My ‘alternative’ European travel-blog guide is somewhat unique as it primarily features Chateaux, Castles, Manor Houses, Villas and some highly recommended luxury hotel accommodations, that we have personally experienced. Those featured aren’t limited to a specific hotel chain or corporation. Fine hotels are found easily these days on the Internet, but those suggested here are several notches above your ‘typical’ hotel room. We merely brush the surface into the ocean of accommodations that don’t get advertising in the US, or suggested by travel agencies.
The reality of it all may have something to do with the fact that agencies aren’t compensated (commissions) from chateau offerings, and as such isn’t profitable to suggest them and I don’t blame them. I still however utilize my travel agency for airfare and car rentals if at all possible as these travel professionals are most beneficial especially for those traveling for a living.
What this guide will not explore is the “Escorted Tour” vacation. Simply speaking for us, this is not the way we want to travel. For some this is the way to go, but Guided tours will whisk you from city to city in a large coach bus and you’ll be herded in and out 4, 6, 8 times a day and see many beautiful cities. For seniors this is a great way to go (or not) but for the “normal working person”, in search of a relaxing but cultured experience, we feel these tours are not what they’re cracked-up to be.
During our travels we have met numerous American tourists at major attractions all over Europe taking these ‘cattle’ tours. Their stories are often similar, i.e. the sites have been great, hotels are okay but not always excellent. Coupled with an itinerary that is typically so rushed you need to rise at 5:30 a.m. in order to eat breakfast and make it to the bus on time so they don’t miss the next destination. Most people we’ve talked to would travel ‘on their own’ the next time. For those thinking they might sleep in a day or two when on an escorted tour abroad can just forget it. Please refer to your travel agent for such vacation packages.
In the many years my husband and I have been traveling we have learned much. We have concluded that without experiencing the numerous mistakes made along the way, we would never have gotten to the point we are now. I only wish the economy could return and give renewed confidence to spend money on travel NOW. It is my sincere desire to share our experiences, good and bad, and to provide some basic common sense information to those in search of alternative ways to enjoy England, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy to the fullest.
I have been so thoroughly impressed by some of the Travel Blog’s out there, so lovingly created, that adding one more, as primitive as it is, I sincerely hope to not disappoint those taking the time to read this.
I will soon be posting personal accounts from our many years of traveling with my husband along side, with exception to my first trip to England in 1981, when I felt the need to finally break free from youth and begin to experience travels I had dreamed of my entire life.
Copyright 10/16/2001 by Peggy S. Baker
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