bennison@tools.DEC (12/14/84)
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I sent this to the net last year, but will repost it for the person
who was looking for tips for traveling in Holland with a young
child. I inadvertantly deleted his address or I would send it to
him directly.
Subject: A couple of hints for traveling in England, and elsewhere:
Travelers' Cheques in foreign currencies: We got our TC's in
British Pounds for our trip to England. It was about ten
times more convenient than having them in dollars. In the
first place, American Express (and I assume any other company
that provides this service) gives a very good exchange rate
at the time of purchase. We never had to worry about whether
we were getting a good rate of exchange from the hotels or
restaurants or what have you. In addition, many places that
at first said they couldn't take TC's changed their minds when
we said they were in Pounds. Redeeming our unused check upon
our return was simple and the exchange rate fair. Of course
if you are traveling in several different countries during your
trip, this method becomes complicated.
Traveling with Children: We have never traveled without our children
except for our travels before they were born. We've had more fun
on our trips since we've had them to accompany us. One problem
though is finding rental cars with seat belts in the rear. It's
almost impossible to find a rental company that will guarantee
rear seat belts. On our trip to England last Spring, Avis said
there would be no problem. But there was a big problem. We
ended up paying 3 times what we had budgeted for car rentals,
because the only car they had available that had rear seat belts
was a class H Volvo, an expensive gas guzzler. Avis finally
refunded us all the disputed money but it was not an easy process
getting them to agree to it. Our recommendation is that you not
believe any reservation person who says they will guarantee you
a rear seat belted car. At the very least get it in writing.
Next time we go I'll take some kind of restraint with me, maybe
even installing seat belts in the car myself. It would have been
cheaper.
Vick Bennison
...decvax!decwrl!rhea!tools!bennison
(603) 881-2156