i thought we could use a dedicated travel thread for all travel related questions and comments ---

 

i can start --

 

for random fun, i just pulled the trigger for a portland visit for next spring.

 

the oregon one, not the maine one.

 

i have visited before, but haven't been in many years, any suggestions? tia!

 

All - 

 

My wife and I are likely taking a trip to Europe in February. Right now we're considering Geneva or Vienna. 

 

I'm partial to Geneva because we can take a train through the Alps to Zermatt for the day. 

 

Have any of you been to either city? I've heard nothing but great things about both Geneva and Vienna, but would love some input from experienced travelers. Thanks! 

I've been to both.

Vienna is larger and has more "stuff" but Geneva has a far better location.  You're near the Alps, an easy drive to Italy, Lyon, etc, more diverse, etc.  If you're strictly sticking with a city, then Vienna is the better choice.  If you're looking for city + fun getaways, then Geneva is.  Chamonix is one of my favorite ski towns in the world and is an easy drive on A40 from Geneva + seeing Mount Blanc is just incredible. 

My two pennies.

 

I can't speak to Geneva but Vienna does have a lot of stuff to do.   The history and architecture there are amazing.  After all, it was the seat of the Habsburg /Austro-Hungarian empire.  You are also 30 minutes from Bratislava, Slovakia which was a nice surprise and Budapest a few hours beyond that.  Because Vienna gets a huge number of tourists,  I found the locals to be a bit unwelcoming.        

Vienna is beautiful. The only real issue that you should be aware of is the smoking. Pretty much every bar allows smoking, and tons of people are smoking in every bar. If you enjoy bars but don't like cigarette smoke, Vienna is not a great option (especially in winter if it's cold). If that isn't a problem, then Vienna is great. Despite its exterior and name, there is a great little bar downtown called "Loo's American Bar". I highly recommend checking it out. It's was built by an architect who was inspired by the American bar scene in 1908. It's very small, so you'll likely be sitting at a booth next to a stranger. And if you do go to Vienna, I liked the "Melange" coffee drink. Similar to a cappuccino. A lot of bars also function a full coffee bars.

 

I've never been to Geneva, but I have been to Zurich and Zermatt. If you like skiing, Zermatt is great. If you don't like it, it might be worth a trip, but it's so far from other places, that you really should stay the night. It'll probably be dark by the time you actually get there from Geneva unless you leave early in the morning. I stayed for 2 nights (was sick the full day I was there) and walked around some. I left Zermatt for Zurich early (7 or 8am) and stopped in Thun and Bern on my way to Zurich. I had a few hours in each city before getting to Zurich. Both are great spots to stop for a few hours. You get a good feel for both cities with about 2 or 3 hours, and I would love to go back to Bern again for a couple nights. If you are going to explore more than just Geneva and Zermatt, I would recommend getting a Swiss Rail Day Pass each day you travel, and make the most of it. It was really easy to just hop on and off of trains, and most destinations have trains going every 30-60 minutes, so you really only need to plan your trip around things like the steep train going up to Zermatt. Most intercity trains are frequent and fast.

 

ETA: Vienna is also a LOT cheaper than Switzerland. But I'm sure you know that.

1 hour ago, YABO713 said:

I'm partial to Geneva because we can take a train through the Alps to Zermatt for the day. 

 

Please do not go to the top of the Alps from Zermatt to ski unless you're Olympic bound in the coming years.  I say this out of experience!!  Albeit, the experience might be far nicer in the winter time as opposed to the late summer when I visited. 

 

As for your two potential locations, I've been to neither, so can't really give a suggestion.

1 hour ago, richNcincy said:

 

Please do not go to the top of the Alps from Zermatt to ski unless you're Olympic bound in the coming years.  I say this out of experience!!  Albeit, the experience might be far nicer in the winter time as opposed to the late summer when I visited. 

 

As for your two potential locations, I've been to neither, so can't really give a suggestion.

 

Noted - we weren't planning on skiing, just staring at the mountains lol

If you want Alps advice, shoot me a PM and I can give you tips.

 

But I still say Vienna is the better city, Geneva is the better location.

15 hours ago, YABO713 said:

 

Noted - we weren't planning on skiing, just staring at the mountains lol

 

at verbier you can try snowboarding or just go up and down the lifts -- plus it's a fun place.

speaking of february -- does anybody have any strong houston recs -- like things to do and places to eat or hangout -- besides the mall?

