My mother and I are traveling to Prague for 6 days, which actually means only 3-1/2 days after travel. We are spending 2-1/2 days in Prague, and traveling to her hometown for 1 day. This is something I have always wanted to do with my mother, is to see where she grew up (she left when she was 9). We're using frequent flier miles. If one more person says to me that they can't believe we're going all that way for such a short period of time.....Are we completely insane? Has anyone else taken a quick trip to Europe? I really don't want this to turn into a huge 3-city tour (kids in college, etc.) I'm grateful to be able to do just this, and I've been told 2-3 days is enough to see Prague. Am I going to have huge regrets?
Laurie

Well a trip is a trip is a trip. Use flying times as a trip too. One could look out of the planes window and enjoy the ocean and then the changing landscape.....!! I am a guy and the stewardesses are fun too....all positive no negative's when you are on a trip!!

Hi blackmons,

I agree with LOTJ, great attitude. Like all of us, each journey has a unique personality.

While you might not want to make every trip this quick of a jaunt, if the amount of days for both you and your Mom works here, then go for it!

Remember it is not quantity, it is quality, as you stated, you have wanted to take this trip with your Mom for a long time, even with it's short amount of days, it may be your most memorable.

Have fun, and keep us posted! Tiff

Hi B,

>Are we completely insane?<

Yes.

Have a great visit.

If you could add one more day it would be even better.

Where is Mom's home town?

I have a friend in England who comes for weekend trips to Los Angeles when the Rolling Stones are playing here. Is he crazy? Yes. Does he have regrets? No way!

It's a jaunt, and a dream come true, go for it. Business people often travel overseas for even less time.
I once went to Asia from the US, for only 4.5 days, people do this sort of thing all the time.
You won't have time to see even close to everything in Prague, but you will see what you will see.
May I suggest a walking tour to see some of the highlights in one morning or afternoon?

I've traveled to Europe twice for short visits. The first was in December 04; we flew to Rome for three nights. This past November we flew to Paris for 4 nights. Is it exhausting? Sure. But I had a great time on both trips and I would certainly do it again. You only live once....and three nights in Rome (or Paris) is better than three nights at home!

Tracy

have a great time!!!!!! I love Prague.
I think 3-4 days is better, but anytime in Prague is awsome.
Enjoy.

It sounds like a lovely trip for you and your Mom. More time there would help, but don't we always wish we had more time? IMHO, it's certainly better to go than to stay home. We were in Prague for just three full days on our first visit and we saw a lot of the city. It's compact and you can easily cover it on foot if you're able. Have fun!

Unless there is some compelling reason not to, I'd add two or three days. It sounds like its important enough to do right. Its not the short trip you will regret, but not have spent more time with your mom in a special place. Life is short. Ordinary things will always be there when you get back.

I agree with Cato, you are not crazy, of course but you may regret not taking the few extra days. In years to come will you even remember what you came back early for? Or will you remember your trip with your mom? Think of jet lag, etc.

hi blackmons, is this your mom's first trip home since she left at nine? If so, I think it could be very emotional for her (and you). If you can, I'd add a couple of days so she can catch her breath.

We were in Prague for 4 1/2 days (including a day trip to Terezin) in '04 and we felt we got a good taste of the city.

Best of luck!

I don't know how old both of you are, but my Mom -- who's in her mid-60s, was wiped out on her arrival in Paris, and needed a whole day out of the week we had there just to rest and recharge before she could really see anything.

I think 3.5 days for all that distance is insane...but then who am I to measure that. Seriously, I would definitely add a couple of days if you can, if for no other reason than to give you a little time to see the sights at a more reasonable pace.

I can pretty much guarantee that going that far for 3.5 days will seem like a tragedy when you have to turn around and come back so fast.

Jules

I think you are totally crazy, but it's your money and your time and your trip, so you have all the information you need to decide whether you want to do it or not. It's really just based on facts -- the money and travel time involved to do that, and you know what they are.

I can't believe it either, but that's because you haven't given any particular reason as to why you only plan to stay 3-1/2 days in Europe on this trip. If you have a good reason, or just hate traveling or being away from home so that's all you can take, regardless of sunk costs in terms of both money and time (ie, the time flying and cost of it), it's strictly your decision.

I do wonder if you have ever traveled that distance before so that you understand how you might feel given jet lag and how you are going to like the long uncomfortable plane ride (unless you are going first class). If so, again, you have all the facts you need to decide for yourself whether you will regret it or not.

I once had 3.5 days for a visit to Vienna (from Wash DC) Fatigue was a factor, but I otherwise had a great time. Your proposed trip to Prague is do-able adn worth the effort, but I concur with other postings to try to add an extra day if feasible.

I want to thank all of you so much for your input. It's kind of funny though. The first 7 responses were so gung-ho and enthusiastic, I was feeling so much better about our decision. I met my mother for lunch today and was telling her about all the positive feedback, and we were both feeling good about our decision. Then when I came home, the next 7 responses were a little more skeptical (but still very-much appreciated!) To answer some questions, my mother's hometown is called Chomutov, just a tiny little mining town. I have flown to Europe three times before so I know how long and awful the flight is. But I also know that once I'm there, the adrenaline kicks in and I'm hardly tired at all. My mother is 75, but has more energy than I do. We'll just take our time, walking the city, stopping for coffee breaks. Maybe I will regret not taking a longer trip, but at least I won't have the regret of never having gone. I can come back someday with my husband and see the other sites. But Prague and Chomutov, I want to do with my mother. My mother has been back to the Chech Republic 3 times already so she's already seen a lot (except her hometown, which will definitely be a highly-emotional experience.) But I just want to thank everyone again for all their support and well-wishes. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. (I still can't get over the friend who flies in for the weekend to see the Rolling Stones!)
Laurie

Laurie - I don't think you are totally crazy but I think it is a long way to travel for only 3-1/2 days. If it is possible for you to rebook your flight with frequent flyer miles I'd do it. Your mom is 75 and this may be her last trip to her homeland, so make the very most of it.

Will you have huge regrets - no. Your mom will think about how kind you were to plan this trip.

Whatever you decide my warmest wishes to you and mom especially traveling to her hometown. It will be very emotional and probably not at all like she remembers it.

Sandy

I hear sometimes people find great rates and go to Europe to spend a long 4-5 days weekend.

It's your time, your money, don't listen to the naysayers!

How dull our world would be without insanity!

Go now while you can, and if later you can take a longer trip, even better.

Just think that you may regret never taking your mom to Prague, this would be the worst!

Your mother sounds awesome....I love energy at 75, it gives me hope! Prague is lovely, no you won't see it all in 2 1/2 dys, but that doesn't sound like the purpose of the visit. You can walk the bridge, see the statues, the castle, and visit another section at night and for dinner....are you crazy? no, you're adventurous - will you be tired? probably, but there is a simple antidote - sleep. What a nice memory for you and your mom.

I think it is wonderful. You won't be there that long for her to tire too much. I'm 72 going to Paris in a week alone inspite of a bad attack of osteoarthritis. Life awaits still for us.