hpluss1

Hello, my husband and I will be taking our first vacation alone since having a baby over a year ago, and are trying to find a fun , relaxing, and maybe a bit adventurous or exciting too, place for a 5 day vacation. We'll be traveling from the east coast of the U.S.A. and are willing to go to Europe, if there's any place that's great to visit in March / early April. What do you think of Normandy, France? Or Lisbon, Portugal? Or Iceland? Or Morrocco?? Thank you for any and all suggestions! We've ruled out South Africa and other farther away places because they are too far to travel for only 5 days.

Christina

I don't understand wanting something relaxing but adventurous and exciting, too, these are opposite things.

That isn't the greatest time of the year weatherwise, you know, in many places. I can't imagine why you picked Normandy, what was the reasoning you think that would be exciting or nice in March? I guess any place can be relaxing if you don't go anywhere, though, that's up to you.

DK about Lisbon or Iceland, but I'd go to southern Spain at that time of year, Andalusia. It would be good weather for northern Africa, also, I'd say if that's what you want to do.

nytraveler

You do not want to be in Normandy at that time of year.

I would probably do paris - but don;t know where you have been before and liked/disliked.

Andalusia is also a good idea since it will be warm enough for comfortable touring - and even gold and tennis if you want a resort.

Jean

Could you make the trip just a month later? It would make a big difference in your options.

kerouac

Marrakech is good.

HappyTrvlr

Lisbon would be perfect.

annhig

if you don't mind the cold and dark, Iceland - you might still catch the Northern Lights and it's not such a long flight.

and who can resist the romantic allure of the Blue Lagoon?

http://www.bluelagoon.com/

goldenautumn

I think 5 days in Lisbon is very satisfying, both for history and art, and also just strolling and gawking at the unique styles of Portuguese building and urban planning over a long time. The weather in March can be nice enough to slip off to scenic places, or there is unusual night life and you don't need to feel guilty about sleeping in because while the museums have great treasures, the sightseeing in Lisbon is not so demanding you feel you need to go go go all the time. Have long breakfasts of custard pastries and strong coffee.

Added plus? It is really, really cheap.

lowcountrycarol

Are you sure you will have a relaxing time with only five days with trans Atlantic travel? My choice for so few days would be to save the big bucks you will spend on flying to Europe. Have you considered somewhere closer where young could relax on a beach but explore a different culture as with Mexico or Costan Riica?

HappyTrvlr

Portugal only hs a five hour time difference from east coast of the US, like the UK..Another reason to consider this charming small city.

mamcalice

Not Europe but we thought Costa Rica was lots of fun, adventurous, romantic and easy to get to for 5 days.

We enjoyed the ecotravel resorts on the Pacific Coast.

bardo1

Of those mentioned, Lisbon would be an easy first choice. An added bonus is the possibility of flying there non-stop from Boston, New York, or Philadelphia (only 7 hours!).

Jinky

I'm with annhig!

You want relaxing and adventure - go for Iceland!

How can you resist THIS: http://www.greenworldholidays.com/Pu...bin1v-7631.jpg

hpluss1

Thank you! Lisbon and Iceland sound the best for us. Are there any cool bars and restaurants or other favorite places that you could recommend in those cities? One more to throw in there too .... what about Dublin? Is it too cold in late March / early April?

We're also looking into Costa Rica as some of you suggested.

Mamcalice, what were the eco-resorts you stayed in?

jamikins

One consideration is cost...Lisbon will be WAY cheaper than Iceland!!

We spent 5 days in Lisbon over New Years 2010/2011 and loved it! Lots of great wine bars, restaurants etc. Here is our trip report with photos http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...l-20102011.cfm

HappyTrvlr

Have you read ms_go's and mr_go's recent Lisbon report?

goldenautumn

If you are worried about cold in Ireland, it will be sub-sub-zero in Iceland. You can only sit in the Blue Lagoon for so long. And as pointed out, it is HUGELY expensive. And fairly dark all the time.

Lisbon is really nothing but cool bars, with lovely music. I'm sure Dublin is nice too, and Costa Rica has always sounded pleasant. Iceland is -- Iceland! It was cold enough when I was there in summer. I can't imagine going any sooner than July.

If you haven't picked your travel dates, be aware that Easter weekend will push the prices of everything up.

goldenautumn

(Actually, I can imagine going to Iceland sooner than summer. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.)

hpluss1

Ok, well then Iceland is too cold. So Lisbon it is! Any side trip recommendations? I love cool bars, and their charming power is not to be underestimated. .. . . . Also love cool shopping, and heard that Lisbon is teeming with cool shops. Please, any shopping and restaurant/ bar recs? thanks in advance ., . .

jamikins

Sinatra is an amazing side trip and very easy to get to on the train http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exer...,frameless.htm

Cascais is also easy via train if you want to see the beaches (probably too cold to swim though)
http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exer...,frameless.htm

Evora is also easy on the bus
http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exer...,frameless.htm