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

• About
• travel advice

• 96 people like this
• Answer this question 753 answers so far

• 1 Aug 2008 Terri said

  

  When I was on the Western Highlights and I didnt go around San Diego abit more…and in the Grand Canyon I wish I had gone on the All Dayer Helicopter ride.
  Also I wish I had booked myself for the Wild Western rather that just the shorter one finishing in VEgas

  When I was on the Western Highlights and I didnt go around San Diego abit more...and in the Grand Canyon I wish I had gone on the All Dayer Helicopter ride.<BR>Also I wish I had booked myself for the Wild Western rather that just the shorter one finishing in VEgas or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 2 Aug 2008 FSLS said

  

  For LONDON TO ATHENS JULY 2008
  I am glad that I:
  Packed lots of bright colored makeup (it cam in handy for all the theme parties)
  Did all of the optionals
  Took tons of Vitamin C before I left
  Didn’t spend alot on alcohol
  Bought the tour photo
  Didn’t eat alot of junk food at the services
  Packed alot of jewellery to dress up outfits
  Packed “going out” outfits
  Packed a small pair of scissors, sewing kit, and nail kit
  Took 2 hoodies even though it was boiling hot
  Did London to Athens (some of our tour stopped in Rome, Corfu and Athens were the best part)
  Took a travel pillow
  
  
  Things I should have done:
  Spent more money in Barcelona, because it had the best shopping
  Took a bigger suitcase (they weigh it at the beinnning, then never again, and they dont measure it)
  Packed more dressy shoes
  Packed an extra pair of flip flops
  Packed tape (its amazing how much you use it for)
  
  
  ahhh there is so much more, but I hope this helps someone out

  For LONDON TO ATHENS JULY 2008<BR>I am glad that I:<BR>Packed lots of bright colored makeup (it cam in handy for all the theme parties)<BR>Did all of the optionals<BR>Took tons of Vitamin C before I left<BR>Didn't spend alot on alcohol<BR>Bought the tour photo<BR>Didn't eat alot of junk food at the services<BR>Packed alot of jewellery to dress up outfits<BR>Packed "going out" outfits<BR>Packed a small pair of scissors, sewing kit, and nail kit<BR>Took 2 hoodies even though it was boiling hot<BR>Did London to Athens (some of our tour stopped in Rome, Corfu and Athens were the best part)<BR>Took a travel pillow<BR><BR><BR>Things I should have done:<BR>Spent more money in Barcelona, because it had the best shopping<BR>Took a bigger suitcase (they weigh it at the beinnning, then never again, and they dont measure it)<BR>Packed more dressy shoes<BR>Packed an extra pair of flip flops<BR>Packed tape (its amazing how much you use it for)<BR><BR><BR>ahhh there is so much more, but I hope this helps someone out or Cancel
  • 2 people like this

• 2 Aug 2008 marilourdes23 said

  

  Hi FSLS!
  
  Its so nice to hear from another person that took the London to Rome / Athens tour!!! (I met a girl through here that took it recently too..Olivia…maybe on ur same tour??) She has also been a great help. She actually helped me decide on taking this tour instead of the European Highlights! You say that Athens is the best part…is it worth the money and days? I am trying to get all the days off from work so I can go all the way to Athens…but in budgeting, I am still undecided!!! :/
  
  Your list definitely helps out. I didn’t even think about packing up a lot of jewlery to make the outfits different. (i was thinking so practical…and kinda boring really…lol). I love the bright make-up tip (i will def do that). Oh, and I would have never thought about bringing tape! (great tip!).
  
  <!--graemlin::)--> have a great weekend! <!--graemlin::)-->

  Hi FSLS!<BR><BR>Its so nice to hear from another person that took the London to Rome / Athens tour!!! (I met a girl through here that took it recently too..Olivia...maybe on ur same tour??) She has also been a great help. She actually helped me decide on taking this tour instead of the European Highlights! You say that Athens is the best part...is it worth the money and days? I am trying to get all the days off from work so I can go all the way to Athens...but in budgeting, I am still undecided!!! :/<BR><BR>Your list definitely helps out. I didn't even think about packing up a lot of jewlery to make the outfits different. (i was thinking so practical...and kinda boring really...lol). I love the bright make-up tip (i will def do that). Oh, and I would have never thought about bringing tape! (great tip!).<BR><BR><img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> have a great weekend! <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 2 Aug 2008 FSLS said

