It's alright if ....
Apr 9th, 2008 | 05:38 AM
#22
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
It's alright to:
Wear pants in churches if you are a woman.
Not feel stupid to prefering a purse to a moneybelt.
Wear jeans almost anywhere if you are young and don't care about nice restaurants.
Wear jeans if you are older as long as you also bring another pair of pants for the nice restaurants.
Take the bus tour (or boat tour) for your first, especially jetlagged day.
Nap during the day no matter what your age or activity level!
It's alright to not especially love the Louvre or to much prefer the Musee d'Orsay.
It's alright to care about what you wear and how you look in your travel photos and to be horrified at advice to wear your oldest clothes and just throw them away.
It's alright to talk politics, maybe more so than here in the States.
And finally - it's alright to check this website on a daily basis to get your quick fix of all things Europe!
Wear pants in churches if you are a woman.
Not feel stupid to prefering a purse to a moneybelt.
Wear jeans almost anywhere if you are young and don't care about nice restaurants.
Wear jeans if you are older as long as you also bring another pair of pants for the nice restaurants.
Take the bus tour (or boat tour) for your first, especially jetlagged day.
Nap during the day no matter what your age or activity level!
It's alright to not especially love the Louvre or to much prefer the Musee d'Orsay.
It's alright to care about what you wear and how you look in your travel photos and to be horrified at advice to wear your oldest clothes and just throw them away.
It's alright to talk politics, maybe more so than here in the States.
And finally - it's alright to check this website on a daily basis to get your quick fix of all things Europe!
Apr 9th, 2008 | 05:58 AM
#23
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 0
getting away from the all right/alright, I'm breaking the rules and using "okay."
It's okay to not have a tight schedule or planned itinerary for every moment. it is acceptable if to plan out each day--whatever makes you more comfortable.
Most hotels will be in a centralized area, unless you want to be in a certain place for ease of retaurants/nightlife--most neighborhoods are the "best."
You probably won't get to each place you have planned, it's okay--you will go back.
Your trip abroad will probably not be the only one you take. Setting yourself up for the "trip of a lifetime" is likely to lead to disappointment.
The exchange rate is what it is good or bad, it's okay not to get too hung up on it--you are on vacation and can travel within your budget regardless of the exchange rate.
It is okay to drive rather than train everywhere (not in major cities), just know how to drive a stick shift or be prepared to pay a lot for automatic. And use mappy, google maps, etc. to map out your directions and print them ahead of time. get a road map too so you can change your mind.
It is okay not to like a city/country/place where you went on vacation, even if it seems everyone else loves it. We all have different tastes.
It is okay to change your mind--if you have 3 cities planned and like where you are or don't like one of the destinations--leave and go back early to the place you like or extend your stay and forgo the next place--you can always go back another time.
It's okay to sit and drink wine all day in a cafe instead of trekking all over town. You ARE on vacation--relax!
It's okay to skip the major cities (I know, it was already said).
It's okay to wear whatever you want, think you look good in, are comfortable in--they sell the same clothes in Europe that they sell in the US and Canada, you are on vacation, not in a fashion show--no one cares or is probably paying attention.
It's okay to go back to a city/country more than once (this one is hard for me), you will never see everything, for the most part.
No vacation is completely perfect, it's okay--it is an experience either way.
It's okay to ask questions, even if they are inane--everyone has an opinion and they love to share it here, even if it doesn't come out in the nicest of ways.
It's okay to not have a tight schedule or planned itinerary for every moment. it is acceptable if to plan out each day--whatever makes you more comfortable.
Most hotels will be in a centralized area, unless you want to be in a certain place for ease of retaurants/nightlife--most neighborhoods are the "best."
You probably won't get to each place you have planned, it's okay--you will go back.
Your trip abroad will probably not be the only one you take. Setting yourself up for the "trip of a lifetime" is likely to lead to disappointment.
The exchange rate is what it is good or bad, it's okay not to get too hung up on it--you are on vacation and can travel within your budget regardless of the exchange rate.
It is okay to drive rather than train everywhere (not in major cities), just know how to drive a stick shift or be prepared to pay a lot for automatic. And use mappy, google maps, etc. to map out your directions and print them ahead of time. get a road map too so you can change your mind.
