Question:

My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

Try Ibis or Campanile chains.  They are terrific for your purpose.  Danielle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

There are plenty of affordable places within Paris. Here a favorite link: http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Don’t depend on any single recommendation.  Research the hotel using several sources.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

how much means inexpensive for you? You are welcome to my B&B if you like Eveline www.chez.com/evelineparisbandb/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

I think Paris is one the easiest cities to find an affordable hotel right in the city centre. With some searching on the web, you should find a 50 euro (for a double) hotel in no time. Many Paris hotels have 3=2 or 4=3 deals. Yorick.

Response:

Hi, there are several Formule 1 motels around/in Paris… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

Hi, there are several Formule 1 motels around/in Paris…

They are more "around" than "in", and not that convenient for public transport. It is possible to get basic accommodation in the city for under 40 euros a night. The accommodation services in the main railway stations are good. PB

Response:

Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.

Then what about a hostel? They have double rooms these days. e.g http://www.aijparis.com/framea.htm They offer facilities you wont find at a cheap hotel.

Response:

Check my budget hotel recommendations on my web site, which are ALL INSIDE Paris with unbeatable prices in agreeable places. Th page URL is http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Mark that  this  sort of thing only remains in France. But for how long?     Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

Paris is one of the least costly major cities I have ever visited.  I do live in the San Francisco area, so may be biased to higher prices.  But Wife and I paid 450FF for a hotel with bath, standup shower on Rue Vir Girard. It costs $2.95 for a 20 mile ride on BART, our modern transit system, to Oakland from my station.  Costs about $0.60 anyplace in metropolitan Paris via the Metro.  Food is reasonable, in most of the local bistros, and is good.  Other than the cost of the airfare, I can vacation for less in Europe, including the traveling costs than staying in the USA in metropolitan areas.  London is approximately twice as costly as Paris. Spain a little cheaper than France.  Excluding souvenirs, we probably spent less than $120 a day for a months trip to France and Northern Spain.  Could get by for less, but it’s a vacation, not see how cheap you can get by.  We do get most lunch fixings in the markets, as we enjoy checking out the local foods and cheeses, and fresh breads for a picnic lunch. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check my budget hotel recommendations on my web site, which are ALL INSIDE Paris with unbeatable prices in agreeable places. Th page URL is http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Mark that  this  sort of thing only remains in France. But for how long? Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paris is one of the least costly major cities I have ever visited.  I do live in the San Francisco area, so may be biased to higher prices.  But Wife and I paid 450FF for a hotel with bath, standup shower on Rue Vir Girard. It costs $2.95 for a 20 mile ride on BART, our modern transit system, to Oakland from my station.  Costs about $0.60 anyplace in metropolitan Paris via the Metro.  Food is reasonable, in most of the local bistros, and is good.  Other than the cost of the airfare, I can vacation for less in Europe, including the traveling costs than staying in the USA in metropolitan areas.  London is approximately twice as costly as Paris. Spain a little cheaper than France.  Excluding souvenirs, we probably spent less than $120 a day for a months trip to France and Northern Spain.  Could get by for less, but it’s a vacation, not see how cheap you can get by.  We do get most lunch fixings in the markets, as we enjoy checking out the local foods and cheeses, and fresh breads for a picnic lunch. Bill

You are absolutely right. If you know where to go Paris can be one of the cheapest cities in the developed world as far as simple but clean, comfortable, central hotels, good quality food, and public transport. I would rate London nearer two and a half times as expensive. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check my budget hotel recommendations on my web site, which are ALL INSIDE Paris with unbeatable prices in agreeable places. Th page URL is http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Mark that  this  sort of thing only remains in France. But for how long? Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

–==++AJC++==–

Response:

Hi, I was just in Paris in March and we stayed at the Hotel Riviera on 55 rue des Acacias – 75017 Paris It’s a little more but the rooms are spotless and the location (2 blocks from the Arc de Triomphe) is perfect. Santrina

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My family of 4 registered to stay in Hotel de nevers this March.  They are charging us what basically comes out to $70.00 us.  I know this is very inexpensive !  But my concern is, are we trading cleanilness for it?  Because of the weather we may be eating picnic style in the room so we need the room to be clean in order to feel comfortable.  Can anyone reassure me?  Thank you. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

The Hotel de Nevers I believe is on the edge of the 3 rd to 10 e. The metro stop is  Republique.  Is that an ok area?  Does anyone know. -Moriah Originally posted by Danielle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You need not worry about cleanliness I think.  In what area of Paris is the Hotel de Nevers?  Sometimes that tells more than anything; hotels where people live all year round, as opposed to tourist hotels, are less clean. If the hotel is rated (one to four stars, the office of tourism supervises it, and it is periodically, not frequently, checked).

Response:

You need not worry about cleanliness I think.  In what area of Paris is the Hotel de Nevers?  Sometimes that tells more than anything; hotels where people live all year round, as opposed to tourist hotels, are less clean. If the hotel is rated (one to four stars, the office of tourism supervises it, and it is periodically, not frequently, checked).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My family of 4 registered to stay in Hotel de nevers this March.  They are charging us what basically comes out to $70.00 us.  I know this is very inexpensive !  But my concern is, are we trading cleanilness for it?  Because of the weather we may be eating picnic style in the room so we need the room to be clean in order to feel comfortable.  Can anyone reassure me?  Thank you. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

My family of 4 registered to stay in Hotel de nevers this March.  They are charging us what basically comes out to $70.00 us.  I know this is very inexpensive !  But my concern is, are we trading cleanilness for it?  Because of the weather we may be eating picnic style in the room so we need the room to be clean in order to feel comfortable.  Can anyone reassure me?  Thank you. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

Try Ibis or Campanile chains.  They are terrific for your purpose.  Danielle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

There are plenty of affordable places within Paris. Here a favorite link: http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Don’t depend on any single recommendation.  Research the hotel using several sources.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

how much means inexpensive for you? You are welcome to my B&B if you like Eveline www.chez.com/evelineparisbandb/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

I think Paris is one the easiest cities to find an affordable hotel right in the city centre. With some searching on the web, you should find a 50 euro (for a double) hotel in no time. Many Paris hotels have 3=2 or 4=3 deals. Yorick.

