This was published 5 years ago
Readers' tips and advice: Is an international driving permit just a rip-off?
Bordeaux, France.Credit: Shutterstock
FRENCH LESSON
A letter last week queried whether an international driving permit (IDP) was necessary for driving in Europe (Tip-o-meter, June 17)
I recently rented a car in France and in UK. Before I left Australia I was advised by RACV in Victoria that an IDP was mandatory for France.
I paid $39 to get an IDP from RACV. I wasn't asked for it when I rented a car in France. I, too, can't help think that it is a rip-off. Does anyone have a definitive answer on this?
Laurie Bignell, Camberwell, VIC
TIP OF THE WEEK: AUGUSTUS AND US
Our trip to Spain last year took us to many lesser-known cities and towns but the city of Zaragoza was the most surprising. Zaragoza, the capital of the north eastern Spanish region of Aragon, is about a three-hour drive west of Barcelona.
It has a rich history, including Roman occupation when the Emperor Augustus named the city Caesaraugustus.
Originally we were going to use Zaragoza as a base to explore surrounding points of interest but found there was more than enough to do in the city itself for our four-night stay.
Sightseeing highlights include the Basilica of Our lady of the Pillar, The Cathedral of the Savior, Aljaferia Palace, Goya Museum, several Roman ruins, the El Tubo Tapas area as well as many museums and churches.
We stayed at the Apartmentos Sabinas El Pillar, which were in the heart of the city and an easy walk to all points of interest this fascinating city had to offer.
Peter Miniutti, Ashbury, NSW
GROUND CONTROL
I too, prefer to travel big cities above ground (Tip-o-meter, June 10) but my best all-time tip is the London local bus route number 11, so magical and inexpensive that we dubbed it the "Heaven on 11".
For the price of a single fare (from £1.50 adults, kids free) you can grab a seat upstairs with amazing views and watch the London cityscape unfurl in front of you.
A great starting point is Sloane Square, some of the sights then include: Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and St Pauls.
Finishing in East London, you can easily bus or train back. This is still my kid's best-ever travel memory.
Lucy Franklyn, Brighton East, VIC
CANAL THERAPY
I've just returned from the Canal du Midi in the south of France, enjoying a trip with a difference. Intrepid Travel runs week-long boat trips on the canal.
It was great fun assisting with ropes in the boat locks, shopping at local markets, and enjoying the pleasures of a slow pace and beautiful views.
The leader, or guide, drives the boat and provides assistance. It's a highly recommended extra trip a traditional, faster paced tour.
Jo Tulett. Suburb Mt Colah, NSW
ONCE UPON A TIME
I've never been anywhere quite like Grünau im Almtal in Austria and I don't think I ever will. I walked through a fairytale garden with life-size Cinderellas and Snow Whites across icy rivers and around the picture-perfect Lake Almsee.
I stayed at The Treehouse, a hostel run by Gerhard and his family that serves the best lasagne and feels just like home.
I was there in October and had the privilege of having both beautiful sunny days and the falling of first snow. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Lauren Rosenberg, Bentleigh East, VIC
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