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Post by marielouise on Aug 13, 2015 13:04:19 GMT
I just realized it’s less than two months before leaving for London and then Greece. A women I met on a past tour emailed me the other day to tell me that her friends just got back from Greece, and that they felt perfectly safe. There were some protests, but nothing that affected them. Greece needs tourists right now, so they are treating them well. I’ve been wanting to go to Greece for years, so I can’t’ wait to finally get there! Tiffany, yesterday I got an email from Insight about John Boulding's trip to Greece, he is the CEO of Insight. Maybe you got one as well. He said everything was back to normal, there were no problems withdrawing money from ATMs or using credit cards at restaurants. Tourists were treated well and the Greeks hospitable. I have met John Boulding when I went on a Bulletin Board tour of Southern England and the Channel Islands, he has a young family.
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Post by tiffany on Aug 13, 2015 15:33:47 GMT
I just realized it’s less than two months before leaving for London and then Greece. A women I met on a past tour emailed me the other day to tell me that her friends just got back from Greece, and that they felt perfectly safe. There were some protests, but nothing that affected them. Greece needs tourists right now, so they are treating them well. I’ve been wanting to go to Greece for years, so I can’t’ wait to finally get there! Tiffany, yesterday I got an email from Insight about John Boulding's trip to Greece, he is the CEO of Insight. Maybe you got one as well. He said everything was back to normal, there were no problems withdrawing money from ATMs or using credit cards at restaurants. Tourists were treated well and the Greeks hospitable. I have met John Boulding when I went on a Bulletin Board tour of Southern England and the Channel Islands, he has a young family. Hi Marielouise, I didn’t get an email from John Boulding, however, I haven’t done an Insight tour in a while, so they may not email his blogs to everyone. It’s good to hear that everything is back to normal though. I still plan to bring enough cash with me though, just in case. I’ll use my credit card for optionals, and pay for everything else with Euros.
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Post by bet on Aug 14, 2015 9:31:31 GMT
Tiffany - how many weeks to go before your on your London & Greece adventure, must be very soon
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Post by tiffany on Aug 14, 2015 11:42:32 GMT
Hi Bet, I’m leaving on Sept 25, so just it’s just over a month away. I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by. I feel like I just booked the tour yesterday.
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Post by bet on Aug 18, 2015 9:13:08 GMT
I'm jealous, I'd love to go to Greece, especially the islands. I hope to get there soon, but I doubt that it will be next year so I'll be looking forward to your tale when your back. This year has flown by, the only upside is the next trip comes around quickly.
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Post by tiffany on Aug 18, 2015 11:52:21 GMT
I’ve already been keeping an eye on the long term weather forecast, and I’m hoping we won’t get a lot of rain while we’re there. It rained almost every day while on my Austria and Swiss tour, and it put a damper on the trip!
I’m sure you’ll get to Greece soon. I’ve been wanting to go for years, and kept putting it off to go on other tours. I’m glad I’m finally going to get there.
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Post by chech on Aug 21, 2015 22:19:24 GMT
Woohoo...down to 45 days for Australia...paid for the trip in full today and I just submitted my Australian visa application. $20 AUD. Each. Think they'll let me in. The other 313 applications might get a second look.
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Post by Boop on Aug 22, 2015 0:04:04 GMT
A paltry 115 sleeps until take off to Prague, Vienna, Budapest Christmas tour!! have my best Christmas Eve cruise the Danube evening wear already packed...........
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Post by bet on Aug 22, 2015 1:39:41 GMT
Your more organised than what I am Boop - Ive just worked out ive got 103 days until my christmas tours and no outfits organised
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Post by marielouise on Aug 22, 2015 1:50:55 GMT
It is 34 days until our tour of Budapest, Prague and Vienna. I haven't organised or planned our clothing yet. I am waiting to see what the weather will be like. I will get the suitcases out next week after our visitor leaves and pack stuff that is not dependent on weather.
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Post by Boop on Aug 22, 2015 3:09:29 GMT
Your more organised than what I am Boop - Ive just worked out ive got 103 days until my christmas tours and no outfits organised LOL........I'm actually all packed and can hardly wait
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Post by chech on Aug 22, 2015 11:41:24 GMT
I unpacked after Switzerland, washed the clothes and threw them right back into my luggage.
