What do you wish you'd known?

18 Jul 2007 ashleightara asked

I'm curious to know what ppl wish they'd known before they went on their trips, and only discovered afterwards...

For example,
Did you miss something in a town you wish you'd known about?
Did you pack something, and never used it?
Did you NEED something you didn't pack and had to go in search of it?

In particular, looking for different advice to what is already available on the board...share you experience so others can learn from you 'mistake'.

Thanks

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• Answer this question 761 answers so far

• 27 Oct 2011 AlexG said

  

  using travel packs of tissues for when you ran into the moments where you had to pay for the tissues or found that there was none :)

  using travel packs of tissues for when you ran into the moments where you had to pay for the tissues or found that there was none :) or Cancel
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• 30 Oct 2011 sjupton said

  

  such useful tips and hints, I’m doing London Paris + Rome starting 27 December 2011, so excited and want to start packing now!!!

  such useful tips and hints, I'm doing London Paris + Rome starting 27 December 2011, so excited and want to start packing now!!! or Cancel
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• 31 Oct 2011 AlexG said

  

  what exactely is the “contiki cough” and the “contiki cold”?

  what exactely is the "contiki cough" and the "contiki cold"? or Cancel
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• 3 Nov 2011 Earl Squirrelson said

  

  Ahhh, the Contiki cough is damn awefull. I never get sick back home but got the contii cough. its kinda like your whole chest is clogged up…everyone gets it, id say take some antibiotics from your doctor…

  Ahhh, the Contiki cough is damn awefull. I never get sick back home but got the contii cough. its kinda like your whole chest is clogged up...everyone gets it, id say take some antibiotics from your doctor... or Cancel
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• 8 Nov 2011 candicelancaster said

  

  This is soooo helpful guys :) Thank you sooooo much! Amazing how people just keep adding to it!! I cant wait for my trip! Hurry up June 8 2012!

  This is soooo helpful guys :) Thank you sooooo much! Amazing how people just keep adding to it!! I cant wait for my trip! Hurry up June 8 2012! or Cancel
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• 8 Nov 2011 AlexG said

  

  thats the way i feel :) my trips not until june 30 2012 just feels like its taking for ages ….. all the tips have been so helpful im looking at packing my bag with a whole new light :)

  thats the way i feel :) my trips not until june 30 2012 just feels like its taking for ages ..... all the tips have been so helpful im looking at packing my bag with a whole new light :) or Cancel
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• 15 Nov 2011 Dsince1984 said

  

  I’m doing the European Magic Nov-Dec. Do you usually go out to clubs or bars? Do girls mostly wear dresses, even in the winter? And how much money do you usually spend on alcohol/night? I think only budgeted for food lol

  I'm doing the European Magic Nov-Dec. Do you usually go out to clubs or bars? Do girls mostly wear dresses, even in the winter? And how much money do you usually spend on alcohol/night? I think only budgeted for food lol or Cancel
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• 20 Nov 2011 Aleisha91 said

  

  omg love this forum… have read the entire thing!!! hahaha cant wait for my tour next June :D

  omg love this forum... have read the entire thing!!! hahaha cant wait for my tour next June :D or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 Aleisha91 said

  

  i have a question for the german concentration camp, how much do uactually get to see at Dachau?

  I really want to see the dachau concentration camp, but i dont just want to see the outside. and walk along the memorial site but i want to be able to go inside aswell.

  How much to u actually get to see?? can u go right into the camp to see the bunks and the gas chambers etc.? thanks for your help

  i have a question for the german concentration camp, how much do uactually get to see at Dachau? I really want to see the dachau concentration camp, but i dont just want to see the outside. and walk along the memorial site but i want to be able to go inside aswell. How much to u actually get to see?? can u go right into the camp to see the bunks and the gas chambers etc.? thanks for your help or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 jade89 said

  

  I went on European discovery, went to a mix of clubs & bars. Most girls wore tunics & tights, though for the moulin rouge a lot dressed up in dresses.. but there was a real mix, just depended on what people brought/bought & how they handled the cold.
  I probably spent around 50-100 euros on nights out, including the taxi home (usually, with a full cab, was only 5 euros each). We went out (as a group) about every 2nd night and obviously you could have much cheaper nights if you chose to ;)
  You go inside Dachau and see it all. There is a museum and a 20 minute movie in the old administration quarters, but the rest is original – bunks, gas chambers, crematorium…

  I went on European discovery, went to a mix of clubs & bars. Most girls wore tunics & tights, though for the moulin rouge a lot dressed up in dresses.. but there was a real mix, just depended on what people brought/bought & how they handled the cold. I probably spent around 50-100 euros on nights out, including the taxi home (usually, with a full cab, was only 5 euros each). We went out (as a group) about every 2nd night and obviously you could have much cheaper nights if you chose to ;) You go inside Dachau and see it all. There is a museum and a 20 minute movie in the old administration quarters, but the rest is original - bunks, gas chambers, crematorium... or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 Aleisha91 said

  

  ohh thanks so much jade :)
  im glad u dont just walk along the outside or whatever lol
  it must of been pretty amazing??
  thanks for that.. good to know :D

  ohh thanks so much jade :) im glad u dont just walk along the outside or whatever lol it must of been pretty amazing?? thanks for that.. good to know :D or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 jade89 said

  

  It was… I’m not sure how to describe it. Humbling… horrifying… something very different anyway.

