Rien63

As someone who hasn't traveled extensively, I'm curious to know what places touched you in a way that makes you want to return. Sometimes it's not easy to explain, more like just a feeling. Because there are usually other places on our lists to see we're not always able to return, but if you could...

For myself that place is Madrid, surrounding towns and the whole Castilla la Mancha area. I loved the light and the landscape more than I expected, plus I know there was a lot I missed. I know many will disagree with me, but I had high hopes for Barcelona, and while I loved the art nouveau architecture and am glad I saw the city, it didn't move me in the same way and in fact left me pretty cold.

I'd like to see Crete again simply because it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen and as corny as this sounds, I felt like I had come home. It's a big island and because of time constraints I didn't get to see nearly as much as I'd have liked.

The purpose of this post is to maybe be enlightened by your answers, myself and fellow Fodorites. There are some things that just can't be found in guidebooks. Looking forward to your answers, thanks!

nytraveler

I would like to return to most places we have been in europe but obviously don't have time since there are so many more places to see/do.

We are city people and would always go back in a shot to London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Berlin, Prague. (Have been to these places from 2/3 to more than 20 times.) For scenery the Bernese Oberland.

I would not go back to Madrid - the city just doesn't speak to me. I feel I'm in Chicago (just another big modern city) but with Spanish spoken and way too hot with not enough AC. (There is nothing wrong with chicago - it's a great city - but I don't want to go to Spain to see it.)

Caveat: have been there 3 times, once on vacation (4 days were too long and it was 99 degrees in late April) and twice since on business or would not have been there again. A couple of good museums but just not a place I enjoy.

Rien63

I've heard that summers in Madrid are awful, the weather's pretty extreme in general. I was there in March and we couldn't have asked for better weather. I haven't been, but I also heard Rome can get very hot. If there's more there of interest to you then of course it doesn't matter as much. That's a city I hope to see in the near future.

While I enjoy large cities I can only take them in small doses. I usually head for the small towns and beautiful natural landscapes pretty quickly. I'm partial to dry, craggy places places which explains why I loved Cuenca and the surrounding area. That also goes for Crete and most of Greece in general.

Everyone likes something different and for different reasons, that's what this thread is about. Thanks for your response.

sparkchaser

Pretty much everywhere I have been except for Paris. I especially enjoy Flanders and Bohemia.

mamcalice

I guess I am a city person. I would return to Paris and Florence again and again - and have. The same goes for Sicily - a fabulous place that we really loved. While I like beautiful scenery (loved Provence, Naxos, Normandy, Andalucia, Tuscany, etc.), I would love to return but only if I coupled any one of them with a great city.

Bedar

I love Madrid, too, and feel the same way about Barcelona as you do ! I will always love Paris where I was married and had a child. London and the UK no longer work for me. Last time there at Christmas the weather was so filthy with rain that I won't return. I would like to go back to Vienna. A trip there had to be cut short by airline difficulties. The museums there are fabulous, and I enjoy coffeehouse culture.

MarthaT

Most of the places I really love I have been to more than once. Tops are anywhere in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
I have been to Iceland once and would love to go back sometime soon, maybe even in the winter.

mama_mia

When my husband retires, I hope to spend 2-3 weeks in Rome. Have been there 5 times and have seen many sites, but I would like to explore more in depth and at a relaxed place. Love the light, the outdoor cafes, the activity and turning a corner to see another beautiful monument or building.

sandralist

You remind me how much how would like to revisit Madrid again, with its outstanding urban culture of museums, music and nightlife (some of the best restaurants in Europe) and lovely residential architecture for those who get off the beaten track. For me it is probably the best nightlife culture in Europe (with Antwerp running a close second -- another place where I would like to return).

My main reason for wanting to revisit any European city is when it has loads of fascinating art offerings + good food/wine -- like Lisbon, Torino, Trieste, Antwerp, Athens (except the wine!) -- but there are many lovely scenic places where I feel so secure and at home I could happily live forever (if I had nine lives). These include the west coast of Scotland, the Basque coast of Spain, the valle d'Aosta in Italy.

Rien63

sparkchaser,

I have mixed feelings about Paris, and have read many mixed reviews. I used to really want to visit, now I'm not so sure and don't know if it's worth the cost. Perhaps a short visit, then off to Provence! Here's a funny article about having too high expectations of Paris:

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...cation/246743/

Also, why Flanders and Bohemia, not places you hear about too often. I know nothing except where they are!

Rien63

mamcalice,

Andalucia's near the top of my list. The food, architecture, landscapes really draw me. You mentioned liking cities. Seville's a pretty big city but I guess not a major one. I'm curious as to which of these three you liked best and why, Seville, Cordoba or Granada.

sparkchaser

<i>Also, why Flanders and Bohemia</i>

Great beer, great food, lovely people, and history.

And add Andalusia to my list for the food, sights, history,and hammams.

Rien63

Bedar,

Didn't think I'd hear of someone liking Madrid over Barcelona, doesn't seem to be the general consensus. In Madrid there were these little niches, parks that I happened upon that I really liked for some reason. I also had some very simple but delicious meals there. Maybe it's me but I didn't feel as safe in Barcelona, as relaxed. The highlights there,for me, were the Casa Mila and my first taste of absinthe. Yum!

I have to say, London and the UK don't draw me at all. For one thing, I don't think the food would wow me, not to mention how overpriced it and everything else supposedly is. The museums are world-class but all considered not enough to get me there.

inspiredexplorer

Haven't been to too many places in Europe, and none multiple times other than London which I continue to visit at least 2x per year and enjoy. I am planning to return to Paris (hopefully early September). I would very much welcome a return to Amsterdam, the Amalfi Coast, Wales, York and northern England, and the Ionian islands of Greece.

I would probably not elect to return to Rome. I did love my experience at the Borghese Gallery, but I was not overly fond of the city: found it hot, dusty, overcrowded (and this was in May).

I have a trip to Frankfurt for work in October: I am not overly optimistic Frankfurt will be a place I want to return.

inspiredexplorer

Oh and Iceland, where I recently went in winter: I would like to return at least once every season to get a better baseline on the insane climactic conditions.

Rien63

I'm kind of into geology (nerd!), so Iceland intrigues me.

Germany, Austria, Switzerland--where exactly?

Rien63

Since you appreciate museums, have you seen the abstract art museum in Cuenca? Awesome building, art, and spectacular views.

'but there are many lovely scenic places where I feel so secure and at home I could happily live forever'

It's interesting how we're all drawn to different places. I enjoy hearing about them, makes me want to inquire further.

Rien63

sandralist,

My post about Cuenca, etc. was meant for you.

HappyTrvlr

I would like to return to Santiago de Compostela. The historic city with the pilgrims arriving in the plaza had a strong effect on me. Amsterdam also captured me and I can't wait to go back there. I also have a love for Greece. SE Asia also calls me to return.

Rien63

inspired explorer,

Amalfi Coast--I guess it depends on what time of year you go, but as much as I'd like to see it I have a fear of tourism hell. Same for Capri. I have a penchant for anything Mediterranean (how can you not!), but that can be a problem for me. I had that issue in Santorini. While amazingly beautiful, it was a little TOO pretty for me. I was relieved when I got to Crete.

Frankfurt--yea maybe not a major tourist destination! Somewhere new and different though.