Bamboozled. First trip to Europe. Motorhome v car and other questions...
Oct 13th, 2016, 12:43 AM
#21
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I would have thought all campers would have come into the GVW of over 3500kg.
For example a standard VW T26 panel van is 2600kg with the T32 being 3200kg.
On top of these standard GVWs you have the weight of the conversion. Even without a different body, say with a push up canvas roof.
Hence why I wrote about it. But I am not into caravanettes only vehicles.
For example a standard VW T26 panel van is 2600kg with the T32 being 3200kg.
On top of these standard GVWs you have the weight of the conversion. Even without a different body, say with a push up canvas roof.
Hence why I wrote about it. But I am not into caravanettes only vehicles.
Oct 13th, 2016, 07:28 AM
#22
>>Have jumped on airbnb and found some stuff that would suit us fine<<
Just a hint since your itinerary isn't firmed up yet: airbnb is good for a lot of places, but I'd avoid it for a stay in Paris. Most (almost all) of their listings in Paris are illegal.
But like I said -- in most other places it is perfectly OK.
Just a hint since your itinerary isn't firmed up yet: airbnb is good for a lot of places, but I'd avoid it for a stay in Paris. Most (almost all) of their listings in Paris are illegal.
But like I said -- in most other places it is perfectly OK.
Oct 13th, 2016, 07:55 AM
#24
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There are lots of threads on Paris apartments explaining the issue, here is a current one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nt-in-2016.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nt-in-2016.cfm
Oct 13th, 2016, 08:01 AM
#25
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e Europe leg which means we aren’t on a schedule to get to a Hotel or B&B every night. If we want to stay longer in a spot we can do so then just make up the time later.
I have not near read all the replies, but for heavens sake, you have 8 days IN Europe. How are you going to spend longer in one place if we decide to--you have little time in ANY place.
A motor home is cumbersome to drive, park in areas of tourists, and then you NEED a reservation for the night.
Cut Wales or shorten Scotland and add to Europe.
Agree with not backtracking to London. Fly open jaw--into London and out of Paris, for example.
I have not near read all the replies, but for heavens sake, you have 8 days IN Europe. How are you going to spend longer in one place if we decide to--you have little time in ANY place.
A motor home is cumbersome to drive, park in areas of tourists, and then you NEED a reservation for the night.
Cut Wales or shorten Scotland and add to Europe.
Agree with not backtracking to London. Fly open jaw--into London and out of Paris, for example.
Oct 13th, 2016, 08:36 AM
#27
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<<So what does that mean - I could get fined or something for staying there if I were to choose one in Paris?...>>
What it means is that if airbnb is illegal, entering a contract to rent an airbnb apt is an illegal contract. Illegal contracts are not enforceable - if it's a scam, you're screwed.
In other words, if it's not a legal rental, stay in a dang hotel.
What it means is that if airbnb is illegal, entering a contract to rent an airbnb apt is an illegal contract. Illegal contracts are not enforceable - if it's a scam, you're screwed.
In other words, if it's not a legal rental, stay in a dang hotel.
Oct 13th, 2016, 09:15 AM
#29
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We are old(er) and lived a few years in Europe with our kids when they were young. Europe is still our favorite place to travel, and we have many times arrived without even any hotel reservations. However, because we have had the good fortune to have spent time there, we have plenty of time, already know our way around, have no little ones to think about, and if we sleep on a bench in an airport, it is OK. We at least always have a list of researched hotels, and truth is, even with all that, we still have a much better time when the trip is basically planned. There is always a bit of anxiety and some time wasted when it is not.
With such a very short time and 2 little ones in tow, if you want to make the best use of your time and money, you will want things firmed up, not just deciding as you go.
Without going back and reading all the ideas, I think you had most of your time allotted for the UK, Scotland and Wales as givens with only 8 days left. June is a lovely time for those areas. By July it will be hot in Europe. Even if you come from a hot country, being out all day with littles is different. So, stay North and spend time in the Netherlands (4 nights, 3 days, stay in Haarlem and do short day trips) and Paris (5 nights, 4 Days). The Netherlands was our favorite country to visit with children and their favorite too, but I would never say to skip Paris because it is so beautiful and most everybody wants to go at least once. Travel by train between. Reserve hotels ahead. Depart for home from Paris. That is all you have time for.
With such a very short time and 2 little ones in tow, if you want to make the best use of your time and money, you will want things firmed up, not just deciding as you go.
