Travelers Helpline: Classic View
All together, we have 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 a Rick Steves Community member with an answer...
RE: Crete - site seeing question
Thanks for the quick reply! The information is much appreciated.
Christy
Laguna Beach, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: diet restrictions on river cruise
My first port of call would be to check with whoever is providing food to you - in this case I would contact the cruise line asap. Your other thread made it sound like this already booked.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Crete - site seeing question
Christy
Rethymno ia a nice little town and a good base.
It's easy to get to Heraklion which is only an hour away on frequent buses. Knossos is outside the town and you will need to get another bus. It's not far but because of traffic the trip can take around half an hour.
Assuming you are happy to make an early start I would say it is fine to do the two in a day.
The Heraklion bus, but going in the opposite direction, will take you to Chania in about an hour. Chania is well worth a visit as well.
Have a great trip.
Alan
Alan
Brighton UK 6/14/13
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RE: Orvieto Car Rental
yes
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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Orvieto Car Rental
Can I rent a car in Orvieto and drop it off at the Florence Airport?
Susan
Santa Rosa, CA USA 6/14/13
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London Fraudsters
This is wonderful:
http://spitalfieldslife.com/2013/06/15/the-strangers-guide-to-london/
The Stranger's Guide; or, The London Sharper Detected: Being a Complete Exposure of all the Frauds of London, Practised by:
Bawds, Bullies, Fortune-Tellers, Footpads, Gamblers, Gossips, Highwaymen, Housebreakers, Jilts, Kidnappers, Ring-Droppers, Pimps, Procuresses, Quacks, Sharpers, Swindlers, Smugglers, Shop-lifters, Street-Robbers, Trappers, Waggon Hunters, Women of Pleasure, &c, &c, &c.
Price: Sixpence
And we think it's bad now! Pickpockets and Ring-Droppers - still lucrative businesses.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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Crete - site seeing question
I am leaning towards staying in Rethymno. I want to spend a day visiting Knossos and the Archaelogical Museum in Heraklion. I will not have a rental car. Can anyone offer advice or suggestions regarding 1) will this be easy to do with public transportaion, 2) should i book a day trip with a guided tour instead? and 3)is it possible (time wise) to combine both activities in one day? thanks.
Christy
Laguna Beach, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Istanbul -safe? Taksim
Gary, I think you've misunderstood. Pat and I are not on the Turkey tour. We are both merely trying to reassure Ann that all will be well. She's the one signed up for the tour and concerned about what's been happening in Istanbul.
I have considerable experience with Rick Steves tours and am quite aware of the quality and qualifications of the guides.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Borders Of Greece
I thought the trains from Turkey had also been abolished, but perhaps they have started up again.
Anyway, it is possible that what Christina heard about were the recent reports about Greece trying to strengthen its borders to "close" them to illegal migrants, of which it gets quite a lot. Clearly, that wouldn't affect a legitimate visitor entering at a proper crossing point.
Keith
England 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
An alternative, if it's not raining, is to stay on the Piccadilly line to King's Cross and then walk (under 15 mins) to Euston; thus saving the need to change at Green Park (which, although much improved, with lifts, is still a minor chore).
Keith
England 6/14/13
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RE: Night Train Paris to Venice
We took an overnight from Paris to Rome and won't do it again. Get those romantic train travel images out of your head because they aren't in line with reality. We got a "private" sleeper car for myself, my husband, and our 8 year old son. Our experience with food was the same as the previous posts. There was not hot food and there was only a stand-up bar that served cold sandwiches. The AC was turned off at about 10PM so we sweltered through the night. To make matters worse, around 11PM a couple entered our sleeper and showed us their tickets - they had reservations in the car we had also reserved. Turns out they sell all the bunks in the car regardless of whether you pay for a private sleeper or not. The guy snored all night and had terrible breath that just filled the room - w/o AC is was completely unbearable and I went out into the hall at some godawful hour just to feel cooler, more breatheable air. When you cross the Italian border they wake you up to check your tickets and passports. I have NO idea what time that was...it's all a blur.
We were exhausted when we arrived and just collapsed in bed in the apartment in Rome when we arrived.
Fly.
Anita
Long Beach, California USA 6/14/13
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RE: Paris- things to do and see at night
Just walk...it is the City of Lights after all! They don't call it that for nothing! It is truly beautiful to simply make your way around the city, peering into cafes, looking at how they light up so many of the buildings...it really is magical and terribly romantic!
Anita
Long Beach, California USA 6/14/13
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RE: Need Tour guide - Day in Tuscany
Take a look at Context Florence's website. Their group tours are limited to 6, but with 5 people, you could probably book a private tour with them for less than 5 places on a group walk. I know they have some programs specifically adapted for families and I think they can do custom things sometimes. I've used them many times )in multiple cities/countries) and always been impressed.
Sherry
San Jose, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Istanbul -safe? Taksim
Pat and Rose,
All the guides for the Rick Steves Turkey tours are licensed Turkish guides and Turkish citizens (this is required by Turkish law), so they definitely know what's going on in their country. The guide for my 2011 tour lives in Istanbul. I've heard from him since the demonstrations broke out, and he says Istanbul is still very safe, with the only demonstrations as of the last I heard being in Taksim and adjacent Gezi Park. It's a big city, and your hotel is well away from Taksim. Just as Staten Island is well separated from anything happening in Times Square.
Your guide will give you the latest advice when your group meets. In case you have free time before then, I'd simply avoid the Taksim area until and unless your guide tells you otherwise. I would not want to be in the middle of a demonstration being conducted in a foreign language where I don't know what's going on.
The demonstrations are due to a disagreement on government policy. Neither the demonstrators nor the government should direct any violence toward tourists, because this dispute has nothing to do with you.
Gary
Poughkeepsie 6/14/13
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spain to morocco to lisbon
i am renting a car in barcelona and driving to various places in southern spain. i then want to drop off the car and go to morocco- i will only have 4 days there and would like to see fes and chef at least. i then would like to go to lisbon. any ideas about getting from southern spain to northern morocco and then to lisbon?
jane
olympia, wa us 6/14/13
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RE: Eurail passes
Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions. It did take a lot of work and investigating, but kind of fun coordinating everything in the long run. I just hope it all works out! I saved over $300 by doing individual tickets and not the Select Pass. You all are wonderful and this entire forumn/website has been very helpful. Getting excited now!
Erin
Cincinnati, OH 6/14/13
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RE: REntal cars in Italy
Try AutoEurope or Kemwal. This past trip we made reservation through Kemwal and picked up car in LaSpezia (Hertz) and dropped off in Orvieto. Car rental was for 4 days, zero deductible, for $200.
Karen
Santa Rosa, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Hotel in Florence, Italy
I had a wonderful stay at the Hotel Torre Guelfa in Borgo SS Apostoli 8. It's in the former Palazzo Acciaiuoli and has an adjacent 13th-Century tower that you can climb to a tiny rooftop sitting area with a 360° panoramic view. I loved the location because it was only a block from the Ponte Vecchio, and an equidistant 10- to 15-min. walk in one direction to the Duomo and everything around it, and in the other direction across the bridge to the Oltrarno, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens, etc.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: What to do in Rome on Ferragosto?
Farragosto is like any Sunday or holiday in August. Most Romans will be at the beach and most businesses outside the historical center will be closed. However in the historical centre most things will be open to cater to the foreign tourists. Basically there will be mostly non Italians in town but you can do anything you would any other Sunday. Museums however will be closed for the most part. Check online for some you might be interested. Or head to the beach. You'll find plenty of people there.
Roberto
Fremont, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: English shore excursions from Rhine River cruise
Thank you Russ for that web link. Will definitely plan to go on the funicular train up to the Heidelberg Castle.
Tim, thanks too for the tip. Will make sure that we get clear instructions from the Cruise Director about the exact location of the berth. They will probably also help with our transfers to and from the city.
Does anyone know how far the town or city centers are from the berths of these river cruises?
Elizabeth
Manila Philippines 6/14/13
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RE: Best location
Hi Larry,
You might check out the Hotel Churchill in Bayeux,my wife and I stayed there in May and it is very close to the Tapistry Museum,there is also a WWII Museum in Bayeux and the Battle Field tours start 500 feet from the Churchill.
Mike
mike
shingle springs, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Hotel in Florence, Italy
Don't have much experience with hotels in Florence, since I stay with family, however I know the Hotel La Scaletta, near my cousin's house, and I recommend it. Roof bar/restaurant to die for. I think it might be one of Rick Steves' recommended ones in his book.
http://www.hotellascaletta.it/
Regarding the square location, that doesn't make much sense to me. Nevertheless, anything in the historical center will be close to where you need to visit.
Roberto
Fremont, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Amsterdam
That's very real and very good advice. We need to do more research before August! Thanks!
Rene
Redmond, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Amsterdam
Rene, assumimg your flight arrives on time, remember that you will have to go through Passport Control (if Amsterdam is your first wheels down from the U.S. into the Schengen Zone), maybe need to pick up checked baggage, and make your way from the airport into central Amsterdam. It seems that might put you there at 11:00 at the earliest. Then you need to allow time to stow your bags (presumably at Amsterdam Centraal station). So now it's getting toward lunchtime and you will be hungry.
Then you need to allow time to collect your bags and get to the cruise boarding point before 3:00. That doesn't leave much time for trying to get to a museum or other site. Having just been at the Anne Frank House and seen the crowd and long line, I'd say it's not enough time to do that, or attempt the Van Gogh Museum.
Probably best to take a walk, find a place for lunch, people watch, and enjoy the interesting Amsterdam ambiance. And mind the bikes and the trams!
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Best location
Are you asking about a hotel, or where to go to take part in the events? I'm not sure which :)
If it's a hotel, we love Hotel d'Argouge in Bayeux, a charming town which makes a good base.
Susan
Sausalito , California 6/14/13
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RE: Grrr.. Stanley Cup while we are in London
There is a big sports bar on Haymarket near Trafalgar Square, forget the name though. Google?
Darren
Galt, Calif. UK 6/14/13
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RE: diet restrictions on river cruise
Thanks, we will!
Rene
Redmond, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Amsterdam
Thanks, you have all been very helpful. We arrive via plane at 9:00 am and need to board our river cruise at approx 3pm
Rene
Redmond, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: 4 days in Switzerland
Thanks for all the comments! I appreciate the options Lola and have read many of the reports on RS, great advice Jim. I am narrowing down my plans and will repost with a few more questions. Very much appreciate all the information.
jackie
stuttgart, ar usa 6/14/13
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RE: Do I need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter?
Melody, the User Manual for the InStyler says " DO NOT operate with a voltage converter. "
http://www.qvc.com/html/hb/pdf/InStyler_Manual.pdf
It also doesn't have a built-in ability to convert from 110 to 220 and the plug adaptor does nothing except allow you to plug it into the wall outlet. With no way to convert the voltage, I believe you cannot use it overseas. It would probably burn up and possibly even catch fire.
(Since this is a tag on to an old thread, I also DM'd you.)
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Do I need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter?
Hey guys! I need help asap! We are leaving for Europe (Italy, Austria, Hungary) in 3 days and I just saw that my hair iron (InStyler) is only 160v/60Hz. Will I need a converter or transformer? And where can I get it fast? Please help!
melody
new york, new york usa 6/14/13
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RE: One full day and a night... Arcos or Rhonda?
Team ronda
Kelly
Gulfport, Fl USA 6/14/13
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RE: Amsterdam
Rene, The time you have to sightsee depends on where you are coming from and where you have to be afterward. Tram transportation is efficient but you should give yourself a half hour to get somewhere on a tram and half an hour to get back. Walking, of course, would take all of your four hours.
If you are leaving from Central Station you might as well walk out of the station, up the street and enjoy the sights. We have walked to the Dutch Resistance Museum from near the station and that was a good half day. It has a display about Anne Frank. Also, from Central Station you could walk up to the flower market and back in four hours.
As I say, four hours sightseeing depends on where you are coming from and where you need to be. I wouldn't limit myself to a particular site in a four hour period.
Monte
Genesee, ID 6/14/13
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RE: PARIS accomodations
Rose is very correct.. I guess it depends on the individual and how affected they are.. best to talk to doctor..
Paris would be no worse then any other large city, but perhaps a large city is not a good idea.. and Rose is also correct, and 10 hour flight might in itself be stressful.
pat
victoria Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
Terrific find, thanks!
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
Nancy, this is cool -
In Google Maps, search for 'Euston Station London'. When the map displays drag the little Street View man icon onto the station icon and you should be able to see and pan around inside the station. Your Boots is right there. :)
It's also cool to see a large 'Mobility Assistance Center' - in view of recent posts asking about accessibility for those with mobility issues.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
Good to know! I just need one. Thanks!
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: San Sebastian to Bilbao
We did not bike between the 2 cities but we did visit a good bike shop while in SS: Mr Bike Gros Green. Its located in the Gros part of the city, across the river from the old town. You could contact them for suggestions at grosgreencenter.com Have you researched how long it will take you, as in can you ride out and back plus see the Guggenheim (at least a couple of hours) in one day? Its about 60 miles on the highway each way, so would be longer using secondary roads. The area is very hilly, there may be a flatter road along the coast but it will be much longer....plus you'll probably want to "freshen up" before entering the museum after that ride.
You could take the local bus to Bilbao (1 hr each way) to see the museum and spend the rest of the day or another day doing a local ride out of San Sebastian.
As for what to do for 2 nights, pintxos crawl! There are so many pintxos bars in the old city alone, you could do one night there and hit Gros and the "newer" old part of town on the other night....or spend both nights in the old town. Seriously.
Elizabeth
San Diego, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
There is literally a Boots on every corner in central London:)
Absolutely wrong. Sometimes they're at mid-block.
Ed
Pensacola 6/14/13
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RE: Train travel in Poland
Thank you for all your feedback. We have purchased our tickets and are looking forward to our upcoming trip.
Ann
victor 6/14/13
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RE: Amsterdam
Four hours is not enough time for the Rijksmuseum because it's so extremely crowded right now after having recently re-opened following a 10-year renovation closure, but it might be possible to have a reasonably good visit at the Van Gogh Museum. It's also recently re-opened and would be crowded as well, but it's much smaller and more focused.
I think planning a museum visit for your 4 hours is a good idea, since you will be on the canal and city tour the following day.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: ATM machine at Rome airport?
We were in Roma in March. Our first cash exchange was at the bancomat near the train track into town. As noted above- bancomats are everywhere in the airport and train station. We used debit cards from our credit union with no fees. Bancomats are easy, quick and good rates.
One note: sometimes the bancomat rejects a transaction and we found if we tried again, with a different amount, it then worked.
Sharon
Santa Fe 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Sequestration shouldn't have any impact on airport immigration/customs services as you pay for that via a user fee tacked on to you airplane tickets.
Michael Schneider
New Paltz, NY 6/14/13
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RE: HOtels in Luxembourg City
Check out the Hotel Francais, located on the Place D'Armes, the major square in the city.
Tom
Stafford, Virginia USA 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
Irv, I think you may be looking at old information. They did ease up on some things a while back. Here's what the U.S. Dept. of Transportation says:
For carry-on baggage, only bring personal, medicinal, and toilet items. Examples include hairspray, deodorant spray, asthma inhalers, mosquito repellent, and shaving cream. Personal, medicinal, and toilet items may use a flammable propellant and still be permitted on-board (subject to TSA security rules.)
Source:
http://safetravel.dot.gov/aerosol_tips.html
And the TSA Prohibited Items Brochure says:
Aerosols - Any except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities
Source:
http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/prohibited_items_brochure.pdf
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Hotel in Florence, Italy
We also stayed at the Hotel Casci in March- just a long block and a half from the duomo. Very good breakfast, comfy rooms and clean. Also stayed at Hotel Dali for two nights- a little cheaper, clean, fewer rooms, it books up quickly. The owner, Marco, is great, very helpful. No breakfast but he steered us to a bar (espresso and pastry shop) near by- cheap and excellent. Also steered us to the indoor marketplace where you can get reasonably priced lunches, sandwiches, etc (along with fresh meat, produce, cheeses, etc) H Dali is also a block or two from the duomo (in another direction). Both are about a 10 minute walk from the train station. And we walked everywhere from both- including Ponte Vecchio and beyond.
Firenze is a great town to walk!
Sharon
Santa Fe 6/14/13
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RE: Do I need to make a train reservation from Wien to Salzburg?
Thank you for all.
Your postings helped me a lot and I made my mind not to book the westbahn.
I will be on board without a reservation.
Thank you agian!!
Hyejin
Seoul, Seoul Korea 6/14/13
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RE: Bus/Tram/subway card in Lisbon/Porto
Don't sweat it, during my time in both cities the cards worked flawlessly.
Michael Schneider
New Paltz, NY 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
Also, is there a Boots chemist shop near Euston Station?
There is literally a Boots on every corner in central London:)
Michael Schneider
New Paltz, NY 6/14/13
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RE: Heathrow to Euston
Yes, Piccadilly Eastbound, change at Green Park to Victoria Line Northbound to Euston. It's a bit more than 50 minutes Tube time.
There's a Boots Pharmacy on the Main Concourse inside the train station. Also a big W.H. Smith.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Hotel in Florence, Italy
Hotel Accademia. Stayed there on a Rick Steve's tour. Easy access from the train station. Don't drive into Florence. Medici Chapel just around the corner. Easy stroll to the Duomo Square.
Claudia
Land of La 6/14/13
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Great B and B in Kilkenny, Ireland!
Since this isn't in Rick's Ireland guidebook, just wanted to pass it along. Rosquil House, in Kilkenny, is run by the Nolans, who are Irish, but lived in the U.S. for many years. They're extremely hospitable and service-oriented, and the rooms are spacious, clean, and well-decorated. It's fairly new, just outside of town (on a main street, but quiet at night) - the perfect place for the first night in Ireland, after a tour of Wicklow/Glendalough. It was 110 euros for a family room for four people - the going rate that we found was 30 euros per person, so this was just under that. A double would be considerably less, I'd think. Lovely place!
Wendy
Brentwood, Tennessee United States 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
The TSA web site says NO for carry on or checked luggage. Buy it when you get there.
Irv
Beverly Hills, MI 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
Really enjoyed reading about your trip Frank, thanks! So great you found the copper plate, and how you found it makes it extra special.
Susan
Sausalito , California 6/14/13
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RE: Sacramento Travel Meeting - Saturday June 15th @ 10:00 a.m.
Now just where is this thing happening? ;-)
Stay-ce, I've already been checking out your blog; looking forward to your updates. I hope y'all have a great, FUN, meaningful adventure!
