intinerary comments
Jun 21st, 2005, 05:49 PM
#21
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I think starrsville idea is excellent
Even if you were to choose as many as 5 base cities, that would be at least 4 fewer intercity-trips, 4 fewer packings and unpackings, less checking in and checking out, less wasted time, a higher ratio of sightseeing and experiencing vs total trip time.
Even if you were to choose as many as 5 base cities, that would be at least 4 fewer intercity-trips, 4 fewer packings and unpackings, less checking in and checking out, less wasted time, a higher ratio of sightseeing and experiencing vs total trip time.
Jun 21st, 2005, 05:57 PM
#22
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thanks elaine and starrsville for your suggestions!! We are contemplating dropping scotland and adding days to Budapest,Krakow, Rome and Paris. I love to stroll and enjoy. The days we have in the intinerary amount to about 22 and we have about 30 so there is still room for improvement. Thanks so much!!
Jun 21st, 2005, 06:18 PM
#23
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ucnati - you can get some very economical weekly rentals. Check with the slowtrav.com site and VRBO for ideas.
I used to do vacations as what other posters have described as a "death march" (road trips in the US).
My BIL grew up in Europe and I adored hearing his stories of jumping on a train for the weekend and heading off to another country or two. Hard for me to imagine until I realized that countries in Europe were the geographic equivalent of states in the US.
Once I started trying this method I was amazed at how much more enjoyable all aspects of the trip became.
Unpack once. Able to do laundry if I need in the rental, so don't have to take as many clothes. When I have several weeks in Europe this will be my plan. The rental fees are so reasonable I know I can head off with a backpack w/ toothbrush and change of underwear and go exploring. If I decide I want to stay overnight I won't feel guilty for leaving an expensive hotel room unused. This is when you may consider a hostel for overnight.
I've used this approach when visiting the Keys from Palm Beach, heading over to the volcanoes on the Big Island when I had a hotel in Kona, and taking an unexpected road trip on the coast of California when visiting SF.
If you've not heard about "Untours" you may want to check them out. A college professor started a network of rental units in residential areas for folks to rent for a week or two. Traveling on a teacher's budget but you are immersed in the local culture and neighborhoods - apartments over bakeries, etc.
I'm not saying you won't be spending as many days on the train. But, you will be unpacking only a few times - and you have the flexibility to see whatever you want to see AND to change your mind. (and crash if you need to)
I'm a BIG believer in planning throughly, having an idea of what I want to see when, and throwing the "Plan" out the window when I'm actually there and find better options.
Happy travels.
I used to do vacations as what other posters have described as a "death march" (road trips in the US).
My BIL grew up in Europe and I adored hearing his stories of jumping on a train for the weekend and heading off to another country or two. Hard for me to imagine until I realized that countries in Europe were the geographic equivalent of states in the US.
Once I started trying this method I was amazed at how much more enjoyable all aspects of the trip became.
Unpack once. Able to do laundry if I need in the rental, so don't have to take as many clothes. When I have several weeks in Europe this will be my plan. The rental fees are so reasonable I know I can head off with a backpack w/ toothbrush and change of underwear and go exploring. If I decide I want to stay overnight I won't feel guilty for leaving an expensive hotel room unused. This is when you may consider a hostel for overnight.
I've used this approach when visiting the Keys from Palm Beach, heading over to the volcanoes on the Big Island when I had a hotel in Kona, and taking an unexpected road trip on the coast of California when visiting SF.
If you've not heard about "Untours" you may want to check them out. A college professor started a network of rental units in residential areas for folks to rent for a week or two. Traveling on a teacher's budget but you are immersed in the local culture and neighborhoods - apartments over bakeries, etc.
I'm not saying you won't be spending as many days on the train. But, you will be unpacking only a few times - and you have the flexibility to see whatever you want to see AND to change your mind. (and crash if you need to)
I'm a BIG believer in planning throughly, having an idea of what I want to see when, and throwing the "Plan" out the window when I'm actually there and find better options.
Happy travels.
Jun 21st, 2005, 06:57 PM
#24
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Hi again, I had actually looked into renting a small place in the constance area. Sounds like a good idea. May have to check it out a little further. Research is HUGE with me and we are in the beginning of breaking down exactly what we want to see in each city..markets to visit...attractions to see ect...My daughter wants to visit scotland (our ancestry) although I wouldn't mind another trip for it.Maybe I can talk her out of it. I guess we'll have to see. Trip is in planning stage...thanks so much for all the advice!!!
