Finally one last request

The trip that gave birth to the original First-Time Europe began more than seven years ago. I’ve been back to Europe eight or ten times since then, including a six-month period when I lived in Italy. Looking back, and after reviewing this book, the advice that rings the truest after all of these years is the simplest. First and fore-most, stop worrying about it and make the trip. Do your reading ahead of time, and learn about the regions you want to visit. Travel very, very light. Make your reservations. Take an open mind and lots of film. Learn as much of the language(s) as you can. Go early. If you remember nothing else, remember these things.

Every author hopes that his or her book will somehow benefit the reader. My aim was and is to provide information that makes your trip more enjoyable and successful. If I did that, please let me know. If I didn’t, then definitely let me know, and tell me what was wrong and how to fix it. Whether or not I helped you, this book is not perfect, and can certainly be improved when I come to prepare a new edition in a year or two.

Accuracy is a major concern, and I would appreciate hearing of any mistakes or changes. Also, if you had an experience that would help others if they heard about it, please write. This is especially the case if you have some expertise: motorcycle tourists, hard-core campers, travel agents who can talk about airline tickets from a seat on the other side of the counter . . . anybody who has information that could help the budget traveler.

The best people to assist the Europe traveler-to-be are those fresh from their first trip, because they remember the problems they just dealt with. As a fairly experienced traveler I now don’t have to struggle as much, which means that I can’t anticipate someone else’s problems quite as well. So, please help me help the next generation. Contact me at the addresses given below. The best and most helpful letters, postcards, or emails will get the writer a copy of the next edition of this book (or any one of the Rough Guide series); and everyone who writes has my sincere gratitude. Thank you in advance. I will answer all mail that I receive; it may take a while if I am on the road, but I will, without fail, respond to anything you send.