mentor

Our itinerary, airfare, lodging and rental car is set. I have some specific questions that I?m hoping you can help me with.

1) Should we take toiletries and other small things with us, or save the packing space and just buy that stuff when we arrive?

2) Is there anything we take for granted here in the US that we will want to take with us because they don?t have it in Europe (toilet paper, etc)? Is there anything we might take with us that is actually restricted in Europe (aspirin, birth control, etc).

3) We will be renting a car in Rome and dropping it off in Paris. I?m a capable and confident driver?even aggressive when necessary. I have some questions about driving in Europe. How fast is the driving on the expressways? I?d rather not drive 100 mph. Should we take side roads instead? This is actually our preference, as it would allow us to see the countryside more intimately. Time is not a major concern, as we have scheduled whole days for what we?ve been told will be 4-5 hour trips between the cities (Rome to Venice, Venice to Munich, Munich to Strassbourg, Strassbourg to Paris). Any comments?

4) Where can we park the car during our stay in Venice? Can you give a ballpark range of the prices of the places you know of?

5) My wife insists we take our (eh-hem,?her) $1000 camera. I would like to hear your ideas about how best to secure the camera as we walk around Rome, Venice, Munich, and Paris. I?m thinking a strap over the neck won?t be enough.

6) We would like to attend one show (music/ballet/opera/etc) in each city. Should we order tickets online ASAP or just buy them the day of show?

7) What are common scams to be aware of? For example, ?check the meter of a taxi before climbing in, as the driver may have started the meter long before you came along??.and??if approached by a beggar, do not give money. The beggar has a partner watching to see where you keep your cash. Someone will try to pick your pocket if they know where you keep your money?.

8) Any advice on how to spot a pick-pocket or pick-pocket situation? A picked-pocket is a sly/discrete crime?do blatant muggings/hold-ups occur?

elaine

What do you mean by toiletries exactly?
Most every hotel offers soap and toilet paper; better hotels offer shampoo and lotions; inquire with your hotels if you are not sure. Very few provide toothpaste or toothbrushes but if you don't want to pack it you can buy it. Budget and even moderate places rarely provide wash cloths.

Aspirin, cough medicines, etc may have different brands in Europe but they are readily available. If you mean birth control that you would buy over the counter in the USA (I'm assuming that's where you are from) in a drugstore or supermarket, you might want to bring what you're used to.

Regarding crime and safety, as I recently told someone else, it helps to know where you live, are you used to big cities and crowds and buses and subways/metros?

I live in New York. I've never been a crime victim here, nor while traveling, knock wood. Before I went to Rome for the first time a few years ago, I'd heard so many stories about purse-snatching Vespa riders and rampant pickpockets in the metro that I actually had some temporary concern. I certainly felt silly when I got there. I took the normal precautions I would take anywhere: I kept my shoulder bag comfortable but closed and close to my body. I didn't hang it around the back of my chair or leave it in an empty seat in an outdoor cafe. When I had to consult a map or book, or change film in the camera, I stepped into a doorway or stopped in a cafe or sat on a ledge somewhere, and kept my wits and belongings about me. When I acquired packages, I dropped them off at the hotel so as not to be overloaded and vulnerable.

I used the metro and went to all the usual tourist places. In front of one church some waifs carrying a sign approached me. Wary of being distracted and victimized, I firmly waved them away. To assuage my guilty conscience, I put some coins into the church's charity box inside.

I don't use security wallets or money belts, but many people do as it makes them feel more secure about their cash, cards,and such.

Venice is an unusually safe place, there's almost no violent crime at all, but that doesn't mean that there isn't theoretically a pickpocket somewhere working the crowds.

I would worry less about speed between cities than I would about the craziness of traffic within the cities, lack of parking, narrow and one-way streets, etc. Rome to Venice, for example, is a perfect route to take a train on.

wombat7

Mentor - please brace yourself for some friendly (hopefully) teasing re your questions - toilet paper in two of the worlds finest capital cities....really!

But I'll answer with a straight face
1. Take the stuff with you because you are travelling between four cities anyway - but if you do run out of something don't worry - you can get shampoo at a pinch in Rome (sorry that just slipped out)
2. Anything we take for granted in the US? Well if you're not careful the coffee might be a bit strong (oops happened again) - Seriously many Europeans do not understand US facination with ice (as my mother would say I wanted a drink not an iceberg)
3. Driving - if you have not driven in Paris or Rome before you are indeed in for a treat. On the "freeways" (auto-route auto strade etc) 100mph is not mandatory. But standard of driving is IMHO much higher than North America - it has to be they have a lot less space. One tip on those highways - middle lane is NOT not sitting in - use the inside lane unless you are passing - this will save a lot of light flashing (they are not saying a friendly hello)
4. Don't know - we went there by train - but I know there is a car park off on the mailand - google and you shoudl find directions and rates
5. Camera - just be sensible - we were in Rome and Venice in the fall with a digital SLR - just hang on to it
6.Opera/ballet etc - not sure when youa re going but the season tends to be fall onwards - I would google find out the availability and if it is something you really want book before
7.Just keep your eyes open - certain areas are more prone than others - Rome train station is known to be bad - I was swarmed there five or so years back - but I was lucky in that I saaw them coming. Rule of thumb, never have something with you that you would hate to loose. The camera can easily be replaced, Grandmother's locket cannot.