 

we are thinking of going to get away for a bit and hit up the museums and galveston.

 

 

 

Edited October 26, 20213 yr by mrnyc

a brit made random list of best bookstores -- so no zubal's or book loft (and no los angeles last bookstore, waaat???), but still good to think about and have for traveling:

 

 

 

The most brilliant bookshops in the world

FT writers nominate awe-inspiring places to get your literary fix, from Mumbai to Buenos Aires

 

https://www.ft.com/content/42bb3a0f-ba18-4dc7-ae8a-570fd989cbfc?utm_source=pocket-newtab

17 minutes ago, mrnyc said:

so no zubal's or book loft

Zubal's isn't exactly a book store. But who knows, they may have the galleys for the Da Vinci Code lol.

Just now, Ineffable_Matt said:

Zubal's isn't exactly a book store. But who knows, they may have the galleys for the Da Vinci Code lol.

 

right, they aren't really open to the public anymore, but they deserve an honorable mention!

On 10/25/2021 at 2:56 PM, YABO713 said:

All - 

 

My wife and I are likely taking a trip to Europe in February. Right now we're considering Geneva or Vienna. 

 

I'm partial to Geneva because we can take a train through the Alps to Zermatt for the day. 

 

Have any of you been to either city? I've heard nothing but great things about both Geneva and Vienna, but would love some input from experienced travelers. Thanks! 

Fortunate to have visited both. For me, it’s definitely Vienna, mostly because I really like Classical music and it is the epicenter of that world. I saw the Vienna Philharmonic perform Dvorak’s 9th Symphony, which is a piece I think you and I have previously discussed here, and a bunch of other concerts when I visited. Vienna also has reasonable access to the Austrian Alps and I enjoyed Salzburg. Vienna has outstanding museums. The Armor Court at the main museum is the only one I’ve been to better than Cleveland’s. 
 

Geneva has the prettier setting and the reasons you’re favoring it are solid and accurate. 

 

24 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Fortunate to have visited both. For me, it’s definitely Vienna, mostly because I really like Classical music and it is the epicenter of that world. I saw the Vienna Philharmonic perform Dvorak’s 9th Symphony, which is a piece I think you and I have previously discussed here, and a bunch of other concerts when I visited. Vienna also has reasonable access to the Austrian Alps and I enjoyed Salzburg. Vienna has outstanding museums. The Armor Court at the main museum is the only one I’ve been to better than Cleveland’s. 
 

Geneva has the prettier setting and the reasons you’re favoring it are solid and accurate. 

 

 

Dvorak's 9th is my all time favorite

clever and funny iceland tourist video mocks zuck:

 

 

 

the latest top ranked bars of the world list:

 

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/world-best-bars-2021/index.html

 

 

The world's best bars for 2021

 

1. Connaught Bar (London)

2. Tayēr + Elementary (London)

3. Paradiso (Barcelona)

4. The Clumsies (Athens)

5. Florería Atlántico (Buenos Aires) *Best Bar in South America*

6. Licorería Limantour (Mexico City) *Best Bar in North America*

7. Coa (Hong Kong) *Best Bar in Asia*

8. El Copitas (St. Petersburg)

9. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)

10. Katana Kitten (New York City)

11. Two Schmucks (Barcelona)

12. Hanky Panky (Mexico City) *Highest New Entry*

13. Insider Bar (Moscow)

14. Baba au Rum (Athens)

15. Manhattan (Singapore)

16. Atlas (Singapore)

17. Zuma (Dubai) *Best Bar in Middle East and Africa*

18. The SG Club (Tokyo)

19. Drink Kong (Rome)

20. 1930 (Milan)

21. Presidente (Buenos Aires)

22. Maybe Sammy (Sydney)

23. Cantina OK! (Sydney)

24. Salmon Guru (Madrid)

25. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City)

26. No Sleep Club (Singapore)

27. Camparino in Galleria (Milan)

28. Cafe La Trova (Miami)

29. Little Red Door (Paris)

30. Dante (New York City)

 

For the full list, visit the 50 World's Best site.

