Southern france: I need advice!

[Paulchili]

Yes, I totally agree about the flexibility with a rental car. That would be our most important consideration as well - deciding for ourselves what to see and when to move on.

Let's compare notes next May :).

[wripro]

Horror of horrors to go someplace that might be filled with Americans. In this economy I'd suspect you will see far more Chinese, Russians and Germans traveling throughout Europe than Americans.

[cbb]

The person who wrote the review said that when he traveled he didn't want to hear/see lots of Americans; he traveled to be in the midst of natives. I figure there are few places anymore where a person can or wants to travel that one is not going to meet North Americans and the local economy benefits! Three different guides on our last cruise, unprompted, told me that they enjoy escorting NA around because we look out for each other, we are prompt, and we are very nice people! (One couple tried to cut in line and I said "I hope they aren't Americans" and our guide said "Americans know how to queue; that pair is Russian." My kindergarten teacher would be so proud!!)

[Paulchili]

Three different guides on our last cruise, unprompted, told me that they enjoy escorting NA around because we look out for each other, we are prompt, and we are very nice people!

 

All of the above are true but we also tip better than most cultures (some, like Aussies, Kiwis and Scandinavians are not accustomed to tipping at all; most Europeans tip reluctantly).

That may be an additional reason why the guides like NA groups :)