Eileen
Texan in CA 6/14/13
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RE: train reservations
Try posting this in the Transportation section.
Zoe
Toledo, Ohio US 6/14/13
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RE: diet restrictions on river cruise
Contact your cruise line immediately.
Irv
Beverly Hills, MI 6/14/13
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Best location
We are planning a trip to Normandy next year to take part in the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion. We need a recommendation for a central location which would allow us to enjoy the key celebrations. Any suggestions? Larry
Larry
Winchester, VA 22602 6/14/13
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RE: london accomodations
Vancouver Studio Apartments in Bayswater. Have stayed there more than once. Clean, quiet, safe. Kitchenette a plus. Check Tripadvisor reviews. Two tube stations nearby. Vibrant neighborhood. Close to Hyde Park. As far as Paris visit research taking the Eurostar train. Buying tickets on line well in advance will generate savings.
Claudia
Land of La 6/14/13
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RE: Amsterdam
Going to the Anne Frank House is always worthwhile. Timed tickets can be purchased in advance so you don't have to spend time waiting in line.
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Florence Metro Schedules
Just click on the British flag to translate into English.
Zoe
Toledo, Ohio US 6/14/13
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RE: 7-8 days in Central/Southern Spain
The train from Sevilla stops in Puerto after Jerez. We had a similar plan as yours, staying with someone in nearby Rota.
If possible give Cordoba more than a few hours. See the Mezquita of course, and wander the Jewish Quarterthere is a Jewish Museum, Casa de Sefarad that was very interesting and well worth the time.
We also saw Sevilla as a day trip which was okay, but a long day. We took the local bus to Sevilla, took about an hour each way and very economical and the bus station is centrally located. Unless your friend is driving you to Sevilla I recommend the bus. If possible spend the night at Sevilla to give yourself more time.
The locals recommended that we visit Huelva to see the replicas of Columbus' ships but we didn't make it there, nor to Sanlucar where the local white wine "Barbadillo" is made. Do try some if you like white wine.
Elizabeth
San Diego, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Buckingham Palace - Changing of the Guard
Our kids wanted to see it, so we took them. We didn't have a very good view, but jostled around and managed to see some of it - I agree - get there around an hour early for the best spot. It's really touristy, but one of those things it's good to see once in your life! I found this site that has times and dates: http://www.changing-the-guard.com/dates-times.html
Wendy
Brentwood, Tennessee United States 6/14/13
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barcelona beaches
I am planning to visit Barcelona in September. I want to hang at one of the beaches for the day. Don't want to leave all my m,
oney hanging on the beach. Are lockers available and are they reliable?
steve
troy, ny 6/14/13
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RE: London Itinerary
We went to an evensong at Westminster Abbey and it was gorgeous. Since they don't charge for it, since it's a religious service, it's a way to be there for free, but they don't let you explore or look around. Keep in mind it's only open until 3pm, I think, then closed until 5pm for the evensong.
Also, our kids wanted to do the London Eye, and we learned that tickets are cheaper if you book them at least 24 hours in advance. We didn't realize that, but fortunately our daughter managed to find a website that had them for the "advance purchase" price. I think it was LondonNet, or something like that. Keep scrolling down, on websites that advertise London Eye tickets - often the most expensive tickets are at the top, and the least expensive further down! Your hotel should be able to help you with tickets, but we found it less expensive to go online, and they just printed tickets out for us at the front desk of our hotel.
We got all-day passes that worked for the Tube and the busses, which were great! Have a good time...
Wendy
Brentwood, Tennessee United States 6/14/13
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Heathrow to Euston
After all these years on the Helpline, I am finally asking a question of my own! I haven't been in London in years, and need to get from Heathrow to Euston station to catch a train to Scotland. The information I have says to take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park, then the Victoria Line to Euston. Is this still good information? Traveling alone, I will be doing this mid-morning on a weekday, and I have plenty of time to get there by tube. I won't be spending any time in London, just making the one trip.
Also, is there a Boots chemist shop near Euston Station?
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Villach to Rome Night train question
Thanks for the quick response. I'm hoping there's nobody to wake up as I will be reserving an entire sleeper for ourselves.
Now I'm on to another problem. The OBB website only allows for 5 travellers when I try to book online (There will be 6 of us, 3 adults and 3 children). When I try to break it up into 2 separate transactions, the website will let me book a 3 person sleeper for 2 adults and 1 child, but when I try 1 adult and 2 children as an option, it errors out.
I've called the OBB helpline at 43 5 1717, but they guy said he only spoke German and in perfect English, said he was the only one working the phones that night. Too funny...
So I guess I have to wait until late tonight to try to get someone a little bit more helpful so I can book these tickets.
Regards,
Eric
eric
pasadena, ca usa 6/14/13
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RE: travel from Munich, Germany to Venice, Italy
Rail Europe is a travel agency, not a railroad. Their timetables are incomplete because they only show routes for which they sell tickets. And they don't offer discount fares.
The Bahn is Germany's national rail company. They offer bus service on a few routes (like Munich-Prague).
If you book tickets ASAP (up to 92 days allowed) on bahn.de, you can get a discount fare as low as €49.00 for direct daytime EC trains from Muenchen Hbf (the main station) to Venezia Santa Lucia (the main station which is on the island). There also is a direct CNL night train. Booking in advance can get you cheap fares in 4- or 6-bunk couchettes and 1-, 2-, or 3-bed sleepers.
Tim
Minneapolis, MN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Ireland/Powerscourt/mid-September
We were in Ireland the first week of June, 2013 (just got back). Went to Wicklow Mountains / Powerscourt right after picking up our car in Dublin. Powerscourt was GORGEOUS.......one of the highlights of our trip! We did not go into the house - just focused on the many gorgeous gardens, but then, it was early June, and everything was in bloom! The Japanese Gardens and Rhododendron gardens were absolutely beautiful, as was the more formal walled garden. It also happened to be a brilliant, sunny day, so that helped, but I would very much recommend it - and Glendalough, too. The mountains are beautiful around there. I don't know what flowers will be out in Sept., but we really loved it there. Have a great trip!
Wendy
Brentwood, Tennessee United States 6/14/13
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RE: Marseille - Redeeming Characteristics?
The view of the entire city and harbor from the top of the hill on which the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is perched is outstanding. Plan on a 30-minute walk or take bus #60 from the port departing from cours Jean Ballard. And seeing the church itself is a must.
It's a 25-minute train ride from Marseille to Cassis, an old fishing village. There also is bus service. Here's a quote from Rick Steves: "Come to Cassis to dine on true bouillabaisse, swim in the crystal-clear water, and explore its rocky calanques and fjord-like inlets." Calanques are the rocky inlets created by cliffs that border the shore. You can take boat rides that explore three, five, or even more of them.
Tim
Minneapolis, MN USA 6/14/13
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Swindon to Bath
Could someone please describe a bit about the drive from Swindon down through Chippenham, Corsham, Rudloe, Box, and into Bath? Don't need directions, more interested in: is it a total bore or attractive English countryside and towns to glance at along the way.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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Day tours
Please recommend a reputable day tour company in both York area and snowden. For middle aged adult and two twenty something daughters who love art, architecture, and literature.
Susan
Cornwall, NY USA 6/14/13
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RE: london accomodations
If you're looking for something in the $225 range I can recommend The London Vicarage Hotel. That will get you a room with private bath, full English breakfast, and a few blocks from the Kensington High Street tube station. Lots of stairs though and no elevator.
I'd look into getting Eurostar tickets for Paris since that takes you from city center to city center. Book them soon though since the cheapest tickets sell out fast.
Leslie
Orange USA 6/14/13
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RE: Rick's Audio Guides
I used the Salzburg audio tour and thought it hit the high points. I have been on 4 Rick Steves tours so I'm used to his style and the "drill" of his quirky humor and selection of sights to look at. I always find them entertaining and on point - but I do not desire a super detailed description - if you're wanting that at an art museum (for example) I'd spring for the audio guide there.
On the link in the post above, you can down load the maps for each tour - you can see if he covers the sights you want and even listen to the audio for a preview. He doesn't cover every museum though, so you may not be able to save in that regard. Also, as noted earlier, the museums can and do shift items around.
CL
Salem, Oregon USA 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
I have been so curious about your trip. Good for you! What a deal and there's nothing wrong with doing a trip like that. I would be all over it!!
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: What to do in Rome on Ferragosto?
Any ideas?
Lisa
White Plains, NY USA 6/14/13
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RE: PARIS accomodations
A person with PTSD in unfamiliar surroundings and circumstances could be a unique situation, potentially affected differently than other travelers. I would say that unless there's someone reading the boards who has actually dealt with traveling with someone under those circumstances, it would be better to discuss your concerns with a health care provider who has either been treating your friend or is specifically trained to give advice about his/her condition. Even being cooped up with a few hundred strangers and not able to move about entirely freely on a long-haul international flight could be an issue. Probably best to seek and take advice from a professional, rather than random opinions on an Internet message board.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Train vs Car or Both
I would train from Rome to Orvieto and pick up a car for the hill towns. I would not stay in Florence with a car or drive into Florence with a car. Research ZTL's. After hill towns find a place to drop your car. Maybe La Spezia? It would be a very short train ride to the CT. From there, train to Switzerland.
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Victoria Station - London
Dave,
Rose gave you very good information about the location of the left luggage facilities at Victoria train station.
If you'd like to know the walking route from Victoria train station to Victoria coach station, just ask.
Tim
Minneapolis, MN USA 6/14/13
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RE: diet restrictions on river cruise
You might want to check with your cruise line.
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Hotel in Florence, Italy
We stayed at Hotel Casci and enjoyed it very much. Have since sent 2 other sets of friends there and all have had positive experiences. It is not on a square, but is within walking distance of almost everything. How are you getting around. I do not recommend bringing a car into florence.
Linda
Clifton Park, NY 6/14/13
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RE: London Pass
I am at Ibis close Euston station, but I couldn't find the National Rail Travelcard on that station. Where should I go in order to buy it? Thanks.
Julio
Rio de Janeiro Brazil 6/14/13
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RE: london accomodations
London: We stayed at Rydges Kensington at the beginning of May for a week. LOVED it! Very clean and very quiet.
It is one block from the Gloucester Road Tube station and just a couple of blocks from the V&A and the Nat. History Museum. There's a terrific Indian restaurant just down the block called "Light Of India" (we dined there several times). There's a Barclay's across the street, too. The tour bus stop is right out front (as well as the regular London transit bus).
Paris: Villa des Artistes, near the Montparnasse Tower. Spent our honeymoon and 6 month wedding anniversary there back in 1996 & 1997. It is just around the corner from the Lux. Gardens. We easily walked to Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Louvre. When we go back to Paris, we'll certainly stay there again.
Leslie
Helena 6/14/13
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RE: PARIS accomodations
Julie, rethink any large city in Europe then, especially Rome and Barcelona,, seriously, what is it with Americans and France, .. geesh.
The pick pocket problem is a problem but hey millions of us do not get pickpocketed so its not that YOU are going to be a victim its just you need to be AWARE..
People do not push me in Paris not sure where you are getting your information.
I would let my 18 yr old daughter go there tomorrow, but I would beg them not to go to Miami or Orlando as I am paranoid about all the crime and guns in Florida.. but I bet you are saying " its not that bad here !!".. well you see how that works now don't you.
Paris is fine but if your travel companion has serious PTSD then any large city may be a problem,, perhaps a visit to a small town is more in order,, how affected is person.
Metros may be crowded, perhaps sticking to buses is better , you can jump off next stop if he feels overwhelmed, and you are above ground. Museums are not all crowded, just Louvre and ORsay and I can guarantee you that both have areas that are much less crowded, in fact at Louvre there are rooms with few people in them, they are all crushing around the Mona Lisa! lol
At this point I will add this, September is a busy month and your hotel choices are now limited. If you could go late August you will likely have better luck finding a room then in September ( which is trade show season in Paris )
pat
victoria Canada 6/14/13
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travel from Munich, Germany to Venice, Italy
Would it be wise to book the German Bahn bus or the rail Europe from Munich to Venice. We will staying in San Marco area in Venice. Need help. This has all been so helpful in our travels from Prague to Munich. We are going in September.
Patricia
Topeka, Kansas 6/14/13
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PARIS accomodations
We are looking for a quiet, clean place to stay in paris for 4 nights. All the talk of pickpockets, thieves, etc is making me re-think Paris as a destination. Is it really that bad? I am travelling with an army veteran who may not take kindly to this situation. Issues of PTSD in crowds and people pushing may not bode well. Is it possible to enjoy Paris in september without the drama? Need all the help I can get! Many THANKS for advise.
julie
delray beach, florida usa 6/14/13
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RE: German Bahn bus
Yes, you are correct.
The non-refundable, Savings Fare tickets go on sale 92 days in advance at 29€ for the first person. As the date approaches, and lower priced tickets sell out, the price is higher. Standard Fare tickets are always available at that price and are fully refundable, exchangeable.
Lee
Lakewood, Colorado 6/14/13
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RE: Night Train Paris to Venice
Jeane THANK YOU for coming back and posting.. ugh frozen sandwiches.. Well I kind of knew it wouldn't be the fun romantic Orient Express type voyage most of us dream about though. lol
I also suggest anyone else who tries this at the very least bring their own food, I have lots of train in Europe under my belt now and I always pack our own food/picnic, train food has basically become like airline food..
I always suggest people try sleeping in their walk in closets with a few strangers or 3 or 4 other memebers of their family before they book a 4/6 couchette.. lol, its not as fun as it sounds..
I do think its a shame they couldn't at least provide non crappy sandwiches! And perhaps some salads etc.
pat
victoria Canada 6/14/13
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RE: The 15th is coming! Denver group meeting
Bump
Lee
Lakewood, Colorado 6/14/13
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German Bahn bus
I noticed the prices for the bus from Prague to Munich are two fares: the savings and the standard. I'm assuming the savings is the non-refundable ticket?
That would come out to 29 Euros per person, am I correct?
Patricia
Topeka, Kansas 6/14/13
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london accomodations
Hi...we will be travelling to London in September. We are looking for a hotel or B&B that has easy access to tube. Don't want to be too far out of the city but in need of some relative quiet at night. Any suggestions? Also, would like a few days in paris during this 12 day trip. Any suggestions on how best to get there, can we store luggage at hotels?? Quiet, safe place in Paris? all suggestions most welcome! MANY THANKS
julie
delray beach, florida usa 6/14/13
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RE: attitude of French toward travelers from the USA
Paul you have summed the situation up brilliantly. I have encountered this very same attitude in Europe from Aussies. I wonder why they bother to travel.
Judy
Adelaide, SA Australia 6/14/13
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RE: Paris St. Lazare lockers
The king of the rails says nope and I believe him: http://www.seat61.com/luggage-on-european-trains.htm#Left luggage lockers in Paris
The entry is about a third of the way down this long page.
Anyhow, you've entrusted your body to your hotel over night; why not your bags for a few hours more? It's routine to leave luggage behind, unless the place is so tiny that the reception might close up for half a day.
Southam
Windsor, Ontario Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Night Train Paris to Venice
We did the night train and it was challenging. First of all, we decided to have dinner on board, only to be told that "the power was out in the dining car so they weren't serving dinner, but they could sell us some sandwiches." We opted for the sandwiches, which turned out to be partially, or in one case, completely frozen. We were hungry so ate the sandwiches, which made the cold temperature in our sleeper unit more unbearable, so we asked the porter to help, which he did - then it was unbearably hot for the rest of our journey and could not locate the porter to ask for further help. There were many stops, which made sleeping very difficult. We still love train travel, but would not do the night train again - unless we hear it has been vastly improved.
Jeane
Lakewood, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: Tips for adjusting to "opposite side" driving?
(continued)
So David, some tips from a recent survivor:
1. Buy lot of insurance; you're going to need it. You should have seen the left side of my rental. Every one of my friends has either dinged or damaged a car in Ireland.
2. Get the smallest darn car you can find; you will be really glad you did. Ours was one step above the bottom...and it was waaaaaaaay too wide
3. Look right! Do this first...then left, at any intersection.
4. Take Angela's advice; get an automatic; it does not cost that much more.
5. Like Roslyn and Brad say; bury your right front wheel on the center line. Yes, it looks like you are going to hit the oncoming traffic, but you are not> if you don't do this you will constantly listen to your Better Half scream as you hit the brush on the edge/side of the road.
6. Take your time driving from one venue to another. Allow lots of time for sightseeing trips. One day we went from Dingle to Galway, and stopped at the Cliffs of Mohler, and did the Burren. It was too much, and I was totally overwhelmed. When we were driving the narrow roads I never saw one site unless we stopped; all I could do was concentrate on the road.
Seriously, Ireland is amazingly beautiful. Take your time and use your wits, and you will do fine. (Hopefully!)
Steve
Gaston, Oregon USA 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
Keith. I am sitting back and waiting for the question 'What are Ashes'?
Judy
Adelaide, SA Australia 6/14/13
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RE: First Boston/New England Meeting: 6/15
Hi! I look forward to tomorrow. Just bumping back to top for people to find the Panera address. :)
Gretchen
Andover, MA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Marseille - Redeeming Characteristics?
I have had a few days there a couple of times and really did enjoy it. It's definitely not the little village in Provence that I adore, but I was there with friends and we had a great time. I had heard that it was scary, etc., and one person in our photography group told us we should hide our cameras and pretend we were not photographers. Well, that was never going to happen, so we had a great time. Another day a friend and I were hungry and since it was not lunch we were having a hard time finding food. We stopped in a little café, kind of dowdy looking to see what we could find. The owner/waitress said she would find us something. In about 10 minutes she served up the most delicious lunch for us. I would not make it a destination, but as someone else said, I would have no problem going back if my flight dictated it. One thing I did like is because I did not feel there were tons of 'tourist stuff' to do, I had time to just hang out with my friend, although I am sure there are sights we missed.
Terry kathryn
Ann Arbor, Mi 6/14/13
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RE: Tips for adjusting to "opposite side" driving?
Just got back from 2 weeks of driving in Ireland; the most stressful driving I have ever done in my life. I have driven all over the US,Canada, Caribbean, Europe, etc. I have been in traffic jams in Palermo when they drove past me on the curb, gone down one way streets where I had to back up 'cause my car was too wide, been run off the road by a bus because the tiny rental car did not have the power to merge on the freeway, etc.