7 hours ago, mrnyc said:

Licorería Limantour (Mexico City)

 

Good choice.  Loved it.

one of my spouse's employees from boston is coming to to ne ohio with a boston ladies church group this summer to hang out and visit the pro football hof and the rnr hof.

 

its nothing heavy, just one of those rich lady i think non-denominational social groups i think.

 

anyway, i was a bit surprized, but it turns out they are big football fans and i am being asked for recommendations. so far i just threw out benders and any swensons on the fly and then for up in cleveland i said little italy as i would be interested in what they think of it and also to stay at hyatt arcade.

I leave for Ireland Thursday night with my dad (just in time for Covid testing restrictions to be rolled back 😊) - and my flights are Lufthansa - operated by Air Canada.

 

Thus far Lufthansa has been awful - I couldn’t get a boarding code, and it took 6 hours aggregate of being on hold before getting through to someone.

 

Im downloading my (boomer) dad’s boarding pass for him and will be with him. Is there anything I may be forgetting or should know in advance?

 

Ive been to Europe before, but my wife is the brains of our travel operation - and I want to make sure I have everything at the ready for both my dad and I.

 

Ive got:

- Scans of both passports

- Outlet converters

- $1,000 cash ($500 per person) to be converted in Dublin

- Both boarding numbers (loaded my dad’s info on his Lufthansa app)

Thanks everyone - in addition to having to pack enough clothes for all 4 seasons, it’s been tough making sure I’ve got everything we both need

2 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

I leave for Ireland Thursday night with my dad (just in time for Covid testing restrictions to be rolled back 😊) - and my flights are Lufthansa - operated by Air Canada.

 

Thus far Lufthansa has been awful - I couldn’t get a boarding code, and it took 6 hours aggregate of being on hold before getting through to someone.

 

Im downloading my (boomer) dad’s boarding pass for him and will be with him. Is there anything I may be forgetting or should know in advance?

 

Ive been to Europe before, but my wife is the brains of our travel operation - and I want to make sure I have everything at the ready for both my dad and I.

 

Ive got:

- Scans of both passports

- Outlet converters

- $1,000 cash ($500 per person) to be converted in Dublin

- Both boarding numbers (loaded my dad’s info on his Lufthansa app)

Thanks everyone - in addition to having to pack enough clothes for all 4 seasons, it’s been tough making sure I’ve got everything we both need

I usually get my foreign currency from the ATM when I arrive - it usually gives a better rate than the cash exchange places. (Still take cash for emergencies.) These days when you use your credit card, vendors will ask if you want them to charge in USDollars or local currency - always do local currency for the better exchange rate. Make sure whatever credit card you are using has no foreign transaction fees. (Typically “travel” branded cards do not, and others often do.) Ireland probably requires proof of vax or negative test, so check their arrival requirements. (For Spain two months ago I had to use an App to record that related documentation, it was easy.) Your outlet converters will work fine for electronics like phone charges / laptops (because they can take either 110V here or 220V in Europe), but any other electrical devices you’ll need to check voltage range (eg iron , hair dryer, etc). Maybe some melatonin or something stronger to help you sleep on the plane.

 

Safe travels!

9 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

I leave for Ireland Thursday night with my dad (just in time for Covid testing restrictions to be rolled back 😊) - and my flights are Lufthansa - operated by Air Canada.

 

Thus far Lufthansa has been awful - I couldn’t get a boarding code, and it took 6 hours aggregate of being on hold before getting through to someone.

 

Im downloading my (boomer) dad’s boarding pass for him and will be with him. Is there anything I may be forgetting or should know in advance?

 

Ive been to Europe before, but my wife is the brains of our travel operation - and I want to make sure I have everything at the ready for both my dad and I.

 

Ive got:

- Scans of both passports

- Outlet converters

- $1,000 cash ($500 per person) to be converted in Dublin

- Both boarding numbers (loaded my dad’s info on his Lufthansa app)

Thanks everyone - in addition to having to pack enough clothes for all 4 seasons, it’s been tough making sure I’ve got everything we both need

Maybe obvious but make sure you have your vax cards. And I’m not sure if it’s an EU thing but in Italy I specifically needed an N95 when indoors. I would also check your data plan. My carrier said I would get “up to” 3G service free but it was completely unusable. I bought an international data plan and it was indispensable.

