2nd but really first trip to Europe

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

that's the debate I'm having Jenks, see as much as possible while I have the opportunity, or focus on one or 2 places. It's confusing because everyone talks about hopping on a train to here and there... which we don't have here in the States so much, so I dunno what's realistic.

[Jenks]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

that's the debate I'm having Jenks, see as much as possible while I have the opportunity, or focus on one or 2 places. It's confusing because everyone talks about hopping on a train to here and there... which we don't have here in the States so much, so I dunno what's realistic.

Hopping on the train from here to there is doable to trek around one country if it's large (France, Spain, Germany, etc), or doable between smaller countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. You can shoot from Barcelona to Madrid in under two hours on the AVE, but the leaps your'e talking about, Barcelona to Budapest, that's going to require a flight and is going to screw up one of your days of travel. Even Barcelona to Paris you'd want to fly with only a 10 day schedule. I think you'll be surprised how cheap flights are between countries in Europe. It's expensive to get over the Atlantic, but relatively inexpensive to move around once you're there. Just consider your time, which is the most valuable of all. In 10 days, i'd only move once, or at least pick a city you can take day trips on a high speed and use that city as your base.

Also don't forget that you're not going to be familiar with your surroundings or the language, unless you're multilingual. That idea of "we'll just run down and hop on a train, easy peasy!" isn't as easy as it sounds if you haven't done it before in a foreign country.

[Rawrmune]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

I'd really recommend that you stick to one or two places if it's your first time in Europe and you have 10 days. It's easy to get excited and try to rush to see as much as you can, but I feel you miss out on so much doing that. You'd probably want to come back and see all the stuff you missed anyways. I did a whirlwind tour of Eastern Europe before and it was too hectic, I spent too much time traveling and by the time I started to get a feel for my new surroundings, I was off to the next place. I felt like I needed a vacation after my vacation! I find it's more fun to take your time, not be rushed, and get a good feel for city and culture. You can always come back on another trip someday and pick a few other locations to see.

If you enjoy road trips/driving, some of my most memorable vacation adventures were going on road trips in different countries with my parents. We would spend a few days in a big city, then go on a drive and check out the countryside and smaller towns, staying in a different town whenever we got tired. It's a lot of fun because everything is new and different (the scenery, the people, the towns), and you feel like you're really getting a sense of the local culture by getting away from all the tourists. Though for a first vacation in Europe you'd probably just want to stick to big cities, it takes some of the hassle and stress out of your first trip.

[KiwiTollway]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Sage advice from Jenks & Rawrmune!

000-JustGo.jpg

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

spend a few days in a big city, then go on a drive and check out the countryside and smaller towns, staying in a different town whenever we got tired. It's a lot of fun because everything is new and different (the scenery, the people, the towns), and you feel like you're really getting a sense of the local culture by getting away from all the tourists. Though for a first vacation in Europe you'd probably just want to stick to big cities, it takes some of the hassle and stress out of your first trip.

this is pretty in line with what my friend who just got back from Europe suggested, so with you and J both saying to not push it, we won't. . Thanks gang.

[Illuminate]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Well FO, I think before you start on locations it depends on what you want to achieve out of your holiday. Having done my fair share travelling, I always make a little plan on what I want to experience. Be it, am I going for:
- cultural experience
- scenic experience
- religious/spiritual

if you want to take on all of the above, I would suggest going with a travel agency, albeit paying that little extra for the convenience. However, when ravelling with the better half, you have to make sure you both agree on what to what you want to achieve out of this trip. There is no way you two will agree to each other’s requirements, and many a times there may be some arguments on who wants what (from what I experienced) but this is always slept off and you get on with the next day. Irrespective of travelling as a couple, I always think travel should expand individual horizons, rather than just visiting Paris for example, to be physically present in the love capital of the world. Paris is a little over rated.

