Christmas Trips

OK guys, Did some checking last night. Right now booking out of Atlanta is pretty high. Best I could find was out of Newark but things will change and still checking. Also, might do better leaving on the 26th instead of the 25th. Ali and Tim and anyone else interested, I need to know your schedule, when you can leave/when you need to be back - so please email to me ASAP. Do you have any frequent flyers to get you to Newark or any other airport to get cheaper international?

They're just starting to release winter specials so we should be able to get something pretty good. Just let me know "must do" cities and your schedule and I'll plan.

For example so far, I've got

Newark to Amsterdam Depart 12/25, Return 1/5 $285 RT
on British Airways

Newark to dusseldorf same dates but nonstop $300 RT
on Alitalia

I think we can do a railpass in the neighborhood of about $500 that will give us great flexibility.

I'm game for new year's in another city also just know Salzburg is great. Maybe do some research on others like Paris, Lucerne etc.

Get me your info and we'll start setting up. Make sure your passports are up to date. Renew now if you need to.

Uncle Tim, how many people do you have that might want to go?

EasyJet
Don't forget how cheap EasyJet or RyanAir are. $50 one way from London to Paris is not bad and there is cheap decent lodging near Paddington Station--or in the Bloomsbury district, which is within walking distance of the British Museum.
You could fly into London and out of Amsterdam--just a thought.
Or Berlin? It is very hip and lots to do there.

Cil, have done easyjet to London but problem is that we'd need an open ended intercontinental flight which probably will be more costly in and out of the US. So then we'd need 2 easy jets to and back to london which adds $100pp to the cost. I adore London and I think uncle Timmy would love the theater so we'll have to see what fares get published from where. Ali, Timmy, is London a must do or a let's try to work it in which I will do if possible.

HLX is another airline we used last summer which was inexpensive and very nice. HLX flies to many destinations, but just now I noticed they are running winter specials and had Berlin to Venice in late December for 38 euros per seat (one way,after taxes) that's about $48 right now.
Okay, I'll stop.

Never have used HLX. Always get a railpass which is so convenient, except last time I was there, they were requiring reservations on all overnighters which ups the price and reduces flexibility but still very doable. Looks like railpass prices may have dropped a little at first glance (maybe to offset the reservations). Not sure. Just started checking. I wouldn't have a problem using air to get around but I'm just so much more familiar with the rail system. Anything goes but I'd hate to have screw ups because I don't know the system. We're gonna probably hit about 5 countries so we'd be sitting in a lot of airports if we did air around the continent. Don't know, Ali, Tim, your thoughts

Chickpea, please email me your dates in Paris and what area you'll be. We'll only be there for probably 2 days so need to coordinate with you.

Cil, have done easyjet to London but problem is that we'd need an open ended intercontinental flight which probably will be more costly in and out of the US. So then we'd need 2 easy jets to and back to london which adds $100pp to the cost. I adore London and I think uncle Timmy would love the theater so we'll have to see what fares get published from where. Ali, Timmy, is London a must do or a let's try to work it in which I will do if possible.

I have no desire to go to London during this time...but I don't care I will be happy to be in Europe period...so, I am with you guys...I will go where thou shall lead!:clap_1:

yer a bunch of jet-setters too in addition to football nuts ! i will be here slaving away, but i do expect a postcard - hint hint hint !

yer a bunch of jet-setters too in addition to football nuts ! i will be here slaving away, but i do expect a postcard - hint hint hint !

I will send you one! It will get to you 3 weeks after I get home! It's the thought that counts!
I need your address!

I will send you one! It will get to you 3 weeks after I get home! It's the thought that counts!
I need your address!

it is on its way !

Cil, have done easyjet to London but problem is that we'd need an open ended intercontinental flight which probably will be more costly in and out of the US. So then we'd need 2 easy jets to and back to london which adds $100pp to the cost.

Actually it's only $84RT per person (after taxes) but I hear ya. Flying out of ATL is pricey, JAX or MCO are cheaper ($700), JFK only $541, but I understand you not wanting to add too much to it.
I just think the London/Paris thing is pretty easy and fun. I like how you can take the Metro in and out of CDG.

Never have used HLX. I wouldn't have a problem using air to get around but I'm just so much more familiar with the rail system. Anything goes but I'd hate to have screw ups because I don't know the system. We're gonna probably hit about 5 countries so we'd be sitting in a lot of airports if we did air around the continent. Don't know, Ali, Tim, your thoughts

We used HLX (and Condor Airlines) for the first time last summer, and we did get a family train pass (purchased in Germany) for our time there. Usually we do car, or just point-to-point train travel. Last summer we did all three! We visited 3 countries in 17 days (5,if you count our Montenegro/Bosnia daytrip).

I know what you mean about sitting in airports, but it's either sit in airports or sit in train stations I guess. I think both have their pros and cons.

The one thing we try to always do is make a loop, with no backtracking. Sometimes we do open jaw, but last summer we flew in and out of Frankfurt--we just made sure we didn't backtrack.

I guess y'all just need to have a cyberspace sitdown and figure out exactly where you want to go and how you want to accomplish it.
Have fun planning.

cil will you be our resident travel planner? we'll give you $10.

cil will you be our resident travel planner? we'll give you $10.

heh
Tootsie you crack me up.
Just for the sake of this beautiful coast, I will gladly keep an eye on airfares just to help out my fellow northwest Floridians (or wherever they happen to need to fly out of.)
But I realize that (travel-wise and other-wise) everyone has their own needs, desires, constraints etc etc.
Not trying to tell Cork, Uncle Timmy or Allifunn what they should do, I just want to make sure they're aware of all their alternatives.

Cork and Alli and Timmy,

We will be in Paris from Dec 23rd to Jan 5th but may take a 3-4 day trip somewhere (to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary!) but we are flexible so let us know when and if you are planning on coming - could be loads of fun.