1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

I usually get my foreign currency from the ATM when I arrive - it usually gives a better rate than the cash exchange places. (Still take cash for emergencies.) These days when you use your credit card, vendors will ask if you want them to charge in USDollars or local currency - always do local currency for the better exchange rate.

 

I always withdrawal from local ATM's too.  Make sure to use your banks conversion rate, NOT the local ATM conversion rate.  They will take 10-15% more if you select it. I've had ATM's make me select refuse several times before they finally give in.  

 

Another thing I've started doing is using E-sim for cell phone data.  They are dirt cheap and you can load one on your phone using an app before you leave the US.  I use GigSky and Airalo.  They're both extremely cheap and allow you to use your phone as if you were in the states as long as you have wi-fi calling as an option.

 

Lastly, download the CBP MPC app for returning to the US.  You only need one person to register everyone in your party and it's extremely simple.  This could speed up the processing times.

 

Have fun!

2 hours ago, bumsquare said:

Maybe obvious but make sure you have your vax cards. And I’m not sure if it’s an EU thing but in Italy I specifically needed an N95 when indoors. I would also check your data plan. My carrier said I would get “up to” 3G service free but it was completely unusable. I bought an international data plan and it was indispensable.

When traveling to Europe it's always best to have your carrier unlock the phone and then purchase a sim card at your destination. 

2 hours ago, YABO713 said:

I leave for Ireland Thursday night with my dad (just in time for Covid testing restrictions to be rolled back 😊) - and my flights are Lufthansa - operated by Air Canada.

 

Thus far Lufthansa has been awful - I couldn’t get a boarding code, and it took 6 hours aggregate of being on hold before getting through to someone.

 

Did you try to check-in and get your boarding pass via Air Canada? Since it's AC that's actually flying you, whatever boarding pass/documentation you have from LH might be useless. Check the first 3 digits of your ticket stock, if it's issued by Air Canada "014" then boarding passes will need to be issued by AC.

I'll echo the comments about using a local ATM to withdraw cash. You get a better deal than a conversion at a currency exchange or bank (ETA: having some cash when you get there is still not a bad idea in case you run into issues and need to pay for something, but I plan on most of my money coming from a local ATM).

 

If you use a credit card somewhere, and are ever asked if you would like to convert the money into your local currency, always say no.

 

Know the rules about tipping wherever you go so you don't offend/underpay the staff. It's commonly said that they don't tip in Europe, but that isn't true. It's often 10% or something. Look it up online so you don't embarrass yourself.

 

Tell your banks you are going to be traveling so they don't block your card when you try to use it. 

2 hours ago, bumsquare said:

Maybe obvious but make sure you have your vax cards. And I’m not sure if it’s an EU thing but in Italy I specifically needed an N95 when indoors. I would also check your data plan. My carrier said I would get “up to” 3G service free but it was completely unusable. I bought an international data plan and it was indispensable.

 

Ireland currently has all testing and vax requirements lifted, actually!

@YABO713 Not logistics-related, but i would say that there is no such thing as Irish Cuisine. If you or your dad are at all picky eaters, I would suggest going to Italian restaurants, as noodles and sauce is incredibly hard to F*&^ up, even for the Irish. 

 

A few anecdotes from our honeymoon:

1: my wife ordered beef vegetable soup - came with 1 piece of meat, a crap ton of veggies, and made in chicken broth.

2: my wife ordered a pepperoni pizza - the pepperoni were cut up hot dogs.

3: they had for condiments Hellman's ketchup (didn't even know that was a thing) and Heinz Mayo.

 

I love Ireland, but its a culinary Bizzaro world.

Edited June 14, 20223 yr by Ineffable_Matt

Just got back from a similar location. If you want to lessen your load you can probably skip packing your summer ensemble. It's cool there, especially coming from Cleveland (that feels weird writing) I think it felt like late April in Cleveland. So pants and sweater were pretty much what I ended up wearing the whole time. The days are a little longer but the sun felt much weaker.  Have fun. Eat the black pudding :)

1 minute ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

@YABO713 Not logistics-related, but i would say that there is no such thing as Irish Cuisine. If you or your dad are at all picky eaters, I would suggest going to Italian restaurants, as noodles and sauce is incredibly hard to F*&^ up, even for the Irish. 

