My wife and I are visiting Ansbach and we are taking along our 2 year old. What should we expect weather wise? And do you have any suggestions for day trips from Ansbach? Any tips for the plane ride w/ a 2yr old from the U.S.?

I actually don't know where Ansbach is - - perhaps you could tell "us" what it is near, using www.viamichelin.com or www.mappy.com<BR><BR>But most of Germany will have weather similar to what we have her in Ohio - - gray, chilly-to-cold, with combinations of snow, rain and/or wind. Or a 20% chance for crisp, blue, sunny skies.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I'm sorry Ansbach, Germany is about a 45 min. drive southwest of Nuurenberg.

topping<BR>

Rex's description of what to expect for weather is perfect. Though not pesonally familiar with Ansbach its website looks appealing. Being situated in middle Franconia I am sure there a numerous delightful small villages. Nuremburg and Wurzburg are must sees. Though farther afield, Bamberg, Rothenburg and Regensburg are worth a visit. As for travelling with a 2 year old my only suggestion is to keep the child occupied and take him for walks up and down the aisle. Best wishes!

On a recent trip to Paris, there were two whiny, crying kids one row ahead of us. What made it particularly aggravating was that the parents were not at all concerned and did nothing to try to quiet them down. They didn't have one toy or book or anything to distract them with. On the other hand, on the way home, there was again a young boy one row up. When he was awake, his mother had a box of matchbox cars for him, a book, and a few other things. So if your child has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, toy, or book, take ALL of them! That way you can offer something else if he gets tired of one thing. Assuming that he will sleep if you're flying overnight will not make that happen. Have a great trip!<BR>

Thanks. We are bringing quite a few things to help. We even bought a mini DVD player so we could play some his favorite shows.. but battery power will only give us 2 hours and thats on a 9 hour flight.

You're taking a DVD player, for a two-year-old? better to take plenty of milk, strawberry Quik to stir into it, and thus, to help overcome the taste of a very big slug of Benadryl.<BR><BR>The plane ride is at night. The reasonable plan for all travelers of all ages is to sleep.<BR>

up up up<BR>

We live in Germany over near the French and Luxembourg borders. Our weather has been particularly miserable this fall with lots of rain and cold (40-55 degrees)days. The weather turned nasty about the third week in August. The general feeling amongst the Germans around here is that we're going to have a long, cold and icy winter. Don't forget those gloves and hats for everyone, not just your child. Sorry to be a pessimist about this, but I'm really getting to know my hot water bottle well this fall! Just dress well, say to heck with the weather and have a great time.

I too, live in the Kaiserslautern area, my german friends have stated the same thing. Long nasty wet winter. The heat is already on in my apt at nite, so that should give you an indication of the temps. I would bring winter clothes and shoes and then layer from there. Layering really does keep you warm and dry. I learned this growing up in chicago, now there is some nasty snowy weather...and cold..

MH: If you're interested in comparing travel notes from around here(Kaiserslautern), drop me a line at the above address. Linda