On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:48:28 GMT, Mike Lane wrote:
>Firstly we have to drive into the town, find a place to park, and find the
>Tourist Office. This can take an hour at least. Then by the time we get to it
>we have quite often found it closed. This may be due to a week-end (but we
>still want to travel - even on Sundays!), or because it's after hours, or for
>some other unknown reason. Even when they're open they often haven't been of
>very much help.
>
>The first day we were in Italy in a car we found ourselves at around 4 pm
>near Asti (not a tourist destination as you will know). With the help of our
>GPS we located the tourist office and miraculously also found a parking
>space. In the office though, they were not particularly helpful.
In all candor, this is why I book in advance.
Since you admit you can foresee where you'll be on any particular day
within 20-30 miles, why not just research online and "book yer own
life"?
Yes, I understand that many travelers want to enjoy last-minute
"spontaneity" (which means "frustrating hotel hunt, ending up with
whatever's available" lodging). Some people even chide me for making
spreadsheets of my stops, hotels and expected drive times. But what I
get in return is worry-free travel. I know exactly where my hotel is
and how much it will cost. When I have time, I'll check in, dump my
stuff and head right back out again. I can't imagine closing in at 4pm
and driving around looking for a place to stay. What a waste! At 4pm
I'd rather be looking at sights or watching the locals finish up their
work day.
Believe it or not, I actually ENJOY researching and booking ahead.
Hotel websites are often fonts of information you won't find
elsewhere. I can count the bad choices I've made on one hand. In
almost every case, places I've booked have exceeded expectation.
Try it! Book yer own life!
- TR
- have OpenOffice Calc, will travel.
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