Please help and guide me.

Bella: Please read Rick Steves "Europe Through the Back Door." This is the bible for European travel and while you have your itinerary planned, Rick can help you with all of the successful survival issues you bring up: safety, money, packing, communications. You may also want to get the London and Paris guidebooks for details on those cities. Then come back to this board to check your plans and ask opinions on specifics that are not clear from your reading. Planning is half the fun so enjoy the research to ensure the trip is the experience YOU want!

Yes. read and research. make a list of the places and sights and experiences that interest YOU. Use a good map of each City and try and figure out what is close to each other. Then come back with a sketched out plan and we can make suggestions. Dont only rely on Rick Steves books. Read all the other travel guides. Check out the "in britain" magazine pages on the web for London and nearby England. And above all DONT change what you want to do to fit in stuff we tell you we would do (unless it appeals to you)

Short answer to one of your questions- get your money over there from the ATM machines.

Hi Bella, Rick's ETBD book will be a great help in planning your trip. You might also want to get a copy of his Europe 101. In regards to the euros, I usually get some Euros in advance from my bank - $100 worth is what I have. This is enough to get me into the city from the airport and a snack. The best way to get cash is to use ATM machines. You do not want to get traveler's checks. They are not widely accepted and a pain to cash. Also, check out this section of this website. http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tips_menu.htm It has suggestions on packing and more. I too went to Europe one year when my 80+ year old dad was ill. I rented a cell phone. Since then I have purchased an iPhone that I use with the data feed shut off for the duration of the trip. Others recommend buying a pay as you go phone in Europe. As for safety, be street smart, use a money belt, and you should be fine. The tips and hint link has suggestions. Pam

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I will read, read, read!
Bella

Bella, As the others have mentioned, pre-reading Europe Through The Back Door would be a good beginning to start planning your trip. The London and Paris Guidebooks will also be an excellent source of information, not only for things like Hotels and sightseeing but also for money and "safety" issues. One point to mention is that in London you'll be dealing with Pounds Sterling, while in Paris you'll be using Euro's. The best way to obtain cash is from ATM's (Cash Points / Bancomats / etc.), however your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. I'd suggest a "backup" ATM card (if possible) as well as at least one credit card. I normally also carry a bit of "travelling money" (in various currencies) for the trip. You should be able to obtain either £ or € at your local Bank (they may have to order it, so may take a few days). Before offering suggestions on methods for calling home every day, it would help to know whether you presently have a Cellphone, and if so which carrier are you with? I assume you're going to be booking "open jaw" flights (inbound London, outbound Paris)??? Also have a look at the listings for your local PBS station, as they may be broadcasting either the London or Paris editions of Rick's show. That will allow you to see some of the main sights and decide which ones you might be interested in seeing. Good luck with your planning!

You can also check your local library for travel DVDs (Rick Steves and many others) and guide books to get an idea of which ones you like best before purchasing. Even in a small town like I live in, they have lots of travel resources, either locally or through inter-library loan.

I think Rick's best work is his basic information for beginners (and for those of us who need frequent refresher courses). Starting at the library is the best way to go. They should have a lot of RS books, plus other travel guides. Use these for planning, then buy the latest edition of the book or two you need with you on your trip. For money, I use ATM's exclusively and don't pack Euros with me (I do bring some US cash to exchange in an emergency). For calling home, you have options. A calling card works, the cheapest ones are purchased at newstands all over Europoe and are good for only one country. Up from that might be a multi-country calling card purchased there, Walmart or Costco (I've never used these so it's only theory). Skype is great if you are carrying a laptop (I don't). A cellphone is an option but generally not a cheap one for calls home. I've had some tremendous deals calling home from internet cafes (but more Europeans have their own computers now and internet cafes are going the way of video rental stores). Pack - five tops, three bottoms (pants, skirt, capris), a pair of sandals (that can be dressy or casual) and a pair of walking shoes. If these mix/match you have 15 potential outfits. Add socks and underwear. Quick drying fabrics for everything is a plus. You will also want a good shell (wind and water PROOF) and a warm layer or two (I bring a light wool sweater and a 100 weight full zip fleece). This will fit easily in one carry-on bag. Resist the urge to pack more - you will be glad you packed light - and plan to handwash/hangdry your underwear and socks regularly (plus one stop at a laundromat). If you plan swimming, add a suit. I try to pack clothes that work in a range from business casual on the dressy end to pub attire on the casual end. That usually covers my full range of activity.

