RAR

Neither ~

jnn1964

My first trip across the pond was to London. I spend 12 days, and thought it wasn't enough. It was an insightful introduction to European ways, without being an overwhelming experience (no language barrier, well almost). I know many say that Britian is not Europe, really. But, it was enough of a change from my American ways that I was intrigued by almost everything I came across. Just looking right instead of left when stepping off the curb was fun. Dealing with 'funny money' is fun, no matter where you go.

If you want to sell him on Paris, talk architecture. Paris is romantic, but it's also loaded with spectacular buildings. Nortre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Pompidou Center, etc. etc. etc. Even the funky builing in Le Defense in the shape of a Parsons Table is interesting.

If you choose London, be sure to go to Greenwich. Nothing gets a guy hotter than straddling the Prime Meridian (don't ask me how I know).

When I travel, I prefer to stay in one place for awhile and absorb everything. I know most people would think that 8 days is enough to cover two cities, but I think that would be perfect for one long stay in London, or Paris. Splitting wouldn't be my choice (although I've done it in the past).

Jeanneboca

I vote to split. I just did it. I spent Dec 13-17 in Paris and Dec 17-20 in London. Dec. 12 and 21 were travel days. We did the Eurostar, but it's probably almost as much trouble as flying. Plus, the train had to wait on the tracks, just outside of London, for an hour. I can't say I loved the food...we even went first class. But, it WAS an experience. I'm sure you could fly for about the same price. You can certainly see the highlights of both cities in 3-4 days. I found Paris much more reasonable than London. It's a big deal with the dollar suffering against the Euro and Pound. Anyone agree or disagree???

travelinwifey

I vote London! But I guess I'm biased because it's my favorite place. You will never run out of things to do. And you can enjoy the Theatre in English. Eat fish and chips and drink beer with the locals till your belly is full. Have fun whatever you decide.

mvor

You know him best, if you think he'd like London go with that and do a one-day trip to Paris for you (tons of threads on here for how to maximize your time).

Is it a surprise? If not, talk to him. Initially when I read your post I was going to suggest Dublin and environs. Have a terrific time no matter where you choose. (My favourite is Paris, ahh.)

Irish pubs in Paris:
http://www.irishabroad.com/Irishworl...st.asp?Ara=116

ira

>Irish pubs in Paris:
http://www.irishabroad.com/Irishworl...sp?Ara=116<

What more could anyone ask?

UKUKUK

If he likes Guiness why not make it a special trip. Fly to London. But buy some cheap tickets from Stanstead (a london airpot) on Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) to either Dublin or Cork (Ireland). He will get to drink proper Guiness, you will both get to see a little of a new country and will be based in London most of the time.

The Pasris idea sounds nice but will be more expensive due to the open jaws ticketing and use of Eurostar.

Ryanair is very cheap (like Southwest) if bought well in advance.

Powell

The Dublin alternative is an interesting one given your husband's predilections. I suggest Paris and Dublin. Aer Lingus or Ryanair can give you a reasonable price on the Paris to Dublin flight leg.

Last September we returned to Dublin after a 14 year absence and found it humming.

Good luck.

Anthony

Hospitality

Do both in the same trip. Check out www.discount-london.com for good Eurostar fares.

mamc

I suggest all Paris but it really won't cost all that much more for an open jaw ticket, allowing you to split your time. I love both London and Paris but if I were to have to make a choice on how to spend 8 days, Paris would win 10 times out of 10.

mr_go

If you want advice, I say do both. 8 days is enough to catch the flavor and hit the main attractions of each.

If you just want to count the votes for one or the other, make mine Paris. Why? Because of its timeless magic. Not a good explanation, I'm afraid, but it's the best I can do.

MelissaHI

I'm sitting here in London,having arrived here after 5 days in Paris. Prior to that I was in London for 2 days. If I have to do both, I'd spend just a few days in London. The pound is incredibly strong and I am reeling from the sticker shock.

If I don't 'have' to do both, I would spend all my time in Paris. I love Paris. I love the food, I love the people,I love the sights, I love the shopping. And I love that the Euro is not as strong as the pound.

**sitting here wishing I were back in Paris**

Underhill

London.

Roger

London with a couple of side trips that can be done on the cheap. Hampton Court, Warwick and others. A lot cheaper than the Eurostar to Paris. Save Paris for another time. Also, check into renting an apartment rather than a hotel, the cheaper ones are mostly located in the Plimico area.

KathrynT

It sounds like you really don't want to split the time but are torn between the two. You really can't go wrong with either choice. Why not toss a coin and travel to the winner this time and start planning for your next trip to the other city when you return? (Even if it will be a long time away, it is fun to plan!) If you are really disappointed with your coin toss results, that will tell you which city you need to do first.