Travelers' Helpline: March 2007
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.
Crocs in Europe
Do Europeans wear Crocs? I can't believe I finally bought a pair, but they're wonderful! I wore them for a week of walking at Disney World & they would be great for my week in Germany coming up... but I do NOT want to look like a tacky American! ;) Would my Crocs really stand out in Germany? Or do Germans have them too? (Mine aren't a bright color.)
K
NC USA Tue 03/13/2007
Dublin Lodging
Kris, the first time I went to Dublin, I stayed in a B&B in one of the suburbs outside of Dublin, it was only about a 20-25 minute train ride into the city. The second time I was there, I wanted to stay in the city and I actually found that the least expensive hotel for the time we were there (early July 2004) was the Hilton. And we lucked out because the new tram system had just opened the weekend we were there, so we had free tram rides into the center each day. Of course the tram won't be free anymore, but there is a stop just steps outside the Hilton's door. I'd say your best bet is too look into the B&B's in the suburbs and just take the train in.
Erika
Seattle, WA USA Tue 03/13/2007
RE: Rome Apartments
There are many apartment rental agencies that specialize in Rome and in Italy. Renting apartments is a good thing (I did it) if you get a good rental company and a good centrally located apartment.
We rented from www.sleepinitaly.com, and they did a wonderful job for us. This is a link to the owner's website for our Rome Apartment (even though we rented from Sleep in Italy)
http://www.primitaly.it/appartamenti/casaparadiso/uk.htm
There is lots of information for both apartments and rental agencies at www.slowtrav.com
Tim
USA Tue 03/13/2007
Rome apartments
Does anyone know about an apartment service called Rome Sweet Rome?
Any thoughts on staying in a hotel vs. an aprtment or vice versa.
kathy <email>
midland, Tx USA Tue 03/13/2007
Night Bus-Amsterdam
For a map of the Amsterdam Night bus Network, go to this address:
http://www.gvb.nl/english/travellers/maps/nachtlijnenmap.html
Night Buses are very straight forward, they follow the same routes that the trams use, and stop at the same tram stations. Obviously they don't operate with the same frequency as
trams do during the day, but just be patient and a bus will arrive at most all stops in central Amsterdam.
Michael Schneider <email>
NY USA Tue 03/13/2007
Carry on - Heathrow
Details are available at www.baa.co.uk
Bascially it's the same liquid/gel rules as the US (zippy bags, containeers no more than 100ml), but you are allowed ONE carry on bag. The size restrictions are available at the above website, but it's more or less a small wheeled bag. You can tuck a purse into the carry on and separate it once through security, but both together they must meet size and weight restrictions.
I always reccomend carrying keys, wallet, plane/train tickets, passports and other valuables in a smaller bag within your carry on. That way if they are extra strict or it doesn't fit in the overheads/underseat (some of the planes serving regional European routes have very little cabin space), you don't have to take the risk of checking your valuables. Especially since Heathrow is the black hole of baggage checks.
Kate
Scotland Mon 03/12/2007
London - Edinburgh Trains
It's best to start at NetworkRail to get the schedules and approximate prices and availability:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Then you can get the best discounts by booking at the appropriate train company - either Virgin (www.virginrail.co.uk) or GNER (www.gner.org.uk).
Tickets are not mailed outside the UK, so you will need to pick them up via the ticket machine at your departure station - it's one of the options when you are purchasing the ticket. You will need to have the booking number and the credit card you booked it with, to pick up the tickets. And make sure that the address you provide on the form is the SAME as the billing address on your credit card. The form should allow US addresses - I booked tickets when I lived in the US.
Book as soon as those dates become available because the cheap tickets have to be bought well ahead of times.
Kate
Scotland Mon 03/12/2007
Transportation in Amsterdam, answers to questions about Spain specifically Barcelona
I've never flown Vueling but have had many friends use it from Barcelona, which is a lot better than flying RyanAir and having to travel all the way to Girona about 1hr10minutes on the bus, I've done it but it's a pain. You should add in the 21 euro round trip it will cost to get to Girona and back, and then see if flying out of Barcelona (El Prat) is a better deal.
Concerning Iberia, they are a good airline, very much unlike Ryan Air or other cheap cheap airlines. I currently reside in Barcelona and have yet to encounter a problem with RyanAir but have many friends that have horror stories and when the want to fly cheap they use Vueling instead. It really depends on where you want to go, for example to fly to Amsterdam I'm flying cheap with transavia.
That's where my question comes in, we're going for Jam in The Dam (a bunch of concerts) but the original place we were going to stay informed us they're overbooked. All we could end up finding at a reasonable price was the Holiday Inn Amsterdam. Does anyone know how to use the night bus in Amsterdam? Or how to find info besides the fact there is one? We know during the day we can catch trains, busses etc. But I would like to know how the night bus works since everything stops running at midnight. If anyone has any tips that'd be great! Or if anyone has any questions about Barcelona let me know!
Kelsey <email>
DC, DC USA Mon 03/12/2007
Vernazza Hotel
I would like some feedback as to were to stay in Vernazza.
Maricela <email>
La Verne, CA USA Mon 03/12/2007
Money belt or neck safe
Kathryn, I have worn both a money belt and a neck safe and I by far prefer the neck safe. I am a large person and the waist belt was hard for me to access under my bossom. The neck one tucks into your waist band to be secure and you just pull it out either under your blouse or out the top and to me it is much easier to get to.
USA Mon 03/12/2007
Train from London to Edinburgh
Does anyone have a suggestion on how to book train travel for 3 from London to Edinburgh? We'll be traveling in early June.
Lin <email>
Iowa USA Mon 03/12/2007
Romantic Road - October
Has anyone driven the Romantic Road route in Germany during the beginning of October? How were the crowds along the way? How was the weather? Thanks!
VA USA Mon 03/12/2007
RE: Vueling
I've flown with them a couple of times since they got started. Great service, enthusiastic people....much like Westjet at the outset, when it claimed to be a discount airline ;)
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 03/12/2007
Re: Train from London to Edinburgh
You can check schedules and book ticket thru the National Rail website at www.nationalrail.co.uk. I notice that, two months out, one way can be had for as low as 14 pounds.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 03/12/2007
Dublin Lodging
Dublin seems to be an expensive place to find lodging. Does anyone have any recommendations on B&Bs in downtown Dublin or other accomodations? My husband and I are looking for a private room rather than bunkbed in a hostel.
Kris
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Parking for Venice
Last May we parked across from the train station in Mestre as Rick suggested. It was very easy, safe, and just a walk across the street and a short train ride (1 euro) took us to Venice. It cost us 15 euros for 3 days of parking.
As someone has already mentioned don't give up staying in Venice just because of a car.
We had also considered Padua etc.. and were glad we didn't go that route since Mestre parking was so easy.
pat
pa USA Sun 03/11/2007
Carry on bags
Does anyone know the status of carry on bag restrictions on flights to/from London Heathrow? I know all such bags were banned at one point last year.
Shawn
Sioux Falls, SD USA Sun 03/11/2007
Venice Parking
Carmen, Last May we parked across the street from the train station in Mestre as Rick recommends. It was easy, safe and just a walk across the street and and a cheap and quick train ride into Venice (1 euro). We paid 15 euros for 3 days of parking.
We had considered Padua etc.. also but are glad we didn't go that route since parking in Mestre was so simple.
Don't stay outside of Venice just because of a car.
pat
pa USA Sun 03/11/2007
Re: Carry on bags
Check out http://www.heathrowairport.com/ for the latest. You can even sign up for e-mail alerts should the rules change.
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Sun 03/11/2007
Ireland cell phones
any ADvice on prepaid cell phone appreciated. We fly in and out of Dublin. Will be in Ireland for 2 weeks.
TQ
Christine <email>
Ponte Vedra Beach, fl USA Sun 03/11/2007
Nikon D40 too much for travel?
Anyone used or done any traveling with the Nikon D40 camera? Quality of pics, standard lens or add ons?
Sam
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Moneybelts
Which is more comfortable to wear, the moneybelt that goes around your waist, or around your neck?
Kathryn
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Money Belts
Kathryn--I've used both....The neck "belt"is actually more comfortable (although it can depend on your size!) but the string around the neck shows with everything I wear except for turtle necks and then I can't access it easily. I much prefer the moneybelt (and Rick's is the best), just be sure to use the plastic insert against your body! Yes the belt gets really wet but it washes well.
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Sun 03/11/2007
Money belt
My husband wears one that has a loop that goes through his leather belt. He just tucks the cloth wallet, looped through his belt, into his pants. He finds this much more comfortable and easy to use than regular waist money belts. These are useless for me, however, because I usually wear dresses or pants/skirts without belts. I wear the kind around my neck, but like a previous poster said, the strings are hard to hide with many tops. I wear mine on the plane and while traveling between cities, then put my passport etc. in hotel safes. I usually give my cash/credit cards to my husband to carry for me, who doesn't find the moneybelt uncomfortable. (Then I return the favor by carrying lots of daily nonvaluable stuff in a big tote!) My teenage daughters tuck money and a credit/debit card into their bras...seems to work for them, somehow (I'm not sure I want to know how they retrieve things when needed..!) I don't think there's a perfect answer for anyone. The best thing to do is go to a store (Target, WalMart, AAA, etc,) and just try on various styles and see what you can live with. The most important thing is that you do use one...a little discomfort (that you get used to) is far better than a ruined vacation.
USA Sun 03/11/2007
whar credit card to use to rent car in ireland
We have mad 30 plus calls to different master card companies. They all say apply for card then we can tell you if CDW coverage available.
Has anyone had luck renting in Ireland and getting CDW waived with credit card coverage? What Credit card did you use?
Herb <email>
Jacksonville, FL USA Sun 03/11/2007
Italian Dolomites by train?
Is there a way to get through the mountains from Bolzano east and then to Venice?
Nancy <email>
Maple Grove, Mn USA Sun 03/11/2007
Rewards Program?
Can anyone recommend a good rewards program (credit card or airline)? I've never used one before, but 3 members of my family are taking a trip to Europe this year and I was wondering if there was a program out there that would allow the culmination of those airline miles/dollars to be applied to a single ticket later on?? Thank you!
Jenny <email>
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Last year I transferred miles from my account to my daughter's account on American Airlines Aadvantage program since she needed more miles for an international ticket and I had extra. There is a fee for transferring miles from one account to another(based on number if miles transferred), which you can look up on each airline's website. I forget how many miles I transferred but it cost me about $115. However the flight I got the free ticket for- Redmond, Oregon to Rome, then Venice back to Redmond,over Christmas would have cost over $2300 at the time I made the reservation, so the cost of moving the miles was quite the bargain.
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Rewards programs/airlines
I have the same experience as the poster below. I was very close to getting 2 tickets for Europe, and had to transfer miles from my husbands account to mine. United Airlines charged me a fee to do this, but the cost was way less than purchasing 2 tickets.
On United, if you are a Mileage Plus member, you can also just purchase miles (fee of course) to finish out what you need for a free ticket. There is a limit to the # of miles you can buy in one year.
So...yes, you should be able to combine miles - as long as on the same airline, to get a free ticket.
Best idea, as said below, check your airline's website for this info...or if you prefer, call customer service there.
USA Sun 03/11/2007
To Carmen-Venice Parking
I have faced your dilema on my third trip to Venice. I stayed in Mestre at Novotel Hotel that had parking secured and unsecured avail.and a free shuttle to Venice.However if this is your first trip to Venice park at the safer tronchetto(skip unsafe-risky parking on the street) pay the high fee and enjoy Venice by staying in Venice. It is very expensive but for a first timer there is NO substitute! Venice is costly but the memories are unsurpassed.
JS
USA Sun 03/11/2007
France to Prague
We are going to be in France for a month studying and would like to spend a week in Prague on the end of the trip. We have looked into taking a train (one goes through Zurich, one goes through Koln and one goes through Berlin) but it will take a long time. Also - the Czech Republic isn't on the Eurrail pass (I'm getting one as a gift) so I know we'll have to buy extra tickets to Prague. We've also looked at flying (can't find a cheap airline that will fly from the south of France to Prague). Can someone recommend the best way to do this. Should we break up this trip and stop in Zurich, Koln or Berlin? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
cj <email>
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Croatian Coast
We are traveling from Budapest to the Croatian Coast and then leaving out of Zurich of FF miles so we cannot change flights. Has anyone used euroflightpass.com? They say you can get $98 one way fares from Zagreb to Zurich plus "taxes" paid at the airport. That would save us a whole day on the train but I'm leery of the airport taxes which they claim are $5-20. Also, from Budapest we will most likely train to Zagreb....and then what? Does anyone have any ideas as to whether we should go down to Split and move north (a whole day on the train) or should we just zip over to Rijeka and tool around there for a week, maybe spilling in to Trieste, Pula etc. We are trying to avoid the Euro and maximize down time after whirlwind traveling for 3 weeks before we go back to the states. Thanks--
Michele <email>
Utah USA Sun 03/11/2007
Credit cards to earn miles
Once you know which airline your relatives will be flying on, then sign up for the credit card (usually advertised on the airline's webpage)that put miles from that airline into the frequent flyer account you sign yourself up for, even if you've never flown that airline yet. Most cards are free for the first year (you can cancel before paying the $85 or so after the first year). Most offer substantial sign-on bonuses of 20,000 miles or so. This, plus transfering your family's actual miles into your account, plus miles you earn spending, will get you a "free" ticket pretty quickly. The airline credit cards are a GREAT deal...with several conditions. Every year I cancel either my card or my husband's, then we each take turns putting miles into each other's account, with the card in his name with me as a secondary card holder and vice versa. We don't want to pay the yearly fees, so by canceling, waiting a year to sign up, then resigning, we get sign on miles, and no fees. One year the miles go in my account, the next year his, etc. The other thing to remember with airline cards is to PAY your bill in FULL every month! Airline cards are famous for HIGH interest rates. If you've paid 21% interest on your account, those "free" airline miles are no bargain. Managed properly, airline credit cards can be a great deal. Just be careful!