Response:

Hi, there are several Formule 1 motels around/in Paris… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

Hi, there are several Formule 1 motels around/in Paris…

They are more "around" than "in", and not that convenient for public transport. It is possible to get basic accommodation in the city for under 40 euros a night. The accommodation services in the main railway stations are good. PB

Response:

Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.

Then what about a hostel? They have double rooms these days. e.g http://www.aijparis.com/framea.htm They offer facilities you wont find at a cheap hotel.

Response:

Check my budget hotel recommendations on my web site, which are ALL INSIDE Paris with unbeatable prices in agreeable places. Th page URL is http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Mark that  this  sort of thing only remains in France. But for how long?     Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

Paris is one of the least costly major cities I have ever visited.  I do live in the San Francisco area, so may be biased to higher prices.  But Wife and I paid 450FF for a hotel with bath, standup shower on Rue Vir Girard. It costs $2.95 for a 20 mile ride on BART, our modern transit system, to Oakland from my station.  Costs about $0.60 anyplace in metropolitan Paris via the Metro.  Food is reasonable, in most of the local bistros, and is good.  Other than the cost of the airfare, I can vacation for less in Europe, including the traveling costs than staying in the USA in metropolitan areas.  London is approximately twice as costly as Paris. Spain a little cheaper than France.  Excluding souvenirs, we probably spent less than $120 a day for a months trip to France and Northern Spain.  Could get by for less, but it’s a vacation, not see how cheap you can get by.  We do get most lunch fixings in the markets, as we enjoy checking out the local foods and cheeses, and fresh breads for a picnic lunch. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check my budget hotel recommendations on my web site, which are ALL INSIDE Paris with unbeatable prices in agreeable places. Th page URL is http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Mark that  this  sort of thing only remains in France. But for how long? Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paris is one of the least costly major cities I have ever visited.  I do live in the San Francisco area, so may be biased to higher prices.  But Wife and I paid 450FF for a hotel with bath, standup shower on Rue Vir Girard. It costs $2.95 for a 20 mile ride on BART, our modern transit system, to Oakland from my station.  Costs about $0.60 anyplace in metropolitan Paris via the Metro.  Food is reasonable, in most of the local bistros, and is good.  Other than the cost of the airfare, I can vacation for less in Europe, including the traveling costs than staying in the USA in metropolitan areas.  London is approximately twice as costly as Paris. Spain a little cheaper than France.  Excluding souvenirs, we probably spent less than $120 a day for a months trip to France and Northern Spain.  Could get by for less, but it’s a vacation, not see how cheap you can get by.  We do get most lunch fixings in the markets, as we enjoy checking out the local foods and cheeses, and fresh breads for a picnic lunch. Bill

You are absolutely right. If you know where to go Paris can be one of the cheapest cities in the developed world as far as simple but clean, comfortable, central hotels, good quality food, and public transport. I would rate London nearer two and a half times as expensive. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check my budget hotel recommendations on my web site, which are ALL INSIDE Paris with unbeatable prices in agreeable places. Th page URL is http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/Paris_Low_Budget_Hotels.htm Mark that  this  sort of thing only remains in France. But for how long? Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ Last May I stayed in Hotel de Nevers near Metro Republic (2-3 blocks), just NE of Paris center. Not fancy but very clean, very nice people, and in my opinion, very inexpensive…about 300FF for 2 twin beds and toilet/shower (should now be under 50E/50US). http://www.hotelsparisonline.com/english_html/Hotels/nevers/indexhote… Greg Klipstein My wife and I are planning to be in Paris for a few days in May.  As long as the place is relatively clean, we don`t care too much were we stay as long as it doesn`t break the bank.  We are in our late thirtys but we are still backpacker types.  Any suggestions of affordable places to stay in or no too far from Paris? Andre and Melanie.

–==++AJC++==–

Response:

My family of 4 registered to stay in Hotel de nevers this March.  They are charging us what basically comes out to $70.00 us.  I know this is very inexpensive !  But my concern is, are we trading cleanilness for it?  Because of the weather we may be eating picnic style in the room so we need the room to be clean in order to feel comfortable.  Can anyone reassure me?  Thank you. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

You need not worry about cleanliness I think.  In what area of Paris is the Hotel de Nevers?  Sometimes that tells more than anything; hotels where people live all year round, as opposed to tourist hotels, are less clean. If the hotel is rated (one to four stars, the office of tourism supervises it, and it is periodically, not frequently, checked).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My family of 4 registered to stay in Hotel de nevers this March.  They are charging us what basically comes out to $70.00 us.  I know this is very inexpensive !  But my concern is, are we trading cleanilness for it?  Because of the weather we may be eating picnic style in the room so we need the room to be clean in order to feel comfortable.  Can anyone reassure me?  Thank you. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Hi, I was just in Paris in March and we stayed at the Hotel Riviera on 55 rue des Acacias – 75017 Paris It’s a little more but the rooms are spotless and the location (2 blocks from the Arc de Triomphe) is perfect. Santrina

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My family of 4 registered to stay in Hotel de nevers this March.  They are charging us what basically comes out to $70.00 us.  I know this is very inexpensive !  But my concern is, are we trading cleanilness for it?  Because of the weather we may be eating picnic style in the room so we need the room to be clean in order to feel comfortable.  Can anyone reassure me?  Thank you. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

The Hotel de Nevers I believe is on the edge of the 3 rd to 10 e. The metro stop is  Republique.  Is that an ok area?  Does anyone know. -Moriah Originally posted by Danielle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You need not worry about cleanliness I think.  In what area of Paris is the Hotel de Nevers?  Sometimes that tells more than anything; hotels where people live all year round, as opposed to tourist hotels, are less clean. If the hotel is rated (one to four stars, the office of tourism supervises it, and it is periodically, not frequently, checked).

