Jennifer

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

Tina

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

Suzann

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>

marilyn

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.

Tony Hughes

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.

John Yurko

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.

Jan

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!

Andy

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>

Andy

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>

MollyDonnelly

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!

pam

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.

Patty

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!

Deb

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.).

Kate

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

M & J

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.

M & J

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.

Nancy

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!!!

deepa

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>

gregoire

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...

Donna

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>