Am I CRAZY?
 

First time to Europe this June.3weeks in a car with my wife.[we get along well]Amsterdam/Brussels/Paris /Berner-Oberland Alps/Romantic Road Germany/back to Amsterdam.Is this a fantasy can't change plans now?Any good ideas for me,or horror stories Ican learn from?

Bob:

Spent three weeks in Belgium and the Bernese Oberland last year. Have a wealth of information that might be of value. Let me sort out my stuff and I'll Email you with some suggestions. You aren't crazy; you would be if you passed up such a potentially rewarding trip!

Bob: Absolutely doable. My husband and I did a similar route in 1997, but we included Prague. Was a dream experience. First of all, get good maps. AAA maps are not bad, specially as most of them show an extensive and detailed view of the country on one page. But you may want to supplement that with a Michelin version (they are updated more often and contain nice supplementary info). Before the trips, go over the maps just so both get familiar with what you are looking at. Plan ahead of time the route and sights, and don't try to see to many different things on one day. The roads in Europe are very good. One tip: Do not stop on the side of the road in Germany; it is against the law. They have frequent stop areas. Use them if need be. Gas is expensive but it seems to go a looong way. Charge (credit card) gas if possible; you'll get the better rate. We also find out, that in looking for lodging after 7pm, the hotels are more willing to negotiate a room price.

The Bavarian Region is outstandingly beautiful, specially in June. This year we did France, England and Scotland (The Highlands are amazingly beautiful!). Please Bob, feel free to e-mail my husband (use the same e-mail address posted) if you have any of those questions you guys inquired about. Have the best time!

Go to www.euroshell.com and use the route planner. You'll get an idea of the trip. I envy you the good time you'll have.

Bob, no sweat - you'll have a ball. Hit your bookstore and load up on the Michelin maps. I've done a half dozen of these trips - if fact I'm going over in two weeks. My one tip; when you hit the bigger cities - relax, you're going to get lost at some point. Stop, have a beer, get directions, realize your on holiday, get lost again, have another beer (maybe a coffe this time)and try again. No problems, life is good.

No, you are not crazy. You'll love it. Especially Amsterdam, my second most favorite city in the world after New Orleans. It's everything it's cracked up to be and more. Have a great trip, and relax.

No, you are not crazy. You'll love it. Especially Amsterdam, my second most favorite city in the world after New Orleans. It's everything it's cracked up to be and more. Have a great trip, and relax.

Like the others said, you'll be fine. Make sure you know your routes ahead of time. Be prepared to pay for parking at your hotel in Germany (its not included). Be prepared to pay hefty tolls in France. If at all possible avoid driving in Paris. We are going to Paris for a few days in September and from there will be driving to and around the Normandy area for a week. We are making arrangements to pick up the car at the airport (some agencies will deliver them to your hotel) outside of town, so that we can avoid driving within the city center. Driving rules are merely considered suggestions in Paris (suggestions nobody seems inclined to take). If you must drive within Paris, you might want to get a Plan Par Arrondissement book which shows EVERY street in the city. Streets are clearly marked if they are one-way, etc. It is a helpful way to track your routes. You won't need a car within the city anyway as the Metro is wonderful. Enjoy your trip! It sounds fantastic!