I am hoping to travel abroad in the next year to England, France and Italy. Would I be better off to book all of the flight and accomodations individually or will I be provided a better package at a travel agency? I have never been abroad before and know nothing of this, but I have a friend in England I would like to see in person, and have always wanted to see the Vatican in Rome and The city of Venice Italy. I also don't want to get crummy accomodations or travel methods. Thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

By this time next year, you will need a vacation.

While I have never ventured abroad, my sister and brother-in-law suggested that a "Eur-Rail" (sp) pass is the best way the travel over there. They have a much better train system then we do. You will be able to get on and off at your leisure and not have to worry about make a flight. What a better way the see the countries.

Cheaper to buy here in the states then to get it over there so I'm told. Look in to that as part of your trip.

Also, unless you and your family already have them, start working on you passport. Never to soon, even if you don't go. I just travel to Mexico and Canada and it helps even though not needed. Don't know what it would be like sense 9/11.

When traveling abroad, I think it's best to go through an agent who specializes in the geographical area to which you are headed. It's a myth that booking through an agent is always a lot more expensive. In addition, they will have plenty of suggestions to help you plan your trip, as they have been there themselves.

Our travel agent booked us on the main railway from city to city in Italy. It was very comfortbale and hassle-free. Venice and Rome are a couple of hours apart by train.

Unless you can speak Italian, you are going to want to book a few English tours. I was at the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel last summer -- please don't go without a tour guide. You will miss out on so much!

Get Rick Steve's book "Italy 2002". It was tremendously helpful to us! It will tell you the must-sees and give you a heads up on what's a waste of time. Thanks to Rick's tips, we also avoided getting totally scammed by a waiter at one outdoor cafe.

He has a book on France, too. I've been there and I liked it, but I didn't fall in love with it like I did Italy.

E-mail me if you want more info/words to the wise on touring Italy. I could even send you pics.

You're going to have a wonderful time, King! I have been to England, Scotland and Wales. Scotland is beautiful and the people very friendly, ditto Wales. If I were going lots of places, I'd definitely use an agent. It just saves so much trouble, and they have resources we don't have. I traveled in England via rental car for 2 weeks after a month at Cambridge; if I were to go again I think I would go on a guided tour as we spent most of our time finding lodging, places to eat, etc. Buy a map or you'll be lost half the time. Eat pub food (it's great, and cheap). Don't depend on hostels, they're full by 7 am for that night. Guard your papers carefully and have a grand time! For more details, email me.

I've resisted answering this question because I've never really visited Europe (only passed through Paris and London).

I don't see where anyone else warned you about keeping your ID with you at all times when visiting other countries. I almost got stuck in Bangkok once because of this. (Your ID includes all of your travel requirements, including your plane tickets as proof that you're planning to return to the US and not become a vegabond burden to Venecian society.)

Visit www.state.gov (use the travel warnings link) to see what kind of travel documents you need. Each country is listed alphabetically, and most will probably say you need a passport and an ongoing ticket (that's the return plane ticket I told you about).

What happened to me in Bangkok was I didn't have mine with me; it was in my bags stored in a hotel in Manila. I figured I wouldn't need them on a 4-day trip to Thailand, since I was coming right back to Manila before returning home. Well, getting into Thailand was easy enough. Getting out was a different story! They almost made me buy another ticket from Manila to the US as proof before they would let me board the plane. (They allowed me to go to the ticket agent and get a printout of my itinerary as a substitute.)