2 weeks vaca
Dec 1st, 2017 | 11:40 AM
#21
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8,332
Likes: 0
Bilboburgler, I don't understand this:
<i> try skyscanner or rome2rio to get the overview but don't trust either's details.
</i>
Rome2rio tries to do everything and may very well be just a sketchy overview. I've never tried it for flights, but have found it unreliable for other transport. Skyscanner, on the other hand, is just for flights, and gives you specific dates and prices. I've used it right through the booking, and haven't had any unpleasant surprises. My daughter saved over $1000 (USD) on her next flight to Italy using Skyscanner. She had already tried the airline web sites, and booking engines like Expedia. The flight she found on Skyscanner splits the journey between two budget airline itineraries, which is why the other services didn't find it. That's a risk, of course, but the seller's site offered connection insurance at a reasonable price.
<i> try skyscanner or rome2rio to get the overview but don't trust either's details.
</i>
Rome2rio tries to do everything and may very well be just a sketchy overview. I've never tried it for flights, but have found it unreliable for other transport. Skyscanner, on the other hand, is just for flights, and gives you specific dates and prices. I've used it right through the booking, and haven't had any unpleasant surprises. My daughter saved over $1000 (USD) on her next flight to Italy using Skyscanner. She had already tried the airline web sites, and booking engines like Expedia. The flight she found on Skyscanner splits the journey between two budget airline itineraries, which is why the other services didn't find it. That's a risk, of course, but the seller's site offered connection insurance at a reasonable price.
Dec 2nd, 2017 | 05:59 AM
#22
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30,553
Likes: 4
Bvl, I've found both tools are great for an overview, but when I've tested either tool for details I've been successful or occasionally hit a problem (for instance a direct fliight that was not a direct flight). I'd like to say skyscanner is perfect (it is British after all) but honestly nah. 
Since the Op is all over the shop at this stage of her planning it gives her shape. You have to start somewhere.
Since the Op is all over the shop at this stage of her planning it gives her shape. You have to start somewhere.
Dec 2nd, 2017 | 06:59 AM
#23
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Myself (mom) love to gamble a little so I would love to visit the casino in Montecarlo if possible.>
Lots of casinos all over Europe now and check Monte Carlo's dress policies if any before going. Monaco never seems to impress many here so to take a day to do that... Nice has a casino I believe.
Lots of casinos all over Europe now and check Monte Carlo's dress policies if any before going. Monaco never seems to impress many here so to take a day to do that... Nice has a casino I believe.
Dec 2nd, 2017 | 10:06 AM
#24
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
I agree with many of the comments above. My 25 year old daughter and I travel every year or two. Two years ago, we did a driving trip of Ireland (I suggest you make that the only destination to see the wonderful variety of sites from the wild N. Ireland, Dublin, seaside southern, Cliffs of Moher in the West, and tons of wonderful castles and fun, music-filled pubs.
Our first trip together we did in 2009 with 1 week based in Paris, 1 week based in London, and fit in Amsterdam/Brussells briefly between. Last May, we returned to Paris for 4 nights/3 days and S. France (Lyon, Avignon, Montpellier), 3 nights Barcelona, and 2 nights Brittany area of France (based in Dinon with drive to see Mont St. Michel).
Lyon had some of the best (and expensive) restaurants, but the town didn't awe us - we would probably skip it in favor of getting a car and exploring around Avignon or fitting in a visit to Nice.
Once you settle in on your itinerary route, I'll have more to share. Perhaps, I'll get industrious and post my trip reports from some of these prior trips....
I've been a slacker and not posted many of our trip reports, but the orig. trip of Paris and London you can read in Fodor.
Our first trip together we did in 2009 with 1 week based in Paris, 1 week based in London, and fit in Amsterdam/Brussells briefly between. Last May, we returned to Paris for 4 nights/3 days and S. France (Lyon, Avignon, Montpellier), 3 nights Barcelona, and 2 nights Brittany area of France (based in Dinon with drive to see Mont St. Michel).
Lyon had some of the best (and expensive) restaurants, but the town didn't awe us - we would probably skip it in favor of getting a car and exploring around Avignon or fitting in a visit to Nice.
Once you settle in on your itinerary route, I'll have more to share. Perhaps, I'll get industrious and post my trip reports from some of these prior trips....
I've been a slacker and not posted many of our trip reports, but the orig. trip of Paris and London you can read in Fodor.
