I'm planning a summer trip to Italy. It will be our family of five's first visit. I wanted to know if anyone had used Rick Steves' travel consultants over the phone to plan their trip, and if so, how did it work?
I have my flights booked, but have started to become overwhelmed with the details. I don't want to make any big mistakes.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Tom, we are going for the first time to Italy also..our trip is later in December. The Rick Steves DVD's are great..I have checked out several from our local library...good info. and it helps to SEE where you will be. If you try to make reservations via email (which is highly recommended) don't be dismayed if you don't get a quick reply..sometimes it has been 3-4 days for me to receive a reply. Good Luck!!
Although I've not used the travel consultants, I'm pretty sure the people who provide the service are very experienced and have traveled extensively in Europe. One of my Italy guides worked in the Edmonds office and did this when not leading tours. The consultant would be able to help you sort through options and zero in on the destinations and details best suited to your interests. You could always give them a call, inquire about what the service includes and set up an appointment if you like what you hear.
I'm with Sandy. Before each trip, we watch lots of travel videos with the kids. Also, check out websites of attractions that they are interested in. I make sure the kids get to pick some things that interest them. Let THEM read some guide books, you would be surprised. My kids love the DK guidebooks because they are loaded with pictures. My kids seemed to enjoy the things they picked better than the ones I picked.
I have not used the consultants but I am taking my 3 kids with me to europe this summer for their first time. I have been many times myself but not with my kids. Along with my other guidebooks the book "Take Your Kids to Europe" has been very helpful in planning my trip from a family standpoint..
We used the phone consultatation because I started to panic about planning our trip. It was a calming phone call, but in retrospect pricey for the information that was ultimately available in the guidebooks and on the web. Anna
I have used the travel consultant service twice and it's well worth the small fee. Experience pays and a guidebook and/or dvd can't always address a family's unique needs. We have saved time, money and stress using this service.
I used them (via phone)and it was not much help.
You need to know the places you want to see and if you will drive (use viamichelin.com) or train in Italy. After that asking here will get more leads and info than using the RS consultants. Lodging? hotels check tripadviser for reviews or Apt book with vrbo or other co.?
We are also 5 and it took about 3 months to finally get it all set. We are doing 3 days-rome (apt)/3-dayssorrento (hotel)2 days-Parma (farm house) 2-days venice (hotel)After that we go to Grmany.
We are driving for flex and train x 5 = $$$.
