New record for questions about money?

Rick's Homepage is promoting his tours and other aspects of European travel, and a visitor has to click on Travel Tips to get to the money subjects, and the FAQ link at the bottom doesn't include a "Money" category.

At least people's questions aren't just about dressing so they don't look like tourists :-)

And they aren 't asking if it will rain in Scotland.... :)

Most people asking questions here (unlike the regular contributors, who are answering the questions) presumably reach this site through a quick Google search, and initially probably just want to ask a quick question and get a quick and painless answer. They don't explore the rest of the website. That's why I try to link them to other parts of the RSE website, when it seems appropriate.

And that is why I suggest that folks get a good guide book, like the ones RS sells elsewhere on this web site, if it covers the information that they are asking about. Or to use the "Search" feature on the top of most web pages here. Folks need to learn to do a little research on their own.

Where should I exchange money to buy my railpass?

From the nice ladies who have petitions to sign.

As with any common question, the person asking does believe that their question has a unique twist, or that any information in an FAQ is dated....therefore invalid.

Couple that with the volatile exchange market...leaving many to believe that by playing the market they save, or that there are deals out there.

All this means it is better to ask than search.

I think its a sign that more people are feeling economically and psychologically "up" for more extensive/expensive/expansive vacations. In other words, its a good thing! More people traveling to Europe, more people starting to learn about a 'different' approach to travel.

I've noticed an increase in posts among the regulars on the forum wondering about people coming here to ask travel questions.

As a first-timer to Europe who had not really planned on going overseas anytime soon - until our daughter had a unique opportunity to visit Europe come up last year, I knew I had a lot to learn! I had no clue what to expect and I'm the type that needs to read, hear, read again, research, ask questions to see if what I think I read is correct, etc.

Our rapidly approaching European adventure still seems unreal even though it's occupied a lot of my thinking, dreaming and thoughts over the past year and a half. I didn't discover the RS Forums right away. Once I found his site, I read his articles and watched his videos, but it took me a while to actually find this 'community'.

Once I found it, I tried to read many different posts and sections to figure out the norms until I felt comfortable reaching out with questions. I'm sure I asked the money question, and I've asked many others in the past six-months. Sometimes the questions are to get ideas, tips, thoughts to help me make some decisions and it's always nice to hear from others who have actually had these experiences!

I have appreciated all the information and feedback I've received and I hope that when we get home, I keep checking in and reading posts, and maybe even contributing real life answers from my experience :)

I'm sure seeing the same questions over and over can get old, but it seems like in each thread there is something a little different, or a bit updated, or tied to a recent experience, so I've eagerly read them all.

I am thankful to all of you who have put up with the questions (mine and others) and I hope to be a good future contributor when we return - and a traveller that wants to keep going back and seeing and doing more!! It's very exciting to think about!!

Advocate are, loved your post. Many frequent contributors started exactly that way - coming back from a trip with excitement and useful, first-hand information.

Thanks, Zoe! In addition to getting all our final details wrapped up, I'm already thinking about how to start my trip report! ;). We will be in so many places and be moving about every three days, so there will be much to report, I'm sure. But - I worry that I might do my trip report wrong - so I'm trying to read as many of those to get tips - probably over-thinking it.

I am also excited that I have logged over 100 posts now - and not all have been questions :). Now, to work on getting one of those stars or green boxes by my username like the power posters!!

It's good to have goals :)

Advocate - please start a new thread about how to manage a trip report/blog/travel diary while you're on the trip. I bet there are people with good tips.

for Pam ,the definitive answer to does it rain in Scotland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xa4Ldjs42Y

I don't mind money questions. However, the gatekeeper should ban for life anyone who asks: "I'm visiting Europe. What should I do? Where should I go?" Arghh!!

...endless number of basic questions....
"I'm visiting Europe. What should I do? Where should I go?"

The Newbies (and we were all Newbies at one time) to travel in Europe ought to buy or borrow the Rick Steves "Europe through the Back Door" book:

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=163&id=20

And read it.

If the Newbies still have questions, the need to be directed to:
http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips

The forums exist so people can ask questions and share travel experiences. As long as a poster isn't being offensive, I don't care how repetitive/inexperienced/broad the question is. I happened upon this website through a google search about Scotland. I imagine a lot of posters learn about it the same way. I think people just get excited and want to get started in their travel planning. And to people that don't normally travel, starting the process can be overwhelming.

It is not easy to search old posts unless you are a regular and can recall the title and timing of the post. And some threads, like Italy and General Europe, get so many posts that common question posts get buried.

But I like the idea of having a "Common Questions" link that is visible and obvious from the FORUM homepage, not just the website homepage. This would be a good place to direct people to other areas of the website.

Reading a book to research a trip (or anything) is old-school. Why do that when you can type in a question online and get an answer (right or wrong) from the internet?

Stan's "right or wrong" is the operative phrase.

Eggzackly!

Asking you guys is 'my research' :)))

I love books and travel guides. But I also like to forums for quick answers to specific questions and to read others' first hand experiences. And to kill time on a Sunday afternoon when I should be doing something else. I am sure most people on here use a combination approach to their travel research. The forums are open to all so there will be varying degrees of experience (and familiarity with the website) of the posters. Just because someone asks a question that is frequently asked, answered elsewhere on the website, vague, or contains misspellings/incorrect information, doesn't mean that person is dumb, naïve, or too lazy to research. And they shouldn't be denied the opportunity to ask a question.