Stand and Be Counted
 

I'm am fascinated by the participation level in this forum - I work in the industry (whatever that means these days) and am constantly trying to convince clients of the advantages of the internet - beyond the obvious "put your brochure on the web site and that's enough" [sigh]. Plus, I think it would be interesting to know how many of us there are. <BR> <BR>If you check Fodor's web site once a week or more please post a response (Fodors may hate the volume on their server but in the end they probably want to know the answer as well). Why do you come to the site? Has it changed your impression of Fodors/influenced a purchase/recommendation (I promise I don't work for Fodors!) <BR> <BR>I'll admit it - I check the site 2-3 times a day - I work at home and it's a fun connection to subject I love - travel. I recognize names and mourn the loss the Dr/Mr Abate travel debate. I'm excited by the fact that several people plan to meet in Paris because they met (?) on this site, and I live vicariously through others travel plans. <BR> <BR>So, how many of us are there? <BR> <BR>Stand and be counted! <BR> <BR>

Count one in! I check the site. at least twice a day. I am very appreciative of the effors Fodor's staff in maintaining this open forum and, to show my appreciation, I buy the Fodor's Guide for every country my husband & I visit. As far as influencing our travel plans, that applies mostly to hotels and cities to visit. <BR> <BR>One thing I would not like to see is people in the industry influencing this forum in any way or direction, i.e. tours vs independent travel, etc... I rather have unbiased, independent opinions.

elizabeth--I'm not in your industry but I do love to travel. Since this is my first trip to Europe--I stumbled onto this site after I purchased my Fodors for Italy. I now check it at least once a day and find the first hand advice from travelers all over the world incredibly valuable in planning a trip that will allow me not only to see the country but experience its people and culture.

I used to until recently check in daily. I didn't know what a "Fodor's"was until I found this site, and now I look for it in every bookstore/library I go to. <BR>I was addicted, but have in the past 4 weeks started searching family history. Now if you want addiction.....that is one way!!! I still check in here very second night. Next trip overseas, I intend to hunt out some of my ancestor's records etc. Another reason to travel. Denise -Australia <BR>

You can count both my boyfriend and I in. The main reason we check multiple times daily is that we are planning a trip in May, but I think even once we get back we will be addicted. I love everything about Europe and like to see what other people like/dislike. To be honest we usually don't buy fodor's books (we did once), i think the reason is that we usually can't afford any of the accomodations or restaurants. I think it was all great advice, and in 5 years we might be able to follow it a little more. But for now we gather bits and pieces from all sorts of books (we love the UpClose guides) as we sip coffee at our local Barnes and Noble. We are undoubtedly thankful for this forum and for the advice we have gotten!

Elizabeth: <BR> <BR>I started visiting this forum in preparation for our upcoming trip to Europe - (it's been about 15 years since we've been to Europe) - and I know things have changed, so of course, I wanted more information (which I adjunct with books). <BR> <BR>My husband and I both find the internet an incredible source of information as well as an important tool in today's society (we both design websites, and he is a computer network engineer). Even if we didn't have the "awareness" that we have, I would say (in support of your belief) that it is a very timely tool for any company wishing to expand its business. <BR> <BR>I never knew about this site before I started planning this trip, however I knew about Fodors, and had used their books in the past. To find the website, I just typed in www.fodors.com (having done the same with frommers, I figured there was probably a website for fodors), and sure enough, I was right. <BR> <BR>This has proven to be an invaluable tool, and I wish I had know about it sooner. <BR> <BR>The internet is incredible and has changed the way people think and interact with one another.

