You Don't Know What You Don"t Know

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

You don’t know what I don’t know, and I don’t know what you don’t know, so I guess until we know something new, it is uncommon knowledge.

With that thought in mind, I want to offer up some of the eureka moments experienced that relate to International travel, which is in fact a recurring topic of conversation in my household. Of course, for the year of the pandemic, travel of any sort has been but wistful thinking, but with worldwide immunizations hopefully in the offing, travel options will be opening up in future months.

Eureka Event 1

It was our first trip to Europe. We booked a travel package that included plane, bus, lodging, and most meals, which included a whirlwind tour of Europe with Trafalgar Tours. It was a “ If it is Wednesday, we must be in Belgium” tour. We saw bits of England, France, Monaco, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and, yes, Belgium. We loved it, but the major thing we learned was that although we only spoke English, so could most major destinations in Europe, and it would be reasonable to rent a car and plan our own itineraries for future trips.

Eureka Event 2

Our first trip included paying high commissions to get foreign currencies prior to departure. That was the only time we did that. We discovered that cash machines, ATM’s to us, proliferate airports, city centers, and retail outlets, and that they accept our debit cards and allow you to withdraw local currency at fair and reasonable rates. No need for travel checks or high commission currency purchasing. Also, U.S. credit cards are accepted, though you need to make sure the card you use does not impose foreign transaction fees.

Eureka Event 3

Our initial trips usually included a combination of B and B’s and small hotels. Then a friend’s cousin in Ireland, who we had contacted for lodging recommendations, suggested we consider self catering establishments, where we would not be on an eating, sleeping, or entry schedule to fit the needs of the hosts. To that end she sent us a catalogue of self catering establishments in Ireland. We found that we loved the freedom of self catering and the local shopping for food and drink. The need to book for a week’s lodging, typically Friday to Friday or Saturday to Saturday, also fit our desire to stay at locations long enough to get a feel for the area. We spent two months in Ireland, and all subsequent trips have included self catering.

Eureka Event 4

Lodging is an extremely important part of the enjoyment of travel. B and B’s, hotels, apartments, are all fine. But hey, how about a castle? In response to that query from the back seat emanating from my daughter as we motored through Germany came the answer. “I found one near here in the Michelin Guide." And she had, and we did, and thereafter every trip included a castle stop, more often than not coincident with my wife’s birthday. We learned the rationalization that if you can afford the trip, you can afford a castle stop.

Eureka Event 5

Long plane trips can be uncomfortable. We found that for a bit more cost there is a seat upgrade that provides more leg room and wider seats, and greatly improved comfort. It is worthwhile to compare seating accommodations across airlines because though often emulated, seating is not standardized.

Eureka Event 6

Off season travel is far less expensive than peak season travel, and if you travel on the outer edges of the cusps of the season, you will find cheaper flights, less expensive lodging, and far less crowded destinations. Of course a few tourist sites might be closed off season. Buckingham Palace is not open to visitors year round.

Eureka Event 7

It took only a few days and a passenger reminding me to “Stay Left”, especially when starting out in the mornings, to learn to be comfortable driving in England.

Advice

Bon Voyage!