Confessions of a YYC Travel Junkie

[Amethyst]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

Still a year or so away from doing it, but looking at going to Europe next fall for the first time with the wifey. Only going for about 10-14 days (would like to go for longer but can't). One thing I kind of was interested in doing was something like a 7 day cruise that hits Italy, Greece and Croatia. Anybody do something similar before, is it a good idea? Doesn't seem super expensive and looks like a quick way to hit 3 countries we really want to see. Then might spend 3 days or more just on land somewhere, probably Italy (Amalfi coast?). I'm guessing someone here has done a quick cruise like that and talked about it in here but I didn't see the post(s).

Haven't done that, but years ago I did a small cruise along the coast of Croatia and it was amazing. Great way to see that area!

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

Still a year or so away from doing it, but looking at going to Europe next fall for the first time with the wifey. Only going for about 10-14 days (would like to go for longer but can't). One thing I kind of was interested in doing was something like a 7 day cruise that hits Italy, Greece and Croatia. Anybody do something similar before, is it a good idea? Doesn't seem super expensive and looks like a quick way to hit 3 countries we really want to see. Then might spend 3 days or more just on land somewhere, probably Italy (Amalfi coast?). I'm guessing someone here has done a quick cruise like that and talked about it in here but I didn't see the post(s).

We did a 7 night Royal Carribean last summer with our kids leaving from Italy that stopped in Croatia as well as Santorini/Athens. Was really neat. For us it was a good mix as we did 10 days in Italy and that was a lot of old churches/museums for the kids so the cruise activities mixed it up for them, plus we saw some great places. I definitely want to return to Croatia for a longer stay.

In Santorini you need to find out whether you can be the first group to the cable car - check the schedules for the other ships in port because it is a madhouse. We chartered a small boat for our family that toured us around the caldera - we swam, ate a local/authentic lunch the captain brought and saw the place from the water. It was really neat.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

We did a 7 night Royal Carribean last summer with our kids leaving from Italy that stopped in Croatia as well as Santorini/Athens.

Thanks, I think that's one of the exact ones I was looking at the other day. I'd love to spend a week or so in each country but we just don't have the time, so was thinking a cruise like that at least we could see a bit of all of them. Thanks for the info

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

Thanks, I think that's one of the exact ones I was looking at the other day. I'd love to spend a week or so in each country but we just don't have the time, so was thinking a cruise like that at least we could see a bit of all of them. Thanks for the info

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask either here or via PM.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

Still a year or so away from doing it, but looking at going to Europe next fall for the first time with the wifey. Only going for about 10-14 days (would like to go for longer but can't). One thing I kind of was interested in doing was something like a 7 day cruise that hits Italy, Greece and Croatia. Anybody do something similar before, is it a good idea? Doesn't seem super expensive and looks like a quick way to hit 3 countries we really want to see. Then might spend 3 days or more just on land somewhere, probably Italy (Amalfi coast?). I'm guessing someone here has done a quick cruise like that and talked about it in here but I didn't see the post(s).

My parents have done a few Mediterranean cruises recently and still talk about it. We keep talking about doing it and I think we will next year. I can't recall which company they used, but I'm still interested in doing so and have heard great things about it.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by fotze2

Trying to Rent a car for Costa Rica. Reserved one that seems way too cheap at Budget but now second guessing.

My buddy's concierge lined up a Toyota Fortuna for a little more money but will be less last minute charge sketch (I assume) since he is setting it up.

What the hell is a Fortuna? Anyone have any idea what this is? Like a Forerunner?

That good enough?

When we rented a car in Nicaragua, we showed up and they had no cars. Had to grab one from Budget/Avis on the fly at the airport. It cost more, but not horrendous.

As far as I know, there is no fee for not using your reservation, so maybe grab them at a couple different places to be safe?

As for a Fortuna - they get flooded with cars made for the Indian/Global market. Probably don't meet our safety standards or something. As long as it works, it'll be fine. Our Suzuki was misfiring like a mofo by the end of the trip and I was relieved when it made the big climb we had to make it back to the airport. One of the front brakes was also toast.

Driving down there is type 2 fun. Embrace the adventure and chaos.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

When we rented a car in Nicaragua, we showed up and they had no cars. Had to grab one from Budget/Avis on the fly at the airport. It cost more, but not horrendous.

As far as I know, there is no fee for not using your reservation, so maybe grab them at a couple different places to be safe?

As for a Fortuna - they get flooded with cars made for the Indian/Global market. Probably don't meet our safety standards or something. As long as it works, it'll be fine. Our Suzuki was misfiring like a mofo by the end of the trip and I was relieved when it made the big climb we had to make it back to the airport. One of the front brakes was also toast.

Driving down there is type 2 fun. Embrace the adventure and chaos.

My Suzuki had bald tires, and was late getting to me. Later in the trip I had parked next to another one. Halfway through the meal I see the guy who was driving it looking mine over. I go chat, and he said "ya, they gave me that one but I refused because the tires were so bald." Mofo got my rental, which is why mine was late!


Joke was on him though, he never got to experience the thrill of spinning out on a steep road in Monteverde, being forced to roll down backwards, losing traction, and pulling the awesomest involuntary Rockford ever executed on that specific section of dusty road, not much wider than the Suzuki. Poop may have come out.

[Lubicon]

Has anyone used Porter/Transat's partnership for a trip? Looking into possibilities for Europe connecting via YYZ or YUL.

[Tron_fdc]

Pro tip: if you rent a car in a country with "mandatory" insurance (like Costa Rica) get the full coverage offered by the rental company.

If your vehicle is involved in a roll over, your Avion won't cover the damage if you take any insurance whatsoever at the time of rental.

[BlackArcher101]

I think that's the case with any CC coverage to be valid anywhere. In their terms they instruct you have to reject all coverages from the rental place.

And you alright?

[Tron_fdc]

Hahaha yeah that was years ago. The Diahatsu Terios doesn’t corner well on gravel roads.

Unfortunately in CR it’s mandatory to take the government liability insurance (rental places won’t rent without it) and Avion used it as a reason to deny my coverage.

[fotze2]

Ended up just having my buddy add me for ten days. Also has a Newo, electric golf cart on steroids you can drive legally on the streets. Super fun to boot to Tamarindo in.

[cam_wmh]

Tammy is better on a motorcycle. Too much congestion. Did you fly into that lil dirt airport from SJ? Man, that's a wild one.