  It was... I'm not sure how to describe it. Humbling... horrifying... something very different anyway. or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 Dsince1984 said

  

  Thanks Jade! Did a lot of people go to Moulin Rouge? I’m thinking of skipping it and hoping someone a few others do to and will be around to grab dinner.

  Thanks Jade! Did a lot of people go to Moulin Rouge? I'm thinking of skipping it and hoping someone a few others do to and will be around to grab dinner. or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 jade89 said

  

  Almost our whole group went. It was ok – probably not worth the $$ but it’s just kinda the thing you do when you’re in Paris.
  But I’m sure it will depend on your group and what they have planned – we didn’t have to pay for things until day 3 or 4 I think so by then you’ve got the chance to talk to lots of people and convince them to skip it with you.

  Almost our whole group went. It was ok - probably not worth the $$ but it's just kinda the thing you do when you're in Paris. But I'm sure it will depend on your group and what they have planned - we didn't have to pay for things until day 3 or 4 I think so by then you've got the chance to talk to lots of people and convince them to skip it with you. or Cancel
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• 21 Nov 2011 JL said

  

  I would definitely recommend the Moulin Rouge. Our group went to the La Nouvelle Eve though (which has a similar show than the Moulin Rouge). Like Jade said, it’s not worth the money, but it’s still entertaining and it’s something you absolutely have to do in Paris. P.S. Our WHOLE group went.

  I would definitely recommend the Moulin Rouge. Our group went to the La Nouvelle Eve though (which has a similar show than the Moulin Rouge). Like Jade said, it's not worth the money, but it's still entertaining and it's something you absolutely have to do in Paris. P.S. Our WHOLE group went. or Cancel
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• 1 Dec 2011 Explorer1215150 said

  

  Hi! I’m going on the Southern Adventure in the US early next year and was just wondering if anyone had any helpful tips/advice regarding this particular tour, such as suitable clothing/footwear (its in the middle of winter), luggage & bags, optionals etc.
  Thanks :)

  Hi! I'm going on the Southern Adventure in the US early next year and was just wondering if anyone had any helpful tips/advice regarding this particular tour, such as suitable clothing/footwear (its in the middle of winter), luggage & bags, optionals etc. Thanks :) or Cancel
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• 5 Dec 2011 Explorer1214057 said

  

  Can anyone shed some light on touring in Winter? I’m looking at heading over in Dec 12, looking at either the European Discovery (12 days) or European Encounters (16 days) and although have picked nearly everyones brains am still a bit unsure as this will only be a small part of our 6 week holiday. Can anyone suggest what to pack/ what not to pack for a winter tour?
  Thanks :)

  Can anyone shed some light on touring in Winter? I'm looking at heading over in Dec 12, looking at either the European Discovery (12 days) or European Encounters (16 days) and although have picked nearly everyones brains am still a bit unsure as this will only be a small part of our 6 week holiday. Can anyone suggest what to pack/ what not to pack for a winter tour? Thanks :) or Cancel
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• 5 Dec 2011 jade89 said

  

  I did a winter tour. Took merino thermals (I’m told silk are also good) + jeans, thin socks to wear as ‘inner’ socks, plus thick outer socks (only need 2 pairs of these as they don’t get dirty like the inner socks, so saves space). Windproof/waterproof coat, light-weight quick drying 3/4 sleeve shirts – thermals add lots of warmth underneath. The thermals don’t take up much room, and dry quickly. I regret taking my heavier weight shirts, as I found them warm enough without thermals but they took so long to dry. Thermals, thinner shirt + jacket should keep you nice and warm. And a good pair of WATERPROOF shoes – I wore leather boots, could walk inthem all day and party in them all night. For going out I took a tunic and used thermals as tights (figured we’d be indoors + alcohol, so didn’t need to worry bout staying too warm).

  I did a winter tour. Took merino thermals (I'm told silk are also good) + jeans, thin socks to wear as 'inner' socks, plus thick outer socks (only need 2 pairs of these as they don't get dirty like the inner socks, so saves space). Windproof/waterproof coat, light-weight quick drying 3/4 sleeve shirts - thermals add lots of warmth underneath. The thermals don't take up much room, and dry quickly. I regret taking my heavier weight shirts, as I found them warm enough without thermals but they took so long to dry. Thermals, thinner shirt + jacket should keep you nice and warm. And a good pair of WATERPROOF shoes - I wore leather boots, could walk inthem all day and party in them all night. For going out I took a tunic and used thermals as tights (figured we'd be indoors + alcohol, so didn't need to worry bout staying too warm). or Cancel
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• 6 Dec 2011 Amy said

  

  any tips for the Winter Wanderer tour? im going in january. any tips would be appreciated. how much spending money?
  AND how did people take there money i cant decide on what to do!

  any tips for the Winter Wanderer tour? im going in january. any tips would be appreciated. how much spending money? AND how did people take there money i cant decide on what to do! or Cancel
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• 8 Dec 2011 kna0909 said

  

  Hey guys, my boyfriend and i are doing the london to athens tour in june next year. We are stuck with where to go after… thinking about going to santorini or some of the other greek islands, has anyone been?

  Hey guys, my boyfriend and i are doing the london to athens tour in june next year. We are stuck with where to go after... thinking about going to santorini or some of the other greek islands, has anyone been? or Cancel
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