 

A few anecdotes from our honeymoon:

1: my wife ordered beef vegetable soup - came with 1 piece of meat, a crap ton of veggies, and made in chicken broth.

2: my wife ordered a pepperoni pizza - the pepperoni were cut up hot dogs.

3: they had for condiments Hellman's ketchup (didn't even know that was a thing) and Heinz Mayo.

 

I love Ireland, but its a culinary Bizzaro world.

 

My family is 100% Irish, so I grew up eating heavy beefs / potato combinations. It doesn't bother me much haha. 

 

But that's actually good to know. My dad had to have part of his tongue replaced due to cancer last year, so softer foods - while not necessary - are usually easier for him

if you are going straight west out of dublin be sure to stop in sean's bar -- its the oldest bar in the world -- since 900AD, can you imagine? it's about halfway to galway along your way. i never made it there, but its on the list for another time.

Just now, mrnyc said:

if you are going straight west out of dublin be sure to stop in sean's bar -- its the oldest bar in the world -- since 900AD, can you imagine? it's about halfway to galway along your way. i never made it there, but its on the list for another time.

 

Haha it's in Athlone, and coincidentally, we're stopping there on Saturday. I'll be sure to take a pic for you. 

 

As an aside, Athlone is a pretty important location for Irish Republicanism. 

9 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

 

My family is 100% Irish, so I grew up eating heavy beefs / potato combinations. It doesn't bother me much haha. 

 

But that's actually good to know. My dad had to have part of his tongue replaced due to cancer last year, so softer foods - while not necessary - are usually easier for him

100% Irish/Scottish here. Irish cooked food is why I eat beef rare. It’s probably not in your realm of eating but the Indian restaurants are fantastic. Hopefully, you’re going to Kinsale, the food capital of Ireland. It’s a beautiful city in the south. 

3 minutes ago, stpats44113 said:

100% Irish/Scottish here. Irish cooked food is why I eat beef rare. It’s probably not in your realm of eating but the Indian restaurants are fantastic. Hopefully, you’re going to Kinsale, the food capital of Ireland. It’s a beautiful city in the south. 

 

We'll be there quick, and primarily to see family. 

 

We'll be in Dublin Friday

Driving to Westport Saturday (Stops in Tullamore, Athlone, and Knock)

Day trip to Galway Sunday

Climbing Croagh Patrick Monday

Golfing Tuesday and e-bikes on Wild Atlantic Way

Home by Wednesday night

1 hour ago, mrnyc said:

if you are going straight west out of dublin be sure to stop in sean's bar -- its the oldest bar in the world -- since 900AD, can you imagine? it's about halfway to galway along your way. i never made it there, but its on the list for another time.

 

We ate at a couple of restaurants in England that dated to 1100 AD -- one near Torquay and another in Dartmouth. I recall eating at a very old pub in Ireland but I can't remember the name or location. When I travel, I tend to spend maybe a few hours or at most an overnight in a given town (more for larger cities).

 

So I spent a night in Kinsale in 2014. Same trip that we drove the Ring of Kerry. Highly recommend it, but have balls of steel if you're driving. Passing a huge tour bus on a 1.5-lane road next to a cliff isn't for the faint of heart. And, BTW, Dingle is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. It's like being in a painting, especially waking up and looking out the window of your B&B at the low, misty hills of Ballymeenbocht across the harbor.

 

We left proof of our existence (as others have) on a dollar bill pasted above a door frame in a pub in Dingle.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

We ate at a couple of restaurants in England that dated to 1100 AD -- one near Torquay and another in Dartmouth. I recall eating at a very old pub in Ireland but I can't remember the name or location. When I travel, I tend to spend maybe a few hours or at most an overnight in a given town (more for larger cities).

 

So I spent a night in Kinsale in 2014. Same trip that we drove the Ring of Kerry. Highly recommend it, but have balls of steel if you're driving. Passing a huge tour bus on a 1.5-lane road next to a cliff isn't for the faint of heart. And, BTW, Dingle is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. It's like being in a painting, especially waking up and looking out the window of your B&B at the low, misty hills of Ballymeenbocht across the harbor.

 

We left proof of our existence (as others have) on a dollar bill pasted above a door frame in a pub in Dingle.

