Pre-trip report: lessons learned from three week europe trip
Jul 16th, 2003, 11:01 PM
#21
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Car rental in Europe vs. Trains: depends where you are. In Paris or other big cities, no way. Too much of a pain to park and drive, especially when you have such good public transit. But away from the cities, cars are very useful. That's what I found on my trip to France last fall.
Driving in Normandy was easy and a lot of fun - cost me a lot but I got much more out of my trip by having a car there.
So the answer is: mix and match your use of car rental vs. mass transit, depending where you are.
I had a compact car - a Renault of some sort. It was great (a diesel, too), but I was alone.
Andrew
Driving in Normandy was easy and a lot of fun - cost me a lot but I got much more out of my trip by having a car there.
So the answer is: mix and match your use of car rental vs. mass transit, depending where you are.
I had a compact car - a Renault of some sort. It was great (a diesel, too), but I was alone.
Andrew
Jul 17th, 2003, 04:53 AM
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I think LVSue's comments are a very reasonable and well-thought out response.
Areinert, congratulations on having taken your trip, but your statements are a little too sweeping.
As pointed out, the carnet tickets are not supposed to get you from the airport into Paris, and buying a pass to cover that trip is not economical for the rest of the time.
Most people would pay the RER/metro fare to and from CDG into Paris, and then use carnets or central-zone passes for the rest of the time.
I would caution anyone with burdensome luggage to rule out any other form of transport from the airports other than the RER/metro. With heavy luggage, that's a pain imo. There are shuttles, buses, and taxis as alternatives.
Regarding daily ATM withdrawal limits, some US banks will waive that if you call them in advance before you leave home and tell them what your travel plans and needs are.
I have shipped purchased items home and not had a problem--I had the stores do it. It was indeed expensive, but my goods arrived intact.
I'm not familiar with Battlebus, would love to hear more.
thanks for sharing.
Areinert, congratulations on having taken your trip, but your statements are a little too sweeping.
As pointed out, the carnet tickets are not supposed to get you from the airport into Paris, and buying a pass to cover that trip is not economical for the rest of the time.
Most people would pay the RER/metro fare to and from CDG into Paris, and then use carnets or central-zone passes for the rest of the time.
I would caution anyone with burdensome luggage to rule out any other form of transport from the airports other than the RER/metro. With heavy luggage, that's a pain imo. There are shuttles, buses, and taxis as alternatives.
Regarding daily ATM withdrawal limits, some US banks will waive that if you call them in advance before you leave home and tell them what your travel plans and needs are.
I have shipped purchased items home and not had a problem--I had the stores do it. It was indeed expensive, but my goods arrived intact.
I'm not familiar with Battlebus, would love to hear more.
thanks for sharing.
Jul 17th, 2003, 04:54 AM
#23
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When searching for a tour of the Normandy sites, we explored the Battlebus (or Battle Bus) option. It does exist. Strangely, I didn't share too many of your lessons learned but I think everyone travels differently and hope you had a wonderful time!
Jul 17th, 2003, 05:02 AM
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Areinert, thanks for posting your impressions. As others have stated, some of your rules are not absolute, but your ideas certainly got everybody thinking, which is the main thing.
My only serious note is re number 19: "We never needed our passports.... but they were nice to have." You may never have been ASKED for your passports, but that is a long way from not needing them, in particular at the airport. The airline I use will refuse, categorically, to board any passenger for any international destination without a passport.
Glad you had a good time.
My only serious note is re number 19: "We never needed our passports.... but they were nice to have." You may never have been ASKED for your passports, but that is a long way from not needing them, in particular at the airport. The airline I use will refuse, categorically, to board any passenger for any international destination without a passport.
Glad you had a good time.
Jul 17th, 2003, 05:12 AM
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Well, after so many great replies, this subject may already be done to death, but I'll add my 2 cents.
In our experience, many hotels include either a full or continental breakfast in the room rate. If not included in the rate, I'd probably look for alternatives rather than pay some exhorbitant cost.
On our last trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland last year, my husband and I often shared entrees and no one ever acted upset at our request.
We sometimes overtipped, but all of our wait staff seemed genuinely surprised and grateful at this gesture.
Having a car (last year we had a Ford Mondeo wagon for 4 adults), can be a hassle in some larger cities, but we like being on our own schedule. For instance, in Vienna, we just parked the car in the place provided by the hotel and used the public transportation. Besides, for 4 people, it is usually a much cheaper option over a 2-week period.
Most guide books will tell you that Switzerland is about 20% more than other European countries. However, now that I am planning our next trip to Scotland and England, Swiss hotel prices don't seem that bad.
After living and traveling in Europe for over 20 years, I still love the experience and always look forward to my next trip!
