email>
RIVERSIDE, CA USA Mon 01/02/2006
re: Light sleper
Me too. I'm generally a super-light sleeper - like, if someone clicks on a light switch in the next room, it'll wake me. I've addressed this successfully while traveling with the little foam ear plugs sold in drug stores. The first time I had to use them was in a hostel in Morocco: there was a guy in the bunk below me snoring loud enough to rattle my fillings. The ear plugs brought me blissful, total silence, and allowed me to sleep without any trouble. It was a little weird at first, but I soon got used to them. Only problem is waking up the next morning.
David
Seattle, WA USA Mon 01/02/2006
re:Light Sleeper
I am a very light sleeper. I have learned to sleep with ear protection that shooters use. I bought ear protection[ear phones] at a gun store and tried them for sleep. They work for me. I didn't even have too much trouble adjusting to sleeping with them on.
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Sterling Air
I need to fly from Copenhagen to Amsterdam in July. Least expensive seems to be Sterling Air and they require payment at time of booking. Is Sterling a safe, reliable airline? Any particular issues I should know about them?
Bill <email>
Austin, TX USA Mon 01/02/2006
Non-alcoholic drinks.
Thanks for the responses. Special thanks to the poster who signed "USA" and suggested checking the Gasthaus Zur Krone in St. Goar menu.
Just reading it made me hungry!
I'm looking forward to the trip.
Carl in Tampa
Tampa, FL USA Mon 01/02/2006
Light Sleeper
I am looking for a quiet hotel in Wurzburg, Germany. Rick Steve's listings are "All entertained by church bells". I am a light sleeper and any church bell ringing or train noise will keep me awake. Help!
Gail <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 01/02/2006
Homeric Tour
We are considering Homeric contry combination (greece and egypt) vacation package and tour. When should you use a tour vs. plan on your own?Does anyone have experience with their quality of service and cruise?
Ketan Shah <email>
Olympia, WA USA Mon 01/02/2006
Events 25 - 27 February?
I'm flying to England for my friends' wedding in Coventry late next month, but much to my disappointment, I won't get to spend much time with them. This leaves me Saturday, 25 February to do pretty much whatever I'd like in or near Coventry. I'm then (probably) leaving for London on Sunday 26 February, and I'll probably have Monday 27 February free, as well. What I'd like to know is, are there any events taking place near Coventry or London that I might want to attend? I'm open to taking a relatively short train ride if need be. Suggest anything that's going on, I'm open to ideas.
Dave <email>
Strongsville, OH USA Mon 01/02/2006
Air Travel - Germany to Italy
Try https://www.flydba.com, and http://www.hlx.com/en/index.html,
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 01/02/2006
Tuscany acticities
Jan
Check out Ibikeitaly.com. Day bike trips from Florence, I have done them twice, a very enjoyable day.
Linda <email>
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Croatia
I am interested in going to Croatia from Atlanta in May. Would like to see Dubrovnik and the Adriatic coast. Then ferry over to Italy. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks, Susan
Susan <email>
Trussville, Al USA Mon 01/02/2006
Air Travel from Germany to Italy
I am planning on taking my 80 year old father to Europe for his first trip over Easter. We will be staying with my daughter for a week in Dusseldorf, Germany and than traveling to Italy. I would love to find an airline that goes from Dusseldorf or Cologne or Dortmund, Germany directly to Florence or Pisa, can anyone help. I have looked extensively and seem to be stuck! Anyone Please!! Thanks
Lori Collins <email>
Novato, CA USA Mon 01/02/2006
Hotel Italia, Rome
Looking for others who have used the Hotel Italia in Rome. A recent posting indicated that it's a bad place to stay. I'm booked there in May. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,
Jeff
Jeff <email>
Pittsburgh, PA USA Mon 01/02/2006
car rental in Tuscany
We are traveling from Venice to Tuscany. We will be staying in San Gimignano. Should we train to Florence (we are 6 people) and rent a car in Florence and then drive to San Gimignano?Also, we drove around France for the summer last year and used a small car.(a big car would have never worked) In Tuscany can we use 1 big car for 6 or do we need 2 small cars.