Response:

Question:

Sample fares are about $150 round/trip higher than the Northwest sale of about five weeks ago, at least from Portland (PDX) to Europe.

The United sale seems to affect mostly the east cost — although as I said, there are outstanding prices as far west as Dallas. For example, I don’t think anybody’s going to beat their $275 Dallas-Paris round-trip by $150…

Response:

Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than a few weeks, almost certainly).

I’m reserved on UAL to fly from LAX to AMS for 8 days the 2nd week of December.  The 2 compelling reasons I chose to fly United is that #1 they have a cheap fare ($605), #2 it stops in Chicago which is where my buddy (who’s been to Amsterdam a few times before) and I will hook up, and #3 I will get over 11,000 United air miles which will be used to fly back to Europe first class in 2003.  In the unlikely event that I get stranded by United during my vacation, then I’ll simply book a 1-way back to the States on KLM. B.H.

Response:

: United Airlines just announced some great October prices : from the US to Europe (with restrictions of course). You : can, for example fly round-trip from Boston to London for : $199. And they’re offering $275 round-trip tickets to Paris : from about a dozen US cities, as far west as Dallas. : The restrictions are that you have to: : * Buy your tickets by September 27. : * Depart October 7-10. : * Return October 14-17. Sample fares are about $150 round/trip higher than the Northwest sale of about five weeks ago, at least from Portland (PDX) to Europe. E.g. Round-trip PDX-Amsterdam prices out at $628 in the sale; it was just under $500 on NW when booked in August, and I did an open jaw flying in September for $509 PDX-Paris/Amsterdam-PDX.  So paying more to fly in October on limited days doesn’t sound like much of a deal to me… I’m less inclined to recommend Priceline for domestic travel, but for international travel (where you usually need to take a red-eye anyway, so who cares when your flights are?) I think you might do better than this United sale, especially for October. : Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. : (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash : flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of : getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they : do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll : probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than : a few weeks, almost certainly). And besides, if you’re going : to be stranded somewhere, you could do worse than getting : stuck in Paris… I’d say the chances of getting "stranded" this fall flying United Airlines are about as good as getting stranded flying any other airline.  Even if UAL goes Chapter 11 means in no way that it will go out of business or would stop operating the next week.  TWA went Chapter 11 several times in the 90’s and never stopped operating. Andrew — —- Portland, Oregon, USA <—- —- http://www.bizave.com/photos/  <—- Andrew’s Photography —- http://www.moviepundit.com/    <—- Andrew’s Movie Website To respond by EMAIL, please DO NOT hit "reply".  Email address scrambled for security.  Instead, please visit the web page:

Response:

that is a good deal, but the thought of getting stuck in Paris scares me. that is, if you are on limited budget.  Paris is pretty expensive, even though not as expensive as London.   If you actually get stuck in Paris this winter, it would be better, cheaper to stay in south of France like Pepignon and others where tons of vacation houses are empty and can be had for half of the normal rate.  Train ticket to thse southern provinces costs around 100 euros or less if you buy a head. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – United Airlines just announced some great October prices from the US to Europe (with restrictions of course). You can, for example fly round-trip from Boston to London for $199. And they’re offering $275 round-trip tickets to Paris from about a dozen US cities, as far west as Dallas. The restrictions are that you have to: * Buy your tickets by September 27. * Depart October 7-10. * Return October 14-17. Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than a few weeks, almost certainly). And besides, if you’re going to be stranded somewhere, you could do worse than getting stuck in Paris…

Response:

United Airlines just announced some great October prices from the US to Europe (with restrictions of course). You can, for example fly round-trip from Boston to London for $199. And they’re offering $275 round-trip tickets to Paris from about a dozen US cities, as far west as Dallas. The restrictions are that you have to: * Buy your tickets by September 27. * Depart October 7-10. * Return October 14-17. Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than a few weeks, almost certainly). And besides, if you’re going to be stranded somewhere, you could do worse than getting stuck in Paris…

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United Airlines just announced some great October prices from the US to Europe (with restrictions of course). You can, for example fly round-trip from Boston to London for $199. And they’re offering $275 round-trip tickets to Paris from about a dozen US cities, as far west as Dallas. The restrictions are that you have to: * Buy your tickets by September 27. * Depart October 7-10. * Return October 14-17. Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than a few weeks, almost certainly). And besides, if you’re going to be stranded somewhere, you could do worse than getting stuck in Paris…

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that is a good deal, but the thought of getting stuck in Paris scares me. that is, if you are on limited budget.  Paris is pretty expensive, even though not as expensive as London.   If you actually get stuck in Paris this winter, it would be better, cheaper to stay in south of France like Pepignon and others where tons of vacation houses are empty and can be had for half of the normal rate.  Train ticket to thse southern provinces costs around 100 euros or less if you buy a head. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – United Airlines just announced some great October prices from the US to Europe (with restrictions of course). You can, for example fly round-trip from Boston to London for $199. And they’re offering $275 round-trip tickets to Paris from about a dozen US cities, as far west as Dallas. The restrictions are that you have to: * Buy your tickets by September 27. * Depart October 7-10. * Return October 14-17. Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than a few weeks, almost certainly). And besides, if you’re going to be stranded somewhere, you could do worse than getting stuck in Paris…

