We are planning a vacation for the end of May and have narrowed down our choices to Italy or Spain. We're sort of hoping for a deal and haven't talked to a travel agent yet, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of which one is better for our first trip to Europe. <BR><BR>We have about a week and a half and are looking to experience something much different from what we're used to (regular old north american city).

I usually start with "what are your dreams, your perceptions, your mental images" of things that made you think you want to go to Europe in the first place? And likewise - - do you have any personal connection? by family roots, having learned some of the language, or some prior affinity for the culture, the food, the art, the wine, the music?<BR><BR>I'm going to go way out on a limb and guess for you, it's "no" to the latter question - - and if you had some answer to the first question you might have volunteered it.<BR><BR>If you had more time, I would send you to the library or to the bookstore or both and have you load up with big picture-filled coffee-table sized books and see what really whets your appetite about either place.<BR><BR>But there are some really good airfares - - on www.usairways.com - that expire within 24 hours. See if you can get to Europe for $500 or less, and let that be your guide.<BR><BR>All things being equal, choose Italy.<BR><BR>Those of "us" regulars here will help you get all the other details right, if you come back tomorrow with a dream airfare!<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I agree with Rex on "all things being equal, choose Italy" If they aren't and cost is an issue, you'll find thing generally much less expensive in Spain. Not that Italy will break you, but Spain is just generally less expensive for most things. We often paid $100 in Spain for a hotel room that would have cost us $150 to even $200 in Italy.

Just to add my "two cents": Eventhough I'm going to Spain this summer, if given the choice I would choose Italy hands down( eventhough I've been there 6 times)! Too me , it's just a magical place, specially Rome! I'm going to Spain because my son is learning Spanish and it's an incentive for him.

Agree on Italy as the first choice. Love both countries, but Italy is a little more laid back and most Americans are more familiar with the food in Italy (food's a very important part of my vacationing). Both very romantic countries. Italy love Tuscany and Umbria best. Spain loved Seville and Granada (unfortunately didn't make it to Barcelona, but hear amazing things).

bringing your message back up to the top.<BR>

Thanks for the opinions on this topic! Rex, you're right, we have no personal connection other than that we like Italian food. But hey, we'd probably love Spanish food, too.<BR><BR>I was looking into a well-priced package for Italy but it's not what I thought it was, so now everything's completely open. But based on your opinions, we're going with Italy.

You're very welcome.<BR><BR>Hope you get one of those great air fares. Time's a-wastin'...<BR><BR>

Sounds like you have already made up your mind, but all of Spain is really awesome. There's quite a post here somewhere today about Granada. I would love to go back there again.<BR>

I'm with Tom, Spanish people are sooooo friendly...the food is fantastic and the pace is in my opinion a bit slower in Spain, unless you go to Madrid - the city that never sleeps!<BR>We were there 6 months ago and had a ball! It was relatively inexpensive for beautiful rooms, and we were really impressed. Check out some websites on a place called 'San Sebastian'. It is really beautiful.<BR>Have a good time - wherever you end up.<BR>Sue

my choice is spain-italy i enjoyed the food better but the spanish people were fanatstic-spanish nightlife , scenery and pace of life have made me a spain lover for life and its cheaper

I am very biased towards going to Italy as a European destination no matter how many times one has been to Europe, but all the more especially for a first-time trip. Choose Italy now. It still amazes me how one country can offer under one border all those sites, history, art, culture, food, etc. You have to experience it to appreciate the magic of Italy.<BR><BR>By all means plan a trip to Spain later to compare.I like Spain, I adore Italy. I found the Spanish food, although not as familiar as pasta and such, tremendous--especially the seafood. But all those images of sunny oranges and yellows were not found, as I felt Spain architecturally was rather drab and dark with white buildings and mouse-gray roof tiles, when compared to the eye-pleasing pastels abundant like puzzle-work in the cities of Italy. <BR><BR>Ron<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Spain! Cheaper than Italy, better food, more relaxed, friendly to Americans, easy to plan on your own. Both the south and northern "green Spain" are great in the spring. Stay away from the touristy beaches and islands. There are better beaches in the US. Good luck!

Keep topping this one. so many good arguments on both sides.<BR>

topping.

Spain gets my vote! The Spaniards are much friendlier than Italians. I loved the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Prado Museum in Madrid, the gorgeous white villages and beaches of Costa del Sol, the villas of Mallorca, and the list just goes on and on. If you enjoy fresh seafood, poultry, roast pig, mouth-watering appetizers and delicious wines, then you must go to this beautifully cultured land so full of history and charm.