Jan
jan <email>
orlando, fl USA Mon 01/02/2006
JR's 'firestorm'
I dunno JR, when I say to my husband "I just don't understand WHY you would want to do that..." it usually means I have some opposition to whatever he is planning. Your description sounded like your wife was OK with your plans - until you got to that comment. Here's an unsolicited thought - is there any professional reason you could go to Europe? Take a class, a workshop, check on the company's London office, etc.? If you had a reason to go and then added on a couple of days of vacation, she might then "understand" why you wanted to go.
Fran
Alabama USA Mon 01/02/2006
bikes/horses/vespas in Tuscany
We are spending 4 days in Tuscany. We are staying near San Gimignano. We will take day trips from this area. Does anyone know of great bike rental/trials near here? Horseback riding? Or A goos (non traffic area tp ride vespas and where to rent them.
jan
Jan <email>
orlando, fl USA Mon 01/02/2006
Cheap tickets to US
When using a search engine like ebookers.com, make sure you check out the websites of the airlines it lists before you book. You might find lower fares on the airline websites for exactly the same travel dates and times.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 01/02/2006
jeans
To Susan in San Francisco: Clean, whole, unfaded jeans with a "nice" top (not a beer sweatshirt! but you knew that),comfortable but subdued walking shoes, and a sensible/attractive jacket, should be OK for a sightseer anywhere in Europe. As you know, it's what Europeans wear when they come here to SF, and I can't believe they do more research into sartorial rules than we do! I'm on the shady side of middle age, dress as described above when traveling, and get asked questions by locals--not "Why do Americans dress so funny?" but "Excuse me, do you know what time the museum opens?" As a San Franciscan, you probably have an innate sense of style anyway 8-).
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 01/02/2006
Airport transfer
Sandra,
there is more information on the Schoenfeld website. Go to www.berlin-airport.de, click on the British flag, then on "how to get there" under Berlin Brandenburg Airport (SXF).
It appears that the regional trains I mentioned are what they call the Airport Express. The airport website has schedules but no fares are given.
<email>
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Jeans in Paris
After seeing the "wide" range of clothing worn by everyone in Paris, I'm not sure that there IS an innappropriate item of clothing...jeans would be on the tame side.
Tim
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Airport transfer
Sandra,
there is a direct rail connection between Schoenfeld and the Zoo Bhf. Cost is €2,10 each way. The fastest connection is a direct one via regional trains. They run about every half hour and take 31-24 minutes. There is also a 45 min, one transfer S-Bahn/U-Bahn connection.
You can find the connections on the Bahn website (http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en) or on the Berlin metro site, www.vbbonlin.de. If you don't want to practice your German, click the American flag for English.
<email>
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Jeans in Paris?
I'll be arriving in Paris on January 31 and am putting together my clothing. Are nice jeans appropriate for daytime sightseeing?
Susan
San Francisco, ca USA Mon 01/02/2006
JR's solo travel
JR-okay, my second thoughts (I'm the one trying to convince your wife to go). I love to travel and certainly if my husband did not go with me I would choose a big city because there is lots to do, easy to get around by yourself (I'd hate to drive a foreign place without a passenger/navigator), and because there is a good chance I'd get to meet others. My top choice would be London - can't imagine ever having seen all there is to see there. Also, since I would welcome the chance to meet and talk with others, I would want to speak English so that is why I would choose this over Paris, Munich, etc. Also, the chance to see whatever London theatre show I would want without taking others taste into consideration would be sheer heaven. One other thought - do you know anyone at all who would travel with you? I have not traveled "solo" per se since I've been married, but I've gone without my husband to various spots with friends and enjoy trips with one or more of my kids (now teens & up) without taking the whole family. Better yet - anyone in Europe who could at least meet you for dinner? We have friends in Zurich and London so I know that if I were to pop in there by myself I would be warmly welcomed. I'm sorry your wife won't go with you because I know it has worked so well for us (leaving kids with grandma) but it's great you still have the option to travel without guilt!
