Traveling MamasWondering how to entertain your 2-yr-old on a long trip? Got questions about airfares or car routes? Want to know where the best tourist or camping spots are? Moving across the country? C'mon in!
No, we're not skipping out on purpose to avoid being caught in the melee after the coup and Bush Cheney establishing a police state, but that will be handy...
Tim was invited to be the guitarist on a tour with the Music Machine (old psych band). If we go, we'll be ther for the election (we'll vote absentee, don't worry) and Lucy's birthday. Any advice on travelling in Europe (possibly by car, tour van, train, etc. a lot) with a 3 yo, getting passports, cheap airfares, etc, will be appreciated. Thanks!
P.S. Yes, I posted this on the market board, but it was totally ignored. (except for the Bush Cheney stuff, I saved that for you guys.)
I've asked Amity if we can have a new board for travelling - so many people ask about things like "where can I find the cheapest tickets" or "how do I entertain my 2-yr-old on a long flight/car ride"... I think it would be a great resource.
Getting passports - this is fairly easy - just start right away, because it can take some time - find a post office in your general vicinity where you can apply, and pick up the paperwork to fill out at home if you wish. When you actually apply, you'll have to have birth certificates, passport photos (can be done at places like AAA, or photography stores), and checkbook (last time we had ours done it seemed pricey). All people getting passports need to be present too, when all the paperwork is handed in. I'm pretty sure most Western European countries don't require visas, but if you're traveling to Eastern Europe you'll want to check on that.
Cheap airfares - can be through expedia, orbitz, or travelocity. Some people find fares there, and then call the airline involved to see if they can get an even cheaper one.
I've travelled in Europe by car and by train - personally I'd choose car over train for travelling with a 3-yr-old plus luggage, but rental cars are very pricey. I'm not sure if they still have month-long travel passes (Eurail) but if they're available and you think you'll be travelling almost daily, you may wish to check into that. I know nada about travelling on tours - I would think they'd've thought of travel arrangements already though, so you may not have to be concerned about car & train travel unless you'll stay longer than the tour.
I ditto the "Let's Go" books on Europe - they were extremely useful when I was on my 5-months-in-Europe trip, backpacking (in my single days). I just tore out the relevant countries, and tossed them out when I finished so I wouldn't have to carry the extra weight.
Have a great time!
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Margaret
Blessed with four, one in heaven
"If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that" Goethe
I'm going to Israel in December. I'm extremely nervous about what our relationship might be like with them by then, depending on what happens with the barrier wall and the elections here. I'm not looking forward to the busride from Tel Aviv to Nahariya, that's for sure.
The main question we're struggling with right now is whether this will be FUN for all of us, Lucy included. If it's going to be more misery than fun, then we really don't want to do it. We want to go travel in Europe, and this certainly an interesting opportunity to do so, but maybe it would be better for Lucy when she's older.
The tour itself will be about 2 weeks, 6-8 shows during that time. We will be travelling almost daily, sometimes long stretches. The first show is in London, so we would just fly from Berlin to London for that, then ferry across to France or the Netherlands (we'll know when they figure out the location of the 2nd show). Anyway, travel would be on the ground after that, by car or train. I would think the train would be easier for Lucy, since she can get up and walk around, but depending on schedules, might not be feasible for certain sections. My friend's mom is a travel agent, so we thought we'd call her and find out about airfares and travel once we're there.
It's not really a vacation, but should be fun and interesting in some ways, just not sure if it's worth the effort. Also, it means a loss of a month's income for me. Tim will be getting paid, but probably not much. Also, his travel expenses will be covered, but not mine and Lucy's. Ah, well, we'll let you know what we decide. Thanks for the advice!!!
So does this mean I get to order ABs for all of you and vote for Bush on your behalf?
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In Sisterhood and Solidarity,
Rebecca
Proud Socialist mama to all my red diaper babies. Sky (7-5-96), Hunter (3-4-01), Forest (2-25-04 -- 5-8-04), and Willow (9-2-06)
I remember my then-boyfriend getting stopped in Italy when we got off a Brit. airways flight from London. What a nice big Kalashnikov he had. It was fun!
Logan! A bus trip in Israel? Are you sure?
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