I would gladly repeat all those again before I would drive a stick shift on the narrow roads of Ireland. The freeways are a "piece of cake", roundabouts are easy, city traffic is easy, it's just the damn narrow country roads that are such a pain. I don't even mind the sheep on the road. First of all, there are NO, none, zilch shoulders on the roads. Rock walls with brush on each side, and there is so much brush you can't see ahead, especially on any type of corner. (this is the absolute worst problem) Then there are the damn cyclists that are just around the next bend, then the cyclists and a tour bus (again you can't see 'em 'till you get close enough to run them over.
Don't get me started on the stick shift. My rental had a six speed. Good luck finding the right gear with my left hand. Because the roads were constantly changing I had one hand on the gear shift knob and one on the steering wheel, and I had to constantly change gears. By the way, I have and drive everything out there; One of my tractors has a gear shift on the left, my Cat requires that you use both hands and feet at the same time, my wife's car and my small pick-up are both stick shifts.
Steve
Gaston, Oregon USA 6/14/13
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RE: St. Louis, MO Area Travel Group Sat. June 15
I'm looking forward to our "trip!" Remember that Race for the Cure is also tomorrow. We should be south of all of the activity, but if you are driving through the downtown area to get there, you might need to plan around it.
Leigh
Missouri 6/14/13
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RE: train from Prague to Munich
Here is a link to the German Rail (Bahn) website.
The Bahn bus is definitely the fastest way from Prague to Munich and is direct, ie, no changes. A seat reservation is mandatory and included in the cost of a ticket. However, the walk-up price is 67,40€ (about $85-$90). You can get lower prices, as low as 29€ ( $39), with advance purchase of a non-refundable ticket from the Bahn. RailEurope sells an advance purchase ticket, essentially refundable, for $114.
Unless you are willing to book a non-refundable ticket well in advance, the least expensive way is the train. You can buy a Czech Rail ticket from Prague to Germany for 232Kc (about 9€, $12, depending on the exchange rate) and use a Bayern-Ticket from there (18€ + 4€/person). It take about an hour longer and might have one dedicated change (in Schwandorf), but you can purchase tickets on the day of travel.
Lee
Lakewood, Colorado 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
Oooh... love this topic!
Ok, best "picnic" ever was an indoor one - it was the last night in the 16,000 sq.ft chateaux that our group of 10 had rented. I decided that "dinner" would be a picnic featuring everything in the walk in that we'd accumulated over the week - we had 8 different pates, at least 10 different kinds of saucisson, some amazing smoked beef tenderloin, 15 kinds of cheese, baguettes, cornichons, mustard, apples, pears and quite a bit of wine to go through... seated around a large, roaring wood fire, we ate, drank and just reveled in being together...
Cost of the spread - $100... memories? Pricless.
Nancy
Costa Mesa, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Rome airport to Trastevere
Linda, do you know about the nearby Viale Guglielmo Marconi (Via Marconi for short) shopping district? It's where the Romans shop. There's an underpass to the left (east) of the Trastevere train station. It looks a little seedy right through there, but it's perfectly safe to walk through. Continue on that street and it becomes a broad boulevard called Via Marconi. Lots and lots of shops on both sides of the street and you will probably be the only non-Roman there. A lot of the shops there do observe the mid-afternoon siesta-type break, so best to go before lunch or after about 4 pm.
Take a glance at Google Maps to see what I mean. You can even look around with Streetview.
Michael
Seattle, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
What about using neck wallet? Depending on the size of your phone, that might work. Wear it inside your shirt and pull out when needed.
Toni
Charlotte, NC USA 6/14/13
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RE: train from Prague to Munich
IMHO the best and fastest is the bus. It is operated by Deutsche Bahn. It's a double decker with bathroom and snack and beverage service. It goes nonstop from Prague Main Train Station to Munich Main Train Station. You can check Deutsche Bahn website for schedule and price.
Ilja
Seattle 6/14/13
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RE: Does Anyone Know What is going on with Reichstag Dome Reservations?
Hi: I just signed into the website listed on this forum and have tentatively reserved a spot on the Reichstag Tour. The web site asks you for 3 dates and times and then sends an e-mail asking for the names of the people planning to visit. They then tell you that your request is being sent to the visitor center and they will contact you and confirm the date and time.
Laurie
Victoria 6/14/13
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diet restrictions on river cruise
My husband and I are both lactose intolerant. How difficult is this going to be as we sail from Amsterdam to Budapest?
Rene
Redmond, WA USA 6/14/13
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Amsterdam
I will have about 4 hours of free time in Amsterdam. The next day we will go on the canal & city tour. Which museum or other activity is recommended? Thank you.
Rene
Redmond, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: becoming EXHAUSTED.. the riviera leg of my trip is killing me!
I don't know where you are looking at or what yor expectations are, but I found plenty available in Versilia for 4 people under $200 a night, both on Venere.com and Booking.com.
Il Forte dei Marmi is a fancy place for the rich and famous but you can find very reasonable accommodations in some other town in Versilia. It's impossible not to find anything in July. Maybe August, but not July.
Try these towns (in this order):
Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, Marina di Massa, Cinquale, Torre del Lago Puccini, Marina di Carrara.
You'll find even more a little in the interior, but I would stick with the towns above.
Also you should look for hotels or BandB because in that area you will not find people renting an apartment for only 5 days. Those types of accommodations require generally to rent by the week or by the month.
I've always found places in July both in Viareggio and Marina di Pietrasanta. I know that was when I was living there, but considering Europeans are supposed to be in a recession, I don't see how everybody is going to the beach. Are our newspapers lying to us about the state of the EU economy?
Roberto
Fremont, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Doolin
We did this just last week. I didn't see any differences between the ferry companies - they all seemed to have the same prices and the same tours. We used O'Brien's and did the Inisheer / Cliffs of Moher combo trip. Almost all of the companies offer a 5 euro discount if you book online in advance, but we were able to get the discount at the ticket office.
Jennifer
Lincoln, NE USA 6/14/13
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RE: Mileage Award Travel
But you can book them right on the Alaska site; you are not limited to searching for availability. So if the flights show as available, you just push the button and book. We have done this several times for domentic flights (booked Delta flilghts with Alaska miles on the Alaska site). Now it is possible for international flights as well.
Lola
Seattle, WA 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
Still, with zippers so close on your body you won't be as easy a mark as others will be with open pockets, purses and daypacks. Pickpockets (like bears) are where they find you. It's not like there are exactly swarms. When I'm out in crowded public spaces I behave like I know what I'm doing and where I'm going, and no stranger ever gets close enough to me to be a threat. I plan ahead as best I can and don't put myself in potentially compromising situations. If I get stuck in one, my antenna goes up and I practice situational awareness until I can move aside from the pack. An advantage of living in NYC and moving every day through midtown Manhattan is that one learns the fine points of how to handle oneself in a crowd.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Rome airport to Trastevere
Thanks so much! Last year I was with my family and we took the express to Termini since our hotel was within walking distance of the station. This time, I thought it would be easier for me to take the other train since I'm told the hotel is about 300 yds away. Since I'll be alone this time I just wanted to make sure before I left. Thanks again!
Linda
Linda
Shelby, North Caro USA 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
Wonderful report! Thanks. Good reminder to stay tuned in to travelzoo.com.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Mileage Award Travel
But the problem could also be trying to fly the partner carrier. There has been a lot of posts on FT about people not able to book the partners even though the partners show seats available. This could be happening between Delta and Alaska, the way it is Delta and KLM/Air France.
Bets
Bloomington 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
I will post some observations later and a list of the better wineries. Would love to attach some pictures.
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
Thomas - thank you! Wonderful topic.
@Kevin - hah! Some of my best childhood memories are like that, too.
@Teresa - SPORKS! I just love that word. Also? A great idea.
Memory #1: my sweet 16 trip to England with my mother. We bought a small basket of fresh raspberries and a couple of Pippin apples and ate them while waiting for the train back from Oxford to London. I have never tasted berries as sweet, or apples as crisp and full of sunshine. It was magic.
Memory #2: the prior year, with Suitcase Theatre (think Up with People, but not ICKY), we spent the 4th of July on a mountain top in Wales. One one of the guys almost choked to death on a fly on the hike up, and we couldn't stop laughing. We had bad ham sandwiches and boiled eggs and orange squash, and adorned our hair with those tiny paper American flags that come on little toothpicks.
Memory #3: college trip with Ceece, went to Cherbourg to look at the danse macabre in the basilica. We bought a baguette, a log of chevre, and a jar of Nutella - my first Nutella, OMG! - and sat on a bench at the waterfront, munching away in a light drizzle. Wonderful.
Kira
Seattle, WA USA 6/14/13
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Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
As I started early we are just back from a package deal to Tuscany. My much delayed but promised trip report is up under the Trip Report section with the same title.
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
I'll be travelling in August/September. I ended up getting some Kuhl travel pants with a bunch of zippered pockets, but of course, they are only zippered pockets, none hidden.
Warren
Castlegar, BC Canada 6/14/13
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Berlin to Warnemunde Travel
What is best way to travel from Berlin Airport to Warnemunde cruise port. We want to spend a few days in Berlin but don't know how to get down to Warnemunde. We've been to Rostock-Warnemunde return and found train travel great! BTW lots to do in Rostock, a great little town. Just not sure about going to the cruise port from Berlin Airport with luggage. we are taking a cruise out of Warnemunde in early Sept. 2013. Thx
Hal
Nashville 6/14/13
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RE: Costa Brava Spain Worth the Detour?
Wow, the pictures do look amazing. Do you mind if I ask where you stayed? Any recommendations on places to eat, etc? Any good snorkeling in the area? (Not important, but worth asking.) :)
Kristina
Dallas 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
Last section
We did spend a typical tourist day in Florence and were very careful to park is a garage area some distance from the center of town.
The last two nights was in Hotel Villa Vecchia on the outskirts of Rome. While the hotel was excellent as a hotel, the location left a lot to be desired. It was on the south side of Rome and handy for the airport but we had to drive about fifteen minutes to the next to last stop on the B metro line. Easier enough to do since the stop had a large parking garage that was very empty on a Saturday. While this was our sixth visit to Rome, it was only the second visit for our son and for Jacque her first visit. We did the tourist things and revisited some of the old sites, like the fountain, and the steps. Could not get close to the Vatican because new pope was doing something and the avenues to the Vatican and the plaza itself were packed with a couple hundred thousand people.
Our last meal in Italy was at Ristorante il Gabriello. It was excellent in an upscale setting. The next day the car drop at Hertz in the airport was easy and T-5 took all of 15 minutes to get through for a noon departure on Delta. The service on Delta even seemed a notch better than two years ago on a similar flight to New York. The food was much better. We had Economy Comfort on return. Love the term. We now have Economy, Economy Comfort, Business, and First Class. Or is it Economy Un-Comfort and Economy Comfort?
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
Grab it while you can. Good for you Frank. It's good to know that those deals I see on TravelZoo are legit. Could you tell us more about what you did, saw, ate, discovered.
Bets
Bloomington 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
One more time
The castle had a restaurant that was average but a nice place to catch a coffee and dessert after a long day. Free Wi-Fi was available in the castle in a large common area that probably was the dinning hall at one time.
We used our seven days to explore the many hills towns and the wineries in the area. We hit Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano, plus a number of really small, off the beaten path towns. Our son had research a number of the better wineries in the area and made the necessary reservations. Most of these better wineries require an advance reservation and a fee. There were some walk ins available but not many.
In Montepulciano we met the coppersmith, Ramalo Cesare, that Steves discusses in his Florence & Tuscany book. We had recently moved into a new house that has a very heavy Tuscany look of tile roofs, towers with a stucco and field stone exterior finished. The space over the fireplace is very large so we were hoping to find some artwork that would fit that space during this trip. Didn't really know what we were looking for or wanted but just hoped that we would spot the perfect piece. We did. On the wall outside of Cesare's shop we spotted a huge (40" in diameter) copper plate that was just perfect. We did have to have it shipped. (It arrived in two weeks via the Italian and US postal services.) It was a terrific afternoon as he showed us his workshop and a small museum that featured many of his award winning pieces. He did not speak a word of English but we had few problems communicate with gestures, pointing, guesses, and our very limited, single word Italian. He is 77, third generation coppersmith, and no sons. When he is gone it is done. Of course, we have pictures with him, the copper plate, his workshop and some of his other pieces. That copper plate now hangs over our fireplace with huge memories attached to it forever.
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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train from Prague to Munich
Which train internet site is the best to book a train from Prague to Munich, the Rail Europe site or the German Rail Site? Do we need to reserve seats? Does the train have several stops along the way?
Does the train go directly into town of Munich?
Someone mentioned the bus is the way to travel instead of the train, I'm trying to decide the best way of transportation with out much stress.
Patricia
Topeka, Kansas 6/14/13
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RE: Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
Continued .....
The first seven nights was in the Castello Di Montegufoni (Montegufoni.eu). It is a thousand year old castle located about thirty minutes from Florence and a part of the agriturismo system in Italy. At one time the castle was a very large estate with many service buildings. These buildings have been converted into cottages. The size of the doors and stonework gave evidence that our cottage had once been a stable or barn. We had five bedrooms, three baths. The baths were very modern and up to date but the shower was small. The four of us had ample room. It had a small kitchen that was only adequate for breakfast and light meals. No TV or telephone and was typical of most self cater that we have encountered in Europe in that you provide everything beyond basic soap and toilet paper. No daily maid service. All tile through out so it was very clean and beds were great. I think Trip Advisor had given the place four stars. While it would not compare to a four star hotel it was a five star experience. It served as a great base for exploring the Tuscany countryside. The only surprise was an 80E cleaning fee when we check out. But at that price, who is arguing?
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: Mileage Award Travel
Also, you can check the "award calendar" option to see available flights for a whole month. There are outbound flights from Seattle to Amsterdam (for example) almost every day in july, and about 1/3 of the dates in August.
Lola
Seattle, WA 6/14/13
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Nine Days in Tuscany - What a Deal
As I stated earlier, the purists on this site will rise up at the thought of a package deal but it was too good to pass up. Started when New York son call about two months ago to say he had spotted this deal on TravelZoo.com for seven nights in Tuscany, car rental, and direct flight from New York to Rome for $1299. For an extra $200, two nights could be added at a hotel outside of Rome with an extension of the car rental. This fit our son's schedule because it was basically two weekends and week between. We hesitated at first thinking the price was too good but son said it was now or never. He called at 11 am New York time and the deal was sold out by 2 PM which appears to be common as our son had been watching this site for some time.
We flew to Rome on a Thursday night and came home on Sunday afternoon a week later. He is with an international bank in New York but it hard to get away for more than a week at a time.
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: becoming EXHAUSTED.. the riviera leg of my trip is killing me!
Tsk tsk! That's such a short notice. Fortunately, for you, I've found plenty of apartments for rent on airbnb.com for the dates you are looking for. I was looking in La Spezia. I'm sure there are plenty of other apartments near that area if you don't want to stay there. I was seeing average prices for La Spezia around $150. Good luck!
Gabriel
Pico Rivera, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Tower of London
To parody a well known phrase; "The Early Raven Catches The Jewels." I Love it! Thanks Steve,Brad & Claudia. Will try to be early Raven. :-)
Shelley
Ardrossan, Alberta Canada 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
Hahaha! Good one, Warren. I don't know when you're traveling, but I fell in love with wearing a multi-hidden-pocket travel vest in April. First time I tried it and it was great! My iPhone went in one of the inner zipped pockets and it was completely secure and easy to stow/remove quickly. One brand is Scottevest, but there are others. Might be too warm, though, for the height of summer in some places.
Another possibility might be some type of pants that have several zipper pockets. Here's one example that looks quite manly. :)
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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becoming EXHAUSTED.. the riviera leg of my trip is killing me!
ok, so i've spent approxiately 10,000 hours in the last 3 weeks trying to find accommodations on the coast near Pisa/ CT. i've been looking at apartments from VRBO, hotels on booking.com, and all sorts of other sites! several of you have given me suggestions of areas to look into, and i've done that as well. i'm having a difficult time finding something AFFORDABLE (less than $300 per night)that is on the coastline and in an area that we can do daytrips to CT, Lucca, and Pisa. Forte dei Marmi is PACKED and booked, and so is everywhere else! Of course, I've waited until now to book a room for a family of FOUR from July 20-25th. Because we are staying 5 nights, I want it to be a good place. Will I end up having to stay off the beach and in a town? We have a car which can be helpful, but means i have to find a place that allows cars. I'm throwing this question out there as a last ditch effort for any WISDOM from you Italy folks! I think north of CT might be too far north to do easy day trips to Lucca and Pisa with 2 kids (ages 9 and 10)..
Any words of advice? Thanks in advance ;)
randel
dallas, ga usa 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
Yes, it is.
Andreas
Frankfurt am Main Germany 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
Carrying a purse, okay "a bag" is not an option for this guy :). Thanks for the suggestions. Need to come up with something else.
Warren
Castlegar, BC Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Victoria Station - London
Left Luggage is between platforms 7 and 8 at Victoria train station. In the station map at the link below, look for the suitcase icon immediately to the left of the white stripe that says 'Staff area between platforms'. If you click the icon a pop-up box shows a photo of the entrance to the Left Luggage service, plus a bit of info about the access to it.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/SME/html/NRE_VIC/plan.html
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
"The President - like his predecessor, Michael Jackason and many other top-ranking politicians and celebrities, will be staying at the Adlon Hotel just across from the Brandenburg Gate. " Is that the one they had the miniseries about a few months ago on ZDF?
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Eurail passes
Thanks for clarifying, Nigel. Sorry it is all foreign to me, literally! I'm a big planner and make me nervous to take the chance of missing connections! Where I come from, a ticket is as good as a reservation! Thanks for your help.
Erin
Cincinnati, OH 6/14/13
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RE: Costa Brava Spain Worth the Detour?
Krista, I am not an expert, I have only been to Spain once, and that was last summer. We gave Spain 6 our of our 26 days trip to Europe.
We allotted 2 nights in Barcelona and 4 nights in Tossa De Mar.
We arrived by air in Barcelona , took bus downtown, got bus to Tossa De Mar. We had found out about TDM by looking at photos of friends who had done a car trip of the Costa Brava coast the year before. Its only 1.5 hours from Barecelona so we decided to try it.
We arrived at Tossa De Mar. Within a few hours we had the desk clerk at our hotel phone the hotel we had booked for last two nights in Barcelona and cancel one of the nights.
We stayed 5 nights in Tossa and it was HEAVEN.
Google for photos.. its amazing.