Karen
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Airport transfer
I am using my limited German to find information on Airport Express. Can anyone tell me what it would cost for a roundtrip ticket from Berlin-Shoenfeld to Zoolichster Garten and back? Thanks
Sandra <email>
Puyallup, WA USA Mon 01/02/2006
BOB: AIR FARE TO AZORES
Bob, You might want to try these Spanish websites for cheap air fares. www.edreams.es or www.lastminute.es they have options to select languages, english included. They not only offer very low rates but also a wide array of travel options that one might not have considered before.
Claudia
Peru Mon 01/02/2006
Wow, I didn't mean to set off a firestorm
Wow, just got back and saw a long list of responses. Thanks to all for the advice, both positive and negative. At the risk of restarting this, I should clarily my original post. When I said my wife refuses to travel, I didn't mean to imply my travel to be an acrimonious discussion. It's just that since our child was born, she isn't interested in travel at all (and yes, I am a fanatical helper on child care). Not a weekend in northern MN, not a Gopher game at Michigan, certainly not Europe. She has simply changed her priorities, as is her right to do. She's not interested in leaving our son with anyone, grandparents included. We've discussed family travel, its my first choice and I have a great niece who would love to go with us and care for our son in the "off-hours", but my wife's feeling is that we can wait until our son is 8 before making any trips of great length. We have a trusting relationship, I wouldn't dream of putting it at risk for anything. She simply doesn't understand why someone would choose to travel solo and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to better articulate my desire to do so, along with some help on a decent location. Again thanks to all.
JR
MN USA Mon 01/02/2006
Paul n Sara
For Carl the Teetotaler
Sparkling water or "with gas/gaz" is everywhere. It is the choice and is relatively cheap compared to soft drinks, if they are available. Soda is common in American-type joints but has never caught on among Europeans generally, so is often not around in local places.
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Packing for Paris
Ha ha HG below. What a joke.
Wear comfortable clothes that reflect some style, pack well. As below a skirt is a wonderful addition to your bag. I took a linen one with me to Italy last May and used it quite a bit. It was the first time I ever took a skirt! I wore it at night to resturants mostly, but also to do the nightly "walk" down the main street with the locals.
For shoes...as suggested, leather sandals would be nicest. High heeled shoes - no way for sight seeing.
Remember, you are a tourist, but you don't have to dress like it.
Jersey knit items pack well and look good. I've read on the board that "Chico" stores are popular for clothing that travels well and looks nice. (not my taste, but...)
Accessories will help a lot. Don't take expensive jewelery, but a nice scarf and/or necklace will make you feel and look better.
Do plan on watching the women, and perhaps shopping for that one piece of clothing or accessory that you can use while on holiday, and then again when you get home.
Go - travel, enjoy!
<email>
CO USA Mon 01/02/2006
Dress in Paris in the summer
Margaret-my best tip for travel to Paris (or any big European city) during warm months is to skip the shorts and jeans and wear skirts - nothing too tailored mind you, but soft cotton, or other lightweight fabric, mostly with elastic waistbands. Also, as the poster below said, capris are another good choice. These options are both lightweight and slightly more upscale. You will never look like the Parisiennes but you will look nice and neat and be cool as well. Good leather walking sandals (I prefer Mephistos) is a comfortable but nicer than athletic shoes look that will pair with the skirts - I always bring 2 pair. I like the slightly dressier look as it allows me access to nicer restaurants, I look better in pictures, and truly feel more comfortable.
