If you're not totally sick of my travel questions yet...(emotional and long)

[Julie in CA]

I've hesitated posting this, because I've posted so much asking for advice about European travel that I'm sure I'm past my quota on that...BUT...

 

I need a little bit of input (maybe reassurance?) that my plan isn't a totally dangerous, stupid, waste of money.

 

My original idea was that I should take my ds who's graduating in June on a senior trip. I wanted it to be outside of our comfort level, since we live a very rural lifestyle and rarely even venture to the nearest large city. We've ended up with a plan that involves flying to Paris and staying for 4 nights, then flying to Rome and staying for 4 nights, and then coming home.

 

I checked into tours, but found them too expensive and too riddled with things we weren't interested in doing/seeing (a half-day of shopping for leather goods in Florence, for instance). I checked into mediterranean cruises, which sound good in some ways, but I didn't think we'd get as good a feel for the places we were travelling to, and they were still a bit out of my price range.

 

I settled on booking the flights and hotels all together, and then arranging tours, day-trip excursions, sightseeing on our own. It's within my financial confort level to do it this way, but a bit intimidating to face ucertainties like airport connections and public transportation within large cities. I'm resting on the idea that it'll all work out in the end, and that we may indeed have some adventures on the Metro, and yes, that we may even get lost a time or two.

 

When people have asked me about our plans, they've seemed skeptical about how well the trip will go without a tour guide shuttling us along. My mom is concerned for our safety and has asked me things like, "how will you know which parts of town are unsafe to walk in alone, without a tour guide?" I don't have a great answer for this, except that I've made a concerted effort to select hotels that are specifically listed as being in safe parts of town, and that the only nighttime strolls we'll be taking are in tour books and described as very safe. Ds and I are reading some travel books and watching Rick Steves videos, and generally seeking to be as informed as possible before we go.

 

It bothers me more than I care to admit that my mom is less than confident about this. She always made good choices for me when I was a child, and has given me excellent advice (pretty much only when asked) since I've been an adult. Her question felt...well, it made me feel like maybe I really have bitten off more than I can chew.

 

Am I being stupid? Overconfident? I'm nervous about the trip, it's very far out of my comfort level, but I thought it was just my rural lifestyle catching up with me and that I should just push on with what rationally seems like a reasonable plan.

 

Sure, we could miss our plane, we could become horribly lost in the worst part of Paris (at night), we could be pickpocketed, we could become victims of crime, our plane could crash, the world can be a scary place. I'm feeling like the benefits are worth the risk. I could be hit by a car in my very own little town.

 

If you've read this far, I thank you. I'm looking for perspective on this that isn't tinted by my mom's anxiety for our safety or my own lack of worldly wisdom. Maybe I really am stretching too far. Should I give up the idea? Am I being foolish? I could pick somewhere that would be a stretch, but still be less of a challenge, kwim?

[JudoMom]

If you've read this far, I thank you. I'm looking for perspective on this that isn't tinted by my mom's anxiety for our safety or my own lack of worldly wisdom. Maybe I really am stretching too far. Should I give up the idea? Am I being foolish? I could pick somewhere that would be a stretch, but still be less of a challenge, kwim?

 

I've never been outside the country, so my opinion may not be worth much.

 

But I think if you don't do this trip you'll regret it. It sounds like a wonderful, once in a lifetime trip. Your boy's grown up. You will probably never have the chance to take him on an adventure again (just the two of you).

 

I think the memories you will make far outweigh any risks there are. It sounds to me that you're being smart about it and you're realistic about the chances that you'll get lost, etc.

[dangermom]

I don't see why it wouldn't be a good idea. It's not like you're planning a trip through a labyrinth riddled with secret boobytraps. Sounds like a good plan to me, and it's what I'd do too. I've found my way around London and Copenhagen and such, so I'm not totally clueless about the difficulty level.

[Garga]

Go for it! Someone on these message boards has this quote as her signature and I loved it so much I wrote it down:

 

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, what a ride!"

Anonymous

[kalanamak]

I'm resting on the idea that it'll all work out in the end, and that we may indeed have some adventures on the Metro, and yes, that we may even get lost a time or two.

 

 

 

You may, and it is an adventure, and I'm SURE YOU'LL DO FINE. Really.

 

I've never been on tour in my life, but I've been in many, many places. We didn't even go with reservations. Daddy would park us in the train station and go off in search of a hotel in walking distance that was in his budget and had room for the six of us. When he got back to the train station, if he was whistling a polka, we all leapt up and grabbed our bags and headed his way. If he was whistling a dirge (the funeral from Dr. Zhivago was a favourite), we'd sigh and realize he was just checking back to let us know he hadn't run off to Africa, but that we didn't have a place to stay yet.