 

 

 

Ken, my wife thought it was a good idea for us to drive the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula in one shot, then drive the Cork. Needless to say, i was tapped out after that. And balls of steel is putting it lightly. 

3 hours ago, freefourur said:

When traveling to Europe it's always best to have your carrier unlock the phone and then purchase a sim card at your destination. 

 

Too late for Yabo, but I specifically have an unlocked Google phone that I can switch over to their Fi service (for a month) to avoid this.  Works really well, but I ended up finding keeping the service continually in the state wasn't worth it for me.

On 10/25/2021 at 2:56 PM, YABO713 said:

All - 

 

My wife and I are likely taking a trip to Europe in February. Right now we're considering Geneva or Vienna. 

 

I'm partial to Geneva because we can take a train through the Alps to Zermatt for the day. 

 

Have any of you been to either city? I've heard nothing but great things about both Geneva and Vienna, but would love some input from experienced travelers. Thanks! 

 

Where did you end up going?

 

We need some Switzerland ideas.  We like 2-3 days in a city and are doing a Greece to Italy to Switzerland trip soon-ish (all on points, so it cost us ~$250 for the flights, plus an intra-Europe flight was free through United).  Our last two days will be in Zurich since that's where our flight home is out of, but we have time for 2 or possibly 3 stops in Switzerland.

 

Seems very hard to narrow it down.  Geneva is on the list of possibilities as is Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, Montreux, etc.  First time there.

11 minutes ago, DarkandStormy said:

 

Where did you end up going?

 

We need some Switzerland ideas.  We like 2-3 days in a city and are doing a Greece to Italy to Switzerland trip soon-ish (all on points, so it cost us ~$250 for the flights, plus an intra-Europe flight was free through United).  Our last two days will be in Zurich since that's where our flight home is out of, but we have time for 2 or possibly 3 stops in Switzerland.

 

Seems very hard to narrow it down.  Geneva is on the list of possibilities as is Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, Montreux, etc.  First time there.

 

Unfortunately, we lost our first pregnancy and didn't end up going. 

 

However, my friend still went and met his sister over there. They did Geneva --> Chamonix -->Zermatt --> Milan over the span of 8 days. 

 

I was shocked at how affordable it was. They booked all BNBs (save Milan) in the town centers. 

20 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Ken, my wife thought it was a good idea for us to drive the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula in one shot, then drive the Cork. Needless to say, i was tapped out after that. And balls of steel is putting it lightly. 

 

My sister was driving when I took this photo along Slea Head Drive west of Dingle. I often navigate when she drives. She was regretting that arrangement on this day. But I saw in our Dingle B&B what the road ahead was like, so I kindly offered to navigate for her. Nice guy, eh? 

2 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

My sister was driving when I took this photo along Slea Head Drive west of Dingle. I often navigate when she drives. She was regretting that arrangement on this day. But I saw in our Dingle B&B what the road ahead was like, so I kindly offered to navigate for her. Nice guy, eh? 

 

From my experience, a stone wall on a cliff is a luxury in Europe. In Tuscany, it was just a sheer drop lol 

1 hour ago, DarkandStormy said:

 

We need some Switzerland ideas. 

 

Seems very hard to narrow it down.  Geneva is on the list of possibilities as is Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, Montreux, etc.  First time there.

I lived in Switzerland for 2 years before moving back to Cincinnati.

Geneva is a very nice but also a very expensive city. I do think if you want to spend the time you have in the country in a city, its a good one to visit.

Make sure to check out the city museum called Maison Tavel.  I recommend going directly to the top floor to see the model of the city with its original ramparts and walls. You can stare at things for a solid hour. its really neat. Work your way down to learn more about the city.

Do not under any circumstances bother to go to CERN. I've taken the tours twice and they use scientists who are not trained to be tour guides. Its the most boring and dull experience. Its a shame because they are doing incredible things there, but they squander it.

Also, take a water taxi, they are a cheap way to see the city in a whole new perspective. These boats run a schedule and if you get the daily public transportation pass they are included. 

If you want to experience the worlds most tame "red light district"  take a stroll thru Paquis. Its honestly family friendly during the day and early evening hours. Never been at night time.

If its hot, jump in the Rhone. its a better swim spot than the Lac. Go to Jonction for that.

For the best view take the trip up to Saleve. It gets kinda crowded for sunset. 

