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Robespierre May 29th, 2005 02:00 PM

Answers
 
1. Use a debit card to get local currency from ATMs, and a credit card for purchases. There is no need to purchase travelers' cheques or exchange money before your arrival.

2. Get a dual-voltage appliance or charger, and plug adapters for your destination countries.

3. Go to railsaver.com, fill in the forms, and select "Only if railpasses save me money."

4. A taxi is the most comfortable, and will cost between $50 and $80. Public transportation is the cheapest (and often fastest), but can be awkward if you have more luggage than a rollaround and a carryon. A good compromise is a shuttle that takes you directly to your hotel.

5. You need a phone capable of 900 and 1800 mHz and a SIM for the country(ies) you will visit. You can get an "All-Europe" phone and SIM from mobalrent.com, and you can get SIMs from Ri i ing.com

6. European cities have public transport systems that make the location of your lodgings moot. Any hotel within the area is the same total distance from all the sights. The first thing you should look for in a hotel is <i>value for money</i>.

cls2paris May 29th, 2005 02:02 PM

7. Only you can decide if visiting some place is &quot;worth it&quot;.

Nimrod May 29th, 2005 02:05 PM

8. No one can hear you scream on the internet.

starrsville May 29th, 2005 02:05 PM

8. Wear whatever you like as long as you are comfortable. Most important = Make sure your shoes are comfortable.

Marlie May 29th, 2005 02:10 PM

Write a trip report if you are comfortable doing it, but at least write a thank you after your trip telling everyone how much fun you had and what advice came in most handy.

Scarlett May 29th, 2005 02:42 PM

If it Sparkles, Wear It!

ira May 29th, 2005 02:54 PM

There is no such thing as the &quot;best&quot;
Pizza in Naples or Gelato in Italy.

The best site for train schedules is
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

You can get discounted fares at www.sncf.com as early as 60 days in advance.

The cheapest Eurostar ticket London/Paris is the one-day RT for about $90.

See www.whichbudget.com

See www.mobissimo.com

Check the rates at www.autoeurope.com and www.novarentacar.com

Auto insurance is mandatory in Italy

You have to tell us your hotel budget.

There is no way that you won't be recognized as a tourist.



Underhill May 29th, 2005 02:59 PM

Learn what the currency and coins in countries you will be visiting look like and what they're worth in dollars.


tedgale May 29th, 2005 04:06 PM

No, they don't wear those and yes, everyone will stare at you, then laugh and point.

Marilyn May 29th, 2005 04:09 PM

Don't worry about it. Just go and have a good time!

moldyhotelsaregross May 29th, 2005 04:15 PM

Good stuff!

semiramis May 29th, 2005 04:20 PM

Always carry a small amount of the currency of the country you are going to.
Bring some underwear that can be easily washed and dried in a hotel room.
Bring a wash cloth.

jsmith May 29th, 2005 05:11 PM

If you want to know anything about the weather, go to one or all of these sites:

http://www.weather.com/index.html

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/reso...e/worldcli.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/

If your concern is length of day, try this:

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/

massagediva May 29th, 2005 05:27 PM

beware of banding ((f))

Travelnut May 29th, 2005 05:45 PM

Read a GUIDE BOOK for once.

jsmith May 29th, 2005 05:49 PM

You, Travelnut, have given the best advice.

Flyboy May 29th, 2005 06:06 PM

No, you probably won't be able to sweet talk your way into first class on your transatlantic flight.

Travelnut May 29th, 2005 06:14 PM

Base yourself in one town and do daytrips; repeat as necessary.

It isn't the &quot;trip of a lifetime&quot; - <i>you'll be back!</i> :)

Pack light, pack light, pack light!

Scarlett May 29th, 2005 06:23 PM

Forget about &quot;slipping a twenty dollar bill&quot; ( bribe) to the desk clerk for a room upgrade.

Nimrod, that is creepy :)

elaine May 29th, 2005 07:35 PM

Almost everyone you come into contact with, especially in the large cities, will speak some or a lot of English.
It is nice if you can use the local words for Good Day, Please, Thank you, and Goodbye.


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