Is London/Paris Rome....
Jun 27th, 2006, 04:54 AM
#2
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Hi slow,
I suggest 2 of the 3.
If this is your first visit to Europe, fly into London and out of Paris.
Cheapest prices for London to Paris on the Eurostar is the one-day RT ticket.
www.eurostar.com.
I suggest 2 of the 3.
If this is your first visit to Europe, fly into London and out of Paris.
Cheapest prices for London to Paris on the Eurostar is the one-day RT ticket.
www.eurostar.com.
Jun 27th, 2006, 05:01 AM
#3
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We did a wonderful 2-week trip to London and Paris in 2004 and found it was perfect. There was time to do a daytrip to Cambridge while we were in London, we met up with London friends from this board, and we had a fabulous time. Then we took the Eurostar to Paris (for our second Paris trip) and again had plenty of time to enjoy one of our favorite cities (although they are ALL becoming favorites). We were also able to do daytrips to Versailles on one day (which frankly, I wouldn't repeat.) and one day to Chartres, which I HIGHLY recommend.
You CAN do all three cities, but to be honest, they are SO big and there is so much to do you will feel like you've really seen more if you take Ira's advise...and as you self-identify with "slowmoving" you will not feel rushed.
You CAN do all three cities, but to be honest, they are SO big and there is so much to do you will feel like you've really seen more if you take Ira's advise...and as you self-identify with "slowmoving" you will not feel rushed.
Jun 27th, 2006, 05:05 AM
#4
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Thank you for your reply
Yes, this will be the first trip for myself and my 14 yr old son, and one of his friends. My wife did a 21 day tour about 5 yrs ago with my other son. They saw (went through) like six countries in those 21 days. She wants us to see it all when we go this time.
Two weeks is the max I can take off work. So, I am trying to decide whether to see a lot in a small area or see a little in a big area. We will be on a budget while there and need to keep all costs reasonable.
We will probably rent a car. I have not looked into the cost difference to fly into one city and depart from another. We are real early in the planning stage
Yes, this will be the first trip for myself and my 14 yr old son, and one of his friends. My wife did a 21 day tour about 5 yrs ago with my other son. They saw (went through) like six countries in those 21 days. She wants us to see it all when we go this time.
Two weeks is the max I can take off work. So, I am trying to decide whether to see a lot in a small area or see a little in a big area. We will be on a budget while there and need to keep all costs reasonable.
We will probably rent a car. I have not looked into the cost difference to fly into one city and depart from another. We are real early in the planning stage
Jun 27th, 2006, 05:13 AM
#5
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Hi S,
A very common mistake of first-timers is the idea that Europe will disappear before they can get back, so they pack too much into one trip.
(Amercans do this when faced with a buffet, too.)
It is highly unlikely that you will nee a car. Both the UK and France have good, inexpensive public transportation.
A very common mistake of first-timers is the idea that Europe will disappear before they can get back, so they pack too much into one trip.
(Amercans do this when faced with a buffet, too.)
It is highly unlikely that you will nee a car. Both the UK and France have good, inexpensive public transportation.
Jun 27th, 2006, 05:28 AM
#6
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When are you planning to take the trip? This board has an amazing amount of resources for all of the cities you are considering. Using the search function and reading trip reports will really help you a lot.
A few links to start you off:
Here's a thread about planning a family trip to London. Mr. Ben Haines posted a reply with a wealth of information about kids in London:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34774808
Here is my trip report of our 6 days in London this March (2 parents and 17yo daughter):
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34771547
Other family trip reports:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34786762
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34730329
The "London Superthread", which is old, but has lots of very useful information, including lodging:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34548473
A few links to start you off:
Here's a thread about planning a family trip to London. Mr. Ben Haines posted a reply with a wealth of information about kids in London:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34774808
Here is my trip report of our 6 days in London this March (2 parents and 17yo daughter):
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34771547
Other family trip reports:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34786762
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34730329
The "London Superthread", which is old, but has lots of very useful information, including lodging:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34548473
Jun 27th, 2006, 05:36 AM
#7
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great - thanks again for the responses. The time of year for the trip will proably be early June, 2008. I know , two yrs in advance is along time. But next summer we have a wedding to help pay for and a rim to rim hike of the Grand Canyon. - But , back to Europe.
I have read (parts) of Fodor's - Frommer's and Lonely Planet. They are narrowing things down for me, but I still have alot of work to get a general plan - I will then narrow the general plan down to a reasonable plan.
right now, i think it will be difficult to convince my wife we need to drop Italy from the equation , she has her heart set on Paris and Rome
I have read (parts) of Fodor's - Frommer's and Lonely Planet. They are narrowing things down for me, but I still have alot of work to get a general plan - I will then narrow the general plan down to a reasonable plan.
right now, i think it will be difficult to convince my wife we need to drop Italy from the equation , she has her heart set on Paris and Rome
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Jun 27th, 2006, 05:53 AM
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I'll jump into this. If your wife has her heart set on Paris and Rome, do Paris and Rome. Fly into Rome and out of Paris. Rome is so incredibly busy traffic-wise, that when you get to Paris it will seem absolutely serene. If you noticed in yesterday's news, London is near the top of the most expensive cities in the world, so concentrate on Paris and Rome. With two weeks you might have time for day trips out of each city, if you want.
I've taken my family to both Paris and Rome (just got back from Rome, Paris a few years back), so my trip reports might be of some benefit if you have kids or teens with you.
I also harbor a wish to hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon before the kids leave home. Have you read the trip report posted on the US board last week?
I've taken my family to both Paris and Rome (just got back from Rome, Paris a few years back), so my trip reports might be of some benefit if you have kids or teens with you.
