We're all a little Nutty

Travel Tips by  Rick  Steve s  Jobs Chapter 4:  Attractions and Activities Whenever I am preparing for a trip, I check out the travel guides from the library about that location and look for things to do that are unique or that I would particularly enjoy.  This helps me to narrow down which areas I will include in my travels and how long to spend in each city.  It also helps me determine what forms of transportation I can use and where to stay.  Here are some tips about how to squeeze in the most in the time you have without paying more than is necessary. Make a list of free venues.   Churches, gardens, walking tours, factory tours, outdoor markets, sometimes even museums.  You can enjoy quite a bit without ever buying a ticket! Stravinsky Fountain in Paris Sacre Coeur in Paris Saint Germain des Pres church in Paris Free organ concerts at the St. Sulpice church in Paris Wandering around the fortress walls of Luxemb...

Travel Tips by Rick  Steve s  Jobs Chapter 3:  Reservations Let's start this section with a question.  What is it called when you have second thoughts about your plans to spend some time on lands owned by Native Americans?  A reservation reservation reservation.  (credit to Brian Regan for that one) OK.  Moving along.  Our accommodations for the last several trips we've taken have been exactly what we hoped they would be -- often even better.  So, here are some suggestions based on things I've learned over the years. This was our nicest hotel.  Just kidding.  It is one of the bedroom's at Napoleon's palace, Fontainebleau. Expedia almost always has the best deal.   And I feel like they are really up front about their extra fees or un-included taxes payable to the hotel upon arrival.  But just to be sure, I always go to the hotel website after Expedia has located it for me, to see if there are any deals I can unl...

Travel Tips by Rick  Steve s  Jobs Chapter 2:  Transportation and Navigation I tried to capture my emotion about Lee's suggestion that we head down this isolated mountain trail for a little walk in the wilderness.  It was smack dab in the middle of the busiest part of Luxembourg City, but it felt like no one would know if we got murdered in there...  Despite my paranoia, we walked through the canyon not once, but twice. Be polite to your airline gate agents.   My dad used to work in airline customer service and he got yelled at by passengers all day long.  Even when your agents are cranky, you don't have to be.  And sometimes, when you are friendly, they'll change your seats to the exit row so that you have more leg room for a 10 hour flight! Buy train tickets 2-6 months early for the best prices.  Our high speed train from Brussels to Paris would have cost $100 or more the last week, but we paid only $29.  2nd class is just a...