Seat back screen on A380 shows flight progress to Paris
I like to plan my own trips, although we do take Road Scholar educational programs. Even when taking a program, we add a week or two to travel on our own. The planning and research is lots of fun and gives us a better understanding of where we are going and how best to encounter the locals.
There are a few hints, especially when going to Europe. 1) Get a couple of good guidebooks an read up on things. I like Lonely Planet and you cannot beat Rick Steve's book "Europe Through the Back Door" for hints. 2) Start reading TripAdvisor. If you find a great bed and breakfast or hotel, do not book with a booking company, call the place direct. You will get a better room for the same price. However, if booking through AirBandB you will deal with the company. It helps if there is something wrong. 3) Don't be afraid, be prepared. Yes, there are pick pockets in Rome (and other big cities including New York) but read up on how to protect yourself and watch YouTube videos about how they work. They are rarely violent and in Europe likely do not want to hurt you. They just want your wallet which you can protect. Aside: in Spain a person under 17 who commits a crime does not get jail, but a "ticket" of sorts. Thus, adults recruit kids to do the pick pocketing. Do not carry more than a day's money and use the ATM's on every corner to get day's expenses. 4) No matter how much you plan, something will go differently. It is fine. You can do it. Enjoy.
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