Here you will find a wealth of European travel tips contributed by our community of savvy travelers. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/ I hope this isn't too late a posting for you - I just got back and had to chime in on this subject. The PacSafe bag is my absolute favorite bag! I know it's not particularly cute or chic, but it holds absolutely everything - even maps, guidebooks and a water bottle - and I always know exactly where to find what. The security clips are a great help in crowded places and you can even clip the bag to your chair or a table leg to prevent someone from taking it. The fabric it's made from seems to be impervious to everything - it never gets dirty - and rain runs right off of it. I love the stiffness of the strap because when you're wearing it across your body (which is not only safer but distributes the weight better and leaves your hands free) it's really easy to lift off and over your head. I've taken regular handbags, ordinary tote bags, and organizer bags in the past, but this is the last bag I'll ever buy for traveling! I love it. Bonnie http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=14239 2008-05-16T21:46:00-07:00 Ladies, your hand bags please Read Rick Steves book: Prague & the Czech Republic. A lot of excellent suggestions are right there. I am a native of the country and I think he chose the best. Of course if you have more time we can add. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16555 2008-05-16T21:46:00-07:00 Czech Republic and Poland! I know there is someone out there that knows the difference and the benefits of each! :) http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16705 2008-05-16T21:42:00-07:00 Halfboard/Fullboard Restaurants where locals eat are inexpensive, those where tourists eat are expensive. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16580 2008-05-16T21:34:00-07:00 Restaurants in Prague Hi Sandi, We stayed a week in a apartment in Beaucaire and really enjoyed the town, the region, and the proximity to Languedoc and Provence. It was easy to visit Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Beaux du Provence, St. Remy, the Camargue, Pont du Gard, Apt, etc. The apartment we stayed in was in a very old part of Beaucaire near the river. It was very nice with three bedrooms, and had an outdoor patio. Here is the website. www.mybeaucaire.com Charlie, Lodi, CA http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16522 2008-05-16T21:30:00-07:00 where to hub in southern France viamichelin.com knows the answer to all questions of that type, use their directions feature, it will give you the travel time and miles.<br>also mappy.com and maporama.com http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16703 2008-05-16T21:30:00-07:00 How long from Kusadasi to Izmir? Just wondering if anyone has been to Altitude 95 in the Eiffel Tower. If so, what was it like and how did you make your reservation? http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16704 2008-05-16T21:24:00-07:00 Altitude 95 Restaurant Paris Hi again, Barbara... ... Hotels change crews ... one or two speak other than their mother tongue, but they are off duty ... you may have found them in one of those awkward situations when nobody can do English... All you really need is a little patience and to try again (and maybe again) They're really nice folks in Reutte, I know ... All the best, P http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16674 2008-05-16T21:18:00-07:00 HELP with reservations Thank you all for your suggestions. I really appreciate it. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16662 2008-05-16T21:15:00-07:00 Is Tower of London best to go early or late? I could understand having to use an ATM in the same network, but I've never heard of having to use particular ATMs for particular brands of card. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16702 2008-05-16T21:10:00-07:00 Specific ATMs for Capital One? Lee, I understand what you are saying, however I am not demanding they speak english, I have ALREADY had several emails from them in english, so therefore someone in reservations speaks english. I have emailed them several times with responses from them in english, that is how I found out what their rates were and what type of room I would be getting.I did take the advice and send an email in german if I don't get a response in some language I will just book another room somewhere. Thanks for the advice. Barbara http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16674 2008-05-16T21:06:00-07:00 HELP with reservations Just came across this website that might offer some insight into spring fashion in Madrid. http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/index.php?nfsb Scroll about halfway down the page and you'll come to a section about spring fashions in Spain. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16280 2008-05-16T21:03:00-07:00 Latest Fashion in Spain Sorry, I meant ATM card. The someone was my sister who called and spoke to customer service and this is what she was told. I am going to call myself to make sure. Take a look at this if you are going to use Capital One ATM card in Italy. http://goitaly.about.com/b/2008/03/15/beware-the-ides-of-march-and-the-atm-machine.htm http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16702 2008-05-16T20:56:00-07:00 Specific ATMs for Capital One? Why don't you ask Capital One.? That is the logical place for your question. I have never heard of anything like that but who knows. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16702 2008-05-16T20:42:00-07:00 Specific ATMs for Capital One? Capital One credit cards charge no fee, but I don't know about the debit cards. I would assume, though, that it would be the same -- no fee. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16702 2008-05-16T20:42:00-07:00 Specific ATMs for Capital One? Thanks Larry, we'll be in Assisi this July for 2 nights and your info is very helpful! http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16675 2008-05-16T20:16:00-07:00 Assisi Actually, the pricing is on the website. Just select a date before 6/15 for your journey. Once the timetable comes up, click on the shopping cart on the right side. When that comes up, open the window on the top and select "Standard". You'll see the pricing. Those of us who post frequently on the site do this all the time. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16695 2008-05-16T20:10:00-07:00 trenitalia question I totally agree with Arlyce! We have Rick's 21 in. rolling suitcases and our trips are always 4-6 wks long. You need very little for a 10 day trip. The less you have to carry around with you the free-er you will feel which will make your trip more enjoyable. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16678 2008-05-16T20:08:00-07:00 Luggage sizes That explains it. The tickets are for October. Although it would certainly be helpful it they can at least put up the price. Thank you. Norm! http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16695 2008-05-16T20:05:00-07:00 trenitalia question Douglas, the best rates for renting a car are in Germany. You don't mention for how long you are planning on renting and the price can be based on how long you rent the car. It will be with unlimited mileage. I rented a car for 21 days and it was actually cheaper than had I rented it for 20 days. In fact, I turned the car in a day early and was told I owed more money because my contract was for 21 days. The gentleman behind the counter was able to do some paper work adjustment so I did not have to pay the extra. Keep in mind that if you rent in one country and drop the car in another you will incur a huge drop off penalty so avoid that if at all possible. I always rent through a broker, gemut.com. Great rates and service. Check them out and copare rates with others. Good luck. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=16700 2008-05-16T20:00:00-07:00 Car rental rates in France, and Germany