Leslie_S

Here's the site: http://www.ricksteves.com/

I think the max # is 24 so we were lucky that the one we were on did not totally sell out.

He was in our hotel in Tallinn just coincidently -- they were there to film for the upcoming tv season. Yes, I have seen those shows - he was a bit different in person, less perky!

Agree, the Grand Bazaar does not count as shopping - it's a cultural experience in & of itself!

Percy

Thanks Leslie_S

I am looking at, and reading his site now.

There is a lot of "stuff" of the site. Gee he is even selling money belts. hmmmm!!

Thanks again............ hopefully he will show the Tallinn show before the year's end.!

Leslie_S

Yes, and you get a 'free' money belt when you take a tour so I am especially stupid for not using it!

thursdaysd

BTW, note that Leslie was lucky that her tour only had 16 people. RS's max is now 28, which I find too large. (I've been on four of his tours, but these days I tend to look at Intrepid if I don't go solo.)

Percy

Yes, I see that his (Rick Steve's )tours are now up to 28.

thursdaysd..........you have done 4 of his tours. What are they like??

When you are about to sign up for a tour, they ask you some questions, like, "Is this tour really for you ".

I agree , 16 is okay , 28 is too much.

I usually have a private tour guide in many places so I can see more places in less time.

( For example I toured Leslie_S through the Sacred Valley and on to Machu Picchu in Peru !!! NO !! just kidding ,she had a tour guide named Percy BUT it was not me !!)

haha O

thursdaysd

More on the antibiotics issue - http://tinyurl.com/23yklxb - be very afraid.

Leslie_S

Hmm...yes 28 would not be good. Both tours I've been on with RS have been smaller - under 20. Guess I was lucky.

thursdaysd

Percy - for my take on two of the tours (the others were back in the 90s) see:

http://wilhelmswords.com/eur2006/index.html or http://wilhelmswords.com/rsg2006/ for Greece

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ing-sicily.cfm for Sicily

You can also check the feedback on the tour section on the RS web site. Bottom line for me is that the groups have gotten too big, and the prices too high. But the guides are usually good and your fellow-travelers friendly, so I might still consider him for places with already high costs (Scandinavia), or with difficult transport (Village Italy, perhaps). I can't imagine signing up for a city tour, though.

Lolo12

Thursday - after checking with my doctor, I have decided not to take any medication prior to getting ill. I will just keep my Cipro with me at all times in case I need it. Hopefully I won't. Thanks for the article info.

As for tours in general - some are good, some aren't.
I have found a niche with OAT - the groups are small, prices quite reasonable, excellent guides and enough free time. There's always a trade off with a tour, but in certain places, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. My upcoming trip next month to Morocco will be with OAT. It will be my 3rd with them.

Percy

Thanks for the information thursdaysd.

Lolo12:

Did you usually take medication prior to getting ill?

thursdaysd

The more I think about taking an antibiotic as a "prophylactic" the worse an idea it seems. You'll kill off the GOOD bacteria in your digestive system, as well as any potential nasties, making you more vulnerable when you stop taking it.

Lolo12

Percy - no I don't. I was only thinking of taking the cipro as a preventive. I have heard that people do this. Actually, I never heard of it before I went to Egypt. There was a physician's assistant on our tour that had been taking it as a prophylactic. That's what originally gave me the idea - but now I realize it is not a good idea at all. Besides, my doctor advised me against it.

Percy

Yes, I agree, taking an antibiotic as a prophylactic is not a great idea.

( There are a few exceptions to this rule though).

I take Cipro with me and Imodium and Tamiflu... plus a few other medications that are over the counter , like perhaps for sinus and something for pain , just in case. ( Like Tylenol #1)

I am happy when I never have to use them, and I just bring them back home....ready for the next trip.

I get the flu at the drop of a hat.... and being sick on a long holidays is for the "birds' !!

That is why I take Tamiflu with me, as it has to be taken within 48 hours of feeling ill..... or forget about it.

I also bring injectable Gravol ( Dramamine ) also just in case.

I have actually helped other people on a trip when they were sick.

EMarr

Leslie, I have greatly enjoyed reading about your travels in Morocco. I have been communicating with Thomas at JBT about a trip this summer with my teenage daughter. Your photos are stunning! May I ask what camera you use? Many thanks! Eileen

Bokhara2

I've just caught up with your most engaging & informative report too, Leslie.

Many thanks - I have Morocco on my radar and your comments have been very helpful.