Hello, Does any one have travel tips for me (grama), and for my 3 granddaughters for our trip to Paris and Germany & Austria? They tend to be "fashionistas "so they will probably need to know how to carry their "stuff" when we tour- backpacks or over shoulder purses? Certainly not waist packs!! After all we want to maintain our "cuteness".. :) They will , of course, each have their small cameras, unless we can manage to share one or two. I am a little nervous, but excited for this "trip of a lifetime". Any advice is very welcome! Heidi
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7885 posts
Heidi, if you're not buying Rick's books for those countries (and his writing style is ideal for college-age travellers), at least look at his free tips: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tips_menu.htm When I look at the "safety" page, I think it comes across as more frightening than he means to be. After all, he's been promoting European travel for at least 25 years! If your grand-daughters really care a lot about clothes, they should think about washing and ironing (do they do either of those jobs at home?) unless your budget covers hotel laundry $$$. Also sun exposure and speedy departure hair-care in the morning.
Posted by
Kirkland, WA, USA
49 posts
A backpack, or cross-torso purse (can not recall what this is called, a senior moment!) and not have much of value in it! Would they be able to swallow a sling backpack or some such? Could this be a good time to introduce smart travel with a small money belt? For wearing under slacks fastened to a belt loop, I've made one from a round-neck passport holder, very lightweight fabric, big enough for just credit card, cash, passport copy, (passport left in hotel), and metro tix. Coins and sample size lip gloss in a pocket, no purse. Husband carries sling backpack with water bottle, camera. I will say that we had no security problems in Paris, April 2012, but we're seasoned travelers. Could you as a group draw up your travel guidelines, input from your girls plus others with teen travel experience? Always together? Or the three of them wander while you sip coffee in a café? Think through-bet you have!- what you will be comfortable with in crowds, in cities, in small towns. Bet you'll run into some street fairs, markets-perfect fun and inexpensive shopping for the fashionistas. Yes.....the trip of a lifetime! Lucky granddaughters and lucky grandmother both! You'll have a great time with memories galore.