PHOTOS: I’ve posted some of my photos on google photos. You may see my sister in a few of them.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/n8bK9BqCU8bRjCKH7
BACKGROUND: This was our second sisters’ trip to Europe. The first also included Austria (Salzburg and Innsbruck).
My sister is a huge Gustav Klimt fan. So, this was the perfect trip to include her.
FLIGHTS / AIRPORT EXPERIENCE: We flew nonstop from Chicago on Austrian Airlines, in premium economy, in and out of Vienna. Having that extra space really made a difference, especially for my sister. My sister has metal rods in her back from scoliosis surgery and it is very hard for her to get comfortable in general, let alone in cramped airplane seats. She was actually able to get some sleep on both flights. And we had so much room, we were able to do the chair yoga that was part of the inflight entertainment.
No lines at passport control. Even at O’Hare, we walked right up to a counter. As always, the Dept. of Agriculture Beagle Brigade was hard at work in the O’Hare baggage area. One beagle was so excited to have sniffed out an apple in some guy’s backpack.
TRANSPORTATION: In Vienna, we took a taxi to and from the airport. It seemed easier for my sister as public transportation would have involved one change with luggage.
It was about a 4-hour train ride to and from Prague. We always travel first class on the trains when we have luggage.
We walked most everywhere, but I did get us the 7-day digital ticket for Vienna (purchased on the Wein mobile app) as we did use the tube a few times. Yes, I know it’s not called the tube in Vienna. :-) But, our last trip was London. So, the underground to us will always be known as the tube. It was easier to use than London’s, as there was no tapping in and out at the stations. You just walk on and off. No ticket checks. We just had the QR codes on my phone in case there was a spot check.
We ran into a scammer at the Prague train station. They don’t post the train platform number ahead of time, so you have to stand watching the boards. Some guy approached me and told me platform number 5, even though he didn’t know what train I was waiting for or where I was going. Then he offered to take our luggage for us so we wouldn’t have to walk up 35 stairs. Thanks buddy, we’ll take the escalator.