Have a great trip!

Michael

Last summer I kept up with the car traffic on the autoroute by driving between 145 and 150 km/h. But I understand that they are cracking down on speeding in France. Stay off the autoroute and speed will not be a problem, and you are much less likely to have heavy traffic.

nytraveler

As far as driving is concerned on highways the limit is usually about 85 - except for places with no limit. As in the US most people drive 10 miles or so over the limit (95) with the speeders often doing a lot more. Do not be surprised to see a Porsche or Ferrari bearing down on you at 150+. Keeping out of the left lane unless you are passing is MANDATORY. People take this very seroiusly - as another poster said the standard of driving skills is generally much higher then in the US (people take it seriously and actually learn to drive) so mistakes are not looked upon kindly. (Nor should they be - you can be putting someones life at risk - its not like making a booboo in ordering dinner.)

As far as the choice of highway or local roads - because there is rarely much traffic (except in or immediately adjacent to city centers) traffic typically flows very freely (and fast) on almost all highways. Just be aware that traffic on local roads is often also quite fast - and the conditions are less forgiving.

All that said - I love driving in Europe - on highways and on local streets - but then I enjoy speed and am not intimidated by either that or a lot of traffic. If you're a competent and confident driver you should be fine - I think it sounds more intimidating than it really is.

suze

1) Take small, travel size of your normal personal toiletries. Hotels will have soap and most likely shampoo and lotion. You can buy them there but then will be picking up large sizes, and wasting time shopping.

2) They have toilet paper like you are used to in Western Europe. If you mean condoms they are available, if you mean your wife's bc pills then take them with you.

5) I would personally never travel with expensive equipment. It's more of a pain than it's worth (to me). I use a simple camera (disposable or point and shoot) and buy postcards or booklets of the sites. No fuss and nothing worth someone trying to steal (when you're out and about or from a hotel room).

7/8) My best advice on ALL your questions is to lighten up your attitude, going in paranoid will not help (certainly do keep your eyes open and your wits about you); Europe is not full of 'scams'. I would be more cautious and aware in high density or tourist situations (train stations, crowded plaza around famous place, etc.) if you're a pickpocket that's probably where you go! I'm guessing same with unreputable taxis.

Nikki

If you call for a taxi, there will be a price showing already on the meter, as the driver turns it on when you call and it includes the drive to your pickup point.

If you are trying to get on a train and find that your way is blocked, this should send up a red flag about pickpockets. My husband had his wallet lifted getting on a train in Naples when a group of middle-aged, well dressed men surrounded him and blocked his way onto the train.

If you want to go to the opera or ballet in Paris, you should order tickets ahead of time. These performances are likely to be sold out when you get there. There are many classical music concerts in churches which have tickets available the day of performance. There are also concerts in churches in Venice on almost a daily basis, and tickets should be available when you get there.

The only thing I can think of that is surprisingly not available in European hotels is a wash cloth. I do bring toiletries, however, since I don't want to be worried about shopping for things as soon as I get to Europe.

mgmargate

FOR YOUR SAKE I HOPE THIS IS A TROLL.

janeg

It is hard to imagine having a $1000 camera and not using it on a trip to Europe.

mentor

Thanks for your replies, I appreciate your patience with my (apparently silly) questions and helping us prepare for our trip. Neither of us has ever been to Europe and we have no idea what to expect. I wanted to address a few of our unknowns--if we know what to expect, we will feel more comfortable and should be able to enjoy the trip even more.

mgmargate: By the 'troll' comment, I assume you are implying this post might be a joke. I'm sorry if it came across that way...no it certainly is not a joke. Please keep in mind that some people come from modest backgrounds and have never had an opportunity to travel like this. Our source of information about Europe is gossip (urban legends?) and stories we've read on the internet (some dream vacations and some nightmares). I think we can all get a good chuckle out of our naivete'. I'm laughing on my end...it's funny to see how disparate our perceptions can be. I'm excited for the chance to explore foreign lands and to reshape my view of the world.

Betsy

OK, I'll bite. Have you considered taking the train instead of renting a car and doing all that driving? How many days is your trip? You're going to be in the car at least four looong days. The train system in European countries is fast and efficient. You'll need a car in Rome, Venice, Munich and Paris about as much as a fish needs a bicycle. Isn't there a hefty drop off charge for renting in one country and dropping off in another? Plug your itinerary into www.railsaver.com, choose the "only if it saves me money" option to compare costs.