USA Mon 01/02/2006
Margaret/dressing for Paris
For the evening you certainly will need basic black and stylishly tall heels, some pearl or small diamond acoutrements as accent jewelry (the bulky boa like scarf is now falling from style tastes though still worn by the-not-so-chic) and a coif that best presents your facial features. A modest but tasteful fur piece or finely tatted something for your shoulders is also fine. If you have a partner for the evening he should be equally well presented and dressed to be subordinate but complementary to you much as a frame is to a fine painting. You thus will be comfortably merged with those at the opera, Mozart at Notre Dame, the Comedie Francaise, etc. Remember to bring with you or buy at any of the fine shopes in central Paris, a variety of make up to reflect the nature of your casual or dressy outfits that befit your activities of the moment. Your daywear should be specifically well chosen for strolling, tennis, being seen at the cafes, museum moments, or window shopping. Again, your partner must not clash with your clothing selections. OR, you can just hop into some comfortable cotton twill slacks, Rockports, and a top with a bit of color and be set for a day of enjoying whatever. Leave the fanny pack in the garbage, the purse at home, and a comb, towelette, and lipstick in your pocket.
HG
USA Sun 01/01/2006
Cheap tickets to US
Thanks for the ebookers.com tip
~ Liz
Liz
USA Sun 01/01/2006
Four of us are traveling in Portugal in May. We are looking for the cheapest air fare between the Portugese mainland and the Azores. What are our best options?
Bob <email>
Utah USA Sun 01/01/2006
BUYING DRINKS IN EUROPE
I agree with Shirley about drinking water in Europe. I always buy a bottle of water in a supermarket the first day there and carry it in my purse or backpack every day.
I always fill it every morning before I leave our hotel and again during day if need be.
Why pay those abusive prices for drinks when one travels. We can always find ways to save money on other things—why not on water too.
I don’t feel awkward about filling my bottle because I see others doing it.
FANNY W.
NYC, USA Sun 01/01/2006
chic and in black in Paris!
My favorite summer European traveling outfits include a pair of black capri- length shorts. I got mine from a local store that is like REI- the fabric is very lightweight, so they dry overnight and hide spills! Also, the various pockets, some with zippers, are great. I especially appreciated a feature that was a pocket on the lower front leg of one side with a zipper that was exactly the size for a passport and credit card. With various tops, the obligatory scarf or shawl and good walking sandals you're all set! I also took one of the "boho"-type skirts last trip- calf length and very lightweight. Another favorite for that elegant French "look" is a black dress in jersey or that travel- friendly material, either short- sleeved or sleeveless to which you can add a cardigan or the aforementioned scarves! I have two, since they pack so lightly- one that is knee length and one that is almost to the ankles and good for the evening if you want something a little dressier. Lucky you!!! Bon voyage!
Karen
USA Sun 01/01/2006
Paris Packing
We are planning on going to Paris for the first time this summer. I could use some ideas about what to wear in June. All black? What kind of shoes?
Any tips and ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!
Margaret <email>
Moline, IL USA Sun 01/01/2006
Alcohol in Europe
Carl, Gasthaus Zur Krone in St. Goar has its drink list online on their website. Go to www.kronegoar.de, click on the Amer/Brit flag, and select "List of Bevarages". Their menu is quite typical, including the prices. Note that they do have alcohol free beer.
You can also see their menu. You can select the German flag if you want to see what the menu would look like in German, since many places won't have an English menu.
<email>
USA Sun 01/01/2006
to JR-solo travel
Thought JR could use a woman's response in the positive for his solo travels. My husband is a college professor and has great time off, but usually during "peak" season. I take one or two trips a year w/girlfriends during the off season and have a fantastic time. We have a healthy and trusting relationship so neither of us worry about separate travel. He also goes on "guy" weekends to Vegas or to visit friends. Our next trip together is for his spring break in March back to Europe and we are very excited about it. Because I am a woman, I don't feel comfortable traveling alone, but that is a personal choice. We plan on starting a family soon and already have child-care lined up to resume our travels! I work on an airplane and would not go through the drama of taking a child to Europe until they were able to appreciate it. I was left w/grandma quite a bit as a child and enjoyed the time away from my parents! If your wife doesn't want to join you this time, take advantage of the opportunity to see some "guy" sites (warmongering and such) that she would rather not visit (though I do have to say that the Cabinet War Rooms were amazing when I saw them w/a girlfriend in London and I plan on re-visiting them w/my husband in March.) Don't let someone else's relationship dictate your travels, only you and your wife can make that decision together. Good luck!
