First trip. Big cities or small towns?
 

My wife and I are going to Europe this summer for the first time. We plan on visiting our previous exchange students from Birmingham, England; Bremen, Germany and Stockholm. Also interested in Oslo, Norway because my wifes family roots begin there. It seems the guide books recommend the big cities because much to do but Rick Steves recommends the smaller towns for a more rewarding and cheaper experience. What is your experience? Do we need to have reservations in advance or can we wait to see where we wind up that day? Will be traveling in June 1998.

Just a quick message - as far as England goes, I would recommend booking in advance because the proces are no different and you might as well have everyhting sorted out before you get there in case your flight is delayed etc. I think both big citied and small towns are fun, but if you are planning on visitng Europe again, why not see the big cities now, and then use them as your base for exploring smaller places next time? Have fun!

When you travel here in the states, what do you like to do? You really need to ask yourself what you most prefer, no one can really tell you, that is the key to a successful vacation. Big cities are usually more stimulating, small towns are usually more restful, in general. If you love big cities, lots of people, big museums, designer shopping, many choices for restaurants, and all of the night life, hustle and bustle then that is the way to begin your travel in Europe too. However, just like in the states, it is generally more expensive to travel in large cities. If you love a more restful, relaxing vacation, wandering small streets and country lanes, and night life is not of great importance, then that might be the way to go. If you won a free trip to New York state which would you prefer, a trip to New York city or a trip to a small town in upstate New York? Both have wonderful qualities, it just depends on which YOU prefer. Someone who loves cities might be bored to death in Watertown, New York but someone who loves small towns might be disgusted and overwhelmed in the city.

Must you choose? I would skip Birmingham and have your exchange student meet you in Chipping Campden (The Cotswolds) instead. But I wouldn't miss London for anything. Seriously, I would leave London and head out toward Oxford then into the Cotswolds. Pick up Birmingham on the way to York The inevitable answer to this question is both!

First, I envy you the chance to spend a summer in Europe, especially since you have local families to stay with or to experience these countries first hand. My choice would be to check out a Eurail or Europass ticket, or if you plan your itinerary beforehand a railpass for your primary countries. Then, take your time. I can't imagine going to England and not seeing Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, London, Bath etc. I personally found the north of Germany rather grim, but go to Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg. I can't comment on Stockholm, having never been there, but as a young man in the USN I'll always remember Oslo, Frogner Park and my first trip to the top of a ski-jump. Having done most of the big cities, my wife and I now go once a year with our bikes and really savor the small towns, however, we also go on mini-vacations to the cities (so far it's been Paris three times). Do research, Michelin, Fodor's, Frommers, Rick Steves, BETS, Cadogans. So much to do, so lit............................ Got carried away, to answer one question, if you have a car, you really won't need reservations (how can you tell where your'e going to be?). If going by train, you might want to reserve.

Dear Bob: There's nothing wrong with visiting the small towns; but if you've never been ANYwhere in Europe, you'll want to hit the big city highlights at least: London, Paris, and Rome would be (and WERE musts on my own first trip to Europe many years ago. Plan two or three days in each just so you can handle the know-it-alls when you get home who can be counted on to say"You'd never been to Europe before and you didn't even get to . . ." Your friends will see to it that you see off-beat places in their vicinity but you be sure to do the basics. June should be a lovely month for traveling in Europe, by the way. Enjoy it all. Joan

I agree with all the previous advice about following your own heart and interests. I do not think you automatically have to visit cities first, however. I just returned from my third trip to England and this was the first time I'd spent any time in London! On the previous trips I visited the Yorkshire Dales, the Bronte country, and gardens in the Cotswolds and Kent. On this trip we visited Pooh Country and Charles Dickens's boyhood home before spending a few days in London. I finally realized for myself that I prefer the small towns and countryside, even though I enjoy the culture of the big cities. Others may have different tastes so follow your heart and your interests.

Hi,
My wife and I have traveled to Europe several times in the summer. We almost usually follow Rick Steves' itineraraies and have been very happy. We prefer visiting more smaller towns with some large cities intermixed. We tend to get a better feel for the culture and really enjoy getting away from the "tourist packed" areas. It seems more relaxing and special. However, it really comes down to personal taste. Do you tend to enjoy larger cities in the states? If you do then you may want to spend more time in the cities in Europe. We have found that our overall feeling for the cities carries over to Europe. We tend to not enjoy them so much here and it is true overseas.
By the way, although Rick Steves is right on about travel sights we learned to avoid some of his hotel recommendations. He tends to pick noisy places that are near train stations. We now use Frommers guide
and stay in two or three star hotels which are equivalent to Steves but are in better locations and are generally nicer, all for the same money. Since we travel in July we fax reservations over and although this limits our flexibility, it allows us to stay in inexpensive places in great locations.
Good luck!
Rick Stone