I became addicted about 16 months ago when I was planning a trip to Germany and Austria. Most of the hotels, routes, etc. we used came about because of this forum's advice. When I returned home, I could hardly stand to read the forum for a few months because I was so saddened by the realization that I wasn't going on another big trip anytime soon. About a month ago, however, I became a daily addict again. In the intervening months I would just casually monitor its contents perhaps once a week. In fact, tonight I mentioned to my husband that I'm "yearning to wander" again since I've been reading all the posts so carefully. This is a great forum, and I thank Fodor's for it. I too buy the Fodor's travel books because of it... <BR>

I found the site by chance a couple of months ago and I log in every day. I'm totally addicted. Mostly, becasue I'm not planning anything I want to offer advice and information. I'm a fixer by profession and inclination. I also love my country (geographically rather than nationalistically) and I think you will all be better peple when you've moved to live here! <BR> <BR>Quite a number of people have e-mailed me direct ofr specificinfo about Scotland, which I've been happy to try to help with. <BR> <BR>I did know Fodors before, although with a house full of guids I only have one of theirs. I think it's ecasue the style is very much for the US market and the upper end at that. <BR> <BR>I have a husband who is addicted to pakged travel, but I think without that I would never take another packaged trip in my life thanks to the web.

Have been buying Fodor's books for over five years. Found the web site about a year ago. Used to check occasionally, but as more people take interest, I now check every morning. THANKS, EVERYONE, for sharing information! <BR> <BR>Love it for places I've been, places I'll probably be, and places I'll never be. <BR> <BR>Since things have been speeded up, my biggest problem is people posting in the wrong category (or "less correct" category). This topic, too -- why is it in the Europe posting? Things like walking shoes, cameras, packing tips would probably receive more response somewhere else. <BR>

Elizabeth, I have exactly one non-business-related bookmark, and this is it. <BR> <BR>I found the site just over two years ago while reading a computer magazine in my doctor's office. I was planning a trip to Greece and having trouble with some arcane points of the ferries on the Gulf of Corinth. I posted a note on this site and had, in a matter of hours, what no amount of reading and calling had been able to provide: first-hand, detailed knowledge (and accurate as it turned out). <BR> <BR>Has it changed my impression of Fodors? Yes. After using their guides in my early travels, I had given up on them as being hopelessly middle class. Starting with that trip to Greece, I came back to them and found they had changed. There is now half a shelf of Fodors guides in my library attesting to the ability of the 'net to influence the sale of a product.

Although I've purchased Fodors' guides for my previous trips to Europe, I just discovered the website in February, before my March trip to Paris with husband & two teens, and became instantly addicted. The information I found here was helpful in planning many aspects of that trip and, since our return, I enjoy sharing what I found with others planning a similar trip. I've shared the site with another friend who's now in Spain,and she also found it very useful for the kinds of details you can't find elsewhere -- first-hand, I-just-got-back-and-I-KNOW! kinds of info. I'm sad that I don't have another trip booked, but I figure I'm always in the planning-the-next-trip mode, and will continue to look here for ideas -- even when I don't know where we'll head next!

Elizabeth, <BR> <BR>Right now I check this site frequently throughout the day because I am going to London next week and I'm not a veteran traveller and need all the help this site has to offer. Like Judy, once I'm back from my trip, I will not check in nearly so often at first because it will make me sad that it will be a while before I can go back. <BR> <BR>This site has brought an awreness to me of Fodor's books and I will definitely check those out before my next trip.

I checked and I think my first post here was April 18, 1997. When did this forum start? Does anyone know? Since then I've become hopelessly addicted. I enjoy reading about people's experiences and have been happy to share mine, and to weigh in on general issues! The Europe forum is the only web board I participate in regularly. I think it's because we've become a community. We get cranky sometimes, but for the most part this forum attracts and holds people who are thinking travellers, and who take pleasure in other people's experiences! You've all made me think and laugh. [occasionally at the same time!] <BR> <BR>I've purchased Fodor's books in the past, but not so much recently for the reasons people have given: on the whole I can't afford the hotels etc... they recommend. I do prefer their maps to Frommer's however.

<BR>More can be found about us addicts by typing in "where are you", and "addiction" in the above search box.

