Best Of
Re: Shopping in India - what I wish I knew before the trip
I’d rather purchase one very nice thing on a trip than useless trinkets.
Re: Question about Excursion Choice
We've been to both a few times. We are always underwhelmed with BadenBaden and truthfully never understand why it is even a stop along the Rhine when there are so many other amazing places (Strasbourg, Colmar, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, etc). There is a casino that some may enjoy. The town itself is underwhelming to us compared to so many other European towns. We've taken a few Rhine river cruises and I'm always disappointed when BadenBaden is a stop, but they miss ones like I mentioned above. Now, we actually look for cruises that don't stop in BadenBaden as we find it a waste of a day for us. I'd stay in Strasbourg, we love that town. So much to see, gorgeous architecture, an amazing cathedral, fantastic restaurants, wonderful places to walk and explore in town and along the water. Many do enjoy the hot springs & spa in BadenBaden - it is a highlight for many people - just depends on what your interests are.
Re: Question about Excursion Choice
We took a different Rhine cruise where both were offered on different days so we saw both. Unless you want to go to the spa, I'd give Baden Baden a miss. Strasbourg is lovely.
Re: Americans and their treatment in Europe now
Resources are shifting globally. Fewer social services. Expect more crime.
Absolutely true. Poverty has been a significant driver of crime for centuries. Jean Valjean was sentenced to 5 years in prison for stealing ONE loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving children. While that was a novel, it reflected society at the time.
A quote I like is from Anatole France, "The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal their bread.
[Also, it's fairly difficult to answer the OP question without reflecting on politics. The reason for the question is politics.]
Re: Question about Excursion Choice
I second Alan's comments. I thought Baden Baden was a waste of time and spent an entire day in Strasbourg. In addition to wandering around, I took a boat ride all around the city.
MCD
Re: Question about Excursion Choice
Granted, it was winter (XMAS Mkt tour) so this is a bit of a different perspective, but Strasbourg was great, but Baden-Baden not so much. We thought Baden-Baden was way past its prime and not a very interesting place. The casino was just downright old, dark and depressing, not a unique glimpse into is gloried, opulent past. We did not go to the baths. It was decorated for the season, but downtown was very small and there was not much to see.
AlanS
Re: Shopping in India - what I wish I knew before the trip
Unlike the previous posts, I too am a shopper and found your post very interesting and informative. I love jewelry and almost always buy a unique piece (or two) from local artists. I enjoy having these reminders of an adventure. But I'm not a minimalist. I dress for dinner too.
Re: Shopping in India - what I wish I knew before the trip
The majority of reviews cover the sites and culture. Tour books cover the sites and culture. The TD and local guides provide insight to the sites and culture. Shopping for items that will recall a memory is a very enjoyable part of the trip. It is not at the expense of enjoying the sites or culture. Some of these comments seem rather judgmental.