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Post by californian on Aug 22, 2015 12:41:45 GMT
I unpacked after Switzerland, washed the clothes and threw them right back into my luggage. Even that I never traveled as much as you, Chech, I used to do the same thing, kept my suitcase in a corner, with most of my traveling clothes, accessories, toiletries, gadgets, etc. This year I have only taken a few domestic trips, all very different in nature, so my system has collapsed, would need to start all over next year.
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Post by Boop on Aug 22, 2015 23:18:41 GMT
I unpacked after Switzerland, washed the clothes and threw them right back into my luggage. so, you're packed too!!
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Post by bet on Aug 23, 2015 6:44:11 GMT
I'm still mastering the act of how to pack for an European winter. I've always gone overboard and my suitcase is already getting full. I'm not used to the cold or the snow but super excited for it
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Post by californian on Aug 23, 2015 14:54:32 GMT
Winter clothes are certainly heavier and bulkier, but I think you can get away with less, don't have to change as often as in summer, or course it is a challenge never the less, (Just think less is more as always!) Enjoy the planning and packing, Bet.
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Post by chech on Aug 23, 2015 17:17:57 GMT
It's easy to pack for winter in Europe. It doesn't get oppressively cold so you don't need multiple sweaters and heavy jacket.. The easiest way is to use the 3-in-1 system. A waterproof shell with a fleece liner that can be removed and worn on its own. Together, they can be a very warm combo with just a long sleeved shirt underneath and is good to below freezing. Apart, the shell is a good rain jacket in any temperature and the fleece is good for dry chilly nights etc. You won't be walking through knee deep snow, so you don't need heavy boots. A pair of waterproof ankle hikers would suffice with wool blend socks or something similar. And a pair of light knit or fleece gloves. If you need more, buy it there as you need it (rather that pack what you may never use) and what you buy is a souvenir then. Everything else would be what you'd normally take to a destination that isn't blazing hot. (ie pants instead of shorts, long sleeved shirt instead of short). I tend to bring my fleece to most of my destinations simply because it's also great on the plane which can be cool. (And when I don't...I tend to end up buying $124 Zermatt pullovers...LOL)
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Post by bet on Aug 23, 2015 20:56:42 GMT
Thanks Californian and Chech. My biggest problem is I need to learn less is more as I can never pack light in any situation. I have my Gortex North Face Jacket, fleece, thermals, gloves but far too many tops. I have my Gortex walkers as I will be doing some winter walking in the Swiss Alps after the tours. In past trips I've had all that and I was still freezing. I will just have to throw out all my just in case clothes and deal with it.
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Post by chech on Aug 23, 2015 21:45:40 GMT
You know what you might be doing is wearing too much. You might have so many layers that you heat up to the point that you get chilled.
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Post by bet on Aug 24, 2015 5:01:50 GMT
I could be Chech, but then I have always felt the cold. Growing up in NZ, winters were around 13 degrees, damp and miserable. I now live in Brisbane where there is no winter in a true sense, sunny and around mid 20s, come summer high 30s-40s so I'll be ready to escape and have some fun in the snow but going from one extreme to the other I really feel it. I'll have to go through my suitcase and decide what I don't need.
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Post by chech on Aug 24, 2015 12:16:44 GMT
Yeah, we have wet cold winters here with the average temp hovering between -3 and +3 and when I was young I was always cold. I think it was simply that we didn't have the right gear for those winters. I still remember putting on my first fleece and falling in love. It's perfect for this kind of weather. Another 3-in-1 that could work for you is the newer ones that have a down inner instead of fleece. The inner is compact and can be worn alone. I don't have one but see them here more and more in the winter. Here's one example: www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83559?feat=3%20in%201-SR0&page=weather-challenger-3-in-1-jacketIf you got one like this, you could wear it home in the winter and be toasty warm.
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Post by tiffany on Aug 24, 2015 16:06:13 GMT
I’m looking forward to hearing about everyone’s Budapest, Prague and Vienna when they get back, especially the Christmas tour!