USA Sun 03/11/2007
Iberia Airlines
Does anyone have any comments (good or bad) on flying Iberia Airlines? Right now, they look to be the cheapest carrier for my itinerary, but any feedback would be appreciated before I book.
Dave
SF, CA USA Sun 03/11/2007
RE: Nikon D40
Just got mine last week - plan to use it on my Euro-Trips this summer & spring. I got the kit with the 18-55mm - but may go upgrade to the 18-135 (or 18-200 if you can find one). That way you have 1 all-purpose vs multi lenses. The picts ive taken around home and the coast are amazing right off the bat. Just invest in both a UV and if you like - a circular-polarizer and a good padded small-cam bag/holder that fits in a daypack and youre good to go! I can repost results in a few months after a trip.
TMB
CA USA Sun 03/11/2007
Credit card - car rental in Ireland
We have used our CC for the CDW in Europe a couple of times. However, everything I've seen indicates that it will NOT cover Ireland. It's one of the very few exceptions. I think you will probably have to either buy through a travel insurance company or pay it there.
Karen
USA Sun 03/11/2007
vueling
has anyone ever flown with vueling?
I was going to book a flight from Barcelona to Paris ORLY but see they fly earlier and also arrive at CDG. Its only a bit more expensive and worth the extra few euros to arrive earlier.
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Sun 03/11/2007
Dublin Lodging
If you are unable to find affordable lodging in Dublin, there are numrous B&B's in Swords, just a few miles north of the Dublin Airport. We stayed in a delightful one in Oct of 2006 called "Rathview House" for 32 Euros per person. It was very near a major bus route into Dublin; and you won't want to drive or park in Dublin anyway. I noticed several more B&B's in a 2 block radius.
Dan <email>
Wa USA Sun 03/11/2007
Hauling Souveniers
Can anyone talk to me about bringing home souveniers from Europe. Is there a clear web site explanation somewhere? I am packing in Germany and Poland and dreaming of all the lovely things I will bring home.
Jennifer <email>
USA Sat 03/10/2007
Nice to Eze-le-Village
There are six buses per day from Nice to Eze-le-Village (three on Sunday). Or you can take the train to Eze-Bord-de-Mer and a shuttle bus (eight/day, May-October) up to Eze-le-village. See the train timetables at either sncf.com or bahn.de. FYI, contrary to what a previous poster said, there is both train and bus service to Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 03/10/2007
Re: Car Insurance
If your credit card provides insurance coverage in Europe, in most countries you can decline CDW coverage. Note: in Ireland this is possible only if you have a WORLD MasterCard and in Italy CDW coverage is required for everyone. You can read the rules for each country at autoeurope.com. Here's the URL for an article by RS on car rental: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/carrental_2005.htm.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 03/10/2007
Re: Carte Orange or Paris Visite
The Paris Visite is generally not a good deal. The Carte Orange may be worth your while for the Monday-Friday portion of your stay. For your first days in Paris, just buy ten-ticket carnets (10.90 EUR) as needed and share the tickets. If you know that you're going to take a lot of rides on a particular day, you could buy one-day Mobilis passes for zones 1-2 for 5.50 EUR and use your carnet tickets on days you'll be taking fewer rides. Paris is a great walking city and you may not ride as much as you think you will.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 03/10/2007
side trips from Barcelona?
Just booked a flight to Barcelona at the end of May, looking for side trips. We have 10 days, and would like to lose as little time as possible to travel (5 hour train ride, max). Possibilities:
Montserrat? A website I can't read says the funicular is currently down, and I can't figure out why: http://www.cremallerademontserrat.com/ If anyone reads basic Spanish, help?! Is this a permanent thing, or are there alternative ways up the mountain?
The Languedoc-Roussillon? I've read about the French walking trails, and would love to take 3-4 days to walk between small towns. Anyone accomplished this?
My only real preference is to stay away from anything too plastic, too heavy in the party-vein - I've ruled out Sitges and Costa Brava for that reason, but am not sure if I jumped to that conclusion too quickly? I'd like to have my fun in Barcelona, and then find someplace with natural/spiritual beauty.
Thanks if you can! It's so exciting to be planning a trip again! :)
Karen <email>
Boston, MA USA Sat 03/10/2007
Crossing the Alps by Train
We'll be traveling from Venice to Frankfurt in early June and have 2 days to make the trip. We thought about spending an extra day in Venice then taking an overnight train, but we think we would prefer to take a train during day 1 to some interim location in the Alps. Spend the evening there, and go the rest of the way on day 2.
Our question? What route to take and what city or town to stay in as the interim stop?
We'd appreciate any suggestions.
Steve <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sat 03/10/2007
Re: Night Train from Prague to Munich
Amy, go to the railpass section at www.seat61.com to see the prices for reserving couchettes and sleepers when you have a railpass.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 03/10/2007
Hauling home souvenirs
This of course depends on the length of your trip and your mode of transport when factored with the weight of your purchases- are you talking heavy painted Polish pottery or lightweight food items?! Most seasoned travelers pack a flat duffel- size bag that compresses to almost no size or weight on your way to Europe- the RS model is nice, of course! Then you just start to fill it up as you go. Most museums and many stores have shipping services, if you are willing to pay- especially if the item is fragile and bulky. I have found local markets to be the best source of inexpensive and portable lightweight gifts for friends and family. When it is time to fly home, if I have a lot in my duffel, I transfer all my clothes to that and check it, with the valuable purchases in my carry-on.
Karen
USA Sat 03/10/2007
euro change at uk
only at airport change machines, otherwise keep them.
harv
USA Sat 03/10/2007
hotel
looking for hotel in hungary? does anyone have a suggestion.
sam
tor, USA Sat 03/10/2007
train strike
one stop before budapest.
ian
USA Sat 03/10/2007
Night train from Prague to Munich
Go to the Night Train Travel's (Nachtzugreise) booking website at http://buchung.nachtzugreise.de. There you can not only find the price of accommodations, but you can also book with a credit card and self print the tickets. The website will display in English if you click on the British flag.
For From select "Praha-hl.n." (unless you want to go from Prague Holesolvice station, then select "Praha-holes") and for To select "München Hbf".
Under "what is required", you should look at two items. The first is ".ticket exists". This will show you the surcharge prices for the various accommodations, what you would pay with a rail pass (must include Germany and Czech Rep.). The second item is "Ticket and accommodation surcharge without Bahn Card". This shows the full fare ticket prices. Note the first column. This shows the special SparNight (savings night) fares. These are limited quantity, non-refundable, non-exchangeable tickets, but the price is not much more than the accommodation surcharge.
If these SparNight accommodations are available for your choice of accommodations on your night, and you haven't yet bought the rail pass and aren't expecting any other long trips to justify the railpass, the SparNight fares could save you money. With a SparNight fare, for instance, you not only wouldn't need a day of your railpass, you would not have to purchase the rail portion of the trip in the Czech Republic either. That probably more than makes up for the difference between the SparNight fare and the surcharge.
Night trains in Europe are popular and tickets often sell out. Don't wait until you are over there to get them. Using this website is one of the few sources anywhere of reservations (accommodation surcharge) and probably your only way to get tickets or reservations from the U.S. at European prices.
<email>
USA Sat 03/10/2007
Parking security near Venice
We will be in Venice in mid April and want to leave our rental car in a safe and secure area and hopefully at a low parking rate while we stay in Venice for several days. Rick Steves mentions parking in Mestre or Tronchetto and also economical lots in Verona, Padua or Vicenza. Are any of these parking areas better than others re: safety and security?
Also, how easy is it to get in and out of Venice from Verona or Padua or Vicenza should we decide to stay outside of Venice itself?
Thank you . Carmen, Vancouver, BC Canada
Carmen Goddard
Vancouver, BC, B.C. Canada Sat 03/10/2007
Funicular at Montserrat
It says service is to resume on March 10th, if the rail connection between Barcelona and monastery of Montserrat has been re-established. Hope that helps.
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Sat 03/10/2007
Venice parking
Stay in Venice. Your car will be in a lot no matter what - day tripping or staying over. Don't skimp on your experiences in Venice because of a rental car. You should be fine parking in attended lots. Just do the usual precautions and take everything with you into Venice.
Karen
CO USA Sat 03/10/2007
Train reservations
What is the best method to make train reservations in advance? Should I buy my rail pass and make reservations at the same time or should I make reservations through a place such as Euraide? I did not see a place I could make reservations right on a trains site (such as Germany's). I already have my iternary with dates and times (late May-mid-June) I am a constant planner, and I know some of you will say I don't *need* reservations but for me I do. Thank you
Suzann <email>
Orangevale, CA USA Sat 03/10/2007
Non-related children on trips
I will be taking a group of middle and high school students, with a few parents, to London In June. What forms do I need to insure officials do not think I'm kidnapping the children? Anyone know? Thanks.
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Sat 03/10/2007
non- school trip?
WHOA! Are you a teacher? Is this a district- sanctioned trip, or are you doing this privately, yourself? Each family should be providing YOU with a release form with a whole lot of fine print absolving you from the myriad disasters that will hopefully never happen! To say nothing of all the emergency contact information...but you shouldn't have to be figuring out what's needed yourself. If not under the auspices of a school district (or private school or church or whatever) and you are doing this on your own, besides all the above you have to make sure the students (and parents) sign a letter spelling out they won't drink (or will they? at dinner? then you need parental consent, too), or do other "wild" things and what the consequences would be. Only once, but my team had to put a girl on a plane home when she was in violation of the agreement she and her parents signed- and they had to pay for the ticket! She also arrived back in the US with a piercing and tattoo she did not have when she left! Just sign me a...
careful teacher/chaperone
USA Sat 03/10/2007
PARKING IN VENICE
Carmen: I parked my car on the street in Mestre while I visited Venice. I would do it again and check the lots while you are in Venice the first day.
Then you can move your car into Venice the second day if you choose. The train ride is only 10 minutes and cheap.
CARL <><
USA Sat 03/10/2007
Converting euros to dollars
I'm in France and I need to change 750 euros into dollars, as I'm returning to the US to live. Would it be better to change it here before I leave, or take the euros to the US and change it at a bank there? Thanks!
Ellen <email>
Lansing, MI USA Fri 03/09/2007
Croatia
I'm trying to convince my wife that I should apply for a Fulbright in Croatia--I need help! I'm interested in getting in contact with people who have lived in Croatia or have visited on a number of occasions. Alternatively, anyone on the board who has had great travel experiences there could be of assistance, too. Please send an e-mail and I'd be appreciative. Some information about us: well-traveled in Europe and some in Africa and Latin America; in our 30s; never lived abroad; one child under 10.
Jefff <email>
Pittsburgh, PA USA Fri 03/09/2007
barcelona - palau guell
I would like to visit Palau Guell in Barcelona along Las Ramblas. The guidebooks say it was closed down for renovations in 2005. But nowhere can i find concrete info on the web on when it reopens. some say late 2006, some early 2007. Anyone been there recently or know if/when it is reopened? thanks
Freddo <email>
USA Fri 03/09/2007
Converting Euro to Dollars
Change them at a bank in France. Believe me, there's no one in Lansing that will do it. It's really hard to find a place in the US to change money, outside of the really big cities.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Fri 03/09/2007
how to get to Eze
how do you get to Eze for a day visit?
Paul
USA Fri 03/09/2007
changing euros to dollars
Thanks Lisa -- I was mainly wondering about which would give a better conversion rate. There's National City Bank in Okemos which will change euros but I'm not sure of such a large amount. Anyway, thanks for answering!
