anyone been to europe?

So my wife and I just got our tickets to go to Rome and are starting to think of what we want to do. Any suggestions, places to stay etc, etc. I think I am definatly taking some time to go to France while we're out there.

So my wife and I just got our tickets to go to Rome and are starting to think of what we want to do. Any suggestions, places to stay etc, etc. I think I am definatly taking some time to go to France while we're out there. You're going to have a great time. Be respectful, learn some basic words or phrases in each language including; please, excuse me, sorry I don't speak ____, do you speak english?, etc etc etc. I suggest pimsleur, they have cd's which let you hear how things sound and practice. Helped me pick up a dozen or so russian phrases in about a week. In Rome, Watch for pickpockets!!! Everyone has told me about major european cities bringing pickpockets from all over europe for the easy pickings. I'm pretty intimidating looking and when I was riding the subway in barcelona and the bus in valencia, I got felt a couple times to see where my wallet was. When it's super crowded, there's nothing you can do except keep your hand gripped tightly to your wallet until you get out. Spent 9 hours in the french airport and most people were extremely friendly when I said bonjour and merci. They really appreciate you at least using some of their words, they get pretty testy when you just walk up and start speaking english rapid fire. Another great thing about europe, bargaining. In open markets things other than food and drink can be negotiated for price, even if you don't speak the language. The euro will own you, it's crazy expensive, so when you're buying souvenirs, write down how much you'll pay, lowballing the hell out of them and they'll offer back. They don't get offended easily and it's a great way to save money. Tipping is not at all expected but greatly appreciated, even it's the coinage from your meal. Pay attention to the coins, small ass coins can be worth a bunch. Eat as much as you can everywhere you go. In every country I've been to I make it a habit to ask a random old guy who looks like a friendly local, where's a good place to get something to eat. I havent' been steered wrong yet. Their food owns over there...except maybe in france. I'm kinda nervous about snails and the entrails of stuff. :2cents: Enjoy man, europe is awesome! :dthumb:

When in Europe, make sure you hit the nude beaches......:dthumb:

Well when you get there i would rent a car for your trip. I lived in Germany for 3 years and some of the most beautiful things are sometimes one the side of the road during your journey's. Plus the drive from Italy north to france through the alps is amazing. Definitely take the trip slow and enjoy staying in some small cottages on the trip while dining and visiting the small towns along the way. Don't count germany out its one of the best counties over there to visit. Most people there can pull off english and the people are some of the nicest to americans. www.europcar.com has some of the best rates and services. Go to AAA to get an international drivers license.

I spent two weeks in Italy.. Start in Rome (spend some time there if you're interested... I spent 4 days) and head SOUTH... (yes Venice to the north is somewhat romantic but it is a dirty ****hole)... follow the western coast all the way down.. through naples especially... the whole Amalfi coast... then I went to sicily and traveled around the island's coast. AMAZING trip. AMAZING. Highly recommend this route.

i have been to france...not impressed. we were there during their big garbage strike. there was trash lining the streets and everything. kinda put a damper on the 'city of lights'. eiffel tower...ehh. gladi had the experience, but not itchin' to go back. :nonod:

i have been to france...not impressed. we were there during their big garbage strike. there was trash lining the streets and everything. kinda put a damper on the 'city of lights'. eiffel tower...ehh. gladi had the experience, but not itchin' to go back. :nonod: You go to the top of the tower? If not, you're missing out- there's something cool about being that high without a plane or huge skyscraper around you. Kinda like riding a motorcycle. Just the bare minimum of steel around you- it's much better when their are fewer tourists.:lol: Went in the winter one time, so I was walking around with a nice warm bag of roasted chestnuts in my pocket:drool: Drivers their are insane! But it's cool- you can get anywhere on the Metro and walking.

I'm definatly excited about this trip, best thing of all is we're probably flying first class......Only thing that is certain right now is we're flying in and out of Rome, as far as anything else goes we haven't made up our minds, I definatly want to check out France and I know we'll be hitting up a lot of wine vineyards. Everything else is up in the air.

I'm definatly excited about this trip, best thing of all is we're probably flying first class......Only thing that is certain right now is we're flying in and out of Rome, as far as anything else goes we haven't made up our minds, I definatly want to check out France and I know we'll be hitting up a lot of wine vineyards. Everything else is up in the air. :dthumb: Another way to find good wine is to try the house wines at any (local) restaurant you go to. Usually they'll sell you a couple bottles for a good price.

Use your credit card for everything-that will give you the best exchange rate. Be sure and go to the Champagne region. Don't buy anything-You can get it cheaper at the Duty free store in the airport. Go to Normandy-Awesome sights. Go to Nice and ride the train to Monte Carlo(Monaco) and play a few hands of BJ at the Casino. Lots more...Europe is a great place to visit. I spent time in Giata, Roma, Columbo Italy and also Sicily.

Be aware most credit card companies will charge you 1.5-3% currentcy fee per transaction. It's still your safest bet, however.

might want to check into the credit card thing, i know some cards charge you an exchange rate fee!!

I used Capital One Visa and my American Express-No charges.:idk:

I was planning on bring some cash (euro's) and paying for everything else with my credit card. I will have to check on any fees though. Thanks for the input everyone

Remember use visa or mastercard over their. Hell with my american express half the places ive been to so far dont except it and thats in america. My sister when she visted me was almost screwed when she came to vist me in europe trying to use those wortless cards. I hate mine with a passion. I just went to the beach and couldnt pay for my room because of worthless AMEX

The cities are where most of the famous sites are, obviously, but try to spend some time in the lesser traveled places like the smaller towns in the country. Check out a couple of guide books and try to balance the popular places (which will be the most crowded) with the slightly out of the way places. If you get to Paris, check out the Pere Lachaise cemetery. It's where Jim Morrison's buried, along with many other historical and literary greats. Plus it's also a great place to spend a couple of hours wandering. Also check out the catacombs. You go down about 150 feet and see where they put hundreds of skeletons about 300-400 years ago. Very interesting if you're into that sort of thing. In Italy, really try to get to Florence. It and everything in between to Rome is great. Depending on how much time you have and how many places you want to see, consider taking the train between cities. The rail systems in Europe are very good and rental cars will take a huge bite out of your budget.

I wasnt too thrilled in seeing a stone that said jim morrison on it. I said "hey look a metal plate with a name on it. wow" The louvre will take care of all the plate reading you'll ever need its an amazing museum:dthumb:

I'm a little biased but if you want a good time and goot partying go to Barcelona. Tons of stuff to do and most vendors are good with english. Walk the Ramblas, visit the gaudi park, walk on Montjuic, visit the light fountains, go see the sagrada familia cathedral. And definetly drink some Rioja Wine..... mmmmm yumm....:drool:

I'm a little biased biased? a guy whose user name is spaniard? nahhh :lol:

I'm not to big into the partying thing. I will be drinking a lot though. Might even hit up cannes and the French Riviera

aah Europe,... no I have not,..:cheers:

biased? a guy whose user name is spaniard? nahhh :lol: LOL..... :tt: :dthumb:

Go to AAA to get an international drivers license. :readng: Very important if you plan on renting a car and I think it's only like 25 dollars and def take cash euros because there will be a lot of shopping stands ,food stands and they prob will not have credit card machines but just be careful and just know depending on the exchange rate what you think you are taking out the atm machine may be a lot more ex.. 20 euros 25 dollars 100 euros 130 dollars just depends on the rate that day have fun and good luck we'll be waiting on pictures:dthumb: