I just returned from a three-week trip to England, Germany, and Austria. I have nothing planned for the near future, but I'm tentatively planning on attending a Goethe Institute in Dresden next year--during which time I will explore more of the GDR on weekends. In the near term, I want to take a two-week trip to Hawaii--probably in February, unless the winter here is so brutal that I'm willing to pay higher prices to go during high season.

The problem is money. I have mutural funds that I haven't tapped since the market tanked, but they're doing much better now, and I'm tempted to dip into them a little. My sister thinks I'm "nuts" to consider doing that. She thinks I'll need the money some day to pay for whatever costs aren't covered by my insurance, in case I some day have to stay in a nursing home for an extended period of time, etc.

I am in good health, though I'm almost 74. I'm careful about money--don't do recreational shopping, don't waste my money on drink or cigarettes. I'm willing to take the chance.

Hooray hooray, I'm on my way, the next vacation starts today! (that piece of corn, courtesy of Dad).

Wheels up tonight!

Vicky, have a great time - March is around the corner really.

Peg, three weeks sounds wonderful! I hope you had good weather.

flygirl, have a blast on your trip!

Thanksgiving night Art and I go on a Uniworld Christmas Cruise!!!

Peg, I'm with you on dipping into the funds! A trip is much more fun than a stay in the n.h. My feeling for me is that when I go to the nursing home, I probably won't know the difference. From what I have seen on my weekly visits to our local homes to bring communion, etc. there isn't much difference between those paying full fare and those who have used up their savings. Go for it!

Wish I were off for Europe, but right now am tied down with some ups and downs here. All the more reason to enjoy everyone's trip reports.

Irishface -I had this conversation with my Dad. We are flying Business class and getting nice cabins. I would rather have the memory than my Dads money!

I am roughly two weeks out from Belgium!

Amen on spending time with your parents!

I leave for Venice tomorrow morning! Going for a week with one of my sisters, and I can't wait to see her face when she sees the Grand Canal for the first time.

I've been reading novels and guide books, trying to learn Italian, watching television shows and movies, and pulling every bit of info I can from the Fodor's posters.

Look out Venice! Here we come!!!!

Anyone going in January or February?

Obviously weather would be better in the spring.

But vacation time would max out before the spring for me so have to go sooner than later.

I'm well into the 10-day forecast now, yay!

scrb - I've traveled in all months of the year. There are always tradeoffs - both good and bad. I prefer spring travel - better weather and more flowers - but travel at any time of the year is still exhilarating. You'll have an easier time with crowds in the winter and if you happen to like winter sports, well, there you go.

SCfoodie, sounds great!

I don't have a European trip booked til April 5 to Italy and France. I don't think I can wait. I also just booked my June trip using FF miles-what a pain in the butt. It's almost worth paying the money rather than all the trouble. Used only 60,000 miles But the exact schedule is almost $1500 on Delta.

1 month 3 weeks till Florida

9 months till Copenhagen and Norway (like pregnancy... requires planning labours LOL) - made a cruise deposit since my post earlier

4 days . . . I leave on Friday, Nov. 20 to Paris. I'll be there a week and will also visit Basel, Switzerland for the day.

There is so much to do that I feel anxious, but not anxious.

TR

Topping this - poor thread hardly gets any attention anymore (nor does its predecessor, which was well over 1000 before it stopped..).

Any big trips planned? We are coming on to Spring soon!

Leave on Easter Saturday for Rome, arriving on Easter. Second trip, looking to refine a few experiences we had last time, and add Pompeii to the trip this time.

Love pasta and vino, can't wait

Chicago, in May. Just to make it more exciting, we'll be meeting friends from Wales -- they'll be driving from the West Coast along Route 66 -- to explore the city together.

I was supposed to leave March 24 for Orvieto, Cortona, Montepulciano and Florence. But with airfare over $900 it is just too expensive. ( A year ago airfare for same time frame was $550). I can fly to Pisa and base in Lucca with day trips to Siena, San Gim, Florence, maybe Volterra and stay within budget - airfare probably still over $900 but with a combo and Hotel Universo at aroudn $68/night, overall total would be acceptable. OR I could go to Vienna... or to Maui... or I can skip March and look at Nice or Capri for September... it's only 8 weeks away and I love to have everything planned out ahead, but also am waiting to see how much my tax refund will be. But just can't stomach paying $900 for airfare in MARCH - I have never paid that much ever at any time of year.

Venice (Florida) in February. I know, it's not Italy but it will have to do for now. In October I am going on my first cruise so I think I need another trip in between!

NYC - CDG,pickup rental car and drive to:

Vernon/Giverny - 1 night
Rouen - 2 nights
Honfluer - 2 nights
Brugge - 3 nights
Antwerp - 2 nights
Brussels - 2 nights
Reims - 1 night

Then drive from Reims to CDG for my flight home.

Germany and England in April:

- Bacharach (on the Middle Rhine) for 10 nights
- Gengenbach (in the Black Forest) for 4 nights
- Frankfurt for 2 nights
- London for 4 nights

Everything has been booked except vacation rental apartment in Gengenbach (email sent, waiting for reply).

We are a little worried about airline tickets as they are with British Airways.

Also, car rental has gotten a bit wierd. National initially confirmed van rental for just under 1000 euros in October, but now web site confirmation say it will be over 1700 euros. Since the actual rental is with a third party through National they (National) are saying they will honor the initial offer since I still have the email confirmation. After I return from my trip I will send them the email confirmation as well as my bill and they will credit my card. We will see how that works...