Do you buy your attractions online or when you are at your holiday destination?

kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:04

Hi,

I was just wondering where everybody buys their holiday attractions from? I will be traveling to Europe in about 6 weeks time and I was wondering whether it was best to buy them now or once I arrive.
Some things I might want to do are:

*Dubai:
Burj Khalifa tower
Waterpark with dolphin swimming
*Venice:
Gondola ride
*Rome:
Vatican
Possible trip to pompeii
*Paris:
Disneyland
Eiffel tower
Louvre
*London:
Big ben
Buckingham palace
Arsenal game
*Munich:
Oktoberfest

This is only some of the things we are thinking about. Any ozbargainer advice is welcome. What websites do you use if you do it online?

Thanks

Poll Options

25
Online
13
At holiday destination

Travel

Comments

djones145 on 30/06/2015 - 13:12

+1
for louvre see if you fall under one of these, then its free

Free Admission to the Louvre

Admission to the Louvre and the Musée Eugène Delacroix is free for the following visitor categories (valid ID or proof of entitlement required):

visitors under the age of 18

18-25 year-old residents of the European Economic Area (EU, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein)

teachers of art, art history, and the applied arts

holders of a valid "Pass Education" card (primary and secondary school teachers in French public schools and private schools receiving government subsidies)

artists affiliated to the Maison des Artistes (in France) or the AIAP (Association Internationale des Arts Plastiques)

unemployed individuals and visitors receiving benefits (proof of entitlement must be dated within the last six months)

disabled visitors and their guest or helper

A list of all acceptable proofs of entitlement is available at the museum from the Information Desk (under the Pyramid).
Tel.: +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17 (except Tuesdays)

From October to March: access to the permanent collections is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
From April to September: no free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

On Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., admission to the permanent collections is free for under-26s regardless of nationality (upon presentation of ID).
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:35
  
  Unfortunately, not a freebie for me. Thanks anyway :-)
  - andyfc on 03/07/2015 - 08:08
    
    My tips: Don't bother with louvre tickets online. Typically there is about 1 hour + line to enter at main entrance. There are two more 'hidden' entrances - underneath two statues across round about and down into the park area - door of the lions (porte des lions?) there is an entrance with two bronze lions. Look up the lions on a map and you will literally walk in, no waiting except to use ticket machine to buy ticket( we had no one using it) first area Mona Lisa is in too. Gondola ride don't bother - 80 euro and usually never a wait, people often heckling for you to ride in one. Eiffel - nit sure but there is a huge line fir very top. 2nd level using stairs is great and only 5 euro also 10 min max wait. Vatican yes for museum, church is free. Go about 1 pm for museum and you will probably go straight in (note museum is around the corner from that main square, don't go straight for that big line, its for church (which is awesome do that after). Early morning museum lines are 2 hours long, somehow they all disappear at 12:30-1 pm. For all museums use official sites. Often other sites tack on a booking fee ( more than official site booking fee.) enjoy!
djones145 on 30/06/2015 - 13:14

british museum was pretty good too

http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/admission_and_opening_…

and its free, head over at night, free's up ur day!
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:44
  
  Thanks, I'll have to check that one out! :-) Love a freebie!
- gimli on 01/07/2015 - 07:05
  
  The museums in Britain are mostly free and are amazing!
  - DealzEddy123 on 02/07/2015 - 11:42
    
    full of things they've plundered from others!
Heizenberg on 30/06/2015 - 13:15

+2

Its generally best to plan a rough guide of what you want to do before you go and book a few things that you are desperate to do. Then just book the rest once you are there, as you might see other things you want to do or not do and you don't want your whole schedule locked up if you want to relax or do something different.

Having said this, check the availability of each thing because some things need to be booked long in advance. For example when i was in San Fransico, we booked the trip to alcatraz months before we got there as thats how early tickets sell out.
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:36
  
  I think I need to hop on TripAdvisor to plan out some of the things I really want to do, then book some in advance if need be
  - hayne on 01/07/2015 - 12:54
    
    Depends on your personality (prefer to schedule for peace of mind vs. prefer spontaneity), but I'm also more on Heizenberg's train of thought. You never know how you're going to feel when you're there so booking everything in advance locks you into a rigid schedule. I've had travel companions who range from very spontaneous (won't book any accommodation before they get to the city and don't mind spending a night sleeping on the floor in the train station if they can't find somewhere to stay) to completely rigid.
    
