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What do I have to know about visiting Italy, Paris & Athens alone this December?

  • Ok so this December (2nd-14th) I'm going to Italy (Milan, Como, Venice, Rome), France (Paris), and Greece (Athens). I'm going ALONE, and it's going to be my first time as such. My itinerary is as follows: Day 1: Athens Day 2: Athens/Milan Day 3: Como Day 4: Milan Day 5: Milan/Paris Day 6: Paris Day 7: Paris Day 8: Paris/Venice Day 9: Venice/Rome Day 10: Rome Day 11: Rome Day 12: Athens Day 13: back home in Beirut. There are a few things I want to know: 1- Knowing that all plane tickets, train tickets, full day trip to lake Como, Vatican tour, all hotels (including breakfast) and all airport transfers have already been payed for, do you think about 1200$ is enough money to take with me? 2- What do you think about the itinerary? 3- The visa I have is a single entry, schengen visa to Greece. Should I expect any problems? And what documents should I have with me since I'm going to be flying a lot? (Other than passport, visa, photo ID...) I mean, anything in particular for the visa not to be annulled? 4- I'm not really sure about the power outlet thing, for recharging stuff. The type we use here in Beirut is this: http://raoulpop.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/round-european-prongs-11.jpg?w=640&h=400 Is it the same in Greece, France & Italy? 5- Any tips on traveling alone in all the above destinations? Money saving tips? What to do alone? Where and HOW to meet people? Special recommendations? Places the locals go to, things tourists wouldn't know about...?Etc... 6- Do you think I should take my laptop with me? (For recharging, and photo storing uses) 7- About the bag, I have a regular, medium sized samsonite (the type with wheels). Do you think its a good idea, or should I actually take a back pack? Because I don't have one. And I really don't want to carry anything other than a small bag while walking around 8- Packing tips & ideas? What to take and what not to take. And about toiletries, I'm unfamiliar with the policies of European airports. (I mean for bottles containing liquids etc...) What kind of clothes? For the weather I mean? 9- I might have a few extra days in Greece after my trip, any islands besides Athens that you would recommend I visit? Something not too far from Athens and not too expensive to get to... I know this is a long one, Thanks!

  • Answer:

    Lucky you! I would recommend you pack lightly. Carry very limited liquids in your carry on, anything that fits in a ziplock bag and each bottle is less than 100 ml(3 oz) If you have a small laptop bring it along if there is WIFI in the hotels you're staying (ask ahead) Carry the laptop in an easy in and out bag for the airport inspection In Greece they have 220 V electricity, seems you use the same. Apple laptops are made to use worldwide, so no issues with apples Carry a carry on with wheels and put your laptop attached or inside while traveling, no back packs I found it cumbersome to carry my laptop, so would advice against Hope you get more info from other users reg weather etc but if in doubt check on line Make sure you visit the catacombs in Rome, hire a tour guide for the Colosseum Also, buy ticks for the double decker while in Rome, make reservations for the Sistine chapel tour in the Vatican. Have plenty of memory in your camera and an extra set of batteries along with the instructions (in case u run into issues) If you decide to stay extra days in Greece arrange to stay near Acropolis in the middle of the action. I stayed in a very nice hotel called "Athens Gate" with direct views of the Acropolis http://www.athensgate.gr/index-eng.htm For islands I visited Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini wins hands down, is worth the extra trip http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g189433-Santorini_Cyclades-Hotels.html As for money, I would take extra money with me, maybe double that amount, food not included Carry a credit card with you and arrange/prepay the tours from home.(Call the credit card company to notify them of your trip so they won't freeze your card) I found it awkward to have dinner alone but otherwise it was fun. Enjoy your trip!

Tarek at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Vergina has great advice! Aside from that: Cash: Make sure you have $100 per day in spending money. Looks like you're ok there. Not sure about visas but you can find info on line. To meet people, talk to everyone! Go to cafes and bars and talk to anyone wearing sneakers or hiking boots. Chances are they're traveling too and yearning to talk about where they are, just like you. Your bag is fine. Better than a backpack. Your back will thank you. Pack less than you think you'll need. You need two pairs of jeans, one nice pair of pants, a few tops and one nice shirt along with underwear. One pair of shoes and one pair of sneakers or hiking shoes. One waterproof jacket. If you bring too little, do laundry one day. End of trip advice, well, it's easy to get to Mykonos or Santorini which are fantastic. But Athens, as decrepit at it looks, is really, really cool. Your itinerary is very on the move and aggressive. You'll be tired by the end of it. Take a day trip or overnight trip to Delphi, which is amazing. I'd save islands for another trip. My best advice as an experienced independent traveler overall is to watch your stuff, try not to bring anything you don't mind losing/having stolen (like your laptop-besides you can use internet cafes or your mobile phone for contact-and it's better to be unplugged anyway). Keep your eye on everyone as if they're trying to pick your pockets. They mostly aren't, but be careful, they can be tricky. And don't get drunk because you'll be an easy victim. Have a great trip, I'm envious of your itinerary!

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