travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
Apr 25th 2007 | 6:05 pm
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
"The Reid" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:37:39 GMT, "William Black"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>A lot
>>> of people like the Amalfi coast, to me its just so so.
>>
>>If you do drive a car be aware that you won't be able to take it into
>>Sienna...
>
> i drove up to the hotel, unloaded, then parked it in thier carpark
> till I left. Same for all cities, anywhere, really.
> --
> Mike Reid
> UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@
> this site
> Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
> Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
One of the only places I got to park on the street near the hotel. There is
a car park just at the entrance to the city.
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:37:39 GMT, "William Black"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>A lot
>>> of people like the Amalfi coast, to me its just so so.
>>
>>If you do drive a car be aware that you won't be able to take it into
>>Sienna...
>
> i drove up to the hotel, unloaded, then parked it in thier carpark
> till I left. Same for all cities, anywhere, really.
> --
> Mike Reid
> UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@
> this site
> Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
> Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
One of the only places I got to park on the street near the hotel. There is
a car park just at the entrance to the city.
Apr 25th 2007 | 8:19 pm
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On 25 Apr., 18:57, [email protected] wrote:
< Hi! My husband and I (we live in the US) are going to travel to
Italy
< for about two weeks in Aug - Sept. Neither of us speaks Italian or
has
< prior travel experience traveling to Italy, so we need your advice
< regarding the following:
<
< 1. Time to travel: we plan our trip for late Aug - early Sept. I
< wonder if we chose a good time of the year. We're relatively
flexible
< as to when to travel and would prefer still warm, but not too hot
< weather. Did we choose the right time?
Try to avoid August - still major vacation time in
Europe.
Imho best time for Italy is late May, early June, or
late September, early October (avoid July and
August if not interested in beaches, crowds or both ....)
< 2. Car rental: we were planning to fly to Milan and then rent a car
< and drive to Rome and fly back to the States from there. What is the
< best place to rent a car in terms of a). rates; b). reliability; c).
< pick up/drop off in different cities. We need the most simple car
< there is. The major international car rentals like Hertz are pretty
< pricy - are there any Italian rentals that are cheaper and just as
< good?
and
< 3. Places to visit: we would like to visit the major cities and
sights
< (Milan, Sienna, Florence, Venice, etc.), however we both have really
< limited knowledge of Italy (hopefully more by the time we go on
< vacation, thanks to your replies :-). We would also like to visit
< smaller towns, that are maybe not on a "must see" list of a regular
< tourist guide, but are worth visiting. What are such places?
Driving a car in Italy can be fun - but Florence,
Venice and many other are no-go places for
cars. Lots of access restrictions, little and
expensive parking facilities. Best way in towns
like Rome or Milano is having a local driver
with privilege driving on public transportation
lanes: get a cab .... :-)
If you really want to use a car for trips between
the cities you choose: check for parking
either at your hotel or near the city, leave the
car there. And avoid anything that could look
like driving during rush-hours ......
Considering your trip, I would definitely choose
train from Milano to Venice and from there
to Florence - for the experience of driving around
by car rent one for a few trips in Tuscany and
return it when arriving in Rome
Be also aware that two weeks is not much:
a few days to adjust to jet-lag; Milano, Siena,
Firence, Venice, Rome will not leave much
time for "etc"
< 4. Hotels: I was going to reserve a hotel for our stay in Milan and
< Rome, but look for accomodations in other towns as we get there. Is
< this a good idea or will it be much harder/more expensive to book a
< hotel the same day or a day in advance rather than weeks ahead?
< What is the best way to look for a hotel - expedia, travelocity,
etc.
< or are there some Italian websites? We'd like to stay in 2-3 star
< hotels, nothing fancy, not necessarily in the center, but within a
< reasonable driving distance. Also - please tell if it is a crazy
< idea
- would it be convenient to stay at campings? Are there are
< campings (those that have all major amenities) close to big cities?
Is
< it much cheaper than hotels? How can I find those campings online?
For most major tourist cities in Italy, forget the
idea of "driving to city center".
With the exception of Rome, most historical,
interesting center of cities are small, small enough
for walking. For Rome: check for a guided tour,
walk or use cabs (or other public transporation)
< 5. Meeting the locals: I would like to meet Iocals, who would like
to
< spend a couple of hours showing us around the city, chat about life,
< share a lunch, etc. Since we don't speak Italian, we need somebody
who
< speaks English. What is the best way to look for locals who would
like
< to show us around? Are their some Italian websites where you can
look
< for activity partners?
