Are you making it up?
 

Is it my imagination or are there only a handful of people that actually reply to comments here. It is hard for me to believe that some of the people giving advice have been to all of the places they claim. I think we have some people with too much time on their hands and answer questions on what they think is right and not real life experiences as they claim.

Think what you wish, but I've been kicking around 72 years, been to a lot of places, and want to see many more before I cash in. I've seen a lot of nice places, seen a lot of crummy places, and will share my experiences with those who are interested. Through this web site I have met a lot of very informative and helpful people from all walks of life and from many places around the world. My only word for you is this: keep your eyes and mind open 'cause you just might learn something. I know -- because I have. Fodor's is head-and-shoulders over other travel web sites because of those who drop in here.

Wow -- I really love Al's reply! Bob - if you make travel a priority in your life, it is amazing how much you can see. And, talking about and anticipating travel is all part of the glorious fun. I don't think folks here have too much time on their hands, I think they are fully engaged in a life the love. I know I am! -- K

Make it up? Try it a few times on this site, and see how fast you get jumped on. Man, if you write the restaurant's napkins were pink, and they were really yellow, at least three people will post a correction. I've learned never to say anything not based on my own experience, unless I'm quoting a source which I clearly identify. Since my husband and I have lived in Europe for the last seven years, I'm gathering information all the time, in the ordinary course of my fairly busy life.

Bob, some people travel, then travel some more and just keep it up for their entire lives...hell some people LIVE to travel, some love it and some loathe it but on a travel forum such as this I wouldn't expect many of the latter. <BR> <BR>Martha B is right, try bluffing about some place and see where it gets you!

I loved this one!! Bob, people who travel a lot love to talk about it. I have followed advice on this site and, unvariably, it has been right on, so there is no reason for me to believe that people on this forum are making things up. And about the remark about people having too much time on their hands, I rather spend my time sharing and talking about great memories, than watching "Jerry Springer" or "The Simpsons" (is that still on....?). <BR> <BR>Martha is right...if you really want to test some of the people on this forum, name the wrong train station on Paris, or the wrong rate for a Parador in Spain..within an hour people are correcting you citing chapter and verse...I loved it!!!

Bob, <BR> I'm afraid that I have to agree with the rest. I doubt that many people would get away with making up their experiences. I loved Martha's response.

bob <BR>I'll speak for myself here. I feel that I have traveled more than many people and less than many people. Some places that I comment on I've only been to once for a day or two; other places I've visited 6 or 7 times. I have not memorized all the phone numbers or street addresses or web sites of all the hotels, restaurants, or museums I'm familiar with. I have some computer files and a couple of guidebooks near me that I use to provide some of the details people ask for. Sometimes I glean info from other people's postings and put the info into my computer file, so I can help provide phone numbers or websites. Those are facts. However, I don't comment on subjective questions ("is it worth seeing?", "was the food good?","were the rooms large?") unless I have first hand information, or second-hand info from a trusted person, and if it's second-hand info I identify it as such (ie, "I've heard..." "My friend told me...", "the guidebook says..."). <BR>Please don't be so suspicious of people's expertise and willingness (actually, eagerness) to share their travel experience. It's self-serving sharing in some ways, at least for me; it enables me to relive some very pleasant memories' it's a little ego-boosting to feel even minimally expert on a travel subject; and I receive as much or more useful information than I give.

I didn't know that there was a credentials requirement for commenting on this site! No, I am not making anything up, and I don't get the feeling that other people are either. <BR> <BR>Some people perhaps can't travel as much as they would like, except in cyberspace. I appreciate the comments from posters who have disclosed that they haven't had direct experience with the destination, hotel, or topic, but have offered helpful information anyways, such as appropriate websites, or referrals to previous threads, etc. <BR> <BR>I prefer an open and democratic forum, but if you want to make sure you're only getting real travel advice, here are my suggestions for "poster credentials": <BR> <BR> o must be immensely wealthy <BR> <BR> <BR>

Oops, here are the "Poster Credentials" in their entirety: <BR> <BR>(1) must be immensely wealthy (to borrow a phrase) <BR>(2) must have unlimited free time <BR>(3) must be in perfect health <BR>(4) must speak at least 32 foreign languages <BR>(5) must hold a double doctorate in 2 of these 3 disciplines: history, geography, or anthropology <BR>