nikki
houston, USA Sun 01/01/2006
Alcohol in Europe
Thanks for the responses. I knew, of course, that coffee and water would be available at "meal times," but was more concerned about some of the "socializing" and "people watching" venues - like "pubs" and "beer gardens." As long as there is SOME alternative to alcohol, I should have no problem.
Again - thanks for the responses.
Carl in Tampa
Tampa, FL USA Sun 01/01/2006
Alcohol free
Carl--the Swiss and Germans are very health-conscious, and no one will consider it unusual if you don't order beer or wine. For bottled water, ask for Mineralwasser; it comes either "mit" (with) or "ohne" (without)carbonation. For tap water, ask for Leitungswasser. I generally order a pitcher of that for our table and it is cheerfully provided. Coke is commonly available and it's called the same as here: "ein Coca-Cola". It is, however, more expensive than water (or beer, for that matter). In fact we discouraged the kids from ordering it last summer, so I'm not sure of the cost---maybe 3 or 4 Swiss francs. (The price will be on the menu).
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Sun 01/01/2006
Airfare to Europe
You are traveling during the height of the season. You can expect to pay $1000 from Denver. It's more expensive to fly out of here.
IF you have air miles, you mght try to fly free to Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth or the east coast and catch a cheaper flight from there.
Now is the time to book, if you wait, you may find no seats available.
Try to travel mid week for the best fare. Flying on Sat and Sun is more expensive.
A Travel agent might be able to find you a deal with a consolidator, even paying their fee might be cheaper than booking directly with United, Lufthansa or British Air.
Here is one "cheaper" website you might try to search.
http://www.air-gorilla.com/Engine/Itinerary.asp?SesnID=1034926036
Happy Travels...goodl luck, but $1000 is about what it costs to fly out of Denver! If you can pay that, just book it!
Centennial, CO USA Sun 01/01/2006
Airfare to Europe in June
I know this subject has been addressed but now that it is January how long should I wait for a good airfare to Paris in June? The best I have been able to find is about $1000 RT from Denver. Can I reasonably expect anything lower with the World Cup going on? Has anyone found any new websites for good airfare?
Alexandra Martella <email>
Longmont, CO USA Sun 01/01/2006
For Carl
We spent quite a bit of time in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and found regular Coke commonly available. Regular tap water was our only challenge, since we don't like fizzy water or flat mineral water.
I didn't drink much and didn't find it was any problem.
sue
USA Sun 01/01/2006
For Carl
Although my husband and I like to drink wine when we go to Europe, we also drink bottled water, typically carbonated mineral water. In France, we drink Badoit...in Italy we drink Pelligrino. You won't have any trouble finding water - and if your drink coffee - cappucino or expresso is great.
Connie
USA Sun 01/01/2006
not drinking-- for Carl
I've traveled all over the world and I don't drink alcohol. Tea, coffee and bottled water. Learn how to use vending machines (recognize the brands) and shop in grocery stores. I've never been pressured to buy alcohol in a restaurant. I always have a bottle of water in my bag so I don't have to hunt for a drink when thirsty. Even in pubs they always have some sort of soft drink or fizzy water. You just have to learn the brand names. My least favorite is an orange drink in the UK that's not real orange juice nor carbinated. Driving drunk is such a huge offense in the UK and Europe that not drinking isn't ever a problem.
