Byline: Samantha Brown

"Great Hotels" and "Passport to Europe" Travel Channel host Samantha Brown was online Thursday, March 2, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss all things travel: where to go, what to do, travel costs, accommodations, sites and restaurants. She'll take your questions and comments about traveling the world.

Travel Channel

A transcript follows.

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Samantha Brown: Hey there! It's Samantha Brown-host of Travel Channel's Passport to Europe I'm in the chat room ready to take your questions

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Silver Spring, Md.: Thanks for the chat today! My cousin is heading to Poland this summer, but she's a bit afraid that she will run out of things to do. What are some touristy sites in the Poland/Austria area? She's already thinking the "Auschwitz" tour - but anything less morbid? Thanks!

Samantha Brown: the possibility of being bored in the Poland/Austria is impossible. The Austrian landscape alone can captivate for hours. The city of Krakow is not to be missed and has been compared to Prague in regards to it's architectural beauty. Warsaw of course did not escape the destruction of WW2. The people built it back brick by brick. In the summer your cousin will have the advantage of Festivals! Jazz, book, food, music you name it there's a festival for it.

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Miami, Fla.: Hi Samantha

I enjoy your show and I have travelled from Istanbul to Vilnius to London and all points between. What cities would you suggest I go for my bachelor party and honeymoon?

Thank you so much,Matt

Samantha Brown: Do you know I am recently engaged myself and have no idea where we are going to go on our honeymoon! Do I go back to a place I loved or do we try a destination neither of us have gone before? On the list so far for honeymoon destinations are New Zealand and Sicily-why not both right? Since you live in Miami I would imagine your bachelor party destination has a lot to live up to. I think Spain is the country of Choice particularly San Sebastian, Valencia and of course Barcelona.

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Washington, D.C.: We will visit Switzerland in April for 6 days. My travel companion insisted we station in Zurich the whole time, as he doesn't want to pack and un-pack; personally, I want to take a scenic train ride. In this situation, I guess the Glacier Express is out because it's impossible to return to Zurich on the same day. Could you recommend other train rides, or cities that is worth a visit and we can get back to Zurich on the same day? Thanks.

Samantha Brown: You're in good hands when in Switzerland when it comes to trains. I wish all our cities could be so punctual, clean and pleasant. Zurich also boasts an incredible location so close to the mountains so day trips aren't out of the question. A very popular getaway is to head up to the mountain town of Uetliberg pronounced (oo etli berg) there's nice hiking and an incredilbe view of the lake-also an excellent restaurant with floor to ceiling window for a panoramic view. trains depart every 1/2 hour and i hope i am not mistaken but i believe it's apart of local transportation so if you get the Zurich card you may just use that.

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Reston, Va.: Currency exchange - since the euro is so high is it better to use the US credit card in Europe for the most purchases or to bring everything in travelers checks?

Samantha Brown: I use my credit card. There's a 1% fee tagged onto every purchase but I know my credit card gives me the most favorable rate at any time. Some business will charge you in US dollars. Insist that they charge you in Euros as your credit card rate is again more favorable.

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Laurel, Md.: Girlfriends vacation!! A group of 3 of us are planning a trip to Paris, Rome, and Spain next March (2007) for a week. First question, is this too much for a week? Should we choose only two countries? What part of Spain would you suggest we visit if we did include it in the iteniary in terms of time and convenience? Can you suggest quaint towns/sidetrips that are off the beaten paths close to any of these cities? I know this is a lot! We are in the planning stages right now.

Samantha Brown: Can I come? yes, that is waaaaaay too much for one week. Honestly I would stick to one country. Rome, Paris are so amazing in scope you may not need to do extra excursions. I know you are trying to fit it all in and it's not like you get to Europe everyday. But please, enjoy don't cram. you'll get grumpy from the hassles of traveling and that's not the point. I would look at Rome, Paris and say Barcelona individually and see which city offers the most of what you want. Relax in knowing that no matter what city you choose you are going to have an amazing time.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Samantha,

Also newly engaged here! My fiancee are planning our honeymoon for the end of November to Amsterdam, Germany and Italy. My understanding is that the costs for travel and accomodations at that time of year should be relatively inexpensive. Am I right about that? Do you think we can get away with not reserving hotels in advance for every destination, or should we play it safe? Thanks!