Hi <BR> <BR>I found this web site using one of Netscape's pre programmed bookmarks! <BR> <BR>I was looking mainly because I am planning a holiday this summer and wanted the kind of advice not laways found in guide books. <BR> <BR>I think that this site is perfect as a supplement to a good guide books. <BR> <BR>Years ago I used to be an avid member of the various travel newsgroups, such as rec.travel which I think has now been split into various regional newsgroups. It is great to see web sites now offering that same speedy service with the added advantage of powerful search engines to find archived threads. <BR> <BR>At the moment I log on about once every 2 days or more but this may tail off a little... I am sure I will remain a frequent visitor even after my trip. <BR> <BR>Lastly regarding Fodor's guides - I had come across them before, and own one, but have found they are generally aimed at American travellers and, as other posters have said, aimed at travellers better off than myself. I do pop into them at the library now and then but prefer those guides which have more pictures (for me the saying a picture speaks a thousand words is certainly true). I also love those guides which include many essays on history, culture and people rather than just lists of sights. <BR>

I check this site about twice a week. If someone is coming to my part of the world I try and help. I have also looked for help on this site when I'm travelling. <BR>

I stumbled into this Forum when I was looking for information about Seville. I think I just got disgusted with the information I was getting, so I put in a general term (TRAVEL) and saw the FODOR'S name. The rest is history. I am hooked. I check in every day ( usually not weekends). I have received useful information from so many people and I have sent information to many that I hope was helpful. I usually use KAREN BROWN and I think she is published by FODOR'S. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Just wrote a long reply that has vanished! Hope it doesn't post along with this one! <BR>I check the forum an average of 3 times a day (another addict!!). <BR>Why? To glean from the terrific personal recommendations of others about affordable and great places to stay and eat, "don't miss" sights to find, or off-the-beaten-path favorites in places we visit often, and to share our own discoveries of the same. <BR>I've used Fodor's as a reference for many years, but lean more toward the "charming but affordable" genre for planning. I do like the walking tours included in the books, and the "Fodor's Favorites" lists. The new series, such as the Tuscany offering highlighted in last months hosted forum, are great, and I also like the "niche" series, such as B & B's or Inns of character and charm which Fodor's now publishes. <BR> <BR>

Count me in too, I check at least once or twice a day. I am addicted to travel and great websites like fodors and eurotrip make my addiction even worse!! I now tend to plan at least two trips ahead. Right now, it's Eastern Europe for August and, if I can get a week off this fall, I'll go to the Domincan Republic. I will have already used up all of my vacation days for the year, so I'll have to take it unpaid. Most people would be satisfied with one big trip every few years, so far I'm up to two this year and hoping for three!

I forgot to mention that I tend to choose hotels based on the recommendations of people at this site. I prefer to do Europe on my own by train, but the information here is invaluable!

Interested in this site after prompt from....Dr. Abate! Becoming addicted, however. Travel lots. Moderately well off but have good advice, if needed or wanted. This is not a prompt Mauro! Im not in the travel industry, either.

I also stumbled onto this forum while looking for information about St. Lucia. I wish I had known about this when we planned our trip to England/Scotland a few years ago. I look at this forum 2/3 times a day just to see if I can help someone else or get useful info for myself. I used to say "see America first" but since my first trip to England and Paris 4 years ago I am hooked on Europe. We have now been to the UK 3 times and I can't wait to go back. We are now planning a trip to Italy and next year we will return England/Scotland.

Hi! I been at this web site for about 2 years now and love check the site out several times a day. I have learned so much from everyone and enjoy the tips and suggestions. I LOVE to travel and love to correspond with others that love to travel too. It's been a fun experience these past two years. I have one friend from Canada and we correspond often. He has sent me up to 8 postcards from his trips and I plan to send him one from France (I fly out tomorrow!). This will be my trip to 7th Europe since 1990. <BR> <BR>And I'll say again, I'm traveling with my Mother on this trip (my husband now can't make it) and we are still planning to meet a bunch of others from this site for drinks on the 16th at Café Deux Magots. Anyone can join us!! <BR>

I got hooked about 2 years ago after noticing the "www" on a Fodor's book I'd bought. I am an avid fan of the Internet and love the idea of communily sharing information for free (most of the time). Since I'm stationed in Germany, I consult the forum quite often for tips on daytrips, vacations, and places to take visiting relatives. I also enjoy helping others with the limited info I have. I now check in a few times a week (had to cut back from 2-3 times per day).