Its low key, no Starbucks, no McDonalds, and theres only a bit of sightseeing ( other then the fort of course) but the beach was lovely, the food amazing,, the people so kind..
Next time we go back I would allow much more time in Spain, still take 4-5 days in Tossa( and catch the sightseeing boat that will ferry you to other CB towns and beachs) and also visit more of the towns on the area.
Our trip last year was a bit whirlwind, lots of big cities ( Amsterdam, Paris, Nice , and then Barcelona) ,, Tossa De Mar was a vacation from our vacation.
pat
victoria Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Rothenberg ob der Tauber
It's an 8-10 hour train ride. You would go through all that trouble to go from one very touristy city to another. In my opinion, Brugge is worth going out of one's way to visit, because its the best-preserved city in Belgium but it's still a living town that isn't completely dependent on the tourist trade (despite all the souvenir shops). Only Ghent and maybe Tournai are comparable. Rothenburg odT? It's not even that unique for it's region. Germany is PACKED with well preserved historic towns, many of which are much closer to Belgium. Rothenburg is nice, but not 8-10 hours out of your way nice. I would consider it as a stopover if you were headed in the direction of Munich or the Alps. If not, consider something closer. What else do you have planned on this trip?
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany 6/14/13
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RE: self-booking cathedral tour?
Hi Tim: I can reccomend "Britain by Britrail 2012/2013: Touring Britain by Train" by La Verne Ferguson-Kosinski & Darren Price. It shows itinaries and things to see in the major stops along the way. I would suggest using a circuitous route instead of back and forth to London if possible to save time; although you can take different routes back and you may have to hub through London anyway. There are smaller railway systems in Wales and Scotland...I'm not sure it they cooperate with the Britrail Pass. It's nice that we qualify for the Senior rate.
Kathleen
Camano Island, WA usa 6/14/13
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RE: Borders Of Greece
And there is no train into Greece other than from Turkey. You would either fly in, a ferry, rental car or by bus.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
Full size hair spray in carry on ,, its a NO.
They must pack it in checked bag.
Either buy some there,( hello they have many of same brands there , remember Europe is not third world) or bring the TRAVEL size sprays. For one week most can get by with one can of travel size,, and if going for 2 weeks you can fit two of those travel size tins in your plastic baggie to carry on. If someone needs more then 200 mls of hair spray for 2 weeks then they are wearing too much spray!
pat
victoria Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Rothenberg ob der Tauber
It can be done in one day but it will take at least 8 hours and probably 5 different trains.
For example, you can leave Brugge at 8:59 for Brussels, half an hour layover for the ICE train to Frankfurt am Main, 29 minutes layover for the ICE to Würzburg, 39 minutes layover for the regional train to Steinach bei Rothenburg with a 22 minute layover before the final little regional train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You would get there at 1 minute before 5 pm.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
Treat it much like you would a camera. Keep it in a secure purse, travel bag or backpack. One could probably keep it pretty safe in a front pocket, but pickpockets are very good at removing most items without you noticing, so that is by no means foolproof.
What I mean by a "secure" purse or bag is that it cannot just be unzipped or opened without your notice. Some bags and purses are designed that way, or you can put a travel lock on the zipper of a regular bag.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: credit or debit?
True not relevant to Op, but I learned something, and perhaps someone else did too, so its not really a bad thing..
pat
victoria Canada 6/14/13
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RE: attitude of French toward travelers from the USA
The Americans I've seen have the most problems in France are the ones who seem to demand the US wherever they are-----can't understand two tiered coffee pricing---pay toilets in train stations---lack of ice in drinks---expect everyone to speak English---take dollars etc.
They look for the US in foreign places as opposed to seeing "how its done there" and are frustrated when they can't find it----that attitude shows and their travel experience is predictably .. Sometimes you just want to scream "your visiting their country....if what you want is home...stay home"
jmho
Paul
Paul
Morrilton, AR US 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
The liquid size limit is now 3.4 oz (100ml).
Heidi, I appreciate your dilemma. I spent a very frustrating couple hours last night trying to find an aerosol container of sunscreen higher than 30 SPF in a carry-on-allowable size. In a huge array of choices there was only one but it was 30 SPF, which is not strong enough for me.
I don't use hairspray, but I'm sure I've seen some travel-size containers of spray in the 'Travel Size' section at Rite-Aid. Also try CVS, Walgreens, etc. And I just Googled 'travel size hairspray amazon' and it looks like they sell several kinds.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Istanbul/Marriotts/1/2 day PM tour
Re: the Dolmabahce Palace (Tophane tram stop)..I really enjoyed it but there was a long line to get tickets AND it was timed entry (you have to go in with a guide and group of folks as opposed to touring it by yourself). So I'm sure it took me around 4 hours to get through it all. Given your lack of time (you really, really don't have enough to add this to the mix), I would recommend that you see attractions only close to where you're staying and to get to the most popular ones (Topkapi, Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque etc) as early in the morning as possible. My personal favorite was Topkapi and it required the most time. If you want to see a small bazaar, try Arasta Bazaar right by the Blue Mosque..it's very laid back and has high quality stuff (you can find the stores online).
Agnes
Alexandria, VA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Eurail passes
If a train does not accept reservations, but I have purchased a point to point ticket....I am still guaranteed a seat
No, of course not. Nobody has reservations, nobody is guaranteed a seat. Regionale trains, with no reserved seats, are like city buses. They stop at all or most stops, and seats are first come first served.
Basically, I dont have to purchase the ticket, then ALSO make a reservation, do I?
correct
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Mileage Award Travel
Yes. Just go on the Alaska website and put in your itinerary (say, Seattle to Paris) and check "use miles". It will now display award options on American, Delta, and British, with the price and number of miles. You can even book one-way awards (although Delta charges as many miles for one-way as for round trip).
If you do this 330 days in advance you should see quite a few options. After that, it may be pretty random, but if your dates are flexible you should be able to find something.
I was checking out options to Amsterdam next April, and saw far more flight options using American and Delta than British. Indeed, BA gets lots of complaints on flyertalk for having so few reward seats available. Along with the rants about their high fuel surcharges and taxes.
Lola
Seattle, WA 6/14/13
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RE: Irish music in Camden Town, London
Check out Karen Ryan's website. You should find a listing that will float your boat.
Happy travels!
(Main website) http://www.karenryan.net/index.php/irishmusicinlondon/wheretohear
(Listing for The World's End, Camden) http://www.theworldsend.co.uk/
Kira
Seattle, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Rome airport to Trastevere
Linda, you're right to plan to use the FR1 train that takes you directly to Trastevere, esp. since your hotel is right by that station. I believe the tickets are either 6 or 8 euros. (Just did the reverse last month, going from Trastevere to Fiumicino.)
Diane's suggestion to take the Leonardo Express makes sense only if you're going to the Termini train station, and there's no need to do that in your case.
Michael
Seattle, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Rick's Audio Guides
They're somewhat irreverent and idiosyncratic, like his books and TV shows, but factually solid and he has a real talent (imho) for describing works of art. That said, I had an "interesting" afternoon in the Louvre a couple of years ago trying to follow his audioguide which must have been out of date. I saw a lot of great art trying to find the works he was telling me were right around the corner.
But his current Louvre audioguide is dated the month I was there, so I must have just missed the update. Curse those museum curators moving things around without consulting the Man!
Dick
Olympia, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Actually, the FAA air traffic control functions were exempted from sequestration about ten seconds after the effects were initially felt, so the whole premise is moot.
Actually, the above statement is not correct. Broader ATC functions were exempted, but there are still internal impacts. I have worked closely with the FAA and know this through back channels in the Federal government. Don't believe everything you read in the print media or hear/watch on CNN or Fix (oops... I meant Fox).
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Bus/Tram/subway card in Lisbon/Porto
I brought this up because I read, in the Lonely Planet guide, how there are times when the devices on the trams or buses did not work. Sometimes the green light never came on. People thought they had paid, but actually didn't. One family was taken of the tram by a policeman. This won't stop me from using the cards, since it's obviously cheaper than taxis. Thanks for the post.
Joel
NAPLES, Florida United States 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
Never set it down on a restaurant table, ticket counter, etc. Stow it safely away when you are in those situations because it's easy to get distracted and forget that you have set it down.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Train vs. Car from Geneva to Paris over several days
You should cost this out for yourself because there are so many variables.
Would discounted fares, which are restricted and must be bought in advance, work for you? Do you want a "road trip" type vacation where you stop and see the sights enroute? (The best stretch for that would be between the Alps and Paris.)
Adam
Boston 6/14/13
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Rothenberg ob der Tauber
I will be in Brugge in September and from their I want to go to Rothenberg ob der Tauber. Is this possible to do in one day by rail ?, and would be the suggested route ?. If not possible in one day where should I go for the lay over. Thanks, Kurt Kampovsky
kurt
indianapolis, indiana 6/14/13
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RE: Blocked ATM cards
Janine is correct. The Fort Knox Federal Credit Union has blocked use of their ATM card in a whole 'laundry' :) list of countries, including Iceland and Estonia. There was recently a gigantic, coordinated ATM scam that pulled many millions from various banks. Generally speaking, Federal credit unions tend to be more conservative than large commercial banks.
http://www.fkfcu.org/blocked.html
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Blocked ATM cards
Hi Janine, I couldn't find anything striking by googling it - so I'll just take your word for it. Best of luck - if this happened to me, I'd use my Capital One card as much as possible (no foreign transaction fees) and in Iceland, credit cards are widely accepted.
Agnes
Alexandria, VA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Bus/Tram/subway card in Lisbon/Porto
Not sure why it would be frustrating? It a transit card with a contactless RFID chip inside of it, similar to London's Oyster card. When entering a station or bus you simply put the card next to the reader and wait for the green light.
Michael Schneider
New Paltz, NY 6/14/13
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RE: Swiss trains
There is no advantage to purchasing tickets in advance in Switzerland. Simply purchase your tickets at the airport train station after you land. There is frequent service to Montreux. There is one train an hour that is direct an another train per hour with a connection in Lausanne.
Michael Schneider
New Paltz, NY 6/14/13
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RE: Eurail passes
So, if I purchase the point to point tickets for trains that accept/require reservations, I do not need to do anything because the reservation is already guaranteed by purchasing the ticket...
If a train does not accept reservations, but I have purchased a point to point ticket....I am still guaranteed a seat
Are these correct?
Basically, I dont have to purchase the ticket, then ALSO make a reservation, do I?
Erin
Cincinnati, OH 6/14/13
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RE: northern italy, places to stay
We visited Austria & northern Italy in May 2012 for 2 1/2 weeks. Flew into Vienna (4 nights), Salzburg (3 nights), Castelrotto (3 nights), Verona (1 night), Bellagio (3 nights) and Milan (2 nights) then flew home from there. Did this trip entirely by train and it worked perfectly (we have rented cars on previous Europe trips, but it wasn't necessary for this one). Recommend Schonbrunn Palace, Melk Abbey, SOM tour (we did Maria's bike tour & loved it), fortress in Salzburg, take ferry to various towns on Lake Como, Milan cathedral & Last Supper. We had originally planned to visit Cinque Terre but substituted Castelrotto due to proximity. Will see it on a future trip. Enjoy!
Patti
Alpine, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Blocked ATM cards
Agnes, I believe there has been a lot of atm fraud lately with those card readers that get inserted and skim your information. Banks usually repay you if your account is hacked, so I guess they're getting tired of it. Google it, there's some that even block the UK and Italy. There's also different levels of blocked, mine has a complete block on Iceland. Frustrating to deal with but with a little preplanning we should be fine. It probably surprises people who don't check first.
Thanks for all the advice, I think we'll just get some money out at the country before our trouble ones and do currency exchange.
Janine
Vancouver, WA 6/14/13
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RE: Roman Colosseum Underground Tour
Thanks Karen for your reply!
LM
Redmond 6/14/13
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Paris St. Lazare lockers
Anyone know of there are luggage lockers at St. Lazare train station?
I have 3/4 of a day in Paris before my evening train. I'm a little concerned with leaving my luggage at my hotel.
Thanks,
Denise
Denise
Castle Rock, Colorado 6/14/13
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RE: car or train in Spain
Spain is just as easy to drive in as Portugal, but some of the major East West roads on not on the GPS. But the maps do fine, and you can navigate from town to town.
We picked up our car after we left Grenada, and used it to travel and explore the areas around Cordoba (we found free parking), Seville ($19/day parking, day trips to Jerez, Arcos, etc), Terifa ( free parking, great to be able to drive to Gibraltar. Take the fantastic cab tours of the Rock), Ronda (our favorite! with free parking at our awesome hotel.day trips to caves, hill towns, etc.)
The car gave us the freedom to explore all of the areas surrounding the towns.
Make sure that your bring your drivers license and International Drivers' permit (that you buy at your local AAA office....NOT on-line.)
Steve
Gaston, Oregon USA 6/14/13
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RE: Blocked ATM cards
Can you explain how (and why) a credit union can/would "block" A VISA/Master Card debit card in certain countries? I don't even think that's legal - the credit union is just an intermediary for those cards - as long as an ATM machine has the Cirrus/Star symbol, it must accept the card unless it blocked it in case of fraudulent activity to protect you. I've been to Iceland twice and used my credit union VISA ATM card without any problems - so what is different now?
Agnes
Alexandria, VA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Roman Colosseum Underground Tour
We did the Underground tour about 6 weeks ago. (also the 12:21 tour). We arrived about an hour in advance. Breezed right through the reservation line to the ticket window and were given our tickets and little stickers that said "12:21" so when you gathered at the tour meeting area, the guide knew who was supposed to be on the tour. After we picked up the tickets, we did NOT go through the turn styles, but back out of the Colosseum to grabbed a bite to eat before the tour. So I think that as you do NOT go through the turn styles after you pickup your tickets earlier in the morning, there is probably no reason that you couldn't do the Forum and Palatine hill, then go back to the Colosseum, through the turnstyles, and meet up with tour.
Karen
Santa Rosa, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Gap of Dunloe Ireland
Hi Claudia,
We rarely do any kind of organized touring, but we did the jaunting car - return by boat day tour for this spectacular area. I realize that you want to hike down and have a ride back up. Perhaps if you contact these people, they could give you some suggestions for how to organize this?
http://derostours.com/new/all-tours/gap-of-dunloe-tour/
Cynthia
Gig Harbor, Washington USA 6/14/13
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Mileage Award Travel
I use the Alaska FF program and have used mileage awards to travel to Europe several times, but most often it has to be on British because none of the other partners ever have mileage seats. British requires more miles for an award and has very expensive extra fees. Any tips on how to get an award seat on American or Delta through the Alaska partners program?
Rene
Olympia 6/14/13
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RE: Borders Of Greece
If you fly in from another Schengen country, you will not need to go through immigration again. Croatia is not a Schengen member, so you would show your passport.
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Borders Of Greece
No difference. You still have to show your passport.
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Rome airport to Trastevere
The train from the airport to Termini Train station in Rome is called the Leonardo Express and Rick's book on Rome has all the information about it. It is very easy to find. The airport is well-marked and you can easily get a ticket at the tobacco shop/newsstand at the airport. It costs 14 Euros and takes just 30 minutes. I then took a bus from Termini to Trastevere where I was staying. The bus system is well-marked. The signs tell you all of the stops that particular bus makes. Many sites are in easy walking distance from Trastevere, but the bus system is also easy to navigate.
Diane
Buffalo, New York United States 6/14/13
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RE: How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
I kept mine in my regular purse, the same as if I was at home. I used it on the street all over Spain with no problem. I didn't use the metro or anything, so I was never in close crowds of people.
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Blocked ATM cards
Prepaid VISA cards probably won't work for several reasons. Many of them cannot be used outside the US. "Travel" cards can have high fees for setup and removing any unused cash after your trip, and the exchange rate can be bad. In your case, I would just bite the bullet and exchange some dollars at a booth on arrival, and use your credit card when you can
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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How to Protect your phone from pickpockets
From all the reading I've been doing, it appears that smartphones are a hot commodity for pickpockets. How does one (men and women) keep them secure. Last trip I used a hidden pocket to store my passport, cash and credit cards, but there's not enough room for a phone as well. Short of getting a second pocket, how does one ensure that the phone makes it home safe. FYI, I'm only using it as storage for guides, maps, GPS, facetiming, checking emails etc.
Warren
Castlegar, BC Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Borders Of Greece
Thank you for your reply! Does it make a difference if I fly in versus take a train in?
Christina
Clinton, CT USA 6/14/13
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Portugal
Has anyone heard any news on the proposed general strike in Portugal on June 27th?
Eileen
West Hartford 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
I wonder if the gate was actually vacant 45 minutes early. Interesting if it was in fact Immigration policy that kept the aircraft airborne rather than lack of space on the ground.
Will
Columbia, SC 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Actually, the FAA air traffic control functions were exempted from sequestration about ten seconds after the effects were initially felt, so the whole premise is moot.
Ed
Pensacola 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
I take along a couple of sporks and put them in my daybag, along with some napkins (or I collect an extra napkin or two from fast-food places or Starbucks). I bought some heavy-duty sporks from Amazon, and they've been terrific. I can buy yogurt or pudding or a pasta salad from the dairy/deli case at a grocery store, and I'll have something with which to eat it. I just wash them in my hotel sink afterward and pop them back in a plastic baggie for the next time.
I also like to have individually wrapped Handi-wipes (or similar) so that I can "wash" my hands after eating, and at least they'll feel relatively clean until I can get to a sink.
Teresa
Seattle 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
If it is an aerosol or pump spray over 3 oz., it must go in your checked luggage. That's been the rule for years, so I wonder where you are reading conflicting reports.
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Honeymoon in Italy
Congratulations. My wife an I just returned from our Italian honeymoon a week ago. Happy to share some thoughts. We did Rome (5 nights), Florence (4 nights), the Cinque Terre (3 nights) and Venice for the final four nights. Rome is intense. A wonderful experience, but also the most stressful. If you don't like doing a lot of walking, stay at a hotel near a metro stop. Leave yourself plenty of down-time. I wouldn't miss Florence or Venice - both are amazing, romantic cities - and much slower paced than Rome. I guess it depends on what balance of sightseeing/relaxing you're aiming for. I worked 3 days in the Cinque Terre into the middle of the trip to give us a break from museums and big-city life. Best decision I made. Anyway, I'm happy to share specifics on hotel, restaurant, transportation and sightseeing advice if you want.