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: United Airlines just announced some great October prices : from the US to Europe (with restrictions of course). You : can, for example fly round-trip from Boston to London for : $199. And they’re offering $275 round-trip tickets to Paris : from about a dozen US cities, as far west as Dallas. : The restrictions are that you have to: : * Buy your tickets by September 27. : * Depart October 7-10. : * Return October 14-17. Sample fares are about $150 round/trip higher than the Northwest sale of about five weeks ago, at least from Portland (PDX) to Europe. E.g. Round-trip PDX-Amsterdam prices out at $628 in the sale; it was just under $500 on NW when booked in August, and I did an open jaw flying in September for $509 PDX-Paris/Amsterdam-PDX.  So paying more to fly in October on limited days doesn’t sound like much of a deal to me… I’m less inclined to recommend Priceline for domestic travel, but for international travel (where you usually need to take a red-eye anyway, so who cares when your flights are?) I think you might do better than this United sale, especially for October. : Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. : (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash : flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of : getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they : do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll : probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than : a few weeks, almost certainly). And besides, if you’re going : to be stranded somewhere, you could do worse than getting : stuck in Paris… I’d say the chances of getting "stranded" this fall flying United Airlines are about as good as getting stranded flying any other airline.  Even if UAL goes Chapter 11 means in no way that it will go out of business or would stop operating the next week.  TWA went Chapter 11 several times in the 90’s and never stopped operating. Andrew — —- Portland, Oregon, USA <—- —- http://www.bizave.com/photos/  <—- Andrew’s Photography —- http://www.moviepundit.com/    <—- Andrew’s Movie Website To respond by EMAIL, please DO NOT hit "reply".  Email address scrambled for security.  Instead, please visit the web page:

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Yes, I know that United may go into Chapter 11 this fall. (In fact, they may be trying to help their short-term cash flow by selling lots of cheap tickets.) The chances of getting stranded are probably pretty slim, as even if they do go into Chapter 11 while you’re in Europe, they’ll probably keep flying for more than a little while (more than a few weeks, almost certainly).

I’m reserved on UAL to fly from LAX to AMS for 8 days the 2nd week of December.  The 2 compelling reasons I chose to fly United is that #1 they have a cheap fare ($605), #2 it stops in Chicago which is where my buddy (who’s been to Amsterdam a few times before) and I will hook up, and #3 I will get over 11,000 United air miles which will be used to fly back to Europe first class in 2003.  In the unlikely event that I get stranded by United during my vacation, then I’ll simply book a 1-way back to the States on KLM. B.H.

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Sample fares are about $150 round/trip higher than the Northwest sale of about five weeks ago, at least from Portland (PDX) to Europe.

The United sale seems to affect mostly the east cost — although as I said, there are outstanding prices as far west as Dallas. For example, I don’t think anybody’s going to beat their $275 Dallas-Paris round-trip by $150…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In that case, I wonder how feasible it would be for example, if I knew someone living in Europe who wanted to visit North America at roughly the same time that I wanted to go to Europe, to have them buy two round-trip Europe-NA-Europe tickets. They fly to North America on the first ticket, give me both tickets, I would then fly to Europe on the return portion of the first ticket, then after my vacation fly back to North America using second, then give it back so he could fly back to Europe. Definitely some technicalities involved like getting the name on the ticket changed and knowing someone in Europe who has a schedule that matches yours and who you trust.. but food for thought..

Getting the name on the tickets changed is the difficult part. Airlines refuse to do this, so you need to find someone with the exact same name as yourself. Sjoerd

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You don’t want to do this.  If you don’t show up for the first flight of a roundtrip, many airlines will simply cancel the entire ticket on the (silly but legally allowed) grounds that they sold you a roundtrip ticket.  I wouldn’t risk it.  Moreover, as the airlines are desperate for cash, they are even more strict about these sorts of rules these days. David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In that case, I wonder how feasible it would be for example, if I knew someone living in Europe who wanted to visit North America at roughly the same time that I wanted to go to Europe, to have them buy two round-trip Europe-NA-Europe tickets. They fly to North America on the first ticket, give me both tickets, I would then fly to Europe on the return portion of the first ticket, then after my vacation fly back to North America using second, then give it back so he could fly back to Europe. Definitely some technicalities involved like getting the name on the ticket changed and knowing someone in Europe who has a schedule that matches yours and who you trust.. but food for thought.. Getting the name on the tickets changed is the difficult part. Airlines refuse to do this, so you need to find someone with the exact same name as yourself. Sjoerd

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – From fr.rec.voyages [NOT posted by me] Je fais souvent l’aller-retour Europe-Amerique et j’ai remarqu

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He’ll miss the Love Parade – it’s always in mid-July and he intends to travel in June…. But he might catch the Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) which is usually at the beginning of June. Alternative suggestion: If you do not want to miss Berlin, fly into Berlin and begin your trip here. You can easily find cheap chartered flights to Greece or Spain, esp when booked last minute it is often a good deal. Such flights to Greece and Spain have usually been 300DM max, RT. You might be lucky to find cheaper than that. Check out www.ltur.de but note that such good deals aren’t available but 2 weeks prior to flying. Often there were 100DM flights to the Med (RT) 2 days prior to flying. If you are flexible this might safe you a lot money. BTW L’Tur has also real offices (not solely internet booking), one is just opposite the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ged

Question:

Work is sending me from Canada to Germany for a couple of weeks for some training, and since I’ve never been away from North America and my father was from Hamburg, I was thinking of taking a little vacation after the training and roam Germany. (and pop in on a friend in Amsterdam) Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind? Also, I’m rather a gadget freak(laptop/palmtop/GPS, you get the picture) I have all the various travel/mapping software for US/Canada, does such software exist for europe? (street level or close to software for where I’ll be traveling that’ll link to the GPS, should stop, or slow down the getting lost thing  I’ve noticed Delorme sells a DVD sized program called Eartha, is it any good? I was just told about this yesterday, so I don’t think I’m even in the planning stages yet, more dreaming stage at the moment.  :) So, any tips/advice/pointers to FAQs would be more than welcome. Greg

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Work is sending me from Canada to Germany for a couple of weeks for some training, and since I’ve never been away from North America and my father was from Hamburg, I was thinking of taking a little vacation after the training and roam Germany. (and pop in on a friend in Amsterdam) Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind?

Depends how much roaming, hiring cars in the USA for Europe is reportedly pretty cheap (some American can tell you how much.) when doing it in Europe it gets  a bit more expensive.  Train travel is generally cheap and good (outside the UK where it’s expensive and pretty awful at the moment.) Also, I’m rather a gadget freak(laptop/palmtop/GPS, you get the picture) I have all the various travel/mapping software for US/Canada, does such software exist for europe? (street level or close to software for where I’ll be traveling that’ll link to the GPS, should stop, or slow down the getting lost thing  

Of course software exists, route europe, has had good reports. Jim.