I also harbor a wish to hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon before the kids leave home. Have you read the trip report posted on the US board last week?
Jun 27th, 2006, 06:08 AM
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I agree. If your wife has her heart set on Rome and Paris, then do Rome and Paris. Save London for another trip.
You can "click" on any screen name (in blue letters) and all of that poster's threads and posts will appear. Scan for a trip report on the areas you are interetested or,
Enter keywords in the search box above and search.
There's a ton of resource on this board. Search away and happy researching!
You can "click" on any screen name (in blue letters) and all of that poster's threads and posts will appear. Scan for a trip report on the areas you are interetested or,
Enter keywords in the search box above and search.
There's a ton of resource on this board. Search away and happy researching!
Jun 27th, 2006, 06:08 AM
#12
I agree with Paris and Rome, since your wife has her heart set on it. If she has her heart set on all three places, I'd do that, but it would be a more rushed trip.
I would not rent a car unless you plan on driving around the countryside. If you are based in a city, you can do day trips on public transportation, and driving in either Paris or (not in this lifetime for me) Rome would be a less than relaxing experience. Nowhere to park, confusing traffic patterns on narrow one way streets, rules that you aren't used to, both formal and informal. In Rome, it's exciting enough just crossing the street.
Drivers consider the center lines useful for advisory purposes only.
You can probably fly into Paris and out of Rome (also known as open jaw) for not much more than the price of a round trip. Search under "multiple destinations" on the travel or airline web sites. I would start with Paris, a little easier to get oriented, and many people advise against beginning a vacation with Rome, a more confusing place. Whichever way works out best for your itinerary is probably fine, though. For flights on budget airlines within Europe, check www.whichbudget.com.
I would not rent a car unless you plan on driving around the countryside. If you are based in a city, you can do day trips on public transportation, and driving in either Paris or (not in this lifetime for me) Rome would be a less than relaxing experience. Nowhere to park, confusing traffic patterns on narrow one way streets, rules that you aren't used to, both formal and informal. In Rome, it's exciting enough just crossing the street.
Drivers consider the center lines useful for advisory purposes only.
You can probably fly into Paris and out of Rome (also known as open jaw) for not much more than the price of a round trip. Search under "multiple destinations" on the travel or airline web sites. I would start with Paris, a little easier to get oriented, and many people advise against beginning a vacation with Rome, a more confusing place. Whichever way works out best for your itinerary is probably fine, though. For flights on budget airlines within Europe, check www.whichbudget.com.
Jun 27th, 2006, 06:29 AM
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well, shoot, then do all three! It is not the preferred way of many here, but it may work for your group. Your wife has traveled fast-paced in Europe before, and you and the boys will get a taste of three great cities, that you can use to build your next trip. The good thing is that you have lots of time to figure it out...
Jun 27th, 2006, 06:31 AM
#16
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Slowmoving,
I also think Paris and Rome would be your best trip. You will all have a better time if you don't try to squeeze in so much.
Tell your son he can see Abbey Road on a future trip (that's even if he's still interested later...). I would not upset the balance of an entire 14 day trip to see a record studio unless everyone in your group is set on it.
ira,
re. buffet - LOL!
I also think Paris and Rome would be your best trip. You will all have a better time if you don't try to squeeze in so much.
Tell your son he can see Abbey Road on a future trip (that's even if he's still interested later...). I would not upset the balance of an entire 14 day trip to see a record studio unless everyone in your group is set on it.
ira,
re. buffet - LOL!
Jun 27th, 2006, 07:01 AM
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Well, you are discovering you can't go everywhere, see everything, and please everybody. Assume you'll be back.
If you do all 3 cities, fly into London, take the Chunnel train to Paris, and fly from Paris to Rome. Then fly home from Rome. You do not need a car. In fact, it would be a hindrance.
London will be an easy English-speaking introduction to Europe. Whereas Rome is more intense than Paris.
If you do all 3 cities, fly into London, take the Chunnel train to Paris, and fly from Paris to Rome. Then fly home from Rome. You do not need a car. In fact, it would be a hindrance.
London will be an easy English-speaking introduction to Europe. Whereas Rome is more intense than Paris.
Jun 27th, 2006, 01:34 PM
#19
Easiest/cheapest airfare/travel wise is London/Paris. Mom's dream is Rome/Paris. you've got some decidin' to do.
If it were me - It would be 6-7 days London, and 5-6 days Paris - w/ <i>maybe</i> one day trip outside of each city. But it isn't me - you and your wife need to decide.
But please don't try to squeeze in all three. You would spend 2 days traveling to/from Europe, 1 day zonked w/ jet lag and 1.5 - 2 days traveling between cities - leaving a grand total of 9+ days for 3 major cities. Not easy when travelling solo and REALLY difficult w/ four of you . . . .
If it were me - It would be 6-7 days London, and 5-6 days Paris - w/ <i>maybe</i> one day trip outside of each city. But it isn't me - you and your wife need to decide.
But please don't try to squeeze in all three. You would spend 2 days traveling to/from Europe, 1 day zonked w/ jet lag and 1.5 - 2 days traveling between cities - leaving a grand total of 9+ days for 3 major cities. Not easy when travelling solo and REALLY difficult w/ four of you . . . .
Jun 27th, 2006, 01:43 PM
#20
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Hi Slow,
>...she has her heart set on Paris and Rome
"If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy".
OTOH, London and Paris is easier, and cheaper than Paris and Rome.
Whatever you do, go to Paris. You will be so disappointed if you die and go to Heaven without having been to Paris.
>...she has her heart set on Paris and Rome
"If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy".
OTOH, London and Paris is easier, and cheaper than Paris and Rome.
Whatever you do, go to Paris. You will be so disappointed if you die and go to Heaven without having been to Paris.
