So as the title suggests, I've been to Spain, but it was only overnight and then I hopped on a Ship and came back over the course of 2 weeks, so of course that doesn't count. Tenerife is beautiful though.

Anyway, anyone have any suggestions of any kind for a 10 day vacation style trip to Europe from FL a couple who has never been? It's kind of overwhelming because I've heard so many different suggestions.

My friend just got back from Italy and Switzerland (she had family in Switz), I am going to ask for her ideas, but I wanted to hear MS's thoughts as well.

Your Aunt has a vacation home in Paris she isn't using and we can stay at? That sounds great :lol:

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i in AMS right know, u will not regret

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I just got back from a couple of weeks in Spain. Into Mardid, out of Barcelona. Incredible. I've done some traveling throughout Europe over the years, and so far Spain is my favorite. If you're heading there I can give you some recs.

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if you come to Vienna give us a shout. It's a nice place with plenty to do

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^^^^ What he said

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

[URL="http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/salisbury-ranked-seventh-in-worlds-best-tourist-cities-9807298.html"]http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/salisbury-ranked-seventh-in-worlds-best-tourist-cities-9807298.html[/URL]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Salisbury is better than Vienna :)

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first off - thanks everyone for your responses, i appreciate it.

[QUOTE=Jenks;1144351]I just got back from a couple of weeks in Spain. Into Mardid, out of Barcelona. Incredible. I've done some traveling throughout Europe over the years, and so far Spain is my favorite. If you're heading there I can give you some recs.[/QUOTE]

^that's interesting about Spain Jenks, my good friend/best man said pretty much the same thing. He raved about Barcelona.

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Cities I loved the most are Budapest and Barcelona. If you happen to be in Belgium, I suppose Brugge should be in your list. Praha is on my to-do list, as well as Tallin, but I prefer to wait for better weather for that :) When do you plan your arrival?

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Perhaps between Dec - March.. most likely Jan, Feb or March. thanks Santa

I have heard great things about Hungary as well... my cousin lived there for a year I think. She loved it.

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European dream vacation for me would be to visit Italy: Venice, Rome, but specially Southern Italy (Naples), and (have actually thought a lot about this) the city of Forio on the Island of Ischia appeals because a fav fam member of mine's ancestors are from there. If I ever get over there, would not be able to pass up Paris though, that would be a must see. Switzerland sounds amazing also & helps to have a friend with tips/experience. Exciting to even think of such a trip.

[URL="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g580210-d316494-Reviews-Mezzatorre_Resort_and_Spa-Forio_Isola_d_Ischia_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html"]http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g580210-d316494-Reviews-Mezzatorre_Resort_and_Spa-Forio_Isola_d_Ischia_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

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[QUOTE=unrecogniseduser;1144353]if you come to Vienna give us a shout. It's a nice place with plenty to do[/QUOTE]

thanks my man, I will :)

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So Barcelona and Budapest or London and Paris? I'd like to go to Barcelona, Italy and Budapest, but wife is thinking London and Paris.

Regardless, we need to know where we should go exactly and what we should do, lol. Or should we just go there and figure it out? I am down for whatever, and enjoy exploring, my wife on the other hand is my opposite and wants things all planned out in advance.

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[QUOTE=floridaorange;1144556]So Barcelona and Budapest or London and Paris? I'd like to go to Barcelona, Italy and Budapest, but wife is thinking London and Paris.

Regardless, we need to know where we should go exactly and what we should do, lol. Or should we just go there and figure it out? I am down for whatever, and enjoy exploring, my wife on the other hand is my opposite and wants things all planned out in advance.[/QUOTE]

When I was younger I was all about cramming the most I could see into the days I had available. Now that i've travelled more, I think the opposite- i'd rather spend more time in less places. I've done 6 countries in a three weeks before, and while it was a great experience, I didn't get the feeling that I really ever got to know any one place really well. Sure I've been there, seen things, but you don't have time to immerse yourself in the culture doing that. My wife and I just spend two weeks in only two cities in Spain last month and from now on that's totally the way to go for us.

So when you say Bercelona, Italy, and Budapest..gosh man, there is so much to see in each, I wonder if you'd really come away with the experience you're looking for if you're only going for 10 days. Italy is a trip in itself as it's so diverse from boot to north. Paris? A week. If you've got a lot of time, go for it, but 10 days is going to fly by and you're going to end up spending a lot of it packing your shit up and moving from place to place with a big travel itinerary.