Betsy

Mentor, I just referenced the thread you started on 1-8-04. Suggest you go back and read it carefully. You were given some great advice there. Just click on your name and your previous posts will come up on the left hand side.

Mentor is not a troll.

mentor

Thanks for the tips. Here's the details as I have them tentatively worked out...

>OK, I'll bite. Have you considered
>taking the train instead of renting a
>car and doing all that driving?
Yes, I compared prices and it was actually a hair cheaper to rent a car.

>How many days is your trip?
Arrive Rome May 12 leave Paris May 28

>You're going to be in the car at least
>four looong days.
Hrrmmmm....I was hoping these days in the car would be 'leisurely and romantic drives through the countryside'. A chance to get a close up exposure to the countries we are in. While a train would let us see the landscape, we can't stop the train to check out the vineyard we stumble upon. I am concerned about long drives, as the rental car will be tiny. We have done our best to schedule no more than 4 hours of driving in any given day (drive times obtained from viamichelin.com). Are my 4 hour driving days accurate?
Rome to Venice = 5 hr
Venice to Munich = 4 hr
Munich to Strassbourg = 4 hr
Strassbourg to Paris = 4 hr

>The train system in European countries
>is fast and efficient. You'll need a
>car in Rome, Venice, Munich and Paris
>about as much as a fish needs a bicycle.
I agree, we don't need a car in any of those cities. Here's the plan...when we pick up the car in Rome, we will immediately head to Venice. Park the car the entire time we are in Venice. Drive to Munich (visiting Linderhof enroute). The next day, use the car to get to Weis Kirche and the castles down south. Park the car until we drive to Paris. Drop the car off immediately upon arrival in Paris.

>Isn't there a hefty drop off charge
>for renting in one country and
>dropping off in another?
Yes. A rental car was WAY cheaper than riding the train. Adding on the $400ish penalty made the rental car cost a hair less than train tickets. I consider the added cost of gas & tolls well spent for the freedom to drive around where-ever our whims dictate. I can't remember which site I used to price train tickets, but it was going to run something like $800 for the two of us.

>Plug your itinerary into www.railsaver.com,
>choose the "only if it saves me
>money" option to compare costs.
Thanks, I'll have a look.

Betsy

Just one quick observation, then I have to run. We took the train from Venice to Munich a couple of years ago. The trip took either eight or 12 hours, I don't remember which. If you're going to meander through the countryside, you'd better plan at least two days.

I've also done the drive from Munich to Paris, which is about 12 hours, stopping briefly. Munich to Strasbourg and Strasbourg to Paris would each take you about a day if you're going to meander.

bcoover007

Dear Mentor,
1) Pack the little sample size toothpaste, shampoo, q-tips, shaving cream, etc.

2) No. But you may want to take some wet-naps (those baby wipe things) because it can be hard at times to find a bathroom to wash up in (again try to find a sample size, I suggest Wal-Mart).

3) I can tell you that country driving is nice, however, Rome and Paris have horrible driving patterns and even worse drivers. And for a reference point, I have lived in NYC, Boston, and DC. In the cities I suggent you drive in, park, then walk or use public transportation.

4) Can't help you here.

5) I have never had a problem, but stay smart, don't set it down, esp. in Rome, or leave it unattended. Rome does has a big problem with pickpockets, so be aware, when my wife and I were near Termini station, she was almost pickpocketed, and then an attempt was made on me. It left me very frustrated.

6.) Get the tickets in advance, but you can what and have your hotel concierge (sp.?) do it for you. This is how we say Moulin Rouge and Lido in Paris. It can be as easy as requesting the next days performance.

7) See pickpocket info above, and in Paris gypsy's will approach you with a piece of paper with english text on it stating they are refugees from Kosovo or another hot spot, and request money. Of course they identify you as American or British, that why they approach with the message in English, so don't give them anything, also watch out as this is also a pickpocket area. They tend to cluster around Notre Dame.

8) Most European cities are safe from violent crime, esp. Paris, but you can't spot a pick-pocket, you can, however, keep your wallet at the hotel, take some money, credit card, passport, etc, put it into a safe place, for example your sock, or spend some money on safety belt/vest/etc. AAA sells those things.

Have great fun! and Drive safe!!!

Randy

I also would recommend that you take your own wash cloths. As to drugs and other medications, I would recommend that you take them with you. If you do not know the languages in the counteries you are visiting it may be difficult to know what you are buying.

My only comment on the camera is that I have found that a digital camera is a lot more convenient than a film camera. Remember you will be carring the camera all day --- I hope it is a small and light weight one.

Yes, be aware of the pickpockets. I have had problems in the metro in Paris. I would recommend a secure place for important papers, cash and credit cards.

I have also heard that they are enforcing the speed limits in France now. They also strongly enforce the drinking and driving laws.

Have a wonderful trip.