To my experience, not easy to get a contact with
"locals" on such a trip except for tourist professionals.
Be aware that most of those well known tourist
towns get a number of tourists each year that
exceeds by far the "locals" - I had some interesting
contacts travelling there, but understand that
locals avoid tourists (if not for business)
< 6. Books/guides: there's still some time until we go, so I'd like to
< read a good guide on Italy - one that is not too boring, yet gives
all
< the major information that you should know as a tourist and one that
< you can use to plan sight-seeing. Any tips on a good book/travel
< guide?
Despite of mainly alphabetical rather than logical
compilation, Michelin green guides are still the ones
I prefer.
Whatever your plans are regarding car or public
transportation: try to get some basics in italian.
Always good to be able to greet people in ther
language and say "thank you" - and understanding
road signs with texts while driving
< Hi! My husband and I (we live in the US) are going to travel to
Italy
< for about two weeks in Aug - Sept. Neither of us speaks Italian or
has
< prior travel experience traveling to Italy, so we need your advice
< regarding the following:
<
< 1. Time to travel: we plan our trip for late Aug - early Sept. I
< wonder if we chose a good time of the year. We're relatively
flexible
< as to when to travel and would prefer still warm, but not too hot
< weather. Did we choose the right time?
Try to avoid August - still major vacation time in
Europe.
Imho best time for Italy is late May, early June, or
late September, early October (avoid July and
August if not interested in beaches, crowds or both ....)
< 2. Car rental: we were planning to fly to Milan and then rent a car
< and drive to Rome and fly back to the States from there. What is the
< best place to rent a car in terms of a). rates; b). reliability; c).
< pick up/drop off in different cities. We need the most simple car
< there is. The major international car rentals like Hertz are pretty
< pricy - are there any Italian rentals that are cheaper and just as
< good?
and
< 3. Places to visit: we would like to visit the major cities and
sights
< (Milan, Sienna, Florence, Venice, etc.), however we both have really
< limited knowledge of Italy (hopefully more by the time we go on
< vacation, thanks to your replies :-). We would also like to visit
< smaller towns, that are maybe not on a "must see" list of a regular
< tourist guide, but are worth visiting. What are such places?
Driving a car in Italy can be fun - but Florence,
Venice and many other are no-go places for
cars. Lots of access restrictions, little and
expensive parking facilities. Best way in towns
like Rome or Milano is having a local driver
with privilege driving on public transportation
lanes: get a cab .... :-)
If you really want to use a car for trips between
the cities you choose: check for parking
either at your hotel or near the city, leave the
car there. And avoid anything that could look
like driving during rush-hours ......
Considering your trip, I would definitely choose
train from Milano to Venice and from there
to Florence - for the experience of driving around
by car rent one for a few trips in Tuscany and
return it when arriving in Rome
Be also aware that two weeks is not much:
a few days to adjust to jet-lag; Milano, Siena,
Firence, Venice, Rome will not leave much
time for "etc"
< 4. Hotels: I was going to reserve a hotel for our stay in Milan and
< Rome, but look for accomodations in other towns as we get there. Is
< this a good idea or will it be much harder/more expensive to book a
< hotel the same day or a day in advance rather than weeks ahead?
< What is the best way to look for a hotel - expedia, travelocity,
etc.
< or are there some Italian websites? We'd like to stay in 2-3 star
< hotels, nothing fancy, not necessarily in the center, but within a
< reasonable driving distance. Also - please tell if it is a crazy
< idea
- would it be convenient to stay at campings? Are there are< campings (those that have all major amenities) close to big cities?
Is
< it much cheaper than hotels? How can I find those campings online?
For most major tourist cities in Italy, forget the
idea of "driving to city center".
With the exception of Rome, most historical,
interesting center of cities are small, small enough
for walking. For Rome: check for a guided tour,
walk or use cabs (or other public transporation)
< 5. Meeting the locals: I would like to meet Iocals, who would like
to
< spend a couple of hours showing us around the city, chat about life,
< share a lunch, etc. Since we don't speak Italian, we need somebody
who
< speaks English. What is the best way to look for locals who would
like
< to show us around? Are their some Italian websites where you can
look
< for activity partners?
