'German Tourists Make the Most Ridiculous Complaints'

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Mr. Born, you once said in a presentation that 'complaints are as much a part of any holiday as the Eiffel Tower is a part of Paris and the Hofbräuhaus beer hall a part of Munich.' The Germans are known for being frontrunners in global travel -- but are they also world champions at complaining?

Born: In other countries, the complaint culture is obviously not as extreme as in Germany -- especially when you see what Germans complain about. There is an enormous variety of complaints, ranging from the legitimate to the absurd. The Germans are behind a disproportionately high number of the ridiculous complaints.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: As the head of TUI have you experienced this personally?

Born: A hotel manager from Tenerife told me that tourists from other countries generally go about things a bit more elegantly. For instance, if they want to upgrade to a better room, the Italians will compliment the hotel staff and smile, while the Swiss often cite health problems as a reason for needing an upgrade. Germans, on the other hand, don't beat around the bush and simply say, 'If you don't change this, I'm going to sue you.'

SPIEGEL ONLINE: And who has the most success?

Born: Italy, ahead of Switzerland -- and the Germans' problems are addressed last, according to this colleague.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Perhaps the Germans know too much about their rights for their own good?

Born: Maybe. The worst part is the famous 'Frankfurt Table...'

SPIEGEL ONLINE: ... a table that lists the percentage that may be reimbursed for specified shortcomings in tourism and travel services.

Born: Exactly. Many Germans are convinced that this table is the law, when in fact it's only meant to serve as a guideline for the courts when they are presented with cases related to travel and tourism complaints. The German newspaper Bild prints the table every year and people then take this with them on holiday. Now tour guides are used to these people and know how to discourage them, because many incorrectly believe that they can just add up the individual values on the list. ( eds. Note: There is a set limit to the percentage that can be reimbursed )

SPIEGEL ONLINE: That would make for some pretty large sums. Say the area of the hotel room is too small, there is a crack in the wall, the linen isn't changed once and my table in the dining room isn't clean. Based on that alone, I could add up a claim for a 50 percent reimbursement per day.

Top Sites to See in Paris on Your Paris Vacation | Central Royal Tour

Article by Greg Schueler

Going to Paris on vacation? There’s no need to worry, as Paris can ensure you not only of a romantic getaway but also of an entertaining stay. Paris has a long list of tourist attractions and activities that you won?t end up being bored on your vacation.

To start with, identify which areas you want to go to. Then consult with a travel agency and leaf through the available brochures for further information. They can offer you the best deals for travel and give you their recommendations on the best Paris package deals.

If you?re bringing kids along on your Paris vacation, don?t fret as there?s a Disneyland resort where you can take them if all other activities fail to grab their attention. Disneyland offers a train that tours you around the area.

You can also enjoy a romantic evening by attending a show in any of the magnificent theaters in Paris. Whether there?s a featured musical performer or a play, these shows usually include a three-course meal when you purchase a ticket so you can savor fine dining with the wondrous entertainment.

You may also be interested in joining a tour when in Paris. The Palace of Versailles Tour will definitely pique your interest as this well-known tourist spot shows a magnificent array of golden hues. A bastion of power in the late 1700s, its majestic towering facade with the Hall of Mirrors is chock full of stone marble.

With its vast cultural heritage, travelers will walk through the history of the palace and its previous tenants. Included in the tour is a peek through the Grand Royal Apartments and the Queen?s reserved quarters.

Outdoors, the Palace also offers a serene view with its lush greenery and regal statues. Special mention should go to the marble vases originally from renowned painter Charles LeDrun, who was the preferred artist of the royals of his time. These very same vases decorate the beautiful garden. The tour lasts about 4 hours so don?t forget to sleep soundly the night before and wear only walking sandals.

A visit to the Eiffel Tower includes a cruise for you and your partner, and this is usually part of a travel package that is appreciated by most romantics out there. First off, a tour guide explains Western Paris? rich history. Then you can stop by the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the majestic view.

Another tourist attraction would be the Three Loire Valley Castles. Among the castles, there is one called Cheverny which features 17th century furniture. Amazingly, it is still the original owners of the castle who manage the place. Chambord is where French kings go to for a reprieve.

Ebony

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Frommer's Paris 2011