Ellen Bothwell <email>
Lansing, MI USA Fri 03/09/2007
Maria in Nashville/price of bus tickets
"From where to where" as a previous poster put it, is an important point but it hardly helps you. Yours is a question that a first time traveller might ask, so I will look at it from that viewpoint. Larger cities, the main towns and cities, usually have a bus line and a subway system. Paris and Prague are examples. Some smaller ones have only a bus system, such as Colmar, France but it serves only the local area and perhaps a few suburbs. Less frequently, there is bus service between towns and for the really small towns and large villages, this can be only a few times, perhaps only even once, per day. My point is that European bus lines are between an airport and a few towns and can cost--only as a general guideline--5 to 20 US dollars. Bus travel is usually within a city. I don't know of any bus line, such as Greyhound in the States, that runs in Europe. A ticket within a city in a given European country is likely to range from $1.25 to $2.50 for one person per single ride. Each city has its own price structure. If you are considering traveling from, for example, one city to another or one country to another or even one region in a country to an adjacent region, you would go by train, not bus. Western Europe is linked by rail travel at well over 100 mph on some trains. Eastern Europe also has good but lesser systems. Tickets on these trains can exceed the price of flying within the Continent and to Britain. You can find prices for train tickets by doing a Google search with key words such as "train travel" or " european rail systems" along with the name of a given country. There is even a site that will give you maps and information of metropolitan subway systems called Subway Navigator. So, how much does a bus ticket cost in Europe? Very little, but you might rather want to find out the price of train tickets. Seasoned travellers usually buy their tickets in the country in which they want to use them except if they are going to travel often and/or sizeable distances especially in concentrated periods. Then they get rail passes while still in the states. Rick Steves explains this in his "nations" books or in a copy of his Europe Through the Back Door series. These are often available free in libraries along with other excellent similar books in the travel section of libraries and are for sale in bookstores including the on-line ones.
USA Fri 03/09/2007
Eze transport
There is Eze the village (that's it's name, really) up in the hills and Eze on the seashore, also its real name. You can get to them via bus or via train and shuttle bus. There are several per day from Nice, but I don't remember how many or frequency. Some towns have no direct service at all. I think Villefranche is one. I wonder if the Provence and Cote d'Azure office de tourisme site (paca) can give you specifics.
USA Fri 03/09/2007
Paris Hotel
I am going to be in Paris in late May. I looking into hotels and would like some feedback. I would like to find a hotel is centrally located and that has a lounge or bar where we can sit, relax and enjoy a drink after a long day. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Maricela <email>
La Verne, CA USA Fri 03/09/2007
Paris Hotel
Maricela - since you didn't stipulate a price point, I would recommend the Georges V. Or possibly Le Crillon. Both exquisitely lovely! Go for it. One only lives once.
Josephine
Chicago, IL USA Fri 03/09/2007
Nice Travel Rain Jacket for Women
I just purchased a very nice Women's Anorak Jacket that is packable from JC Penneys online. (If you want to see it online, go to jcpenney.com and type in "packable anorak" in the women's dept.). It was recommended by another person here on this website and I am so glad I took their advice. There is even an INSIDE zipping pocket, which is rare for most women's jackets. Just thought I would pass this along since people are asking about rainwear in Italy. I did take another Columbia packable rain jacket to France and Italy in November 2005 and wore it almost every day as an overcoat over layers.
USA Fri 03/09/2007
Le Crillon
Wow! I realize "one only lives once", but most of us would go bankrupt pretty quickly if we stayed at Le Crillon at 570 Euros ($747) a night! (That was the cheapest room I found on their site.) Maybe I am doing something wrong... Is it really that nice???
USA Fri 03/09/2007
Paris Hotel
Maricella, "centrally located" is a vague description. What do you want to be close to? I wouldn't worry about a hotel with a bar, cafes are everywhere and provide a convenient and atmospheric place to enjoy a drink or coffee after a long day of site seeing.
Lisa
USA Fri 03/09/2007
orly transport
what is the best way to get from Orly to Paris...
I read that there are a few ways.
deb
USA Fri 03/09/2007
Le Crillon
It is a favorite of Lance Armstrong, who on his seventh win of the Tour de France, flew a Texas state flag from his room. The hotel is not without class. It overlooks Place de la Concorde, a favorite site in France for 18th century beheadings. There is also the Ritz with a price structure of substance for those who need such a hotel.
Karel D Micinivic
NYC, USA Fri 03/09/2007
Deb ---- Orly to Paris
There are taxis and limos available at the airport and there is a less expensive combination of bus, bus/metro, and train service. Air France runs regular bus service to specified stops. You need not have flown on AF to use its bus. There is also RATP, the city bus service, into the city and a combination of bus and metro service (from Louis Aragon Metro 7 line to transfers to almost anyplace at Place d'Italie station), and the RER Blue line via the Anthony spur for both the Sud and Ouest Orly areas. It is also possible to use the C line for areas along the river. Let Google find the RATP site for you. It has a large map of bus and metro stops.
USA Fri 03/09/2007
B & B Bergen & Stockholm
I am looking for a B & B D/B in both Bergen Norway and Stockholm Sweeden for late August. I would apprecite any ideas that you might have. I have tried teh Scandinavia 2007 book by Rick. Found rooms full.
Wes Schmidt <email>
Coeur d'Alene, ID USA Thu 03/08/2007
Car Insurance
Do I need to buy any kind of car insurance while I rent a car in Europe?
Linda
Seattle, WA USA Thu 03/08/2007
Naples-- airport to Port Beverello
Does anyone know a cheap and easy way to get from the airport to the boat dock in Naples? I haven't been able to figure it out using the guide books. I'd like to go to Sorrento by hydrofoil.
Liz <email>
Palmer Lake, CO USA Thu 03/08/2007
Italy in April -- Joseph
I travelled to all of those places in March, 2004, and didn't find ANYTHING closed. Maybe shorter hours, but we were able to do everything we planned. I am returning in May, 2007, and June, 2008, so if you have anything specific questions... I LOOOVE Italy!
Liz <email>
Palmer Lake, CO USA Thu 03/08/2007
To Cass - Spare Change
Cass - we have had extra coinage left after trips and we have simply made gifts out of the euros to friends and family who are travelling to Europe. This has been a big hit!
Jordanna
New York, NY USA Thu 03/08/2007
Paris Shuttle
I was in Paris a few months ago and we used Golden Air which was the shuttle recommended in Rick Steves book. It worked out fine. I think it was 40 euros for two people. I was able to book online. They gave me a toll free number to call from the airport once we arrived and they told me exactly where to go to meet the van and they were there. Returning to the airport I called the day before we were to leave and the gave the pick up time at our hotel. I don't the email address but if you do a google search you should find it.
Just one thing I booked online with my credit card but I had to pay cash to the driver.
When I've gone to Paris with friends we took the RER train and metro but this time I was with my mother and there was no way I could have handled both our bags with all the stairs in the metro.
NYC, USA Thu 03/08/2007
French villa for Lisa
Try www.historicrentals.com. I haven't rented the house in Provence, but I have rented apartments in New Orleans for years from George, the owner, and I have rented the Rosiers apartment in Paris.
The house in Provence is in Menerbes, the village that Peter Mayle wrote about. My husband and I hope to rent it one day!
Doberry
USA Thu 03/08/2007
RE:Day Trip To Paris
On a recent trip with a group of family and friends, some did the trip. While the trip was wonderful, it was a long day. Once in Paris, since time was limited, they took an audio guide city bus tour. It gave them a wonderful overview of the highlights.
Jeff
NJ USA Thu 03/08/2007
French Villa for lisa
Your best alternative is probably a rental agency with staff you can query and references you can check. Expect to pay a little more in exchange for this service.
A good agency will have properties of all sizes, styles, and budgets, and will work to meet your needs even if that is not the most expensive rental.
Or, if you find a property you like online, you can ask the owners for references or google it to see if you can locate independent reviews by travelers who have stayed there.
Good luck!
Adam
Boston, USA Thu 03/08/2007
I need a guidebook for kids
I need a guidebook for Germany/Europe written for a 10 year old. Many to find for the parents of kids, but looking for one for the kid himself. Anyone know?
Thanks.
Nancy <email>
GA USA Thu 03/08/2007
Gifts to bring
I am heading for China in April and am looking for gifts that would be enjoyed/appreciated by families who will be hosting our group for lunch or dinner. (So many things I see are imported from China.) Also, any ideas besides magic markers, finger puppets for school children? Thanks.
Teddi
Reston, VA USA Thu 03/08/2007
Nighttrain travel
If i take a nighttrain from Prague to Munich can i use my Eurailpass if i also purchase at ticket to the german/czech border?How much does a ticket cost for a nitetrain if i can't use my eurailpass?
Jason <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Thu 03/08/2007
Gifts
Try to find something local - crafts or other things you would only find in your neck of the woods. As for kids, how about comic books, puzzels, CD's of children friendly music.
Erika
Seattle, WA USA Thu 03/08/2007
Re: Night train to Munich from Prague
Jason, we are doing the SAME thing in August. I do know that YES, you can use your Eurail pass. You may want to purchase the Prague Excursion Pass to supplement your German Eurail pass. Unless your Eurail pass already includes Czech... I would like to know approximately how much it will be though, to get a sleeper cabin since that's not included in the Eurail pass... Does anyone know?
Amy
Clarksville, TN USA Thu 03/08/2007
Do we need rain gear for Italy in May?
We will be in Italy starting in early May, traveling in the northern and central areas. Do we need to take along rain gear?
Sandra Macklem
Flat Rock, NC USA Thu 03/08/2007
Paris shuttle
We're going to be in Paris in Oct, and I e-mailed Golden Air--- they quoted 40 Euros for 2.
Cary
Hayden, ID USA Thu 03/08/2007
Rain gear in Italy in May
We spent the month of May 2006 in Italy and every day was 80 degrees with not a drop of rain.
la
Canada, USA Thu 03/08/2007
Sandra/rain gear for Italy
We've been to Italy 3x in May and (knock on wood) have never seen rain.
That being said, it's always a good idea to be prepared. I'd bring a lightweight rain jacket with a hood. Lots of companies make this type of item, REI has their own store brand.
We always take some water proof jacket. it's great in the evenings that can be cool, and it's always ready if we should encounter rain.
Ellen <email>
USA Thu 03/08/2007
Gifts to bring
I do business in China and always take something "local". I taken books - lots of photos of local scenery, not too many words and other things reasonably unique to Aust. I think they go down OK. I never quite know as it is the Chinese custom not to open gifts in front of you, so you can't see their faces when they open them. For children stuffed toy animals do go down well even if you have to cut the Made in China tag off the bottom.
Helen
Brighton, Vic Australia Thu 03/08/2007
Day trip to Paris from London
I'm planning a trip to London and want to do the day trip to Paris as described in Rick Steve's book. Has anyone tried to do this day trip? Any tips and suggestions?
Wes <email>
Honolulu, Hawaii USA Wed 03/07/2007
re: Malpensa or Linate
Buses to Linate take only 20-25 minutes, about half the time it takes to get to Malpensa.
http://www.italyflash.com/italyflash/longt/air/linate.shtml
NYC, Wed 03/07/2007
re: Euro Change in UK
Why? Just hang on to it-- don't you ever plan on going back?
NYC, Wed 03/07/2007
Euro Change in UK
Hi! I'm travelling to London in a week and have leftover Euro coins from the last trip. I tried to exchange them in the States but they wouldn't take coin. Can I do this in the UK? Please!
Cass <email>
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Hotel in Chamonix France
Were traveling to Chamonix France in June. Actually were taking the tram over Mount Blanc into Chamonix. Does anyone know of a good place to stay in Chamonix? We will be only staying one night as we are on our way to Paris. Its hard to find some place because we have three people.
Diane <email>
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Big stuff on the vaporetto!
Recent posts asking about and responding to hauling things on and off the vaporreto reminded me of how much fun it was at night to watch the local people and what they brought on. HUGE strollers, giant wheeled shopping carts- you name it. Presumably you will only be doing this twice anyway, with your bags, right? Once to and once from the hotel. We did a month and still stuck to the carry-on size- a month is long enough that you are going to have to do a real laundry at least one time, half-way through the trip. So you can pack as if for two weeks...
Karen
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Re: Italy in April 2008
Joseph...
How OPEN are all of the attractions? They're all open - nothing special about this time (just watch easter).
How common are SAFES in the hotel rooms? Not very. You'll find a few, but it's not the norm.
And how common are ATMs on the streets? Everywhere in bigger cities, common enough in most towns...same as at home.
David
Seattle, WA USA Wed 03/07/2007
Money exchange in Greece
we were in Greece recently and found there were ATM machines right in the baggage claim area at the airport. We grabbed our bags and then immediately got $ to pay for taxix, etc. No problem.
:Lisa
Haddon Heights, nj USA Wed 03/07/2007
French Villa Rental
HI, We want to rent a villa in the Provence or Languedoc area of France. We have looked on line but are leery of renting on line. Any suggestions? Has anyone done this before? We have been to France several times before and have had great experiences with hotel rentals.
Lisa <email>
Haddon Heights, nj USA Wed 03/07/2007
MALPENSA OR LINATE
Ellen: I had the same decision to make a few years ago when I was in Milano.
Linate is much farther from the city center and more difficult to reach. Tell them you chose Malpensa.
The bus from or to Malpensa is much faster and easier to catch.
A taxi is far too costly.