To my experience, not easy to get a contact with
"locals" on such a trip except for tourist professionals.
Be aware that most of those well known tourist
towns get a number of tourists each year that
exceeds by far the "locals" - I had some interesting
contacts travelling there, but understand that
locals avoid tourists (if not for business)
< 6. Books/guides: there's still some time until we go, so I'd like to
< read a good guide on Italy - one that is not too boring, yet gives
all
< the major information that you should know as a tourist and one that
< you can use to plan sight-seeing. Any tips on a good book/travel
< guide?
Despite of mainly alphabetical rather than logical
compilation, Michelin green guides are still the ones
I prefer.
Whatever your plans are regarding car or public
transportation: try to get some basics in italian.
Always good to be able to greet people in ther
language and say "thank you" - and understanding
road signs with texts while driving
Apr 25th 2007 | 8:36 pm
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:09:17 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
thats a wild over generalisation. I'm sure you yourself have said so.
I'm very pro car but dont like driving in Italy much. Its crowded
everywhere and the nice bits are the cities, so trains will be fine.
But if you want to see the Scottish Highlands, the English Lake
District or Spain outside of the big cities, driving is much more
effective in getting you where you want to be.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
thats a wild over generalisation. I'm sure you yourself have said so.
I'm very pro car but dont like driving in Italy much. Its crowded
everywhere and the nice bits are the cities, so trains will be fine.
But if you want to see the Scottish Highlands, the English Lake
District or Spain outside of the big cities, driving is much more
effective in getting you where you want to be.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
Apr 25th 2007 | 9:18 pm
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:36:23 +0100, The
Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:09:17 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>
>thats a wild over generalisation.
For a two week trip?
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:09:17 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>
>thats a wild over generalisation.
For a two week trip?
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Apr 25th 2007 | 9:31 pm
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:18:28 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>
>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>
>For a two week trip?
what's "two weeks" got to do with anything? For places where a car is
best, the less time, the more you need a car. Some places you cant get
by PT but many places you can but very slowly, so if you have loads of
time you could do without a car.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>
>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>
>For a two week trip?
what's "two weeks" got to do with anything? For places where a car is
best, the less time, the more you need a car. Some places you cant get
by PT but many places you can but very slowly, so if you have loads of
time you could do without a car.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
Apr 25th 2007 | 10:00 pm
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:31:46 +0100, The
Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:18:28 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>
>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>
>>For a two week trip?
>
>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
Erm, read the orignal post.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:18:28 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>
>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>
>>For a two week trip?
>
>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
Erm, read the orignal post.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Apr 25th 2007 | 10:12 pm
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>
>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>
>>>For a two week trip?
>>
>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>
>Erm, read the orignal post.
I did, still dont agree.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>
>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>
>>>For a two week trip?
>>
>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>
>Erm, read the orignal post.
I did, still dont agree.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
Apr 25th 2007 | 10:37 pm
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>
>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>
>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>
>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>
>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>
>I did, still dont agree.
For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>
>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>
>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>
>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>
>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>
>I did, still dont agree.
For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Apr 25th 2007 | 10:48 pm
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:37:51 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>
>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>
>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>
>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>
>>I did, still dont agree.
>
>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
Did you read my post? I wasn't talking about Italy. (Although I've
found it perfectly OK to hire a car for a week in Italy I accept train
is a strong rival unless you want to get off the beaten track, which I
always do).
You said:-
"Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!"
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>
>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>
>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>
>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>
>>I did, still dont agree.
>
>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
Did you read my post? I wasn't talking about Italy. (Although I've
found it perfectly OK to hire a car for a week in Italy I accept train
is a strong rival unless you want to get off the beaten track, which I
always do).
You said:-
"Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!"
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
Apr 25th 2007 | 10:53 pm
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:37:51 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
>Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>
>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>
>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>
>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>
>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>
>>I did, still dont agree.
>
>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
Why shouldn't he want a car is a better question.
--
Martin
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
>Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>
>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>
>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>
>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>
>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>
>>I did, still dont agree.
>
>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
Why shouldn't he want a car is a better question.
--
Martin
Apr 25th 2007 | 11:55 pm
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:53:02 +0200,
Martin <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:37:51 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
>>Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>>
>>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>
>>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>>
>>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>>
>>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>>
>>>I did, still dont agree.