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Work is sending me from Canada to Germany for a couple of weeks for some training, and since I’ve never been away from North America and my father was from Hamburg, I was thinking of taking a little vacation after the training and roam Germany. (and pop in on a friend in Amsterdam) Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?

If you only want to visit cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam) take a train. Parking in  European cities is always a hassle and expensive. Sjoerd

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Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind?

Yes, you should take the train from Berlin to Hamburg and Amsterdam, and no, you’re not out of your mind. Hamburg wouldn’t be my first choice in Germany, but I understand that you have special reasons to want to go there. — Francais / English / Esperanto Fight Spam! Join CAUCE cost-free: http://www.cauce.org/

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Hamburg is a wonderful city!! It has so much to offer, dont miss it….  Just take the train from Berlin to Hamburg. No Problem at all, it takes nearly 2.30 hours and departures nearly every one or two hours. Have fun in HH, enjoy the river "Elbe" and the "Alster" and of course go out to have a look on the Reeperbahn. Regards, Sylvia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind? Yes, you should take the train from Berlin to Hamburg and Amsterdam, and no, you’re not out of your mind. Hamburg wouldn’t be my first choice in Germany, but I understand that you have special reasons to want to go there. — Francais / English / Esperanto Fight Spam! Join CAUCE cost-free: http://www.cauce.org/

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Well, the night train to Amsterdam is pretty painless. Have you considered Prague ? And you might not be so keen to leave Berlin, its a fascinating place. — Regards, Peter D Jones . "Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish." — Steven Wright.

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Work is sending me from Canada to Germany for a couple of weeks for some training, and since I’ve never been away from North America and my father was from Hamburg, I was thinking of taking a little vacation after the training and roam Germany. (and pop in on a friend in Amsterdam) Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind? Also, I’m rather a gadget freak(laptop/palmtop/GPS, you get the picture) I have all the various travel/mapping software for US/Canada, does such software exist for europe? (street level or close to software for where I’ll be traveling that’ll link to the GPS, should stop, or slow down the getting lost thing  I’ve noticed Delorme sells a DVD sized program called Eartha, is it any good? I was just told about this yesterday, so I don’t think I’m even in the planning stages yet, more dreaming stage at the moment.  :) So, any tips/advice/pointers to FAQs would be more than welcome. Greg

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Work is sending me from Canada to Germany for a couple of weeks for some training, and since I’ve never been away from North America and my father was from Hamburg, I was thinking of taking a little vacation after the training and roam Germany. (and pop in on a friend in Amsterdam) Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind?

Depends how much roaming, hiring cars in the USA for Europe is reportedly pretty cheap (some American can tell you how much.) when doing it in Europe it gets  a bit more expensive.  Train travel is generally cheap and good (outside the UK where it’s expensive and pretty awful at the moment.) Also, I’m rather a gadget freak(laptop/palmtop/GPS, you get the picture) I have all the various travel/mapping software for US/Canada, does such software exist for europe? (street level or close to software for where I’ll be traveling that’ll link to the GPS, should stop, or slow down the getting lost thing  

Of course software exists, route europe, has had good reports. Jim.

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Work is sending me from Canada to Germany for a couple of weeks for some training, and since I’ve never been away from North America and my father was from Hamburg, I was thinking of taking a little vacation after the training and roam Germany. (and pop in on a friend in Amsterdam) Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?

If you only want to visit cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam) take a train. Parking in  European cities is always a hassle and expensive. Sjoerd

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Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind?

Yes, you should take the train from Berlin to Hamburg and Amsterdam, and no, you’re not out of your mind. Hamburg wouldn’t be my first choice in Germany, but I understand that you have special reasons to want to go there. — Francais / English / Esperanto Fight Spam! Join CAUCE cost-free: http://www.cauce.org/

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Hamburg is a wonderful city!! It has so much to offer, dont miss it….  Just take the train from Berlin to Hamburg. No Problem at all, it takes nearly 2.30 hours and departures nearly every one or two hours. Have fun in HH, enjoy the river "Elbe" and the "Alster" and of course go out to have a look on the Reeperbahn. Regards, Sylvia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now, what’s the best way to do this?  How expensive is it to rent a car in Germany?  Should I take a train?  Am I out of my mind? Yes, you should take the train from Berlin to Hamburg and Amsterdam, and no, you’re not out of your mind. Hamburg wouldn’t be my first choice in Germany, but I understand that you have special reasons to want to go there. — Francais / English / Esperanto Fight Spam! Join CAUCE cost-free: http://www.cauce.org/

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Well, the night train to Amsterdam is pretty painless. Have you considered Prague ? And you might not be so keen to leave Berlin, its a fascinating place. — Regards, Peter D Jones . "Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish." — Steven Wright.

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Question:

<snipped wonderful story Good golf to everyone, Nikolai Remizov.

As usual, Nickolai, you have contributed a interesting and entertaining story. Please contribute more often! I would imagine that items such as the latest clubs, balls, etc. are quite rare and expensive in Moscow – is that the case? — http://home.midsouth.rr.com/joecartpath RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/reedj.htm

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As usual, Nickolai, you have contributed a interesting and entertaining story. Please contribute more often! I would imagine that items such as the latest clubs, balls, etc. are quite rare and expensive in Moscow – is that the case?

