distraction in London and Paris
Mar 14th, 2016, 01:22 PM
#41
You're making great progress. I feel somewhat guilty for putting that hotel in your head! I normally never stay in places like that, but my last trip to Paris I was coming off a couple weeks in Italy, including staying in quite a budget apartment in Rome, so wanted to treat myself.
What kind of apps were you thinking of? I do use some, but mine are for Italy (food and restaurant focused).
For what it's worth, I like to make a few key evening reservations--for dinner or for some sort of musical event--in advance, just to give a loose frame to my trip. Unlike many who post here, I can get fairly lethargic without someone else to plan for. So I commit to a few things ahead of time, and that way I know that even if I spend the rest of my nights lounging around in my PJs I'll have gotten out and had a few nice dinners, seen some performances, etc.
What kind of apps were you thinking of? I do use some, but mine are for Italy (food and restaurant focused).
For what it's worth, I like to make a few key evening reservations--for dinner or for some sort of musical event--in advance, just to give a loose frame to my trip. Unlike many who post here, I can get fairly lethargic without someone else to plan for. So I commit to a few things ahead of time, and that way I know that even if I spend the rest of my nights lounging around in my PJs I'll have gotten out and had a few nice dinners, seen some performances, etc.
Mar 14th, 2016, 02:56 PM
#42
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Like a fanny pack but under the shirt? Is this really necessary how dangerous is it is it worse since the terror attack? The money belt sounds a bit inconvenient to have to lift your shirt every time you pay for something not to mention a bit revealing how do I sustain this strategy for 18 days there must be a better way. Leely don't feel so guilty although you did put it in my head. I even got the the 1 hour room massage and don't laugh I also got the LOVEBOX just for me. baahhahahaha I am special all right! Also going to bring my wine opener and Vinturi aerator I plan to drink while getting ready at night. I hope they don't confiscate all my toys at security this is going to be pure indulgence mind, body and soul.
How is security getting on the train? What kind of performances? I'm going to look up landmarks, museums, and restaurants as soon as I book my London hotel so if you have suggestions I would really appreciate those a lot too. Which area of London to be in the center of everything? Thank you and I got the train ticket so I'll be in Paris for 10 days. Apps for navigation, food, anything useful at all. Thank you.
How is security getting on the train? What kind of performances? I'm going to look up landmarks, museums, and restaurants as soon as I book my London hotel so if you have suggestions I would really appreciate those a lot too. Which area of London to be in the center of everything? Thank you and I got the train ticket so I'll be in Paris for 10 days. Apps for navigation, food, anything useful at all. Thank you.
Mar 14th, 2016, 03:02 PM
#43
<The money belt sounds a bit inconvenient to have to lift your shirt every time you pay for something not to mention a bit revealing how do I sustain this strategy for 18 days there must be a better way.>
You misunderstand the purpose and concept...
The money belt is NOT your wallet. It's a way to carry large amounts of money, your passport, your credit cards, etc. safely when you are moving place to place. Like on the train between London and Paris.
You keep your daily spending money in your pocket, wallet, purse, wherever for ease of access.
You misunderstand the purpose and concept...
The money belt is NOT your wallet. It's a way to carry large amounts of money, your passport, your credit cards, etc. safely when you are moving place to place. Like on the train between London and Paris.
You keep your daily spending money in your pocket, wallet, purse, wherever for ease of access.
Mar 14th, 2016, 03:22 PM
#44
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What Suze said is correct.. a moneybelt is not your purse.. its DEEP STORAGE and you do not access it in public. Carry some spending money in your purse.
The "terror incidents" have zero to do with pickpockets in Europe.. they have been an issue forever.
Security for the Eurostar is not so bad.. you are allowed to bring a bottle opener and liquids on board.. most do for their picnic lunches they pack.
The "terror incidents" have zero to do with pickpockets in Europe.. they have been an issue forever.
Security for the Eurostar is not so bad.. you are allowed to bring a bottle opener and liquids on board.. most do for their picnic lunches they pack.
Mar 14th, 2016, 03:31 PM
#45
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I just want to say thank you again. I really didn't expect to get this kind of response and all your suggestions have helped me so much. Do you bring your passport everyday with you or can I leave it in the hotel? I think I'd feel more comfortable not lugging it around? Any tricky hiding places in the hotel I can have it locked up in my suitcase.
Mar 14th, 2016, 04:36 PM
#47
>>the money belt sounds a bit inconvenient to have to lift your shirt every time you pay for something not to mention a bit revealing how do I sustain this strategy for 18 days there must be a better way. <<
As explained -- a money belt is like a body safe. It should never <B>EVER</B> be accessed in public. If one was to use it just like a wallet and open it in front of God and everybody . . . sort of defeats the purpose.