Bob: <BR> <BR>I too wondered who are some of these folks that seem to pop up with regularity & provide very elaborate & detailed information. However, since become a forum devotee, I've found myself posting a reply several times a week (& sometimes several times a day!). But from someone's who's used this resource for my past two trips to Europe, I'm DELIGHTED that people are so eager & willing to share their experiences & give of their time to contribute to this forum. I think everyone & certainly the "regulars" need to give themselves well deserved kudos. <BR> <BR>And since I'm on my soap box tossing out accolades, THANKS everyone & in particular, John, Wes, Elaine, Daniel, for all your Paris info !!! <BR>

<BR>This is a good one. Most of the people who post on this site are interesting and educated. That is why I keep coming back. Frankly, and perhaps naively, I trust YOUR insight. <BR> <BR>Rarely, is there foul language and lack of dignity. Keep up the good work, and just try to pull something on this group! <BR>

Let me put is this way: Anybody ever know Al or Wes or some of the other frequent posters to be wrong?? <BR> <BR>I am 66, and by the time I was 7 I had made 13 round trips b.getween the east and west coasts. I learned to read a map about the same time I learned to read, which was before the first grade. <BR>I have had jobs that required me to travel extensively and I have put a priority on taking vacations away from my home for the past 35 years. And I lived in Europe for a year as a student and did extensive wandering in those days. I think I have been around the block, but I never answer questions on what to see in Scandanavia, Italy or France or Spain because my experience there is limited at best. I don't think you can fool the audience that reads this forum; there are too many people who read the postings who know a lot about the subject. <BR>Let me put it this way: I profit from the advice of others every week.

re:MAIRA <BR> <BR>WHY THE PUTDOWN I ENJOY TRAVEL AND THE SIMPSONS.AND YES THEIR STILL ON.

henry v <BR>Forgive my mixing in, but Maira's statement needn't be interpreted as a put down. All she said was that she's rather talk about travel than watch the two shows she mentioned, and she's so interested in other things that she's not even sure if the one show is still on. <BR>If you enjoy travel AND the Simpsons, good for you. <BR>

Elaine, I agree with you - I love travelling and adore the Simpsons !! <BR>D'oh!

Yes, Bob, you've made me see the light. I do have WAY too much time on my hands so I just called Harv-the-travel-agent and booked a flight to Paris for Memorial Day weekend. I think I'll take the TGV to Lyon (haven't been there in years) for a day. <BR>Anybody know a good hotel in the 21st arrondissement?

Elvira, you might have a problem trying to find a hotel in the 21st arrondissment during this lifetime. But i know you are just jesting. Do I get a loolipop?

Elaine---I owe you one! <BR> <BR>Henry V---- Elaine said it well. <BR> <BR>

I am relatively new to the forums (about a month or two) but I have to say I have learned alot. We're preparing for our 3rd trip to Europe, so it has helped and since we have been twice I have contributed as well. The comments above are very true. Travelers love to share the joys of traveling and reliving and refreshing old memories along with planning to make new ones. Planning is half the fun of traveling. Can you think of a better hobby, its educational covering art, history, geography, culture,food, climate current events etc. Plus its healthy with exercise and fresh air. It is better than TV and books and you share it with others. Hooray for travel and the forum!!!!

Well Bob, some of us live to travel - I have been for the past fifteen years, travelling to Europe (usually, though sometimes the Middle East or Asia) for 2 months every 2 years (using 2 years worth of holidays, i.e. 4 weeks/year). One gets a lot of experience from that. I'm not yet 38, so can you imagine the wealth of experience of some of our older posters. Don't knock it, it's valuable info and its FREE!

