Will viewing DVD´s of the places I will travel to help?

Al, I think it's a good idea to do as much research as possible. For our last trip, I spent a fair amount of time watching Rick's programs (on TV and from the Library), as well as Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel (Passport to Europe). Since we were going to Rome, we also saw a number of programs on the History Channel called "Engineering an Empire" (about the history of Rome's monuments). It really heightened the experience for us, as we had a background for what we saw. It also helped us decide what we didn't think fit our interests.

I don't think there's any way it will rob you of impact. Seeing the Colosseum on a TV set and being there are 2 different things. Being at the National Gallery in London and seeing Van Gogh's Sunflowers or Irises gives you the "pinch me" feeling. Sitting and looking at the Mediterranean in one of the Cinque Terre towns isn't like seeing the DVD.

Anyway, that's my take. Have a great trip, either way you decide to go.

I agree with Lauren. There's nothing like being there and seeing it in person. I have the RS set of 70 shows and love them. I've discovered other places I'd like to see, and relive the places I've already visited. I think you'll enjoy the DVD's, and it won't diminish the "impact of watching a site for the first time". If anything, it will probably give you more of a feeling of "coming home" since you will already know so much about where you'll be visiting. Each of the programs are roughly 25 minutes, so you can well imagine there's tons more to see than what Rick is able to show on his programs. Go ahead and get the DVD set, I don't think you'll be sorry. Happy Travels!

I agree with the previous posters. Check you local library and see if they carry Rick Steves' DVD. I have some but not all.

My Fammily's going to Europe next year and we've been watching a ton of videos. I like them nt so much for the sights they show you, but the little tips on how to make the most of everything. By the way, Samantha Brown on the travel channel is very good too. Oh, and depending on how many places you're seeing, it might be better to buy a few of the dvd's that have two or three episodes each to save money.

The RS videos have helped me plan trips. Note to Anne: Given what you said, you may find Rick's "How to Travel" (not the exact name) videos especially helpful, he is traveling in these but spends more time focusing on how to pack light and other how to travel tips.

Ditto to prior posts, but also if you buy the set, remember you can watch them after your trip and say "I went there! And there!" I've watched my Italy DVDs a number of times after my trip and it just made me want to go all over again.

I was gonna buy them anyways! However, now I know a few other reasons to view them. Thank you people!

From personal experience, I have found that research - books, videos, websites, etc. - on the places I will be visiting is invaluable. For me, knowing the history of the place I'm visiting, not relying on guides, seeing pictures in books or on video has not robbed me of the impact of a firsthand experience; it has enhanced it. You'll find that out when you are standing on the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, or gazing at Notre Dame.

Another suggestion, plan your itinerary carefully so as not to back track.

Once you have a definite itimerary, then it is time to buy your Rail Passes if they are needed.

Try this site and enter all the proper Europen spellings for the names of the cities.

http://www.railsaver.com/

Then I would suggest buying your Passes from the Rick Steves' site....he usually gives goodies along with the Passes.

Al I think this is a great idea, but if you don't want to spend the money, see if your local library carries them or try Netflix. On the other hand if you can afford it and end up going to some of those places in the movies, you can look at them later and have a nice memory of your trip, "hey we went there!"