I'm relatively new to the forums, only since February.I probably check at least once or twice day. (It's nice to know I am not alone). We will be traveling by car this fall to Eastern and Western Europe to 6 countries and driving about 2200 miles. This is our 3rd trip and the forums have been great for filling in blanks on hotels, sites and roads (i.e. chamonix tunnel closed for a year). I think when you enjoy traveling you also love sharing your experiences and helping others and thats exactly what this site accomplishes. It would have been nice for each one "counted" to indicate where there were from. I guess thats another question elsewhere in the forum. I agree with previous remarks, about fodors and hotel prices. We did get their book on Budapest and am looking forward to using it.

<BR>I found this site nearly 2 years ago when planning a trip to England. Subsequently, I have used Fodor's sites to assist planning trips to Prague and soon, Italy. <BR> <BR>Often I tune in to see what is going on, and just to contribute where I can. It is great fun and I have learned a lot. Ciao for now.

I found this forum by accident about 6 months ago. It has provided great info (thanks to all the Paris restaurant posters...I'm always looking for something different and you've come up with some great ones) as well as a chance to share information with others (if I can make sometimes trip easier, or encourage someone to take a trip, I'm delighted). I never buy guide books (I rent them from the library) but I did plonk down real money for a Fodor's guide to France just last week.

I was looking for some travel information for my upcoming honeymoon in Italy after receiving less than thrilling recommendations from local travel agents. This site is the best that I have found. I have made a whole new travel arrangements by myself on the Internet using some of the advices I've read. Now I check back every other day or so.

I love the forum. Before unlimited web access days, I used to frequent CompuServe's Travel Forum, and got hooked on using the net for travel planning. After a while you can figure out who else shares your tastes and interests, and it makes a big difference in what you do with your Valuable Vacation time! My husband is a Reader (lifelong) and haunts libraries like I haunt the net. We get the best of both worlds when we plan. <BR>Fodors is an excellent resource,in both forms!

I try to visit the site either in my lunchtime or after work (it's work's internet than I'm using) and visit every day if I can.

I stumbled across Fodors one gleefully soggy New England day. Thank goodness for the rain, or I would have been busy outside, living life to the fullest. <BR> <BR>Instead, I now check Fodors 3 times per day for the insight I glean from these prodigious boards.

I read this site about once a day. It is very helpful to read about people's comments and input on towns and restaurants; and to provide and receive feedback on experiences. It is especially benefical if you are planning a trip in the near future.

Ok, count me in as an addict. I check out the site at least once a day. I started in February planning my honeymoon to France and Italy, and without the hotels recommended in this forum, I would be lost. I just purchased the Fodor's Italy guide, but most of my information has come from this forurm.

<BR>Here goes my two cents worth, ;and hope it is worth much more. I think that most of us travelers enjoy sharing our experiences with others and we learn so much from each other. Only thing I did learn many years ago is to give your opinion as being your very own feelings as one time I did find that one persons cup of team ;just might be someone elses poison. However most folks, especially those who know and love Europe are very enthusiastic folks and it spills over and hope it ;will continue to do so, on this websits and thanks so much for it. I gobble everything up about London and the British Isles and also have gone to Spain and Portugal many times with Grand Circle Travel and love to share experiences with those who like that kind of travel. Happy traveling to all.