Kirk
Kirk
Athens, Ohio United States 6/14/13
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RE: 7-8 days in Central/Southern Spain
I agree with Brad. I think your plan looks fine, and you should save Granada for another time. Like Brad's wife, I enjoyed the Real Alcazar in Seville much more than the Nasrid Palaces at Alhambra (much less crowded, and you don't need a reserved time to get in). And you really should see Madrid, too (and it's cheaper and easier to fly into than Malaga).
Nancy
Bloomington, IL USA 6/14/13
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Paris -Geneva-Zermatt
We are a family of Four traveling in August. I have the TGV reserved to Geneva and arrives at 12:16. Which train should we take to Zermatt, where we have our hotel reservation? There is a 12:33 with a short connection in Visp or should we take the 1:33 and go up and see Geneva for an hour? Is that enough time to take a peak never having been to Geneva? Just to see what the City looks like? We will travel along the lake I understand so we don't need to go and see the lake. It sounds like it is a 4 hour trip to Zermatt so that will put us there at 5:30 and we will be there 2 nights.
Thanks for any tips you may have.
Lynn
Lynn
Huntington Beach, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: 7-8 days in Central/Southern Spain
I agree with Chani - if you consider deleting Madrid and Toledo (and don't already have your airline tickets), look at flying into Malaga. You could use the extra days for Granada and even an overnight stay in Cordoba.
Sharon
Atlanta 6/14/13
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Doolin
We will be driving from Dingle to Doolin for a one night stay.
I was thinking about seeing the Cliff of Moher from land upon our arrival and exploring the Burren and taking a Cliff of Moher boat tour the next day before we depart for Shannon for our flight home the next day.
Do you recommend a certain ferry company for the boat tour?
Jennifer
HOWELL, MI USA 6/14/13
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RE: attitude of French toward travelers from the USA
Having lived in France for several years now, I can honestly say that the vast majority of French people are not intentionally rude or discriminatory towards Americans. However, I have experienced anti-foreigner bias, and the rare anti-American bias (Recently had an incidence in which I do think three other American friends and I were treated unfairly because we were American). And I speak French. (Which is how they usually know I'm American - they detect the accent. But it's also how I've sometimes known that they're biased - they overhear me speaking English to my family and don't realize I understand every word of French they then say to someone else)
I've also been treated rudely while visiting in the US. And have experienced prejudice and racism in the US. The type of behavior your colleagu experienced isn't limited just to the US.
So, are there issues with how Americans are treated in France? Yes, but they are rare. Your co-worker could have encountered one of those individuals who is against all foreigners, or maybe even the rarer type who is against Americans. Don't let that put you off on visiting France, because the odds are definitely in your favor for a positive experience.
Dina
Fontainebleau France 6/14/13
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Train vs. Car from Geneva to Paris over several days
Is it better to travel by train or car? We have two adults and a teenager.
Geneva to Chamonix
Chamonix to Paris
Paris to Amsterdam
We were thinking of taking trains, but it seems to be adding up. Would it be worth it to rent a car and have the added expense of dropping off in a different country? We would consider a bus or plane, too.
sheryl
columbus, ga usa 6/14/13
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Swiss trains
We are flying from Charlotte to Geneva via Frankfurt. We want to take the train to Montreux and would like to buy the tickets in advance. However, if we have flight delays and miss the train for which we have tickets, can we exchange the tickets for seats on a later train?
Claire
Charlotte, NC 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Victoria Station - London
Tim:
Where is the Left luggage facility in relation to Victoria Station? First time in London, and I hate to be wandering around looking for it.
Thanks,
Dave
Dave
Hudson, OH USA 6/14/13
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RE: Travel / Accommodations
" She has asked me (from afar) to help her find out the best train route between "
Perhaps this would be a good time to allow her to make a few adult decisions.
Bob
Gettysburg, PA 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Munich train station
Thank you, Lee, for the information. I read that you are the train expert, so I am sure I will asking you again for more info!
Jane
Hendersonville, TN 6/14/13
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Driving from Paris to Zurich
We'll be driving from Paris to Zurich. On the way we'd like to stop at few scenic locations. Spend a night at teh first location then drive to another city spend the night then drive to a thrid city before we arrive to Zurich. We're anticipating our drive to last three days. Do you have any recommendations as to where would be the best places to stop during the trip? Thank you
Nick
Chicago, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Honeymoon in Italy
Beware the trap of trying to see all the cool places in Italy on one trip. Since you have Italian heritage, you're probably going to fall in love with the place and will end up going back.
Two weeks probably means 12 nights, considering you lose a day to get there. I would tell you to pick only three or four places at most. Fly into one city and fly back from another. (Choose the "Multi-City" option when looking at flights. Do NOT choose two one-way tickets.) A lot of people fly into the north (either Venice or Milan) and then depart from the south (usually Rome), or vice versa.
Get yourself a copy of the Rick Steves Italy book and read up on the various locations he covers. Study a map of Italy to see how spread out places are, and that will help you decide where to go. You'll see that the Amalfi area is a good ways south of Rome, which may be the opposite direction you want to go. That said, Positano in particular is very romantic.
But you need to act soon. Flights and hotels are booking up.
Happy travels.
Michael
Seattle, WA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
"I recall reading something a while ago that said drivers in Germany are expected to know even the subtle rules of the road, including speed zones and limits, some of which are not always clearly signed."
What you probably read about is the implied traffic law when you see a sign like this. Besides announcing the name of the town you just entered, it signals that the speed limit has changed to 50 km/hr, unless otherwise noted. If you don't know this, there may not be a speed limit sign, but there can still be a camera. Likewise, this sign tells you both that you've left the town, and that you can speed up again.
And yeah... never visiting Germany again because of one traffic ticket that's only going to cost a few euro? That's a bit dramatic...
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany 6/14/13
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Costa Brava Spain Worth the Detour?
Hello! I have 3-4 days in Barcelona, and was planning a day trip by car along Costa Brava to sea kayak and swim. Looking at pictures, it seems extremely scenic and relaxing....and my husband and I will be cramming multiple stops in our 2 week whirlwind first trip to Europe, so a little change of pace might be really refreshing! So I started considering doing more than just a day trip, but thought I'd ask the experts about whether this is a smart move or not! I was looking at a 9 AM sea kayak excursion (which is crazy early for Spain), so thought it might be best to just drive up from Barcelona to L'Escala the day before the kayaking trip (2 1/2 hrs north if take scenic route, right along the coast) and just stay 2 nights. Is that crazy? To make this work I'd have to either cut my Barcelona time down to 2 days or cut the 2 days allotted to Seville out of the trip.
Also, if anyone has been to Costa Brava (because even if we abort the 2 night stay and are unable to do the early sea kayak trip, we'll most likely at least do the day trip), any advice on where to go? Which beaches to see, where to stay, etc?
Kristina
Dallas 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
The cameras have been in use in Europe since the early 1980s.
Bob
Gettysburg, PA 6/14/13
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RE: Borders Of Greece
If you're traveling by land, Greece still has border controls because none of it's neighbors are yet party to the Schengen Agreement, which eliminated border checks between signatory countries. That doesn't mean the border is "closed off", it just means you have to show your passport.
Tom
Hüttenfeld, Hessen Germany 6/14/13
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RE: ATM machine at Rome airport?
Was last in Rome in Oct. 2011 and had no problem immediately finding a cash machine at the airport and seems like it was near baggage claim. Was with my sister visiting her daughter on a semester study abroad in Rome and we needed cash to pay for the 11 nights in our apt. Between the 2 of us and several atm cards we were able to get the amount we needed. As previous posters have stated, the atm machine may limit the amount you may get per transaction even though you may have raised the limit before you left home. I travel with 3 different atm cards as many places want payment in cash or you get a discount with cash and who doesn't want to save money. It isn't a problem after you have been there for few days and you can start stockpiling cash for payment to the next places you are going to be staying.My biggest fear at an atm is my card getting sucked up and not being returned to me. Happened to my husband on a business trip in Europe. Got his money and could see his card in there but it was not coming back out. A guy he was with had a paperclip so they used it as a tweezer to pull his card out. Crisis solved! From then on I have always carried a tweezer in my daybag.
Janet
Maple Grove, MN 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Even if Charlotte is a small airport,
It's the fifth or sixth largest in the world in operations, ahead of both Paris and London.
ATC operations may be impacted by the larger coordination performed at surrounding ATC centers
Charlotte is a Tracon wholly contained within Atlanta Center.
Ed
Pensacola 6/14/13
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RE: Village Italy
(Contd)
One more thing - the tour includes a stay in the Cinque Terre. There are very easy, short train connections between the 5 villages, so you wouldn't have to do any actual hiking, other than walking within the villages themselves. There are also boats between the villages, so you can see some from the water as well, if you want. The day in the CT was almost entirely free time, so you could pace yourselves to your own comfort level, and the guide will be able to make suggestions for how best to see and do what interests you. Weatherwise, I did the tour in May and it was perfect - brilliant blue skies and hardly a cloud the entire time. I liked it so much I might do it again, in September or October the next time.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: credit or debit?
^^^ The OP is from the US, not Canada. So much of that info is not relevant.
Also, plenty of US banks still issue ATM only cards (mine included). They tend to be smaller, local banks and credit unions. In general, those still work just fine in European ATMs (always confirm and notify your bank of your travels).
Any debit or ATM-only card will deduct funds directly from the primary account source (usually a person's checking account). There are no options for other account withdrawls. If using a credit card in an ATM, almost all cards will consider that a cash withdrawl and charge you high interest rates from the moment you make the withdrawl.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: Honeymoon in Italy
Congratulations, Nicole.
I was just on a boat on Lake Como from Varenna which also had a wedding party (about 10 or 15) from California who were going to another small town for the rehearsal dinner for a wedding scheduled the following day.
Everybody looked so happy and relaxed, so comfortable in their outfits and so enjoying the lake and surroundings I thought what a great place for a wedding.
Varenna especially, being a small beautiful, quiet, yet interesting and romantic place, would be fantastic. We were in an apartment 60 steps from the lake yet we heard the lapping of the waves on the shore from our windows.
Lake Como, especially the east shore including Varenna where there is very little traffic, is a bit remote from the rest of Italy. It is only a little over an hour by train from Milan, and only 12 miles and a short ferry to Mennagio to Lugano in Switzerland.
I guess it depends if you want seclusion or big city for your Honeymoon.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Munich train station
I don't believe you can rent a coin locker in Munich for that many days, but there is a "left luggage room" where you can leave a bag for an extended time. It's off the hallway (Nördlicher Quergang) behind the lockers and the Reisezentrum (travel office), on the left side of the station as viewed from the tracks.
Hours: Mo-Fr: 8.00-20.00 Sat, Sun, Holidays: 8.00-18.00
Price: 5€ per piece per day
Lee
Lakewood, Colorado 6/14/13
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London - great tips Steve
Happy to report a wonderful, but brief 2 /12 days in London before our real vacation to Ireland. The Pelham Hotel recommendation in Steve's book was spot on! Steve suggested emailing the hotel, mentioning his books, and seeing what price was available. We got a very good price, below the website price. Thanks. Not cheap, but Steve says "When I splurge on accommodations, I do it in South Kensington." Perfect location. We stayed in the Blue Room, and honestly I think it was the best bed I have slept on in my entire life.
I thought of buying it and shipping it to California.
Its just a couple of blocks walk from Victoria and Albert Museum. Across the street from the South Kensington Tube. One block from a bus stop for the Hop-on, Hop-off tour, by The Original Tour (which included a 25 minute barge on the River Thames from Wesminster to the Tower of London. That basically bookends both ends of the major sites).
The hotel was just perfect in every way.
Thanks again Rick.
Bill
Bill
Camarillo, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Lightest carryon suitcase
Shelley, are there any particular bags you're interested in?
Well, if you're interested in backpacks...the RS bag is about 3lbs, and my Eagle Creek bag is 4lbs - and the EC fully-loaded feels much lighter than my RS bag, because it has a proper waist belt (and sternum strap). I have potential for back issues and painful sciatica, and I have carried that very full and heavy EC bag for hours (including standing in a slow-moving line for a couple of hours) without noticing I was wearing it. Yea! That would never happen to me with the RS bag; for me, that's more of a domestic airport/car trip bag - not a real piece of travel 'equipment'. The waist belt...isn't. At least, not for me. It's more of a waist 'strap'. For some people the RS bag is just fine for them, though. I use my EC bag for international travel ONLY. That baby gets pampered...
I had never used a 'proper' camping/hiking backpack before traveling, and I didn't understand the big deal about waist belts and sternum straps...but after clicking the waist belt buckle, and then the sternum strap, there were major 'light bulbs' and 'a-ha's' all over the place ;-) I saw the light! Or, light bulbs...
(cont.)
Eileen
Texan in CA 6/14/13
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RE: Munich Hotel - twin room?
You might find 2-Bett Zimmer (2 bed rooms) harder to find than Doppelzimmer, but DZ are usually two German twin beds mattresses pushed together (wider than a queen) with separate coverlets.
Lee
Lakewood, Colorado 6/14/13
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RE: Lightest carryon suitcase
(cont.)
Remember - any backpack will feel heavy to some extent because you're not a turtle. The first day or so will feel strange, just like wearing your moneybelt does. By Day 2 or 3, you shouldn't notice either.
Sometimes I use a wheeled bag domestically, and I'm amazed how many times I have to pick the darned thing up! It's a real pain when I've got a smaller bag stacked on top - take the smaller bag off, carry the bags, set the large bag down, strap the smaller bag back on...so using them in Europe, aka The Land of Many Stairs, would drive me batty, methinks. Hopefully, I'll be able to use a backpack for many years to come, but when and if the time comes, I'll use wheels...very reluctantly. Of course, by then, I fully expect that my 'pool boy' will be carrying my luggage ;-)
Eileen
Texan in CA 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
I know exactly how you feel, Andreas! I've lived in places here in the US that have hosted the Masters golf tournament (I rented my house and left town), and the Super Bowl (went on vacation to Ireland). We've gotten tied up in traffic in Atlanta when the president has been in town, too (as if traffic here wasn't enough of a nightmare on a normal workday). I always think, "Can't they just have a teleconference?" :)
Best of luck.
celeste
ATL, GA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Village Italy
The 'Village Italy' tour is fabulous. As the name says, it's primarily away from any large cities, so the pace and general feeling of the tour is less frenetic than, say, being in Rome or Florence with hordes of tourists. The Italian countryside is gorgeous and the visits in the various villages quite relaxing.
A couple of the most strenuous parts might be the walk across the bridge to Civita di Bagnoregio because there's a bit of an uphill just before entering the village. And I recall being a little fatigued when we arrived in Orvieto and had to walk a bit with our suitcases to our hotel. But if you are reasonably fit, it should be OK. We also rode bikes together in Lucca, but you wouldn't have to do that, if you didn't feel comfortable. At one great hotel, which was more like a small resort, there were some stairs to get to some of the rooms, and the proprietor offered to help carry some of our luggage up for us. But that can't be counted on. Still, there was such fantastic camaraderie and bonding among the tour members on that tour that we all were quick to help one another where there was a need.
I strongly encourage you to take the tour, if you can. It will yield long-lasting memories. Also, call the Tour Dept. and discuss any concerns with them.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Does Anyone Know What is going on with Reichstag Dome Reservations?
Nigel, you are right! Earlier today it was still blocked from July 1, but I am now seeing availability for dome visits up through Week 31 (through August 4). don't see August 27 yeat, though. but it must be a rolling thing, a month at a time. So I will breathe easy and just check back in late July or early August.
Lola
Seattle, WA 6/14/13
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Borders Of Greece
Good Afternoon,
I am interested in knowing a little more about the regulations concerning crossing the border into Greece. About a month ago I heard that the borders of Greece were being closed off. I have done a small amount of research on the subject and have not been able to verify this. Is it true that there is no entry in Greece right now? If not, where should I cross into Greece. I will be traveling from Croatia to Greece.
Christina
Clinton, CT USA 6/14/13
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RE: Munich Hotel - twin room?
Hotel Blauer Bock is a 5-minute walk from Marienplatz, centrally located.
Mary
Boston, MA 6/14/13
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RE: Florence Metro Schedules
Danielle
You may get quicker responses if you ask about trains - Florence has no Metro unless you mean the Metro supermarket.
Both DBahn and Trenitalia provide good English language train results.
There is no need to get tickets prior - it is a Regionale train from Lucca to Florence and return.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
What Bob said.
It's such a shame when people have one unfortunate experience during a trip and that's the strong memory they bring home with them and it causes them to not want to return. I mean, would getting caught in a speed trap at home cause one to want to pick up house and home and move? It's a bit of an exaggerated comparison, admittedly, but the logic is similar. It's only a traffic ticket; it was not an accident where life or property was at risk. And the driver was speeding. I recall reading something a while ago that said drivers in Germany are expected to know even the subtle rules of the road, including speed zones and limits, some of which are not always clearly signed. I just tried to find what I had read, but it eludes me now.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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Village Italy
We are interested in the Village Italy tour. We are in our 70's, active and healthy but are wondering about how strenuous the walks are? Does anyone have information that would help us make a decision about this tour for us?
Thanks, Francine
Francine
Edmonton 6/14/13
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RE: Honeymoon in Italy
Congratulations, Nicole! Smart idea going to Italy since you are both Italian. The main thing I would suggest is not to try and see too much. This is your honeymoon! Relax and enjoy. Keep your travels to a section of Italy and don't try to cover the whole country. Rome and Amalfi Coast could take up most of two weeks, given that you can spend a whole week just in Rome since there is so much to see there. I have not been to Amalfi Coast yet but it looks like a perfect spot for honeymooners. The only other comment I would throw out is if you are interested in where your ancestors came from, you might want to explore that but really you should probably save it for another trip. Believe me, you will go back! Best of luck to you!
Kathy
San Carlos, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Eurail passes
I last used a rail pass in 2000, before I know better. For the trains I used, I just about broke even, but, with a few adjustments, perhaps taking a few more minutes, I could have saved significant money. Since then (eight trips done, another planned), I have always compared the cost of a pass to individual tickets, Savings Fares, and regional day tickets, and I've always found a pass to be much more expensive - two to three times more expensive. Traveling alone, my transportation costs average 15€/day.
It's possible for a rail pass to cost less, but in my experience, unlikely. Of course, this takes a little research and thought. Just buying a pass is easy, and, as Nigel says, "easy costs money".
"We were able to take day trips on the train to nearby places at no extra charge"
No extra charge? You mean no extra charge other than using a day of your pass. In Germany, you can take day trips to nearby places using a Länder Ticket for less than a day of a rail pass (Ex: 13€/person for 2 people for all day use of a Bayern-Ticket.)