 

Such memories.

[JoyfulMama]

Personally, I am impressed with the effort and time you spent reading about, researching, and planning your trip, and recognizing that the cookie cutter tour is not what you'd really love to do! I think it is awesome for you to admit that this is out of your comfort zone, but are willing to take some chances in order to have a memorable experience.

You recognize that things may not go all according to plan. You recognize there is some risk to your plan. And you recognize there is risk to life!

Go for it!!! (And take lots and lots of pictures!!!!!)

[King Alfred Academy]

My dh and I have walked the streets of Paris at night and have never had a problem...and we like to explore the areas that are not on tourist's radars. I have never felt unsafe there. Do you have to keep an eye on your purse/bags? Yes. But I do that here in the states too.

 

As far as the Metro...it is easy to navigate. Just become familiar with the maps before you go if that'll make you more comfortable.

 

You are doing the right thing by watching Rick Steves. Have you read his guide books too? We follow all his advice and have had great expereinces when we travel.

 

Sounds like you and your son are going to have a great few days in two wonderful places! Have a good time and be sure to tell us all about it!

[TraceyS/FL]

Well, having survived almost being pickpocketed in Rome, being the only one NOT stuck in the elevator in Paris (ok, so those Parisian firefighters.... yummm!), guys with machine guns on the train and at the airport checking papers, wondering around at all hours in Paris (because, well, it's PARIS!!!!!!), and other odds and ends - all without having done more than driven in Los Angeles and flown to Disneyworld..... and lived on the Central Coast of CA those 17.5 years....

 

I say, you will be FINE. You have way more research done - i went with a teacher, his DD and some girls from teh public school.

 

Your son - and you - will remember this always. I've never forgotten my trip, and you have inspired me to save somehow to give my DD the same type of trip.

 

The only thing i'd do differently than you is try to take the train down instead of flying. I have no idea how long that would take though - but it is soooooo pretty to travel that way!

 

:grouphug: You can do it mom - we are all waiting for you to go so we can hear about it when you get back!!!

[Julie in CA]

The only thing i'd do differently than you is try to take the train down instead of flying. I have no idea how long that would take though - but it is soooooo pretty to travel that way!

 

I considered the train, but did hear several stories (from people I know irl) that made it sound unappealing. My sister had an experience last spring, and my niece had a really disturbing experience 3 years ago, that made it seem like a better idea to fly. The flight between Paris and Rome is actually really *really* cheap, though admittedly not as picturesque, and gives us more time in Rome.

 

Thank you for your encouragement!

[Julie in CA]

I've never been outside the country, so my opinion may not be worth much.

 

Actually, it's extremely helpful to know that you're also a person who hasn't had lots of travel experience, and you still think it's a good idea. Thank you.

[Lisa R.]

We followed his suggestions on a trip to Germany many years ago. His suggestions were very helpful. If you follow him, you should be fine.

[Julie in CA]

You are doing the right thing by watching Rick Steves. Have you read his guide books too? We follow all his advice and have had great expereinces when we travel.

 

Yes, we're watching *and* reading Rick Steves. We're not necessarily staying in his suggested lodging, but we'll be doing a lot of sightseeing according to his suggested plans, and downloading his mp3 audiotours of museums to listen to while we're going through the Louvre, etc.

 

If Rick says a certain nighttime stroll is a good one, I'm going to bet it'll be worth it!

[TraceyS/FL]

I considered the train, but did hear several stories (from people I know irl) that made it sound unappealing. My sister had an experience last spring, and my niece had a really disturbing experience 3 years ago, that made it seem like a better idea to fly. The flight between Paris and Rome is actually really *really* cheap, though admittedly not as picturesque, and gives us more time in Rome.

 

Thank you for your encouragement!

 

Oh bummer. I loved the train..... it was almost my favorite part of the trip! PArt of that non-existant public transportation thing i was coming from. I wish I could have commuter rail from up here into Orlando.... ok, back on track.

 

Cheap flights are good - as is extra time seeing stuff.

 

So, hurry up and go already! LOL!!!! :auto:

[The Governess]

I think it is totally doable. A friend gave me this advice when I was traveling overseas for the first time: take the same precautions that you would in a large city in the U.S. If a street seems empty or isn't well lit, find an alternate route. If you are using public transportation, know the routes well enough so that you'll never end up too far from a hub, have to wait too long at a stop, or miss the last bus/train home. Have your hotel arrange taxi services for you with a reputable company. Use the hotel safe and don't carry too much with you. Go with your gut: if something doesn't feel safe, skip it and make new plans. Go over a plan with your son on what he should do if he gets lost. Keep a charged phone with you at all times, and your hotel's business card. If you need anything, they should be able to make arrangements for you or connect you to someone who can. You might want to buy a prepaid cell phone for your son, in case of an emergency if that would help ease your concerns.