    I think a happy medium is to book a few of the things you really want to see and that book out early and then leave the rest until you get there. You can still book a lot of places the night before online and others you can show up on the day. The beauty of a more flexible schedule is that you can change things up. Sometimes you meet a fellow traveller on the train who has some great recommendations that you decide you want to see. Other times you might want to take it easier and fit less in the schedule.
    
    Really depends on your preferred approach, though, at the end of the day.
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 20:52
      
      Sounds like a good idea.. a bit of both :-)
  - noyesmaybeok on 01/07/2015 - 17:34
    
    http://tripomatic.com
    
    Don't buy in advance, could end up tired from jetlag, sick, weather is total rubbish etc.
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 20:53
      
      That is one of the most helpful websites ever! Thanks heaps. When it links you to book tickets for tours and attractions.. are they the normal prices or do they have a markup being on this website?
    - noyesmaybeok on 01/07/2015 - 21:07
      
      @kimba88: Personally I rarely buy online, I haven't from Tripomatic (though it gives a nice benchmark). A quick google will show any online discounts or whether to buy at the gate. Some things do need to be booked in advance, others just when you arrive or book online the day of/before - though printer access can be a total pain if they don't accept PDF/email.
      
      Granted I've done it a few times but I rarely spend over 2-3 hours planning a trip. Make a list of activities in Tripomatic, group them into days, look at the train & bus info, find accommodation nearby or further out but near public transport (depends how long there, cost of being close vs further out), book any tickets required or must-see activities, then go and see what happens. Sometimes there's days of activities so not all of them will fit and generally I do a lot of walking so after a few days of action I factor a day of very little :) Europe you should be ok, Asia for example could well be sick so having a strict itinerary is a pain. In Europe your biggest risk would be missing a flight or having your gear stolen.
      
      I'm a planner and I love planning, for travel though it just creates more problems & frustration then it solves because rarely things ever go to plan!
toniyellow on 30/06/2015 - 13:16

+2

Vatican - do it now. It will sell out before you get there, especially if you are looking to add a tour of the necropolis or gardens.

Gondola - The prices are fixed by the city, so you don't have anything to lose price-wise by waiting, and then you can choose the day with the best weather etc if that is a factor.
The clock tower tour in venice is also good, and secret itinerary tour of the Doges Palace, both bookable online and will sell out before you get there.

Don't believe you can see big ben without UK citizenship. Buckingham Palace, buy it now if not already sold out. Also recommend Ceremony of the Keys, although also likely too late.

I had no trouble securing tickets on the day at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Disneyland or Pompeii but I was not there in summer, I feel you may be facing long waits at some.

The Arsenal Game and Oktoberfest I would also really assume that time is of the essence, but don't actually know.

In sum, if weather is a factor, I would consider waiting however as you are going at a popular time I think online may be your best chance.
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:38
  
  Wow, looks like you've done most things I want to do. Anything in my list you suggest isn't worth doing then?
  Weather is a pretty big factor for most of my activities I feel
  - toniyellow on 30/06/2015 - 13:55
    
    Honestly a little disappointed by the gondola. There are just so many people there doing the same thing at the same time along the same path (and this was early May not summer), it is more like you're on a ride at disneyland than an actual boat that could go anywhere, there is a kayak tour that is much longer and more freeform that I think I would do if I was there again. But hard not to do, especially if you are there with your partner.
    
    Liked the clock tower as they only let a small group up, you see the inner working of the clock and have a view over st marks square. Similar to the belltower, but much less crowded at the top as you can only go on a tour. IF you only did one, I would do the clock tower not the belltower. Also enjoyed the secret itinerary tour as it is much less crowded than other parts of the palace, and it lets you skip the queue into the actual palace later on.
    
    Loved Disneyland, but it was the first one I have been to, may be a let down if you have been to the US ones, not sure. I was there on a cloudy weekday and it was pretty empty, so that meant I got to see a lot as well
    
    Buckingham Palace was not open when I was there, I looked into it well before as I was told to. Ceremony of the Keys was great (and free!)
    
    Louvre was nice, but went to a lot of other art museums and got art fatigue, so not as stand out as some other things. Eiffel tower was good, different than the endless amounts of church bell towers I felt like I climbed, I would be more selective about the number of churches I visited as got very sick of them.
    
