First time to Europe-family of 5
Nov 12th, 2015, 12:14 PM
#121
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What I took from various above comments, mine included, was to not totally give up on places you want to visit, but as for a possible second or third destination, it might be more logical/convenient/economical to select a destination/destinations that fit better into the itinerary.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Nov 12th, 2015, 01:53 PM
#122
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With all of this talk of Amsterdam, I just went on Expedia and booked two hotel nights there for early summer. I don't have to pay until I get there. I'll leave my stuff at the apartment in Paris and then zip up to Amsterdam for two nights and then back to Paris. I'm glad I came upon this thread. Smiles.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Nov 12th, 2015, 02:30 PM
#123
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Be sure to book Thalys tickets way way early - I got some for my son for 39 euros each way but those deep discounted tickets may not last long as they are sold in limited numbers - book ASAP - I think up to 4 months in advance, perhaps 3 at www.thalys.com.
Nov 12th, 2015, 02:39 PM
#124
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, PalenQ: I was just looking and there was mention of 39 Euro, but on seat61. I've booked the Doubletree so it seems very convenient to the train station. Once when I zipped to Belgium, from Paris, I had found cheap Thayls tickets online, but 3 other people were traveling with me on that trip and didn't know if they wanted to go. I waited for them to decide and they decided that they didn't want to go to Belgium, and I missed the discounted tickets. But, I went to Belgium without them.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Nov 12th, 2015, 03:25 PM
#125
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Toronto it is!!! After becoming a little discouraged, I looked into the possibility of flying out of Toronto-thanks to many of you encouraging me to do so. Although I haven't booked it yet, the price for 6 round trip to London and back from Rome plus 2 hotel rooms both the night before we depart and the day after we arrive-our trip is only going to be around $3000.00-a huge saving that we can't pass up.
I spoke briefly with my husband this evening about this and we can drive to Toronto on Tuesday, take our time getting there-stopping at the falls if we want. We will check into the hotel in Toronto where my husband and I have been but not the kids and have most of the next day to do a bit of sightseeing before our flight at 9:55 Wednesday night.
I can't express to you how much your assistance has meant to me with all of this. I knew we wanted to take this trip now and not wait, because tomorrow is not given. I know this all too well-without getting into too many details, that is why we are able to take this trip. Yes, this will be all of our first trip to Europe which is why we want to be exposed to as much as possible. My oldest has expressed interest in studying abroad, this should give her a taste of what the different cities will be like.
After I book the trip I will be back for recommendations on hotels/apartments, restaurants and now that we have some money to spare, maybe adding a few days and places like Amsterdam onto our trip.
I am so appreciated of the generosity of all of you taking time to help me-a total stranger. Thanks again and I hope to be able to do the same some day.
I spoke briefly with my husband this evening about this and we can drive to Toronto on Tuesday, take our time getting there-stopping at the falls if we want. We will check into the hotel in Toronto where my husband and I have been but not the kids and have most of the next day to do a bit of sightseeing before our flight at 9:55 Wednesday night.
I can't express to you how much your assistance has meant to me with all of this. I knew we wanted to take this trip now and not wait, because tomorrow is not given. I know this all too well-without getting into too many details, that is why we are able to take this trip. Yes, this will be all of our first trip to Europe which is why we want to be exposed to as much as possible. My oldest has expressed interest in studying abroad, this should give her a taste of what the different cities will be like.
After I book the trip I will be back for recommendations on hotels/apartments, restaurants and now that we have some money to spare, maybe adding a few days and places like Amsterdam onto our trip.
I am so appreciated of the generosity of all of you taking time to help me-a total stranger. Thanks again and I hope to be able to do the same some day.
Nov 12th, 2015, 05:19 PM
#127
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Make sure to book a hotel where you will be able to leave your car parked for free during your trip. More money savings.
Are you really going to get round trip tickets for only $600 each? That is incredibly cheap and a fabulous deal!
Are you really going to get round trip tickets for only $600 each? That is incredibly cheap and a fabulous deal!
Nov 12th, 2015, 05:40 PM
#128
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As you have decided I won't tell you about the limo option. 
I had already spent some of your flight savings on return limo service to and from Toronto airport.
But your slow drive approach sounds good too.
I had already spent some of your flight savings on return limo service to and from Toronto airport. But your slow drive approach sounds good too.
Nov 12th, 2015, 11:39 PM
#130
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mominthepark: See, it's all working out. I'm glad that you ditched the idea of an organized tour and let the forum help you out. I flew, my international portion, out of Toronto this past summer; L.A.-Minnesota-Toronto-Copenhagen. It was good to be able to clear customs in Toronto before flying back to the U.S. Then when I got on the plane to fly home, I was finished with customs.
Start a new thread on accommodations.
Happy Travels!
Start a new thread on accommodations.
Happy Travels!
Nov 12th, 2015, 11:54 PM
#131
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Gretchen on Nov 12, 15 at 12:45pm
All of us can think of places she could go. You liked Ireland. She wants to go to "biggies" London, Paris and Rome--with other day trips perhaps."
I never mentioned Ireland. Have never even been there.
Happy Travels!
All of us can think of places she could go. You liked Ireland. She wants to go to "biggies" London, Paris and Rome--with other day trips perhaps."
I never mentioned Ireland. Have never even been there.
Happy Travels!
Nov 13th, 2015, 03:20 AM
#134
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"colduphere on Nov 12, 15 at 6:40pm"
As you have decided I won't tell you about the limo option. I had already spent some of your flight savings on return limo service to and from Toronto airport.
This is really funny-something else I would have never thought about!
Our flight costs are:
Jun 15, 2016 - Jun 25, 2016 | Total price: $3,049.80
Traveler 1: Adult$508.30
Flight$106.00
Taxes & Fees$402.30
I'm still playing around with the dates and transfers between cities, but at least we will have our flights worked out.
I will start a new thread when I'm ready for accommodations. Thanks again to all!
As you have decided I won't tell you about the limo option.
I had already spent some of your flight savings on return limo service to and from Toronto airport. This is really funny-something else I would have never thought about!
Our flight costs are:
Jun 15, 2016 - Jun 25, 2016 | Total price: $3,049.80
Traveler 1: Adult$508.30
Flight$106.00
Taxes & Fees$402.30
I'm still playing around with the dates and transfers between cities, but at least we will have our flights worked out.
I will start a new thread when I'm ready for accommodations. Thanks again to all!
Nov 13th, 2015, 05:26 AM
#135
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wished I had options like this available by adding in a five hour drive! We are in one of those areas where there is basically is no competition and no option to try another airport. The airlines really, really take advantage of this.
At that price, push the buy button really soon because, honestly, this sounds too good to be true.
At that price, push the buy button really soon because, honestly, this sounds too good to be true.
Nov 13th, 2015, 08:50 AM
#140
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought there were 5 people traveling? Also I thought that your limitation of trip length was finances?
Since your cost to/from Europe is now much less than you anticipated will you now be able to lengthen your trip?
If this is all so you will not be able to book flight dates until you have a hard or semi hard figure as to how much you can afford to spend.
Since your cost to/from Europe is now much less than you anticipated will you now be able to lengthen your trip?
If this is all so you will not be able to book flight dates until you have a hard or semi hard figure as to how much you can afford to spend.
