Re: Trip to London & Paris
- From: "David Gee" <scoop604@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 12 May 2007 21:27:59 GMT
"Pang" <pangpenny@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1178970892.627111.316910@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm planning a trip to London & Paris for a week in Nov. Is it a goodRealize in advance that 1 week of holiday will get you only 5 days of
time to go? This is my 1st time going to Europe! :D I have a bunch of
questions. Will you guys be able to help me out?
"sightseeing" time -- then stop worrying about trying to see everything
on your first visit.
To prepare, buy a couple of guidebooks for each city, and READ THEM!
(Far too many people buy them weeks or months in advance, then don't
even open them until they get on the plane.) Look for guides with
decent maps that emphasize transportation, parks, museums, galleries and
landmarks; the street details won't matter on your first visit.
When you check in at your hotel, have the concierge mark the hotel's
address and phone number on ALL of your maps, and slip one of his
business cards inside your passport. Treat your hotel as your temporary
home, and not just as a place to park your suitcase.
A "city highlights" bus tour on the first morning in either city is a
cheap, fast way to get a good first impression, and most bus companies
now provide a multiligual tape player with useful commentary.
From then on, pick ONE gallery or other destination per morning, and ONEper afternoon; anything more ambitious will just wear you down
unnecessarily. Walking is the key, and walking with your map and a
digital camera is the best way to remember what you saw -- and to plan
your next visit.
For November, take a lightweight raincoat, a hat you can stuff into a
pocket, and a sweater you can crush into your bag. For footwear, buy a
pair of "street hikers" with good arch and ankle support, and break them
in at home. Take *lots* of new socks, and change them at least once a
day.
Public transport is cheap, fast and safe; just keep your wallet,
passport and cash in inside pockets. Leave your treasured family
jewelry and expensive watch at home - a $20.00 watch will do just fine.
A SMALL nylon shoulder bag (think "wallet" or "purse" size, NOT
"backpack") worn across the chest will keep guidebooks, maps,
sunglasses, etc. handy, and making a habit of keeping it under your hand
or in your lap will keep it secure. On cool days, wear it inside your
raincoat.
Final tip: buy a local newspaper every day -- you'll be amazed at the
change of viewpoint, and perhaps even avoid the next day's riot ....
.
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- Trip to London & Paris
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