Re: Prices and Choice in Moscow. One US Dollar is about 30 Russian rubles now. A sleeve of golf balls (3 balls) is 450 to 600 Rbl (15 to 20 USD). Used balls are sold by green-keepers for 15 to 30 Rbl for a ball (0.5 to 1 USD) depending on the quality of the ball and the time of the season. On Saturday I saw three sets of clubs in our pro shop that collect dust standing there since October last year. Etonic shoes very similar to the pair I bought in Spain last year for ca. 80 USD (in pesetas) cost ca. 200 USD (in Rubles). The lady in the pro-shop said that they are waiting for a new batch of equipment to arrive soon, by the beginning of the season, though. The golf equipment I have now is a combination of pieces I bought in December 1998 in Helsinki, Finland (when I went there to deliver a lecture on Russian accounting reform for Finnish investors) in December 1998 in Paris, France (when I went there to discuss a draft of the Russian Professional Accountants Ethics Code with the French colleagues) and in August 1999 in Spain (when I was there with my wife and daughter on vacation and even played golf three times, Costa del Sol, ca. 60 courses, I can recommend to everyone in RSG). We are going to Amsterdam by the end of this week with my wife (Birthday of the Queen holiday), and I had been planning to have some golf shopping there as well, but a person from this newsgroup (DavidL ?) told me that golf shopping is not very good in Netherlands, that made me disappointed. When I come back, I shall tell you on the results. Best regards, Nikolai Remizov. P.S. I think this playing on the golf simulators in Moscow City Golf Club with a lot of spectators around was something like Captain James Cook demonstrating cheap decorations to the natives.

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Hi, has anyone tried these machines anywhere? I remember playing on one as a kid in England in the late 1960s/ early ’70s. It was fun then, but I’m sure they are immeasurably better now. I’d like to hear some opinions on how good they are.

I tried an indoor golf simulator just yesterday (on Saturday, 22nd of April). It was for the first time in my life. Here in Moscow, Russia we finish the golf season in October and resume it in May, so training in winter is a problem (like in Canada or Sweden or Finland). In October 1999 I was promised that the Moscow City Golf Club is planning to get the simulators by the New Year eve. By January 2000 they promised it will happen by February. In February – by March, etc. etc. It turned out that the club did pay the money for the simulators (ca. 150,000 USD for three sets), but there were problems with customs’ clearance. At last, on the 15th of April I could be able to see how the devices were assembled by our Russian technicians guided by a foreigner (an Afro-American). It was announced that next Saturday there will be competitions on those simulators. It was a fascinating event. There were about a dozen of players (four on each of the three simulators). In three darkened rooms Links99 pictures were projected on the big screens and we were striking the real balls by the real clubs into those screens with loud sounds. Tables with beer and sandwiches were laid in front of the stimulators to please the players. We were playing several hours and I had a feeling of being a part of some exhibition as the people (club members, their family members, their children, their curious friends) were coming and watching us all the time, many of them also saw this device for the first time. I had read about such simulators in the Russian edition of "Golf Digest" and I had experience of playing Links99 on a computer and the views of the courses and computer interface were familiar. From the point of view of training golf swing it was very

good: we had to play with different clubs all the time and we had incentives. There was the opportunity of playing in a training mode "on the driving range" with detailed information (speed, angles, distances, etc.) posted on a screen. I was satisfied to see my iron strokes were 50 to 100 meters long and that corresponded with what I saw on a real driving range (a week before) when I made estimations by the distance markers. From the point of view of chipping and putting it was not so good, because it was hard to read the greens and the picture was distorted compared with the real greens. We have switched in the mode of "gimmies if the ball is within 2 meters from the hole", but it did not help much. From the point of view of the sport results – it was poor. The best players of the club had results of + 25 to + 40 on 18 holes. (We were not much experienced in this device and chose "Champions’ tees" from a start). I stroke + 60 on the first 9 (I made a lot of efforts getting out of virtual woods twice) and + 40 on the second nine. After the competition was over I used the opportunity to experiment further, I chose "Bay Hill Club and Lodge" (I like it very much when I am playing Links99 at home) and amateur tees. This time it was + 25 on the first 9. So, one should know the course and get used to the device as it is. I had problems with my wife, because I came back later than usual after a day of golf. Like  with a new computer game, it was very difficult to stop. (As those competitions were a kind of experiment, the club has not yet settled the prices for using the devices). Only the weather is unusually warm in Moscow in spring this year. On the 15th of April they opened the driving range and they promise to permit playing on the course on the 29th of April (last year it was a week later). Yesterday I saw our green keepers hard at work, I was smelling freshly cut grass and felt adrenaline in my blood. I am afraid those expensive toys will be out of use till October at least, but I am looking forward to training a lot next winter. Good golf to everyone, Nikolai Remizov.

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Hi, has anyone tried these machines anywhere? I remember playing on one as a kid in England in the late 1960s/ early ’70s. It was fun then, but I’m sure they are immeasurably better now. I’d like to hear some opinions on how good they are.

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I’d say the only thing I don’t like about them, is when you chip onto the green the roll just isn’t there.

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There is an "indoor golf centre" near where I live which has these simulation things.  Although the technology is quite impressive (they calculate speed, trajectory, spin etc.), surely the point of golf is to appreciate the countryside and the great outdoors?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, has anyone tried these machines anywhere? I remember playing on one as a kid in England in the late 1960s/ early ’70s. It was fun then, but I’m sure they are immeasurably better now. I’d like to hear some opinions on how good they are.

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Question:

May in Provence is beautiful, and mid-May to early June is perfect, I think. the red poppies will be in bloom and the days will be warm, but not too hot. Tourist season really gets busy in July and August, so you won’t find big crowds, but nearly everything will be open for business.

That’s exactly what I want to hear, and what several other people have told me. Of course, I haven’t had very good luck with weather on vacations, so I’m looking for the appropriate deities to propitiate. You might consider flying into Marseilles instead of Nice, since most of what you want to see is in the western part of Provence, much closer to Marseilles than to Nice. Of the three main towns (Aix, Avignon, and

We made our flight arrangements earlier this week. We chose Nice because we’re going to spend the first few days recuperating from jet lag (flying in from California) before we pick up our car. Nice seems to be a nicer place to do that than Marseille. Arles) I like Aix and Arles the best, but they are all quite different and each offers its own rewards. St. Remy is smaller and worth a visit too. If

Although we’re planning to visit all these places (just not yet sure how to allocate the time and select "bases" to stay in), I’d be interested in why you like Aix and Arles better than Avignon. They all seem to have their distinct charms. you like small villages and back roads, spend some time in the Luberon. You might even book a B&B in one of the smaller villages for a few days. Check our website (http://www.provencebyways.com) for information about the Luberon, and also some photos. We also have some guides that we have written that are described in detail on the website.

