I am taking my three teen-agers to Europe in July. We've been planning it for some time - it's the first trip outside the U.S. and Canada for all of us. The hotels are all booked and paid for (London, Venice, Florence, Paris) along with rail passes. Guidebooks have varying suggestions for money to bring for food, but I'm really clueless about how much for incidentals, sights, etc. We'll be there for a little more than two weeks, with 5 days in London, 5 in Venice and Florence and four days in Paris. <BR> <BR>With three teen-agers, going anywhere is expensive, but I'd appreciate any advice. Also, I plan to take cash, traveler's checks and credit cards. How much should I take in cash/traveler's checks? Thanks in advance for your responses. This site has been very helpful - I just wish I'd found it sooner.

Never having traveled with three teenagers, I can't help you with quantities of money. However, I can advise to take the one "money item" you haven't mentioned--an ATM card. As has mentioned on this forum ad infinitum, the ATM cards gives you the best exchange rate. <BR>As for travelers checks, take $200-$300 as "just in case" money. Most of us end up spending little or none of it on the trip.

Oops - you're right I should have mentioned the ATM card. I do plan on taking one. Thanks.

Definately take the ATM--so easy and absolutely the best exchange rate. The last time I went to Europe (Paris, Sept 99) I took $300 in Travelers Checks and never used any of it. Presently I am planning a trip to Rome and I will probably take the same amount just to make myself feel safe. My logical mind tells me it's probably not necessary to take any. I know people who do that. But my bank doesn't charge me for them and I feel safer so why not.

I was amazed at the number of places in Italy that didn't take credit cards. I'd take at least $2500 just in case and get most of it exchanged in Venice. That is where we got 2100IL/dollar with no fee! The best on our trip. I took $1700 for two weeks barely took enough for two of us. We did buy a few things and put everything we could on CC. You know-better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. You can always turn the tcks back in.

In round numbers, for five of you, I'd guess from $100-250 per day. But it really depends on your (all five) spending habits, where you'll be eating lunch and dinner, how many souvenirs you need to buy, etc. <BR> <BR>While I can't tell you how much you'll spend, I can provide a bit of help on how to build your own budget. Even without the experience of traveling to Europe you'll be able to create an estimate that will come pretty close. See www.twenj.com/tipsbudget.htm You'll not only find some tips on how to budget, but a spreadsheet you can use in your browser to build your own personal budget. <BR> <BR>If nothing else, you'll be able to keep rough track of how things are going after a few days and know how you're doing. <BR> <BR>The ATM card will be helpful, of course, and I second the notion of a handful of travelers' checks as an emergency stash. At least $500, $1000 even better for five of you. If you get them denominated in US currency you'll be able to use/cash them when you get back home with no cost if you don't use them.

Hi Marie, yes I agree there is a wealth of good tips in the net also in the basic travel books such as Fodors and Frommer. <BR>I used to travel with our four children to Europe, one advise I can give you is to explain clearly to your children what and how they should order for their meals, first: coke and sodas are extremely expensive in Europe, it is perfectly ok to ask for tap water, like in France is called a carafe d'eau, do not let the waiter intimidate you, I reapeat it is perfectly normal to ask for tap water. <BR>Tip is included so do not tip. You do not have to. <BR>Do not ask for too much food . Order the basic and then you can add something else,like in Italy dishes come without <BR>the vegetables so a vegetable (contorni) would have to be ordered separatly in theory but sometimes it is not necessary check with the waiter to know excatly whta to expect. <BR>In some place it is possible to share. <BR>ASk graciously . Europeans love families so they will understand if you <BR>choose the right attitude. <BR>I used to send my children to do the washing at the Laundry which is expensive in a way but to wash all their clothes in the hotel was a lot of money. <BR>But alas, the dollar is flying high so may be now it is ok. <BR>Those teen agers are fortunate I hope they understand how fortunate I hope they open well their eyes and hearts in museums and so forth. <BR>A good reminder, take for each of them a student International ID it will save you a fortune in museum tickets. <BR>Good like. Write me directly if you have any question if I can I ll help. <BR>

Thanks so much for your help! I used your suggestions and the spreadsheet method, did a budget and I think I've come up with numbers I feel comfortable with. And I should clarify - it's just me and my three teens (four of us). I don't know if I'm crazy to do this on my own, but I'm very excited about going. Thanks again.

When asking for water in England, ask for "still". Otherwise you'll get carbonated water - YUCK! <BR> <BR>Pubs are always an affordable option when trying to feed a family. Large portions, around L 4.00-L 6.00 (approx. $6.50-$10.00) per person at lunchtime. You should probably budget $30-$40 per person/per day for meals alone. <BR> <BR>Do try to get out of London for at least one day, if you can. The concrete jungle feeling of parts of London can be extremely wearing after a couple of days. Try visiting some of the countryside outside the city! <BR> <BR>