Never Skimp On Maps

When we travelled through The Netherlands to Germany we had a decent Amsterdam map which took us to the German border- it is after all a small country.

Upon arriving in Germany we spent about 5 euro on a brilliant ADAC tourist map of Germany with town maps, campsites and places of interest marked, as well as including slightly less detailed maps of Austria and Switzerland.

We struggled a bit using this map in Austria but got by and were disgusted to find that any map of Italy even coming close to what we had for Germany cost around 20 euro. So we went for a basic fold out map showing major auto routes and some towns figuring that only going to Venice probably didn't warrant much more.

We bought this map at a petrol station, we assume it is aimed at motorists as it shows mainly the major auto routes. Why then did the producers of this map feel it necessary to include a map of Venice, where no car can enter! They didn't feel it necessary to include a map of Mestre, the last place you need to manoeuvre before you get to Venice! And it takes some maneuvering let us tell you!!!!

Much the same story in Switzerland where we finally came to terms with the idea that if you have no reference no amount of good sense of direction and clear headedness is going to get you around a European city- especially if you have arrived being flung out of the orbit of a motorway.

Needless to say we have bought a decent map of France, we can always flog it to someone back in the UK!

Photos: I can't even find where we parked the bloody thing!