    A lot of Pompeii was fenced off, but what is open is amazing, especially the recently restored villa. There is a free audioguide app 'Rick Steves Europe' that had a good free audio tour for here and some other attractions in Europe - Good, but confusing when they tell you to walk into an area that is now fenced off. Quite disappointing how poor care they seem to be taking of the site.
    
    I went after Anzac day and feel half of Australia was in Europe, on the same itinerary. Great though!
    - kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 14:06
      
      Thanks for your tips! :-)
      
      It will be my first time to Disneyland.. Never been to any of the other ones. Did you book your tickets there or online? How did you organise transport there?
    - toniyellow on 30/06/2015 - 14:21
      
      @kimba88: Just caught hte train from Paris. Its a very short walk from a train station. I got there about 9.15, for a 10.00 open. The ticket booth was already open, short queue, friendly salesperson (unlike the rest of Paris)
      
      A fair amount of people milling around taking photos of each other (you will also get very sick of the sight of selfie sticks), as it got closer to 10 everyone formed a big crowd near the gates, but when they opened it moved quickly.
    - kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 18:45
      
      @toniyellow: Ok, hopefully catching a train is easy enough to do. Do you think i might need 2 days at Disneyland. I heard there are 2 parks.
      
      Don't need to worry about selfie sticks.. i saw this article yesterday http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33311071
    - toniyellow on 30/06/2015 - 19:13
      
      @kimba88:
      
      Only had the one spare day so stuck to disneyland. One day for that was good, no time left over so would be a rush to try both i imagine.
    - Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 07:23
      
      @kimba88:
      
      There are 2 parks, the main park being significantly bigger than the other one, which is more about movies/videos/special effects rather than physical rides.
      
      You could do the 2 parks in 2 days… maybe just. Assuming you had no kids, a quiet day, you organized yourself with the fast pass prioritizing hard to get rides, and only did everything once.. 3 days is plenty (i did 4, the last day was a bit boring).
      
      I'd recommend lumping it in with accommodation and getting the included dinner buffet (available at hotel cheyanne). If you book ahead they usually lump it into the deal. imo hotel cheyenne is the best value for money. When we booked, everything was included breakfast, bed, park access pass, baggage storage, and buffet dinner. The only thing not included is lunch. We went to mcdonalds outside the park as everything inside is extortionately priced.
      
      They have a light show (inc fireworks) every second(?) night, so if you're going to stay in the disneyland hotels, align it with that night. You'll come home wrecked as it's a really long day.
    - Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 07:27
      
      Honestly a little disappointed by the gondola.
      
      I'm yet to meet anyone who has been to Venice in the last 5 years who didn't find that place disappointing. It's a tourist trap riddled with scammers and overpriced food.
      
      Anyway, the gondolas are limited by the government, but the prices are set by the locals. People pay the ridiculous amount. It's scam central 101, OP if you end up negotiating a deal, you're negotiating on price and the time. And set that stop watch.
    - SlickMick on 01/07/2015 - 08:07
      
      @Davo1111:
      We loved Venice. Weren't going to pay the tourist rate for a gondola ride though. Just use the passenger service for crossing the river. Same experience IMO but costs like $1.
    - ozeebee on 01/07/2015 - 08:16
      
      @Davo1111:
      
      I was just in Venice two weeks ago. There are only two options on the gondolas. Either €80 for the shorter ride or €110 for the longer ride.
      
      They don't actually negotiate with anyone.
      
      Best thing you can hope for is find another couple willing to split the cost with you. I believe you can fit up to 6 passengers at one time but for most comfort, four would be the max.
    - hayne on 01/07/2015 - 12:47
      
      @ozeebee: I've been to Venice three times (the last two times I was going with someone who had never been to Italy before and they wanted to see Venice). Well worth the visit, particularly if you've never been. Obviously it's touristy but it's unique enough that it's worth making the trip to.
      
