Just returned from a trip to Oxford, Cotswolds, Paris and London (6/10). What a great time to enjoy - 50th Jubilee in England, World Cup, Tennis Open Championships. Parties everywhere. My only tips --- keep your money close. I met many tourists who had their pockets (legs, front pockets too) picked on trains. We were careful and always took public transportation

To continue..... I learned not to buy ANY train tickets in advance in the US. Cheaper and available overseas. Museum passes not needed -- just plan your visits close to closing times or first thing in the morning. Yes, Paris has it's share of rude people and hellish drivers - learn to ignore and rejoice in the nice ones.

Those darn english theives!<BR><BR>Wasnt the jubilee for al the commonwealth, colleen?

To continue..... stayed in the best place for the best price in Oxford --- Burlington House. Fantastic accomodations and breakfast, on the bus route or 2.5 miles from old Oxford. In London stayed at London Elizabeth Hotel in Bayswater. Nice staff, but the place is getting funky and not in a particularly great walking location to other sites.

The last bit... Paris. Fell in love with that dirty, intense but full of life and art city (and I am from Oregon - the boonies). Much like NY in the '80s and 90's. Crime ridden. Beware. Stayed in St. Germain au Pres. Great location, parties every night in the street. Everything is close enough to avoid taking the Metro. Staff nice at Left Bank Hotel. Tiny rooms - impossible shower. I'm middle aged and wished I'd lived in Paris in my 20s. Everyone should (with cash though).

how are the rates for taxis in paris and london? do you know if there is any base rate that they charge or a certain limit that they cant charge over? also do you tip them too like here in the us?

Erica: I thought the taxis were reasonable. Took a cab from St. Lazare to the 5th arron (Place Contrescarpe), midday on a Saturday and the charge was 7 euros. I had read the tip was 10%; I always found myself tipping more and not worrying about it. Once we took the taxi and the meter started at 2 euros; another time it was at 6 something euros. Don't know the reason other than perhaps it was the time of day or a hotel pickup.Colleen: Just back from Paris too; I expected it to be dirty etc. Found just the opposite; streets were constantly being cleaned; as a far as being "crime ridden" I saw none of that either; at least in the tourists areas.

Only took cabs from the train stations to hotels in England/Paris. England, of course, is regulated and is the same and less expensive. Paris, however, charges differently depending upon your luggage and the amount of time they will spend in traffic. For example, going to the hotel from Gare du Nord was more expensive than returning because of the time of day and traffic.

When I say crime ridden, I mean obvious crime rather than the hidden crime that just goes with the human race. Pickpockets are rampant (as they are in London) and I ran into three different people with stories about what had just happened to them. Also, things in hotel rooms are not necessarily safe, though I experienced none of this. Probably because I look poor and have no jewelry. Gendarmes everywhere in groups breaking up groups of hustlers, so the City is trying to clean up. Still people should be aware.