It is okay not to like a city/country/place where you went on vacation, even if it seems everyone else loves it. We all have different tastes.
It is okay to change your mind--if you have 3 cities planned and like where you are or don't like one of the destinations--leave and go back early to the place you like or extend your stay and forgo the next place--you can always go back another time.
It's okay to sit and drink wine all day in a cafe instead of trekking all over town. You ARE on vacation--relax!
It's okay to skip the major cities (I know, it was already said).
It's okay to wear whatever you want, think you look good in, are comfortable in--they sell the same clothes in Europe that they sell in the US and Canada, you are on vacation, not in a fashion show--no one cares or is probably paying attention.
It's okay to go back to a city/country more than once (this one is hard for me), you will never see everything, for the most part.
No vacation is completely perfect, it's okay--it is an experience either way.
It's okay to ask questions, even if they are inane--everyone has an opinion and they love to share it here, even if it doesn't come out in the nicest of ways.
Apr 9th, 2008 | 06:03 AM
#25
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,549
Likes: 0
How you can start out praising someone as being relaxed and experienced, and THEN you say:
Can I propose that we draw up a list together of the <b>things that it is alright to do (or not)</b>
[emphasis mine, obviously]
Everything is "alright to do" and thinking there needs to be "permission" is about as unrelaxed as you can get.
Can I propose that we draw up a list together of the <b>things that it is alright to do (or not)</b>
[emphasis mine, obviously]
Everything is "alright to do" and thinking there needs to be "permission" is about as unrelaxed as you can get.
Apr 9th, 2008 | 06:08 AM
#26
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,770
Likes: 0
It's all right if you fail to make the most productive possible use of your time -- if you dawdle, procrastinate, piddle around, forget to do a Must Do -- as long as you're open to the experience of being there and use your indoor voice.
It's all right to spell words as you wish on travel forums, and make typos without agonizing, as long as you're communicating helpfully. Give your inner third grade teacher a rest.
It's all right to spell words as you wish on travel forums, and make typos without agonizing, as long as you're communicating helpfully. Give your inner third grade teacher a rest.
Apr 9th, 2008 | 06:50 AM
#28
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
stokebailey wrote: "It's all right to spell words as you wish on travel forums"
... so long as you recognise that it pisses some people off and deflects others from grasping the meaning of what you say, and can lead to a person who might just have that nugget of information you seek not responding to your question.
... so long as you recognise that it pisses some people off and deflects others from grasping the meaning of what you say, and can lead to a person who might just have that nugget of information you seek not responding to your question.
Apr 9th, 2008 | 07:05 AM
#30
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,523
Likes: 0
It's OK to take a tour. I did my first time. Part of the reason is confidence...you can't always convince people to be confident and do it on their own, sometimes confidence comes with experience.
It's OK to not like the Mona Lisa, it's OK to not go up the Eiffel tower. Do more of what you want to do, and a bit less of the commonly accepted 'must-sees'.
Sometimes more is less. You may try to fit in that extra museum or two in a day because it's on your list, rush around to do so...and months later when you look back on your trip you may find the best memories could be of sitting at a cafe on a beautiful summer day enjoying just 'being there'. Aim for more 'being there' moments.
There is a point where clothes DO matter. You'd love to visit a certain church, they'd love you to ditch that short skirt and may not let you in. I remember pulling over outside Konya in Turkey (conservative) so that women in our group could put on long pants. Similarly, you may or may not get treated differently based on how you look...I prefer not to increase the odds, and dress unobtrusively.
Have a healthy attitude to safety. Don't always believe the "pickpockets are everywhere" doomsayers, but still, in a calm manner, be aware of your surroundings, how you look to any potential thief, and have your backup plan set.
Culture...whether you are going to Canada or Ghana, the culture will NOT be the same. Know this, if you can, make an effort to find out more before going, and while there..observe and learn. If people eat at 8PM, why not adapt?
Respect where you are going.
Are you a tourist or a traveller? Be both, and realize that the later can be the more rewarding. Be open for new experiences and growth. Come back from a trip a little bit changed.