      Also didn't pay for the gondola. I did get a ferry out to Murano from memory, which was a nice side trip to see the glass blowers. It's a small island famous for its glassware.
    - MaxTravels on 01/07/2015 - 12:58
      
      @Davo1111:
      My husband and i have been to Venice twice in the past 5 years and loved it both times. we choose to stay in apartments (airbnb or the likes) away from the main tourist areas in the back streets, and just adore the place. We love just wandering around with the knowledge that you never know what is around the corner, and there is no chance of ever getting lost (i love the painted direction signs to the sights so you know where you are.)
      
      i should add though that neither time did we pay to ride a gondola - not really our thing, but too touristy (and not a bargain)… i would suggest spending a few hours (or days even) just walking the paths and exploring.
    - bl1027 on 01/07/2015 - 14:31
      
      I agree with others about the Gondola – not worth the money and its better to just take the public ferry. However, if you do decide to take the Gondola, remember to smile and look interested because chances are you’ll end up in other tourists’ photos or be looked at by the other tourists (they’re looking at the gondola, not you, but still awkward).
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:04
      
      @ozeebee: OMG, thats so expensive!! I was not expecting that price! I might be turned off a gondola ride now! Wow :-(
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:08
      
      @Davo1111: Is the fast pass bought at the gate or online? I'm just unsure whether its best for me to pre-purchase these disneyland tickets.. maybe even the night before if its going to be good weather. We definitely won't have any kids slowing us down either… apart from myself being a big kid. Haha
    - Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 22:33
      
      @kimba88:
      
      double check on the website, but fairly sure it's part of the ticket. It was a bulk package i purchased through the DL website, but i don't think it's extra.
      
      Basically you insert your park pass at the "fast pass" entrance and it spits out a time for you to come back (there are clocks on the board too showing the current fastpass time). When you return you surrender your ticket and get taken up a faster line. You can only claim one fast pass at once. But can use it unlimited throughout the day.
    - redslert on 02/07/2015 - 00:07
      
      @ozeebee:
      
      For the gondola, if you go early in the morning before the train load of tourist arrives they office discounts and it even better because less people.
      I didn't go on it because I don't see the value of it.
      
      Pay a couple of euros on the working gondola's that take you across the canel. It's a 2 minute ride.
      The people on the boat are happy to take one or two photos for you.
[Deactivated] on 30/06/2015 - 13:16

Mostly online before leaving, that way I don't have to worry about remembering to do it and I can just enjoy my time there.
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:40
  
  For domestic travel I usually plan things, but for overseas travel I've had ideas but usually planned them overseas as it was cheaper.. In saying that it was Fiji and Thailand so there is no real worry of attractions selling out I feel
Sheila Dealer on 30/06/2015 - 13:17

Definitely buy your tickets to the Burj Khalifa now otherwise you'll probably miss out. Try and book for around 5pm as that way you will be able to view the fountains in daylight when they get turned on at 6pm. Just search Burj Khalifa tickets.
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:42
  
  Have you been to the top of the burj Khalifa yourself? I've seen there are two options.. All the way to the top.. Then also a couple of floors below or something. But when I saw that, there was a huge price difference. I'm unsure if it's worth it. I'm staying in a hotel close by with a Burj Khalifa view too
  - mustkill on 30/06/2015 - 14:12
    
    Burj Khalifa definitely was not worth it imo. Nothing to see in Dubai except for lots of desert dust obscuring your view and a few buildings around it.
    - kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 18:46
      
      Yeah i have heard that too.. It does seem quite expensive for what it is.. i guess it just gives you bragging rights though. I might save my money on this one and enjoy it on something else.
    - mustkill on 30/06/2015 - 18:48
      
      @kimba88:
      
      I vaguely remember it was like $35-40AUD per person or around there. Was quite disappointed after going up there.
    - kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 18:57
      
      @mustkill: I think they've gone up in price now.. or maybe that could just be the dollar.. seems to range from $45 to $72
    - noyesmaybeok on 01/07/2015 - 17:40
      
      @kimba88: In Dubai atm. Visibility is poor, don't go up. We're at the Marina right near the Palm islands and we can barely see the hotel at the end of it. All of our photos are nothing like the magazines :)
      
      Just take the Metro, visit the mall and go to the fountain outside and take a photo of the Burj.
- cd93 on 30/06/2015 - 16:14
  
  I've also been told to pre-book tickets before you go up Burj Khalifa, as they are much cheaper and will tend to sell out too.
cypher67 on 30/06/2015 - 13:24

+3

Things that have limited availability like the Dolphin swim I would book.
Things where you can skip the queue to enter as opposed to lining up with everyone else to pick up your prepaid tickets, you book.
Things that you get a discount online for pre booking, you book.
Things that you want a guided tour for, you book.
If you dont care about any of the above and not 100% committed to doing, pay as you go.
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 13:43
  
  Simple thinking, but very good tips. Do you have a particular website where you book things?
  - cypher67 on 30/06/2015 - 14:25
    