In our experience, many hotels include either a full or continental breakfast in the room rate. If not included in the rate, I'd probably look for alternatives rather than pay some exhorbitant cost.
On our last trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland last year, my husband and I often shared entrees and no one ever acted upset at our request.
We sometimes overtipped, but all of our wait staff seemed genuinely surprised and grateful at this gesture.
Having a car (last year we had a Ford Mondeo wagon for 4 adults), can be a hassle in some larger cities, but we like being on our own schedule. For instance, in Vienna, we just parked the car in the place provided by the hotel and used the public transportation. Besides, for 4 people, it is usually a much cheaper option over a 2-week period.
Most guide books will tell you that Switzerland is about 20% more than other European countries. However, now that I am planning our next trip to Scotland and England, Swiss hotel prices don't seem that bad.
After living and traveling in Europe for over 20 years, I still love the experience and always look forward to my next trip!
Jul 17th, 2003, 05:28 AM
#26
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U very much appreciate reading this report and I suppose there are a lot of folks who read this who may have felt this SAME way the first time THEY traveled...but as travel opportunities increase the "opinions" change.
Naturally, I don't agree with all that was said because I don't always travel in the same mode, but despite the manner in which some of the opinions were stated I didn't get the impression that i would be shot at dawn if I didn't follow all the "recommendations."
Again, thanks for taking the time to recount your experiences and trying to help others...you aren't necssarily ANY more "opinionated" than the rest of us!
Naturally, I don't agree with all that was said because I don't always travel in the same mode, but despite the manner in which some of the opinions were stated I didn't get the impression that i would be shot at dawn if I didn't follow all the "recommendations."
Again, thanks for taking the time to recount your experiences and trying to help others...you aren't necssarily ANY more "opinionated" than the rest of us!
Jul 17th, 2003, 12:29 PM
#28
I think it's a great list, although I don't necessarily agree. And it is obvious to me that any post on a BB is someone's personal opinion and experience ... it's pretty hard to find a true "fact" in travel.
One exception being ... yes you do need your passport!!!
One exception being ... yes you do need your passport!!!
Jul 17th, 2003, 12:56 PM
#29
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This post is a great example of why I love this board. Great experiences from totally different view points! Ok, and here's mine:
(I have only been to Amsterdam, Paris and most recently N/Central Italy).
2. We also loved the Paris subway, very easy to get around.
3. SOmetimes the hotel breakfast is worth it for the convenience, depending on where you are and your schedule.
4. ATM's gave us a GREAT exchange rate recently from Italy to U.S.
5. We had no push back sharing our primo course when in Italy (we ordered a second course if we shared the first).
6. In italy they were pretty clear on all the bills what was/was not included. THat said, we rarely saw Italians leaving anything behind. Maybe they pay the tip with the bill?
7. In large cities and in between such trains are great. In Tuscany or the French countryside, a car is a must.
12. Yes, our picnics were wonderful and the meat/cheese/bread incredibly fresh!
13. We upgraded 1 level from the bottom with Hertz, got a 4 door Peugot and it was fine on all the Italian roads.
Lastly, every hotel/pensione/farm we stayed at in Italy requested our passports at check in, one even kept it overnight.
Please continue. .....
(I have only been to Amsterdam, Paris and most recently N/Central Italy).
2. We also loved the Paris subway, very easy to get around.
3. SOmetimes the hotel breakfast is worth it for the convenience, depending on where you are and your schedule.
4. ATM's gave us a GREAT exchange rate recently from Italy to U.S.
5. We had no push back sharing our primo course when in Italy (we ordered a second course if we shared the first).
6. In italy they were pretty clear on all the bills what was/was not included. THat said, we rarely saw Italians leaving anything behind. Maybe they pay the tip with the bill?
7. In large cities and in between such trains are great. In Tuscany or the French countryside, a car is a must.
12. Yes, our picnics were wonderful and the meat/cheese/bread incredibly fresh!
13. We upgraded 1 level from the bottom with Hertz, got a 4 door Peugot and it was fine on all the Italian roads.
Lastly, every hotel/pensione/farm we stayed at in Italy requested our passports at check in, one even kept it overnight.
Please continue. .....
Jul 17th, 2003, 01:07 PM
#30
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As for sharing a meal, you are correct. We were in Bruges where the people are very abrupt.....maybe rude. We were three people and two were ordering a regular meal. We were going to share them three ways. The owner came up to us and said...,"You plan on sharing?" We said yes. He said no. There were two other tables with people and about 10 empty. We walked out.
I agree about the breakfast. We usually go out and find something to eat while sitting and people watching. We don't spend anywhere near 10 Euro.
