Barb

Vita--I know just how you feel! I am FINALLY leaving for Italy next week--well, 8 more days, and I can't stand it! I'm torn between spending time on this forum, reading my stack of guidebooks, surfing the net, practicing my Italian--wow! it almost feels like I've been studying for a big exam. My twenty-something son was here one day last week while I was packing--I had suitcases and toiletries, etc., spread everywhere; he said "You are way too excited if you're packing already." Surely I'm not the only one who packs in advance?

Happy

Vita, hope this doesn't gross you out, but on my first trip to Europe, I was actually sick to my stomach with excitement just before we were to leave for the airport. The butterflies of anticipation finally got to me. Thank goodness it happened *before* I left the house, yick!<BR><BR>England was my first destination as well and I can remember the absolute thrill of the plane breaking through the clouds and seeing the green, green landscape for the first time! I was practically bouncing up and down in my seat. <BR><BR>The trip was every bit as wonderful as the anticipation too, so enjoy the giddiness, enjoy your trip, and cherish the memories of it! I'm woohooing FOR ya girlfriend!

Tina

I understand completely! In fact, I am the same way too. I will be going to Florence, Italy in August for a nice long 8 month stay and I can't go more than a few hours without thinking about it. Especially since I have never traveled to Europe before. I think I have dealt with the anticipation by meticulously researching the web for travel information, and planning the places I want to visit.

maureen

ok - it's 5:30 am where i am.......been up since 3 am.........not excited, but PANICKING about my trip with my daughter - we leave 2 weeks from tomorrow. YIKES!! lol.......stupid last minute details.....decisions, what to see....should i book now? how much $?? cash, credit or travelers checks? do i even HAVE enough $ to DO THIS??? lol<BR><BR>Yes, all those lovely thoughts POUNDING through my head, keeping me awake.......sighhhh.......<BR><BR>How do you cope with THAT?? <BR><BR>Oh well, tickets are bought and London, here we come!!

Bel

Barb, I totally understand how you feel. I am leaving for Holland on Thursday (yippee!), and was basically fully packed by last Friday. My fiance thinks I'm insane, but there our suitcase sits, exactly half full, perfectly organized, until he haphazardly throws his stuff in the bag just before we leave for the airport. I made three pages of packing lists (carry on/day bag, overnight/toiletries bag, suitcase)--incredibly anal but very effective (came in handy last year when U.S. Airways lost my bag and I had--in my day bag--a two-page accounting of exactly what they needed to reimburse me for).

Vita

Hi, Maureen. The old rule goes something like pack half as much as you think you need and bring twice as much money as you think you need. If you already paid for your ticket and booked the rooms, those while be your biggest expensives. There actually seems to be a lot of free stuff that you can do in London if you're concerned about cost. Ben Haines recently sent me some files on free and inexpensive things to do. E-mail me if you'd like them. <BR><BR>So far as form of money, I bring some cash (very little), a credit card, my ATM card, and some traveler's checks. I intend to use the credit card and ATM card most of the time and the others are just in the event of an emergency.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip! Woohoo! Still excited!