 

It sounds like you are doing a lot of research and that will help you a lot. And in sticking to the big cities, you shouldn't have to worry much about communication issues. I would definitely not skip the trip out of safety concerns. It sounds amazing and I hope you have a very memorable experience!!

[Kathy in MD]

I've hesitated posting this, because I've posted so much asking for advice about European travel that I'm sure I'm past my quota on that...BUT...

 

I need a little bit of input (maybe reassurance?) that my plan isn't a totally dangerous, stupid, waste of money.

 

My original idea was that I should take my ds who's graduating in June on a senior trip. I wanted it to be outside of our comfort level, since we live a very rural lifestyle and rarely even venture to the nearest large city. We've ended up with a plan that involves flying to Paris and staying for 4 nights, then flying to Rome and staying for 4 nights, and then coming home.

 

I checked into tours, but found them too expensive and too riddled with things we weren't interested in doing/seeing (a half-day of shopping for leather goods in Florence, for instance). I checked into mediterranean cruises, which sound good in some ways, but I didn't think we'd get as good a feel for the places we were travelling to, and they were still a bit out of my price range.

 

I settled on booking the flights and hotels all together, and then arranging tours, day-trip excursions, sightseeing on our own. It's within my financial confort level to do it this way, but a bit intimidating to face ucertainties like airport connections and public transportation within large cities. I'm resting on the idea that it'll all work out in the end, and that we may indeed have some adventures on the Metro, and yes, that we may even get lost a time or two.

 

When people have asked me about our plans, they've seemed skeptical about how well the trip will go without a tour guide shuttling us along. My mom is concerned for our safety and has asked me things like, "how will you know which parts of town are unsafe to walk in alone, without a tour guide?" I don't have a great answer for this, except that I've made a concerted effort to select hotels that are specifically listed as being in safe parts of town, and that the only nighttime strolls we'll be taking are in tour books and described as very safe. Ds and I are reading some travel books and watching Rick Steves videos, and generally seeking to be as informed as possible before we go.

 

It bothers me more than I care to admit that my mom is less than confident about this. She always made good choices for me when I was a child, and has given me excellent advice (pretty much only when asked) since I've been an adult. Her question felt...well, it made me feel like maybe I really have bitten off more than I can chew.

 

Am I being stupid? Overconfident? I'm nervous about the trip, it's very far out of my comfort level, but I thought it was just my rural lifestyle catching up with me and that I should just push on with what rationally seems like a reasonable plan.

 

Sure, we could miss our plane, we could become horribly lost in the worst part of Paris (at night), we could be pickpocketed, we could become victims of crime, our plane could crash, the world can be a scary place. I'm feeling like the benefits are worth the risk. I could be hit by a car in my very own little town.

 

If you've read this far, I thank you. I'm looking for perspective on this that isn't tinted by my mom's anxiety for our safety or my own lack of worldly wisdom. Maybe I really am stretching too far. Should I give up the idea? Am I being foolish? I could pick somewhere that would be a stretch, but still be less of a challenge, kwim?

 

I lived in Europe for 2 years and had only one "bad" experience. I lost my wallet. And it was lost, not stolen. (It had a habit of dropping out of my purse.) I did know ONE individual whose pocket was picked. And that was on an escorted tour.

 

I think you've already done the number 1 thing to ensure your safety. You've gotten rooms in safe parts of the cities. You hotel staff will be able to direct you away from any bad areas as well. And you have the right attitude. You view getting lost on the Metro or the unexpected as being an adventure, not as something terrifying.

 

I will mention a few things that you should be prepared for. First, split your money, traveler checks and credit cards between the two of you. And carry most of that, and at least one credit card, in a money belt. Call your credit card companies ahead of time to let them know you will be in Europe, so they won't assume your cards have been stolen. Second, in Italy, if you are cute, the men will try to flirt and will often pinch your bottom. Your ds won't need to worry about this :). Third, in Italy, there is a fee to use the public restrooms. There will be an attendent who will take your money and give you a receipt. Keep that receipt with you until you are some distance away from the restroom. It's how the police make sure the attendents aren't skimming money from the till. Unfortunately you can be arrested if you don't keep it. (this was true at least 8 years ago)

 

One last suggestion. Carry your hotel's business card with you at all times. That way if you're really lost or unsure of your location, you can hail a cab to take you back by merely presenting the card.

[Annie N]

I think you have gotten some really good advice, and just wanted to add that I think you have a really great plan whereby you will get the most possible out of your trip, and I wouldn't worry at all about getting into bad parts of town by mistake, because usually you have to get kind of far away from the touristy areas to get to the bad parts.