I’m leaving for London and Greece in one month (as of tomorrow), but won’t start packing until two weeks before. Although I have an idea of what the weather will be, I want to take a look at the 14 day forecast before packing.
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Post by Boop on Aug 24, 2015 23:55:35 GMT
I'm certain that you will have a fabulous trip tiffany!! Hope you will do a tour tale! You must be getting pretty excited right around now!! Bet, as I've mentioned, I'm all packed for December 14th and I think I'm taking less on this trip than ever before. Because I'm expecting cold, I am actually taking very few tops and pants and expect to rely on the two new fleece I've bought as well as two pairs of fleece leggings which will mix and match well and are very lightweight. Also, I will be taking a North Face shell, in case of rain. If its rainy and cold a fleece and the shell should do nicely, but if its really cold I can easily add a layer under the fleece. I've picked up a pair of Cougar winter boots, fleece lined, a couple pairs of merino wool socks and have a nice pair of Ecco walking shoes, for those not so cold, not so rainy days. I'll be taking several pairs of leggings, other than fleece, great for sleeping on the plane and shopping (!!) and one or two nicer pair of pants and a couple of tops. We only have two organized dinners on this trip, which means far less clothing to take, not leaving me feeling that I have to wear something different for each organized meal, I'll just wear the same thing twice, but also wouldn't have a problem wearing the fleece to dinner! This all leaves lots of room for my shopping!!! Oh, but then there's the underwear.......... !!
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Post by bet on Aug 25, 2015 1:23:44 GMT
Yeah, we have wet cold winters here with the average temp hovering between -3 and +3 and when I was young I was always cold. I think it was simply that we didn't have the right gear for those winters. I still remember putting on my first fleece and falling in love. It's perfect for this kind of weather. Another 3-in-1 that could work for you is the newer ones that have a down inner instead of fleece. The inner is compact and can be worn alone. I don't have one but see them here more and more in the winter. Here's one example: www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83559?feat=3%20in%201-SR0&page=weather-challenger-3-in-1-jacketIf you got one like this, you could wear it home in the winter and be toasty warm. Thanks Chech, I tried the link but it didn't work, but still had a look around. I was going to get a 3 in 1 jacket, as it's so practical but being fussy I didn't like the fleece colour. I bought a down jacket for my Trans Mongolian trip, being blue it wasn't a great colour as it showed every mark, no wonder it was on a clearance sale. I chucked it and bought my North Jacket, it's worked out the best and the warmest and like you said I can always buy stuff while I'm there, selection will be better too.
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Post by marielouise on Aug 25, 2015 1:31:59 GMT
I agree with Boop, leggings are great and especially ones with fleece on the inside, if you can find them in Australia. They can also be worn under pants if really cold. when I went France at the end if December, 10 years ago, I wore a thigh length wool coat, scarf, hat, thin fleece gloves, flannel lined jeans, with silk long underwear. I also wore cashmere turtlenecks, they are very lightweight. It was quite cold, at times, damp and windy. I also wore insulated waterproof running type shoes. Some people wore heavy down coats but you can easily get overheated. i think layers would work the best.
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Post by bet on Aug 25, 2015 1:32:45 GMT
I’m looking forward to hearing about everyone’s Budapest, Prague and Vienna when they get back, especially the Christmas tour! I’m leaving for London and Greece in one month (as of tomorrow), but won’t start packing until two weeks before. Although I have an idea of what the weather will be, I want to take a look at the 14 day forecast before packing. You'll have a great time Tiffany, I'm sure the weather in Greece will be perfect and not too hot, and the island's probably won't be overrun by other tourists either. London will no doubt be chilly and rainy. How long are you staying in London? I hope to go back there one day, I enjoyed it far more than what I had expected.
