Subject: Meals included or not?
Hi Ziners

Finally we are planning our walking trip to France (the Dordogne, most likely). We have looked at quite a few companies because we want the luxury of having our luggage transported from inn-to-inn. However we are looking at walks with 2 or at most 3 star accommodation. This is new to us so any tips welcome!

There is a range of prices and what's included. Inntravel which has a good UK reputation and Valac http://www.valac.nl/ and Sherpa include all breakfasts and dinners and with Inntravel, even a few packed lunches. Others include a few evening meals. It is appealing not to have to go looking for a restaurant at the end of a day's walk.

I found an online travelogue and the walkers complained about monotonous food (yes, it *was* duck with roasted potatoes, but still...!) I emailed the website writer for more info.

Just to be clear - we are "middle-age-type" budget travellers. We probably would opt for the daily menu (table d'hote) if the meals weren't included. Also it is appealing to know the costs before we go. (We do have some ideas - one camping site suggests 20 euros for a simple 3 course local meal in a comfy mid-range restaurant. In Paris a few years ago, we paid 20-30 euros each, before the cost of wine, of course!)

I know that lots of Ziners are foodies but we are budget foodies! Part of the appeal of walking is that we will be able to eat more! So, should we choose a tour that includes meals or one that doesn't? Suggestions? Comments?

Frances Toronto, Canada