Actually, I have one of your brochures, which I ordered through the World Wide Brochures web site. Your web site is very nice indeed. — Non-Spam E-Mail: redbeard{AT}earthling{DOT}net  Visit my Virtual Light Table: http://www.lightbox.cx   Travel and Scenic Photography, Commentary, and more Before you buy.

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I think that Avignon or St. Remy are better bases for exploration of the region over Aix. Some people love Aix and others don’t; it didn’t do much for me.  I based myself 2 nights Avignon and 2 nights Arles.  That was perfect for me. Driving in the area is very easy once you master the rotary-circles.  The signs are far better than those in the United States. In addition to the great villages you listed, see Gordes and then Rousillon at sunset.  I have dozens of sites bookmarked but don’t know how to do hyperlinks in this newsgroup.  So, if  you e-mail me directly, I can send you some web sites if you’d like. Ellen

All cities or villages mentioned above are to visit and to see in pictures in the Provence section of my web site http://i.am/jack_travel With addresses ! Jack My Paris,daytrips from Paris, Provence, Cote d’Azur, valley of the Loire, Belgium and Holland posts are open again at http: http://i.am/jack_travel WITH pictures and at http://home.mminternet.com/~nowhere_man

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I travelled to Sweden (Malmo) from Calgary this time last year and had my first lost bag in 30 years of travelling. It was lost in Heathrow where we had a 6 hour layover due to a late arrival from Canada. I contacted SAS in Copenhagen when I arrived there sans suitcase. They sent it over the next day to Malmo. I was damaged beyond repair. When I returned to Copenhagen their baggage people gave me a new suitcase on the spot. Great Service after the typical lousy service at Heathrow. I travel to Toulouse all the time via Paris and use Air Inter which is the major regional carrier in France. Sometimes there is a problem but mainly because of ATC strikes. One year the Flight Engineers went on strike just before I was to board a 727. AI rapidly replaced the 727 with a 2 crew 737. The drive from NICE to Aix is nice if you take route N98 along the coast then turn inland at Cassis and avoid the Autoroute. Go to Mapquest on the web and try out their interactive mapping system. But before you leave Nice go to Monaco and travel up the Upper cornices Road to the "Triomphe de Alps" monument by Augusta Caesar (I think). Great View of Monte Carlo. Gary Watson – Headed to Bordeaux in 3 weeks for a week. Business trip – thinly disguised wine tour – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I certainly wouldn’t want to spend the first day (or two) of a vacation sitting in a hotel room waiting for a phone call. Actually, you can go to the beach.  That’s why the hotel clerks are

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For guidebooks, I strongly recommend the Cadogan guide to Provence/Cote d’Azur, and for lodging a book called Charming Small Hotel Guide to Southern France (published by Duncan-Peterson and available from any of the major dot.com booksellers). If you are flying from the U.S., you may not need to connect at all to get to Nice — Delta and Air France both have direct flights to Nice from JFK in New York. j gever

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Hello Ted– May in Provence is beautiful, and mid-May to early June is perfect, I think. the red poppies will be in bloom and the days will be warm, but not too hot. Tourist season really gets busy in July and August, so you won’t find big crowds, but nearly everything will be open for business. You might consider flying into Marseilles instead of Nice, since most of what you want to see is in the western part of Provence, much closer to Marseilles than to Nice. Of the three main towns (Aix, Avignon, and Arles) I like Aix and Arles the best, but they are all quite different and each offers its own rewards. St. Remy is smaller and worth a visit too. If you like small villages and back roads, spend some time in the Luberon. You might even book a B&B in one of the smaller villages for a few days. Check our website (http://www.provencebyways.com) for information about the Luberon, and also some photos. We also have some guides that we have written that are described in detail on the website. Your trip sounds great–three weeks will give you enought time to see a lot without having to hurry from one place to another. Sue Winn, Provence Byways. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My friend and I are planning a trip to Provence for just under 3 weeks, starting in mid-May. Having failed to find a local travel agent who is familiar with making arrangements in Provence (or even in France, beyond selling packaged tours), we’re about to try making the arrangements ourselves (possibly with the assistance of a trusted travel agent I’ve used for years to actually issue the tickets). Here’s what we’re planning– and I’d appreciate any comments or suggestions. Leave on Monday, 15 May from Los Angeles to Paris, and then connect to Nice (Marseille would seem a more logical gateway, but, pun aside, Nice seems a nicer place to start). Questions: What would be the most reliable airline or connection from Paris to Nice. And what sort of lay-over time would be necessary in Paris to be able to reclaim our luggage and get it personally to the connecting flight? In my experience, checking baggage to the end destination with this sort of connection, particularly involving different airlines, is practically begging for lost luggage hassles. Once in Nice, spend a few days there recuperating from jet lag before renting a car to start touring Provence. We will certainly want to have these initial accommodations in Nice booked in advance (in addition to the rental car). Question: What car rental companies are good in Nice (or, conversely, to be avoided)? We will need a car with an automatic transmission– I know it’s much more expensive, but I’ve never driven a manual transmission and don’t want the hassle of learning "on the job." Is there going to be a problem getting an automatic? From Nice, drive to the first "base" in Provence, probably Aix (is there a better choice?). Question: Is the coastal drive from Nice worthwhile, or would it be better to go directly to Aix or Avignon? Then the actual trip, touring Provence from Aix, Avignon, or possibly elsewhere (any recommendations for more convenient locations for the "standard" highlights of Les Baux, St. Remy, Arles, Aigues-Mortes, etc?). Another friend I talked to recently (he’s the one who suggested Provence in May) said that he liked Avignon a lot more than Arles and Nimes. I’ve heard varying opinions about Provence in May, with some insisting that it’s a popular time while others insisting that it’s just before the crowds arrive. Will there possibly be "spill-over" from the Cannes Film Festival? Would there be any difficulty getting accommodations without booking in advance? I would certainly welcome any experienced opinions about the "logistical" arrangements, as well as on the sights. Thanks, Ted — Non-Spam E-Mail: redbeard{AT}earthling{DOT}net  Visit my Virtual Light Table: http://www.lightbox.cx   Travel and Scenic Photography, Commentary, and more Before you buy.