"The pass worked on the S-Bahn for travel within several cities."
An all-day ticket for the S-Bahn in Munich AND all other transit (buses, trams, U-Bahn), which are not covered by a rail pass, is just 20,40€ for 2 people (up to 5, actually).
Lee
Lakewood, Colorado 6/14/13
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RE: Train vs Car or Both
Thank you Andrea. You have good advise. My biggest problem is we only have eight days and that includes the day we arrive and leave. I know I'm trying to fit a lot into this time, but it's the max time my daughter has off. - - If I trained out of Rome and picked up a car in Terni or Orvieto, how would you suggest we visit Chique Terra? We'd love to spend two nights there (not somewhere else as a home base). What do I do with the car while we're there? Perhaps we should just rent a car for a few day and drop it before CT, then train up to Switerland and rent another car as you suggested.
Susan
Santa Rosa, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
" It will be a long time if ever that either of us will want to visit Germany again. "
Because your sister received a ticket for speeding?
Bob
Gettysburg, PA 6/14/13
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RE: visiting Prague
Maureen, google Prague Flooding 2013 and you should come up with some current information.
Mary
Gulfport, FL 6/14/13
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RE: Does Anyone Know What is going on with Reichstag Dome Reservations?
54 slots for a group of 4 dome only on Saturday 27th August. Nothing from 1st September onwards, but my guess is that's a release thing. It is nearly 10 weeks out.
If 'twere me I'd breathe a little easier...
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
Kevin seems to have had a similar childhood to me. My early memories of picnics were sitting in a car somewhere beside the North Sea to escape the parky weather.
My other memories are going to Headingly for the Ashes and either getting sunburnt or having to shelter under an umberella. In both cases we were eating hard boiled eggs.
However, since you are living in Europe, my experience leads me to advise you to look out for wasps, snakes and other "foreign bodies".
Keith
England 6/14/13
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RE: Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania
Frances,
My wife and I will be taking a tour of Bulgaria next year. We were thinking of flying into Belgrade, Serbia first. Did you enjoy Belgrade and were there sites between Belgrade and Sofia that were worth seeing?
Paul
San Jose, Ca USA 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
If a person doesn't have anything constructive to say, except to rudely criticize the OP for 'ranting' and pass meaningless judgment on those who at least tried to offer a possible explanation, it would probably be better for that person to keep silent.
As far as the plane staying in the air instead of landing and waiting on the tarmac, don't forget that Air Traffic Control also continues to be affected by sequestration. Even if Charlotte is a small(er) airport, it's ATC operations may be impacted by the larger coordination performed at surrounding ATC centers that process traffic in/out of larger airports. Sequestration has far-reaching impact, much of which is not being reported and therefore not known to the public in general.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: Not Europe --- D.C., etc.
@Matt - thanks for the information. That's good to know about the metro. Maybe we should focus on somewhere IN D.C. I have found a few places in the DuPont Circle area. What is your opinion of it?
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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Florence Metro Schedules
Leaving in four days...wrapping up last details and wondering if anyone has successfully found either a train schedule app or a website in english that provides train schedules. Specifically, I am interested in Lucca - Florence. Thank you!!
Danielle
Paxton, Massachuse USA 6/14/13
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RE: 4 days in Switzerland
From Florence to Switzerland, you start with the train to Milan (buy tickets ahead on Trenitalia to get economy fares). At Milan you have several choices, but the two easiest are (1) to Luzern, with a change at Arth-Goldau, or (2) to Spiez (gateway to the Berner Oberland). There is a train to Arth-Goldau departing at 11:10 and one to Speiz at 11:25. Lots of later trains as well.
If you go to Luzern, I suggest one night there and then head to Lauterbrunnen in the Berner Oberland, or one of the car-free villages perched aboe Lauterbrunnen. Take a boat trip on the lake at Luzern (Vierwaldstättersee) before you depart (you can store luggage in lockers in the train station).
If you go to Spiez, you change there for a train to Interlaken (about 25 minutes) and then another change to get to Lauterbrunnen. If your goal is Mürren, you would ride a cablecar up from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp, and then another little train th eshort distance to Mürren. sounds complicated, but it is not. The Swiss transpport system is a marvel. You can see the routes and schedules on their website at www.rail.ch or www.SBB.ch.
Option 1 (Luzern) would give you more varietya charming Swiss city, a lake trip, and then a village in the Berner Oberland Alps. It also breaks up the train travel into more manageable pieces (florence all the way to Lauterbrunnen is a very long day; Florence to Luzern not so bad).
Once you decide what you want to do, we can talk about train passes for Switzerland. It is the one country where I find them useful.
Lola
Seattle, WA 6/14/13
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RE: Cotswold for 4 nights
Obviously, I don't know what is in your guide book, but you are only a few miles from Northleach which still has much of it's early 15/16thC housing and, perhaps, the best of the Cotswolds' "wool churches".
In the other direction, Edgehill is obviously the most historically important place to visit with its civil war fame.
Keith
England 6/14/13
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RE: Citer car rental (France) - total scam
Resolution! After much back and forth and arguing, Enterprise finally cancelled the whole invoice, so all I paid was the original $300 through rentalcars.com. Yesterday they told me they're canceling all the charges except the car repairs, but I had bought their insurance - they said, "You bought the regular car insurance, not the super one - you needed the super." I got American Express's car insurance involved, filed a claim yesterday and then today got a voicemail from Enterprise that I don't have to pay any of the bill, not even the car repairs. Finally! Glad that nightmare is over. I'll steer clear of Enterprise from now on.
Anna
Brooklyn, New York USA 6/14/13
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Bus/Tram/subway card in Lisbon/Porto
Have heard the Adente? card is frustrating to use. Is that still the case?
Joel
NAPLES, Florida United States 6/14/13
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Lockers at Munich train station
We will be doing some traveling in the Munich/Salsburg/Fussen area after my husband's business trip in Dusseldorf. He will have one suitcase with business clothes, etc. that we don't want to lug around to all our destinations. Can you rent a locker at the Munich train station for 4-5 days, are they big enough for a suitcase, and are they secure(may need to put a laptop in the suitcase)?
Thank your for your help!
Jane
Jane
Hendersonville, TN 6/14/13
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RE: Sacramento Travel Meeting - Saturday June 15th @ 10:00 a.m.
Have a wonderful trip Stay-ce! I hope it all goes well for you.
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Auto rental France Normandy
If you reserve a year in advance, you might be promised an automatic. What they'll have when you get there is a different story.
Reminds me of a classic 'Seinfeld' scene - the car reservation scene:
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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RE: attitude of French toward travelers from the USA
I can't add much here, since people have said it all, except that my experiences in 25 years of traveling to France have been extremely positive, and we've made many French friends that we still keep in touch with. And from your follow-up comments, Ron, it sounds like you've liked what you've heard. But I do have an anecdote about the perception of French attitudes towards Americans. 3 years ago we rented an apartment in Lyon, arriving by train, and the woman we rented from said she'd pick us up at the train station in her car. When we met her, I said it was so nice of her to do that, and she said that knew that Americans believed that the French don't like Americans, and she wanted to disabuse us of that view. We told her we have never been of that opinion anyway. Well, we rented from her again this April, and this time she didn't offer to meet us.:-)
Robert
Portland 6/14/13
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RE: 4 days in Switzerland
In regards as to what to do in Switzerland, here is my recommendation:1) get your hands on Rick Steves Switz. Guidebook and study up on Lucerne(Luzern) and Berner Oberland, 2) go to top of this page and enter Lucerne and/or Berner Oberland in search box and read ALL the past posts( the subject comes up every week). Rick's G.B. is very clear and specific, your 4 days or less will be totally filled. Remember, for the expensive train/gondola rides go EARLY, best views and costs less. You may want to consider half-fare Swiss card unless Lola or Pat or a few others tell you otherwise! Of course there are other fantastic places in Switz., you can get to these on a later future trip. Good Luck!
Jim
Dallas, Texas USA 6/14/13
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RE: Travel Apps????
If you remove the card, you've just got something to loose.
Turning off cellular data accomplished the same thing and still leaves you a phone, wifi, etc.
Ed
Pensacola 6/14/13
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Need Tour guide - Day in Tuscany
Hello,
We are a family of five (2 adults, 3 teen boys) who will be in Florence 7/29 to 8/2. I would like to see Siena, Pisa and a hill town. Lunch at some cool winery would be great. I found Walkabout Florence's Best of Tuscany Tour which has great reviews. However, it's a big bus.
Does anyone know of private drivers or smaller tours which would hit the highlights I have noted above? The cost for Best of Tuscany is 385 Euros for all of us ($513).
Thanks!
Marie
Northbrook, Illinois USA 6/14/13
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RE: Auto rental France Normandy
You'll get a car if you reserve it today for tomorrow.
I you reserve a year in advance, you might be promised an automatic. What they'll have when you get there is a different story.
Bayeux has one small rental joint. Caen, two or three, but they're also small. Many sites will not show cars available if you specify automatic, but have any number available if you don't.
Your odds are much better, but I've seen people in front of me wringing their hands, if you pick up from Nord or one of the airports.
My standing offer is that, starting from Nord, I can drive and beat anybody taking the train to Bayeux. With both starting from Roissy, I've got time for a sandwich along the way and a cup of coffee waiting around in Bayeux.
Ed
Pensacola 6/14/13
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RE: Auto rental France Normandy
Automatics are rare. You'll pay extra if you can even find one.
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Bordeaux
You clearly like wine, and there are a lot of wine bars in Bordeaux, which is unusual for a French city other than Paris. The only one I've been to is Wine More Time; 3 times in just the 2 days we were in Bordeaux in March. Somewhat tacky name, but a really enjoyable place with interesting wines by the glass. And very busy at night.
Robert
Portland 6/14/13
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RE: English shore excursions from Rhine River cruise
So much for the joys of cruising...
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Andrews FCU chip & pin card
I had the worst experience trying to get one with them. If anyone is interested I would suggest applying 4 months out. Their customer service is horrible. They misplaced my application for 2 weeks then took another 2 weeks to email me the forms to sign and mail back. It then takes 3 weeks to make and mail you the card. I finally had to just say forget it as I'm leaving before it will arrive. Ugh!
Stay-ce
Northern California 6/14/13
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RE: Car Rental from Zurich to Bavaria
Hi Mark,
Never heard of this either. Did you already pay for the car from Budget? Is it 100% refundable if you did? If you can, I'd suggest calling or e-mailing Andy Bestor at www.gemut.com and renting through them. Ask him any questions or concerns you have before renting. He's very knowledgeable and quite helpful.
Paul
Paul
NYC area 6/14/13
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RE: Marseille - Redeeming Characteristics?
I recall other posts in which some people said they detested Marseilles and others said they love it. I've stayed there twice, a day each time, and enjoyed it immensely. I wouldn't make a special trip to go back, but if I found myself there, I'd have no problem returning. We stayed in the Vieux Port both times, and did a lot of walking, including through the Panier district and out from the port following the water away from the more visited parts. We did see some of the seedier parts (maybe not the worst parts, and not at night), but even that didn't bother me.
Robert
Portland 6/14/13
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Auto rental France Normandy
going to Paris in July. Will then go to Normandy Dday beaches, Mt. St Michel etc. Right now going via train to Normandy area, as I do not know how to drive stick shift. How reliable is it to reserve automatic in Paris (from the USA) and then travel to Normandy area, I have heard sometimes they do not have the cars or you need to reserve months in advance. Do not want to risk this as it can "spoil" the vacation.
Orlando
Miami 6/14/13
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Honeymoon in Italy
Hello!
My fiance and I will be getting married on September 14, 2013 and have never been to Europe. We are both Italian and love the culture, so decided that we would like to spend 2 weeks there instead of going back to the Caribbean (which we both love!) We were thinking of traveling around September 21, 2013 to October 5, 2013 and giving ourselves a few days after the wedding before we leave. We heard this is still a great time of the year to go.
We are having a terrible time putting together an itinerary. We absolutely want to visit Rome and the Amalfi Coast, but after that we aren't sure where to go.
What is the best way for 2 people who have never seen Italy to spend 2 weeks there on their honeymoon, and where should we be going? The lake region, Tusacany, Sardinia and Sicily all look so beautiful, but we aren't sure how we could make everything work or even if it's possible. We are so stuck on how to manage the trip because we don't know where to begin and what locations to cut out.
I appreciate all of the help in advance!
Nicole
Nicole
Danbury, CT USA 6/14/13
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RE: Sacramento Travel Meeting - Saturday June 15th @ 10:00 a.m.
We will be on our way by 10:00 am tomorrow! I just got our blog up and running if anyone would like to follow our travels! www.6adventurers.com
Stay-ce
Northern California 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
Thanks so much. I'll help her pay it, because she was driving safely literally out in the middle of nowhere near nothing and she was slowing down from 90 to 70 as soon as she saw the sign. The big concern was that it would be on her currently completely clean American driving record, so I'm glad and relieved that it won't. That was my big concern for her. It will be a long time if ever that either of us will want to visit Germany again. Also other posts said three months to receive the ticket, so I'm a little confused about the longer time period. She'd just like to pay it and be done but since we were near no cities that we saw, we'd have no idea who to call. Maybe the rental car company will be alerted first and then notify us? Thanks again.
Mari
Columbus 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Seems to me that the original poster was just looking for an explanation. And a couple of people gave some. Although if it was due to a shortage of staff, it would seem that the plane wouldn't be kept in the air, but rather on the tarmac.
Robert
Portland 6/14/13
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RE: Travel Apps????
I'm glad I read this thread. I downloaded a Metro map app after reading about it.
I have an app called Maps With Me. You can download all of the maps you need in advance. If your smartphone will work without a sim card, you can remove the card but still take advantage of your phone's gps. I found it very helpful.
Frank
Oxford, MS United States 6/14/13
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RE: Not Europe --- D.C., etc.
(continued)
The Newseum (museum of news) and the International Spy Museum are privately run and cost a fair amount of money to get in, but both are excellent.
As for trips away, I agree with Colonial Williamsburg (which can be paired with trips to Jamestown and Yorktown), or the Charlottesville area. But you could also do an easy daytrip from DC to Baltimore's inner harbor area which includes, among other things, the real National Aquarium. Don't be fooled by any hints of an aquarium in DC itself. That is just a few small fish tanks in the basement of the Commence building not worth your limited time here. Enjoy your visit to "DC" (not "Washington" so we're not confused with the state).
One bit of advice when staying in Alexandria, or anywhere outside of the city. Our subway ("Metro") is undergoing track repairs constantly and especially on weekends the wait between trains can be long. Be sure you give yourself plenty of time to get into and out of the city for any events with timed entry, theater performances, etc.
Enjoy your trip to DC.
Matt
Washington, DC USA 6/14/13
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RE: Not Europe --- D.C., etc.
Hello,
I'm weighing in late and I hope I'm not repeating too much.
You can spend entire days (weeks) just exploring the Smithsonian Institution's various museums. How many cities offer you so many entirely FREE sites? Both the original Air and Space Museum on the Mall and the museum Annex out near Dulles Airport are worth seeing. If you do have an interest in aviation I suggest going to both. There is a charge for parking at the Dulles Annex one, although I've heard (but never taken) that there is a free shuttle bus out to the Dulles branch (offically the "Udvar Hazy Center")from the Mall's museum. Beyond Air and Space, I personally find the Natural History Museum to be one of the best organized and entertaining of the SI museums.
The Holocaust Memorial and Museum should be seen by everyone who visits.
Don't forget to see Arlington Cemetery, including the JFK gravesite, and Robert E. Lee's home.
Matt
Washington, DC USA 6/14/13
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RE: Car Rental from Zurich to Bavaria
What rental did you use and did you ever leave switzerland w/ rental car...Also I have heard that certain rental companies want a cover letter from your gold credit card if using for CDW... has anyone ever heard of that??? Mark
Mark
Chicago 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
A full sized can of hairspray can go in checked bags only. To be in a carry on it must be in a container that is less than 3.4 oz. and fits into a 3-1-1 bag.
They do have hairspray to purchase in Europe. ;-)
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Victoria Station - London
There are staffed left luggage facilities at Victoria train station. If you want to save some money, walk a couple of blocks to the Victoria coach station and use the left luggage facilities there. Deposits up to two hours: £2.50 per item (no weight consideration). Deposits 2-24 hours: £4 per item under 20kg. Deposits 2-24 hours: £6 per item over 20kg.
Again, if you want to save money, take a Southern train from Gatwick to Victoria rather than the Gatwick Express.
Tim
Minneapolis, MN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Lockers at Victoria Station - London
See this page, and click the section labelled 'Staffing and General Facilities'. There is a link to the left luggage company website:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/VIC/details.html
It's £9 per item per 24 hours though. Seems expensive to me.
Kevin
near Ringwood, Hampshire UK 6/14/13
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RE: Istanbul/Marriotts/1/2 day PM tour
Hi Maureen,
Sorry I missed that your trip was in October when I posted my earlier advice. That fact that you're traveling during Eid explains the closed bazaars and full hotel rooms. There may be more closures that you should investigate (a bigger risk on the first day of the holiday). This link has a bit more background: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/Religion/kurban_bayrami.html
I suspect that the Suleiman mosque may be closed by 7:00 for evening prayers, but check to make sure. You can see the Hippodrome at anytime - it's a big open rectangle with momnuments. Consider moving that site to the evening to see the mosque in the afternoon.
Given that you have limited time - two partial days - I would skip the Dolmabahce Palace. It is not near other (and better) sites, so you'll also lose time traveling to and from it. Below are my top site recommendations beyond what you already have on your list and rough times needed for a decent visit. I've only included those in or near the Sultanhmet area to reduce travel times and have included no bazaars or shopping areas.
1). Aya Sophia - the top site to see. 1 to 2 hours.
2). Archaeology Museum - 4 hours, 1-2 hours if you want to bungee in for the marquee sites (e.g. Alexander sarcophagus, Ishtar gate artwork)
3). Blue Mosque - less than 1 hour
4). Islamic Art museum - 2 to 4 hours
5). Rustem Pasha mosque - less than 1 hour
In the evenings once the sites are closed you'll have the option of walking around and exploring. The Galata Brige area and Istiklal Street have both character and lots of restuarants. There is a restaurant at the top of the Galata Tower (I've never eaten there, but the views are nice from the top).
No matter whatever you're able to see and do, you'll have a great time. Good luck!