Shirley
Fort Worth, TX USA Sun 01/01/2006
soft drinks--for Carl
Just wanted to mention that while soft drinks are available in Europe, sometimes diet soft drinks are hard to find. I developed a fondness for mineral water (like our seltzer water) because Diet Coke was often not available.
M
USA Sun 01/01/2006
Untours
I'm in the early planning stages of a trip to Central Europe-specifically Prague and Budapest. A company called Untours rents apartments for a week in each city--they also provide English speaking people on-call in the city in case you need advice,etc. Has anyone used them? Or can anyone personally recommend a similar type of organization?
Linda <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sat 12/31/2005
Liquor
I also have seen the wine, beer in the Steves videos, but I've never noticed spirits. I've infrequently seen booze in general on the tables of restaurants and cafes of the places I have visited in Europe except when the patrons seemed to be travellers, especially English speakers. In fact, two French friends have wondered to me if it is common for Americans to drink so much wine, beer, and soft drinks. I doubt that Europeans will think you odd for not drinking.
USA Sat 12/31/2005
non- drinker, too
Hello- I don't drink alcohol either and it was never a problem in 5 weeks throughout Italy- while it's true that the house red wine probably was cheaper than the little bottles of lemonade (or whatever), there were always non- alcoholic options just like in the US. You have to order water (comes in a big bottle, if it's for "the table")sometimes. The coffee is of course delicious and all the above can be savored at cafes for people watching. No worries!!
USA Sat 12/31/2005
Spain in August
We visited Spain last summer in August. We didn't go to Sevilla, but we did travel to Cordoba, Granada, Madrid, Costa del Sol and Morocco. In our 3 weeks there, we only had one day that was uncomfortably warm. I say Go For It! Spain is amazing!!!
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Sat 12/31/2005
Sevilla
110 in Sevilla? Last year when I checked the official Spanish site, the average for the area was listed as very low 60's (night) to lower 80's for July and August days. The statistics data--August high--for the city itself is around 84-86F. Rick Steves 2004 Spain/ Portugal book also gives highs in mid-80's. It is an uncomfortable heat on some days, but poet, playwrite and literary bon vivant Noel Coward offering some advice wrote: In tropical climes there are certain times of day/ When all the citizens retire to tear their clothes off and perspire/.........At twelve noon the natives swoon and no further work is done/ But mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.
Harvey
ILL USA Sat 12/31/2005
To Carl
Carl- I have traveled in all the countries you mentioned and didn't drink alcohol. It was not an issue to me and wasn't for anyone I was with.
Enjoy yourself!
Tom <email>
Sacramento, Ca USA Sat 12/31/2005
What does a non-drinker do?
Both by choice and because of medications that I take, I do not drink alcohol.
In EVERY travel show I see, from Samantha Brown to Rick Steves and everything in between, I see scenes in pubs, biergartens, and restaurants where "everyone" is drinking either beer or wine. I have never seen a soft drink in anyone's hand or on their table.
What does someone in my position do? Are there in fact soft drinks available? What about coffee or tea?
My experience in New Zeland was that a large pitcher of beer was cheaper than a six ounce coke. If coke IS available is there a similar price disparity?
I will be traveling in Germany, Switzerland and Italy. I'm interested in the situation in each country.
Thanks.
Carl in Tampa
Tampa, FL USA Sat 12/31/2005
Too hot in Seville in August?
It can get very hot and humid in August, but it's worth the stop if you take precautions. Your accommodations MUST have air conditioning....you'll have to consume a lot of water (bring a bottle everywhere you go), and you may end up touring in the morning, resting in the hot afternoon, then heading out in the evening, as many Sevillanas do. Take light, cotton clothing (no synthetics) to stay cooler. For a look at climate conditions in August, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT004250
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 12/31/2005
Cheap Tickets
Liz I got a great deal for a flight for my daughter to fly from Dublin to Australia through ebookers.com in London.
Judy
Adelaide, SA Australia Sat 12/31/2005
Go ahead and take the plunge!