And, in the same vein, you are "there", not "here". So enjoy "there" and don't compare it back to "here". If you want everything like at home....
And...trust Fodor's, there are some wise people here.
It's OK to not like the Mona Lisa, it's OK to not go up the Eiffel tower. Do more of what you want to do, and a bit less of the commonly accepted 'must-sees'.
Sometimes more is less. You may try to fit in that extra museum or two in a day because it's on your list, rush around to do so...and months later when you look back on your trip you may find the best memories could be of sitting at a cafe on a beautiful summer day enjoying just 'being there'. Aim for more 'being there' moments.
There is a point where clothes DO matter. You'd love to visit a certain church, they'd love you to ditch that short skirt and may not let you in. I remember pulling over outside Konya in Turkey (conservative) so that women in our group could put on long pants. Similarly, you may or may not get treated differently based on how you look...I prefer not to increase the odds, and dress unobtrusively.
Have a healthy attitude to safety. Don't always believe the "pickpockets are everywhere" doomsayers, but still, in a calm manner, be aware of your surroundings, how you look to any potential thief, and have your backup plan set.
Culture...whether you are going to Canada or Ghana, the culture will NOT be the same. Know this, if you can, make an effort to find out more before going, and while there..observe and learn. If people eat at 8PM, why not adapt?
Respect where you are going.
Are you a tourist or a traveller? Be both, and realize that the later can be the more rewarding. Be open for new experiences and growth. Come back from a trip a little bit changed.
And, in the same vein, you are "there", not "here". So enjoy "there" and don't compare it back to "here". If you want everything like at home....
And...trust Fodor's, there are some wise people here.
Apr 10th, 2008 | 04:56 PM
#34
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
Likes: 0
It's your vacation - so you should do it the way YOU want. If you don;t like - or have time for - planning and prefer to have someone decide for you where to go and what to do - fine. It's better than not traveling at all.
(Although I don;t think this has anything to do with a 1st or a 10th trip to somewhere - just your style of travel.)
Do have TWO paris of sturdy broken in waterproofed broken shoes since it WILL rain during your trip - and walking 10 miles in wet shoes is no fun.
Be sure you have a sturdy folding umbrella.
Do NOT eat at any restaurant adjacent to a tourist attraction that had menus in 12 languages plus pictures. The food will be expensive and poor.
Recognize that many things will be done differently than at home - that's why you're going. It won;t kill you (except for a food allergy - then you need a special card).
Knowing only English is understandable - but you will do much better if you spend 30 minutes to learn a few basic polite phrases in the languages of the country you will visit.
No matter how many people tell horror stories about crime almost every tourist area in europe is just as safe - if not safer - than your home town (unless you wander down dark alleys alone at 3 am).
You will have minor problems.
You will overcome them - unless you're incredibly picky (in which case you probably shouldn't leave home).
You will laugh about them after the trip.
(Although I don;t think this has anything to do with a 1st or a 10th trip to somewhere - just your style of travel.)
Do have TWO paris of sturdy broken in waterproofed broken shoes since it WILL rain during your trip - and walking 10 miles in wet shoes is no fun.
Be sure you have a sturdy folding umbrella.
Do NOT eat at any restaurant adjacent to a tourist attraction that had menus in 12 languages plus pictures. The food will be expensive and poor.
Recognize that many things will be done differently than at home - that's why you're going. It won;t kill you (except for a food allergy - then you need a special card).
Knowing only English is understandable - but you will do much better if you spend 30 minutes to learn a few basic polite phrases in the languages of the country you will visit.
No matter how many people tell horror stories about crime almost every tourist area in europe is just as safe - if not safer - than your home town (unless you wander down dark alleys alone at 3 am).
You will have minor problems.
You will overcome them - unless you're incredibly picky (in which case you probably shouldn't leave home).
You will laugh about them after the trip.
Apr 10th, 2008 | 08:13 PM
#37
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 0
The only thing I would say is all right, is to do what you really would like and if possible always using some common sense.
Everything is relative, for instance saying it is all right to go to France and not go to Paris,...if you have not been before in Paris...>>??? I would add that it does not make any sense to me...
