Would love to say "Hi" to anyone traveling on this tour - especially if from Los Angeles.

Audrey W.
Los Angeles

Hi Audrey: I will be on the same tour, and I am coming from San Francisco. My hope is to go to the Prado Museum on the day I arrive as it is not included on the itinerary or any of the extra excursions. Please let me know if you have an interest in joining me after we check into the hotel on the first (arrival) day.
CherylK

Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for sending me your message. Yes, I would love to join you to see the Prado Museum after check-in. I arrive about 9:00 am and hope to get the 9:30 am transfer to the hotel.

Perhaps we can leave messages for eachother at the reception desk. Hopefully we can meet up in the lobby? Have another suggestion?

Audrey G.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Spanish Traveler,

I'm really surprised that "Prado" is NOT included; I've always considered it the highlight of Madrid. I think it's a smart move to make the effort to see it on your own. What were they thinking?

Bob

Hi Bob,
Are you also going on this particular tour?

Audrey

I'm surprised about the Prado. To me, it's a not to be missed sight. I did this trip four years ago, and it was a very popular optional with our group. We had a great time on the Spanish Wonder, and I know you will too!

quote:

Originally posted by Spanish Traveler:
Hi Bob,
Are you also going on this particular tour?

Audrey

No, Audrey, I'm not, tho I travel to Spain quite often, independently. I usually "hang" in Catalonia, which is eastern Spain -think Mediterranean- I expect to be there next spring.


I'm more of a "Barcelona guy" than Madrid. I'm sure you will have a great tour. ENJOY!!!

Regards,

Bob

Thank you, Bob. I'm sure it all will be great, but I'm really looking forward to Barcelona. My friends who've been, talk about how they love Barcelona.

Thanks again,
Audrey

Audrey,

Recently, there was an in depth discussion about Barcelona. If you are interested, I think it starts about here

Bob,
Thank you for the link. It helped alot. Regarding safety, I'm still a little confused as to where to put my money, whether to carry a purse -- big or little, leave my passport, airplane tickets, and extra money in hotel safe, etc. When traveling, I usually wear a money belt around my waist. Where should I put my camera? My cell phone? My personal items? I'm not a totally naive traveler. I've seen scams all over the world. But, any advice?

Thanks,
Audrey

quote:

Originally posted by Spanish Traveler:
Bob,
Thank you for the link. It helped alot. Regarding safety, I'm still a little confused as to where to put my money, whether to carry a purse -- big or little, leave my passport, airplane tickets, and extra money in hotel safe, etc. When traveling, I usually wear a money belt around my waist. Where should I put my camera? My cell phone? My personal items? I'm not a totally naive traveler. I've seen scams all over the world. But, any advice?

Thanks,
Audrey

Audrey,

I could only tell you what works for me.

Instead of a money belt, I use a neck pouch that (obviously) hangs from the neck) and tucks under my shirt. I find it works well for cash, tickets and passport, if you choose to carry it; I don't. I think that might be uncomfortable for a female; I think a purse might be too easily lost. For the Cameras , phone, books and other small items you may purchase along the way, you might consider some sort of shoulder bag that can rest on the front of your body- a bit more secure I think

I don't know where you are from, but have you made the necessary inquiries to determine if your phone will work in Europe or do you need to make any modifications. I never take a phone so I can't be of much help there .

I've never used the hotel safe, especially on a tour: it seems to me that we are never in one place long enough to make it worthwhile.


Bob

Bob,
Thank you for your suggestions. I'm going to use some of them such as a different purse than what I was going to take. Yes, my phone, I'm told, will work in Europe.
Thanks, again.

Best,
Audrey

Dear Segolene,
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Spanish Wonder Tour. Thanks for telling me!

Audrey

Hi Audrey:

Yes, I will look for your message at the front desk or on our tour message board. Perhaps if you see our tour director first, you can get her/his advice on travel from the hotel (I wouldn't mind walking if it's not miles away.) I am sure the concierge could also advise us.
I have the Rick Steves' Spain book, so have a good idea on tickets, etc.
Now, all I we can do is hope our planes are on time.
Sorry for the delay in reply. I look forward to meeting you and enjoying our tour of Spain together :-) Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,
I agree with you about walking. I look forward to meeting you and enjoying our trip together, too. When are you scheduled to arrive in Madrid? If for some reason either one of us is really, really delayed (whatever that means), then as much as we each want to meet and go to the Prado together, I think the one who arrives first should just leave a message for the other and go on to the Prado. Is that okay with you? Any other suggestions? I just wouldn't want to hold you up. Hopefully that won't happen. I'm going to try and sleep a little on the plane so that I have energy after arrival. My body may think it's still in LA.

Audrey