As explained -- a money belt is like a body safe. It should never <B>EVER</B> be accessed in public. If one was to use it just like a wallet and open it in front of God and everybody . . . sort of defeats the purpose.
Mar 14th, 2016, 05:14 PM
#50
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Not a lucky belt but a money belt but definitely not a magic belt. I forgot about the safe I'll put it there. Are my questions really that idiotic haha. Tricky hiding places in the hotel room because even if the cleaning staff's honest which 100% of my hotel stays I've never lost anything I like to be extra careful. If they're cleaning the room and leave the door open someone can come in and take my stuff and my passport is not one I am willing to lose is all.
Mar 15th, 2016, 01:16 AM
#51
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French law requires you to carry either a national ID or a passport at all times. If you don't want to carry the actual passport, which many people don't, make a copy of it and carry that with you. The worst that can happen is you'll be stopped by the police and told to go back to your hotel and get it. I wouldn't want to hassle a French policeman like that these days, but it's up to you.
There are no "tricky hiding places" in hotels. If there were, all the staff would know about them. Use the safe if you're concerned. And don't bring fancy jewelry or valuables - there's no need for them.
Security is fine on the trains. Just don't let your luggage out of your sight and make sure you can easily lift, drag, and handle it. Every time you have to rely on someone to help you out, you're taking a risk. The terrorist attacks have nothing to do with everyday petty crime like pickpocketing.
There are no "tricky hiding places" in hotels. If there were, all the staff would know about them. Use the safe if you're concerned. And don't bring fancy jewelry or valuables - there's no need for them.
Security is fine on the trains. Just don't let your luggage out of your sight and make sure you can easily lift, drag, and handle it. Every time you have to rely on someone to help you out, you're taking a risk. The terrorist attacks have nothing to do with everyday petty crime like pickpocketing.
Mar 15th, 2016, 06:13 AM
#52
The stories I always think of... a woman who's purse was stolen in a train station. She put the purse on top of her suitcase and turned away "just for a moment". Or women who hang their purse off the back of their chair in a café.
Don't do things like that and you'll be OK.
Don't do things like that and you'll be OK.
Mar 16th, 2016, 12:51 PM
#59
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fabbie, if you are nervous to wander Paris alone, you can go with this tour for a day, the guide will be some young local French person (often students) and they are really fun:
http://www.discoverwalks.com/city/paris-walking-tours/
It's a tip-only tour, you give them what you want/feel they deserve. Anything from 10Euros up.
Even if I live near Paris and doesn't need a guide, I go with them whenever I feel lonely or gloomy.
And they do tell you things that you wouldn't discover on your own.
You don't need to book or do anything, you can jump right in.
http://www.discoverwalks.com/city/paris-walking-tours/
It's a tip-only tour, you give them what you want/feel they deserve. Anything from 10Euros up.
Even if I live near Paris and doesn't need a guide, I go with them whenever I feel lonely or gloomy.
And they do tell you things that you wouldn't discover on your own.
You don't need to book or do anything, you can jump right in.
Mar 16th, 2016, 12:57 PM
#60
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Don't worry Havana I got your back. I think I'm tapping out this is a lot of planning. I'm going to book the London hotel then take a break I can see why people pay people to do this. I just want to get there are we there yet! What do you think of the Library Hotel in London? Has anyone stayed there? One of the things I miss is going to Saturday morning breakfast a few steps from my old house. I don't do that anymore because I live in the middle of Timbuktu but temporary so I want to be able to do that as often as possible while I'm on my vacation. I don't want to commute to get breakfast just want to roll out and roll back to hotel before sight seeing so pretty casual restaurants. Is the Library HOtel in a good location?
I'm going to have to outdo Randy at some point. He's about to know what's UP. Oh and the purse even in very nice restaurants it's not advisable to put purse on floor or hanging sitting on a chair next to me? That might be another brilliant question but not pulling your leg I'm reading pick pockets are notorious I guess the money belt does make sense but so uncomfortable I imagine. Can you also help me with the phone do I just call my carrier and change plans? How do I get my phone and data to work there I need GPS and Google to look up stuff. Thank you.
I'm going to have to outdo Randy at some point. He's about to know what's UP. Oh and the purse even in very nice restaurants it's not advisable to put purse on floor or hanging sitting on a chair next to me? That might be another brilliant question but not pulling your leg I'm reading pick pockets are notorious I guess the money belt does make sense but so uncomfortable I imagine. Can you also help me with the phone do I just call my carrier and change plans? How do I get my phone and data to work there I need GPS and Google to look up stuff. Thank you.
