Planning a trip

    Planning a trip may seem like a great deal of work, but it is also fun. Let's say you want to go to Europe but don't want to take a tour.

1. Choose what country or area you have always wanted to visit.

2. Look at your bank account. I do think you will wish to budget a minimum, but     you are not doing this every day so be generous. 

3. Look at the map, Lonely Planet, Rick Stevens and the internet. Make a list of must see places.

4. How much time do you have? You are better off spending quality time than      limiting important time. The Louvre? At very least five hours or you can spend a lifetime.

5. How are you getting there? To Europe it is a plane. It is a 10 to12 hour flight        directedly from San Francisco and less from Dallas or New York. If this our first trip, I suggest looking at Premium Economy. and little more money but better experience. 

6. We fly Business Classfor the lounges but you can get them for an extra fee. You have to justify the expense.

7. When you get there how are you going to get around? Contactig tour companties in the area you wish to see or hiring a driver for a day is a great way to go. Then go back if you need to see those of most.

8. We recommend a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus the first day. You are tired and it gives      you a chance to see an overview where you can go back for a longer visit. Side benefit is sunlight if not raining.

9. We rent cars through Auto Europe who handles all rental agencies.

10. You may not wish to do this, but we carry a guidebook and look up B&B's         when we decide to stop our drive. You may wish to make reservations. If you do you have to be limited to them.

11. In a hotel or B&B asked the desk or owner: "Where would you go to dinner?" They usually have good ideas. Also ask them for places to see outside the     guidbook.

12. Keep a journal or at least a list of places where you took pictures.

13. As for pictures, we use a camera and a phone. If you are using a cellphone       contact your carrier a month in advance of leaving and get a SIM card in the     country where you are going. That can save you hundreds of dollars.  If you  have Wifi where you are staying you can Facetime for free. Remember the time     difference.

14. If you are going to collect something, make it light. I collect the round paper     coasters under beer provided everywhere. Collecting rocks is not helpful.

15. Before you go, after you have done some planning, get together to some     people who have taken the same trip and get their input!