Everything is relative, for instance saying it is all right to go to France and not go to Paris,...if you have not been before in Paris...>>??? I would add that it does not make any sense to me...
Apr 10th, 2008 | 08:32 PM
#38
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
It's ok to wear the big white sneakers, if that's what most comfortable for you! Just as long as you don't wear them to a fancy restaurant or so. Wear what you want, within reason, though keep the lengths conservative, just in case.
Apr 10th, 2008 | 09:28 PM
#39
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
Likes: 0
I totally disagree about shopping air fares. When you can save $200-500/each, you can shop like the dickens for a much nicer hotel and take a taxi to/from the airport.
I would add, however, that three months ahead is not advance planning. A year and three months is better. Unless you've got lots of experience.
I don't understand the "can I wear?" questions. If that's what you wear all over at home, why worry? Anyone think the responses have changed anyone's packing plans? You'll see anything and everything on others, everywhere.
It is possible to be comfortable, even more so, in clothing/shoes other than in jeans and white sneakers, and look a lot nicer. My rules of packing are fabric, fit, flattering.
There ARE pickpockets everywhere. And, if you take simple precautions, they will target others who haven't, rather than you.
I'm all for economizing, but it's just so silly to "save" a few dollars and not do something you'd really like to do while you're there.
If you're asking about air conditioning for the warmer months, you'll probably be relieved to have booked a place that has it and sorry if you don't.
A good restaurant guide is much better for finding places appealing to you than "name your favorites" in a large city. Besides, I think everything turns on what you order.
There's nothing wrong with any organized tour, even though they may be restrictive and not the best value for the dollar. And, they're just so much more efficient.
That "pack tattered underwear and toss it as you go" tip is the most ridiculous "tip" I've ever heard (not to mention those who offer it as an original idea). Can you imagine waste baskets in hotel rooms all over Europe with dirty underwear left for the maids?
It's just fine to run yourself ragged. And, otherwise do whatever you please. You'll adjust as you go.
I would add, however, that three months ahead is not advance planning. A year and three months is better. Unless you've got lots of experience.
I don't understand the "can I wear?" questions. If that's what you wear all over at home, why worry? Anyone think the responses have changed anyone's packing plans? You'll see anything and everything on others, everywhere.
It is possible to be comfortable, even more so, in clothing/shoes other than in jeans and white sneakers, and look a lot nicer. My rules of packing are fabric, fit, flattering.
There ARE pickpockets everywhere. And, if you take simple precautions, they will target others who haven't, rather than you.
I'm all for economizing, but it's just so silly to "save" a few dollars and not do something you'd really like to do while you're there.
If you're asking about air conditioning for the warmer months, you'll probably be relieved to have booked a place that has it and sorry if you don't.
A good restaurant guide is much better for finding places appealing to you than "name your favorites" in a large city. Besides, I think everything turns on what you order.
There's nothing wrong with any organized tour, even though they may be restrictive and not the best value for the dollar. And, they're just so much more efficient.
That "pack tattered underwear and toss it as you go" tip is the most ridiculous "tip" I've ever heard (not to mention those who offer it as an original idea). Can you imagine waste baskets in hotel rooms all over Europe with dirty underwear left for the maids?
It's just fine to run yourself ragged. And, otherwise do whatever you please. You'll adjust as you go.
Apr 11th, 2008 | 12:00 AM
#40
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I like what everyone has written here, prolly some are just variations of this and that.. haha
I think its alright to plan for your trip, maybe one year in advance or one day in advance, and plan it to the smallest details, but just let it go if things don't go the way as u planned, because most importantly, it's NOT alright not to enjoy yourself, which basically should be what travelling is about yeah?
I think I do plan quite a lot BEFORE I go.. but once on it.. just go with the flow.. haha..
I think its alright to plan for your trip, maybe one year in advance or one day in advance, and plan it to the smallest details, but just let it go if things don't go the way as u planned, because most importantly, it's NOT alright not to enjoy yourself, which basically should be what travelling is about yeah?
I think I do plan quite a lot BEFORE I go.. but once on it.. just go with the flow.. haha..