CARL <><
TX USA Wed 03/07/2007
EXCITED
Just wanted to share my excitement. Leaving for a 2 week trip tp England in 22 days!!!! Yippee!!!
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Milpansa or Linate?
My flight has changed. Originally booked to leave out of Milpansa to Frankfort, then back to the US...now the airline is asking if I'll take a flight out of Linate instead.
Anyone familiar enough with both airports to let me know if Linate is convenient from Milan (main train station area)
Don't want to taxi it. had planned on taking a bus from train station area to Milpansa....can we do the same easily to Linate?
HELP! I need to call the airlines soon to confirm if I want to stay leaving out of Milpansa at an earlier time...or take a later flight from Linate.
Never flown out of Linate...have flown out of Milpansa in the past (but just one time!)
Ellen <email>
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Italy April 2008
Hello everyone! I've enjoyed reading all of your good advice posted here and now I have my own questions. I will be traveling around Italy (Rome, Assisi, Pisa, and Florence) during the first week and a half of April 2008. How OPEN are all of the attractions during this period? Also, how common are SAFES in the hotel rooms? And how common are ATMs on the streets? Thanks for the advice! ~JGT
Joseph <email>
Harlingen, TX USA Wed 03/07/2007
B&B's in Dresden
We'll be staying there a couple of days in July and we're looking for an affordable B&B - does anyone have recommendations?
Ann <email>
Coeur d'Alene, ID USA Wed 03/07/2007
Re: E-mail Help
Carrie - You're most likely doing everything right. Emailing to another
country is the same as emailing to the U.S. It's possible the "Contact Us"
button has a stale email address. Check the website to see if there is
another address listed. Some websites have an address listed alongside
their phone number. Or just call. Remember that London is 6 hours ahead of
the Central time zone, 5 hours ahead of the Eastern time zone.
Rick <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 03/07/2007
Lodgings in London near Victoria Station
The Georgian House Hotel on St. Georges Drive is a great place to stay while in London. Victoria Station is just a few blocks away. Breakfast is included in the cost and along with a very nice staff this makes for a pleasant visit to a great city.
Sally
Gainesville, Fla. USA Wed 03/07/2007
Paris: Hotel de Nevers
RS recommends the Hotel de Nevers in Paris. Looking at other websites I have found that older reports are overwhelmingly positive, but recent reports generally negative. New management? Has anyone been there since December '06?
Brooke Jennings <email>
Salt Lake City, UT USA Wed 03/07/2007
Leonardo Express
I haven't been to Rome since I saw this on the Trenitalia website, but apparently the Leonardo Express has been moved to a different track and now stops much closer to the station.
I hope that is true because it was/is (?) quite a hike before.
Doberry
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Paris Shuttle Bus
I am going to Paris at the end of May and am staying at the Hotel Londres Eiffel in the Rue Cler area. I need to find the best way to get from the Charles de Gaulle airport to the hotel. Does anyone know of an easy way or of a reputable Shuttle Bus Company I can arrange to use. I will have a suitcase and small overnight case, I do not not want to use the metro. Thanks for your help.
Ann <email>
Staten Island, NY USA Wed 03/07/2007
Easter accommodation Assisi
Has anyone tried to find accommodation in Assisi & environs as Easter approaches? I am finding [online] place after place fully booked, even now with Easter a month away. Any recommendations on the cheapest? I am travelling solo and require only a bed & shower/bath. Thanks!
Dave <email>
Toronto, Canada Wed 03/07/2007
Larry- Luggage on the vap in Venice
Larry- Lots of people take big items on the vap and 3 items wouldn't be unmanageable. I agree with the previous post, Venice is COMPLETELY different at night. The tourists from the cruise ships and day trips are gone, the locals come out of the woodwork, I can't describe it. When I remember Venice I remember my time there in the evening. If you are really concerned about it, consider staying at a Hotel near the trainstation. The book says these areas are seedy, but I stayed at one in Venice literally 2 minutes from the trainstation and I thought the area was very nice, just like every other part of Venice. Plus, the hotel will probably be a little bit cheaper!
Jenny
USA Wed 03/07/2007
E-mail Help
Hello All,
Although I'm on a computer at work all day, I'm not real computer-savvy when it comes to diagnosing problems so I'm going to post this question hoping someone will have pity on me and offer an explanation. I've tried to e-mail a question through a "Contact Us" button on a London website several times and it always comes back with this error "Delivery Status Notification (Failure)". Do I need to add something to the e-mail address when e-mailing another country? It this something I'm doing wrong or just a bad e-mail address?
Thank you,
Carrie
Carrie <email>
Bloomington, IN USA Wed 03/07/2007
Tour of Italy - Nancy
Nancy, I took this tour in Sept/Oct of 2005 and HIGHLY recommend it! I LOVED every minute, the food is amazing! The art and other sights are like none-other, the company (our tour group) was the best group of people to travel with ever, our guides (one American and one Italian) were superb! The hotels were better than I expected (never once did we have to share a bathroom with anyone and the view from the hotel on Lake Como was to die for!). I say go and have the greatest trip ever! :)
Erika
Seattle, WA USA Wed 03/07/2007
Trenitalia purchase problem
I tried purchasing on Trenitalia today and got through everything but it said transaction denied. Everything was in order. No reason why it was denied. Anyone experience this? What was your solution?
Gela <email>
San Jose, CA USA Wed 03/07/2007
Safe booking procedure
Hello! I am planning a trip for May and the hotel has requested that we put our deposit into their bank account. They have provided the information. Is this a safe and typical process?
Alana <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 03/07/2007
Luggage on vaparetto
Venice,
Larry, Stay in Venice. It has a special magic late at night which you will miss if you stay in Mestre. Taking luggage on the vaparetto is no problem. Sometimes you are charged, other times not. Just depends on who knows what?
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Luggage in Venice
We've been to Venice 2 times and carried all of our luggage onto the Vaporetti. While it's not particularly fun dealing with the luggage - it CAN be done. Just take it slow and easy. There will probably be other tourists on the boat just like you doing the same thing.
Now if I had back problems or health issues and I had about 80 extra Euros in my pocket I would vote for the water taxi (who wouldn't).
Tim
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Rick Steves Tour in Italy
I am interested in hearing from anyone who has done a Rick Steves tour in Italy, in particular the 15 day "Best of Italy". Would love to hear what you thought about the sightseeing, hotels etc.
Nancy
NM USA Wed 03/07/2007
paris metro
buy the mobilis card its much cheaper,at any metro.
jay
tor, USA Wed 03/07/2007
carte organge or viste?
will be in paris for a full week but I know the carte organge is only good from Monday-Sunday. We will be in paris for 4 days before and then we will be leaving on the Friday...
which is the best or should we get the visite pass for the first four days and then the carte organge?
dede
USA Wed 03/07/2007
Luggage on vaparetto
On a recent trip to Venice we had a vaparetto 3 day pass, so we used it countless times. We saw many, many people lug multiple large suitcases on and off, plus locals with packages and groceries. It seemed pretty normal. I wouldn't let a large piece of luggage get in the way of staying in Venice!
Terry
Bend, OR USA Wed 03/07/2007
Car Rental Companies
I've rented cars through Auto Europe in Ireland and France and have been well pleased with the service I've received. In Ireland my car came from by Budget and in France it came from Europcar. In both cases I relied on the coverage provided by my credit card company and declined CDW coverage. (Note: in Ireland only WORLD MasterCards provide coverage. And I believe that in Italy CDW is required for all rentals.)
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Wed 03/07/2007
Luggage on Vaporetto
How much of a pain is hauling your luggage into Venice on the vaporetto? We're traveling for a month and will have two good sized suitcases plus a backpack. Is sleeping in Venice under these circumstances worth the trouble or would we do just as well picking a hotel in Mestre with parking right at the door?
Larry Lee <email>
Tampa, FL USA Wed 03/07/2007
Car Rental Companies
Can I get some feedback on the following car rental companies? Europebycar.com, autoeurope.com, kemwel.com, drivetravel.com, and any of the major car rental companies. My credit card company does have a collision damage waiver. Does anyone recommend using this feature or just getting the CDW from the car company? Please advice.
Maricela
La Verne, CA USA Tue 03/06/2007
Borghese gallery
I believe they just run a month or so ahead. Just keep checking back. April should pop up in a few days.
Wayne
Eminence, KY USA Tue 03/06/2007
Termini /customs
I took the airport train from Termini to FCO in April 2006 - it takes about 30 minutes, but beware the walk from the airport train to the other tracks - it's the very LAST platform in the station and it is quite a hike. Given the chaos departing from Rome, I'd imagine the incoming chaos is similar. I'd err on the side of safety and take the later train. I had great success buying tickets online http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
USA Tue 03/06/2007
Kathryn....Termini /customs
Just to be on the safe side, I'd recommend the later train.
Consider that your flight might be late, not just the time it takes to get through customs.
As I remember it...it doens't take long, not even an hour to claim luggage and get through customs in Rome. But better to NOT be worried on your flight over. So what if you have to wait a bit longer for the next train to Venice...that way you can relax, and take the time to figure out the correct track, etc!
Ellen <email>
CO USA Tue 03/06/2007
Getting to Termini
Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get through customs at the FCO in Rome and then to get to Termini? My flight arrives at 7:50 am and I am trying to figure out if I can make the 9:45 train to Venice or if I should by tickets for the 10:52 train to be safe.
Kathryn <email>
USA Tue 03/06/2007
Ireland to ?
My husband and I are taking Rick's Ireland tour in June/July. We are thinking that we will extend our stay for a few days longer. We would appreciate suggestions on other places we might see in the area...maybe Wales or the Isle of Man.
Tawana <email>
Fayetteville, AR USA Tue 03/06/2007
Connection times
With the breakdown in service throughout the airline industry (ya know, those cheap tickets actually do come at a price, i.e., service), I never allow less than 2 hours, preferably 3, when making international connections. I plot out my travel plan so my layover can take in a nice lunch or dinner at the airport if necessary, without dashing to the gate when, as happens often enough, my plane is an hour or more late. Actually, my luggage has been lost so many times I usually plan a layover at my final airport destination (say London) for a couple days so everything catches up (it always has). Due to new carry on restrictions even packing light is tough if you're going to be gone several weeks or if you are traveling with children. If time is of the essence take enough on the plane to get you through your trip, buying what is necessary along the way. More expensive but it's a new world out there.
Douglas not Doug (smile)
San Diego, CA USA Tue 03/06/2007
Borghese gallery
has anyone tried to make reservations at Borghese gallery lately (online)? it seems to only be available for March dates (I'm traveling in April).
am I missing something?
Roy
Vancouver, WA USA Tue 03/06/2007
Irish Driver/Guide
Has anyone hired a driver/guide in western Ireland - ie.Galway or Shannon airport?
Monica Landreth <email>
Denton, TX USA Tue 03/06/2007
Hotel in Paris near the Train Station
Any recommendations for a Hotel in Paris in the area of the train, Gare de l'Est.
Elaine
Seattle, wa USA Tue 03/06/2007
Lodgings in London Near Victoria Station
We are looking for a twin room with private bath in early May near Victoria Station in London. Unfortunately the ones recommended in Rick's guide don't have twins available.
I have been looking on www.travelstay.com and found the Romanos Hotel - £ 27.89 per person per night, private bath.
Any comments on that hotel, the web site, or other recommendations in that neighborhood?
Thanks!
- Mike
Mike Finkbiner <email>
Moscow, Idaho USA Tue 03/06/2007
Easy jet
easy jet is basic but very good...good service, nice flight...
used them from london to amsterdam. plan to be using them again for paris-Nice and the Barcelona-Paris
bluedenim
vancouver, bc canada Tue 03/06/2007
re: Easy Jet question
I've flown Easy Jet once, from Edinburgh to London, and I would have no problems flying with EJ again.
Kim
Durham, NC USA Tue 03/06/2007
Re: cost of bus tickets?
From where to where?
Norm
Ottawa, Canada Tue 03/06/2007
train costs
Thanks, Norm! That's exactly what's happening -- it's more than 60 days out. I will try your method. Thanks so much.
Nancy
Nancy
Brentwood, Tenn. USA Tue 03/06/2007
cost of bus tickets?
how much would it cost to get a bus ticket in europe?
maria
nashville, tenn USA Tue 03/06/2007
Re: train costs
Nancy....does the button say "Buy," or under the Buy column does it say "No." If it says "No", then you're trying to book tickets more than 60 days in advance. Trenitalia only allows ticket purchases 60 days before the date of the trip. To get the best deals, I usually back-date the time by the 60 days, then jump on the internet the first day I'm eligible to purchase. You can confirm this by entering a fake date within 60 days of today and see if the little shopping cart shows up under the Buy column...that's a sign you can purchase those tickets.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 03/06/2007
Train Tickets in Rome
Train Tickets in Rome.We took Ricks advice and went to a travel agent.The cost was the same and they spoke english.We asked our hotel clerk where one was and walked 2 blocks.Worked very well.
