Robespierre

I flew British Airways last summer. They <u>did</u> weigh my carry-on, and the 160 books, maps, travel guides, brochures, and itineraries I had in my iPAQ weighed in at just under an ounce.

The cameras, lenses, and accessories in the pockets of my trench coat weighed about 10 lbs. With a twinkle in her eye, the ticket agent asked me if I was warm enough. (It was 112 the day we left Phoenix.)

crefloors

Mmaxzine: I did one tour several years ago for my first trip to Europe. The thing that I finally figured out about the tours is, they are very careful with their clients. They, I feel, tend to almost go over board regarding the warnings about pick pockets etc. I have since traveled on my own, and while I certainly keep track of my belongings, don't flash money around, keep my purse close, I don't really do anything differently than I do at home. Again, I'm not being &quot;cocky&quot; and certainly I am not immune to the possiblility of theft. I think the tour companies naturally feel very responsible for their clients safety so are very careful. We did have one &quot;gypsy&quot; incident in Rome, but they went for our tour guide, not us. Was interesting to watch. We had one young man traveling with us who was very independent. Probably took the tour because of the great price. Anyway, he got &quot;lost&quot; in Venice. He didn't make the boat or the bus. We waited about 20 minutes and then had to go. Our tour director was a basket case!!!!! Well, when we got back to the hotel in Maestre, there he was waiting for us. He saw the bus pulling away so he just got himself to the train station, took the train, got off in Maestre and the train station was right across the street from the hotel. When we were in Paris, my brother and I asked about the flea market and our director said the didn't have it anymore. Well, of course not true. So, what I'm getting at here is that you need not be afraid. These companies are OVERLY cautious because of liability issues I'm sure, and they try to keep their clients close. Also, of course, if you don't go wandering off on your own, they have a good chance of selling you an optional tour perhaps..not a bad thing necessarily, and to be expected, after all, the tour companies are not charitable institutions. I enjoyed my tour, it gave me a better comfort level, taught me alot, allowed me to see a lot at a great price, and got my travel juices flowing. Have a great trip, and just don't worry too much. Common sense is the word.

MFNYC

There is also a weight limit on checked luggage. We have some rather large suitcases (we're a family). The larger the suitcase, the heavier the load. There is an extra charge if the baggage is above a certain weight (around 70lbs I think). We actually have run into this problem, and last minute, at the check in line had to re-arrange our suitcases because the large one was too heavy.

I would keep it under 28&quot;. The less room, the less chance over hitting the weight limiit.

I pretty much agree with everyone elses responses to your other questions. I never had a problem with pick-pockets or any theft in general. I don't use a money belt. I carry a purse and camera with me most of the time, and I frequently use public transportation.

You can also check worldclimate.com for avg temps, high, lows, rainfall, etc. The fall is a nice time to travel.

Unles syou really want to see Versaille, 3 days in Paris barely scratches the surface. If you do go, do it on your own. Go early and make it a half day trip. I tour will probably take the entire day.

cobbie

Regarding pickpockets/thefts: In Paris 3 years ago we were on the metro going to the Sacre Couer area. They made announcements in French/English/German about there being pickpockets in the area and to be careful. My friend had a purse bandolier style &amp; felt someone trying to unzip her purse. She turned &amp; glared at him. He got off the next stop.

Also on that trip we were on a different metro &amp; the train was stopped in a station for quite a while. Turned out someone had had their purse stolen &amp; the police were there.

Last year in London I had my purse stolen. It was due to inattention on my part. We weary travelers had arrived at the Victoria coach station after taking the coach in from LHW. My friend went to the restroom &amp; I was in charge of watching the bags. I put my purse on my bag to take off my coat. A new bus pulled in &amp; people got off. I forgot my purse was on my bag &amp; obviously someone walked off with it.

Unfortunately my passport, credit cards, prescriptions &amp; cash was inside. Fortunately I was in London &amp; could speak English to the doctor to get a new prescription. Had to waste 1/2 a day at the embassy to get my new passport.

My advice is to either wear a moneybelt with credit cards, passport, cash inside or wear a purse bandolier style &amp; be careful.

kamahinaohoku

Maxzine/DeeDee
Trafalgar has its own bulletin board when travelers ask about the individual tours and also post their experiences.

http://www.trafbb.com/ttbb/ultimatebb.cgi