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(snip) I almost always travel in June, July or Sept.  Last year some friends met us in St Remy on July 3.  They didn’t like the hotel that they booked from the US (no internet access & no hair dryers – actually it’s the kind of hotel I prefer).  They were able to easily find other accommodations at about 5PM without any trouble (there were actually two sets of husbands & wives). We also booked restaurants one day ahead without any problems – even at a Michelin 1 star restaurant in Les Baux).  I don’t think May would be any problem in your case.  It is MUCH less crowded that Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Manhatten Beach, etc.

I arrived in St. Remy last May around 3:00 in the afternoon without a reervation, & the woman at the tourist office informed me that all the hotel rooms in town were booked — BUT, she set me up with a chambre d’h

Question:

Hello all, A friend of mine asked me to try to get some information about Pakistan Airlines. She is concidering them for her planned vacation to Malaysia, because they are offering relatively cheap tickets. We live in Holland. (Europe) She’s not so much concerned about comfort issues, since budget travelling probably involves less comfort to make it cheaper. Her concern is about safety, so I would appreciate any comments on this airline company if any reader of this newsgroup has some useful relevant information/experiences. I have no idea how reliable and safe this company is. It could be a good choice, I don’t know, so I would appreciate any info. Thank you very much for reading this. Best regards, Rodney Knaap

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Food mediocre, often late, toilets need to be used early. So if you take them, dont get tight connections, eat at the airport and use airport toilets. "Pray, Inform Allah" – aka PIA – what more can you say

: Hello all, : A friend of mine asked me to try to get some information about Pakistan : Airlines. : She is concidering them for her planned vacation to Malaysia, because : they are offering relatively cheap tickets. : We live in Holland. (Europe) : She’s not so much concerned about comfort issues, since budget : travelling probably involves less comfort to make it cheaper. : Her concern is about safety, so I would appreciate any comments on this : airline company if any reader of this newsgroup has some useful relevant : information/experiences. : I have no idea how reliable and safe this company is. It could be a good : choice, I don’t know, so I would appreciate any info. : Thank you very much for reading this. : Best regards, : Rodney Knaap — Hassan Alam

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I travelled with them from middle east to far east, connecting in Karachi both ways, a few years ago.  There was an overnight in Karachi on the way back, and they supplied a hotel – not luxury by any means – good by backpacker standards, but poor by business standards.  Many of the other passengers stopping over were Indians taking a cheap route from the mid east to India.  Relations between the two countries were a little better then.  We took a cab from just outside the hotel for a tour of Karachi.  We did not need visas on this deal. They do not serve alcohol (Muslim) and pray before takeoff (can’t hurt!!).  They operated western equipment and Karachi is a modern airport.  I would not be concerned about safety on international flights, like the ones you are considering, unless you are the type of person who would only trust KLM or other western airlines.  Domestic, using smaller aircraft and airports may be a bit different. Hope this helps – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, A friend of mine asked me to try to get some information about Pakistan Airlines. She is concidering them for her planned vacation to Malaysia, because they are offering relatively cheap tickets. We live in Holland. (Europe) She’s not so much concerned about comfort issues, since budget travelling probably involves less comfort to make it cheaper. Her concern is about safety, so I would appreciate any comments on this airline company if any reader of this newsgroup has some useful relevant information/experiences. I have no idea how reliable and safe this company is. It could be a good choice, I don’t know, so I would appreciate any info. Thank you very much for reading this. Best regards, Rodney Knaap

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Hello Rodney. Always difficult to give opinions of this kind. However if you browse the link below  in several of the sites linked therein you can get safety and other statistics by carrier, aircraft, region and type.. If she is going to the Federation of Malaysia  there are some very cost effective deals  with side trips stop overs etc with the national carrier.  having flown many times on MH rate them in equipment, service- most highly Certainly their 777 crews are highly trained and have no qualms at all. Having been on PIA – well- lets just say not enjoyable flights at all especially for females. . — http://members.tripod.com/~philcleaver/list.html

Hello all,A friend of mine asked me to try to get some information about Pakistan Airlines. She is concidering them for her planned vacation to Malaysia, because they are offering relatively cheap tickets.We live in Holland. (Europe) avelling probably involves less comfort to make it cheaper. Her concern is about safety, so I would appreciate any comments on this airline company if any reader of this newsgroup has some useful relevant information/experiences. I have no idea how reliable and safe this company is. It could be a good choice, I don’t know, so I would appreciate any info. Thank you very much for reading this.

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Thank you very much, Hassan, Brian and Phil. I will call my friend and relay your thoughts to her. Phil, I will also check your website and pass that info on as well. Of course, she will have to decide for herself what is the best choice for her, but I think your info will help… I apreciate your help, best regards, Rodney Knaap. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Rodney. Always difficult to give opinions of this kind. However if you browse the link below  in several of the sites linked therein you can get safety and other statistics by carrier, aircraft, region and type.. If she is going to the Federation of Malaysia  there are some very cost effective deals  with side trips stop overs etc with the national carrier.  having flown many times on MH rate them in equipment, service- most highly Certainly their 777 crews are highly trained and have no qualms at all. Having been on PIA – well- lets just say not enjoyable flights at all especially for females. . —

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Hello all, A friend of mine asked me to try to get some information about Pakistan Airlines. She is concidering them for her planned vacation to Malaysia, because they are offering relatively cheap tickets. We live in Holland. (Europe)

Why don’t you contact Lufthansa or Turkish Air. They offer return tickets Amsterdam to Singapore for NLG 1099. From Sin it’s only a few miles to Malaysia….. Myrko (The Netherlands)

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