Hi Everyone, Thanks again for all of the s. Great info from all. Thanks Brad on the packing advice. I have a cellphone that is with Verizon. Don't have an ATM card but will contact my bank to get one. ATM or Debit CArd? Also, a little confused. Should I take both some euro and pounds (get them from my local bank) or wait until I get there and use the ATM? I have read that some ATM machines charge high rates and the bank will charge a high conversion rate. How do I avoid all of those extra fees? I am flying into London first and then to Paris.
Thanks again for all of the guidance! I really appreciate you all.

Bella re Cash. Its what you feel comfortable with. I always take a little cash (say 100 pounds) in small denominations, just so I wont feel stranded. I (me) would take about 100 pounds and 100 Euros. others feel very comfortable not taking anything and grabbing an ATM when they first arrive.

Bella, Thanks for the additional information. First, regarding the phone calls. While phone cards work reasonably well, these are primarily a one-way calling method, in the sense that you'll be able to call your relatives but they won't be able to call you in a timely manner if there's a problem. Under the circumstances, a Cellphone is a much better option. You have a few options. As you're already with Verizon, you might contact them to get information on their Global Roaming plans. This Plan may be suitable, but you'll have to check. Another option to consider is to purchase or rent a Cellphone from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal. Check their respective websites for further details and rates. Renting tends to be expensive, so I'd consider just buying a $49 phone and using it for future travels. On the topic of packing along some "travelling money", there are two schools of thought on that subject on the HelpLine. My preference is to travel with £/€ 50-100 for expenses during the trip. I'd rather not bother with ATM's just to buy a sandwich or coffee when I'm tired and jet-lagged, and perhaps in a rush to board a connecting flight. When I'm settled in the Hotel at my first stop, I find the nearest ATM and top-up my travel funds. Check with your Bank regarding the correct type of Card for ATM use in Europe. The exchange rates are usually the most favourable when using ATM's. You may find it helpful to have a look at This Short Video with Rick's suggestions. It might help to post the name of your Bank, as others here that deal with the same one may have suggestions. Cheers!

It is true: Most of what you need to know for planning your first trip is available in Rick's ETBD. Here is some of the most-often repeated advice on Traveler's Helpline: * Book your flight three months out because prices are sometimes lower then -- unless they are higher, which is often the case. * Carry-on only for luggage, and pack light. * Get cash through an ATM at the airport or nearest town once your plane lands. * Always wear a girdle-type money belt, even if visiting a deserted island. To do otherwise is to play Russian roulette. * Beware pickpockets and the ring scam. * Take the train, don't drive, or Lee will be very upset. (Really, do follow his advice if you take the train.) * If you insist on driving a rental car, rent through gemut.com or Autoeurope. (But don't drive in Florence or Paris, but for different reasons In London, drive on the wrong side of the road.)
* Remember: The only measure of competence is number of postings on Traveler's Hotline. Steve formerly of Always Dreaming of Paris is a good example.

My cell phone is with AT&T and text msg from the U.S. to Europe were free. Sending a test msg from Europe is 50 cents. I have a money pouch which I wear like a holster under my arm and it is very comfortable. On my last trip I had a new travel purse with several magnets, and apparently they fouled up my ATM cards! Listen to the folks who said "travel light". Especially if you are traveling alone, you will be glad that you did! HAVE FUN!

Don't forget to check the Graffiti Wall for answers to your questions, too.

I used the Verizon global plan when I traveled to Italy and London last October. Call them at 800-711-8300 for more info. It works if you're planning a trip of 30 days or less. Regarding an ATM/debit card, make sure it has a Visa logo. Check your bank for their rates, your best bet will probably be a credit union so try to join one if you're able to. Big banks tend to charge 3% or so per ATM transaction. I traveled with another female and felt very safe. I carried a neck pouch that I looped thru my bra strap then tucked the pouch into my waist band. I found that more comfy than having something hanging around my neck. Put your credit/ATM card in it and most of your cash. Carry 20 bucks or so with you and if you need more money, dodge into a bathroom to pull out your neck pouch.