Where should I do my research in planning a vacation to Europe?

[jtdragon6476]

Where should I do my research in planning a vacation to Europe?

[sidulrike]

Either online or "old fashioned" at the library.. you might even discover that your librarian is a well travelled person - I´ve discovered that tons of them are! He/she might have tips on places and books as well. Or go to a travel agency and see what they recommend, tell them you´ll think about it and then do additional research on the price online to get the best deal. You´re bound to get great advice if you ask specific questions about what you want to see or do. Some people just want to do 10 cities in 5 days to be able to say "I´ve seen the Eiffel Tower, the Vatican, Venice and the Prado in 48 hours!", others like to actually bask in new experiences and just start walking through a city until their feet hurt and then sit in a small place where locals eat and drink to take in even more new things and talk to local people. I´ve met a really nice older couple who only travel in autumn every year and help harvest wine in a different region of Europe every year. They´ve been through all sorts of places in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal and want to tackle Greece this year. Cool for some, crazy for others.. lol.Once you know what you want your vacation to be like, use several resources to go from there. And yes, I would start at the library because there´s usually a great travel section with tons of books! Hope that was helpful and you have a great vacation!

[jrr_hill]

On line; AAA also has muito material; book stores, library etc. Narrow your search by deciding basic things; how much time do you have? What are you willing to spend? Accomodations; 5 star hotel, youth hostel, camp grounds? Rent a car--use mass transit(like getting a Eurail pass); what are you interested in doing or seeing?I would say you will have a good time if you don't display the perceived American attitude of "I'm here; serve me."I speak French and enough German, Portuguese and Spanish to get by as a traveler/tourist. Many of the people you will come in contact with will respect you more if you try speaking to them in their language.You don't have to be perfect- basic things like hello; good bye; thank you; how much(does this cost)?; do you have other colors?; Many will also be glad to try out their English. I have used a web site called Freetranslation.com that will do just that. Without hearing words, though, pronunciation could be a challenge, but try!

[alliescakes]

The best place is www.ricksteves.com or purchase (or borrow from the library) one of his books.

[megan]

I know of a great travel agent... his website is below.































www.travel1stop.com (http://www.travel1stop.com/)