London Paris is now a little over 2 hours and very easy - just be prepared for massive heart-attack at prices in London - very expensive but AMAZING city!

Amsterdam is also fantastic - hard to go wrong!

Timmy - have you ever been to Brugges??? As an architect you would love it- known as the Venice of the North - look it up - about 1.5 hours outside of Brussels and absolutely breath-taking!

Cork and Alli and Timmy,

We will be in Paris from Dec 23rd to Jan 5th but may take a 3-4 day trip somewhere (to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary!) but we are flexible so let us know when and if you are planning on coming - could be loads of fun.

London Paris is now a little over 2 hours and very easy - just be prepared for massive heart-attack at prices in London - very expensive but AMAZING city!

Amsterdam is also fantastic - hard to go wrong!

Timmy - have you ever been to Brugges??? As an architect you would love it- known as the Venice of the North - look it up - about 1.5 hours outside of Brussels and absolutely breath-taking!

I so much look forward to seeing you in December! :clap_1:

heh
Tootsie you crack me up.
Just for the sake of this beautiful coast, I will gladly keep an eye on airfares just to help out my fellow northwest Floridians (or wherever they happen to need to fly out of.)
But I realize that (travel-wise and other-wise) everyone has their own needs, desires, constraints etc etc.
Not trying to tell Cork, Uncle Timmy or Allifunn what they should do, I just want to make sure they're aware of all their alternatives.

I can tell you are very travel savy! I wish I could say the same...maybe one day! Most of my travel is to SoWal..I know the roads well!!!!

heh
Tootsie you crack me up.
Just for the sake of this beautiful coast, I will gladly keep an eye on airfares just to help out my fellow northwest Floridians (or wherever they happen to need to fly out of.)
But I realize that (travel-wise and other-wise) everyone has their own needs, desires, constraints etc etc.
Not trying to tell Cork, Uncle Timmy or Allifunn what they should do, I just want to make sure they're aware of all their alternatives.

I am very serious here. whenever I need to plan a trip I just don't know where to start, where to go (specifically) or where to stay, how to get the best airfare, etc... I do need an agent for sure.

I am very serious here. whenever I need to plan a trip I just don't know where to start, where to go (specifically) or where to stay, how to get the best airfare, etc... I do need an agent for sure.

Cil and I will take care of you. We like travel planning.

Cil and I will take care of you. We like travel planning.

'kay. give ya $10.

OK kids, this is how it's shaping up if we fly into Amsterdam but don't plan those nights yet Chickpea

Dec 27- Arrive Amsterdam hotel in amsterdam - day in Amsterdam - Redlight District, Brown cafes, Museums etc.

Dec 28 - Day in Amsterdam/ Trip into Alkmaar (wood shoe carving, cheesemaking, delft etc in one place). Overnight train to Paris

Alternately, we could head out for a train ride down the Rhine and take the overnight train from Frankfurt to Paris. I ldon't like Frankfurt but the Castles down the Rhine are great.
Have to check, we might be able to make it to Munich for the Hofbrauhaus that day and then take the overnighter from Munich to Paris (I think there's one) In any event we'll take an overnight train to Paris

Dec 29 - Day in Paris, hotel in Paris

Dec 30 - Day in Paris, overnight train to Salzburg
Do you want to see Moulin Rouge (can-can)? That would add $100 for just the show.

Dec 31 - New Year's eve in Salzburg - Night in Salzburg

Jan 1 - Day trip to Neuschwanstein (Disney Castle) http://www.castles.org/castles/Europe/Central_Europe/Germany/germany7.htm

Day train to and Hotel in Lucerne, Switzerland

Jan 2 - Either the Golden Pass or Glacier Express Panoramic Train
Glacier Express will take us to the foot of the Matterhorn but these mountains take time to get over so need to work on the timetable to see what we can do. We'd need to pick up an overnight train into Rome

Jan 3 - day in Rome Hotel in Rome
Colloseum, Roman Forum, Vatican in Day
Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Novona at night

Jan 4 - Morning in Rome early train to Venice. Overnight train from Venice to Amsterdam.

Jan 5 - Fly home

Got to check times on trains etc and would like to spend a little more time in Rome and Venice so if we can extend our time that would be great or I can try to rework and maybe trim somewhere else. Ali, as soon as you know when you need to be back let me know.

Let me know if there's anything you'd rather see.
Just general stuff. Do you want to see Castles, Monuments, Mountains, Shopping, Niche things? I tried to mix it up for you guys. Do you want me to check on the price of a hotair balloon over the Alps? I think it's about $250.

Also, do you want to see the Vatican City (if they are allowing tours) or the Sistine Chapel.
Also, do you want to see the Louvre (takes forever)? Need to know so that I can make sure we're not in Rome or Paris on the days that they're closed. So tell me your must sees or you'll be disappointed.



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This all sounds great...I have no DESIRE to see Vatican City...:nono1: , Venice is a must and Paris is a must....do we have to EVER go home????? boo hoooo hisssss

I do not need to see a show..unless the gang ( who ever the gang is.... ) decrees it

you all suk :nono1: for talking about this and I cant go ...did yall check with the wench comm. to see if it was ok????

ummmm no they didn't !

hmmmmm what is the punishment????

you all suk :nono1: for talking about this and I cant go ...did yall check with the wench comm. to see if it was ok????

what she said.

you all suk :nono1: for talking about this and I cant go ...did yall check with the wench comm. to see if it was ok????

You can go sweetie. We'd soooo love it Tell Les he has to babysit over new years. He'll love that

Hey Ali, what do you think about the Hotair balloon?

being banished to football threads ?

being banished to football threads ?

Oh no :shock: I beg of you