Another key requirement is I am not sure if you are taking your kid along. I would have to say that a majority of the cultural cities are not that kid friendly, in terms of what they may want to enjoy out of it. Catering for children is another hardship in itself.'
I use to read this guy’s blog, before I went anywhere central (Get Started Planning Your Next Trip Today! | Nomadic Matts Travel Site). The guy has some good tips.

Let me know your final agenda, happy to give further advice, if I had been there.

[Illuminate]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Also, you're based in the States, there is no issue at all travelling to Europe, as all you need to do is cross the Atlantic. To take in a more lasting travel experience I would agree with other opinions of only doing a maximum of three cities. Then visit again in a year or two.

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Ok - that's really sound advice about the missus part. She's just not very adventurous, but she's my rock and I love her. So anyway, she's thinking London, Paris, Rome, because it sounds easy to her. They are the most popular destinations so a gazillion people must be right, is most likely her logic. Our son is not coming with us. Thank god for FaceTime. As far as our purpose, we just need to travel, together, and explore together. I do think her feeling safe is really important, she's not the most aware person I know. While I on the other hand see everything (or most everything) when I'm in a new place. My awareness heightens and I try to be extremely observant, digression. But yes, a travel agent is probably good thinking. That, or a friend who knows. And I have a couple who I know my wife trusts their opinions etc. thank you mate

[KiwiTollway]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

"London, Paris, Rome" ....pls just go already

__jealous.jpg j/k.... have fun!

[DIDI]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Ok - that's really sound advice about the missus part. She's just not very adventurous, but she's my rock and I love her. So anyway, she's thinking London, Paris, Rome, because it sounds easy to her. They are the most popular destinations so a gazillion people must be right, is most likely her logic. Our son is not coming with us. Thank god for FaceTime. As far as our purpose, we just need to travel, together, and explore together. I do think her feeling safe is really important, she's not the most aware person I know. While I on the other hand see everything (or most everything) when I'm in a new place. My awareness heightens and I try to be extremely observant, digression. But yes, a travel agent is probably good thinking. That, or a friend who knows. And I have a couple who I know my wife trusts their opinions etc. thank you mate

Denigrating your wife on a public forum doesn't strike me as very loving.

[KiwiTollway]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

^^^ there is a certain bliss in unawareness, and some agony in awareness & vice versa. what did you find "denigrating?" sounded protective & considerate to moi.

[Illuminate]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Ok - that's really sound advice about the missus part. She's just not very adventurous, but she's my rock and I love her. So anyway, she's thinking London, Paris, Rome, because it sounds easy to her. They are the most popular destinations so a gazillion people must be right, is most likely her logic. Our son is not coming with us. Thank god for FaceTime. As far as our purpose, we just need to travel, together, and explore together. I do think her feeling safe is really important, she's not the most aware person I know. While I on the other hand see everything (or most everything) when I'm in a new place. My awareness heightens and I try to be extremely observant, digression. But yes, a travel agent is probably good thinking. That, or a friend who knows. And I have a couple who I know my wife trusts their opinions etc. thank you mate

Judging by this it sounds like a second honeymoon per se, a time to explore your relationship alone. The point on feeling safe is a little presumptuous, I remember getting pick-pocketed in Rome, London is rough around the edges (grew up there), and waiting in line for the Louvre was on of the most time wasting moments of my life. Again individual perceptions on certain experiences. Sometimes the best experiences can be found in your own backyard.

[DIDI]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

^^^ there is a certain bliss in unawareness, and some agony in awareness & vice versa. what did you find "denigrating?" sounded protective & considerate to moi.

If you can't see it I'm not repeating it

[Illuminate]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe



This made me laugh more.

While I on the other hand see everything (or most everything) when I'm in a new place. My awareness heightens and I try to be extremely observant, digression..

You try to be more observant by digression?

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Denigrating your wife on a public forum doesn't strike me as very loving.

Ignore this thread for me dear. Thanks

@Illuminate - something like that yes you are correct. I don't really need to go to London but I would like to be there before I'm old, and I still feel pretty young at 34. That's interesting you grew up there. Thanks for the info.