Rob
Dunwoody, Georgia 6/14/13
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RE: Sacramento Travel Meeting - Saturday June 15th @ 10:00 a.m.
I plan to be there and catch up. Just back from my Britain trip. Sorry no pics. I really should get in the habit of using my I pad mini for pics. One woman in the group was doing it with amazing results. A few more App,e seminars and I'll know how to get them from my desktop to my I pad.
Margaret
Citrus Heights, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Marseille - Redeeming Characteristics?
Marseille is Europe's City of Culture this year. Look here: http://marseillecityofculture.eu/
Southam
Windsor, Ontario Canada 6/14/13
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Lockers at Victoria Station - London
We are arriving in London next week, and are staying at a rented apartment in central London. We arriving at 10am into Gatwick, but we can not get into our apartment (check in) until 3 PM. Planning to take Gatwick Express to Victoria Station.
My question is: Does anyone know if there are storage lockers that we can store our luggage in Victoria Station until we can check in to the apartment? We've got about 3 hours to kill - which we can view the sites around Victoria, but need to stow our luggage somewhere while sightseeing.
Thanks,
Dave
Dave
Hudson, OH USA 6/14/13
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RE: full size hair spray on carry on?
No problem: Buy hair spray once off the plane.
Southam
Windsor, Ontario Canada 6/14/13
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RE: York to Keswick through Yorkshire Dales
I have spent a week in this district lake. Do enjoy a small town of Bowness on lake Windermere and take a short cruise along the lake. If poossible , do visit Beatrix Potter's House who wrote a Tale of The Peter Rabit for the children and on your way back enjoy Howckshead Beer of the famous Cumbrian brewary. Also visit William Wordsworth's house the famous english poet and the story telling garden where people from the town use to gather every night to exchange stories. Do not miss Daffodils gardens. It has been one my most memorable trips to Europe
P V
Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia 6/14/13
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Gap of Dunloe Ireland
What is the best way to be able to hike the 7 miles then get a ride back to my car? Bit confused about where to start and end to make this an easy day of exploration on foot.
Claudia
Land of La 6/14/13
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RE: credit or debit?
Canadians commonly call their debit cards "ATM" cards. The banking system is highly centralized and an ATM-only card would be rare. Most cards are chip-and-PIN by now. For travel abroad, it is wise to depend on a chequing account withdrawal as that's what some foreign machines require. Also don't expect a Canadian debit/ATM card to work at a souvenir shop or bistro.
Those centralized banks extract a stiff fee for foreign transactions so it can be much cheaper to make occasional large withdrawals and then use cash where, back under the maple trees, you might blithely tap your debit card.
And you are right, John, about a cash withdrawal on a credit card. Interest rates will approach 19 per cent, and may be applied to the entire balance owing rather than just the withdrawal. Carry enough cash for regular purchases and keep the balance in your hotel safe.
Southam
Windsor, Ontario Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Help with train tickets from Stuttgart to Strasbourg and Paris
Strasbourg is not very big and you should really only focus on the old-town part. From the train station take the tram to Place Kleber, from there walk towards the cathedral (you'll see it)... then take a bateau mouche ride on the river just around old town (around 1 hour). You will have seen quite a pretty and busy small city - but you will have seen it all by then.
You can also buy a flexible ticket from Stuttgart to Paris for €116 and then take any train from Stuttgart to Strasbourg and any train from Strasbourg to Paris - pretty much on a hop-on/hop-off basis. Alternatively the two available specials are mentioned to you in the post above mine.
My favorite small, local square to eat in Strasbourg is a small, hidden square between Rue des Frères and Rue du Chapon. It's only a short walk from the cathedral but you won't find many tourists there. There are four or five bistros and restaurants around that square. The atmosphere outside is very unique.
Andreas
Frankfurt am Main Germany 6/14/13
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RE: 4 days in Switzerland
Starting in Florence would add at least 1 hour 40 minutes to the journey, and you would require a change of trains in Milan.
Kevin
near Ringwood, Hampshire UK 6/14/13
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full size hair spray on carry on?
I am reading conflicting reports regarding taking full size cans of hair spray in carry ons . Yes or No? I am traveling with my three granddaughters!
Heidi
Granville,, OH United States 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
Jo, I guess you've got a typo there. The word you're looking for is "feared", not "hoped". Traffic was a pain for almost half a week when Bush Junior was here a couple of years ago. The visit of a US president doesn't do anything for a city, it doesn't bring any more tourists or any more money. It just causes expensive interruptions of business people's lives - and it consumes huge sums of tax money.
This is different when heads of states that need less protection come over - including e.g. the King and the Queen of the Netherlands (last week), the French president or even the Queen of England.
So everyone in downtown and the Westend of Frankfurt I spoke with is most happy President Obama focuses on Berlin. Don't get me wrong. The US-German friendship means most to me and I've always done everything I can to help every single American to have just a great time in Europe. I myself love coming over to the States... and I absolutely support Angela Merkel and Barack Obama spending as much quality time together as possible. But it doesn't have to be in "my backyard".
Andreas
Frankfurt am Main Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Rail from London -> Paris -> Amsterdam -> Berlin
www.seat61.com will tell you everything about rail travel.
Southam
Windsor, Ontario Canada 6/14/13
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RE: Ireland/Powerscourt/mid-September
Personally I'd skip Powerscourt and visit Glendalough instead. From there head southwest to JerPoint Abbey outside of Kilkenny. If you are seeking gardens to explore check to see if the Woodstock House and gardens outside Kilkenny are open in September. Lovely island. Enjoy your visit.
Claudia
Land of La 6/14/13
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RE: 4 days in Switzerland
Thank you Lola, that is the type of information I was hoping to learn. Are you familiar with train travel from Florence to Luzerne would that be a better option? Using Luzerne as our arrival city are there certain day trips you suggest or any place we should travel and stay for a portion of the 4 days?
jackie
stuttgart, ar usa 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Not sure of the purpose of this rant. Would it be more efficient to have the staff sitting around doing nothing for an hour or so waiting for a plane that might be early. Charlotte is not a big international airport so maybe there was just one plane to process. It hard to comment on a situation without knowing the whole picture but some people can rise to the occasion.
Frank
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO USA 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
Thanks for posting the info, Andreas.
Frankfurt had really hoped that Pres. Obama would visit us too, replicating the visit here of Pres. Kennedy 50 years ago.
Jo
Frankfurt Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
You are right. It IS the Ritz-Carlton - quite to my surprise as the presidents' suite at the Adlon is the official residency of guests of the Federal Government and is equipped with state of the art security and even defense mechanisms.
Anyway, the Ritz-Carlton is on the other side of the same area, on Beissheim-Platz half way between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate... this means tourists will "lose" even more areas...
I'm in Berlin every other week - and fortunately this week was one of those ;-). If I was a tourist in Berlin next week I'd go out to Potsdam for the day. Actually the downtown area of Potsdam (the Dutch quarter) is so lovely with all the coffee places, real handcrafted arts shops etc... I strongly recommend the coffee shop on the Eastern side of Nauener Tor. All of their food is organic and they make the best... breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't know why it's called a coffee shop ;-)
Andreas
Frankfurt am Main Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
Sometimes it can be unexpected.
One of the best memories of a UK trip was my wife and I getting a quick meal at a drug store outside Kew Garden train station in '94. We had some excellent ham and cheese on baguettes, weird flavored crisps (prawn, ham, and pickle), and snapple. We sat on a bench in the middle of a road and really enjoyed it. I think I spent all of $6 on the whole thing. Weather was sunny and crisp. It was a little market street and we people watched as folks did their shopping.
I was really grateful. My wife was pregnant at the time and a very picky eater.
We spent much, much more money on some sit down restaurants that we enjoyed a 1/10th as much.
My tips?
I would try to get some fresh fruit despite the price. Once we had some grapes that tasted like heaven. Get some hard boiled eggs. Cheese that comes in wax. Some kind of change up from the other stuff you have been eating which is probably heavy on carbs and fat. Some wine or a bottle of good beer if you enjoy that.
John
Tampa, FL USA 6/14/13
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RE: English shore excursions from Rhine River cruise
I don't want to make you nervous, but you should be clear when you leave the ship whether it might move to another nearby berth while you are on a non-cruise line excursion. Ports can be very busy (sometimes I've had to walk through the cabin of another river cruise ship to get to mine. And in once case, the new berth was on the other side of the river. There was no effort required on our part because the cruise director had arranged for the non-group opera tickets and cab involved - so the cab driver "represented" the cruise director.) Ideally, they would give you a phone number that you could have your cab driver call, if you don't have a phone of your own.
Tim
Wyckoff, NJ USA 6/14/13
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RE: Eurail passes
advance tickets' that are usually a lot less money, is, are they guaranteed seats? I know many are nonrefundable and nontransferrable, so as long as I show up....I have a seat. right?
Yup
There are exceptions - when, like many British trains and Regional trains which don't do reservations at all, nobody has reservations.
If you have an advance purchased discount ticket on a train which offers seat reservations - yes.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: cell phones in germany
The poster before me has 2 posts, this one and a 2 or 3 year old post that Petra went to the trouble to dig up. Hmmm...maybe Petra has something to do with that website...
Andrea
Sacramento, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
Imagine those who had a trip planned for Berlin next week, especially those on cruise excursions.
Andreas, a great heads-up. My only question concerns the hotel where Obama will be staying. I think it might be the Ritz-Carlton, rather than the Aldon, which is where he stayed in 2008 when he spoke in the Tiergarten.
Richard
Lafayette, LA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Itinerary Help--Bavaria
Yes...you've given us a lot of great ideas. We are thinking about Garmisch instead of Berchtesgaden, combining it with a trip to Mittenwald and perhaps up the Zugspitze. Then, if we went to Obommergau and also saw Linderhof, that might do as well as Neuschwanstein. We would like to see Regensburg, and it sounds doable from your description. I read there is a falconry show at a castle near there.
I should have mentioned, my husband and I have traveled in Germany, but we are going with two friends who have not, which is why I'd like to give them a little of a well-rounded trip. They have their hearts set on Coburg, so I think that will be an overnighter. (Also, all of us are in our 60s.)
Thanks for your help!
Kathryn
Orlando, FL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Looking For Back Doors.
We have had great luck meeting lots of people at B&B's. Usually we are able to spend time with the owner and family, but we also find it fun to meet other travelers from all parts of Europe. They may not be locals, but they are Europeans. We became great friends with one couple and even stayed with them in Germany on our last trip and plan to travel with them again. The key: don't stay where Americans do, and stay in a small B & B where people will hang out at breakfast. In Italy we sat outside a listened to our house guest playing guitar and singing, and drank wine with many others, not locals, but European vacationers. Just one opinion!
Susan and Monte
Granite Bay, CA 6/14/13
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RE: Tips for adjusting to "opposite side" driving?
Time to make numbers sing. Statistics and accountants can be made to sing many ways....
Auto Europe quotes a Vauxhall Corsa manual A/C 18th August 7 days 10am Heathrow full/full fuel £214.50 (4 door) or £215.43 (2 door). Same car same spec, automatic £229.35 (2 door). So 2 door to 2 door is, let's see, um, £1.99 a day to make it an automatic.
Sounds cheap as chips to me.
For less than £300 I can even do you a full size (officially standard or intermediate but plenty big by UK standards) Jetta or Insignia or Avensis.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: 7-8 days in Central/Southern Spain
If you want to focus on Moorish Spain, you could skip Madrid (go straight to Toledo) and add Granada. Otherwise, I'd say (sadly) to skip Granada or find a couple more days to add to your stay in Spain.
Chani
Tel Aviv 6/14/13
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RE: credit or debit?
"Any card you shove in it is technically an "ATM" card then isn't it?"
Yes, that is technically correct. However there is a difference between a true "debit" card and an ATM only card. An ATM only card is exactly what it says, it can be used to get cash from an ATM but CANNOT be used as a debit card for POS or internet purchases.
Maybe no Cannadian banks offer ATM only cards. Only some US banks do.
Nancy
Corvallis, OR USA 6/14/13
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RE: Cotswold for 4 nights
Yes, Bourton-on-the-Waters gets a lot of tourists, it's still worth a short visit, it's beautiful. Especially the model village is well worth a visit....The Model Village is a one-ninth scale replica of the heart of the beautiful C village, containing all the buildings, it's behind the Old New Inn.
Robin Z
Troy, Oh USA 6/14/13
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RE: Does Anyone Know What is going on with Reichstag Dome Reservations?
Thanks for your suggestions, Laura and Nigel. Unfortunately a guided tour won't work, as we will be there on a Saturday, and they aren't offered that day. Yes, one day and two nights for Berlin, but I have been there before, and we will return again, probably next year. Mthis is just a quick stop to start our trip south to Italy. I had planned to visit the dome on Friday evening after we arrive.
And Nigel, the problem starts with Week 27, the first week in July. For the rest of the year ( I checked every week) the booking site ( same one you posted) says dome visits are not available.
I guess I will wait and see if things open up when we get into July. It is hard to imagine they would change the policy without explaining on the website, but that email message I quoted in my OP suggests that may be the case.
Lola
Seattle, WA 6/14/13
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RE: Itinerary Help--Bavaria
"Do you have any other suggestions?"
Did you find anything that interests you among the 8 suggestions in my previous post?
There's also Salzburg Austria - 2 hours from Munich each way.
"Is it worth the time and expense to visit Neuschwanstein at allmaybe on a bus tour?"
I don't think it's worth most of a day for just a 30-minute tour. You might add an easy hike from Hohenschwangau along the "Fürstenweg" path to the Alpsee (lake) and beyond for some nice scenery and an escape from the tour bus crowd at the "castles."
MAP: http://www.outdooractive.com/de/winterwandern/allgaeu-kleinwalsertal-tannheimer-tal/pinswang-fuerstenweg-koenigsschloesser/1558186/karte.html#axzz2WCKC87Dq
I've never taken a bus tour from Munich.
Russ
Paradise 6/14/13
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RE: One full day and a night... Arcos or Rhonda?
I was in Arcos as a day trip from Jerez (by bus) and felt I'd seen enough. Then I was in Ronda for 3 nights with a car. I spent some of the time in Ronda and some driving to the pueblos blancos in the area. My trip was in February and I loved Ronda. I believe you will also be there in low season. If you are only going to Ronda, you can take the train.
If you are going in high season, Arcos may be a better choice, with fewer tourists. There was a discussion here about that a week or two ago.
Chani
Tel Aviv 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
In Germany, especially in many of the small towns, if you're over the posted limit, you're over......some say there's a 5km grace, but I disagree. I got a ticket last year going 13km in a 10km zone. A kid on a scooter was going faster in the residential area than me..seriously. 15Euro fine from a mobil camera car. If you got flashed, you'll get a ticket. With it being a rental I can't guestimate how long it will be. You could call the 'Rathaus' or local city hall in the town you were in to find out the status. You could also call the rental company to see if it's come to them yet. I have friends here with a German address who've gotten one 6-12 months later. It has no bearing on your US driving record, although you are correct in that it should be paid and not forgotten about or dismissed.
Kathy
Germany Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Accomodations in Switzerland?
I strongly second Tim's reply. Skip Lausanne and Bern and spend all your time in the Berner Oberland.
Marcus
Birmenstorf Switzerland 6/14/13
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RE: favorite Venice day trip?
...Saw Ezra Pound's grave and several other notables.... Yes , Diaghilev and Stravinsky !!
steven
white plains, ny usa 6/14/13
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RE: car or train in Spain
'What would be better for us, renting a car or taking the train everywhere.'
If all you want is on your wish list, I see little reason for car rental. The car is a burden, almost certainly standing idle in Valencia, Granada, Ronda, Seville, costing extra in parking/overnight fees, when you will be walking or at most taking local transport.
However, you cannot train to Gibraltar (or La Linea, the Spanish border) as a day trip from Ronda or Seville without taking the train to Algeciras, local bus to La Linea and walk across the border and reverse. To my mind, might be a long day for the value, but you may think differently, even in the car (and if you do go, park the Spanish side and walk).
Neil
Whittington 6/14/13
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RE: One full day and a night... Arcos or Rhonda?
We had a car and opted for Ronda. It seemed to offer more, including the Gorge (and cave-like stairs to the river), historic bull ring/museum, and some remaining relics of Moorish rule. We felt it was a good choice.
We didn't visit Arcos so can't give an opinion on it.
Brad
Gainesville, VA 6/14/13
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RE: Help with train tickets from Stuttgart to Strasbourg and Paris
You can book Stuttgart-Strasbourg on bahn.de, but not Strasbourg-Paris because the route is entirely outside Germany.
Stuttgart-Strasbourg: For 10 September you still can get a discount fare of €29.00 on the 06:55 direct TGV and €49.00 on the direct 08:55 TGV.
Strasbourg-Paris: If you book on tgv-europe.com, for 10 September you still can get a discount fare of €25.00 on the direct 15:44 TGV, €30.00 on the direct 16:45 TGV, €30.00 on the direct 17:43 TGV, and €25.00 on the direct 18:44 TGV. Choose France as your ticket collection country.
Tim
Minneapolis, MN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Rome to Siena
The bus is the most direct and easy way to go, with many options per day. Tickets can be bought from the ticket booth.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: Eurobuzz phone
This is a 3 year old thread.
Jo
Frankfurt Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Itinerary for Eastern Europe
Instead of Auschwitz, go to Terezin as a day trip from Prague.
For natural beauty, forget Europe - get in your car and drive anywhere. You are in and near some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Even without nature, you are spreading yourselves rather thin, especially since you will be going at a slower pace with your little one. I'd recommend fewer hotel changes. There are a couple of nice day trips from Budapest to little towns.
Chani
Tel Aviv 6/14/13
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RE: Versailles
Bruce, I'm not sure why the website isn't working, but I doubt the RER will be shut down. Besides, there are three train stations in Versailles. Rive Gauche is the most convenient to the Chateau, but either of the other two (Rive Droit and Chantiers) work fine too. If for some reason there is work on RER C to Rive Gauche while you are there, just take one of the other lines and walk an extra five minutes.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: Itinerary Help--Bavaria
Thanks, Russ. I appreciate the information! Do you have any other suggestions? Is it worth the time and expense to visit Neuschwanstein at all--maybe on a bus tour? Just read about one that also stops at a cheese factory, which would be fun.
Kathryn
Orlando, FL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Bordeaux
I recommend the Cafe des Gourmets, nice atmosphere and people, very good food.
But if you want to have a large choice of restaurants with reviews you should check out this website: http://www.petitfute.uk.com/
Have a nice trip in September !
