Trafalgar Sound of Music Tour – Oct 8 – 17 & questions from a travel newbie

My wife and I are taking our first trip to Europe this October to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We don’t have a clue what to expect. So, could all you seasoned travelers take pity on the “Excursionlly Challenged” and give us some guidance. A few questions pop into my head, but you all may think of some things that I fail to. Feel free to wax profound. That said, anyone had experience suggestions, etc on the following:

The tour itself.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vienna, Europa in Salzberg, Grauer Bar in Innsbruck, and the Hilton City in Munich.
Suggestions on getting Euro Travelers Checks before departing.
Optional tour recommendations - any must sees.
Ease of communicating in Austria and Germany for non-German speakers.
Free time suggestions.
Travel tips for a long flight.
How to dress in October.
How to get 10 days of clothes in 1 suitcase and 1 carry on.
Any idea of the age of fellow travelers. Do people keep in contact with people they meet on the tours after they return.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom you might be able to share.

Oldieonekenobe

We've done a few tours, so I can maybe help the anxiety factor. The Graur Bar in Innsbrook is an old building remodeled with a new addition.
Location is great, right in the center of the city.

Most people in the tourist business speak some english. For most commercial transactions, pointing, writing, and holding up fingers works well.

Don't bother with euro travellers checks. I take $250 travellers checks for emergencies, and use cash card in ATM. You get local currency, when you need it, and there is more availability and longer hours than cashing travellers checks.

Free time-- walk the streets and see what's out there. Usually there is precious little of it!

10 days of clothes. This is not a style show. I figure on wearing a shirt three days, slacks 5 to 6. Everyone else is in the same boat, and looking a little rumpled too. Bring an assortment that will be comfortable for weather, 1 thing that is dress up, and clothes that you like to wear.

Travellers are usually "mature". . We are in our 60s and fit right in. Some people do keep in touch afterwards, but it is more the exception than the rule.

Have a good time.

Thanks for the reply, Walt. Hadn't seen much response on this BB, so I have been using the BB sposored by Trafalgar. Lots of good stuff for these tours. Thanks again.

Oldieonekenobe

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The tour itself.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vienna, Europa in Salzberg, Grauer Bar in Innsbruck, and the Hilton City in Munich.
Suggestions on getting Euro Travelers Checks before departing.
Optional tour recommendations - any must sees.
Ease of communicating in Austria and Germany for non-German speakers.
Free time suggestions.
Travel tips for a long flight.
How to dress in October.
How to get 10 days of clothes in 1 suitcase and 1 carry on.
Any idea of the age of fellow travelers. Do people keep in contact with people they meet on the tours after they return.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom you might be able to share.

Oldieonekenobe[/quote][quote][/quote]

Not sure if these will work for you.. .. . but it has always worked for me:

-bring your cell phone (I make my parents bring them, so I can touch base with them), you can bring a cheap pre-paid calling card from COSTCO (I assume you are in U.S.)
-charger for the cell phone, and adapter
-get a used travel book (lots of cheap, reliable ones from AMAZON.COM) This makes you an informed traveler--- and you'd know better if given a option.
-travel light--- you do NOT need to dress-up
-super comfy walking shoes
-I'm in my 20's--- but I've traveled a lot (work-related, peace corps.. .. .) I always need to carry my laptop If it gets boring, I surf the internet! You seem pretty savvy as yu were able to post on the message board. My parents wouldn't be able to do that at all!