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Travel

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

5. Not a fan of escorted tours, so I would definitely do

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Sat Feb 1, 2014, 12:14 PM

Feb 2014

what you suggest.

My best advice is to take the time to learn at least a few phrases in french.

Although most people can speak english, you are likely to get a much warmer reception if you start a conversation in the language of the country you are visiting.

Particularly in France.

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Travel question. Instead of an escorted tour, any of yall ever book at a hotel in [View all] raccoon Feb 2014 OP

We booked a Best Western 3 blocks from the Louvre liberal N proud Feb 2014 #1

I generally don't book anything in advance when I go to Paris Major Nikon Feb 2014 #2

Giverny and Versailles both wonderful mainer Feb 2014 #4

To really get the most of the museums I think it's best to do research ahead of time Major Nikon Feb 2014 #6

I couldn't agree more. I am an inveterate museum goer and have been to many of the greatest in CTyankee Feb 2014 #12

I heartily recommend that first-time visitors to any place in Europe buy Lydia Leftcoast Feb 2014 #3

Not a fan of escorted tours, so I would definitely do cbayer Feb 2014 #5

Just saying 'bon jour" to a shopkeeper is key mainer Feb 2014 #7

I have done both escorted tour and booked independently. I will say that not all escorted tours CTyankee Feb 2014 #11

Thanks for your suggestions. Checked out some French language CDs raccoon Feb 2014 #8

où est les toilettes, madame/mssr? works also, leave out the d'antan svp uppityperson Feb 2014 #9

I did that in Brussels. Found a great airfare+5 star hotel right near Grand Place and CTyankee Feb 2014 #10

Except Florence??? elleng Feb 2014 #13

Oh, yes. Florence is singular. It has been called "a museum of itself" and that is apt. CTyankee Feb 2014 #14

Will look for your review, elleng Feb 2014 #15

Check open days. We saved - think it was our last Tuesday Laura PourMeADrink May 2014 #16