Jack` <email>
Sheboygan, Wi USA Tue 03/06/2007
Berlin B&B
I'd love some recommendations for a great B&B in Berlin. I need it to be a non-smoking room for two. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail me at neighborhoodgreetings@mchsi.com
Thanks!
Teri
Teri Taylor <email>
Bettendorf, IA USA Tue 03/06/2007
train costs
The problem I'm having is that I can see the schedules but not prices, and when I try to click on "buy" to find out, nothing happens.
Nancy
Brentwood, Tenn. USA Tue 03/06/2007
Re: CDG Terminal 3
If by "train" you mean the RER to central Paris, just walk to the CDG 1 RER station. It's right next to the terminal.
If you mean the TGV, then take the Aeroports de Paris free shuttle bus from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. The station there is called CDG 2 TGV. (It's also a RER station.)
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Tue 03/06/2007
Re: Train costs
Depends on what trains you're using, when you travel, which class you travel, and other factors. Perhaps more of a hint on what problems you're encountering would be better, so we can help you get on-line with Trenitalia.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 03/06/2007
cdg term 3
Just turn right out the terminal doors and follow the paved path to the railway station...same place the airport commuter bus station is located. You'll cross one of the main airport roads (traffic lights present) before you come to the station...about a five minute walk.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 03/06/2007
Tour company reference needed
Has anyone one used the travel company called Eco Italia. I'm trying to make sure they are as good as their tours sound.
Debby Green <email>
Fair Haven, NJ USA Tue 03/06/2007
cdg term 3
we are arriving at Terminal 3 in paris CDG. What terminal do you catch the train from and how do you get to the terminal with the trains?
thanks
Dede
USA Tue 03/06/2007
train costs
I am having trouble finding a price for point to point train tickets in Italy on the trentalia website. Does anyone know the cost of tickets from: Venice to Florence? Florence to Cinque Terre; Cinque Terre to Rome?
Nancy
Brentwood, Tenn. USA Tue 03/06/2007
for Joan--Easter in Nice
Bus service is limited and many stores and shops and restaurants are closed on regular Sundays. Museums are usually closed on Tuesdays but open on Sundays--however, not sure about Easter. The beach and promenade are always open! We frequently visit Nice, if we arrive on a Sunday, we consider it a "slow day" and do not plan for too much.
Sandy
MD USA Tue 03/06/2007
Travel on Winter Roads
My wife and I will be in Munich the end of November and the beginning of December. We are planning on renting a car and driving to Fussen and possibly into Austria. How are the roads during the winter?
Dale <email>
Las Vegas, Nevada USA Mon 03/05/2007
Backpack vs Rolling Carry-On
On a trip to Spain in Nov. 05 - all public transportation, my daughter and I used travel packs from Eagle Creek; "Continental-Women's" I think, found at REI. They come in a men's size, too. The straps and lumbar belt can be zipped or tucked away when not in use. They're lightweight (empty), have a sturdy (hidden) frame, and have a zip-off day pack.
It is good advice to pack it up and wear it around for awhile before you leave; what I thought was a manageable weight seemed heavier as we traveled, plus it's inevitable to add more stuff.
On an upcoming trip for our family of 4 (2 weeks with a car rental, also 3 nights London, 7 nights Paris), we're bringing the 2 travel packs and 2 wheeled bags. If 2 of us need to take all 4 bags temporarily, it'll be easier. I got that idea from Rick Steves!
Cindy <email>
Westbrook, ME USA Mon 03/05/2007
Venice/Rome Train
Rome/Venice Train,
I have taken the train from Rome to Venice, and from Venice to Rome countless times and have never had to change trains. Of course, I have always travelled at night. Don't know about day trains.
USA Mon 03/05/2007
Rome City Bus #110 Tour
I took it in November - it was 13 Euro.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Mon 03/05/2007
Mont St. Michel hotels
Bruce - we're overnighting on the Mont in May. Check out www.auberge-st-pierre.com. So far, the hotel personnel have been fine to deal with - cordial and helpful. I've spoken with people who've stayed there twice and say it's a good choice. You can find candid traveler photos and reviews at www.tripadvisor.com.
Cindy <email>
Westbrook, ME USA Mon 03/05/2007
Rome - city bus tour
re: Guided tour of Rome ATAC city bus # 110 - Does anyone know the cost of this trip? Sounds like it would be worthwhile, rather than just walking to different sights.
Sheila
kamloops, B.C. canada Mon 03/05/2007
Rome to Venice
Take the train from the airport - it is right in the airport - you'll see signs - very easy- goes straight into Rome Centrale (it takes 30 minutes or so - maybe a little longer). When it gets into Centrale Station, it's a bit of a walk to the front of the station. We didn't realize that and went out a side entrance thinking we were near the front and got a bit lost (the front of the airport train is not the front of the station - it stops on side tracks further out - just keep following the other trains and the people). To get your bearings right to find your hotel be sure to go all the way out the front of the station. You will love Rome - We were staying near the train station and we walked everywhere except to the Vatican (metro works great for that). You never know how long customs, etc. Just relax and follow along (probably at least an hour or so if you have to get luggage and lots of planes come in together).
Two summers back we traveled all over Italy by train and never had a problem walking in and getting a ticket (w/reservation if needed or preferred) and getting on the next train. There are lots of options on Italian trains and lots of prices. We tended to just get the ticket for the next train, but if you are really pinching pennies, you can wait for a cheaper train. Mostly we used the self-service kiosks - really quite easy to use (we did have a problem with the credit card the first time - we're used to "swiping" the card, but the ticket machines kind of grab it and then release it - kind of disconcerting at first, but worked fine). Spend some time on the Die Bahn site (see below) to look at all the kinds of trains (IC, ICE, R, etc) Generally the "R" trains are regional while the IC/EC/ICE are more city to city, faster, may need reservations, more expensive.
I always use the German Die Bahn site for train schedules - it has everything, but no prices for outside Germany. It's easy to use and if you go on the "advanced search" button, you can get a graphic of the itinerary (I find that helpful because some place names are very similar and I want to be sure I'm really looking at the right place). I think going from Rome to Venice - Santa Lucia (not Mestre), you may have to change in Bologna. Also, be sure to use the Italian place names, not English - especially on Trenitalia. (Roma, Venezia etc).
Karen <email>
CO USA Mon 03/05/2007
Lake Como
People were making recommendations for Albergo Olivedo in Lake Como. I need to state my opinion about this hotel:
Do NOT stay at Albergo Olivedo in Varenna I had booked a room with a "great lake view" 3 months ago in Varenna. When I arrived the owner, Laura, said she had a room with a "little view". The "view" was from the attic from a 4 inch windo on the ground. One would have to lay down on the floor and stick ones head out the window to catch a glimpse of the lake. When we approaced her with her email confirmation she became confrontational and told us we had 30 minutes to find another place or we would be charged for the room. Her attitude was horrendous. We found a lovely place to stay with a lake front view for 45 euros less a night than Olivedo.
I would recommend Villa Cipressi anyday over Ricks listing of Albergo Olivedo. Save your money and a headache do NOT stay at Olivedo.
Cali
SF, USA Mon 03/05/2007
USA: High Sierra Transport/Railpass
The only comment I can make is that you have to watch the size of the bags. Each of these is a different size, and I think the one you bought is a bit larger than "official" carry on size. But, since it's a soft bag, and has no frame, it should still fit in the overhead - if you don't stuff it with too much clothing!
I own a High Sierra bag too, and it's wonderful. I use the Transport...slightly smaller than the one you bought and I agree - it works great! It's light weight, and easy to take the day pack off and use as my 2nd carry on, and as the pack I use during the day while touring.
I'm 53, and in good shape, so carrying my luggage on my back is the best way for me. I notice when I drag a bag behind me, I tend to twist my back or shoulder...wearing my luggage on my back make me more aware of my posture and it's really not that much weight on my body. The waist belt really helps..and the shoulder straps offer "load lifters" so I can adjust the bag to fit my torso.
Jonathan
USA Mon 03/05/2007
Mont St Michel lodging answer
Yes you can stay on the island itself, or at the end of the causeway there are some larger tourbus type hotels that you could stay at with a view of the Mt. Walking from these would prob be 20 min to Mt. I stayed at B/B Les Vielles Digues-excellent but another 2 miles down the road. All are listed in RS guidebook France.
JS
USA Mon 03/05/2007
Florence?
I'm just about to turn 18 and my friends and I want to travel to Florence this summer (parent approved). We're going for 7 days and could use some quick tips about hostels, sightseeing, food, ect. Comments?
Britt
NJ USA Mon 03/05/2007
room
looking for a room in port issac? can you help?
don
tor, USA Mon 03/05/2007
Ireland Heritage Card
We purchased the Hertiage Cards at Newgrange - which was our first site. The cards were fabulous - they covered all the major sites plus others that we wouldn't have normally stopped at, but were covered by the card so we decided to add them...and every time it was well worth it. Plus, you save a lot of money by not paying site by site. Also, we were able to walk into the Visitor Center at Newgrange and sign up for a tour time with no problems (October 2006) - even if you have to wait, they have a great little museum with history of the site and local area. This is a must see stop!
VA USA Mon 03/05/2007
Le Mont St. Michel
I am considering a fast trip to Le Mont St. Michel, basically over nighting. Are there any hotels either at or near Le Mont St. Michel that would be useful.
Bruce Blecher
San Diego, CA USA Mon 03/05/2007
Paris rooms for a family of 4
Check out Hotel Valadon (www.hotelvaladon.com, they have a family cottage from what I could see seemed quite nice. My mother and I stayed at this hotel for a week in October and enjoyed it very much.
NYC, USA Mon 03/05/2007
RE; Guided Tour: Rome
ATAC City bus tour #110 from the Termini station. It is an hop on hop off bus with an audio guide. Covers over 80 sightseeing destinations. Wonderful overview of the highlights. Price covers a 24 hour period.
Jeff
NJ USA Mon 03/05/2007
RE; Concentration Camp
You will find various vendors that specialize in sightseeing tours. I took such a tour to the camp. It was an all day trip with a wonderful guide.
Jeff
NJ USA Mon 03/05/2007
RE: Easy Jet
I've used Easyjet several times with no complaints. Just bring drinks and snacks with you, since theirs are overpriced. Since there are no assigned seats, it can be a rush. So the sooner you check in, the earlier you are in the line to let you board. They do offer a service where you're called first if you pay an extra couple of Euro. Cabin crew are young and friendly. I don't think they've ever been more than 20 minutes late, and I think that was out of CDG, due to a general airport-wide delay. The sooner you book, the cheaper the price (unless you luck into a last-minute sale.)
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 03/05/2007
Carol - venice to Florence or Cinque Terre
Hi Carol, Your question hit home.
I booked our B&B's BEFORE looking at the train schedule.
We were going to go from Venice to the Cinque Terre then to Florence but didn't want to spend 6 hours and 3 train changes going to Cinque Terre. We are now going from Venice to Florence, then Cinque Terre, picking up a rental car in LaSpezia after our stay in Vernazza, then start our driving tour of Umbria/Tuscany area and use Orvieto as a base for a week. Watch what day you want to pick up your rental car. We extended our stay in Cinque Terre one day so we could pick up the rental car on a Monday. We will return our car in Orvieto then train back to Rome. Any other questions email me.
Bonnie <email>
OR USA Mon 03/05/2007
Mostar
Has anyone traveled from Dubrovnik to Mostar and back from Mostar to Split? Also, can you recommend a tour in Mostar - and a place to spend the night there.
Thank you!
Roz Slovic <email>
Eugene, Or USA Mon 03/05/2007
Easter in Nice
We will be landing in Nice on Easter morning. We would like to spend a day or two in and around the city sightseeing before renting a car to travel through Provence. Has anyone been in the area on Easter as a traveler? I am wondering if it will be difficult to find restaurants and stores open and if the train schedule will be affected. We could rent a car immediately and head off to Provence and save the sightseeing in Nice for the end of the trip. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Joan
USA Mon 03/05/2007
GUIDED TOURS
Any recommendations for 1/2 day or less guided tours in Florence and Rome?
Maureen <email>
Victoriaville, QC Canada Mon 03/05/2007
Re: Train Schedule for Rome, etc.
You do NOT have to register on the Trenitalia site to see the timetables. Click on "English" in the upper right-hand corner of the home page. Enter "Roma" as your departure station and "Venezia S Lucia" as your arrival station. Enter a date within 60 days of today and a time of day. Click on "Send."
The timetables at www.bahn.de are excellent for most of Europe.
The Rome airports site is www.adr.it. Click on the British flag for English, then on "Fiumicino" and then on "Getting here." Click on "Leonardo Express" for information on the train that goes directly from the airport to the Termini train station.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Mon 03/05/2007
Itinerary between Venice/Cinque Terra
Rick's 2006 book suggests that if traveling by train on his 3 week itinerary, rather than go from Venice to Florence, you should go from Venice directly to Cinque Terra (6 hrs) and then do Florence and Siena before renting a car for the hill towns. He's the pro but I wonder why I couldn't go by train from Venice to Florence, stay a few nights (ignore Siena for the moment) and then go to Cinque Terra. It breaks up the 6 hour trip that way and when I'm done in Cinque Terra, I could return to Florence but only to rent a car for the Tuscany/Umbria towns and I could catch Siena along the way. Everything in Tuscany/Umbria seems so close. It seems so logical. . . what am I missing?