  

  OMG!! Olivia and I became bestest pals on our trip.
  Going to Athens was sooooooooo worth it. And Greece is pretty cheap, so you dont spend that much more money while you are there. If you have the time, I recommend going!
  I was on a really strict budget the entire trip. I spent about $2200 while I was there. That was including optionals, bottled water (which accounted for alot, haha), moderate shopping, good food, and drinking. However I did not go crazy on booze. I had a couple crazy nights, otherwise it was just a glass of wine here and there!
  Enjoy it! Its going to be an experience of a life time!!

  OMG!! Olivia and I became bestest pals on our trip.<BR>Going to Athens was sooooooooo worth it. And Greece is pretty cheap, so you dont spend that much more money while you are there. If you have the time, I recommend going!<BR>I was on a really strict budget the entire trip. I spent about $2200 while I was there. That was including optionals, bottled water (which accounted for alot, haha), moderate shopping, good food, and drinking. However I did not go crazy on booze. I had a couple crazy nights, otherwise it was just a glass of wine here and there!<BR>Enjoy it! Its going to be an experience of a life time!! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 2 Aug 2008 marilourdes23 said

  

  wow…its a small world…well-smaller on the contiki forums. :P
  Thanks for the tip on budget…I was budgeting approx $2000 spending money so I am glad to hear that amount is realistic when doing optionals, partying, shopping and even going all the way to Greece!
  I will enjoy it!!! Wish I could go right now. <!--graemlin::)-->

  wow...its a small world...well-smaller on the contiki forums. :P<BR>Thanks for the tip on budget...I was budgeting approx $2000 spending money so I am glad to hear that amount is realistic when doing optionals, partying, shopping and even going all the way to Greece!<BR>I will enjoy it!!! Wish I could go right now. <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 5 Aug 2008 JoaNne89 said

  

  Can anyone give advice/tips for grand southerners pleeease!!

  Can anyone give advice/tips for grand southerners pleeease!! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 8 Aug 2008 Katie said

  

  hey yeh, im going to new york and doing LA to the bay in dec/jan… just wondering if anyone has any tips/ideas on what to bring to get over the cold (mainly in NY!) i’m not really sure what to wear on nights out!!
  
  Thanks

  hey yeh, im going to new york and doing LA to the bay in dec/jan... just wondering if anyone has any tips/ideas on what to bring to get over the cold (mainly in NY!) i'm not really sure what to wear on nights out!!<BR><BR>Thanks or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 8 Aug 2008 Nyclizzo said

  

  it’s FREEZING here in NY in the winter…winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves are a must…If you are hitting up the club scene, cute jeans, boots, and a cute top is usually what girls wear…but if your walking around the city, you have to bundle up!!!!!

  it's FREEZING here in NY in the winter...winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves are a must...If you are hitting up the club scene, cute jeans, boots, and a cute top is usually what girls wear...but if your walking around the city, you have to bundle up!!!!! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 10 Aug 2008 Katie said

  

  hey Nyclizzo
  
  thanks for that, thats what i was planning on taking – jst puts my mind at ease <!--graemlin::)-->
  
  cya

  hey Nyclizzo <BR><BR>thanks for that, thats what i was planning on taking - jst puts my mind at ease <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--><BR><BR>cya or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 11 Aug 2008 Nyclizzo said

  

  No problem Katie…if you have any questions or anything, feel free to personal message me…the club/restuarant scene changes here every few months, so if your interested in knowing whats good and whats not, let me know!!!