I'll be there in July and will let you know how it went. Are you going to get across to Morocco? How about Barcelona, Madrid, and/or Lisbon?
Oh by the way, it's 59º and partly cloudy in Seville and 36º with light rain in Buffalo, N.Y. as we speak.
Ray <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Sat 12/31/2005
Seville in August
Take the plunge.
Chris
Aurora, USA Sat 12/31/2005
Too hot in Seville in August?
We are being SO discouraged from travelling to Seville in August because of the heat--I keep being told that the temperature is often 110F. But it is the only time we can arrange our trip and I would love to visit this wonderful city for at least a couple of days.
Can anyone who has been at that tiime of year let me know what you think? I'm hoping someone will say just take the plunge, or its not as bad as people make it out to be, OR tell us to go, sleep in the afternoon and wander in the evening. Those are our thoughts, but if everyone agrees that it's just too darn hot, we will re-think.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Diane <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Sat 12/31/2005
JR's post on travel without wife
JR-you've gotten some good advice about solo travel but I'd like to give some advice to your wife - if at all possible, go with your husband! Making some assumptions here - the biggest one is that you have a willing and able grandparent or two with time to take care of the little one. My husband & I took one trip a year while kids were small, beginning with a weekend away and moving up to his first trip to Europe when kids were 2 & 4. My mother came to watch the kids and was thrilled to have them to herself. This was not entirely easy for me - I learned that I was good for about 9 days before I was desperate to get home, so all trips ended with home on day 10 or before. The best gift you can give your child is a strong healthy marriage and experiencing these travels together is a great boost for any couple. I have to disagree with those who suggest taking the toddler with you. We did MUCH toddler travel (grandparents in California & Canada) and it was never very easy. Best toddler vacations were a week at the beach in a condo, not a hotel. I guess you could do that in Europe, but I would dread the plane ride. Wait till the youngest is 5 or so and you'll have smooth sailing from then on.
Karen
USA Fri 12/30/2005
Solo traveller
JR....as a solo traveller of middling age, I find it easier to make new friends while abroad, and it gives me the chance to indulge solely in my interests....a great way to "recharge the batteries." My wife and I are lucky enough to enjoy three vacations a year....one each, separately, and one together, where we can follow our shared interests. Don't assume she'll be against the idea of you travelling solo...explore the idea with her, and suggest she do the same if she wishes, leaving you to take care of your child. Travelling solo can be very fulfilling....for both men and women...and it leads to some very nice reunions at the end of the trip;)
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Fri 12/30/2005
Chamonix route
Connie---the train changes aren't bad at all---Swiss trains are so reliable, and you can even get the track numbers ahead of time from the SBB website. From Chamonix, you would change once at the border (Le Chatelard-Frontiere), which just involves getting off one little train and walking a few steps across the platform to another one just like it. (Most of the trains go as far as the border and then go back, although we did ride one that continued across the border even though the schedule showed a change). That cogwheel train is worth a ride in its own right----the scenery is incredible. Martigny is the end of that line, and again you walk a few steps to a train on the main track that takes you east up the Rhone valley. You would change a final time in less than an hour, at either Sion or Brig, for the train to Milan. The waits at Martigny and Sion or Brig are all about 20-30 minutes, so you have time to pop into the convenience store for a snack.
Chamonix itself is well worth a visit. We have spend four vacations in the Alps, and I was still awed by the beauty of Mont Blanc---you can see it from almost anywhere in the town. And the town is quite scenic and pleasant, especially late in the day when the hikers and climbers are returning. Flowers everywhere. I think Rick covers it pretty well as far as where to stay and eat, and what to see there. And you'll still be in France, so you can spend your euros.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Fri 12/30/2005
Provence to Bologna - thanks Lura
The suggestions you made to get us from Provence to Bologna are wonderful. I'm going to check out all of them. We've taken a train from Venice to Nice and enjoyed the scenery of going through Monaco on the way to Nice. We'd like to see the mountains so staying at the foot of Mont Blanc sounds interesting. We were looking at trips with few train changes but your suggestion sounds like it's worth the extra time and effort.