Carol
Huntington Beach, CA USA Sun 03/04/2007
Theresienstadt Concentration Camp
After seeing a story on 60 Minutes last week, I realized that Theresienstadt concentration camp is near Prague. We are visiting Prague in August and I'm interested in going there. Does anyone know how far from Prague this is? I went to the website and the map didn't really help me understand where it is in relation to the city.
Amy
Clarksville, TN USA Sun 03/04/2007
Wheelie bags and backpacks
Wheeled luggage works fine on Europe's cobblestone streets. Make it a point to buy a brand that has large wheels. I know young folks love to jump and run, on and off of trains, etc, but there comes a time in life when your backpack meets an arthritic back and you just can't manage it so well. So flat statements like some of the ones below are not considering the different abilities of folks nor their likes and dislikes. And if we older traveler's seem a bit out-of-it for you young folks then why do you stop us so often and ask us what you are looking at?
Charles M. Luther
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Treno Natura in Tuscany, Italy
I will be travelling to Siena in May for a family reunion. I saw a write-up in Lonely Planet on the Treno Natura train that is a tourist train that runs in the summer and goes through the Tuscan countryside. Has anyone been on this and have any comments? There are 8 of us, so renting a car is not a good option.
Thanks!
Rob <email>
Boulder, CO USA Sun 03/04/2007
Paris rooms for a family of 4
Can anyone recommend a hotel in the rue Cler area that has rooms with 2 doubles? We would like to avoid getting 2 separate rooms.
Thanks!
Bernice Ege-Zavala <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sun 03/04/2007
Train schedule for Rome and transportation into Rome from Airport
Two things: I keep trying to get on Trenitalia website to find schedules for Rome to Venice times. Do I have to register before I can get into the site? I cannot find train schedules without putting in a date, and it still doesn't show me time schedules.
Also, what is the best way to go into Rome from the airport (Fumicino) to the train station. Where is the train station in connection with the airport?
How long does it usually take to get luggage and go through customs? Our B&B is within walking distance to the train station.
We arrive at 6:00 pm from London.
Bonnie <email>
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Backpack v Wheelie
I'd like to speak up for the wheelies. I've used a backpack, and it's nice when you are climbing on and off a lot of trains. However, after 3 trips, I switched to an LL Bean small rolling duffle. It's much lighter and more flexible than other wheelies, and it has a strap so I can sling it across my back if I need to.
A backpack style bag worked fine for me at the beginning of each trip, when it weighed less than 18 lbs. However, as I purchased items along the way (OK, most are books and CDs) it gained weight quickly. Trudging up the hill to the train station in Nice, I realized that I missed the wheelie bags I overpack when I go to Vegas.
I took the rolling duffle on its first trip, (Italy, on and off a lot of trains) and it is the best of both worlds.
The way you travel makes a difference, too. I always day-trip from a central location, so my bags only go straight from the airport (or train station) to the hotel. Wheelies are great when you're running through the airport.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Sun 03/04/2007
Easy Jet
Has anyone used easy jet to travel within Europe? We are planing to fly from Berlin to Paris and then from Paris to Milan to avoid the time train travel will take but I want to find out comments before I purchase the tickets. Thank you
Suzann <email>
Orangevale, CA USA Sun 03/04/2007
Foresteria Valdese or Alloggi Barbaria
Has anyone stayed at either Foresteria Valdese or Alloggi Barbaria in Venice? Trying to choose between the two. Thanks for your help.
Nancy
Brentwood, Tenn. USA Sun 03/04/2007
Lake Como
I have stayed at Villa Belvedere in Argegno and it is terrific. Google it for their website. It's a small family run hotel right on the lake with a small carpark on the property and 1 minute walk to the ferry and bus. Good, clean, well run. Food was fantastic and breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake was amazing. I have to agree with Katrina one night is not enough. You must see Bellagio - it's across the lake from Argegno and is just beautiful. If you are only able to stay one night maybe Bellagio is a better bet to stay but the price will be higher than other towns on the lake.
Helen
Melbourne, Australia Sun 03/04/2007
Rolling vs. Backpacks
Having traveled both in the US and Europe, I have found (for me a 50 year old woman) a backpack works the best. I have both a wheeled bag and a backpack and the times I have used the backpack has left my hands free to get out whatever documents, etc. I need to remove. I carry a purse small enough to put inside the backpack. I have traveled both alone and with my husband and the times I travel alone, the backpack idea is the best for me. I couldn't believe how much more convenient it was for me to not have to be lugging a wheeled back through an airport, etc. We just purchased the High Sierra Railpass Backpacks for both of us and are looking forward to using them for our next trip in April. The High Sierra bags have the zip-off daypack that will be nice to use both for day trips and also for carry-ons. We plan to not check luggage, so having the option to zip off the day pack will work well. We did a LOT of research on backpacks before purchasing these and the High Sierra brand seemed to be the best to suit our purposes. Has anyone else used High Sierra packs (I did see the post below on the HS Transport backpack) and how did you like them? Happy travels.
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Venice Accomodations
I just spent the first weekend of Carnivale in Venice and stayed at the Foresteria Fondazione Levi. We had a double room 95 euros a night (Great deal for Venice at that time). It's located in San Marco Quarter, right by the Accademia bridge. It's a 2 star hotel, but it's very clean and has a nice-sized bathroom, and the location is great. You can email them directly at foresterialevi@libero.it or check the site: www.provincia.venezia.it/levi (I took their card for future visits.)
Katrina
Paris, France Sun 03/04/2007
Lake Como
I have stayed at Albergo Olivedo each time I've been to Lake Como. It's in Varenna. The website is www.olivedo.it. It was listed in Rick Steve's guides, but I'm not sure if it still is. The owner, Laura, is great, and she offers dinner with your stay, which is well well worth it......get the eggplant lasagna for the primi and the tiramisu--which is the best I've ever tasted. The albergo is right next to the boat launch, from which you can tour the lake. One night is not really enough time to really enjoy the lake and the area, so if you could stay even 2 nights, it would be better.
Katrina
Paris, USA Sun 03/04/2007
Reccomendation for Lake Como stop
My husband and I will be traveling from Grindelwald to Lake Como for a one night stop. Does anyone have a recommendation on which town on Lake Como and any hotel advice? We will then be heading to St. Johann im Pongau, Austria.
<email>
Darla, CA USA Sun 03/04/2007
need hints for summer lowfares to Europe
SFO to France during summer is $1400 and up so far from major airlines and discount websites. any ideas out there? thanks in advance.
JS
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Paris to Switzerland
I am trying to organize my summer trip and therefore researching the different rail lines. Does anyone know the best way to get from Paris to The Swiss Alp region and/or vice versa?
Candace <email>
Hamilton, nj USA Sun 03/04/2007
TSA Rules - Europe/UK
No, TSA is American. Each European country has its own rules, though the liquid/gel rule is the same throughout the UK as mandated by the EU.
The UK has strict rules about carry on luggage (one piece - not one piece plus purse or laptop - see the BAA website for size regs) if you are connecting through or leaving from a UK airport. See www.baa.co.uk for details. If your bag is larger than the regs, you will not be allowed through security, so make sure to check before getting to the airport to avoid hassles.
The BAA rules on liquids are the same as for continental Europe. The rest of the rules vary, but in general it is best to check with your airline for their rules, minimize carry on luggage and be prepared to adjust for the variations in regulations at each airport.
I always reccomend putting all valuables/keys/passports/tickets/etc/ in a smaller bag - tuck it into a larger one if you are in the UK - so that if you do have to check a larger carry on that you don't have to madly repack at the last minute.
Kate
Scotland Sun 03/04/2007
re: wheels/no wheels
This is a very personal choice. Personally, I absolutely detest wheeled luggage, and have plenty of reasons why I will never want any part of it. On the other hand, the wife loves her wheelie bag. Fortunately, I was able to talk her into getting a convertable bag: it's a wheelie/backpack style. It cost a bit more than no n-convertible types, but on our last trip she soon was very glad she did have the option of putting it on her back. There are simply many, many places where wheelie bags just will not work well, or work at all: unpaved paths, trails, cobblestoned streets, grassy fields, anyplace without a smooth surface - and that's a LOT of places in Europe.
If you get a wheelie bag, don't fool yourself into thinking that you won't ever have to heft it and carry it for some distance (either by it's handle or on your back) - my suggestion is to pack as if you will have to carry it about half the time, and follow Rick's advice about going for a long walk around your home town while carrying your luggage. That way, when you *do* have to heft it, it won't come as a complete shock.
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 03/04/2007
re: Milan, left luggage
You can check bags at the Milan rail station (there's a small fee) - see posts below.
As for whether or not Milan is worth your time, that depends. I don't know if I would go there and spend a day unless I had some other reason to be there....but for many of us, Milan is an arrival/departure point (many flights from the US go in to Milan). In my case, our flights to/from Italy went through Milan, so we had no choice. When we arrived, we planned to spend a few hours there unwinding from the long flight, making the adjustments to being in Europe, and exploring the sights. We went to the train station and checked our large bags there, then wandered around and on top of the Duomo and walked the streets for a while. After a few hours of decompression, we went back to the station, grabbed our bags and took the train to Venice. It was a good way to start the trip.
On our way back, we had flown in to Milan from Palermo the night before our flight home, so we had about 24 hours there. We did some sightseeing (Leonardo's Last Supper - well worth the hassles of getting in), the wife did some shopping, and we had a relaxing last day in Milan after 3 weeks in Italy.
I wouldn't plan Milan as a major stop, but there's certainly some things there that are worth seeing and doing. If your flights take you through Milan, don't dread it - take advantage of what the city has to offer.
Just my 2 cents.
David
Seattle, WA USA Sun 03/04/2007
Wheels/no wheels questions
My husband and I swear by Rick's convertable backpack/suitcase. Our bags have never weighed more than 13 pounds fully packed. We have used the same ones for more than 20 years (over 40 trips- including one around the world) and they still look new. Wheels just add weight and complicate things. By the way- he is 52 and I am 49. In addition to Rick's bags we each wear a fanny pack (I use Eagle Creek's extra large) and I carry a daypack on most trips to tote around our umbrellas, windbreakers,and to hold daily purchases (it goes over empty -inside the suitcase). He also uses a very small sholder bag to carry his international cell phone and camara (it is all but invisible espcially under his jacket). I have a small sholder bag that I carry sometimes, instead of the day pack.
Toni
Charlotte, NC USA Sun 03/04/2007
Tipping shuttle drivers
We tip a small amount, espeically if we have luggage that the shuttle driver helps with. In foreign countries, dollar bills are useful as tips.
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Milan
Milan,
I agree with Paul n Sara, skip Milan unless you have lots of time in Italy. It is more like a large U.S. city than most of Italy. The cathedral is nice but I just pass through Milan on my way to Venice.
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Darcy-Thanks for the input, we've heard great things about Cesky also. Unfortunately, we are traveling on frequent flier miles and cannot change our flight, but for $112 in prime time travel, we can't beat it. We will most likely fly to Prague then train down to Budapest, Pecs and onto the Croatian coast...a fine way to celebrate a 40th birthday and 4th wedding anniversary!
Michele
SLC, Utah USA Sun 03/04/2007
Backpacks VS Rolling
This depends on how YOU travel. Are you going on a bus trip for 21 days? Traveling by car? Train? Are you in good shape, and can carry 20-30 lbs on your back for short distances?
My husband and I always travel with convertable luggage. this gives us the opportunity to put it on our backs for hands free travel. Great when walking crowded streets, getting on trains, etc.
Some travels swear by rolling luggage. I personally don't like the idea of a heavier piece of luggage, and something that restricts my movements up and down stairs, etc. For travel by plane in the US, I only use a rolling carry on, but overseas, when I'm moving from town to town, it's only a backpack style bag.
That being said. I love the High Sierra "Transport" bag. It is one carry one size bag with a removeable daypack that I can use for side/day trips once in country. The daypack also can attach to the front straps, so I have a hand/eye on my valuables.
I bought mine on www.ebags.com last year, and have used it 3x already!
http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/transport/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=62988
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Milan
Milan is worth a day's trip.
My husband and I had one day there a few years back on our way to the CT.
Visit the Duomo, go to the top and walk on the roof to admire the sculptures and spires, walk over to the Sforza castle, walk through the main piazza and through the Galleria - stand at a counter in a coffee shop and enjoy a beverage with the locals.
Milan is busier, more commerical than Florence, but safer than Rome (IMO)
There isn't a ton to see, but if you are in Italy, you owe it to yourself to see what there is to see!
MaryAnne
USA Sun 03/04/2007
Eastern Europe Trip
Michele--We flew into Prague, trained to Cesky Krumlov (now a favorite!)then Budapest and flew out of Vienna on a 2004 whirlwind trip. We didn't want to waste time saving money on our airfare and preferred being where we wanted to be! You sound so doubtful about being in Zürich, maybe it would be worth the change fee to change your flights?