 

My parents have spent a lot of time traveling, in Europe and elsewhere, and the only time they had a problem was not in Europe.

 

Bon Voyage :)

[Harriet Vane]

You're going to be just fine.

 

I actually prefer setting up my own trip rather than using professional tour guides. I find that the tours are invariably rushed, try to cram in too much, and overpriced.

 

You will always be able to find someone over there to tell you what to do. They are used to tourists. People will readily give directions. Most hotel owners are used to giving some guidance, and often restaurant personnel are nice about it as well.

 

Once you're there, you'll see that it's not that scary.

 

I was nervous on my first trip. I was traveling with two sisters and a baby to Switzerland. On that trip, as well as two subsequent trips to the UK and one to Mexico, that there are always English speakers around to help and things are clearer than I expected them to be.

 

Walk forward in confidence and have a lovely time.

[Starr]

You can do this. I like the Frommers tour guide books. I've always found them reliable. We went to Greece for 3 weeks with only booking a room for the first night and had a great time. Paris and Rome are both great for walking to many sights. I think this will be the beginning of great adventures. :) I also write out the exchange rate. $1.00 = XX $5.00 = XX etc. it helps for quick reference. Mom's job is to worry for you. Get a good purse, wear it across your chest, not just over one shoulder and rest your hand on it. Keep it on your lap at restaurants. Stash a little cash in your clothes. It's really not any different than NYC. Act confident. Enjoy just being there. I'm sorry to be rambly but I'm really excited for you.

[Colleen]

Julie, you know ~ I know you know ~ that your plan isn't totally (or even remotely) dangerous, stupid, or financially frivolous. You know because friends like moi are advising you along the way and we can't possibly be wrong.:D The people you're talking to in real life, on the other hand, well...how should I say this? They don't know what they're talking about. Your mother ~ God bless her ~ has your best interests at heart, of course. And she's a mom. A grandmother. Her job is to worry until her dying day. So naturally, she's going to express that worry. Bless her heart.

 

But seriously. Let's just think about what your mom, and these other people, are implying. They're implying that without a tour guide, your trip can't go well and that you may end up dead on the side of a "bad" part of town. Now, I wonder. I really wonder. Would these same people suggest, if you were taking a jaunt down to L.A., that you get a tour guide? Would they be as skeptical and concerned about a trip to San Francisco? Because your chances of encountering crime on this side of the pond are a whole heckuvva lot higher than on the other side. Good grief. Walk around a European city at midnight and you're surrounded by people of all ages. Are there iffy neighborhoods? Of course. And the average Joe or Jane isn't going to encounter them because the average Joe or Jane sticks to the well-traveled areas and has common sense and instinct and the ability to ask questions and, in your case, isn't out partying until 4 a.m. anyway.

 

Julie. Listen to me. When your mom expresses concern, smile and nod and say, "Mom, I've got it all taken care of" and move on to another subject. I want you to enjoy this trip, but you just can't if you're going to let these kinds of things worry you. It is perfectly normal to visit another country. Staying close to home and rarely venturing to the closest city is a fine life, but living like that needs to be the product of choice, not the product of fear. Don't let the fear-mongering get you down, girlfriend. You're doin' fine.

Edited December 8, 2008 by Colleen

[gardening momma]

When people have asked me about our plans, they've seemed skeptical about how well the trip will go without a tour guide shuttling us along. My mom is concerned for our safety and has asked me things like, "how will you know which parts of town are unsafe to walk in alone, without a tour guide?" I don't have a great answer for this, except that I've made a concerted effort to select hotels that are specifically listed as being in safe parts of town, and that the only nighttime strolls we'll be taking are in tour books and described as very safe. Ds and I are reading some travel books and watching Rick Steves videos, and generally seeking to be as informed as possible before we go.

We went to London & Paris 5 1/2 years ago, and tour books were all we needed. There were 6 of us (adults), although we split up from time to time. A tour book or two and a subway map, and we were just fine.

 

In Paris, it was 4 of us, all in our mid-late 20's. We stayed at a little hotel within a short walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. The hotel had a tiny open courtyard-type area (2-story) inside near the rooms. It was really neat. If I can find the name of it, I'll post it.

[gardening momma]

Oh, I wanted to add that, in Paris, we had a hard time pronouncing street names, so we tended to make stuff up (we butchered the names). One street we frequently used we called "biscuit avenue", which is sort-of close, but not really :tongue_smilie:, but whenever we saw the street sign, we recognized it.