    +1
    
    No idea, never been :D it was purely a simple answer to a simple question.
ajdlinux on 30/06/2015 - 15:44

Where possible, I wait till I'm over there, as it's nice to have flexibility, but I'll still buy tickets online to save money/time when I can (one of the first things I do when I go overseas is sort out a 3G SIM and the hotel WiFi…)
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 18:47
  
  Which 3G sim do you use and what particular purpose do you need it for if most places have wifi?
  - ajdlinux on 30/06/2015 - 20:53
    
    I usually just buy a SIM from whichever local telco is selling SIMs at the airport at a reasonable price. Often costs me $20-30, but pays off pretty quickly in saving time navigating the city. Most places don't have WiFi, in my experience - hotels and other accommodation places usually do these days, but that doesn't help you when you're using Google Maps to navigate the subways and so on.
    - kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 21:15
      
      Isn't there an app that you can predownload the maps like city maps to go? I haven't used the app myself, but that's what I thought its purpose was. If not, I guess I might need to also consider a sim card
    - ajdlinux on 30/06/2015 - 21:20
      
      +1
      
      @kimba88: City Maps 2 Go is pretty good, but it can't do much by way of navigation or public transport from what I can tell. I can definitely see it being useful though.
    - kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 22:07
      
      @ajdlinux: getting a sim in a foreign country might be a good idea then.. especially if i can't speak their language. hmm..
    - zappy32 on 01/07/2015 - 19:17
      
      @kimba88:
      
      Most countries aren't nearly as easy as Australia to get a sim card though. Be prepared to jump through hoops getting your ID verified in some countries. Maybe a GlobalGig sim just for backup would be a wise investment.
      
      Also, in some countries WiFi can be harder to find, even than Australia, so don't expect to find it everywhere. For example all WiFi spots in Italy must verify your identity, even if it's just by sending a text message to a mobile but then not all will send the verification to international numbers and may request CC details etc.
      
      The two apps I'd suggest before heading off if you have an Android device:
      
      HERE maps: It's Nokia's version of maps/GPS and it's really quite good and more importantly you can download whole continents to use offline!
      
      Google Translate: Save yourself the hassle by downloading this and offline language packs for where you're heading so you can translate any information you need, for example menus and tickets!
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:10
      
      @zappy_32: So it might be worth me purchasing a cheap nokia 530 for $40 or so just to use maps?
      Google translate is a very good idea.. i was wondering how i was going to learn 7 new languages in such a short period of time :-P
    - zappy32 on 01/07/2015 - 21:29
      
      @kimba88:
      
      I'd go Android if possible - I don't think Google Translate offline would be available on Windows Phone and not sure if there is an equivalent app. Nothing better than taking a photo of a menu and having it translated for you :)
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:40
      
      @zappy_32: that sounds like a really cool app! I'll need that one as i really, really, really hate onion and i'll need to somehow eliminate meals with onion in them or ask the chef to somehow leave it out.
    - cardboardbox on 01/07/2015 - 21:42
      
      @kimba88:
      
      You can save offline maps in the google maps app (at least if you use an iphone/ipad - not sure about android). I found them more useful than city maps which chews up a lot of space on your phone and requires some forethought to download the huge files with wifi (rarely fast in hotels) - especially when you're travelling to multiple destinations.
      
      Instructions here:
      https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:43
      
      @Grosgrain: Ta :-)
    - UncommonName on 02/08/2015 - 10:18
      
      @zappy32: Recently I have bought 3 prepaid sim in Paris, Portugal and Spain. Only in Spain they wanted to see ID, I just flashed my Aus driving license.
maximum on 30/06/2015 - 23:03

+2

For a sim I get mine from sim corner at the airport but you can get online slightly cheaper. I like to have everything planned before hand - right down to street view from the train station to the hotel etc.
just booked my mums Vatican and borgese museum and doges palace in Venice and some tours were already booked out a month ahead - all be it for night tours or secret tours.

I have done the gondola in Venice and Las Vegas and Vegas was better - but it's one of those things you have to do.

I didn't come across any discount for in person bookings in Europe like in Thailand etc. better to book ahead that way you get to see everything you want and not be wasting time at your destination.
- kimba88 on 30/06/2015 - 23:10
  
  I guess I better get booking on some of the places I want to see and do then. I don't think I'll book everything though. Might go with some advice from others and just wing it some days. There might be days where I'm jet lagged, etc.
  
