Originally Posted by
seliment
Sounds like a very good idea.
How do you plan to get about --- we have found that LEASING a car is a good move, especially if you are going to be there 5-6 weeks. All is pre-arranged in Aust -- look for things on web like Eurodrive or Renault / peugot / Citroen leasing. Much better & cheaper than Avis etc rentals.
Get yourself an ATM card from your bank that is just linked to your bank accounts. Your visa/mastercard with links to your bank a/c will work in Europe, but the atm's there are after simple and don't allow you to select the account, so a cash withdrawal becomes a credit card cash advance. Ouch!
The simple bank ATM card stops this.
Consider what is an 'open jaw' ticket which means arrival and departure cities are different. Usually costs no more.
Some airports are more expensive to fly to -- eg Heathrow is one of the most expensive.
Look carefully at what your travel insurance offers -- it might cover all damage (with no excess) on rental (Avis etc) cars so you don't need their very expensive CDW 'insurance'. The insurance that came with my gold mastercard did this and covered 100% the 1000odd pound damage I did to a Hertz car in an 'unfortunate' incident.
If you want some inexpensive & fairly simple accom in London, (but very safe, clean etc), pm me & I will give you the details. Operated by a religious order and about 500m from the London bus station (regional buses), train station and within close walk to Buckingham Palace.
Some things & places. - suggestions
1. London double deck bus tour
2. Travel France - UK on the high speed train under the channel.
You can take car across as well - not that expensive.
3. Mont Blanc area -- day trip on cablecars to Aguille de midi and then over the glaciers to the Italian border. Allow a whole day.
4. The huge viaduct bridge at Millau - France. Highest bridge in world.
5. Cross the alps using Furka or Gothard passes. If you really love 'driving roads', look at the Stevio pass in northern Italy.
6. Black Forest region in Germany. Interesting also to travel through the corresponding region in France onthe west of the Rhine - Colmar region - real wine growing area.
7. Visit the Dresden area -- Dresden was 'fire bombed' in ww2 and has been completely restored -- the Frauen church is a magnificent rebuild using the original stones.
Meissen, the home of the famously expensive Meissen porcelain is near Dresden and their factory tour and museum collection of pieces is magnificent. Meissen was the first maker of porcelain outside of China, as the ancient Chinese held it as a state secret.
8. Driving on the German autobahns - many of which have no speed limit whatsoever.
It can be 'pedal to the metal' if you wish!
If you are just 'travelling about', consider staying in simple accom know as 'gasthaus' (like acountry pub) or 'pension' rather than big hotels. These are often in the smaller towns or villages
At times, it's what you 'stumble across' unplanned is the most interesting.
Best of all DO enjoy the trip.
Wife is German & has quite a few rellies & friends there & some in Poland & UK so we have had a bit of 'inside info & guidance' at times.
Joe.