Hello fodorites. I used this site extensively to plan our 2008 self-catered trip to Costa Rica with great success. We are beginning to contemplate our first ever trip to Europe and frankly I am overwhelmed. There are simply so many options it boggles the mind.

We have 8 nights in September over the US Labor Day week. That's it - nothing more, no chance. I initially thought Italy since my husband is 100% Italian and has never seen the country. I was thinking a combo of Rome/Amalfi coast, but we are open to different places in Italy or a different country altogether. My husband seems to prefer the idea of smaller towns to bigger cities, but I would like at least a few nights in a big(ish) city to take in some of the art and historic sites.

I know this is asking a lot, but I need some suggestions here. These are some facts/requirements:
1. I will be six months pregnant at the time of travel
2. Budget is a concern - trying to keep hotels under $150 US per night
3. We are very self-sufficient travelers and prefer small hotels/apartments to large hotels
4. We are not high-end travelers (we prefer to stay in budget places at high end destinations), budget accomodations will do so long as A/C exists
5. We want to do (at most) two locales in our 8 days. Since I am pregnant I have no illusions about pushing myself too hard
6. I prefer a trip that involves the Mediterranean or ocean in some respect. I am a huge ocean person and Amalfi was attractive b/c of Capri and the gorgeous coastline. I realize wanting to visit Amalfi in September is like trying to go to St. Barts over Christmas - a little insane.

Like I said, I am very open to suggestions, including other countries. I have also considered Athens/Corfu/Santorini, Turkey, the South of France (where???) and Spain. I am very clueless here but would love any suggestions.

Total trip budget (including air), under $4000 for 8 nights.

Sorry - traveling from Atlanta, Georgia in the US, so airfare will probably be in the $700-$900 pp range.

Sicily might fit the bill. Aeolian islands are heaven for "ocean people" Scenery is gorgeous, and there's lots to do with island hopping. Beaches from black sand to pebble, towns, active volcanoes to climb, mud bath, relax in a natural hot water bath , shopping and GREAT food. There are lots of affordable apartments. The town of Lipari is a great base. It takes a bit of time to get to, but that's what keeps it from being overrun with tourist, except in August of course. Island hopping is great. Hydrofoil in the morning, rent a scooter, and hydrofoil back to base in the evening.

Interesting. My husband is half Sicilian, so it might appeal to him. I will have to see about the travel time. I will check it out on Trip Advisor and Fodor's. No scooters for me when 6 mos pregnant Though I'm excited, this pregnancy is killing me. I am a highly adventurous person and scaling back is difficult. There's just so much to do! No ziplining, scooter-ing, diving, etc... boring.

hi alw,

I liked your first plan. I also like Travmimi's idea, especially with the "family" connection. [oops, no aspersions being cast].

however, that time of year, the middle and south of Italy can be very hot. the lakes - como, garda or maggiore might fit the bill. lovely lakeside hotels, swimming in the lake, boat trips..and probably quite a lot cooler. there are lots fo threads about the lakes, particularly como, which is vey easy to reach from Milan.

but with your very sensible approach, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

regards, ann

PS - congrats on the baby. sorry to read that you are not finding it easy but by my reckoning you are still in the 1st trimester - often it gets easier when you reach the 2nd. I know it did for me. fingers crossed.

Thanks annhig. I live in Atlanta, so I am no stranger to extremely hot weather. We also regularly travel to the Caribbean during off season, so hot usually works for me (though I've never been pregnant before, so it may bother me more then).

What about Cinque Terre? Is that a worthwhile destination? Could one spend 5 days there?

I understand. You can rent a little car for the day at the port on Salina and Lipari. Most places, you just pull over and enjoy the beautiful views. Both islands have good bus service too. Do some google image searches. I'm sure you'll be impressed.