 

 

1 hour ago, DarkandStormy said:

 

Where did you end up going?

 

We need some Switzerland ideas.  We like 2-3 days in a city and are doing a Greece to Italy to Switzerland trip soon-ish (all on points, so it cost us ~$250 for the flights, plus an intra-Europe flight was free through United).  Our last two days will be in Zurich since that's where our flight home is out of, but we have time for 2 or possibly 3 stops in Switzerland.

 

Seems very hard to narrow it down.  Geneva is on the list of possibilities as is Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, Montreux, etc.  First time there.

 

I did a photo thread of multiple cities in Switzerland a little over 3 years ago. I went to Zermatt, Thun, Bern, and Zurich. You can find a link to all four cities here: https://forum.urbanohio.com/topic/16488-zermatt-switzerland-2019/

 

Zermatt is great for skiing in winter, obviously, and I've heard that the area is good for hiking in the summer. I was sick in Zermatt, so I didn't ski and didn't do a lot there. It's definitely a ski town, so don't expect anything super exciting happening in the town.

 

Thun in a really charming little town between Interlaken and Bern. You can see most of it in an afternoon, but if it's on your way between cities, it's a great place to stop.

 

Bern is gorgeous. I highly recommend it. I could spend a couple days there exploring it more. It's not a huge city, but could definitely be a multi-day stop. The vistas across the bridges are great.

 

Zurich is great, too. Most of the time I spend abroad is just walking around cities, taking photos, and maybe tours of historic places like churches (the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches are great self guided tours that tell a good story of the Reformation and growth of the city). I went to a bar in Zurich called Nordbrücke, which I would recommend checking out if you like live music.

 

Also, I used a Swiss rail pass one day to travel from Zermatt to Zurich and stop in the other two cities. It's a great option where you don't have to book tickets in advance with specific times. Just show up at the station and take the train going where you need to go. Only a few restriction apply to which trains you can board.

Agreed on all of that.  I stayed in Switzerland for 2 weeks and really enjoyed Bern, Lucerne, Lugano, Zurich, Lausanne, Interlaken, and Geneva but with all that said, the countryside is what makes it "pop."  Lauterbrunnen alone is incredible and I found Schaffhausen to be delightful (including Rhine Falls).

10 hours ago, YABO713 said:

 

We'll be there quick, and primarily to see family. 

 

We'll be in Dublin Friday

Driving to Westport Saturday (Stops in Tullamore, Athlone, and Knock)

Day trip to Galway Sunday

Climbing Croagh Patrick Monday

Golfing Tuesday and e-bikes on Wild Atlantic Way

Home by Wednesday night

Sounds like a great trip @Yabo. I got married in Scotland and spent my honeymoon in Ireland and then went back again to Ireland a few years later. I love that country.

^I mean, it is your screenname...

I am traveling with my family to NYC. Does anyone here know how safe Harlem is near West 121 and Adam Clayton Powell? From my limited research, this seems relatively safe. But I'd appreciate any input from any New Yorkers here. 

121st and Adam Clayton Powell is safe.  Even before gentrification, that area was always "safe."  It's quiet compared to 125th so good choice. 

1 hour ago, freefourur said:

I am traveling with my family to NYC. Does anyone here know how safe Harlem is near West 121 and Adam Clayton Powell? From my limited research, this seems relatively safe. But I'd appreciate any input from any New Yorkers here. 

Oddly enough I was at that intersection this past weekend (I've only ever been to NYC three times).  One of my favorite things to do in cities I visit is go on a long run and explore.  I ran through central park, through Morningside park and then over to the Apollo and down. It's not dangerous at all, but you might see the same kind of buffoonery that you'll occasionally come across in any urban setting.

On 6/23/2022 at 9:09 AM, freefourur said:

I am traveling with my family to NYC. Does anyone here know how safe Harlem is near West 121 and Adam Clayton Powell? From my limited research, this seems relatively safe. But I'd appreciate any input from any New Yorkers here. 

I don't know what your accommodations will be, but recently I spoke to someone who was raving about the Lidl store (first in Manhattan) that opened in February a short walk from your location. I didn't even know it was there. Hope they open one downtown!

 

https://www.thecuriousuptowner.com/post/a-peek-inside-the-lidl-that-just-opened-in-harlem