  This might be a silly question, but do the European sims work in our Aussie phones? I have an aus stock galaxy s4
  - maximum on 30/06/2015 - 23:26
    
    Just make sure your phone is unlocked . I have an iPhone purchased outright but it used to be you had to call your provider to have it unlocked.
    With Disney they have a system in Orlando and Hong Kong called fast pass which means you check in and can go on other rides while you wait. In LA I didn't see what they had as we had a disability pass - which meant we could do both worlds in one (very long) day. No waiting.
    I haven't done Paris Disney but you can often get free apps that look at wait times so you can plan you day better. In LA the cars ride had a 75 min wait- I can't imagine standing in a line for 75 minutes.
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:11
      
      No way i want to be spending half my day waiting for one or two rides
Lucious on 01/07/2015 - 07:04

For Paris, I strongly recommend doing a bike tour as one of the first things you do. It's not very physically challenging in case that's a concern and a great way to get your bearings. I went with Fat Tyre Bike Tours and would have no hesitation recommending them.
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:16
  
  I definitely want to do a few bike tours.. i will need to work off all that food somehow! :-P
Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 07:07

Google 2for1 London attractions, basically you get 2for1 if you have a rail ticket. We bought the equivent of a myzone weekly and did all the 2for1 attractions in that week. Used opal for the rest
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:18
  
  definitely a good way to save money. Do other countries have this or when you arrive in a country, do the information desks have flyers with attraction coupons?
  - Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 22:34
    
    some do, but it's best just to look on wikivoyage
kobrien456 on 01/07/2015 - 07:15

In Paris go to FNAC (pronounced funac). I saved about 20 euro per ticket on Disneyland. Also good to buy museum Tx to avoid long queues at Louvre, musee de Orsay and Rodin museum.
They have a great bookshop (english) and are a pop culture destination in themselves. I went to the one in central Paris which is prob the biggest. in the underground shops (part of the metro). Check website for location. Bit confusing to get there The first time but some French kids took me right to the front door. Ask a local!
Or here's the website
http://www.fnactickets.com/
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:20
  
  I'm all for saving money on my tickets! The only issue is.. even on the "english pahe", it's still in french.. i have no idea which disneyland ticket is what
  - kobrien456 on 03/07/2015 - 11:05
    
    Go to the shop in person.
Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 07:29

+1

I didnt bother with buying a sim card, pretty much every place these days has free wifi.

First of all, have a great time!

Scam tips: whrl.pl/Rej1Pz

Travel tips: reddit.com/r/backpacking/comments/2n0crs/advice_for_a_first_time_travelers/cm9n6bz

Train tips: http://www.seat61.com (the layout is terrible, but it's an invaluable website)

Go on wiki voyage and see what others have recommended. Save those as PDF to your phone. I second what that other user said about Here maps with windows phone, it was the main redeeming feature of having a win phone on the trip. Offline maps and offline navigation!

If it were me, i'd write a list of sites you want to see in each city, and rank them in order. Then look at them on a map and try and bunch them together.

Venice is the shittest tourist trap i've ever been to, i'd say 6 hours is more than enough. 3 hours and you'll probably get everything done you'll want to see (if you're a quick walker). I'm yet to meet anyone who has been there in the last 5-10 years and enjoyed their experience.
- noyesmaybeok on 01/07/2015 - 17:42
  
  Except places like Dubai where stupidly you need a local phone number to get an SMS code (most likely because they track your usage)… as such you have no option but to get a SIM card.
  
  Airport, Metro, Malls… all of them have wifi, haven't been able to use any so far.
  - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:27
    
    Do you need a sim card for the hotel wifi too?
    - noyesmaybeok on 01/07/2015 - 22:40
      
      Not for the hotel. There may be shops that have their own too, in regards to the airport/mall/trains that I've tried they all wanted the SMS system. Tripomatic, CityMaps2Go are offline so it's not a huge deal, most other people probably don't want/need wifi during the day.
    - kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 22:43
      
      @rochow: Fair enough. I'll probably be too busy to want to use wifi anyway.. especially if i've pre-planned a few activities
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:26
  
  Oh wow, you seem to be on every forum davo1111! Thanks for all the extra tips!
  - Davo1111 on 01/07/2015 - 22:33
    
    <3
    
    np
ozeebee on 01/07/2015 - 08:25

+1

If London is the first part of your Europe trip. I suggest getting a Three sim card from any three store or supermarket and loading with £15. You can then get the Pay As You Go 15 which comes with unlimited data. You can also use the same data allowance on 18 other countries while you're travelling. Just google Three Pay As You Go, you should be able to find info online.