Sorry for your critics. Some people have to criticize everything anyone does. I like your list and I think it's a good guideline to go by for a fist time traveler.
I agree about the breakfast. We usually go out and find something to eat while sitting and people watching. We don't spend anywhere near 10 Euro.
Sorry for your critics. Some people have to criticize everything anyone does. I like your list and I think it's a good guideline to go by for a fist time traveler.
Jul 17th, 2003, 01:16 PM
#31
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Ann1, because one disagrees does not mean one is criticizing! That's what this board is all about---sharing ideas and opinions. And, when someone feels that a comment is not accurate, why shouldn't a corrective statement be made. Again, that's what this board is all about!
Jul 17th, 2003, 01:26 PM
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Re: 'We were going to share them three ways. The owner came up to us and said...,"You plan on sharing?" We said yes. He said no. There were two other tables with people and about 10 empty. We walked out.'
How bizarre, especially if there ten empty tables. Good for you for walking out and not giving him your business since he obviously only wanted it on his terms.
How bizarre, especially if there ten empty tables. Good for you for walking out and not giving him your business since he obviously only wanted it on his terms.
Jul 18th, 2003, 04:10 AM
#35
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LVSue et al, First courses are my absolute favorites, (even in the states) and I'd love to order two appetizers (or two primos in Italia) and a soup course (my little hotel did primo, then soup, then main course, then dessert). I bet the reaction depends upon how you ask for it. Perhaps one of you folks can give us the French and the Italian translations for such a polite request? molto bene (spelling probably a bit off). J.
Jul 18th, 2003, 04:33 AM
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Hi jmw,
I believe the appetizer is the antipasti
The prima piatti is the pasta course.
Uno per doue, per favore means 1 for 2, and we say it all the time when we want to split a secondi or a prima.
Never had any looks. I don't think it is that unuaual.
and I can guarantee that my spelling is off!
Jul 18th, 2003, 04:37 AM
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Hi jmw,
One of my favourite (and very touristy!) bistrots in Paris 'La Contre-Allee' on Rue Denfert-Rochereau offers all kinds of formulas, like two entrees and a dessert for 27 Euro, as an example.
www.contre-allee.com
This is especially welcome with hot weather, as entrees are often cold dishes like salads, boiled veggies terrines, etc.
If I had to ask, whether it is possible to have two starters instead of a main dish, I'd say:
Serait-il possible d'avoir deux entrees au lieu d'un plat principal, svp?
Now, in Italian, I don't dare make a suggestion, although I could probably say it to be understood.
One of my favourite (and very touristy!) bistrots in Paris 'La Contre-Allee' on Rue Denfert-Rochereau offers all kinds of formulas, like two entrees and a dessert for 27 Euro, as an example.
www.contre-allee.com
This is especially welcome with hot weather, as entrees are often cold dishes like salads, boiled veggies terrines, etc.
If I had to ask, whether it is possible to have two starters instead of a main dish, I'd say:
Serait-il possible d'avoir deux entrees au lieu d'un plat principal, svp?
Now, in Italian, I don't dare make a suggestion, although I could probably say it to be understood.
Jul 18th, 2003, 07:20 AM
#39
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There was a question about BattleBus, here is the weblink: http://www.battlebus.fr/
Also, from now on I will insert before any comments, the views and opinions of Aarron only represent the views and opinions of Aarron and are not the views and opionins of Fodors, its parent company, and may not be correct, accurate, or even make sense.
I was surprised, and somewhat offended by some of the harsh/rude responses people posted. I thought I made a reasonable effort to say, and I quote, "Ok, so these are just are thoughts after our first trip."
I don't know if I care to post my trip report and have it subject to such harsh peer review. Ok, I'm off my soap box.
Also, from now on I will insert before any comments, the views and opinions of Aarron only represent the views and opinions of Aarron and are not the views and opionins of Fodors, its parent company, and may not be correct, accurate, or even make sense.
I was surprised, and somewhat offended by some of the harsh/rude responses people posted. I thought I made a reasonable effort to say, and I quote, "Ok, so these are just are thoughts after our first trip."
I don't know if I care to post my trip report and have it subject to such harsh peer review. Ok, I'm off my soap box.
Jul 18th, 2003, 07:35 AM
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Areinert, love your 'disclaimer'... probably could be used by all of us. Your post is your experience and opinion, and should be accepted for that. If someone thinks there is specific misinformation, it is good that they tell what they know. If someone has a different experience, or maybe just more experience, it is ok if they tell us that, too. Sometimes the 'tone' does exceed what's required; on the other hand, 'tone' can be difficult to convey in written terms.
Please tell us your trip details, you know we can never get enough hotel information! thanks...
Please tell us your trip details, you know we can never get enough hotel information! thanks...