Connie <email>
FL USA Fri 12/30/2005
Connie--Train to Italy
Connie--you don't have to go through Geneve on the train. From Aix, you can take a train to Nice and along the Riviera through Genoa to Milan, where you would change for Bologna. Or, if you want to see Switzerland, take the Geneve route from, say, Nimes, but don't stop in Geneve; get on the train toward Milan but get off in Visp for a sidetrip to Zermatt (make sure it's a train that does stop in Visp--many don't), or in Brig for a short hop through a tunnel to Kandersteg, a lovely town that is not on Rick's itinerary. Or--maybe the best option---go through Chamonix instead of Geneve (take the same route toward Geneve from Nimes or Aix, but get off in Lyon and change for Chamonix). Spend the night there, at the foot of Mont Blanc, and continue on the next day. The train from Chamonix to Milan takes only an hour or so longer than from Geneve to Milan, but you get the benefit of the incredible cog-tooth railway up and over the France-Switzerland border (this one is on Rick's itinerary). At Martigny, you link up with the trains coming from Geneve and then follow the same route up the Rhone valley (vineyards at this point) and through the Simplon tunnel. It's a lovely trip---lots of train changes, but that's half the fun.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA Fri 12/30/2005
Jean - Normandy to Belgium
We did this trip in reverse in September. By all means, rent a car. You will see so much more than riding a train. We trained from Brussels to CDG airport in Paris and then picked up the car. The train fare was about $100 each for the one way. The car for 4 days in Normandy was under $300(Avis) +$75 in gas.
We stayed in Bayeux and Arromanches for 2 nights each. Both are central locations for the landing beaches and to see the Tapestry.
I'd highly recommend taking an organized mini-tour of the beaches such as the Battle Bus. You'll see everything in 1 day and let someone else do the driving.
I'm sure others on this board can give better info on Belgium to the UK. Must visit Bruges in Belgium.
Bill
NY USA Fri 12/30/2005
Men OK with solo travel
Just an observation, but I don't see any moms writing in to encourage JR to travel solo while leaving his wife and toddler home alone...My husband and I often travel separately, but it certainly is not what we would choose.
For people who are past their youth, it is much easier to meet people when you're part of a couple. Friendly single men can be creepy and single women can feel vulnerable, especially in a southern European country...It's different when you're younger. When my son travels, he stays in youth hostels and meeting people to have fun with is never a problem.
Karen
MN USA Fri 12/30/2005
Provence to Bologna
My husband and I are in the planning stages of a 2 country trip to Europe. We plan to spend a week in Provence (Nimes, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon) and then Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Venice). What would be the recommended transport from France to Italy? Would it be by train (going through Switzerland) or by air? We tossed around the idea of taking the train and stopping for a day or so in Geneve (have to change trains there). Rick says Geneve is boring so we're a little unsure.
Thanks
Connie <email>
FL USA Fri 12/30/2005
London & Paris - for Carrie
I'm 61 and I like hostels - so long as they're clean and are not party places. Skip the Generator. The cheapest B&B triple my wife, adult daughter, and I found in London this past May cost 50 GBP (nearly $100) and it was pretty bare bones. From what I've read in the Lonely Planet London guidebook, we'd have been better off staying in a dorm room at the Arran House Hotel (www.london-hotel.co.uk). The regular rooms are beyond your budget, but the dorm rooms are not. In Paris I recommend any of the three MIJE hostels (www.mije.com) in the Marais district. They are converted 17th-century private mansions and provide what both Rick Steves and Lonely Planet say are the best budget accommodations in Paris. Private rooms are available. Central location in an historic neighborhood. We loved it. In Paris I know you can get a triple in one- or even two-star hotels for less than the price of a private room for three in a hostel, but I haven't tried it.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Fri 12/30/2005