  No problem Katie...if you have any questions or anything, feel free to personal message me...the club/restuarant scene changes here every few months, so if your interested in knowing whats good and whats not, let me know!!! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 17 Aug 2008 Katie said

  

  a question you could probably answer the best!
  
  im doing the tour with my brother, but neither of us will be 21! will this restrict our clubbing options in nyc? like do they have many 18 and over clubs?
  
  thanks!

  a question you could probably answer the best!<BR><BR>im doing the tour with my brother, but neither of us will be 21! will this restrict our clubbing options in nyc? like do they have many 18 and over clubs? <BR><BR>thanks! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 19 Aug 2008 Dee said

  

  Hi all, I’m from Cairns Qld, Aus (where it’s warm 365 days a year) and will be going on the European Inspiration Tour late December, just wanting to get some ideas on what I should pack, seeing as I have never been to a really cold place before! I know this probably sounds like a dumb question, but I really have no idea! Any help would be great. Also, if anyone has any “must do activities and sites” I would love to know! Thanks heaps

  Hi all, I'm from Cairns Qld, Aus (where it's warm 365 days a year) and will be going on the European Inspiration Tour late December, just wanting to get some ideas on what I should pack, seeing as I have never been to a really cold place before! I know this probably sounds like a dumb question, but I really have no idea! Any help would be great. Also, if anyone has any "must do activities and sites" I would love to know! Thanks heaps or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 20 Aug 2008 Sophh Bee said

  

  this is great, have really taken note of what ppl have said, will prolly come back closer to my tour time once i’ve booked to write down the key points and stuff <!--graemlin::)-->

  this is great, have really taken note of what ppl have said, will prolly come back closer to my tour time once i've booked to write down the key points and stuff <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 25 Aug 2008 Explorer1110499 said

  

  quote:

  6. Really glad I took a hair dryer. I was told most of the hotels would have them, but thought I’d be safe. I’m glad I did, a lot of the hotels had dryers that looked like vacuum cleaners, just a pipe. Totally useless and would barely dry the hairs on ur arms. I have long hair and it was winter, if you use one at home then take one. Don’t use a straightener, but a lot of the girls had them and they got shared around to ppl who didn’t.

  
  
  Hey ashleightara,
  
  I’m planning to go on a winter tour in 2009 and I also have very long hair which I am absolutely pedantic about. Just wondering what brand hair dryer you used over there? I have an expensive one and I’m terrified to take it in case I blow it up!
  
  Thanks!

  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> 6. Really glad I took a hair dryer. I was told most of the hotels would have them, but thought I'd be safe. I'm glad I did, a lot of the hotels had dryers that looked like vacuum cleaners, just a pipe. Totally useless and would barely dry the hairs on ur arms. I have long hair and it was winter, if you use one at home then take one. Don't use a straightener, but a lot of the girls had them and they got shared around to ppl who didn't. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Hey ashleightara,<BR><BR>I'm planning to go on a winter tour in 2009 and I also have very long hair which I am absolutely pedantic about. Just wondering what brand hair dryer you used over there? I have an expensive one and I'm terrified to take it in case I blow it up!<BR><BR>Thanks! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 25 Aug 2008 ashleightara said

  

  To be honest, I’m not really sure. Sunbeam maybe? I bought it at Big W and it was the only ‘travel’ hairdryer they had. It was good because it was small and folded, there are a lot around though. It was also a dual voltage one so if I ever go to America i can use it there, but Aussie appliances are no problem in Europe.
  
  My only other advice is to set your alarm for earlier than your roomates so you can shower and wash your hair before they get up, saves them from getting grumpy you’re taking so long :P And then blow dry your hair in the room while they use the shower.
  
  Let me know if you have any other questions, I haven’t finished my travelogue yet but I’m hoping it will be up within the next few months (I’m working full time and still finishing a post-grad research degree so I don’t have a lot of time) with any luck it will be full of good advice <!--graemlin:;)-->

  To be honest, I'm not really sure. Sunbeam maybe? I bought it at Big W and it was the only 'travel' hairdryer they had. It was good because it was small and folded, there are a lot around though. It was also a dual voltage one so if I ever go to America i can use it there, but Aussie appliances are no problem in Europe.<BR><BR>My only other advice is to set your alarm for earlier than your roomates so you can shower and wash your hair before they get up, saves them from getting grumpy you're taking so long :P And then blow dry your hair in the room while they use the shower.<BR><BR>Let me know if you have any other questions, I haven't finished my travelogue yet but I'm hoping it will be up within the next few months (I'm working full time and still finishing a post-grad research degree so I don't have a lot of time) with any luck it will be full of good advice <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif" alt="Wink" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin:;)--> or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 25 Aug 2008 nursedreamie said

