tailsock

there was never any intention of canceling the TRIP ~ they are cancelling the place they booked so that we can book some place else

So what did you decide on, they'll be there a week from today, right?

They are booked at Cosmo's Hotel

SINCERE THANKS to those who actually gave me helpful suggestions instead of criticizing my concern for my niece and her friend.

SINCERE THANKS to those who actually gave me helpful suggestions instead of criticizing my concern for my niece and her friend.>

Well Fodorgarchs, at least some like those above who made IMO rather rude comments, can be callous - you get that with a public forum but IMO there is no excuse for their often boorish behaviours.

I am wondering why the aunt thinks she is in charge of her niece.

I am wondering why people care what she does for her niece.

Call me boorish, but I kind of look at this as a peer to peer site. Not peer to extended family of peer. I also think the reticence at sharing details, but expecting others to share, probably tainted the conversation.

But perhaps this and my prior post is better left un-typed.

As I see the OP was asking a reasonable question, why some fodorites feel the need to challenge her right to an answer I don't know, but if you don't want to offer help why not just do that.

Guys we have a long spring to get through, getting fractious before we get to the usual "how should I tip? and I don't care what you say I'm going to do it my way" and the "I'm going to Venice tomorrow in August, should I book a hotel?" makes no sense so chill out. :-)

I am wondering why the aunt thinks she is in charge of her niece.>

I'd say it is little of your business - if you do not have any real input into her question why just make insulting remarks? Another Fodorgarch acting rude to others IMO.

Bitter, just one comment

I did not want to share the name of the place that my niece had booked because I had no "proof" that it was not a decent place. We had read reviews, and her parents and I had reservations about it so we all talked about it and decided to look into options. But I did not want to name the place just because we were uncomfortable with it, I didn't think that was fair.

And to all, I do not feel in any way that I have been "taking charge"

She just emailed me tonight to ask about booking tickets in advance for Eiffel Tower and Versailles. I sent her some links and suggested Google searches, but I did not "take charge" and do it for her. She is a very smart and independent girl, and doing a great job in planning her trips.

Again, I only asked for suggestions because we were a little worried that they had compromised where they were staying, basing their decision on booking the cheapest place.

I have to admit that I was quite upset at times with the snarky and critical comments from this thread, I felt really defensive, when I was just trying to help out a very special girl who I am very close to.

Please let me say once more, to all who have been helpful, thank you. I have received SO much help from members of these boards in planning multiple trips to England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and places in the US and Canada. We have had SUCH wonderful trips that would never have been possible without Fodors.

So can we please say "Amen" and end this thread?? :)

Ca y'est!

Get a copy of Let's Go France - the so-called 'Bible' of backpackers - written by college students and annually revised - great on accommodations and objectively reviews them IME - calling dumps dumps - also a world of useful info - sold in any major bookstore and of course on amazon.com.

I would value the description of a hostel or budget hotel from this book greatly.

Is there a "Lets Go Europe" that is more braodly based, or is it only France?

Wrenwood: I would just like to say that I wish I had an aunt like you, to help me with travels, or life in general.

All my wonderful aunts, Lizzie, Margaret, Mary, Helen, Agnes, together with my mother, all sisters, are gone now, and I miss having a wonderful aunt like you.

Is there a "Lets Go Europe" that is more braodly based, or is it only France?>

Yes Let's Go Europe and the section for Paris is about the same as Let's Go France in essentials but not nearly so much on the rest of France as Let's Go France.

My local library used book sale always has lots of slightly old Let's Go books - I buy them for a buck and tear out relevant pages.

Or you could photo copy things from Let's Go France and Let's Go Europe, etc

Best wishes.

Palenque

taconictraveler

How nice of you to take the time to comment! I too have been lucky enough to have wonderful Aunts. I only have 2 out of 4 left, and yes my mother is also gone. How I wish we could sit down and talk!

My two remaining Aunts have become more and more important as time goes by.

I am lucky to be very close to my nieces. The two younger ones haven't had a grandmother for most of their lives so I am Aunt and also feel like a surrogate grandmother at times. Family is everything.

Again, thank you so much for your comment, it certainly brought a smile to my face this evening.