Host Bonjour

I think in some marketing material for certain tour operators, but generally not the ones that get the better recommendations, references to tipping have started to appear. Few bad apples... they have become acclimated to the practice of American visitors handing out tips, so why not include it in the promotional info? If it's a small operation or just not well run or using deceptive pricing practices, or whatever the case, it's definitely NOT a cultural norm to tip in Europe, and many, many places in the world. Why wouldn't some incorporate it if people are willingly handing over extra money that they don't have to? Have to expect some will take advantage, and they do. This is why it's always good to ask questions about experience with certain companies or operators and, if it's the first time visiting somewhere, cultural norms and practices. There's a reason we need to bring our passports, we've left the country, we're in someone else's garden now. New rules, new ideas, new history, thoughts, experiences. Go with the flow 😉 (someone might even think you're a local 😎)

So, not sure if you were looking at one of the tours that go up to Loch Lomond, but there's also a lot of history that's part of the journey, and so it's not only the Loch itself, which is beautiful from many prospects. To be honest, this is some of the most beautiful, and incomparable landscape I've ever seen, and this includes South Island of New Zealand, which is utterly spectacular. But after seeing Scotland on this journey along Loch Lomond, I know when I see it in a film or movie, before it's ever even identified that this is Scotland. It's gorgeous and has uniquely stunning qualities. Along the way there were stops to get out and check out pastures with wildlife, and even they look different than what I'd ever seen (though a life long city resident, admittedly I'm no wildlife or farm animal expert) but the highland flora and fauna are truly distinctive and lovely. I had a moment with a highland cow... we locked eyes, she or he slowly started to walk towards me, it was just one of those things, and again, me and large beasts? Not really a thing, but this was awesome. What's also cool is the weather sort of changes as you go, you're up and down hills, winding around death defying single lane roads gripped to the hill, but with these vistas that go on and on, the Loch is there, and there, and there. As for the history, well you're going along the way of Rob Roy, learning words of Robbie Burns, old Scottish songs, and of course, William Wallace. We visited Stirling Castle, and from there, in the distance, you can see a memorial for William Wallace, though it was meant to be discreet and out of the way so as not to draw too much attention or destruction from certain neighbors to the south. I had more time to choose what to do, so I can understand that it would be difficult to decide. There are amazing places in Edinburgh, it is full of history, and even the "newer" part of the city is great to explore. It *might* be enough to spend time on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, and then from there, you can catch a Rabbie's tour to Loch Lomond. I don't know that you'd have time to go into the castle, but to be on the Mile would provide a wonderful experience of the old city, but you'd be up in front of the castle, you could see St. Giles Cathedral, and whisky places and historic architecture, tartan and wool shops, and more. If it would be your only visit to Scotland ever, I would be sorry for you to miss an opportunity to experience a bit of the unparalleled country and the glorious city. If your schedule permits, perhaps this would be a way to make it work. I have been to Lugano and it is beautiful (I know Como is a thing unto itself) and there are many beautiful lakes and rivers throughout Europe, but the panorama is simply breathtaking, which I think is often what does it, I'm sure this is part of it in Como, albeit in different ways. Something to think about? It might be a jam packed day, but it would be truly worth it. Good luck 🙂

Also agree, no need to arrange a formal tour of Venice. Do a little research, also consider Burano, if Murano looks too busy or is sold out, many think it's more scenic, a bit calmer, and if you're into lace, that's the place. It's not hard to get around Venice, or find your way back from ambling around the back areas off the main canal, which is definitely worth it for a short time, it's beautiful, calmer, and will be memorable and calm. Otherwise get the tickets as recommended for your must-see places. But beyond that, Venice is compact and and easy enough to explore independently, and you won't miss seeing what matters as you go along. Have a wonderful time in Venice, it's beautiful and unforgettable. A little bit glad about the 10e charge, though not sure it'll have the desired (??) impact, or perhaps there are many goals, not sure.

Definitely can't always tell without looking at the data, which is what's nice about having the nicer quality camera in our phone's these days. As long as there are no plans for any significant upsizing or modifications, users may rely on what they're getting from the phone for sharing in emails, social media, or small enlargements to frame. There are ways to improve smartphone photography, in some cases without too many additional attachments though a few are fairly easy to add on (but expensive) whereas with others, it would be no different than lugging along the regular camera and equipment, because you'd need a tri or monopod, supplemental lighting, and know how to adjust in-camera settings (though that's gotten better too!) but you can get quite close to high-res large scale images in a smart phone, but they won't just come from pulling the phone out of the back pocket, as Dave points out. Hulu produced a show last year called Exposure, it was a smartphone photo competition (sort of like a cooking or fashion design show, but making photos) and I really enjoyed it. The hosts were experts in the field, and each week they had another expert guest judge. The show started off with a mini challenge, and then they moved on to the main challenge of the week, which would emphasize many of the different types of photography or concepts. One week they had to shoot a band, another week they were outdoors, one week was surrealism, I think there were 8 shows and a lot of creativity and surprises. All done with android smartphones. (I know, I use an iPhone.) They do use Adobe PhotoShop too, so if you don't use it, or don't know about photo editing (you can do it on your smart phone without PhotoShop!) don't worry, it's still fun to watch. They don't really show the PhotoShop, but it doesn't come up. Anyway, thanks for sharing the gallery and compare/contrast images. I've listened to world renowned photojournalists who were taking their family portraits with a tripod, forgot to check the settings on their camera and then realize once done it was on some automatic setting that they wouldn't have chosen and guess what? It came out beautiful. Something to be said for modern technology. There are still some things that require old ways, but more and more, it's getting easier to at least not have regrets or disappointment and have mostly lovely photos, which is everything when traveling. 🙂

Would a pinned topic be helpful? As this is part of our current reality and travel planning, would it be convenient to have one place to post and answer questions, as opposed to scanning through pages and topics? One would be able to jump to the latest info and/or search the topic to see whether or not the information they need has been posted. Folks can also post the latest news, updates, links as it is rolled out: when/where/how to get tests, time tables, airlines, hotels, port, etc. Let's have the yeahs and nays please! Thanks in advance.

!Hola! After a wonderful run at about 22 pages, it seems the right time to begin a new chapter of Palma de Mallorca DIY topic, with thanks to everyone, especially roger b, for making it such a wonderful part of the Spain community. I have closed that thread to new posts but it remains viewable to anyone as a valuable source of information for trip planning or if you wish to review any of the posts you have made to the topic in the past. Having fewer pages will make it more amenable to searches for new and repeat visitors alike, rather than a place where only new posts will get added on to the existing topic, making it a valuable source of information for visitors to the Spain message board. In the new thread, please continue to adhere to the forum T.O.S., as everyone here has always done, and focus your wonderful contributions on the do-it-yourself topics of interest that have made the original compilation such a rousing success. Examples of DIY inquiries/discussions are, but not limited to: Arranging transportation to/from, or while in port Restaurants Accommodations What to see or do while in port Beaches HoHo buses and ordinary buses And....other pertinent DIY inquiries This is definitely NOT the place to ask about tours, guides, etc. as that takes us outside the realm of DIY. Best answer to someone posting such a question (or a review we don't see and remove; remember you can always alert us for prompt removal!) is to refer them to a topic that might answer the question they have asked about a tour, or kindly suggest starting a new topic, so that this topic adheres to its mission. Thanks in advance everyone for making Palma de Mallorca 2.0 the success we know it will be. 🙂