Hi, fellow travelers! <BR> <BR>I love this forum and check it at least once per day. I think the most value it offers is that you can ask ANY question you can think of and people will reply noting their personal experiences to help you. <BR> <BR>Also, I have bought the Fodor's book, Ireland on $50 a Day, and found it perfect! The accommodation rates were just right and we're staying at a few mentioned in the book. <BR> <BR>Thanks, Fodor's! <BR> <BR>Jennifer

While planning my first trip overseas (Scotland/Ireland June1999) I found a Fodors book at the library. Typed in .com a few days later and there it was! I am now completely hooked, have it bookmarked on every computer I use. I check at least once a day. The reason? Honest feelings, current info and unbelievably helpful people. The previous remark about getting an answer almost instantly when one has been searching books, maps etc. for weeks is right on the mark. (Now I know where Partick, Scotland is!) <BR> <BR>I found this sight about six weeks ago, and can't imagine our trip without all the information I have read. My baggage will probably be overweight with all the suggestions I have printed! <BR> <BR>We have purchased two Fodors guides directly due to this Website. <BR> <BR>A last comment- the company I work for designs Websites and I love the layout and ease with which one can view the posts. Fantastic job! <BR> <BR>Tina

elizabeth & all: <BR> <BR>I am a long time reader of Fodor's and even buy the same guidebooks after they've been updated. I found the forums only a few weeks ago when researching a specific question. I come back at least once daily -- not only for the wealth of information here, but also to relive some of my favorite European adventures. Like you, elizabeth, I live vicariously through others' travels when I'm not travelling myself. I love hearing old-timers and first-timers alike describe the sights they've seen, hotels, trains, promenades, etc. My favorite destinations are Switzerland (Montreux and Wengen/Grindelwald) and Paris. <BR> <BR>Suzann <BR> <BR>

I LOVE this site, and check it more times a day than I'm willing to admit. I love the first-hand info from everyone, and I love even more the disagreements that sometimes erupt. I really enjoyed the Dr. Abate wars, love hearing and re-living with everyone. <BR> <BR>I wish the other boards were as lively as the Europe one. It's hard to get a reply on the Latin America one, for instance. I particularly like trying the other urls people recommend, and some are now in my bookmarks. <BR> <BR>If I'm actually GOING somplace, I still always buy guidebooks, usually one or two for sightseeing (Routier or Michelin for Europe) and then one that concentrates more on hotels.

I bought the Fodors USA 98 last year and had to lug it back from the bookshop on Princes Street to my flat in Polwarth...so heavy... <BR> <BR>I noticed the website was printed in small typface on the front cover so I thought I would give it a go. <BR> <BR>I know you don't all agree with me on some of my (perhaps) radical views but I honestly try to help people.

I'm hooked, because of the honest debate and fabulous, fabulous attitude of people sincerely wanting to help people they've never met or will ever meet. I did this backwards: found the forum first, then bought the books. I found the books to be more upscale than the people here on the forum, which suits me just fine. I was thrilled to be helped, and then even more thrilled to post a "just back" message and try to help a score of newbies with questions for me. On this forum, I found a rental car, driving advice (who'da thunk you could use a credit card to pay for Auto Strada and Route tolls, at an express line, yet), restaurants, and general personal safety hints...all for free. Reading now is almost as good as being there, since I'm planning to be there someday.

Yes I'm hooked, found the site about 18 months ago after it was 'web site of the week' in the Sunday Times (thank you The Times). Usually check at least once a day mainly the N.American forum to get information on my forthcoming holiday there and Europe to see if there are any questions with which I can help. I am now in regular email correspondance with a someone in Arizona I 'met' through Fodors Forums.Keep up the good work, you are the best!

