| Family Travels Where Rick is Wrong |
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We think Rick Steves is one of the best travel writers in the business. When we travel to Europe, Rick's
books are our guide. He has a great sense of what to see and what to leave behind. But every now and
then Rick gets it wrong ... sometimes he over sells a tourist trap (Dingle Ireland) and sometimes he down
plays a really great spot (Jungfraujoch). Granted this is only our opinion, but talking to many other family
travelers over the years we've also developed a sixth sense for what works.
books are our guide. He has a great sense of what to see and what to leave behind. But every now and
then Rick gets it wrong ... sometimes he over sells a tourist trap (Dingle Ireland) and sometimes he down
plays a really great spot (Jungfraujoch). Granted this is only our opinion, but talking to many other family
travelers over the years we've also developed a sixth sense for what works.
Over Rated
Dingle Ireland - The town is described as a quaint Irish fishing village deep in the heart of a traditional gaeltacht
area. We went to experience the culture, hear the language, enjoy the craic, and listen to traditional music. Instead we
found a tourist trap filled plastic leprechauns, "classic American" music, and only a touch of Irish language. The most
useful words and phrases we used came from my Polish Grandparents. Half of the working people in Dingle are Polish!
The Dingle peninsula itself was an incredibly beautiful and tranquil place. We definitely recommend seeing it. But
unless you like your culture Epcot style, skip the town and day trip in from Tralee. The music was better, the food was
better, and it felt much more genuine than Dingle.
area. We went to experience the culture, hear the language, enjoy the craic, and listen to traditional music. Instead we
found a tourist trap filled plastic leprechauns, "classic American" music, and only a touch of Irish language. The most
useful words and phrases we used came from my Polish Grandparents. Half of the working people in Dingle are Polish!
The Dingle peninsula itself was an incredibly beautiful and tranquil place. We definitely recommend seeing it. But
unless you like your culture Epcot style, skip the town and day trip in from Tralee. The music was better, the food was
better, and it felt much more genuine than Dingle.
Carcassonne France - Perhaps it was the years of anticipation, or the crush of the August tourist hordes, or the
pre-packaged cuteness, but Carcassone was a disappointment. (mom's note: Dad was disappointed...mom loved it)
pre-packaged cuteness, but Carcassone was a disappointment. (mom's note: Dad was disappointed...mom loved it)
Better than Expected
Stonehenge - Everyone has seen the pictures and Rick warns that it "looks like it looks". It does. But it has the
eerie grandeur that you can only experience by being there. It's a 3 triangle site.
Jungfrau (alp mountain accessible from the Lauterbrunnen Valley) This is a must do with kids. We went in August
dressed in layers of t-shirts, sweatersand jackets and had a great day playing at the top of the world. They offer ice
caverns and unbelievable views. There are all sorts of activities from cross country skiing, husky sled rides, ,zip lining ,
and even free sledding. Pack picnic supplies and enjoy the bluest sky you will every see, dining while sitting on a
glacier.
Venice--We expected a tourist trip and got so, so much more. You must spend a couple of nights here. Throw away
the map and get lost. After all it is an island.
eerie grandeur that you can only experience by being there. It's a 3 triangle site.
Jungfrau (alp mountain accessible from the Lauterbrunnen Valley) This is a must do with kids. We went in August
dressed in layers of t-shirts, sweatersand jackets and had a great day playing at the top of the world. They offer ice
caverns and unbelievable views. There are all sorts of activities from cross country skiing, husky sled rides, ,zip lining ,
and even free sledding. Pack picnic supplies and enjoy the bluest sky you will every see, dining while sitting on a
glacier.
Venice--We expected a tourist trip and got so, so much more. You must spend a couple of nights here. Throw away
the map and get lost. After all it is an island.