Without going back and reading all the ideas, I think you had most of your time allotted for the UK, Scotland and Wales as givens with only 8 days left. June is a lovely time for those areas. By July it will be hot in Europe. Even if you come from a hot country, being out all day with littles is different. So, stay North and spend time in the Netherlands (4 nights, 3 days, stay in Haarlem and do short day trips) and Paris (5 nights, 4 Days). The Netherlands was our favorite country to visit with children and their favorite too, but I would never say to skip Paris because it is so beautiful and most everybody wants to go at least once. Travel by train between. Reserve hotels ahead. Depart for home from Paris. That is all you have time for.
Oct 13th, 2016, 01:24 PM
#30
<i> So what does that mean - I could get fined or something for staying there if I were to choose one in Paris?...</i>
There are no penalties at present for the renter, but the main risk is having your accommodations cancelled at the last minute as these places get pulled off the market without warning. The owner or agency will usually claim plumbing problems, but the excuse is used so often that I think it is giving Paris the reputation of having the worst plumbing in the world.
There are no penalties at present for the renter, but the main risk is having your accommodations cancelled at the last minute as these places get pulled off the market without warning. The owner or agency will usually claim plumbing problems, but the excuse is used so often that I think it is giving Paris the reputation of having the worst plumbing in the world.
Oct 13th, 2016, 05:39 PM
#32
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@Sassafrass, yes - we will definitely have a planned itinerary (with accom) all sorted before we go. Thanks very much for the ideas.
@kerouac, haha plumbing problems is a good one. ;-) Thanks. Point taken about accom in Paris.
@kerouac, haha plumbing problems is a good one. ;-) Thanks. Point taken about accom in Paris.
Oct 13th, 2016, 05:46 PM
#33
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I'm reading this one with interest...you will get back to Europe Utedog maybe just have to wait a few years!
With 9 days in Europe I would head for Paris for about 5 days and then some cute village on the Rhine for visiting castles for the last 4.
One thing I have noticed with travel coming from NZ and (same would apply to Australia to some extent)how many people there are everywhere and how long it takes to do everything. Combined with family travel I wouldn't plan too much as just the basics can take up so much time.
Have a wonderful trip.
With 9 days in Europe I would head for Paris for about 5 days and then some cute village on the Rhine for visiting castles for the last 4.
One thing I have noticed with travel coming from NZ and (same would apply to Australia to some extent)how many people there are everywhere and how long it takes to do everything. Combined with family travel I wouldn't plan too much as just the basics can take up so much time.
Have a wonderful trip.
Oct 13th, 2016, 11:29 PM
#34
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If you are set on spending a full week in Scotland then consider flying from there directly to the continent and save some time to spend in France. I like tasmangirl's suggestions to visit castles and pretty villages on the Rhine after Paris. I would also make that trip to Disneyland Paris and focus on the Magic Kingdom. I visited nearly 20 years ago and thought it was beautiful compared to Florida and even the original in California.
Oct 14th, 2016, 02:31 AM
#36
Then again why would the OP make a special trip to the U.S. for Disney is there is no American trip planned? At least going to Disneyland Paris spares them the necessity of ever having to go to the United States.
Oct 14th, 2016, 03:22 AM
#37
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I am going to make a few suggestions.
I hear you on the subject of airfares. Since London will be like catnip for the hobbits, to use another poster's words, you could do two nights coming and going - i.e. bookend the trip with London. We have used London as a gateway for Europe in this way many times.
Consider how you are going to connect London and Wales;
.. and then how you will connect Wales (or wherever) and Scotland.
I am going to suggest splitting the car rentals:
London - 2 nights
bus or train to Oxford - pick up 1st car there - overnight in either Oxford or the Cotswolds (pretty villages with thatched roof houses) - 1/subtotal 3 nights
Ironbridge - the open air museum complex is a must for anyone, particularly Blists Hill for a family. - 1 night - st 4 nights. Okay, it's not a theme park with rides. But I promise you the kids will enjoy themselves, and the adults, too.
South or north Wales - you don't say - 2 nights/6 - this subtotal brings you up to your own schedule.
drop the car in Birmingham. Take the 4 hour Virgin train from Birmingham to Edinburgh - 3 nights/9. Visit with family, slow down a bit, do laundry etc. No need for a car in Edinburgh.
Option: Rent a second car, if you want to do a quick whirl through the highlands as we did for 4 nights, or just do day trips closer afield - your wife's family may have ideas for public transport. If you do rent the second car, drop it at the Edinburgh airport. / 13 nights.