>>
>>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
>
>Why shouldn't he want a car is a better question.
Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
trying to park, driving around, getting lost, dealing with a new
driving culture, possibly needing an international drivers licence
(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost, plus if you
crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined. And all this time you
are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
The alternative is to sit on the train, and relax while the scenery
goes past.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Martin <[email protected]> has scripted:
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:37:51 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>
>>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
>>Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>>
>>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>
>>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>>
>>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>>
>>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>>
>>>I did, still dont agree.
>>
>>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
>
>Why shouldn't he want a car is a better question.
Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
trying to park, driving around, getting lost, dealing with a new
driving culture, possibly needing an international drivers licence
(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost, plus if you
crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined. And all this time you
are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
The alternative is to sit on the train, and relax while the scenery
goes past.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Apr 25th 2007 | 11:56 pm
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:55:02 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:53:02 +0200,
>Martin <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:37:51 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>
>>>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
>>>Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>>>
>>>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>>>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>>>
>>>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>>>
>>>>I did, still dont agree.
>>>
>>>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
>>
>>Why shouldn't he want a car is a better question.
>
>Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
How long do you think that takes?
>trying to park, driving around, getting lost, dealing with a new
>driving culture, possibly needing an international drivers licence
>(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost, plus if you
>crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined.
and if you get run over by a bus?
If you crash a hire car and have had the sense to take out full insurance, they
just give you another one. I've been a passenger in three hire cars that were
in write off accidents, none involved injuries.
I think you exaggerate the problems. Driving in Italy is no worse than many
other places. I feel happier driving in Italy than in the Netherlands.
> And all this time you
>are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
>
>The alternative is to sit on the train, and relax while the scenery
>goes past.
We have rented a hire car for a week in Italy several times. We found it saved a
lot of hanging around waiting for public transport. Whether or not it is worth
having a rental car depends very much on what you want to do in Italy.
--
Martin
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:53:02 +0200,
>Martin <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:37:51 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>
>>>Make credence recognised that on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:21 +0100, The
>>>Reid <[email protected]> has scripted:
>>>
>>>>On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:42 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
>>>><deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Renting a car is what you do in the US. DON'T do it in Europe!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>thats a wild over generalisation.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>For a two week trip?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>what's "two weeks" got to do with anything?
>>>>>
>>>>>Erm, read the orignal post.
>>>>
>>>>I did, still dont agree.
>>>
>>>For two weeks in Italy? Why on earth would you want a car?
>>
>>Why shouldn't he want a car is a better question.
>
>Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
How long do you think that takes?
>trying to park, driving around, getting lost, dealing with a new
>driving culture, possibly needing an international drivers licence
>(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost, plus if you
>crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined.
and if you get run over by a bus?
If you crash a hire car and have had the sense to take out full insurance, they
just give you another one. I've been a passenger in three hire cars that were
in write off accidents, none involved injuries.
I think you exaggerate the problems. Driving in Italy is no worse than many
other places. I feel happier driving in Italy than in the Netherlands.
> And all this time you
>are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
>
>The alternative is to sit on the train, and relax while the scenery
>goes past.
We have rented a hire car for a week in Italy several times. We found it saved a
lot of hanging around waiting for public transport. Whether or not it is worth
having a rental car depends very much on what you want to do in Italy.
--
Martin
Apr 25th 2007 | 11:59 pm
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
Following up to Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> :
>Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
Arriving at railway station in good time, working out how to use the bus to
get to your hotel, or fighting your way through the taxi queue.
>trying to park, driving around, getting lost,
Driving around and getting lost is part of the fun.
> dealing with a new driving culture,
A "problem" that is overstressed, ime.
> possibly needing an international drivers licence
Should have been sorted out before you arrive.
Pre-booking train tickets/reservations.
>(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost,
offset by flexibility.
> plus if you
>crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined.
If you don't crash it then it could make a holiday of a lifetime.
> And all this time you are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
You can stop and get out and be in the scenery anytime you want. A bit
dangerous with a train.
On a train you can only see the wonderful little villages and think -I wish
I could go and visit that place. Soak up the atmosphere.
There are at least two sides to every argument.
--
Tim C.
