I can't help myself...I did it again: I like to make "travel" surprises, especially to my parents, who like traveling, but are reluctant when it comes to move without a proper guide. Their biggest fear, especially my mom's, is the problem in communication abroad. And even if she has studied both German and English for quite a long time, she doesn't feel ready to communicate without a proper support. Probably she has the skills, but goes in panic when it comes the moment to speak in another language. As far as I am concerned, for traveling it's not necessary to speak the language of the country you are visiting. Obviously it helps a lot if you do. But I personally have survived in countries where I didn't speak any of the native language. For sure my knowledge of English helps because, more or less, everybody speaks some English.
But, returning to my "travel" surprise 2010, I made it. It all started the other day, when Lufthansa sent me a newsletter with an incredible offer. Fly from Milan to other european destinations for only 110 € per couple (tax included). On sale only for a limited period. Suddenly I called my brother and asked if he agreed to plan together a "travel" surprise for our parents in occasion of their 34th wedding anniversary. After some date planning on the calendar and internet surfing, we decided to make it all 6 (Ely and I, my brother and his girlfriend Patty, our parents) to Paris next May. WHOO HOO! So, the same group that last year "invaded" London, will have an adventure in France this year. That is quite unexpected, because I hadn't in mind anything before the Lufthansa newsletter found me, but I think it's a good occasion to spend time together. Even if we live close and see each other almost everyday, sharing a travel experience is something different and unique. I am happy we are going all together again.
Now, we basically have 2 other things to settle:
1 - Find an apartment for 6 in Paris (does anyone have suggestions?);
2 - Decide when telling the parents about this travel (their anniversary will be on May,1st and we are leaving a few days later, but I think it's better to say it before, because they will have time to prepare! What about around Easter? Or do you think it's better a shocking revelation a few days before departing?).
If you haven't understood yet, well..... I love planning trips, not only for myself but even for other people. I love to give travel tips and find the best travel options and offers on the web. Is it a mania? Probably, it more like a passion. So, do you have a trip in mind? Here I am, count on me! :) I'll be your planner!
Some time ago I also had the idea to open a website for this travel planning thing. Then I gave up. There are plenty around the web. But just recently Ely and I have bought a domain where we intend, in the next future, to design and publish all our travel diaries with photos and itineraries, maybe open a blog and give the opportunity to our visitors to get useful information about the places we have visited. The domain name is: http://www.travelnotesmarioely.eu (now empty). But we are open to suggestions, tips and whatever you like to suggest for design, logo, contents, etc... All the ideas will be more than welcome!
