this is a family vacation, i need some tips how to save money on this trip. any advise.
We had a great family vacation in Rome. The Romans are very friendly and love kids.
Be wary of the Roman Guards at places like the Colosseum. Do not take pictures of them unless you are prepared to pay. You should be fine as long as you agree on a price before hand. The price they give is per person in the picture. (1 picture = x Lire, 1 picture with 3 people =3x Lire).
Do not let anyone give you a rose or tie a string around your wrist. You will then be obligated to pay for this.We saw some of these people at the Spanish steps.I have heard the same with touching items at the vendor booths however this was not our experience.
There are young women who pretend to be twisted old beggars. They are not dangerous so much as scam artists.
I have also heard that you should watch for children with cardboard signs which they use to block your way while others pick your pockets. This also happens with women carrying fake babies which they throw at you to distract you. (never actually saw either of these though)
We rented a small apartment in the piazza of the Pantheon. From there you can walk anywhere. For breakfast we would walk to the Campo di Fiori (central fruit market) and grab a few bags of the best fruit we've ever tasted. Go to the first stall and buy whatever they guy tells you is good. They also let you sample for free and give pieces of fruit to the young ones.
There is an extra charge for bread at restaurants. They automatically bring it to the table but it is not complimentary. If you do not want it politely refuse when they bring it. I have also read that it is cheaper to dine inside. It cost more to eat outside as you also have the view. (We never actually tested this though). OrlaC is right about the coffee too. It can be close to double the price if you want to sit down.
As for Paris, we didn't really run into any problems. The only thing to watch out for is the dog poop. I suppose there are pick pockets but just keep money zipped up and close to you. Don't leave purses beside your chair where people can snatch them while you are enjoying a meal outside.
Hope this helps
Enjoy you trip.
powered by Yahoo answers
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Don't eat at the ristorante in Italy, go to the trattoria instead. These are smaller, family-run eateries, and the food is usually excellent.
Also, ask the local people where is good and inexpensive to eat, and when you want to sit down for a coffee, get it to take away, or you'll be hit with a huge service charge.
References :
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
In Paris, you need to be careful about spending money because the conversion rate for american to french currency isn't that good. You should also be careful about pickpocketing (people stealing the money out of your pockets or purses usually by bumping into you or distracting you). You should carry your money in a more concealed place.
References :
I traveled to Paris a few months ago :] have fun on your trip!
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
We had a great family vacation in Rome. The Romans are very friendly and love kids.
Be wary of the Roman Guards at places like the Colosseum. Do not take pictures of them unless you are prepared to pay. You should be fine as long as you agree on a price before hand. The price they give is per person in the picture. (1 picture = x Lire, 1 picture with 3 people =3x Lire).
Do not let anyone give you a rose or tie a string around your wrist. You will then be obligated to pay for this.We saw some of these people at the Spanish steps.I have heard the same with touching items at the vendor booths however this was not our experience.
There are young women who pretend to be twisted old beggars. They are not dangerous so much as scam artists.
I have also heard that you should watch for children with cardboard signs which they use to block your way while others pick your pockets. This also happens with women carrying fake babies which they throw at you to distract you. (never actually saw either of these though)
We rented a small apartment in the piazza of the Pantheon. From there you can walk anywhere. For breakfast we would walk to the Campo di Fiori (central fruit market) and grab a few bags of the best fruit we've ever tasted. Go to the first stall and buy whatever they guy tells you is good. They also let you sample for free and give pieces of fruit to the young ones.
There is an extra charge for bread at restaurants. They automatically bring it to the table but it is not complimentary. If you do not want it politely refuse when they bring it. I have also read that it is cheaper to dine inside. It cost more to eat outside as you also have the view. (We never actually tested this though). OrlaC is right about the coffee too. It can be close to double the price if you want to sit down.
As for Paris, we didn't really run into any problems. The only thing to watch out for is the dog poop. I suppose there are pick pockets but just keep money zipped up and close to you. Don't leave purses beside your chair where people can snatch them while you are enjoying a meal outside.
Hope this helps
Enjoy you trip.
References :