Germany & Austria w/ 86-year old mom - advice needed
May 4th, 2010, 08:59 AM
#21
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I would re visit the cruise option- remember you have your room , meals ( normally at least Breakfast and evening meal , often snacks) often some tours including guides , city transport for tours and more - add these to a room price in a hotel . meals transport , guides etc. and most often the cruise is a good bargain and certainly more convenient.
Regarding Vienna and taxis. - I live in Vienna and use taxis sometimes - I have never experienced any problems and taxis are all metered for a fair price charged. Most non smoking too.
No idea of the above poster problem - this would be an exception and not often found certainly in my opinion.Perhaps a language issue ?
We even have numerous lady taxi drivers .
Regarding Vienna and taxis. - I live in Vienna and use taxis sometimes - I have never experienced any problems and taxis are all metered for a fair price charged. Most non smoking too.
No idea of the above poster problem - this would be an exception and not often found certainly in my opinion.Perhaps a language issue ?
We even have numerous lady taxi drivers .
May 4th, 2010, 09:50 AM
#22
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It was not a language issue at all as I speak passable German and also had the name and the address of the hotel written down by the concierge of our hotel, the Vienna Marriott.
We went to the taxi stand across the street from the hotel, got in and then had to get our when the driver decided it was not a long enough fare for him. It was quite upsetting to my mother and we ended up walking but she was not up to it and it ruined the evening for her.
That same afternoon we had wandered into what looked like a cozy little cafe to get a bite to eat - it was located on a side street near the hotel. We started to remove our coats and hang them and were basically shooed out. No reason was given and it was not at all courteous. We were well within the opening hours posted on the door of the cafe so I still have no idea what it was all about.
Those two incidents were on the first day and set the tone for the short trip. It was my third trip to Vienna and though it is not one of my favorite cities in Europe, I have always enjoyed my stays there. This was an exception based on previous visits and we decided to cut our losses and leave early. We were all happy with our decision.
As for the river cruise, molker is correct that there is a lot included. All meals, daily tours, wine and beer with dinner, lovely rooms, bottled water in our rooms, free movies - all were included in the price of the cruise. To duplicate this with hotels, meals and tours of equivalent quality in these areas would be difficult, based on my experiences there over the course of 20 years or so.
It might pay to check it out again.
We went to the taxi stand across the street from the hotel, got in and then had to get our when the driver decided it was not a long enough fare for him. It was quite upsetting to my mother and we ended up walking but she was not up to it and it ruined the evening for her.
That same afternoon we had wandered into what looked like a cozy little cafe to get a bite to eat - it was located on a side street near the hotel. We started to remove our coats and hang them and were basically shooed out. No reason was given and it was not at all courteous. We were well within the opening hours posted on the door of the cafe so I still have no idea what it was all about.
Those two incidents were on the first day and set the tone for the short trip. It was my third trip to Vienna and though it is not one of my favorite cities in Europe, I have always enjoyed my stays there. This was an exception based on previous visits and we decided to cut our losses and leave early. We were all happy with our decision.
As for the river cruise, molker is correct that there is a lot included. All meals, daily tours, wine and beer with dinner, lovely rooms, bottled water in our rooms, free movies - all were included in the price of the cruise. To duplicate this with hotels, meals and tours of equivalent quality in these areas would be difficult, based on my experiences there over the course of 20 years or so.
It might pay to check it out again.
May 4th, 2010, 10:56 AM
#23
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Would you entertain the thought of renting a car and driving...as another poster mentioned. ? Your mother would certainly qualify for a blue handicapped placard ,,accepted internationally with the same symbol. This would put you very close to sights . (just an idea)
Sounds like you will be mostly in large cities,,which is something, however, to think about..(are you up to driving with all the traffic). Cars are wonderful on the autobahns, small quaint villages, restaurants,, and a great way to experience the countryside.
Having said the above: You have had an abundance of people suggesting the best way would be a river cruise, which would be nice....given your mother's age and abilities to walk .
Getting on and off the train usually is not real easy and sometimes must be done quickly.....
Lots of think about...
Vienna is wonderful,,,and Salzburg a real treat(we drove our car right into Salzburg and it was easy) Munich might require a bus tour ,as might Vienna,,,,but a good way to get an overview of those cities. With a car you could enjoy the countryside and villages.
The ONLY time in many years of travel that we did NOT have a car was entirely cities in NOVEMBER. Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest......and it snowed (beautiful from the train) on the trip from Salzburg back to Zurich.
(We still love Nov. and March travel....usually void of a lot of tourists and crowds, and you get the real feel of the country.
Your trip will be nice, I'm sure....such a gorgeous part of the world....and your last post above sounds great. Lots to see around Salzburg and Munich. ~~~basing 4 days in each city.
Sounds like you will be mostly in large cities,,which is something, however, to think about..(are you up to driving with all the traffic). Cars are wonderful on the autobahns, small quaint villages, restaurants,, and a great way to experience the countryside.
Having said the above: You have had an abundance of people suggesting the best way would be a river cruise, which would be nice....given your mother's age and abilities to walk .
Getting on and off the train usually is not real easy and sometimes must be done quickly.....
Lots of think about...
Vienna is wonderful,,,and Salzburg a real treat(we drove our car right into Salzburg and it was easy) Munich might require a bus tour ,as might Vienna,,,,but a good way to get an overview of those cities. With a car you could enjoy the countryside and villages.
The ONLY time in many years of travel that we did NOT have a car was entirely cities in NOVEMBER. Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest......and it snowed (beautiful from the train) on the trip from Salzburg back to Zurich.
(We still love Nov. and March travel....usually void of a lot of tourists and crowds, and you get the real feel of the country.
Your trip will be nice, I'm sure....such a gorgeous part of the world....and your last post above sounds great. Lots to see around Salzburg and Munich. ~~~basing 4 days in each city.
May 5th, 2010, 01:25 AM
#24
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The taxi question- looked and saw the poster stayed at the Marriott - the worse place to find a taxi in Vienna- most taxis in line there are driven by those of original nationality other than Austrian and seem arrogant - strange - in the times I have ever been in that area.
Why the Marriott has done something about this I can only imagine.
A tip - you do not like the driver or he does not understand or wish to take you somewhere - simply go to the next taxi in line - easily done -
Again I repeat most all taxis in Vienna are not just clean but reliable with courteous drivers and meters to guarantee rate.
In most cities an rental auto is an expensive nuisance- costly parking - many narrow one way streets in oplder areas and frequently very limited if any parking near many tourist sights .
In cities if needed rely on public transprt or a taxi.
Auto may be OK in the country areas but why do this when other more effective alternatives exist
Why the Marriott has done something about this I can only imagine.
A tip - you do not like the driver or he does not understand or wish to take you somewhere - simply go to the next taxi in line - easily done -
Again I repeat most all taxis in Vienna are not just clean but reliable with courteous drivers and meters to guarantee rate.
In most cities an rental auto is an expensive nuisance- costly parking - many narrow one way streets in oplder areas and frequently very limited if any parking near many tourist sights .
In cities if needed rely on public transprt or a taxi.
Auto may be OK in the country areas but why do this when other more effective alternatives exist
May 5th, 2010, 04:29 AM
#25
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I'm encouraged to hear that November may not be such a bad time to be there after all. We'll go early in the month and hope for good weather.
There are definitely advantages to the all-inclusive river cruise. I'll price out each option for us.
There are definitely advantages to the all-inclusive river cruise. I'll price out each option for us.
