Do not assume that Holiday Inn Express in Europe conveys the same level of comfort as HI-Express does in the US. By contrast, Best Western in France was a cut above the Best Western experience in the US – each was comfortable, very French, and good value.
In Antwerp I also had an episode of cystitis. In a remarkable bit of good fortune, I went to a pharmacy nearby, where the pharmacist said he recognized the symptoms and the needed treatment – antibiotic – but could not provide anything without a prescription. He referred me to a clinic, the Mediport, just a block from the hotel, where sailors from the many ships arriving in Antwerp could seek medical help – along with retired sailors, and anyone who was in need of help. So I went there – waited for 45 minutes, saw a very helpful young doctor (all in English, this is an international operation), got a confirmation of my problem and a prescription – for 30 euros. Back to the pharmacy, and problem solved! I was very lucky to find help within a few minutes of recognizing my problem. I’ll be more alert to medical/pharmacy sites in the future!
Our GPS did a wonderful job most of the time, but when it did not have the right information navigating became a challenge. Regardless, it was well worth the expense and trouble of bringing it. In an effort to travel light, we had just the Red Michelin and the Rough Guide to Brittany and Normandy. Both were useful but it would have been better to take at least one more, possibly the Cadogan for cross check purposes.
This reminds me of travel recommendations 40 years ago, and we don’t recall this as a problem when we traveled while living in Europe, but.... The toilet paper in every hotel, regardless of stars or cost, was terrible. We bought a box of tissues for the car and I wish we’d also purchased some better TP, or brought it with us (hint: the space in the suitcase for a roll or two of toilet paper can be filled with chocolates or other treats on the return trip)