Travel Tips

Seating

Unless you really enjoy watching the ‘wide blue yonder’, ask for an aisle seat, when you are checking in. This way you can get up and move about the plane anytime, without disturbing those beside you.

Unplanned things, are bound to happen while traveling. Possibly the most important advice to take with you, is always be flexible and maintain a sense of humour.

Packing

Whatever you think you’ll need, cut it by half!

Remember, whatever you take, you’ll have to carry it, pull it, lift it and stow it. Airlines flying to Europe / UK, allow 20kgs per passenger – try to leave home with a few kilos less than that, to allow for holiday purchases and to make life easier!

A waterproof coat with hood, rolled up to a small packet, is often better in heavy rain, than an umbrella, leaving both hands free and keeping more of you dry.

Comfortable shoes are paramount. You’ll probably do far more walking than you do at home. Take two pairs, making sure they are worn-in and waterproof before you leave. You will look less like a tourist, if you avoid wearing those ‘low flying beacons’. White running shoes, screams TOURIST, and are best left at home!

Timing

Travel ‘off peak’, avoiding July and August.  This is the time most locals and visitors from other Northern Hemisphere countries, take their summer holidays. So you can find businesses closed, and long long queues for museums and tourists sights.  Transport and accommodation prices are at their highest, and air-conditioning is not as common as in Australia.

Admittedly, there is the advantage of the extended day-light hours, with the sun not setting until around 10pm. or later.

However it makes much more sense to travel in the delightful seasons of Spring and Autumn. The days are still long, the queues shorter, gardens brighter, and prices lower.
Winter in Europe is special. If you love cold weather, bare trees and the possibility of snow, then this is the time for you to go.  I’ll let you in on a secret: It really is at its most brilliant on a crisp winter day! Just bundle up warm and everything will be rosy.

Apartments, cottages and villas are most often rented weekly, Saturday to Saturday.

Many B&Bs close for some of the winter months.

Museums

If you have limited time to spend in a Museum or Gallery, take a look in the Shop first, to get an idea of what exhibits you’ll see.

Queues can often be avoided by going to other than the Main Entrance.

Many cities have a ‘museum pass’, which reduces or negates entrance fees. These can usually be purchased at the Ticket Counter of the participating venues.