Parisian waiters are pros at their jobs. Photo / Getty Images
Ask Away Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions
I love to travel in Europe - and we're looking at going again next northern summer - but I get frustrated by what I feel is the snootiness of the hospitality staff - the French in particular. This holiday
is costing me a lot of money. Is there any way to make it clear to them that I'd like a smile with my coffee without causing offence?
George Waters
Hey, when in Rome, right (or, in this case, Paris)? If a surly waiter is part of the Continental experience, then as travellers, we have to like it or lump it. Parisian waiters may be infamous for their rudeness, but they're pros at their jobs and rarely stuff things up. It's worth keeping in mind that some visitors to New Zealand find our own service culture a bit too smiley and unpolished.
I want to take a month-long trip to Europe and the best time for me to take leave is around April or May. What are the best countries to visit at this time?
Europhile, Auckland
April and May are actually fantastic times to visit Europe, as it's not too busy and not too hot. There are also fewer tourists than you'll find in the height of summer, so you'll appreciate the shorter queues as well as the great deals you can pick up at this time. Many towns and cities are coming off a quieter winter so they're eager for the tourists to return.