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Post by bet on Aug 25, 2015 2:21:00 GMT
I'm certain that you will have a fabulous trip tiffany!! Hope you will do a tour tale! You must be getting pretty excited right around now!! Bet, as I've mentioned, I'm all packed for December 14th and I think I'm taking less on this trip than ever before. Because I'm expecting cold, I am actually taking very few tops and pants and expect to rely on the two new fleece I've bought as well as two pairs of fleece leggings which will mix and match well and are very lightweight. Also, I will be taking a North Face shell, in case of rain. If its rainy and cold a fleece and the shell should do nicely, but if its really cold I can easily add a layer under the fleece. I've picked up a pair of Cougar winter boots, fleece lined, a couple pairs of merino wool socks and have a nice pair of Ecco walking shoes, for those not so cold, not so rainy days. I'll be taking several pairs of leggings, other than fleece, great for sleeping on the plane and shopping (!!) and one or two nicer pair of pants and a couple of tops. We only have two organized dinners on this trip, which means far less clothing to take, not leaving me feeling that I have to wear something different for each organized meal, I'll just wear the same thing twice, but also wouldn't have a problem wearing the fleece to dinner! This all leaves lots of room for my shopping!!! Oh, but then there's the underwear.......... !! Your super organised Boop, my problem is I can never pack light regardless of season, I buy/pack things overtime so I end up going overboard and have too much and then have trouble deciding which stuff to take and what to leave behind. I've gone through my suitcase again and have taken out lots I don't need. I've got it down to my north face jacket, 3 pants 2 thermal leggings, 2 fleece, 2 thermal tops and 5 tops dressy & casual, warm socks, Gortex walking shoes and a pair of dressy walking shoes. At least with underwear you can leave the daggy ones behind at the end. I now have more room for that all important shopping.
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Post by tiffany on Aug 25, 2015 11:37:54 GMT
I’m looking forward to hearing about everyone’s Budapest, Prague and Vienna when they get back, especially the Christmas tour! I’m leaving for London and Greece in one month (as of tomorrow), but won’t start packing until two weeks before. Although I have an idea of what the weather will be, I want to take a look at the 14 day forecast before packing. You'll have a great time Tiffany, I'm sure the weather in Greece will be perfect and not too hot, and the island's probably won't be overrun by other tourists either. London will no doubt be chilly and rainy. How long are you staying in London? I hope to go back there one day, I enjoyed it far more than what I had expected. We are only spending two days, one night in London. I expect it to be damp and rainy, and will bring a couple of suitable clothing items. I’m hoping Greece will be warm but not hot and humid! I can’t take the humidity! I really enjoyed London the last time I was there, and I’m looking forward to seeing more if it on this trip. I’m looking forward to this trip, but at the same time, I’m not looking forward to summer ending! I’ve read that they are calling for another cold and snowy winter!
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Post by tiffany on Aug 25, 2015 11:42:59 GMT
Your super organised Boop, my problem is I can never pack light regardless of season, I buy/pack things overtime so I end up going overboard and have too much and then have trouble deciding which stuff to take and what to leave behind. I've gone through my suitcase again and have taken out lots I don't need. I've got it down to my north face jacket, 3 pants 2 thermal leggings, 2 fleece, 2 thermal tops and 5 tops dressy & casual, warm socks, Gortex walking shoes and a pair of dressy walking shoes. At least with underwear you can leave the daggy ones behind at the end. I now have more room for that all important shopping. I too also over pack. I don’t mean too, but I always think, what if I need this, or what if I need that. I’d rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. Of course, my suitcase is never over weight, and I have never had to pay extra because I’ve packed too much.
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Post by Boop on Aug 26, 2015 2:10:18 GMT
Your super organised Boop, my problem is I can never pack light regardless of season, I buy/pack things overtime so I end up going overboard and have too much and then have trouble deciding which stuff to take and what to leave behind. I've gone through my suitcase again and have taken out lots I don't need. I've got it down to my north face jacket, 3 pants 2 thermal leggings, 2 fleece, 2 thermal tops and 5 tops dressy & casual, warm socks, Gortex walking shoes and a pair of dressy walking shoes. At least with underwear you can leave the daggy ones behind at the end. I now have more room for that all important shopping. I too also over pack. I don’t mean too, but I always think, what if I need this, or what if I need that. I’d rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. Of course, my suitcase is never over weight, and I have never had to pay extra because I’ve packed too much. I'm happy I'm allowed 70# per bag. Don't need it for clothes that I take, but certainly the weight allowance comes in handy on the way home after jamming all my shopping in! Don't forget to take throwaway pj's Bet!
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