Where should I go for my next European Adventure?
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:25 AM
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Where should I go for my next European Adventure?
If I'm going to get through the coming winter, I'm going to need a new trip to start planning. Unfortunately, however, I'm completely stumped about where to go next. I've already been to Ireland several times, Edinburgh, London, Barcelona and southern Spain, and Paris twice. Of all of them, Paris is my absolute favorite, as in I'm in love with it, if that gives you a reference point.
I will probably be traveling alone, which is my preference, either in late May/early June or mid-September. I'll probably have between 8 and 11 days. I love cities, especially if I'm on my own, but haven't necessarily ruled out other options. To be honest, my favorite thing to do while on vacation is to people watch and walk....a lot. I like museums and historical sites in moderation. More than anything, I just like to feel like I'm absorbing a place.
So here's what's been floating in my head lately. I would really like to go to Budapest and Krakow at some point. Prague is also a possibility but the reports I've read re: large crowds, endless giftshops, etc., really turn me off. One of the reasons that I didn't love Spain is that I found it overly touristy. Brugges and Amsterdam hold some appeal too. Italy, of course, is always an option, but for whatever reason, I never get overly excited at the thought. There might be something wrong with me!
France keeps calling my name too, but I have promised myself that I'll wait at least another year before going back. As tempting as it is, I want to see more of Europe. If I choose France, however, I can't seem to settle on an area. Provence, the Dordogne, Lot Valley, Normandy? I've thought about going to a few places in Burgundy, e.g., Beaune and Dijon, followed by a few days in Alsace, e.g., Ribeauville and Colmar. I've thought about taking an inn to inn biking or hiking tour through Discover France or a similar outfit, but I have doubts as to whether I'd be bored and/or lonely doing that. Otherwise, should I go from place to place by train and hoof it upon arrival or rent a car? I feel a little overwhelmed by the choices and the logistics.
So all you well-traveled, imaginative Fodorites, any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks!
Kate
I will probably be traveling alone, which is my preference, either in late May/early June or mid-September. I'll probably have between 8 and 11 days. I love cities, especially if I'm on my own, but haven't necessarily ruled out other options. To be honest, my favorite thing to do while on vacation is to people watch and walk....a lot. I like museums and historical sites in moderation. More than anything, I just like to feel like I'm absorbing a place.
So here's what's been floating in my head lately. I would really like to go to Budapest and Krakow at some point. Prague is also a possibility but the reports I've read re: large crowds, endless giftshops, etc., really turn me off. One of the reasons that I didn't love Spain is that I found it overly touristy. Brugges and Amsterdam hold some appeal too. Italy, of course, is always an option, but for whatever reason, I never get overly excited at the thought. There might be something wrong with me!
France keeps calling my name too, but I have promised myself that I'll wait at least another year before going back. As tempting as it is, I want to see more of Europe. If I choose France, however, I can't seem to settle on an area. Provence, the Dordogne, Lot Valley, Normandy? I've thought about going to a few places in Burgundy, e.g., Beaune and Dijon, followed by a few days in Alsace, e.g., Ribeauville and Colmar. I've thought about taking an inn to inn biking or hiking tour through Discover France or a similar outfit, but I have doubts as to whether I'd be bored and/or lonely doing that. Otherwise, should I go from place to place by train and hoof it upon arrival or rent a car? I feel a little overwhelmed by the choices and the logistics.
So all you well-traveled, imaginative Fodorites, any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks!
Kate
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:35 AM
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My two favorite cities outside of Paris are Prague and Venice. Italy didn't call my name either, but when I saw Venice I didn't know why I hadn't been desperate to see it earlier. A nice combination would be Venice and Florence (esp. if you like art) or Venice and Rome. Prague is excellent also and could be combined with Budapest or Vienna. JMHO
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:36 AM
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You thought sound good. If youi haven't been to Amsterdam I would put that on your priority list. It's such a lovely city especialy in the spring. There really is no place like it. Depending on your attention span, you can spend 4 days to a week. From AMS you can also take day trips to cities like Gouda and Edam.
Another place I didn't see on your list is Munich. I really liked this place. The most friendly people I have met in Europe, great shopping and lots of day trip options.
I also didn't see Rome on your list. If you really want to go to a city and "park" for a week this is a great place. I promise that Rome will be the most alive and historic city you will ever visit. The food is amazing and the people are a lot of fun. Everywhere you turn there is history. Its hard to believe that some of this was here since they started counting days! I also enjoyed Florence and Venice but not half as much as Rome.