Personally, Bob, if I ask a question I don't really care whether people give first hand information or not. They can tell me what they read, heard about, or even their impressions from 30 years ago. It's all information and that's fine with me. <BR>

Making it up? Yes, absolutely. If you want reality, Bob, go visit a porn site (or maybe just your imagination). <BR> <BR>But sarcasm aside, I once had a history teacher that was always telling stories about things he did and the people and events he was involved in. It was true, but sometimes difficult to believe that so many things could happen to just one person rather than ten (anyone remember Commander McBrag?). But, that can be an inspiration to push onward into the whirling vortex of life. So, Bob, consider throwing together a few pesos and going to Mexico, or Nuevo York, or take a boat ride to Catalina, or a walk across the street -- you might discover it can happen to you. <BR>

<BR>I think Bob got what he wanted! Lots of enthusiasm and information!

Why make it up? The fun is getting off your duff and seeing a little of the world. I was very fortunate during the Viet Nam war to be drafted and sent to protect Stuttgart, Germany. My wife and I took advantage ot this and traveled Europe for the 18 months we were there. We fell in love with the area and get back there any way we can as many times as we can. I enjoy reading the comments on Fodors for places we have been or are planning to go. Bob: I doubt you find anyone winging it here. They are all too bust planning the next trip. We head to Italy in September. Just returned from the Caribbean and Cabo San Lucas plus a weekend in the Napa valley and Phoenix Az. Yes, I work and some is business. Sure beats hanging around home and we live in the San Francisco Bay Area...another great travel destination that is always great to return to with the Golden Gate Bridge waiting for us. Go for it Bob! Travel a little and then tell us all about it. <BR>

<BR>Hi Bob - as a frequent poster for nearly two years now, I can assure you I don't have the imagination or the time to be making these things up. As mentioned above, I live to travel, and loooove to talk about it too. And I especially love to help others get over those first-time jitters. I don't always get the exact name of a restaurant, or street number either, but I always know that someone else with a better memory or better notes will immediately try to get the correct info out to better help all of you enjoy traveling as much as the rest of us do.

<BR>Hi Bob - as a frequent poster <BR>for nearly two years now, I can <BR>assure you I don't have the <BR>imagination or the time to be <BR>making these things up. As <BR>mentioned above, I live to <BR>travel, and loooove to talk <BR>about it too. And I especially <BR>love to help others get over <BR>those first-time jitters. I <BR>don't always get the exact name <BR>of a restaurant, or street <BR>number either, but I always know <BR>that someone else with a better <BR>memory or better notes will <BR>immediately try to get the <BR>correct info out to better help <BR>all of you enjoy traveling as <BR>much as the rest of us do.

<BR>Hi Bob - as a frequent poster <BR>for nearly two years now, I can <BR>assure you I don't have the <BR>imagination or the time to be <BR>making these things up. As <BR>mentioned above, I live to <BR>travel, and loooove to talk <BR>about it too. And I especially <BR>love to help others get over <BR>those first-time jitters. I <BR>don't always get the exact name <BR>of a restaurant, or street <BR>number either, but I always know <BR>that someone else with a better <BR>memory or better notes will <BR>immediately try to get the <BR>correct info out to better help <BR>all of you enjoy traveling as <BR>much as the rest of us do.

John: caught me flat-footed. Excellent. <BR>Bobbobbobbobbob: you're terrific. You've got everybody involved. And, hell, I wish I COULD make up some of this stuff (if Wes, Ben, Tony, Al, Elaine, ad infinitum are making up stuff, their fantasy world is the same as mine)

Hello, Bob. As someone who was never in a financial or personal situation to be able to travel, I can understand your reluctance to believe that there are people like these Fodorites who have actually been where they say they have been, can actually remember the minutiae of the trip, and have a passion about sharing it with others. I might have shared your feelings until I began to plan my first ever adventure about 9 months ago. My Dutch friend told me half the fun was in the planning of the trip. I discoved Fodor's and fell in love! My 28-day-trip-of-a lifetime took me to Holland; (sidetrip)Morocco, Africa; Belgium; France; Italy; Slovenia; and Dachau in Germany. I was immersed in history, culture, culinary arts, language, politics and visual delights to last a lifetime. Bob, once you taste the joy of sharing in the world in this way, you will forever be changed and you will forever understand the desire to share your journey with others. May your journey begin soon. Linda DuPuy