Edited December 8, 2008 by gardening momma

[gardening momma]

Oh, I wanted to add that, in Paris, we had a hard time pronouncing street names, so we tended to make stuff up (we butchered the names). One street we frequently used we called "biscuit avenue", which is sort-of close, but not really :tongue_smilie:, but whenever we saw the street sign, we recognized it.

Found the street on the map: Avenue Bosquet. You can get biscuit out of that :lol: (wasn't my idea, but it worked).

[gardening momma]

This is it: http://www.hotelmalar.com/index.html

[Samuel]

You'll be fine-tour guides etc are not necessary. I had no problem as a 20 year old, some of it solo. One of the joys of traveling with just a couple of people is the freedom to respond to whatever you encounter. See something interesting--go for it. Paris and Rome are just as safe as any U.S. big city-more safe than many. The public transportation is safe (and in Paris impressive). Just use normal "big-city" sense.

 

In France I've found people were a lot more helpful if I asked them in (very bad) French if they spoke English: Bonjour madame/monsieur, parle vous Anglais?

 

Italians will be helpful but may not speak so much English. The Vatican and major tourist sights will have English.

 

Travel is about the experience, and it sounds like you're ready to make the most of it.

[brehon]

<snip> I need a little bit of input (maybe reassurance?) that my plan isn't a totally dangerous, stupid, waste of money. <snip>

 

Absolutely not dangerous or waste of money and most emphatically not stupid! Wonderful experience for all of you!

 

I settled on booking the flights and hotels all together, and then arranging tours, day-trip excursions, sightseeing on our own. It's within my financial confort level to do it this way, but a bit intimidating to face ucertainties like airport connections and public transportation within large cities. I'm resting on the idea that it'll all work out in the end, and that we may indeed have some adventures on the Metro, and yes, that we may even get lost a time or two. <snip>

 

Well, getting lost on the Metro (or the Tube, as the case may be) has led to some of the best entries in my travel journal. I found places and met people I would never have seen/talked to if I hadn't gotten "lost". Don't forget, if you're desperate, most people in France and Italy do speak English, even if they choose to pretend they don't. You've done/are doing your research; now enjoy the fruits of your labors.

 

When people have asked me about our plans, they've seemed skeptical about how well the trip will go without a tour guide shuttling us along. My mom is concerned for our safety and has asked me things like, "how will you know which parts of town are unsafe to walk in alone, without a tour guide?" I don't have a great answer for this, except that I've made a concerted effort to select hotels that are specifically listed as being in safe parts of town, and that the only nighttime strolls we'll be taking are in tour books and described as very safe. Ds and I are reading some travel books and watching Rick Steves videos, and generally seeking to be as informed as possible before we go.

 

I purposely travel without the benefit of tour guides. I like to cleave to my own schedule/whims and not be tied to a predetermined one which (as you've discovered in your research) won't necessarily go where you want or see/do things you wish. The whole point of travelling (in my humble opinion) is to go places and do things you wouldn't necessarily have the chance to (or even want to) do at home.

 

My travel motto is: The difference between a tourist and a traveller -- a traveller doesn't know where he's going; a tourist doesn't know where he's been.

 

 

I'd much rather be a traveller.

 

 

 

What a wonderful gift you're giving to you ds (and yourself)! You all will have a fabulous time and I think the only regret you'll have is if you don't go.

[Staci in MO]

I've never been out of the country, so I have no advice to offer about the trip, but this is how I look at it.

 

If I were to announce to my friends and family that I was going to take my three kids on a trip to New York City by myself, I would probably have more than a few people who would tell me it was too dangerous. But if I were to tell them I'm going by myself with the kids to St. Louis, no one would think twice. If fact, I do that all the time, and nobody thinks anything of it.

 

In the last few rankings of dangerous cities, St. Louis is pretty high on the list (anywhere from second to fourth). But to everyone around here, St. Louis is familiar. New York City is known only through shows like Law and Order and CSI: New York.

 

Your mother is probably reacting this way because everything you're talking about is unfamiliar to her. What's familiar often feels safer, regardless of whether it truly is.

[keptwoman]

It's within my financial confort level to do it this way, but a bit intimidating to face ucertainties like airport connections and public transportation within large cities. I'm resting on the idea that it'll all work out in the end, and that we may indeed have some adventures on the Metro, and yes, that we may even get lost a time or two.

 

When people have asked me about our plans, they've seemed skeptical about how well the trip will go without a tour guide shuttling us along. My mom is concerned for our safety and has asked me things like, "how will you know which parts of town are unsafe to walk in alone, without a tour guide?" I don't have a great answer for this, except that I've made a concerted effort to select hotels that are specifically listed as being in safe parts of town, and that the only nighttime strolls we'll be taking are in tour books and described as very safe. Ds and I are reading some travel books and watching Rick Steves videos, and generally seeking to be as informed as possible before we go.