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> :
>Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
Arriving at railway station in good time, working out how to use the bus to
get to your hotel, or fighting your way through the taxi queue.
>trying to park, driving around, getting lost,
Driving around and getting lost is part of the fun.
> dealing with a new driving culture,
A "problem" that is overstressed, ime.
> possibly needing an international drivers licence
Should have been sorted out before you arrive.
Pre-booking train tickets/reservations.
>(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost,
offset by flexibility.
> plus if you
>crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined.
If you don't crash it then it could make a holiday of a lifetime.
> And all this time you are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
You can stop and get out and be in the scenery anytime you want. A bit
dangerous with a train.
On a train you can only see the wonderful little villages and think -I wish
I could go and visit that place. Soak up the atmosphere.
There are at least two sides to every argument.
--
Tim C.
Apr 26th 2007 | 12:00 am
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:55:02 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
you are joking, about 20 minutes. How much time will the train option
spend waiting at stations?
>trying to park, driving around, getting lost, dealing with a new
>driving culture, possibly needing an international drivers licence
>(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost, plus if you
>crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined.
>And all this time you
>are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
not really true, you still see the scenery and you turn off and stop
when its good, unless maybe if you are a "grip wheel, mouth open" type
driver
>The alternative is to sit on the train, and relax while the scenery
>goes past.
the scenery available from trains is not usually the best and you cant
stop to take photos. Its *far* from cut and dried. I visited loads of
small places in Italy you wouldn't get to by train unless you had a
*lot* of time. for the cities you just park asap and do the city on
foot, then when you leave you go where you want. Italy *is* a country
where train is a good option, but its only one option.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Two weeks vacation, minus time picking up and dropping off the car,
you are joking, about 20 minutes. How much time will the train option
spend waiting at stations?
>trying to park, driving around, getting lost, dealing with a new
>driving culture, possibly needing an international drivers licence
>(for the Americans, not sure), add to that the high cost, plus if you
>crash it, your holiday is likely to be ruined.
>And all this time you
>are focussed on driving, and not on enjoying the scenery.
not really true, you still see the scenery and you turn off and stop
when its good, unless maybe if you are a "grip wheel, mouth open" type
driver
>The alternative is to sit on the train, and relax while the scenery
>goes past.
the scenery available from trains is not usually the best and you cant
stop to take photos. Its *far* from cut and dried. I visited loads of
small places in Italy you wouldn't get to by train unless you had a
*lot* of time. for the cities you just park asap and do the city on
foot, then when you leave you go where you want. Italy *is* a country
where train is a good option, but its only one option.
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
Apr 26th 2007 | 12:14 am
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: travelling to Italy - need your advice!!!
On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:59:39 +0200, Tim C. <[email protected]>
wrote:
>>trying to park, driving around, getting lost,
>
>Driving around and getting lost is part of the fun.
I find it so, i like the "you want me to go down there!" moments.
Once in a Spanish town we thought we knew, I was driving nonchalantly
to the hotel and took a wrong turn. soon I was in unknown alleys.
Choice of two, both dropping away, right looks bigger, OK.
"boom-boomp". Eh? Its only a very shallow flight of steps down a hill.
It was about 9 inches wider than the car and there was about a car
length above the step so I had to go forward to the second step, give
it full wheel spinning wellie on the cobbles and then do a reverse
emergency stop, by a miracle didnt touch anything.
A spanish street isnt narrow if you dont have to fold the mirrors in!
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
wrote:
>>trying to park, driving around, getting lost,
>
>Driving around and getting lost is part of the fun.
I find it so, i like the "you want me to go down there!" moments.
Once in a Spanish town we thought we knew, I was driving nonchalantly
to the hotel and took a wrong turn. soon I was in unknown alleys.
Choice of two, both dropping away, right looks bigger, OK.
"boom-boomp". Eh? Its only a very shallow flight of steps down a hill.
It was about 9 inches wider than the car and there was about a car
length above the step so I had to go forward to the second step, give
it full wheel spinning wellie on the cobbles and then do a reverse
emergency stop, by a miracle didnt touch anything.
A spanish street isnt narrow if you dont have to fold the mirrors in!
--
Mike Reid
UK walking, food, photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain walking, food, tourism "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk"
Beginners UK flight sim addons "http://www.lawn-mower-man.co.uk"