<BR> Bob, did you ever stir up a hornets nest! I have been posting and reading messages here for over 2 years now. I have been to Europe 7 times since 1990 and lived in many places because of my Dad's job. I've had the travel bug in me since I was a kid. People are here to help others travel, to tell their experiences, and to find information for their next trip. I love to travel so much that I'm now considering quitting my job with the Federal Government (just made 15 years!) and find a job which I can travel sometimes and help others with their travels! (even if I have a big cut in pay). I can talk about traveling all day. It gives me great satisfaction to know my experiences can be passed on to others who in turn have a great time with their travels. It never bothers me when I read a question that I have answered before (or others that have). I answer again as if it was the first time the question came up. <BR> <BR>And, with this travel forum, I had the great opportunity to meet 8 others in Paris this past May. Now that was fun! <BR> <BR>So Bob, you can learn a lot here and make new friends with the same interests. <BR>

Bob, I haven't been to Europe as many times as some of the people on this forum, but I have had some very encompassing trips there, and I have been to several other parts of the world as well. In addition, a lot of my knowledge comes from a background in European history and a constant occupation with learning about the world. I tend to stick to specifics with only those places I have been, but I will comment on other places if I feel like I know enough about them. For example, I might suggest that Colmar is a good daytrip from Freiburg, even though I have not been to the former. I can tell you how long it takes to get from Berlin to Rome by train, even though I have not been to either yet, by using the Internet resources with which I am familiar. However, you will not find me saying that Florence is one of my favorite cities because I have not experienced it in person yet. I think the hardest questions on this forum are the comparative ones. Example: What is the best daytrip from Paris? I can tell you what is the best one that I have taken, but how can I judge it fully compared to those you have not taken? That is when it pays to have so many informed readers giving you there own responses to these questions, so you can compare answers and decide for yourself.

Bob, <BR> <BR>You didn't move here from Trip.com by any chance, did you?

MAKING IT UP? Wes, Elvira, Martha B, Monica, John and many others who've HELPED me to plan my trip and change some things due to their first-hand word. Most folks in this forum are well-read, intelligent, kind, giving folks with one thing in common- the LOVE OF TRAVELING. Many reply and I am most thankful for their honest first-hand information or their advise on how to access the information. (Check my posting in Ireland for my Mom trying to get golf course info. It's been there since mid May w/ NO RESPONSES until tonight when I said how unresponsive the Ireland forum was!) To the younger or more mature travelers, I thank you all!

To Monica, congratulations on completing 15 years federal gov. service. If that lets you go do travel/travel-related stuff full time, go for it! Good for you. <BR> <BR>To all other European travel junkies, thank you so much for making me feel normal. I used to think there was something wrong with me, wanting to put all my money into as much travel as I could, and now I know I am not alone, it is wonderful! When I can't be traveling, now I can go fodoring and it extends the pleasure of travel and its wonderful memories. Thank you all. <BR> <BR>So, Bob, perhaps you just aren't yet a travel junky so you can't comprehend this consuming passion...yet.

<BR>34 reactions to his stupid remark!!! <BR>He got what he wanted!!!!!!!!!! <BR>

I for one am a travelaholic. I don't respond to anything unless I've been there. It's an expensive habit but I don't mind. <BR>

Are you....? <BR> <BR>The Good Topper

Since this is the first day I've visited this site, I was excited to find this forum. I have travelled quite a bit and felt I could share some experiences. However, after posting a question of my own and getting the types of responses I did, as well as reading a few other topic strings, I can't say that I'm really impressed so far. While I do feel there are a lot of people who have good information to share, I also think there are a lot of people here with too much time on their hands who want to do nothing more than "stir the pot". People like that should go chat on a site with other people who have too much time on their hands.

How did this thread pop up again? I just read my response to this on May 8, 1999.(See above) Interesting. Since that response, we did the trip to Italy in 99. Also have been to Tokyo, Orlando, Las Vegas twice, Tahoe, Napa twice, La Jolla, Chicago, France and Italy again in July 2000, and now heading for Danube cruise in October. Some business, mostly pleasure. Ya gotta get out and see the world. TV has dumbed down and fattened up America. Video games are turning kids to mush. If you find yourself discussing a TV sitcom with friends that is God's way of telling you that your life is in a rut. Travel and see the real stuff!