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Sun 03/04/2007
Eastern Europe Trip
We are planning on Eastern Europe but the best flight we can get is into Zurich at 8:50am. We are planning on going to Prague, Budapest, Vienna and the Croation coast and are sad we have to travel from Zurich. What is there to see close to the airport, do they have luggage check (backpacks) and would it be better to fly to one of the other cities from Zurich or take an overnight train? We're thinking about checking our luggage and touring around for the day and taking an evening train to Vienna and why isn't Prague on the SelectPass?! Lastly, we will fly out of Zurich and are wondering if there is a low cost hotel, hostel etc in the vicinity of the airport.
Michele <email>
Salt Lake City, Utah USA Sun 03/04/2007
Milan train station
Would like to find a secure place to stow our bags for a few hours at the train station in Milan.Does anyone know if theres a place.
Mike
Manitu, Co USA Sun 03/04/2007
tipping
If I take a shuttle service from the airport to my hotel, do I tip the shuttle driver as I would a taxi driver?
Lissa
St. Louis, MO USA Sun 03/04/2007
Newgrange
If you want to see Newgrange. Only one way to go and that's with Mary Gibbon's Tour group. Whole day tour takes you to Hill of Tara, Boyne Valley, Slane, Newgrange. Cost from memory, 35 Euros which includes entry fee to Newgrange. One of the highlights of my overseas travels. Worth every cent. Check out her web site www.newgrangetours.com
Judy <email>
Adelaide, SA Australia Sun 03/04/2007
Hotel near Portofino for less
Ann, Swan, the town is Santa Margherita Ligure, just a few miles south of Portofino. We much preferred it to Portofino. Stayed at Albergo Fasce and had one of the best meals there cooked by a Scottish lady who had married into the family that owned the hotel.
Cary <email>
Brea, CA USA Sun 03/04/2007
backpack vs rolling carryon
Backpack, rolling backpack or typical rolling carryon - which is best for a Sept 14 day best of Europe tour (20 days traveling)? First time travelers (ages 52, 50, 24 & 21) would appreciate comments (and who sells reasonable, light rolling backpacks if that's the way to go). Thanks!
Rookie ;-)
Edmonds, WA USA Sat 03/03/2007
squat%2Drack
Great+Site+%2D+really+useful+information%21o
Sveta <email>
Zealand, Forces Pakistan Sat 03/03/2007
Luggage Check- Italy
We were in Italy in October. Checked luggage at the Milan, Venice, and Rome train stations. No problems at any of them. Allow yourself at least an hour to retrieve your luggage though. The lines would really back up when the international trains with all the backpackers rolled in, and there was no way to predict when that would be. Also, for Milan, you can get a 24 hr. transit pass at the tobacco shop right near left luggage and catch the subway to the Duomo straight from the train station.
Have fun!
NancyW <email>
GA USA Sat 03/03/2007
TSA rules good in Europe
Are the TSA rules the same in UK and Europe? If not is there a sight to find regulations? Are bags hard to claim in the UK if checked?
mester
louisville, ky USA Sat 03/03/2007
Munich Hotel
The Hotel Royal at 11 Schillerstraße is aobut two blocks from the train station, and is clean, comfortable, provides a good buffet breakfast (included) and easy access to the local transportation systems, plus it's a very short walk to the old center of town and many interesting sights.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Sat 03/03/2007
Christine: Newgrange
I was at Newgrance in late October 2006. If I remember correctly, only groups can book ahead. There were few people at the site when I went but I'm sure there would be many in high season. Drive time from Dublin is about 40min/1hr. Its a very cool place and definently worth it.
S&S
Sonoma County, CA USA Sat 03/03/2007
Maricela-Paris to Nice
The high points would be Arles and other Provence towns, just hopscotch thru the towns/villages that RS guidebooks recommend. I would skip Lyon
altho you could train there and pick up a car rental which is what we did.
JS
USA Sat 03/03/2007
Money exchange
Many airports lease out the rights to ATM machines to private companies, and their fees can be sky-high. Make sure you use ATMs belonging to chartered banks for your withdrawals....do a google search to see what the names of the big banks are in Greece. As for exchanging some money into Euro before you go over....check with your local bank. If they don't (or won't), check Bank of America at https://www.bankofamerica.com/index.jsp, then click on "More Options" under Products and Services, then look for International Banking, under which you'll see Foreign Currency. You can order Euro at any of their full service banking centers, or on line and have it delivered...but check their delivery fees to your location.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 03/03/2007
re: Checking bags at rail stations
We were in Italy about 6 months after 9/11/2001, and while there was certainly an elevated sense of security (as opposed to the rampant paranoid hysteria at home), there was definitely "left luggage" available at the Milan rail station.
Our flight from the US arrived in the morning, and we were taking the train to Venice in the afternoon. We planned to spend a few hours at Duomo and didn't want to lug our big packs, so we checked them at the station. No hassles, no problems. On a 3-week trip through Italy, we did occasionally run into rail stations with their left luggage facilities that had been closed, but that was rare (the only time it proved to be a hassle was in Pisa, which we were doing as a stop between Florence and Siena).
On a trip to Europe last fall, we never had any problem finding left-luggage facilities (either coin-op or checked) at any station. I wouldn't expect this to be an issue at any major city thee days.
Good luck and have a great trip.
David
Seattle, WA USA Sat 03/03/2007
Detting Money
We would use ATMs, not exvhange bureaus or desks. During 5+ months in 2006, we used ATMS everywhere, Just make sure your amount for withdrawals is high as Euros are worth much more than dollars.
Paul n Sara <email>
USA Sat 03/03/2007
Money exchange
Good afternoon everyone. We are traveling to Greece soon and I've heard it's best to arrive in Europe with euros in hand, but that it's best not to use airport money exchange. Anyone know the best way to do this? My local bank before leaving? A european bank? Help?
Thanks so much
Robindianne
USA Sat 03/03/2007
Currency at Base/Mulhouse
Do the French section and the Swiss section of the Mulhouse/Basel airport both accept euros and/or swiss francs?
Tom
Oberlin, Ohio USA Sat 03/03/2007
Checking bags at rail stations
I plan to take a blitz tour of Milan's city center as suggested by Rick in his Italy 2006 book. To take this tour, Rick recommends checking your bag at the station. I recall having read somewhere that since 9-11, no one is allowed to check a bag at rail stations. I'd like to assume Rick, who is the professional, knows better- especally since he wrote about it in a book published years after 9-11. But I'd hate to find out otherwise when I get there. I'm hoping someone reading this link was in Milan more recently and had no problem checking his/her bag at the station and can let me know.
Carol <email>
Huntington Beach, CA USA Sat 03/03/2007
ANN--PORTOFINO
SANTA MARGHERITA is just a few minutes by boat from Portofino. There is also frequent bus service between the two towns. Santa Margherita (hotels listed in the RS guides) has moderately priced hotels and quite an ambience of its own!
Swan
USA Sat 03/03/2007
Re: New Grange
If you Google New Grange you will find this web sight that will lead you to everything you could possibly want to know. There are many links you can go to from this web sight. Have a great trip! Ireland is Fantastic! http://www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm
Kim
USA Sat 03/03/2007
munich hotel
easypalace hotel 30 euros single
jo
oak, USA Sat 03/03/2007
Ireland Heritage Card
Would one purchase the Ireland Heritage Card at the first site? Please offer tips on Newgrange--is there a book ahead option and how long is drive from Dublin?
TQ
Christine <email>
Ponte Vedra, FL USA Sat 03/03/2007
Re: Italy Reservation Fees
Here is a page with a list of reservation fees: www.ricksteves.com/rail/pdfs/07reservations.pdf. If you buy point-to-point tickets, the reservation is included in the price of the ticket. If you have a railpass, reservations made in Europe are 10-15 EUR for EuroStar Italia trains and 3 EUR for any other trains that require reservations. The fees are much more expensive if made from the US.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 03/03/2007
italy reservation fees
what are the seat reservation fees for italian trains?
al
tor, USA Sat 03/03/2007
6 months in Europe
But remember that in UK
1) It is ONE carry on bag. Not one bag and a personal item. One bag - though you can stuff one into the other, if they are smaller than the limit, and separate them after security.
2) It's not a matter of gate checking. If your bag is larger than the limit, you will be turned back from security and have to get in line again to check it with the airline. Which could result in a lot of hassle and possibly a missed flight.
So, however you decide to go, read the regulations if you are flying through or out of the UK.
Kate
Scotland Sat 03/03/2007
Car in Bologna
There are several car rental companies around the Bologna train station. We would recommend NOT having a car in Bologna (walk or use their public transportation or taxi) and then renting one near the train station. It is not difficult to get out of Bologna from that location.
By the way - we used Gemut and were very happy with them.
Have fun!!
Connie <email>
USA Sat 03/03/2007
Re: Oh no, airfare
For budget airlines like Ryanair, the longer you wait to book, the higher the price. The occasional special fare sale is an exception to that rule, but last-minute bookings can cost you as much as flying on a national carrier.
Tim <email>
Minot, ND USA Sat 03/03/2007
Oh no, airfare
I've been watching Ryanair flights from Frankfurt to Krakow. They were 1cent and now they've increased to 35 euro. I'm leaving in two weeks. Any chance of them dipping again, or will they hold? \
Help!
JH <email>
Ohio USA Fri 03/02/2007
Six months in Europe
We usually travel for 6 weeks, not 6 months, but I don't think I'd want to travel any heavier just because we are there longer. I understand the issue of UK regulations (especially British Air), but even if you have to gate-check your backpack, you still have the one bag when you are wandering. We generally have a max size carry-on bag and daypack, which is currently ok under the "one carry-on and one personal item".
I take several mix and match layers. In winter mostly black, but summer a combination. Lightweight, wrinkle free skirts are great - much more comfortable in summer than slacks (usually 2 skirts (incl blk for dress-up), 2 slacks (no jeans), 1-2 shorts, 6 variety of lightweight tops for versatility, scarf for dress up and churches, light sweater, nice fleece (we swear by Land's End Marinac - looks good, wind barrier, water resistant (not waterproof, though). If we know we are in a rainy area, we take raincoats, otherwise an umbrella and emergency pocketsize poncho. We generally do daily laundry in the sink, rarely use a laundromat any more. You might get tired of your wardrobe, and it may not be worth anything when you return, but who cares?
Karen <email>
CO USA Fri 03/02/2007
Munich hotel
We stayed in a Rick Steve's recommendation, Hotel Monaco. It's about 3 blocks from the train station in Munich - $81 Euros www.hotel-monaco.de It was simple, but you could tell they took pride in their small hotel. They even had some food for us at 3:00 a.m. before we had to catch the train to the airport. We got a one-day tranportation pass that also covered the early trip to the airport (good until 6:00 a.m. following day). It was more expensive than the regular pass, but still a good deal for a whole day of wandering (usually by tram for the sight-seeing benefits).
Karen
USA Fri 03/02/2007
Palace Hotel Munich
Unless you have more money than you know what to do with, don't even bother to look at their website. Cheapest single is $215; cheapest double is $265. I'm sure others on this website can suggest more sensibly priced hotels.
Lee
USA Fri 03/02/2007
Hotel de la paix near eiffel tower
I have reserved a room at the Hotel de la paix near the Eiffel tower and was wondering if it is good place to stay as it no longer is in Ricks paris 2007 book. Help!
Cathy <email>
USA Fri 03/02/2007
place to stay in munich
easy palace hotel across from train station.
jay
tor, USA Fri 03/02/2007
London Hotels on Hotwire
I took a gamble and went to hotwire (dot com) to book my hotel in London. I lucked out and got a 4 star hotel for $99 dollars a night! Yes, dollars.
The hotel was the Hilton Wardorf and we were located right in the heart of Covent Garden and the Theatre District.
If you're willing to gamble, and not picky about the actual brand, give hotwire a try.
Oh the rooms were small, smaller than typical euro hotels... but the location.. priceless!
Michelle
Anaheim, CA USA Fri 03/02/2007
Another thought...
Many hostels, rail stations and aiports in Europe have left luggage facilities and/or lockers so you could lighten your load at times by leaving stuff in a locker (or at your hostel/hotel) if you are going to be in the same city for a while or returining in a reasonable amount of time.
It's good to pack light, but do remember that Western Europe and especially the UK are much more expensive than the US (twice as much sometimes), so you don't want to have to rely too much on purchasing new things for 6 months. It might be worth investing in some good lightweight fleece things for warmth (April isn't always warm!), and some lightweight, crumple free clothes etc. A good simple,pull on, easy to wash dress and nice shoes isn't a bad idea - you might find yourself in a situation that requires a bit of dressing up and so having something nice would be a bonus.
It's not cheap, but there's a great catalogue for women called Title9Sports (google it) that makes great hiking/casual/sports clothes, mostly out of easy to wash n' wear materials which would survive 6 months backpacking, be compactible etc.