Elizabeth <BR>Another addict here from that under represented bunch the Brits. I look in once or twice a day and started about a year ago planning firsly a holiday to the Caribbean and then another to the States. I received some great information especially on the States trip and am grateful that this forum is here. My own company has started a travel forum in its web site and the inspiration came form Fodors. Thanks Fodors! <BR>Andy <BR>

Elizabeth <BR>Another addict here from that under represented bunch the Brits. I look in once or twice a day and started about a year ago planning firsly a holiday to the Caribbean and then another to the States. I received some great information especially on the States trip and am grateful that this forum is here. My own company has started a travel forum in its web site and the inspiration came form Fodors. Thanks Fodors! <BR>Andy <BR>

Elizabeth: I too, am an addict although I have to admit, I am more of a lurker than a contributor. I refuse to get on this site more than a couple times a week because I would never get anything done if I let myself get into it. I found this site when I first arrived in Scotland for my family's two year stint here. Obviously, we are doing lots of traveling and need information. I have always used either Frommer's or Fodor's books because the formats are easy to use and because I am a creature of habit. My husband, in particular, likes the maps in each and the itineraries are helpful in planning our days. <BR>As for using the internet, this is the only sight I have found that is both efficient in it's format and interesting in the type of threads thrown out here. The other websites are way too confusing to use; the postings a bit dry and boring. The people who post here are a bit intimidating, (that's why I am a lurker) but I trust the information they post and have found it accurate. I, too, find it fun to live vicariously through everyone else and have met people thru this forum that I correspond with. <BR>It is easy to research specific information and when I find info I want to save, I often print it out and file it in my travel file. I don't generally use travel agents because I haven't found one I trust enough here. The ones I have used in the past have never done much traveling (huh?!) and have no idea where they were booking us into. Consequently, I do it all myself. It takes a lot of time, but the planning part is half the fun anyway! The information I find here has influenced travel decisions and made me think twice about my approach towards traveling. I don't always agree, but I do always listen to what people have to say on this forum. <BR>The best part about this forum is "listening" to people from other places describe their experiences and personal opinions. I marvel at how ten people can describe a single place in ten different ways and love how open-minded people generally are. Also, the anonymity this forum provides lets people be themselves without the prejudices that happen with face-to-face discourse. In general, this is a cool site to visit and lets my mind temporarily wander to places I've been to and places I hope to get to someday. And, that's why people should use the internet...it opens one's mind to the endless possibilities this world can offer, without having to leave your home!

I came to the site because I love everything about travel: planning, dreaming, anticipating, going, remembering. The level of experience and expertise, wit, and intelligence displayed by most posters here is what keeps me coming back.

I found this forum last fall just by happenstance. I check it at least twice a day now for all the interesting discussions and helpful info that has been provided. I've been planning a trip to Scotland in June and the members of this forum have been invaluable. They have just added to the anticipation and excitement of traveling. I hope to be able to contribute a little when I get back. Many thanks to all!

I check in at least once a day. I love it. I have been able to help others (especially those who have heard horror stories about Rome's pickpockets and want to know whether it is worth it to go -- it is definitely) and I have benefited from the expertise of others (learning of great websites like the CWLease site which calculates mileage, etc.).

I sort of stumbled onto this forum 3 weeks ago while doing planning for my upcoming trip (I leave in 7 days! yipee!). I was hooked immediately and come back each day (sometimes twice). It is fun to focus on travel for a few minutes each day and I must say things I have seen here have spurred ideas for the trip. My warm thanks to the forum-ites. <BR> <BR>It has also been fun to take out my travel files and make a few suggestions of my own. These files have been very useful to my friends and myself and it is wonderful to dust them off for others. It enhances their value to me. (They are filled with reciepts and cards and journal pages -- even old passports complete with stamps. So yes, I am a keeper of receipts and stamps for this very reason.) <BR> <BR>I will certainly stop back when I return home in June. <BR> <BR>PS I also like the hosted forums! <BR> <BR>Thanks again -- K

We really enjoy this forum. We normally check it daily--but for the last 10 days our system was fried by lightning which took out a tree a few feet from our bedroom. We are still in repair stage of recovery---but focused on the computer---this forum was one of the main reasons we wanted to up and running. We enjoy travel (Europe four times last year, US travel about the same) and the wealth of information and experiences on this forum.

We really enjoy this forum. We normally check it daily--but for the last 10 days our system was fried by lightning which took out a tree a few feet from our bedroom. We are still in repair stage of recovery---but focused on the computer---this forum was one of the main reasons we wanted to up and running. We enjoy travel (Europe four times last year, US travel about the same) and the wealth of information and experiences on this forum.