With Europe churches, museums etc. Anywhere that you can buy a skip the line ticket or tour, I would suggest to buy it now. Otherwise they sell out quickly. You will end up lining up for over an hour just to buy a ticket.

I'm currently in Spain and using Three roaming with the sim bought and recharged in London.
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:28
  
  First stop in Europe is Malta.. unfortunately i don't think i'll be able to get that sim till towards the end of my trip.
fruxo on 01/07/2015 - 10:32

We went to Eiffel tower during summer, and the line was crazy. There was a separate line for online bookings which was pretty much instant access. I tried to book on the spot, but wasn't able to. Think you had to buy them x days in advance or something. Definitely sort out Paris in advance at least.
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:38
  
  i might email the hotel and ask how soon in advance i should buy the tickets.. because i would like to go on a day with nice weather if possible
MaxTravels on 01/07/2015 - 12:54

Agree about booking the Eiffel tower, particularly if you want a tour. we went in Autumn and were unable to book the "underground" tour of the tower weeks out. i would also consider booking the Vatican if its on your list. We decided to skip it (thought the prices were too high) but i remember looking when we were there and it was booked.

no need to book entry at Pompeii - we went to the "back gate" just after lunch and had no wait. if your wanting a return tour, you may need to book in but catching the train from Naples or Sorrento is easy to achieve yourself, then you can just take your time. Pompeii was one of the highlights to Italy for me. if you havent made accomodation plans already - slip in a few days in Sorento. just lovely.
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:37
  
  Ok, so i might leave Pompeii till i get there and decide if its good enough weather or not while we're there
mightyhawks23 on 01/07/2015 - 14:32

We went in May 2013 so unsure if anything has changed since but:

Venice
Gave the gondalas a skip. Rest of the city was very nice. Wifey and I must've walked 10 hours on the first day there just wandering around
Catch a ferry to the neighboring islands where it's a slower pace - still got some canals but nowhere near as crowded. Very colorful buildings as well

Rome
Definitely book for the Vatican beforehand. We booked for 11am entrance and just showed up at the entrance at that time. The queue for those just showing up on the day went on around the block (actually a few blocks)
Another tip, at the end of the Vatican museum, you'll end up at the Sistine Chapel. There's another exit (normally for tours) that will lead you to St Peters Basilica. If you don't go through that exit, you'll need walk all the way back through the museum and then join the queue for St Peters

Paris
We went on one of the free Sundays so didn't book.
Most people head for the main entrance with the glass pyramid but there's other side entrances that aren't as busy. We ended up going through the entrance as part of the mall under ground - still bit of a queue but you're not outside in the elements if it's sunny or raining
We did a walking tour through Paris Greeter - local volunteers that show you their local neighborhood. Was just the 2 of us and the guide - supposed to be free but we gave the guide a tip
Eiffel Tower - we didn't book this cos you had to choose the day/time and we wanted to go when the weather was nice. Ended up queuing for at least an hour - this was in May. Sounds like you're in peak holiday season so you might be better off booking
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:36
  
  Nice tip on Rome with the sneaky exit.. i'll have to look out for that one of i get a ticket to the vatican.
  
  I've heard of many walking tours that are free, but i'm sure most or all of them expect tips.. which isn't so bad if they give you a good tour.
bluesky on 01/07/2015 - 17:19

The Paris Pass is quite good as far as fast track entry is concerned to many attractions.
http://www.parispass.com/

There are also passes for other cities as well, e.g London
http://www.londonpass.com/

Naturally, whether it works out for you, saving-wise, will depend on the places you wish to visit, and their inclusion in the pass.

In my case, it did not save me much $ wise, but it saved me a lot of time avoiding queues. And lining up to purchase tickets.

Recently, I found out Cashrewards provide 3.2% cashback on them if purchased online. Although you can just as well buy them after you get to the city.
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:33
  
  I'll check those passes out.. i did notice them on cash rewards a while ago too :-)
zappy32 on 01/07/2015 - 19:39

Dubai:
Burj Khalifa

I didn't go as it didn't really interest me, go to the mall next door and look up at it and get some good photos.

