Leaving Saturday for Paris, Bruges & Amsterdam for 2 weeks with 5 friends. I'm the "tour guide" & have researched to death for this trip but a big thanks to Tim from Minneapolis for helping me with Thalys tickets & for many of you regulars unknowingly providing wonderful advice in your responses to other posters questions which happen to relate to places/sights our group will be visiting. You never know who is reading/lurking on this website & I've gotten so much info I will be using on this trip. I will definately report back on the new "trip report" section. I'm ready to go but welcome any last minute advice.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
what a kind note to leave! last minute advice? don't stress, be flexible, expect confusion, awkward moments, a bit of culture shock, and roll with it. in my experience the more people are able to "roll with" issues and frustrations without freaking out, the more fun they have. there will be issues and you'll laugh about them later! have fun, it sounds like a wonderful trip! (and make sure your friends buy you a few drinks to compensate you for all your hard work as the head researcher "tour guide"!)
Posted by
Everett, WA
1289 posts
I am usually the tour guide on our trips too. (Whether it is just me and my husband or if we are with another couple) My advise is to relax and live in the moment. Because I am always "responsible" for all the arrangements, it is easy for me to always be thinking ahead on what is coming up. Try to get out of tour guide mode and into tourist mode as much as you can. Have a great trip. I am going to all these place in September, so I look forward to your report.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Stephanie, have you packed a Tide-to-go instant stain remover pen? Drugstore should have it if grocery doesn't. Works really well, if you dribble a little something on your clothes. I usually pack a couple knives, forks, spoons of heavy plastic. The knives cut surprisingly well if you want to have a picnic or slice an apple or orange. Y'all have fun!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Definitely try to forget some of the research... the plans are made...now just go with the flow. If this is the first time for all of you just let Europe unfold and explore it all together. Trust your instincts, and take plenty of time to just 'hang out' and enjoy every minute. Don't worry about what you might be missing (there is never enough time)
Posted by
Land of La
8704 posts
Bon voyage!
Posted by
Everett, WA
1289 posts
Also, be prepared for those moments when something goes wrong and everyone turns and looks to you for guidance. I have some funny stories along those lines.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
Stephanie, I am the tour guide for my family and over the past five trips they have become accustomed to what a typical trip day is for us - so they have grown into my travel style, and in turn, I have gotten better at planning each day to best meet their needs as well. Families are like that. With a group of friends - even close friends - things may not work that smoothly. If there is one lesson to be learned on this travel helpline, it is that people's travel tastes can be very different. Those differences may not show up until you are there in the moment. Hopefully you all will be flexible enough to bend to each-other's needs. But if someone's nose does get bent out of shape, don't take it personally. It's most likely just the different travel style coming to the surface. If there is a time when it makes sense to break up and let everyone do their own thing ("Everyone meet at Notre Dame at 6PM and we'll find a place for dinner"), try that to give everyone - and especially yourself - a break. If you have the energy, an early morning or late evening stroll by yourself can do wonders, too. Do report back, especially to let everyone know what it's like to plan and a trip for a group of friends. Have a great trip!!