Kate
Scotland Fri 03/02/2007
Greetings Remeber that if you are flying through or from any UK airport that you are only allowed one carry-on and it must be smaller than 22 x 17.7 x 10 inches, which is probably much smaller than you are going to want to have for 6 months. And the good ol' liquids/gels rules are just dandy...
I would invest in a good internal frame backpack - with a good fit and proper hip/wasit belt, you can carry a good deal of weight very comfortably. You might be best off going to one of the hiking specialty stores, at least to get advice and try them on. If there's an REI near you, they are very good and if you become a member, you get a yearly refund depending on the amount of your purchases. You'd probably get savings on a backpack alone.
The list of Washington stores is here: http://www.rei.com/online/FindStores.do?state=WA&radius=900
A quick word - remember to make sure your trip is structured to avoid being in the UK or in any combination of the other continental EU countries for more than the time limit (3 or 6 months, depending on where) unless you have an EU passport or get an extended tourist visa. And make sure you have the proper financial documentation to prove that you can support yourself for the whole time period, as coming in with little luggage for a long period of time may raise suspicions at immigrations.
Have fun!
Kate
Scotland Fri 03/02/2007
Packing light for 6 months
I am going to be traveling in the UK, Ireland, and Europe from 6 months, from April-Sept by myself. I have never been before, or backpacked or traveled for so long. It will be an adventure.
I don't want to carry a big heavy backpack around for that long. I want mobility. I was reading in Rick's books, that I should get a backpack that I can take as a carry-on item...Does anyone have any recommendations? Even smaller packs that might be slightly bigger than carry-on size I would be willing to look at. I just don't want a huge pack. I do think I will do some hiking/walking in Italy, Alps, etc. too. I just won't be in big cities.
Also, what kind of things should I pack? As far as clothes, what things should I take that will work for 6 months and the flucuation in weather, but not take up all my room?
Any packing.backpackign advice would be appreacited.
Thanks!
Jennifer <email>
Washin USA Fri 03/02/2007
Ireland in April
Laurel,
Take a pair of rain pants, waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and good waterproof/leather shoes. You should throw in a scarf too. They pack very small.
Our last trip to Ireland, September 2005 was VERY WET and at the Cliffs of Moher there were VERY HIGH winds with heavy rains.
It gets very uncomfortable if your "jeans" get wet. The rain pants are very light and pack small also. Have a GREAT time!!! Ireland is wonderful!!! We've been there three times.
Bonnie <email>
USA Fri 03/02/2007
Using a tour to transfer from London to Bath
We are traveling to England late May/early June 2007 an are planning on using a Windsor/Stonehenge/Bath day tour out of London to actually transfer from our stay in London to our stay in Bath (per Rick's guidebook suggestions). We'd be interested in hearing feedback from anyone who has done this. I realize the stops will be rushed but guess I am just trying to get a realistic feel for exactly how rushed.
Elizabeth
Cleveland, OH USA Fri 03/02/2007
Ireland in April?
I have seen lots of tips for European travel during the summer months (obviously the "season") but we are heading to Ireland in April for 2 weeks and I'm trying to figure out what to pack for cooler (and wetter) weather. I want to be a smart packer but as a first time European traveler heading off for 15 days I would appreciate any advice you could offer.
Laurel
Indian Land, SC USA Fri 03/02/2007
Baggage check in Beaune
Hello,
Does anyone know if there is somwhere to check your luggage in Beaune?
Stefanie <email>
London, ON Canada Fri 03/02/2007
Night Train from Budapest to Ljubljana
Help, I have tried numerous times to obtain tickets etc on line with no luck, any suggestions ? I know the train on Sunday April 29,2007 leave Budapest-Keleti pu at 08:05 and connects in Zagreb, we feel better having reservations, is it necessary ? Thanks for your help and suggestions
Mike Morley <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Fri 03/02/2007
Wheeled bags - suggestions for use and long live
There are lots of wheeled bags on the market. Some are made a bit better than others. The MOST important thing to remember when using a wheelie...is NOT to wheel the fully loaded bag over curbs, or down stairs. This is what will ruin the bag...destroy the handle and perhaps ruin a wheel.
Wheeled bags are made for wheeling in the streets, etc, but are not made for rough handling like most people put them through.....
So, if you want your wheelie to last, take care of it - and it will last you a lifetime.
As far as wheeled bags that offer backpack straps...High Sierra mades a full line of them...it's called the AT series... Adventure Travel.
Check these out on www.ebags.com.
I have 3 different sized bags from this company, and love them all. A carry on size that I used mostly, then a larger one for longer US trips...and a wheeled duffle that has backpack straps that I've used when hiking in Switzerland. I liked the biggest one because my trekking poles fit perfectly in it...without having to take the poles apart.
EB <email>
CO USA Thu 03/01/2007
re: Art from Europe
I brought a heavyduty poster roll with me just incase (for posters) - but ended up buying some nice lithographs in Germany (Wurzburg, Rothenburg etc). Some I had shipped if it was easy and in Rburg - very common. Id recommend try to buy without frames - take a picture of a wall sample and have it framed the same here - or just ship it and dont worry about transporting it home in carryon. If they are small and you can wrap them - fit them in your bag. I take a bit of bubble wrap too - lay it flat in your bag - just incase! Post Offices have supplies too in Europe - it sjust expensive to ship so be prepared!
tmb
newportbeach, ca USA Thu 03/01/2007
Resons for Traveling
Everyone travels for their own reasons and irrespective of one's reasons I think travel broadens you. But if your criteria are the food, how close the airports are and how expensive they are, you really need to read Rick's Travel Philosophy. Or stay home.
Charles M. Luther
USA Thu 03/01/2007
Visible Cities guide books
Have any of you used one, and how was it?
Fiona
NYC, Thu 03/01/2007
Arriving in Bologna, Italy
My teen daughter & I arrive in Italy (first visit!) first week in April, flying into Bologna. Experienced Travelers familiar w/ Bologna: considering the city's layout, what is best--groggily make our way to center of town (jet lagged?) or crash at hotel near airport? Suggestions for good hotels? We plan to stay in Bologna our first night only, then p/up rental car & roam around Tuscany when we've recovered from jet lag NEXT DAY. I also need tips/suggestions on making my way from airport to hotel & making our way around Bologna, best car rental & location, etc.! Grazie!
Gelly-Belly
Richmond, VA USA Thu 03/01/2007
Re: Laundry in Ireland
I have seen very few self service laundromats in Ireland. Most seem to be full service. Just ask around where ever you spend the night. Temperatures are moderate in Ireland, and you probably will not go through large amounts of outer clothing.
Kim
USA Thu 03/01/2007
transporting art
My husband and I are spending a week in Paris in July and we want to bring home some artwork. Can anyone offer some advice on how to transport a painting back to the U.S.? Is it possible to check it like baggage, or will we have to carry it on the plane? Is there a service that will pack and mail it for you? Any suggestions will be appreciated!
Debbie <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Thu 03/01/2007
Sites Paris to Nice
I loved my time in Arles. There's plenty to see -- great Roman ruins, Van Gogh painting sites, bullfights (bull is not injured,) and pretty streets and squares, perfect for evening strolls. There are lots of good cafes, and the Saturday market is terriffic. I stayed at the Hotel de l'Amphitheatre (a Rick pick,) which was centrally located, inexpensive, beautiful, and friendly.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Thu 03/01/2007
Laundry in Ireland
Going to Ireland for 14 days. Are there self service laundromats, esp Killarney, our halfway point. TQ
Christine <email>
Ponte Vedra, FL USA Thu 03/01/2007
Sites Paris to Nice
I loved my time in Arles. There's plenty to see -- great Roman ruins, Van Gogh painting sites, bullfights (bull is not injured,) and pretty streets and squares, perfect for evening strolls. There are lots of good cafes, and the Saturday market is terriffic. I stayed at the Hotel de l'Amphitheatre (a Rick pick,) which was centrally located, inexpensive, beautiful, and friendly.
Lisa
Lansing, MI USA Thu 03/01/2007
Italy - Train or Car ???
Please Help... wondering if it's best to take a train from Milan airport to Tuscany (Arezzo) or rent a car - I would like to stop in Parma, Reggio, and Bologna on the way.
Can I get a train ticket that will allow me to get off in Parma... then back on at Parma on my way to Bologna, etc. or do I need to purchase individual train tickets from destination to destination?
Thanks.
Cathy <email>
Franklin, WI USA Thu 03/01/2007
Wheeled Bags
I used Rick's backpack last year in Europe with no problems. However I am a photographer so I had a photo backpack for my photography gear/day pack and carried my big backpack with the add on shoulder strap. It did get heavy at times carrying it that way. I was wondering how sturdy is handle on the wheeled backpack, and how good are the wheels? I saw someone snap the handle on their bag, making it useless and know that the cobblestone streets will be tough on wheels. Has anyone had any problems with wheeled bags? I only really have to carry the bag from the trains to the hostels, but one time that turned out to be about 2 miles so it killed my shoulder. Also am I reading right that the wheeled bag no longer has the backpack straps?? Thanks in advance.
dave <email>
Las Vegas, NV USA Thu 03/01/2007
Italy
Which Italian cities that are located near airports are the least expensive to visit? I only have time for one and don't have any preference so long as the food is good.
Emily <email>
Seattle, WA USA Thu 03/01/2007
Left-luggage in Madrid
Is there a safe left-luggage location in Madrid where one could leave a laptop and several suitcases for a month?
susan
st. petersburg, fl USA Thu 03/01/2007
Re: Greek Ferires
You did not say if you were planning on arriving via ferry 4 hours prior to air departure but I would not recommend cutting things that close. We took the o/n ferry to Crete with no problem and no delays however we were planning to ferry over to Santorini when a storm blew in and the ferries were canceled for several days and flights were booked. Fortunately we had several days before we wee leaving and were lucky to secure the last 2 seats on a flight back to Athens.
cr
USA Thu 03/01/2007
Best sites from Paris to Nice
We have decided to drive from Paris to Nice and make a few stops along the way. Can anyone recommend any hotels, towns or sites to see? I was thinking Beaune, Lyon and Arles.
Maricela
La Verne, CA USA Thu 03/01/2007
RE: Zurich
There is plenty to do in Zurich if you go prepared. There are beautiful & historic buildings, the cathedral, the famous ETH University where Einstein was for a while, the lake area is great to walk around after a lake cruise. The famous Bahnhoffstrasse shipping area is like the Rodeo Dr of Europe. There are also nice side trips to take as well - just jump on the train one of the days. While it can be expensive in town, smaller B&B style guest houses in the outskirts might be a nice change too. Grab Ricks 2007 RS-guidebook and a LonelyPlanet or Roughguide (which ever is newest this year)... or check the swiss tourist board website "myswitzerland.com" - they spent a lot of time money and effort to make a great website with lots of info!
TMB
newportbeach, ca USA Thu 03/01/2007
Buying Gas in Germany
I am drving in Germany and Austria for the first time alone. Is there any difference in buying gas,i.e the way the pumps work? I will be paying cash.
Anything special I need to know, besides "Vignette" stickers are needed in Austria?
Lynne Williams <email>
Carrollton, TX USA Thu 03/01/2007
Dordogne without a Car
Di--Last April we spent 2 nights (1-1/2 days) in Sarlat at La Couleuvrine...(Our only regret was that it was so short.) We arrived by train, had a tour the next day with "allophilippetaxi" as recommended by Rick. (Absolutely fantastic and Philippe is wonderful!) We had planned to train down to Arles but 2 months before we left discovered that the connections we originally planned on no longer existed, so we rented from EuropCar. The Deutsch Bahn site is a great planning tool for determining connections and length of train trips. We really hope to return to the area some day and spend at least 5 days, with or without a car.
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Thu 03/01/2007
Germany
Well, it doesn't quite fit your description of where you want to stay, but I LOVE Bamberg, which is about an hour by train North of Nuremburg. It is also about an hour from Wurzburg. It is a wonderful city and I found it reasonably priced. It is a world heritage city. Check it out here: http://www.bamberg.info/www_tks/bamberg_eng_home_268_89_7_f.htm . Hope that helps you!
Jennifer Herbison <email>
Seattle, WA USA Thu 03/01/2007
German Gasthauses
I am traveling for the first time to Germany and am seeking nice, reasonably priced overnight stays south of the airport in Frankfurt; north of Heilbronn, Wurttemburg; west of Nurnburg, Bavaria. My interest is in ancestral villages and only half-day visits to the larger cities so we won't be staying in the larger cities unless we absolutely have to. Anyone have any suggestions?
Gretchen <email>
Brownsburg, IN USA Thu 03/01/2007
Dordogne without a Car
My daughter and I spent 5 days in Sarlat in this region without a car. Very difficult to get around. We had a wonderful guide for one day who drove us to Beynac, Domme, the castles etc. Cost was about 110 euros from memory, for the two of us. This region is a spectacular and well worth visiting.
Judy <email>
Adelaide, SA Australia Thu 03/01/2007