*Venice:
Gondola ride

It's very expensive for what you get but I guess if you feel you have to while you're there then go for it. As far as I'm aware there is a set rate for Gondola's and if you're in peak season prepare to "tip before" to get on one.. You're probably looking at over $200, if you're with a loved one I guess it can be romantic but otherwise.. Luckily I had a friend with a boat so got a guided tour that way but also you could jump on a ferry or take a water taxi to/from the airport if you'd like somewhat of the same experience.

*Rome:
Vatican
Possible trip to pompeii

It's been a while since I've been so can't say much rather than definitely try to get to pompeii if you can!

*Paris:
Eiffel tower

As others have said, you might be best waiting to see if it will be decent weather before you book a tickets, I think I went in shoulder season and it was only around 30 mins of waiting.

*London:
Big ben

Big ben is probably best looked at from the outside! Go on the London Eye(you can pre-book but just don't get caught being stuck in the bubble with kids! I would suggest going to Tour of London instead, buy your tickets online to avoid the queue.

Buckingham palace

I haven't done the tour but I'd think you probably should book before hand to avoid missing out.

Arsenal game

Good luck

*Munich:
Oktoberfest

I think the seated tickets would have been sold out long ago and also most of the decent accommodation - if you haven't already booked a place to stay, do it quick!
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 21:32
  
  you have to buy tickets to get into oktoberfest?? I've already booked accommodation in Munich.. but should've done it long before i did in April as most was already booked out by then.
  - zappy32 on 01/07/2015 - 21:35
    
    I'm not sure as I left it to a German friend to organise, but I think we reserved seats but you can always just walk in and hope there are seats!
wildweirdwacky on 01/07/2015 - 22:36

Sorry not to answer your question, but for anyone travelling to south america - always, always
ALWAYS
Buy things at the last minute possible (apart from the Inca Trail, which requires a booking 3-6 months ahead).
Flights are cheapest either ~30 days in advance, or one day in advance/on the day.
Bus tickets are usually half the price of agency websites at bus stations, and cheaper still if a half full bus is about to head off.
- kimba88 on 01/07/2015 - 22:40
  
  +1
  
  Not a problem, still really good tips for anyone following this thread! :-)
redslert on 02/07/2015 - 00:10

Eiffel tower no wait if you take the stairs!
frugall on 02/07/2015 - 11:55

*Venice:
Gondola ride - Buy it there. - Negociate with the Gondola
*Rome:
Vatican - Must buy in advance specially if your are going during the summer months
Possible trip to pompeii
*Paris:
Eiffel tower - Must buy in advance specially if your are going during the summer months
Louvre - Must buy in advance specially if your are going during the summer months
kimba88 on 02/07/2015 - 20:31

So what websites do most people to use the online attractions.. anyone use www.viator.com? I'm not sure if all the tours on there are normal prices or over-priced?

Where does everyone book their Vatican tour?

Are the hop on hope off buses worth it?
- maximum on 03/07/2015 - 12:34
  
  Mostly direct - other operators just add their cut on top. http://mv.vatican.va Is for the Vatican .
  http://www.vivaticket.it/index.php?nvpg[festivaldetail]&id=629&SiteVersion=1&change_language=1 For Venice . I'm not a fan of hop on hop off buses if public transport is good - I did it in New York and London to get a feel of where everything was and then went back to places for in depth exploring on the metro. I guess it depends on the time you have - at least you do get to see everything without too much hassle.
  - kimba88 on 04/07/2015 - 16:53
    
    Wow, the vatican tour is cheaper than i thought! I'll just book directly on the website like you suggested i think.
    To be honest, i'm not even sure how much i want to do in Venice.. i think it might just be a lazy walk around there :-P
    - maximum on 05/07/2015 - 01:01
      
      We didn't do much in Venice (I was pregnant and was sick not sure if it was the water or the smell ) we did go over to burano to see the different coloured houses which was pretty and the tower and a gondola ride and the Rialto bridge and glass making . Writing it all down I can see I have a problem with down time. We were only there one day.
    - kimba88 on 05/07/2015 - 21:57
      
      @maximum: Haha, you did very well to fit all that in being pregnant!! :-)
  - kimba88 on 05/07/2015 - 21:59
    
    Which tour is the most common one to do for the Vatican? There seems to be so many different options.
    
    I also read that the last Sunday of the month is free entry. Has anybody dared to do that? I will be in Rome on the last Sunday of the month.. not sure if it's worth trying to get a freebie?

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