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-   -   Pre-Pay Germany Tours (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/pre-pay-germany-tours-346607/)

anitas Apr 20th, 2008 06:51 AM

Pre-Pay Germany Tours
 
My husband and I are planning on going to Germany this August. I have found a website where I can prepay for our transportation to and from the airport as well as the hop on hop off bus (which we like to do). With the dollar so weak what do the experts on the site think about purchasing these in advance?

yk Apr 20th, 2008 07:02 AM

Without tell us how much it is and what the tour includes, it is impossible to give you any advice.

Plus, no one can predict what the Euro rate will be in August.

JulieAgain Apr 20th, 2008 03:51 PM

Anitas, I'm definitely not an expert, but I assume you want some opinions. So here is mine.

I pay in advance for only what is required and "must have" items, such as airport to/from hotel transportation. I do not pay for such as a hoho bus - we change our plans so often after we arrive.

For instance, I only pay for hotels if required, just in case I encounter a problem after arriving. It is easier to immediately use my cell phone & cancel a credit card to prevent a charge (since we have 3), than to try for months to get a large refund.

So far, I haven't based my advance payments on the price of the Euro.

Have a great trip.

anitas Apr 20th, 2008 05:24 PM

Thanks for your responses. We have paid for our airline tickets, hotels in advance. There is a website (not allowed to advertise here) where we can pay for some of our tours in advance: hop on hop off bus, airport transportation, river cruises etc in advance. I think it make sense to pay for these in advance.

bettyk Apr 20th, 2008 07:15 PM

anitas, it is only considered advertising if you benefit financially. Many people here post websites for informational purposes.

kybourbon Apr 20th, 2008 10:02 PM

I would think the booking/service fees charged a reseller website would use any savings resulting from the dollar weakening. Without knowing the website, we can't tell how much they are charging above the actual cost if you purchased directly from the tour company,river cruise, etc.

anitas Apr 21st, 2008 05:45 AM

OK. Here's the website.

http://www.travelape.com

Has anyone used them before? Do the prices seem reasonable?

Thanks

annhig Apr 21st, 2008 05:59 AM

hi anitas,

another idea would be for you to buy euros now to the cost of these items; then you will have covered their costs but still have the use of the money if you change your minds.

a friend of mine just decided to buy some euros [£1000! worth] even though she's got no trips planned at present.

i suppose that this qualifies as dabbling on the futures market albeit in a very minor way!

who knows what will happen next?

regards, ann


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