Most European streets are cobbled?!? Cobblers!! :)<BR><BR>Were you last here in the 1930s?<BR><BR>Cobbled streets, at least in Western Europe are now pretty much restricted to historic areas. Indeed, I'm trying to think of one in London.....

B..b..but London is not.. Europe.

Belinda,<BR>Unbelieveable -- I'm also planning my next trip, probably in April or May, to either Paris or the South of France. I haven't done my London trip yet, but it doesn't hurt to start thinking about the next one! <BR>As far as the planning goes, I agree with you completely. My friends have commented on the level of detail I get to in my planning and all the information I have at my fingertips at practically all times, and they seem to think that it cuts down on the spontaneity. Well, my answer to that is basically what you said. I'd rather have it planned and be flexible than not have it planned and be paralyzed. Always be ready to throw the plans out the window if something interesting pops up!<BR>Still awaiting your trip report...<BR>Linda

Fantastic thread & reports by Belinda. Thank you. I have traveled quite a bit already but still enjoyed the stories and advice.<BR><BR>My particular favorite was regarding shoes. Now I'm all for "packing light" but when people say they are going to Europe for 3 weeks with only ONE pair~~ I just cringe. I don't think people can really imagine ahead of time just HOW MUCH you can walk in a day... or just HOW MANY stairs are there really are*!*!*!*!*

ttt

xxx

When travelling in Europe, we often asked walking directions---most of the time we were told "it is within walking distance." We always had a chuckle over that. I swear 2-3 miles was also considered "withing walking distance."<BR> Do NOT try to do Europe with only one pair of shoes. Wet or sweaty shoes need to rest a day before you put them back on your feet. And what happens if you break a strap, etc.? Sure buy a new pair--but not always in a convenient place to buy new ones (especially if you are hard to fit).<BR> Loved reading this thread. Keep them coming.

Trip report now available (although not yet completed) at "Belated Trip Report - London, Paris, Florence and Rome". I'm a little long-winded, but I hope someone enjoys reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Thanks.

Stupid question, I know, but what is moleskin and how exactly do you use it? I have seen it in the store, but I didn't know if it would be helpful to me or not. No matter how comfy/broken in/supportive my shoes are, I always seem to get a blister or two.

What I bought was a Dr Scholl's product and it was kind of a felt-like product with a sticky backing. You cut it to the size you need and apply it to the affected area. It allows that part of your foot to slide against your shoe without wearing a blister on it. I hope that explanation makes sense. And I don't really want to think about why it's called "Moleskin."

topping

Belinda, we are down to 9 days befor our trip. I just read your message and the following threads and it reminded me of some things to put in the bags. (handiwipes & personal toilet paper at the top of the list) Even in the states we carry them in the car just in case a toilet is out of essentials. Some of the outer responders gave some other hints for my wife 0ll bean was out of her size in the blazer in black. <BR>Enjoyed your post very much -- PARIS ready or not, here we come!!!!!