I’ve roughed out a plan for our my husband’s and my trip to Japan for autumn 2023. We’ll be arriving October 21 and will have a total of 26 nights. We are interested in getting a taste of traditional cultures, exposure to some scenic vistas, and enjoying some of the dynamic energy of the cities, especially Tokyo. I’m trying... Read More

Somebody brought up the old thread on what to cook in France but an hour or so later, it’s gone. That’s a shame, since this is probably my all-time favorite thread on Fodor’s France. I got so many good ideas from it and re-reading it was a thrill. I never wrote a report about our cooking experience. Needless to say, our spring 2020 trip didn't h... Read More

I am wondering what people recommend as an economical way to use their phones while traveling in Europe. We will be traveling to Germany, Austria, Italy, and Luxembourg an be gone for close to a month. I expect to make several calls to the US to family and I think we can use FaceTime while on internet for that. I am mostly concerned about data u... Read More

With our spring trip finalized (if all goes as planned, we will be going to wandering among ancient Greek ruins in May), my attention is now turning to our annual time away in the second half of November and first week of December. Our first choice is Japan and more work needs to be done there. At the same time, I'm planning in the alternative, as... Read More

Now that I am retired, I am heading out of freezing Ottawa, Canada winters for 2-3 months. As part of a longer trip: starting with Bernina Express from Chur to Italy, Milan, Bergamo, Ravenna, Rimini and perhaps San Marino would be another small clustered segment of the trip; finally and ending with a week in Venice, I am looking for a 2 week and 4... Read More

Hey guys. I am a first timer here. I have been reading your posts and found them very interesting I plan to do a 10 day car trip to Italy and would seek your advice as how and when should i do it. i had wanted to do from 28th april 23 onwards Read More

Hello! Planning to bring kids to Europe for first time this June- we have two full weeks, not including flights from NE US. Our kids are young teens. We have narrowed down trip to Italy and/or France, focusing on coastal or lake areas as much as possible (it will be hot, and we all like to swim). I'm thinking Cote d'Azur and then Italian coast, but... Read More

I have had a lousy three months: my dad passed away, my job turned upside down, our beloved dog is quite ill, and I have had an illness to deal with and it's only March. I want a vacation. I love Italy and spent a month there in September/Oct (some may have read my endless[url=https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/siena-to-calabria-or-my-... Read More

Hi We will be in Belgium for about 4 days, and would like to stay in a nice hotel, preferably in a scenic countryside type location, or at least in a quiet charming place. Our itinerary involves spending time in Antwerp, a brief visit to Leuven and a trip to Ghent and Bruges. We prefer to stay in one place the whole time, but would cons... Read More

Hello everyone! We are set to fly to Paris to celebrate a milestone birthday on March 22 (next Wednesday). With the protests happening in Paris, we are not sure if there are safety issues to consider. Can anyone in Paris help us by letting us know what the situation is looking like please? Thank you! Read More

We spent a week in Mexico City at the invitation of our daughters who rented the apartment and did the basic research for sightseeing and eating, making reservations where necessary. We arrived at the airport. Money changing places everywhere, and it took some effort to find a bank ATM. There is one about 100 ft. from the official taxi reservation... Read More

HI there - we're heading to Italy (Rome & Amalfi) for the week before Easter. Super basic question but would you recommend we exchange USD for euros before we arrive? Or are the exchange rates better once we arrive? There will be four of us - do you think ~$250 will be enough or would you recommend more? I'm assuming most places will take cards. Th... Read More

The YMCA in Nara will provide free city guides. I certainly would expect to tip the person who shows us around for 4 hours. Has anyone else used these services in Nara or other places. What would be appropriate amount to give the person? Read More

I will soon be returning to Rome for my 4th visit in the past 43 years -- lucky me! Full disclosure, however: on two of those three previous visits, I was in Rome only for fairly brief periods at the beginning or end of longer trips exploring other parts of Italy. So, in total, I have maybe spent 15 days or so in Rome on previous trips.. On this tr... Read More

I will have my first solo trip to Paris in April 2023. Thinking about clothing and fitting in, disguising my American style! Is April too early to wear white linen pants? Black shoes or white? Read More

At this point I think I've reserved so many hotels I need to start canceling but I'm so confused! We will be landing in Athens 4/30 (evening) and leaving out of Heraklion 5/15 (morning). Here's what I have so far: Athens, Greece: Which hotel option? Amalia or Astor? We arrive after 9pm on 4/30, take m... Read More

There are space invaders all over Paris! I know it's true because it was in the New York Times.

I am taking my two 13 year old granddaughters to London this summer and though we are not theater goers, we want to see a show. Choices would be Wicked, Mamma Mia or Hamilton? ideas? Read More

Hello, We are a family of 4 (19 and 16 yo daughters) traveling to Europe in July. We will be ending our trip with 8 nights in Paris. I have just started looking for places, and these are the ones I like so far. We want a place with 3 beds (not including a pullout if possible). These places all look fairly central, but I'm not familiar with Paris n... Read More

First I want to say that I have searched through several threads and the frequently asked questions on the right about passports but I have yet to find a source that I can print or refer to that I can use to back me up. We are scheduled to fly RYANAIR out of Porto next week and even though we thought we had covered our... Read More

Ok Pros! After countless hours of research, reading this forum, watching Rick Steves, and reading books, I think I have a roughed out itinerary and welcome any suggestions. This area is foreign to me and it took a while to get a handle on distances. Basics: We have 26 days, and will fly into Nice and out of Paris. It’s just my husband and me and... Read More

We are 3 couples in our early 60's all in good active shape. Planning on a few days in Edinburgh for the Tattoo and sightseeing, then off to Stirling for 2-3 days of more sightseeing. Intent is to rent a car(s) once we're ready to depart Edinburgh. Where should we go next? We want to experience the "Highlands" and more rugged areas but do not h... Read More

I am finishing up my travel plans for this June. Generally I believe to really experience a city and travel comfortably you have to spend at least 5 days, if not 7; in the place you are visiting. This is my first trip to Europe, and I am trying to figure out exact points where me and my party may be overwhelmed by too much to see, and may ne... Read More

After a week of hiking parts of the Lechweg with my daughter, my husband and I will arrive at Lake Constance the 3rd week in August. Rather than an organized bike tour (we generally use radreisen), we’ve decided to base in 2 cities for about 3 nights each, renting bikes and doing some nice rides. I’m thinking one should be Konstanz but not sure whi... Read More

I've decided to visit Italy (finally) in May 2024 - plenty of time to go but I need to get at least a rough itinerary sorted as I will be using points to book my flights so will be booking those flights this May. I have about 3 weeks at my disposal (give or take a few days) and want to take in the beautiful history, architecture, people, and of... Read More