  

  hey im going over in winter too, jan and feb 09, im definitely taking my hair dryer, have a travel one. i cant stand having damp hair in the cold and i have long hair too. reckon i’ll need to get an adaptor so i can plug it in! the explorer1110499 poster.. which winter tour r u doing? im pretty pedantic on my hair too lol

  hey im going over in winter too, jan and feb 09, im definitely taking my hair dryer, have a travel one. i cant stand having damp hair in the cold and i have long hair too. reckon i'll need to get an adaptor so i can plug it in! the explorer1110499 poster.. which winter tour r u doing? im pretty pedantic on my hair too lol or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 25 Aug 2008 Explorer1110499 said

  

  hey nursedreamie,
  
  I’m going to do the Winter Discovery but in December of 2009 (so I can save copious amounts of spending money!). I’ve seen a lot of posts on here with girls saying not to take a hair dryer but I can’t live without mine haha and you’ll want to look your best in all the photos!

  hey nursedreamie,<BR><BR>I'm going to do the Winter Discovery but in December of 2009 (so I can save copious amounts of spending money!). I've seen a lot of posts on here with girls saying not to take a hair dryer but I can't live without mine haha and you'll want to look your best in all the photos! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 25 Aug 2008 marilourdes23 said

  

  I am taking the European Highlights…its a short trip compaired to the ones most of u on here are taking, but I am still taking my blow dryer and straightening iron. For me I don’t know when I will take another trip like this, so like Explorer 1110499 said, u gotta look ur best in all the photos! <!--graemlin::)-->

  I am taking the European Highlights...its a short trip compaired to the ones most of u on here are taking, but I am still taking my blow dryer and straightening iron. For me I don't know when I will take another trip like this, so like Explorer 1110499 said, u gotta look ur best in all the photos! <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 26 Aug 2008 Chillibg said

  

  I’m doing the Euro Magic 17th -25th Sept.
  
  I wanted to know how is the night club dress code, can I wear jeans because I read that its not acceptable dress code in Euro, I’m a jeans-club fan!!!!
  I’m taking on my trip:
  Toilet wipes, hand wipes/hand wash-lotion
  Some energy bars when I’m feeling hungry
  Taking my Biconculars
  Bodywash (instead of soggy soap)
  Washing powder
  Hair straightener (for wet ‘n dry hair) -can leave my hairdryer at home -yippieee
  Bug spray
  Medical supplies (cough syrup, Vitamins, allergy tabs, cold/flu meds, painkillers, Berocca)
  Magazine
  
  I hope I got the most important things, Here’s hoping to pack light!!
  
  This is the best forum yet!!!

  I'm doing the Euro Magic 17th -25th Sept.<BR><BR>I wanted to know how is the night club dress code, can I wear jeans because I read that its not acceptable dress code in Euro, I'm a jeans-club fan!!!!<BR>I'm taking on my trip: <BR>Toilet wipes, hand wipes/hand wash-lotion<BR>Some energy bars when I'm feeling hungry<BR>Taking my Biconculars<BR>Bodywash (instead of soggy soap)<BR>Washing powder<BR>Hair straightener (for wet 'n dry hair) -can leave my hairdryer at home -yippieee<BR>Bug spray<BR>Medical supplies (cough syrup, Vitamins, allergy tabs, cold/flu meds, painkillers, Berocca)<BR>Magazine<BR><BR>I hope I got the most important things, Here's hoping to pack light!!<BR><BR>This is the best forum yet!!! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 5 Sep 2008 Dancingsu said

  

  When I went to Australia I wish I always had a swimsuit available, you never know when you will stop at a beach or lake!
  
  Also there is a really good, condensed packing list on Rick Steve’s web site.
  Womens’s Packing list http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm
  Universal Packing list
  http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

  When I went to Australia I wish I always had a swimsuit available, you never know when you will stop at a beach or lake!<BR><BR>Also there is a really good, condensed packing list on Rick Steve's web site.<BR>Womens's Packing list <A HREF="http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm</A><BR>Universal Packing list<BR><A HREF="http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm</A> or Cancel
  • 2 people like this