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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RE: Strasbourg,Framce
There are a lot of hotels in Starbourg because of the Parliament, I recommend the Hotel des Arts, it's very well located and offers a lot of services.
The adress is 10, place Marché-aux-Cochons 67000 - Strasbourg
You can have more informations on http://www.petitfute.uk.com/accommodation/hotel/hotel-des-arts/e-648556.html
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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RE: Dinner in Paris.
Vito:
Check out the blog of David Lebovitz. Mr. Lebovitz is an American ex-pat who has lived in Paris for years. His website is quite addictive. There are detailed reviews of gobs of Parisian restaurants from street food to five-star. Just google his name and you will find his website. Have fun.
Jon
Portland, Oregon USA 6/14/13
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RE: Helsinki Morning
Plenty of time to walk around near the harbor and Cathedral. Have breakfast in the glass coffee house in the middle of the park (just down from the harbor, you can't miss it). Walk through the market hall. Visit the cathedral and maybe stop in a few shops. If possible, have an early lunch. My favorite is one of the food vendors in the old market hall - quick and inexpensive.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: Blocked ATM cards
Rather than open new bank accounts, you have several options. The best one might depend on how long you will be visiting. Estonia is in the Eurozone.
You could buy local currency ahead of time in the US, but Icelandic currency might be hard to come by. Getting euros is not a problem.
Use your credit card for most purchases.
Buy some local currency at a currency exchange on arrival in Iceland. The rates are high, but having some cash will get you through when a CC won't work.
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: Tips for adjusting to "opposite side" driving?
The cost difference between manual and automatic is moot if one does not know how to drive a manual. And a foreign rental car with opposite side driving is NOT the place to learn...
Douglas
Oak Park, Illinois 6/14/13
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RE: Nightlife in Paris
I for one love the atmosphere in the 11th arrondissement, around the rue Oberkampf which is quite famous for its bars. A lot of young people; starting with me, go out there and have a very good time!
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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RE: switzerland
We were in Murren last month and stayed at the Chalet Fontana; highly recommended. Although, we did walk down to the Eiger Guesthouse a couple of times for dinner and/or drinks (nice bar)
Jeffrey
Voorheesville, New York United States 6/14/13
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RE: Travel / Accommodations
We were just in Fussen the last week in May and stayed at the Hotel Fantasia. Very nice, relatively cheap, and very close to the train station and bus stop to the castles.
Jeffrey
Voorheesville, New York United States 6/14/13
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RE: Transportation from Milan Linate to Duomo area
"We love Milano!"
Really? Why?
Heck, I live here and I'm not sure I "love" it (though I like it quite a bit).
And yours seems to be a minority opinion, especially among tourists--for what are arguably good reasons.
So, if you have an opportunity, I'm sincerely curious to know what you love about my adopted city. Maybe you can help me see it in a different light. Thanks.
SonoD.Chicago
Milan 6/14/13
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Ireland/Powerscourt/mid-September
Traveling to Ireland in September. First day plan is to drive south through the Wicklow Mountains. Powerscourt appears interesting, but I'm not completely sold on it yet. I know the house is not "what it used to be" before the fire of 1970's, but would any of you think the gardens are worth the trip considering the chill and weather of September? Realizing it will not be springtime, I don't want to feel I've wasted time (and money) to see much of what I can see for free just driving on through the countryside and Wicklow county. Any thoughts? Thanks! (I love this website....it's so wonderful to be able to ask fellow travelers and residents their thoughts!).
Ed
Winter Park, FL US 6/14/13
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RE: Travel from Barcelona to Nice
Both replies helped me immensely. Among other things, what I've learned is NCE and Nize is Nice; clearly, I'm new at this. Thank you for taking the time to respond!
jennifer
Palatine, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Accomodations in Switzerland?
2 nights to visit Bern, Interlaken and Lausanne??? No way. And Interlaken is NOT a tourist destination. You have to change trains at Interlaken Ost and head for the Lauterbrunnen Valley to see those dramatic Swiss Alps up close and personal. You could EASILY spend 2 nights just in Lauterbrunnen.
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Line Cutters - Ever See Them?
We were in line at Notre Dame in Paris last summer and a German tour guide forced her entire group of about 30 right into the line in front of us - power in numbers! They just ignored everyone.
Tour groups are permitted to do that at most sites. I'm not saying it's right, but it's common practice.
Michael Schneider
New Paltz, NY 6/14/13
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RE: English shore excursions from Rhine River cruise
Most everyone you encounter will speak at least some English so it's not like you're going to be in the middle of nowhere with no communication at all. You could just ride the ship's shore excursion transport and hop off and walk around on your own. Do a bit of research to find the highlights of each city and just use the ships transport and forget the "guided" tour.
You can also go to www.toursbylocals.com and search for guides in the cities you are interested in seeing. I used this website to arrange a tour of the Normandy area D-Day beaches.
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA 6/14/13
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RE: Picnic 101
Any unforgetable European picnic memories to share?
Earliest picnic memory and the most vivid - Scotland, about 1969. I was 4 years old.
Sandwiches were white supermarket bread with either fish paste or Marmite. Or maybe strawberry jam. Hard boiled eggs with a little pot of salt to dip them in. Orange squash to drink, out of Tupperware beakers. The closest the squash had come to an actual real orange was the picture on the bottle.
It was raining so hard that we couldn't get out of the car, so we had our picnic on the back seat. The windows steamed up, so we couldn't see whichever bit of Scottish moorland we were parked in that day. Such is mid-summer in Scotland.
Never could abide fish paste sandwiches.
Kevin
near Ringwood, Hampshire UK 6/14/13
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RE: Cotswold for 4 nights
We just came back from a stay in Oddington, two miles east of Stow. I can very highly recommend the Horse and Groom pub for dinner. Best food I've had in the UK. It's in Oddington.
We also discovered Daylesford Farm, an all-organic food market, cafe, and kitchen/garden shop in a beautiful setting. Try a coal-fired pizza on the patio. We walked there, but don't ask me the route! It's a bit "posh" and pricey, but fun if you like food. And the setting is beautiful. Their website is Daylesford.com.
Chastleton House in the village of Chastleton is a beautiful estate you can visit, and it won't take all day.
If you have to park in Stow, park in the Tesco lot, where it's free all day.
Have fun!!
Stacy
Connecticut 6/14/13
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RE: visiting Prague
Try sending an email message to Lida Janska in RS book and ask her what is the current situation there. She was very helpful answering our emails when we traveled there last summer.
Nestor
Fairfax 6/14/13
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RE: Line Cutters - Ever See Them?
Tour groups are the worst line cutters of all! If you have ever stood examining a painting in a museum and had a loud-talking tour guide push through in front of you with 20 or more chattering gawkers in tow, you will know what I mean. RS tours may be the exception; not having witnessed one in action, I don't know. But tour groups can definitely spoil the experience for others.
Roy
Auburn, AL 6/14/13
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RE: Lightest carryon suitcase
I like the Rick Steve's Rolling Backpack, it weighs ~5 lbs and has taken me to Europe 3 times and still looks almost new. I like the option to either roll or carry or use as a backpack. Read a lot of opinions/reviews and try on several bags because it seems that everyone has different ideas what the ideal bag is for packing light.
Donald
Wichita, KS United States 6/14/13
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RE: attitude of French toward travelers from the USA
I agree with the others here. As Pat suggested, it is really helpful to learn a few French phrases and to understand a bit about manners from the French perspective. In general, they begin and end interactions with strangers with a polite verbal exchange. Entering a shop and ignoring the staff or abruptly asking the price of something is considered rude. Walking up to a hotel desk clerk and announcing "I have a reservation" without first exchanging greetings, is rude. In some settings, Americans tend to become instantly friendly and personal with strangers (casually offering opinions or asking personal questions) and this is also regarded as bad manners. Speaking very loudly in most public settings is also not part of their culture. From my travel experiences in France, I don't think their expectations are any more complex or demanding than those in other cultures. You just need to keep in mind that some customs or traditions from North America may offend the French.
Anita
Philadelphia, PA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Eurobuzz phone
If you are looking for a simple solution with no hassle and very low rates check www.travel-n-call.com
Petra
Hastings, Nebraska USA 6/14/13
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RE: cell phones in germany
There is a new company that offers prepaid plans for Germany that contain exactly what you need. Their store can be found at www.travel-n-call.com.
Petra
Hastings, Nebraska USA 6/14/13
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RE: English shore excursions from Rhine River cruise
It seems that Mannheim is just the jump-off point for Heidelberg, where there is more to see.
Elizabeth
Manila Philippines 6/14/13
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RE: Rail pass vs point to point
Nigel, this is funny.
1. We are going and staying in murren, but knew Intel interlaken was the hub. Originally when I was looking at rail passes I think you had to buy the tickets on the smaller trains and cable cars separately.
2. I actually live in Kentucky, home of the blue grass, but Cincinnati is the closest big town!
Erin
Cincinnati, OH 6/14/13
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RE: U.S. Customs deplane regulations?
Rose hit the nail on the head. I have a friend who's husband is with Customs at DFW - they are as frustrated as the passengers because they take all the flack for our politician's decisions.
colleen
dallas, TX USA 6/14/13
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RE: St peters timing
Unless you book a tour of the museums you cannot count on being able to use the tour door. Sometimes people get through but for the most part there is a guard there checking tickets to make sure you are allowed to use this bypass.
If your scavi tour is at 3:45 pm a tour or entry tickets to the museums at 9am will give you plenty of time to see the museums and get to the entry to the scavi tour. I wouldn't worry about it too much. It will also give you time to visit the basilica if you choose, check any bags you have that won't be allowed on the tour and get some lunch.
Donna
donna
cranberry twp, PA United States 6/14/13
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RE: HOtels in Luxembourg City
I've read about a great accomodation in Luxembourg City in a French guidebook: the Domus Hotel, which provides rooms equipped with kitchenettes. More information: http://www.petitfute.uk.com/accommodation/hotel/domus-hotel/e-410756.html
have a good trip!
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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RE: Paris June 21 Music festival
You can find out what's planned in the newspaper but the best way to enjoy the Fete de la Musique is just wandering around in a district you particularly like and just see what happens there !
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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RE: Day trips from Rome
With a total of 7 days, staying in Rome sounds like a smart plan. Easy day trips could include Ostia Antica, Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, Florence, Orvieto, and any number of other smaller towns in the area. If this is your first trip to Europe, I'd suggest reading through a variety of guidebooks from your library to get descriptions of all your possible destinations. Looking up destinations on the internet will also give you up-to-date information on costs and times things are open. Often in Europe, museums and historic sites close one day per week which can be really frustrating if you don't plan ahead. Guidebooks and the internet should also give you advice on transportation to various sites. Italian trains and Rome public transit will likely sound confusing and a bit overwhelming at first, but they are efficient and relatively inexpensive if you take the time to figure out routes before you even leave home.
Your original plan of moving down to the Amalfi Coast is also workable. Keep in mind that by late October, that area becomes quieter. If you were looking for beach time, the weather is not reliably warm and dry then.
Feel free to write if you have specific questions.
Anita
Philadelphia, PA USA 6/14/13
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Obama visit to cause Berlin sights closures
On Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18-19, US-President Barack Obama and his wife will be visiting Berlin. Starting today the entire area around the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstags building and the Holocaust memorial have been closed today already. Visitors can get into the security zone only after thorough security inspections, it was reported. So if you are in Berlin this week and you want to visit the area just don't bring any bags, backpacks etc.
The President - like his predecessor, Michael Jackason and many other top-ranking politicians and celebrities, will be staying at the Adlon Hotel just across from the Brandenburg Gate. Please rest assured in the next couple of days it will be close to impossible to enter the building as a non-hotel-guest.
On Tuesday and Wednesday residents will have to show their ID card to enter the security zone and police will escort them to their residence then.
On Wednesday also Charlottenburg castle and the surrounding streets will be closed to the public as the President and his wife will be visiting the sight.
It's also important to keep in mind that for a certain time before and after his flights in and out of Berlin Tegel airport the entire Berlin airspace will be closed - so expect delays throughout those days.
Andreas
Frankfurt am Main Germany 6/14/13
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RE: Rail pass vs point to point
The half an hour reference is that Interlaken is not in the mountains. It is close, but not there. It is actually about 20 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen where you are surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, and just a few minutes more up the cable car and panorama train into the small village of Muerren where you breathe in and say, OH MY!!!
Its like going to Cincinnati to see the Bluegrass country. You're close but you're not there.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Paris Mens Clothes
Even during July sales, Galeries Lafayettes and Printemps are quite expensive, you should rather go to H&M, Gap.
You can also find perfectly fine and pretty clothes at Monoprix, where the sales are always very interesting ( up to 80%). Also it's a store you don't find in any other country !
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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RE: attitude of French toward travelers from the USA
As a French women who loves to travel, I always try to be welcoming with tourists, as I am aware of how difficult it is to try and blend in with the locals.
Hopefully your coworkers will change their minds, and maybe they should try other places in France !
Charlotte
Paris France 6/14/13
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Help with train tickets from Stuttgart to Strasbourg and Paris
I would like to travel on Sep 10 from Stuttgart to Paris with a stop in Strasbourg along the way. It does not matter what time I arrive in Paris, but I do not want to arrive too late in the evening. I thought I might take a train to Strasbourg in the morning and sightsee the city for about 4-5 hours and then get on a train to the Bercy area of Paris.
A friend recommended this site for the Europe Special Fare, but I am having difficulty completing the query for my destinations.
http://www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/prices/europe/europaspezial.shtml?dbkanal_007=L16_S02_D002_KIN0001_IS-esp-usa_LZ001
Is this feasible for a single travel day?
What stations should I use for these destinations?
How do I go about purchasing tickets?
Also, any suggestions for sightseeing/eating/events in Strasbourg?
Thank you for your help!
Joseph
Chicago, IL USA 6/14/13
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RE: Accomodations in Switzerland?
Clean we do! Inexpensive not so much.....
There is the Bed And Breakfast site for Switzerland, sorry I don't have any recommendations...
Jim
(Switzerland)
Jim
Bern Switzerland 6/14/13
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RE: Driving the Swiss mountain Passes
We ended up in the Gotthard, then Brunig pass (open and snow-free) over the hills.
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: Does Anyone Know What is going on with Reichstag Dome Reservations?
Hi Lola
I just looked for this Sunday and found 6 or so slots for a party of 4, then next Wednesday availability early, mid and late for a "visit dome" only. I didn't look later in the summer.
Good luck with it... did you use https://visite.bundestag.de/BAPWeb/pages/createBookingRequest.jsf?lang=en
(with the question mark in the link I can't make it live - sorry)
Nigel
East Midlands England 6/14/13
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RE: accomodation in amsterdam (hostels, hotels..)
My partner and I booked 2 nights here earlier this week (June 2013) based on online reviews and listings in past Rick Steve's guides. We cannot recommend you stay here. In short the management is inattentive to their guesthouse. We had the upper room with bath on 2nd floor, living room on 3rd floor and sleeping area on a 4th floor attic with low ceiling. The stairs are narrow and winding and until I exchanged a light bulb they were dark.
When we arrived midday no one was present and we called and waited at a cafe across the street, a scene which we noticed repeated for others guests. Some waiting an hour to be given keys to their room. When the host arrived for us he had two other guests in tow that were unhappy with their room and were told to shut up while he checked us in.
The accommodations may have been good in the past but were deteriorating. Multiple lights didn't work, a shelf by the TV was broken, a wardrobe was falling apart, a daybed that folded into a chair had a broken frame, a floor lamp's shade was torn, the TV remote didn't work, and two light fixtures were broken and hanging by their wires.
The host attitude seems to be not to bother with repairs or the guests. Stay elsewhere.
Charles
Austin, TX USA 6/14/13
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RE: Speed cameras in Germany
As to whether it would be a 'huge deal' it would be broadly equivalent to doing 53 mph in a 45 mph zone. I understand some US states have an absolute limit where 1 mph over would be enough for a ticket on a bad day. As another example the UK tends to set cameras at the speed limit plus 10% plus 3 mph - your sister would have triggered that by a small margin.
Marco
Oxford, Oxon United Kingdom 6/14/13
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RE: Rome to Siena
Kelly,
I would have to agree with bus. I took the Rome/Tiburtina to Piazza Gramsci /Siena route. It was comfortable, convenient, reasonably priced, and no transfers. I had no problem purchasing my ticket at the Bus Station.
Kaz
Santa Clarita, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: florence
Anne,
I stayed at the hotel Albergo Firenze. I definitely enjoyed my stay there. The rooms were comfortable, clean and well kept. The service was great and the price was reasonable. The location is great! Their central location was great, just off of Via del Corso. The Duomo is only a few blocks away in one direction, and the Piazza della Signoria only a few blocks the other way.
Kaz
Santa Clarita, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Hotel in Florence, Italy
Ginger,
I stayed at the hotel Albergo Firenze and enjoyed my stay there. It is very centrally located, just off of Via del Corso. The Duomo only a few blocks away in one direction, and the Piazza della Signoria only a few blocks the other way. The rooms were modern, clean and well kept. The service was great and the price was reasonable.
Kaz
Santa Clarita, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: travel to cinque terre, hotel reccommendations
Denise,
In Vernazza, I stayed at Gianni Franzi and loved it! Each of their rooms are different. But most have great views. My room happened to overlook the main Square. The room was clean and the service was great. I would definitely stay there again. They also own the restaurant on the main square with the same name. Their restaurant was great as well. Tip: try the Petsto al Trofie!
Kaz
Santa Clarita, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: Marseille - Redeeming Characteristics?
That's certainly the best time of year to be in Southern France. Beautiful weather and most of the crowds are already gone. Fun.
Thomas
Vienna Austria 6/14/13
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RE: Hotels in Siena and Orvieto
Lew,
I have not had the opportunity to visit Orvieto, but for Siena, I would agree with Albergo Bernini. It has been family owned for generations. They give you a comfortable "home" atmosphere and the service is great! It is reasonably priced, and they have a terrace with an incredible view! Having a meal or just a glass of wine there, is a treat in itself. The room I stayed at did have it's own shower & bathroom. I will definitely stay at Albergo Bernini if I visit Siena again.
Kaz
Santa Clarita, CA USA 6/14/13
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RE: visiting Prague
No.
Ilja
Seattle 6/14/13
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RE: Marseille - Redeeming Characteristics?
Thanks, Thomas! It would be in September. I have a few other trips on the cards for 2014 as well, but the consensus for the France trip is most likely 2 weeks in early September.
Rose
NYC 6/14/13
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