Need trip planning software/website advice

I'm planning an European vacation and need advice for a good trip
planning program or url. also what's a good gps device to bring?

thanks!

You cannot buy a GPS with only European maps in the US. I checked that out
thinking I'd buy a low cost unit just for use in Europe and share it with
others that go.

You can buy a unit with both USA, Canada, and Europe.
US & European maps, such as the Nuvi 1370T:
http://www.megagps.com/nuvi1370T.aspx

If you already have a GPS, it is probably cheapest to buy the maps on an SD
card and you can use them on other Garmin units later if you ever upgrade.
That is probably what I'm going to do.

There are also so rather good road maps available too. I still like looking
at a paper map for an overview of where places are. I have a Hammond map of
Europe that I like in a manageable sized book.

421cc841f385@k17g2000pre.googlegroups.com:


As Ed said.

In addition, the best planning is to have sufficient money available and
be really flexible. In Europe gas is $8/gallon, and rental cars aren't
cheap. Pay attention to insurance. Italy for instance has special rules
regarding liability (I would suggest having more than 1 credit card - 1
for car rental). To get from one place to another over fairly large
distances, RyanAir or other cheap airline is cheapest. The TGV (hispeed
trains, French system is most developed) is great, but comparable to
airline coach crowding at times. Small hotels can be had cheaply, but
don't expect A/C everywhere.

Where to go and what to see - try to determine ahead of time the big
picture of what you want to see.

Your credit card will be charged a bad exchange rate plus a foreign
exchange fee. There still may be a place for traveller's checks. Just
watch out for pickpockets. Paris metro is renowned for good cheap
transportation and pickpockets, but they are everywhere tourists are.

If you are in Versailles, France at the right time, the grounds are free,
and there was last summer a set of fantastic shows after dark. You can
bring your own food.

--
Best regards
Han
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Han wrote:

Or expect to need it much! (I'm assuming that means airconditioning, not
alternating current...)

Mike.
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and substitute "plus" for +.

Indeed, generally you don't need much. But I remember vacationing in
Holland in a trailer near Almelo during a rare heatwave. Would have
appreciated A/C then. There was 220V 50 Hz alternating current but no
airco (Dutch lingo meaning A/C) ...

--
Best regards
Han
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