Last, if you want a country vacation then Strasbourg and the Alsace region is a beautiful place. Again, the people are so friendly, the villages are quaint and the food is delicious. Everytime I went out to eat i felt like I was dining at someones house. From Alsace you can even take daytrips by car to Germany, Switzerland and even the Champagne region of France.
So my summary?
To "park" go to Rome and take it all in!
To do a "city pair", my vote is Amsterdam and Munich.
Another place I didn't see on your list is Munich. I really liked this place. The most friendly people I have met in Europe, great shopping and lots of day trip options.
I also didn't see Rome on your list. If you really want to go to a city and "park" for a week this is a great place. I promise that Rome will be the most alive and historic city you will ever visit. The food is amazing and the people are a lot of fun. Everywhere you turn there is history. Its hard to believe that some of this was here since they started counting days! I also enjoyed Florence and Venice but not half as much as Rome.
Last, if you want a country vacation then Strasbourg and the Alsace region is a beautiful place. Again, the people are so friendly, the villages are quaint and the food is delicious. Everytime I went out to eat i felt like I was dining at someones house. From Alsace you can even take daytrips by car to Germany, Switzerland and even the Champagne region of France.
So my summary?
To "park" go to Rome and take it all in!
To do a "city pair", my vote is Amsterdam and Munich.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:50 AM
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I agree with you on this, France holds my heart. I'll get to other places again, but for now, its France.
So. Planning a similar adventure before my life went a little lopsided.
A Paris fix, a couple of days later the train to Tours. THere is a stop before Tours proper where one can pick up a car that SOUNDS not too difficult and then I'd drive around to the Chateau. I want to see Chenanceau before I'm dead. I'd stay at La Roseraie, as well, as my base. Then, return the car where I got it and train up to Annecy, a town that peaks my interest. Late May/early June would mean the gardens would be bursting. Lovely for an adventure.
So. Planning a similar adventure before my life went a little lopsided.
A Paris fix, a couple of days later the train to Tours. THere is a stop before Tours proper where one can pick up a car that SOUNDS not too difficult and then I'd drive around to the Chateau. I want to see Chenanceau before I'm dead. I'd stay at La Roseraie, as well, as my base. Then, return the car where I got it and train up to Annecy, a town that peaks my interest. Late May/early June would mean the gardens would be bursting. Lovely for an adventure.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 10:00 AM
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If you are serious...study a map of Europe. It extends from Ireland and Spain to the Ural mountains. I think any place east of Moscow would be a challenge. Probably the safest will be Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 10:24 AM
#8
I totally agree with <b>richarddab</b> about Amsterdam. Superb place for singles, outstanding people-watching, all the walking your feet could want, or, better, buy or hire a bike and fit right in. Great history, day or overnight trips (Delft, up to the coast, Haarlem...) friendly folks who don't mind speaking English (but who will light up if you can stammer out some Dutch,) great, easy airport... Can't go wrong.
Or... Istanbul. Way exotic, friendly, cheap.
Or... Istanbul. Way exotic, friendly, cheap.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 11:55 AM
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How about Amsterdam and Paris? It will give you something familiar and something new. I love Amsterdam and find it a very easy place to be a solo traveler. It's only a 4 hour train ride to Paris.
Otherwise, I might suggest Rome. Get an apartment and feel like a local for a week and a half.
Otherwise, I might suggest Rome. Get an apartment and feel like a local for a week and a half.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 12:25 PM
#13
How about Croatia and sneak in a little Italy (Venice for instance).
I love Italy, but I think our next big European adventure (not for a while, I still have to pay off EuropCar) will be eastern Europe.
Of course, Provence in Spring would be nice.
Have fun planning.
I love Italy, but I think our next big European adventure (not for a while, I still have to pay off EuropCar) will be eastern Europe.
Of course, Provence in Spring would be nice.
Have fun planning.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 12:29 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Last year, I almost went to Rome, but then I kind of "chickened" out and went back to Paris. I think I was in the mood for something familiar. I have no regrets, but that's why I'm challenging myself for my 2006 trip. Right now, I'm leaning toward Amsterdam and ....
Any comments on Brugges in combination with Amsterdam? If I go in September (and that's likely given money, work, etc., I don't think I'll make it to Munich. I'm not an Oktoberfest kind of person.
But keep the suggestions the coming. I appreciate all of your input!
Kate
Any comments on Brugges in combination with Amsterdam? If I go in September (and that's likely given money, work, etc., I don't think I'll make it to Munich. I'm not an Oktoberfest kind of person.
But keep the suggestions the coming. I appreciate all of your input!
Kate