I am one of those who checks this forum about 1 per day. I enjoy the stories & various opinions I read here. I also enjoy giving of my travel experiences, & the Emails that may ensue. But when I read post from others, & when I post, I always do so with the thought in mind that these are opinions, & everybody is entitled to their's. Things I post, are how I like to do things, & in my opinion things I liked or disliked. Everybody has to discover what is best for the way they travel, but this forum is a great place for information & entertainment. We were not planning a trip to Europe at all this year, but reading this forum earlier this year gave me the travel bug - big time. So we found a way to get to London for 5 days in June. I also check in to the United States forum once in awhile. Also check Rick Steves infrequently, it doesn't compare to this 1. I purchase Fodors, Frommers, Rick Steves, or whatever guides hit my fancy at the time I am looking for books. <BR>

Just new to this site. I would have planned my trip to Italy differently if I had known this kind of info was available. ?You can be sure I will be a frequent visitor. <BR> <BR>

I discovered this site about 3 months ago and checked it out at least twice a week. Now that we are going to Europe this May I've used it daily to help plan our trips and to supliment the guide books we use. We use Frommers, Rick Steves and Lonely Planet. Fodor's guide's seem a bit dated and their recommendations for accomodations seem to run on the high side of the scale. I mainly come to the site to get advice on our vacations and to help people who need advice on where we reside which is Florida.

Okay, I admit it! I lurked at this site for about two months before I posted. It took me that long to get through the volumes of fantastic information that Fodor's site is packed with. I check (while at work, shame on me)at least 3 times a day. That amount will probably change one I return from my trip to Firenze and the hilltowns, but then again I'll want to chat about my experiences. <BR> <BR>I've used Fodor's books (some purchased and some from the library) each time I've traveled. While I haven't always used their recommendations, the information and city descriptions are invaluable. My husband and I take 2-3 trips per year, with one being a "big" one and the others long weekends. We did a long weekend in Belgium in January and loved it--once I realized that you don't have to travel in the summer to enjoy a country. This site and the participants are top quality!

I check this forum several times a day when I'm at work. (I don't have web access at home). I think it's great to be able to get advice from others who like to travel the way I do. In some ways I find this forum more helpful than any guidebook, because after a while you start to get a feel for the different individuals and know whose opinions are most like yours. I also check the US forum, but primarily to answer specific questions, I just don't find it anywhere near as interesting as the Europe forum. Too many questions about Disney and Las Vegas. However, I could practically go into business just answering the e-mails I get directly about Boston now! <BR> <BR>As far as Fodor's guidebooks, they are the only ones I actually buy. Since I need to stay on a strict budget when travelling, but don't like to feel as if I'm on a budget, I find that their books suit us the best. The other "budget" guidebooks seem geared for students who don't seem to mind a lot of things that I would hate (a lack of privacy, a lot of wasted time, etc.). We have stayed at Fodor's budget hotel recommendations in at least 8 cities, and would stay at all of them again. For our upcoming trip, however, we are staying at one Fodor's pick and one hotel that I heard about on this forum. I'll let everyone know how it was when we get back.

Elizabeth, <BR>I first visited the forum about 18 months ago and now normally visit it twice a day. My initial visit intended to seek information for a planned trip, my eleventh to Europe. In looking at many of the queries on my first visit to the forum, I realized I could offer suggestions, recommendations and observations that might be meaningful to the questioners. I now find myself doing just that. Planning a trip, either for oneself or vicariously for others, is one of the joys of travel, almost on a par with the travel itself. I find myself now responding not only to Fodor's queries, but to anywhere from three to five Emails directed to me daily, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing whatever knowledge and expertise I may have. Retirement gives me the luxury of time to do the research of personal journals, notes and an increasingly growing library of travel literature, from brochures provided by national and regional tourist offices to the major tourism publications including the New York Times. I've used Fodor's "Exploring Guides" finding them almost on a par with the Eyewitness and Knopf guides, though I prefer the formats of the latter two. Rather than Fodor's A to Z listings, I prefer a format that deals in neighborhoods or districts. Prime resources are personal journals seconded by Michelin Green guides, Baedeckers, Blue Guides and an eclectic mix including the Insight Guides, Phaidon Cultural guides, Berlitz guides and Hallwag and Michelin maps, all augmented by many, many bookmarked websites. Personal rewards have been many. There is great delight in learning that one's recommendations have been appreciated.