Melinda

I have four or five days to spend somewhere in Europe, and I don't know where to go. I'm tired and stressed and can't think. Can you help? I'd consider anything from Scotland to Turkey to Portugal to Finland. Heeeeelllllppppp!

Angela

My recommendation is for Turkey (but I'm biased). We need a little more info from you to make any serious suggestions. What do you like to do? Do you prefer history, sightseeing, etc. Or do you want to lie on a beach for two weeks. Or both (which you can get in Turkey). Do you have any family connection to any place you would like to discover? What kind of weather would oyu accept? Give us some of these details and we can help you make an informed choice.

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Hi - I don't know that I'd recommend just 4-5 days in Europe for someone tired and stressed!! <BR>Europe to me is an adventure, not a vacation to catch up on rest or unwind. (I reserve that for Hawaii or Puerto Vallarta) But if you do still want to go to Europe, how about just roaming around Paris for a few days, or go to one of the lakes in No. Italy.

ilisa

My husband and I took a long weekend to Copenhagen in November and had a wonderful time. It wasn't a relaxing trip in that we didn't lie around sleeping and doing nothing. But, we managed to see a fabulous city in a short amount of time (three days), which also included taking the train to Helsingor to Kronberg Castle and Roskilde to the Viking Museum. The only problem was that we absolutely hated to leave. I guess we just need to plan another trip there.

JOAN DOYLE

Have you considered the West of Ireland? Gorgous scenery, good food, and warm and friendly people who speak our language with a magical accent. I think it would be good for what ails you. Joan

JOAN DOYLE

Have you considered the West of Ireland? Gorgeous scenery, good food, and warm and friendly people who speak our language with a magical accent. I think it would be good for what ails you. Joan

Melinda

Thanks for answering!! I should clarify - I'm already in Europe on a project, and so I'm not facing a long flight over here, just the question of where to go. I'm not a beach person, instead I love mountain biking, horseback riding, water sports, cities, open air markets, sitting in cafes watching all the people go by, and I'm open to new adventures. Money is a bit of an issue (isn't it always!) but nothing too severe. I'm just out of ideas and I don't have the energy to plan an elaborate trip. Relaxation, for me, can be an active thing. Thanks again for suggestions! I need some inspiration of somewhere great - the angle doesn't matter so much. Have 4 or 5 days, will travel....

Wendy

Melinda, I would suggest the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. It is a beautiful place and is often referred to as Scotland in miniature.You reach it by ferry from the town of Ardrossan which is about 40 minutes from Glasgow. You can see seals and dolphins in the ocean, hike in gorgeous scenery,pony trek, visit numerous beautiful sea side villages,see castles and standing stones, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if there was mountain biking too.

Meg

I would recommend Amsterdam. It's small enough to see in just a few days without wearing yourself out. It's a beautiful city with soothing canals. We walked or took the metro, but the circle tram and bikes are great options. It's the most inexpensive European city we've been to so far - not that we've seen that many - but we felt everything was very reasonable. We loved it.

Kam

I also would vote for the west coast of Ireland--you can pony trek there too, the Aran Islands, (either place has lovely scenery and great people to talk to who are the antithesis of stressed!) Verona is a comfortable city with history and romantic Romeo and Juilet, Lucca Italy and the area to the north, the Garfagnana is beautiful for hiking, horseback riding, charming people and great food. I wish I faced such a dilemma! Hope this helps! <BR>

Linda

We were in Prague, Czech Republic in November. The Charles Bridge at night is great, accommodations & food are good & inexpensive. We stayed at Pension Balbin, near everything, clean, safe, toilet & shower in room for $35/night for 2. Found it at [email protected] Lots to see & buy. It was not bombed in WWII so old bldgs. still there.

Helena

Turkey. I haven't been there, but everyone says it's great. Go to Turkey.

pkl

If $$ is an issue, though beautiful, Switzerland is expensive. Salzburg is beautiful. Great hiking, outdoor cafes, scenery is breathtaking. Another great possibility is the area in France, just south of Geneva, esp. a little town called Montilimar. It has great cafes, outdoor markets, and friendly people. Edinburgh is fabulous, as well. It is difficult to know where to point you to without knowing where you're currently at. But, if you happen to be in the area of Bavaria (southern Germany), go to Mucich, or to Neuschwanstein and the surronding area. Gorgeous! Good Luck and have a great vacation!

Bob Gleason

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Suzanne

Wow, these are great suggestions, especially the one about Scotland! My friend and I are thinking about going bike riding there - now we're getting even more excited about it! Thanks for the ideas too.