Sure you will get lost a couple of times but getting lost in Rome or Paris is MUCH more fun and interesting than getting lost at home. Some of the loveliest things I came across in Europe were from just wandering about and getting a bit lost.

 

I can't imagine doing it in a tour, being dragged about from here to there with barely time to catch a breath. Certainly no time to while away a couple of hours at a cafe watching the world go by or stopping in at a wee bakery and spending half an hour drooling over the delights within.

 

People are very friendly and helpful and you will come across many people who can speak English if you get stuck and need to know where to go.

 

I don't think you are being stupid or overconfident. You are well researched and you will have a fabulous time.

[1bassoon]

Hey Julie - here's a wacky idea:

 

 

What about contacting a missions board that your church supports, and see if you can contact a missionary living in both Paris and Rome? Arrange to take them to lunch/coffee, and ask them about their ministry? And then, maybe they'll give you a mini-tour as well???

 

Just thinkin'. Of course, I'm up too late to be clear-headed, so take it fwiw!!!

[Rosie_0801]

My one and only trip overseas was this April. I took my one year old daughter to stay with relatives in Poland. They are elderly, so didn't take us around much, but the two of us managed to get around with a guide books and my dozen words of Polish. I was surprised on how unforeign it felt. If you have a decent map of the town and a good pair of walking shoes, you will eventually make it back to your hotel :) And all that walking through side streets is going to give you a good feel for the place!

Btw, if you come back and tell us you lived on McDonalds, we're gonna slap you! Eat where and when the locals do. It felt very exotic for me to eat meat, bread and cheese for breakfast and have a two course lunch, followed by more meat, bread and cheese for dinner, but it was fun. I followed this routine even when we were out and about. My cousin was shocked when I told her we only eat meat a few times a week at home. "What do you eat?" she asked. "Uh, vegetables," I said. She rewarded me with a look of bemusement and pity...

Remember, being pickpocketed or getting food poisoning is just as likely to happen at home as somewhere else. Many other people have gone off and done the same as you, but with much less planning and it has all been fine. Out of curiousity, do you need to stay in hotels? Hostels are much more communal and friendly. You tend to meet people and go along sight seeing with them. I met another Aussie on a half day tour we went on (more convenient than dragging my daughter on trains to get where we were going) and ended up meeting her the next day for a proper Polish lunch. She was only in town for 2 days, and to my horror, she'd only eaten Subway since arriving. It was a bit weird playing host in a country I'd only been in for a fortnight myself, but that was so much more experience than her two days :) So she got a taste of real Polish food and I got a very nice dessert I wouldn't have had if I was by myself. :)

 

I'll tell you what will happen. You will smile and nod at your mum, tell her you've done lots of research and spoken to heaps of people who've done it before. Then you will go and come home with heaps of photos and exciting experiences and your mum will tell you how she knew you'd have a great tiem.

 

:)

Rosie

[TammyinTN]

Having lived in Korea, Germany and traveling into France, Spain and Italy...you are going to be fine! I didn't speak the language but managed just fine. There were times when we took a wrong turn and ended up in a new location but honestly...it turned out just fine. Don't be afraid...go and have the time of your life. Don't worry about what anyone else says....enjoy the adventure. Stepping out of your comfort zone is good...that's how you learn, trust me on this!

 

You are going to have a great trip, read, prepare and enjoy! :001_smile:

[Halftime Hope]

My mom is concerned for our safety and has asked me things like, "how will you know which parts of town are unsafe to walk in alone, without a tour guide?"

 

It bothers me more than I care to admit that my mom is less than confident about this.

 

Julie,

 

Everyone else addressed the travel parts. I'd like to reassure you about the mom part.

 

Is it possible that your mom is changing a bit as she ages, and her concerns for you are a reflection of her anxiety about the world or about your being outside her comfort zone for herself? Maybe she is projecting her fears for herself in such a situation onto you and your son.

 

Goodness--I couldn't think of anything safer than a competent, bright mom (brains) with a healthy young son (brawn) beside her! Really!

 

I hope you see this as an expression of her deep love for you both, and as an extension of her role as a mom, wanting to keep you safe because she loves you.

 

Enjoy your trip, and squeeze her twice as much when you can! They aren't with us forever. (Sniff, sniff!)

[Guest Lorna]

Having lived in Korea, Germany and traveling into France, Spain and Italy...you are going to be fine! I didn't speak the language but managed just fine. There were times when we took a wrong turn and ended up in a new location but honestly...it turned out just fine. Don't be afraid...go and have the time of your life. Don't worry about what anyone else says....enjoy the adventure. Stepping out of your comfort zone is good...that's how you learn, trust me on this!