My first visit to Fodor's was almost two years ago. We were planning a trip to Italy. I researched well with the help from many of you. I do like (and buy) Fodor's books, but the best info is right here. We leave on Saturday for Paris, and I have loads of tips written in a little notebook that you will never find in any book. How often do I visit? At least twice a day, every day. The first thing I'll do when I get home from my trip...you guessed it, catch up on all I've missed while being away. What a great thing we have going here. Thanks Fodor's and thanks to all of you!!!

I too am addicted to this site. Check it at least twice daily. I am totally grateful to Fodors and to the wonderful fodorites for the information on this site. It has helped immensely while planning our trips over the past 2 years and has opened a new vista about travel. I don't think I would have been as hooked to travel to Europe, if it wasn't for this site. I have to admit, I never did enough research on our first trip to Europe (before Fodors) and did the typical vacation - Paris, Rome etc. -big cities, ceratinly 'vacation' not 'travel'. <BR> <BR>This site is like my own personal world which opens up to me when-ever I want. Great stuff! Lets keep it going. <BR>

Moi aussi j'adore ce site. Parce que j'aime beaucoup mon pays, Paris en particulier, et puis il me semble que les gens qui le visitent et y demandent des infos son interressant, nous avons quelque chose en commun. Rien que d'ecrire en Francais, je suis sur que ca va plaire a certains. <BR>Alors du coup je fais tout ce que je peux pour repondre a vos questions. <BR>Merci Fodors...

I, too, have to add my thanks to this forum. It is imperative to find out the "real deal" before going on the trip! I find if I don't check in at least once a day, I've missed about 50 things. <BR> <BR>I am in awe of Europe, the history, the architecture, the modes of travel. And I go as often as I can spare the time. I contribute to the posts with personal experiences, hope I've helped a few people. But when the flames are thrown back and forth, I just watch from the sidelines. <BR> <BR>

Count me in! I visit this site daily and feel that many of the regulars are like old friends. I too have traveled (to Europe more times than I can count) and love to share and compare my experiences with other travelers. The information available here is AMAZING and whether I.m planning an upcomiong trip or not, I appreciate it all. Keep it coming Fodor's. Joan

to the top <BR> <BR>YKWIA <BR>

Okay this was just pushed to the top. <BR>I imagine there will be at least 50 added posts by noon today, it is now 8:20 am. <BR> <BR> <BR>Love love love this site.

Maybe yes, maybe no. <BR> <BR>Ten minutes elapsed already, no new takers. These long threads take a long time to retrieve. <BR> <BR>Oh, and one other thing. You can be sure that Fodor's has tons of data on who visits here, how often, your IP address, and probably all the aliases you use here. <BR> <BR>Just guessing. <BR>

I found this site about three months ago as I was starting to plan a trip to Spain. I'm hooked. I check it once or twice a day. It's not only informative - it's entertaining!

My name is Lisa and I'm a Fodorholic. <BR> <BR>I always used to scoff at reports of people so caught up in the internet that they would spend hours on the computer, neglecting real life. <BR> <BR>Well, here I am. A month later and many many hours spent staring at the computer screen. My house is a mess and the laundry has piled up.Our plans for home alterations have once again been pushed to the back burner. Luckily I have not started yet to neglect my children although the cat is bored of staring at the back of my head for hours. <BR> <BR>Stumbled on this site while researching our upcoming trip to Europe. <BR> <BR>Have found mounds of useful tips from everything from cruise lines, packing, clothes to buy, to routing, hotels, places to visit, train travel and the list goes on. <BR> <BR>Have used Fodor's books in the past but always research our trips with a combination of internent, many, many guidebooks, AAA guides and maps and advice from friends. Right now, I could probably pay for an extra ticket with what I have spent on guidebooks for this trip. <BR> <BR>I usually find our hotel choices on the internet by doing a search.I like being able to see photos on the website. I have found some great hotels this way.It has been nice to get opinions from those who have been there <BR> <BR>I have received a fax from someone who sent me an article I could not find, train info -emailed by Ben Haines and extensive and comprehensive answers to most of my questions. Was so overwhelmed and appreciative of those whoc have helped. and yes I have thanked them, even if I do get my aliases mixed up sometimes. <BR> <BR>Hopefully, I have also been able to help people to whom I have replied on all parts of the forum, (although nobody has acknowledged or thanked me, Sniff, sniff - yes, the Not a Troll post on Fodor's etiquette was mine.) <BR> <BR>Hopefully, once the big trip is over, I won't spend quite so many hours on this forum. Yeah right! <BR>We travel a lot so I guess there will always be something to research. <BR> <BR>Thank you to all and happy travels. <BR>

