[Odais]

I'm hoping to go visit a friend who lives in France this summer. No plans have been set in stone yet though, and this will be the first time that I'll be travelling by myself

I'm hoping to travel via plane from Ireland to France and then by TGV to the final destination. Mon fran

[RedneckHunter]

So does anyone have any hints for a first time flyer/traveller?

Yeah...

Don't goto France....

[Odais]

Really? Why do you say that?

[RedneckHunter]

Really? Why do you say that?

Rude people, waste of money. Try Germany, heck even russia was more fun than France.

[Odais]

Rude people, waste of money. Try Germany, heck even russia was more fun than France.

Bad experience, huh?

[RedneckHunter]

Rude people, waste of money. Try Germany, heck even russia was more fun than France.

Bad experience, huh?

You could say that. Even in some of the old Soviet Block areas I was welcomed. Everytime I goto Germany, I rarely have to even get a hotel the people are just so welcoming. Ofcourse certain parts of every country are the opposites of eachother. France just gives me a bad taste in my mouth...lol

[mnemonicj]

Make a photo copy of your passport (the page with your picture and information) and give it to a friend here in the US that you would be able to get in contact with if your passport is lost or stolen. Then they can fax it to you. It is not as good as a real passport, but it is better than having no paperwork at all.

France might not be so bad as long as you don't act like their idea of a typical arrogant American. Just be nice and be polite and you should get by just fine.

[Odais]

Make a photo copy of your passport and give it to a friend here in the US

Would they accept a photocopy? It seems really, really unlikely

France might not be so bad as long as you don't act like their idea of a typical arrogant American.

Would they settle for an Irish that always carries an emergency supply of Guinness?

[kanaloa]

France might not be so bad as long as you don't act like their idea of a typical arrogant American. Just be nice and be polite and you should get by just fine.

I agree... though depending on your French, this might be harder than you think. I've found in my own travels (which have not been to Europe) that the more non-touristy you act, the better. It was very clear to me in both Hawaii and Alaska (around natives of each area respectively) that they did NOT like touristy acting people.

I think you'd enjoy Germany's mountains better. I've seen photos and they just blew me away. And my GF loves Russia... so I'd consider it too, though I have no personal experience on that.

[Odais]

And my GF loves Russia... so I'd consider it too,

I'd actually love to go to Russia or Japan some day. I considered going this summer, but I don't have the funds for it and I'd rather be able to speak a fair bit of the language first. Plus, the bonus of going to France is that I've got a friend that can help me out if I get into trouble