As far as planning it our winging it- do a little of both. Have a plan, but don't be so stuck to it that you can't wander off the beaten path and explore because it's going to be those moments that surprise you and will probably end up being the most memorable.

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^^^ good advice :)

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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.

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[QUOTE=floridaorange;1144590]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.[/QUOTE]

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.

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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.

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Sage advice from Jenks & Rawrmune!

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[QUOTE=Rawrmune;1144604]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.[/QUOTE]

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.

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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 ([url="http://www.nomadicmatt.com/getting-started-new/"]Get Started Planning Your Next Trip Today! | Nomadic Matts Travel Site[/url]). The guy has some good tips.

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

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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.

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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

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"London, Paris, Rome" :blah:....pls just go already :roll:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]11896[/ATTACH] j/k.... have fun! ;)

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[QUOTE=floridaorange;1144724]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[/QUOTE] Denigrating your wife on a public forum doesn't strike me as very loving.

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

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[QUOTE=floridaorange;1144724]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[/QUOTE]

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 [URL="http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d188757-r4301236-Musee_du_Louvre-Paris_Ile_de_France.html"]Louvre [/URL]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.

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[QUOTE=KiwiTollway;1144737]^^^ there is a certain bliss in unawareness, and some agony in awareness & vice versa. what did you find "denigrating?" sounded protective & considerate to moi. :D[/QUOTE] If you can't see it I'm not repeating it :)

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:lol:

This made me laugh more.

[QUOTE=floridaorange;1144724] 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..[/QUOTE]

You try to be more observant by digression?

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[QUOTE=DIDI;1144736]Denigrating your wife on a public forum doesn't strike me as very loving.[/QUOTE]

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.

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Perhaps asking your wife where she would like to go, rather than asking the internet where your wife might like to go would be a more rewarding approach? Good luck :)

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Wife's grandma passed away 2 days ago, mine passed away 30 mins ago. Past couple days we've had a rough time. Thanks to all who have been cool lately.

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[ATTACH=CONFIG]11900[/ATTACH] ^^ Sorry to hear that. Prayers of comfort to you & yours FL.

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I'm really sorry for your loss Florida, I wish your family the best in this difficult time.

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Thank you my friend, really sad but good service today. She touched many lives.

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sorry to hear about your loss FO. all the best vibes from here.

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John when are you going? Sorry to hear about you and your wife's recent losses in the family by the way! I haven't been around lately due to work. My .02 would be Barcelona and Budapest. And i think you'd love Vienna as well. Budapest is my favorite city i've visited! And Barcelona may be the most beautiful city i've visited. I recommend checking out lonelyplanet.com. It tells you pretty much anything you need to know about a place. how to get there, what to see, eat, where to stay. I always bring their travel book with me when i travel as it's pretty much the bible for travelers! If you have any specific questions i'd be glad to help. I still have the same cell number from when we met at wmc. And if you make it to Vienna, hit those dudes up! They're some of my best friends!

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Thank you J, I appreciate it. We will spend some time on that spot. My wife is kind of attached to the idea of London, Paris, Rome. So that will most likely be what we'll do the first time there.... because she is more of a sensitive traveler (and less traveled) and of course I want her to be happy. I am pretty sure I have your number, although mine has changed, and some #'s didnt transfer, I'll pm you for your # if I don't, thanks for your help :).

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We are leaving in March. Going to go to Rome and Paris. Rome just looks too incredible to not visit. Paris is for my wife, she wants to go there.

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give yourself an entire day to explore the louvre. it's massive! and be sure to check out the eiffel tower at night. every hour on the hour they flash the lights on it like a xmas tree for about 10 minutes. really cool to see and walk under i then. if you go up it, you'll have to do that during the day i believe. let me know when you plan on being in london, and i can check with some friends about what's going on then. there always seems to be something cool worth checking out. rome is amazing, but can be overwhelming just because of the grand scope of things. if you do the vatican, get there probably at least a half hour before it opens because there is always a huge line. it's definitely another day as well! the place is truly awe inspiring! and be sure to go up into the dome of st peters! it's really cool, and it gives you an amazing view up on the roof! you should consider florence as well if you do rome. it's only about an hour and a half by train. it's worth it just to see the contrast in it's renaissance architecture vs gothic that you see most everywhere else! and going to the duomo and paying the extra fee to go up into the dome is a must! you get to see the vasari's fresco up close. and then again go up onto the roof for an amazing view of the city and the country side.