Acknowleging or saying thanks for STARTing an interesting thread? I thought thanks would be something one says if a question gets ANSWERed! <BR> <BR>But let no job go undone. <BR> <BR>Who will take this responsibility? <BR> <BR>Rex? <BR> <BR>Or has he been fired? <BR> <BR>

I've been coming to the site an average of 5 times per week since December. I usually check it at least once per day to see if there is any question I can help answer (I have much more luck on the Asia board, since I live in China, but we get far, far fewer requests there). I check it more often (several times a day) once I have had the chance to post to see what the other responses are. <BR> <BR>I've always liked Fodors guides, and this forum has improved my overall impression of the company.

I check the site a few times a day; usually during the week. I find most of the posters intelligent and eager to help. And, yes, I went out of my way to buy a Fodor's guide for an upcoming trip.

I saw an advertisement in Forbes magazine last fall for the Fodors travel site. I thought I would check it out and I have found it to be very interesting. I am big fan of Michelin guides. I feel they are the most accurate for me, so I don't buy Fodors books. I hope they don't ban me from this site.

for aaa. <BR>Were you refering to my post on giving thanks or not being thanked ? If you were, then you misunderstood my references and I apologise for perhaps being oblique. Allow me to clarify for you. What I was trying to say, is that there are occasions where I have not been thanked or acknowledged when I have given what I thought were informative responses to people who have asked questions in areas where I have some degree of expertise. I then went on to say that I started a thread regarding that topic. I did not say that I expected to be thanked for starting a thread. <BR> <BR>But anyway, I thank Elizabeth for starting this thread which has certainly prompted many responses. <BR>

I check the site many times per day. I leave it up on my computer at work and come to it when I need a fix. I feel that my spiritual pathway includes traveling the world so I love living vicarously through some of you and I also love sharing my traveling experience. It's a fun group of people and we all have a love for travel. jcat

Ditto, love this site too and log onto it at least, if not twice, a day.

I do look at this sight often(1-2 times/week). I appreciate the help from fellow travellers. Keep up the good work! Have used some hotel recommendations.

Count me in! I visit at least 2 times a day and have been here for about 6 or more months! I appreciated getting info for our trip, giving info for other's use and responding to silly threads! <BR> <BR>Elvira, I was shocked to see you had only been here for 18 months. For some reason you had been here for years! :)

Count me in as recently addicted. This has proven to be the most helpful site on the internet for European travel. One day I may venture into the other areas, but I'm so intrigued with what I find in the Europe section that I come back 2-3 times a day. <BR>"Thank you" to all the people who have answered questions and provided insights. And "thank you" to fodors for providing and maintaining this forum.

Only discovered Fodor forum last month and have been on daily. My husband will go on one trip a year, reluctantly [although he appears to enjoy it while we're there. He says it's too stressful, espacially in another language.

I, too, lurked for a while to get the feel of the board. When I decided to go to Paris in April and made my reservations I started asking questions and helping out when I could. I've got Fodor's from 1983...I try to go at least every 5 years, but the last trips have been 2 years apart. <BR> <BR>I needed info on a "laid back" visit to Paris, and I've gotten teriffic responses to everyquestion I've asked. Really enjoyed the wit and cutting edge silliness. It's a great group.

Count me in as a Fodor addict! I've been coming here almost daily (sometimes several times a day) for about 4 months! We are traveling to Europe for the first time this summer and have gained invaluable knowledge here at this site! Thanks to all!!

Now that I am planning a trip to Paris I check this forum at least once a day when I get home from work. I don't know about any of the other travel forums on the web, I haven't checked them out. Don't feel the need to. The information that I have received from asking questions and reading other posts has helped me immensely. I feel much more confident about making this trip after reading about the experiences of others. Christina (absolutely fantastic details - I am amazed at the depth of your knowledge) and all of the regulars with your tips, keep up the great work. The time that you take to answer questions is much appreciated. I hope I can share something notable upon my return that will be as useful to someone as your advice has been to me.