First trip to Europe May-July - Page 2

Noah · Mar 13, 2010, 06:11 AM

There's no need to carry $500 USD. I have $100 on me for emergencies, but I wouldn't think about carrying any more than that. There's no event that could happen where you'd need that. Book in advance as much as you can, but as your son travels he'll need to book at least a week in advance.

Mark from Georgia · Mar 13, 2010, 11:19 AM

Bill, by the time Will gets to Greece, won't he be savvy enough to book his own ferry from Pireas? I went to some of the Greek ferry sites, and it looks like there are many ways to get to Chios/Hios (if that is where he is going).
I differ with Noah on the cash topic (and, Noah, I think I may start a new thread on the different ways to manage your money needs while travelling). I am older and very security-conscious, and I carry cash in a moneybelt, with daily cash in a neckpouch. Can Will be secure with both his cards and his cash? Does he have a moneybelt? You mentioned taking pounds and Euros: you do realize that he would be better off buying local currencies there rather than in the U.S.?
Booking of all hostels at least a week in advance, as Noah said, will eliminate the problem of having a place to stay. Booking via the Internet is preferable to telephone booking, in my opinion.
Jazz festivals in Europe are crowded. There may be a problem with finding a place to stay.

billsmart · Mar 18, 2010, 01:14 AM

Great feedback and much appreciated. The itinerary is in an excel file. I'll try to figure out how to get it posted. Yes, he can book the ferry to Chios, but I was trying to get that detail nailed down so it's out of the way. Looks like there's multiple opinions about how much cash to bring. Maybe we'll split the difference and cut back somewhat on the $500 estimate. Taking his debit card is a definite, and already have a money belt, but not a neck pouch. Thought was to use the money pouch and front jeans pockets for valuables, passport, etc. For the jazz festival weekend in Brussels the hostel reservation is already booked.

Kaaryn · Mar 18, 2010, 11:59 AM

You can post an excel type file using Google documents, I believe.

I carry my extra money, credit card, debit card, and passport in my moneybelt (worn under my clothes) and carry a small wallet with enough cash and coins for one day in my front pocket of my pants or inside my jacket if I'm wearing one.

Mar 13, 2010, 06:11 AM	#11
Noah World Traveler Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southwest Michigan Posts: 4,177	There's no need to carry $500 USD. I have $100 on me for emergencies, but I wouldn't think about carrying any more than that. There's no event that could happen where you'd need that. Book in advance as much as you can, but as your son travels he'll need to book at least a week in advance. __________________ “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home” -- James A. Michener See where I've been: http://www.travbuddy.com/Nzelvis

Mar 18, 2010, 01:14 AM	#13
billsmart Struggling Stranger Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Will lives in Florence, Alabama Posts: 4	Great feedback and much appreciated. The itinerary is in an excel file. I'll try to figure out how to get it posted. Yes, he can book the ferry to Chios, but I was trying to get that detail nailed down so it's out of the way. Looks like there's multiple opinions about how much cash to bring. Maybe we'll split the difference and cut back somewhat on the $500 estimate. Taking his debit card is a definite, and already have a money belt, but not a neck pouch. Thought was to use the money pouch and front jeans pockets for valuables, passport, etc. For the jazz festival weekend in Brussels the hostel reservation is already booked. Last edited by billsmart; Mar 18, 2010 at 01:24 AM. Reason: responding to more comments

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Mar 13, 2010, 11:19 AM	#12
Mark from Georgia Experienced Explorer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Columbus, Georgia, US Posts: 445	Bill, by the time Will gets to Greece, won't he be savvy enough to book his own ferry from Pireas? I went to some of the Greek ferry sites, and it looks like there are many ways to get to Chios/Hios (if that is where he is going). I differ with Noah on the cash topic (and, Noah, I think I may start a new thread on the different ways to manage your money needs while travelling). I am older and very security-conscious, and I carry cash in a moneybelt, with daily cash in a neckpouch. Can Will be secure with both his cards and his cash? Does he have a moneybelt? You mentioned taking pounds and Euros: you do realize that he would be better off buying local currencies there rather than in the U.S.? Booking of all hostels at least a week in advance, as Noah said, will eliminate the problem of having a place to stay. Booking via the Internet is preferable to telephone booking, in my opinion. Jazz festivals in Europe are crowded. There may be a problem with finding a place to stay.

Mar 18, 2010, 11:59 AM	#14
Kaaryn Travel Goddess Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 3,435	You can post an excel type file using Google documents, I believe. I carry my extra money, credit card, debit card, and passport in my moneybelt (worn under my clothes) and carry a small wallet with enough cash and coins for one day in my front pocket of my pants or inside my jacket if I'm wearing one.