Here is a tip on the Carry On baggage rule. Most, if not all, budget airlines are REALLY strict on size and weight limits and will nail you if you are over by even 1/2 kilo. AH, but grasshopper there is a great way around this.

It is called a "Recon Vest", also known as a photographer's vest, but if you get the recon type it costs way less than if it is a photographer type (even though they may look identical). These vests have a ton of pockets, front/back/inside/outside that you can load up with stuff. The best part is that it doesn't count as carry-on, since you are wearing it.

Here is the link on Amazon for the one I have. I use it to carry my photo and video gear and it is pretty well made. Plus, it is very light weight and breathes. And as you'll see, it is fairly in expensive. I weigh 210 lbs. and use an XL. ...

http://www.amazon.com/RECON-VEST-BLA...5066382&sr=8-8

It has a back pocket that is simply huge. With me, I use it to hold a sizable wireless mic receiver and twin battery packs. If I remember correctly, it has over 14 pockets.

dave

palenQ, so if I get the 5-country Select Eurail Pass with Germany on it in place of the Czech Republic, how would that work? What countries would it involve? Could I use it to get from France to Amsterdam because I thought it had to be bordering countries? sighhh this seems kinda confusing, should I just get the global pass for peace of mind?

Daveesi, that Recon Vest seems cool! Haha.

Someone who knows more about the trains should answer this, but does it make sense to go Vienna - Venice - Rome - Florence - Paris??

When I was in Italy, the train from Venice to Rome ran through Florence. Would it make sense instead to go from Vienna to Venice to Florence to Rome, then fly to Paris?


Good luck and have fun. Remember not to stress out too much about the little details. You can plan all you want ahead of time, but it's entirely okay to chuck the plan. Picnics in a park are often a cheap and fun way to people watch and enjoy a city.