 

You are going to have a great trip, read, prepare and enjoy! :001_smile:

 

:iagree: People love to help tourists here in Europe. You know, even if someone is in 'city-mode' and not smiling, still don't be afraid to ask for help, directions. The only problem I have found in Europe is getting into a conversation and realising I have found a real chatter-box. In Paris and London people are so happy to see people on holiday, they are usually bored business men and you are light relief!

Paris at night is so beautiful and full of gendarmerie.

Keep an eye on your belongings, as you would usually, but you are way more likely to leave a camera by accident in a cafe or something than have it stolen.

Oh, and in Paris, go to this wonderful cafe for dinner, it is near to the Tour Eiffel in a very picturesque street; the staff are lovely; the food is wonderful; the price very reasonable and it is very French:

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-10396250-fontaine_de_mars_la_paris-i

[Donovans4]

I haven't read all the replies, but I can share a bit of my family's experience this past summer. We went to France (on a Rick Steve's tour) and spent the first three days on our own in Paris. I think if you take reasonable precautions such as using a money belt, you will be fine. Paris is an easy city to navigate, and we found the people very friendly and helpful. The airport, too, is very easy to deal with, and we had no problems at all. If I was going to go to just Paris and/or Rome, I would definitely do it without paying for a tour; we took the tour because we wanted to see other parts of France and I was hesitant to rent a car and do it on our own.

 

I think you will have a wonderful time and come home with amazing memories. I say go for it!

 

LauraD in MN

[MBM]

The National Geographic Expeditions Travel Catalog highlights major attractions and a few unusual ones. You could use the catalog to help design your itinerary. To request a free catalog:

 

http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

 

Also, the Fodor's European message board has excellent advice. Ira is an American who has traveled extensively to France and knows wonderful places to visit and stay. He and others can help answer any questions you might have. (Europeans on the board can also help.)

 

http://www.fodors.com

 

Go. You won't regret it.

 

MBM

[muffinmom]

I for one would never book a tour group, and never have. I don't like to be tied to the tour's choices or time schedule. It's so freeing to get to choose what appeals to you (after all, it's a lot of expense and effort to get there--do what you like).

 

Dh and I had a great time exploring our way through many European cities. Keep doing your research, take a good travel book with you (we like Fodor's or Let's Go Guides--a "budget" guide, not just for backpackers http://www.letsgo.com/ actually, we took both with us) and then enjoy.

We usually rode trains or occasionally rented a car.

 

I'm sure you will have the time of your life! Eat like crazy in Italy--food is amazing. Watch out for those good-looking Italian men. They are huge flirts. (But it's kinda fun!)

[Snickerdoodle]

My experience is that if you are riding public transportation the locals are more than willing to tell you which stop you need. Usually just by asking you'll find out more than you need to know because many people are just so proud of their hometown.

 

Don't be afraid to ask. People in cities are used to random questions from strangers. :lol

[Guest Amy in MS]

Oops!

Edited June 16, 2010 by Amy in MS
Oops! Old. I hope she went and had a good time!

[pooh bear]

This post is over 2 years old...check the date before you reply.

[TN Mama]

Spam brought it back. Reported.

[Matryoshka]

Sorry, didn't notice this was an ancient thread... nm...

[Teachin'Mine]

Don't think for one second it will be anything less than an awesome adventure!!! You're going into it with the right attitude knowing that you may get lost and things like that. Things go wrong with very expensive tour company tours too. ;) If you have questions, utilize the concierge at the hotels, and talk to people too. Many Europeans speak English very well.

 

You will be able to have freedom and experiences that just isn't possible with an organized tour. If you find out something is happening that you'd like to go to, you're free to change your plans and go. I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!! Rome and Paris - now THAT'S an awesome senior trip!!! :D

[Beth in OH]

also a person who hasn't had lots of travel experience,

 

After this trip, you and ds will suddenly be people with lots of travel experience. :D People travel without tour guides all the time. If you feel like you need someone IRL to talk to, drop by a travel agent's office. Sometimes, they are able to help out with suggestions and deals on accomodations that you might not have been able to find otherwise.

 

I think it sounds like a wonderful adventure!

 

Beth

[PeterPan]

Ok, so since we all got sucked into this, did she GO? Was it great? :)

[Julie in CA]

I posted an update in a different thread after our trip, but since this one has been resurrected I'll post a little update for those of you who might wonder.

 

We did go on our trip, and it was WONDERFUL!

