anotherjudy: Please give us report upon your return! We have been wanting to do the canal in September, but having trouble finding any other couple who is able to go w/us and we wonder if it would be more "work" and less play with just us. Also not as economical doing it solo. Thanks, and amusez-vou bien!

I'm leaving March 26 for 10 nights in Ireland. Its my first visit.

Cparris - what area of Ireland are you going to ?

London on April 2 - solo. My husband goes golfing every year with a bunch of guys in South Carolina. So I always plan a trip to Europe (once with girlfriends, once with mom). This year no one can go so I figured I'm not going to wait, especially since I'm so eager to go.

My wife and I are taking a group of High School students to Europe in April. Paris, Switz, Venice, Salzburg and returning from Munich. Unless there's a State Dept. travel warning, we're going.

My husband and I are traveling with our best friends from Bakersfield Calif.. Meeting in Dallas (April 16) and going straight over to Paris. Get on the first TGV we can make to Provence for 6 days, then Normandy for 4 days then finish our last 6 nights in Paris. I am offically excited. I also want to thank all the posters for most needed and invaluable information.

I'm pleased to see so many people traveling to Europe in April and so little talk about war. I'm leaving for four days in Paris on April 2, then on to Glasgow and Edinburgh. I hope you all have great trips.

I'm leaving April 4 to do my spring cleaning in St-Cirq.The orchards will be in bloom, and even if we're at war I will be surrounded by beautiful scenery and lovely vistas. I can't wait to sit down with my French neighbors over a glass of Bergerac and discuss/debate the current political scene, and then I'm off to Paris for 3 days to, among other things, meet up with some Fodorites and have a nice lunch at La Maison Fournaise. I'm particularly excited to be doing this this year, as it has been such a "dark" year, with horrible weather, the threat of war, numerous catastrophes, etc. I know things will be serene and beautiful in the Dordogne, and I can't wait to get there to enoy the refuge.

I leave for Paris April 11th - 9 GLORIOUS days. I cannot wait to see some of my friends there, as well!!<BR><BR>Just received a nice e-news/letter from France Government Tourist Office addressing travel concerns. It is as follows:<BR>&quot;In light of the current situation with Iraq and the different positions of the American and French governments, I wish to take this opportunity to address certain concerns you may have about traveling to France.<BR>I would first like to emphasize that Americans have always been and will always be welcome in France. Since the late 1940s it is estimated that 35 million Americans, over 12% of the U.S. population, have already come to France at least once in their lifetime.<BR>I am certain that a few American visitors will be asked about the U.S. Administration's policy on Iraq out of concern and a genuine wish to understand. But if indeed, as has recently been reported, there have been some unpleasant encounters, I strongly believe that they were few and far between. Speaking as a Frenchman and for the overwhelming majority of my fellow countrymen, I consider any such behavior embarrassing, offensive and ultimately very ignorant. We believe that travel is about people meeting people to better know and understand each other. In the end, there is much more that brings us together than what divides us. In life it is not the similarities that enrich us but rather the differences. We look forward to demonstrating our true hospitality and friendship on your next visit.&quot;<BR><BR>If I had any apprehensions before, I have none now. Just thought I'd share that with those of you who haven't seen it.<BR><BR>Abientot, Bon Voyage, &amp; Bonne Chance,<BR>MaryC : )

My husband and I are leaving April 10-22 for Paris, Geneva and Provence to visit our daughter and revisit France after 30 years.

Because we're going to Paris in May I'm going back to work<BR>

Beatchick, that is indeed a very nice letter. Why and how did you receive it? Did you initiate the response by writing a letter to the FGTO, or did you receive it because you are on a mailing list? Just wondering. Thanks.

Hi happy2travel,<BR><BR>I was on the mailing list. I can forward you a copy if you like. Just e-mail me at [email protected] to share your e-mail address! : )

I am going to Argentina in May.

Hubby and I are going to Amsterdam on April 15 (tax day but we're getting a refund!) for a week. It's our first time to the Netherlands. We can't wait to see the tulips!<BR><BR>Have a great trip everyone!!!

Heading to southwest Ireland in April!!

Leaving April 16th for 12 days in Japan with hubby and kids! Much as I love Europe, never been to Asia and have wanted to visit Japan for many years.<BR><BR>Next year? Maybe Spain for the first time. We'll see how the budget looks. Wishing you all safe and pleasant travels. Spread good will while you're there, OK?

Wifey and I are going to Amsterdam on April 22 to May 1. This is our first trip to Europe and plan on having a nice mix of revelling in the culture, history, and debauchery of Amsterdam. Going to take a side trip to Antwerp while there.

Heading to France for two weeks on April 25th with my Dad: Lyon, Puy-en-Velay, Ales, Clermont-Ferrand, Montlucon and Paris. Doing a Central Massif by rail thing. Can't wait!<BR><BR>If anyone has suggestions for unusual things to do feel free to e-mail me. [email protected]

We're leaving April 27, flying into Zurich, spending time in Germany and then taking a tour to Rome. Will be gone about 2 weeks.