Okay, now fly Edinburgh to Amsterdam. When we did this, the cheapest fare involved connecting in London - but either way trust me, flying is still the most efficient connection. 3 nights in Amsterdam. /16
Take a fast Thalys train to Paris, 3 nights. This is a very fast visit to Paris, but can't be helped. /19
Eurostar train back to London for 2 more nights/21 - I am sending you back to London, because I think you would enjoy finishing up the trip there rather than Frankfurt. However, check open jaw airfares Oz-London-Paris-Oz, just to be sure.
So: bus Oxford, self-drive via Wales to Birmingham, train to Edinburgh, optional second self-drive Scotland, fly Edinburgh to Amsterdam, Thalys high speed train to Paris, Eurostar (fairly high speed) train to London.
I hear you on the subject of airfares. Since London will be like catnip for the hobbits, to use another poster's words, you could do two nights coming and going - i.e. bookend the trip with London. We have used London as a gateway for Europe in this way many times.
Consider how you are going to connect London and Wales;
.. and then how you will connect Wales (or wherever) and Scotland.
I am going to suggest splitting the car rentals:
London - 2 nights
bus or train to Oxford - pick up 1st car there - overnight in either Oxford or the Cotswolds (pretty villages with thatched roof houses) - 1/subtotal 3 nights
Ironbridge - the open air museum complex is a must for anyone, particularly Blists Hill for a family. - 1 night - st 4 nights. Okay, it's not a theme park with rides. But I promise you the kids will enjoy themselves, and the adults, too.
South or north Wales - you don't say - 2 nights/6 - this subtotal brings you up to your own schedule.
drop the car in Birmingham. Take the 4 hour Virgin train from Birmingham to Edinburgh - 3 nights/9. Visit with family, slow down a bit, do laundry etc. No need for a car in Edinburgh.
Option: Rent a second car, if you want to do a quick whirl through the highlands as we did for 4 nights, or just do day trips closer afield - your wife's family may have ideas for public transport. If you do rent the second car, drop it at the Edinburgh airport. / 13 nights.
Okay, now fly Edinburgh to Amsterdam. When we did this, the cheapest fare involved connecting in London - but either way trust me, flying is still the most efficient connection. 3 nights in Amsterdam. /16
Take a fast Thalys train to Paris, 3 nights. This is a very fast visit to Paris, but can't be helped. /19
Eurostar train back to London for 2 more nights/21 - I am sending you back to London, because I think you would enjoy finishing up the trip there rather than Frankfurt. However, check open jaw airfares Oz-London-Paris-Oz, just to be sure.
So: bus Oxford, self-drive via Wales to Birmingham, train to Edinburgh, optional second self-drive Scotland, fly Edinburgh to Amsterdam, Thalys high speed train to Paris, Eurostar (fairly high speed) train to London.
Oct 14th, 2016, 03:42 AM
#38
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Hmmn, I see you have 24 and not 21 nights. I would add a fourth night to each of Amsterdam and Paris. That just leaves one night for you to spend as you please. If you are due back at work as soon as your holiday ends, I'd add the third extra night of your holiday back home to recuperate and get back into work mode.
Oct 14th, 2016, 06:17 AM
#40
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Don't see why OP shouldn't go to Disney.
Good for the kids, good to relax, and I don't think there is a Disney in Australia.
As for Asterix, I think Justine was spot on : kids will love Disney because they know all about Disney.They know nothing about Asterix.
I have read and re-read the Asterix hundreds of time and have never been to the park. Didn't feel like it. And my kids would not understand that we go to Asterix when we could go to Eurodisney.
On top of that from I've heard, Asterix seems to be more for older kids.
5 1/2 and 8 are the perfect ages to go to Disney : they will see the magic that some of us don't see anymore or say doesn't exist (worse...).
Puy du fou is totally different : that is a park with a great theme and offers something. But never been yet...
Good for the kids, good to relax, and I don't think there is a Disney in Australia.
As for Asterix, I think Justine was spot on : kids will love Disney because they know all about Disney.They know nothing about Asterix.
I have read and re-read the Asterix hundreds of time and have never been to the park. Didn't feel like it. And my kids would not understand that we go to Asterix when we could go to Eurodisney.
On top of that from I've heard, Asterix seems to be more for older kids.
5 1/2 and 8 are the perfect ages to go to Disney : they will see the magic that some of us don't see anymore or say doesn't exist (worse...).
Puy du fou is totally different : that is a park with a great theme and offers something. But never been yet...