We did not get lost in a big way, only once or twice where we wandered off-course for about 20 minutes or so and saw some really cool stuff we otherwise wouldn't have seen. We can now travel the metro in Paris with ease, navigate huge scary airports without (much) worry (even when there are armed troops standing-by), communicate adequately enough not to starve, and figure out how to change currency. My high school french kicked in and worked for us in Paris, and my ds's high school spanish helped a bit in Rome.

 

My son is slightly more worldly-wise. He faced some challenges to his small-town lifestyle, he communicated when it was difficult, and he expanded his perspective in all of the ways I'd hoped he would.

 

We saw a dandelion growing between the blocks of the Coliseum. We climbed to the top of Notre Dame. We danced in the ancient open-air amphitheatre at Ostia Antica. We ate every kind of pastry we could find in Paris, and had raspberry sorbet at Berthillon. We ate gelato while strolling the streets (yes, at night) in Rome. We watched young men playing basketball in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and we dropped off to sleep in our small but picturesque Parisian hotel watching the tower lights through our hotel window. We put our feet on a balcony where kings once stood, and we witnessed the way a marble statue can actually look as if it's glowing from the inside-out. We saw God and man reaching out towards one another in the Capella Sistina, and we learned that you really do have to stay back from the doors of the metro, unless you're trying to disembark, in which case you'd better jump fast sometimes.

 

All in all, it was one of the best things I've ever done. I'm so glad I stretched and grew, and didn't let fear keep me (or my ds) in a box.

[GrayAlice]

I've never been outside the country, so my opinion may not be worth much.

 

But I think if you don't do this trip you'll regret it. It sounds like a wonderful, once in a lifetime trip. Your boy's grown up. You will probably never have the chance to take him on an adventure again (just the two of you).

 

I think the memories you will make far outweigh any risks there are. It sounds to me that you're being smart about it and you're realistic about the chances that you'll get lost, etc.

 

:iagree:Go for it!!

[8circles]

I've travelled quite a bit & I think your plans sound wonderful. You will have many unplanned adventures - I think they're sometimes the best parts of the trip.

 

Have fun!

[TravelingChris]

You will do fine. We drove around countries where we didn't know the language and did fine. We followed a map in Paris, drove through an Arab street market which wasn't marked on the map since it only occured on a weekend and did fine. We did Germany many times without knowing German and getting completely lost and still did fine. Lots of people do it without guides and you can too. The Rick Steve Guides are good as are the Michelin guides which have great maps and great photos.

[sagira]

Thank you for sharing, Julie! I like the way you wrote it. What a wonderful trip!

[LibraryLover]

Julie! How awesome! You rock.

 

I posted an update in a different thread after our trip, but since this one has been resurrected I'll post a little update for those of you who might wonder.

 

We did go on our trip, and it was WONDERFUL!

We did not get lost in a big way, only once or twice where we wandered off-course for about 20 minutes or so and saw some really cool stuff we otherwise wouldn't have seen. We can now travel the metro in Paris with ease, navigate huge scary airports without (much) worry (even when there are armed troops standing-by), communicate adequately enough not to starve, and figure out how to change currency. My high school french kicked in and worked for us in Paris, and my ds's high school spanish helped a bit in Rome.

 

My son is slightly more worldly-wise. He faced some challenges to his small-town lifestyle, he communicated when it was difficult, and he expanded his perspective in all of the ways I'd hoped he would.

 

We saw a dandelion growing between the blocks of the Coliseum. We climbed to the top of Notre Dame. We danced in the ancient open-air amphitheatre at Ostia Antica. We ate every kind of pastry we could find in Paris, and had raspberry sorbet at Berthillon. We ate gelato while strolling the streets (yes, at night) in Rome. We watched young men playing basketball in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and we dropped off to sleep in our small but picturesque Parisian hotel watching the tower lights through our hotel window. We put our feet on a balcony where kings once stood, and we witnessed the way a marble statue can actually look as if it's glowing from the inside-out. We saw God and man reaching out towards one another in the Capella Sistina, and we learned that you really do have to stay back from the doors of the metro, unless you're trying to disembark, in which case you'd better jump fast sometimes.

 

All in all, it was one of the best things I've ever done. I'm so glad I stretched and grew, and didn't let fear keep me (or my ds) in a box.

[LNC]

My twin and went tagged along with our dad to Paris for a business trip when we were 17. We explored completely on our own, without a lot of research beforehand. We figured out the metro without speaking French and a little help from locals. I don't even remember all of the details, excepts for how much fun we had, shopping, walking through beautiful neighborhoods, Notre Dame, all the museums and cafes we went to, and we even went out to Versaille alone. Crazy looking back on it as a mother, but it was great fun at the time! Have fun!!

 

Just read more replies and noticed this was an old thread. I read your update on the last page - sounds like your experience was similar to ours. Traveling/exploring is soooo fun!