How many times have you vacationed in Europe?
Jun 22nd, 2006, 09:04 AM
#123
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We were lucky to be invited to experience an overseas trip by some dear friends in 2002. Travel to Europe was never on our radar screen. The events of 9/11 actually were a push for us. See our web-site at: Home.wir.rr.com/tomshirl (do not the http link, use the other link)
We have made four trips and have a glorious trip to Italy planned for September of this year. We will retire soon (hopefully in 8 years) but do not want to "wait" to travel. Careful planning (85% of the fun) and saving for these marvelous vacations are the key. All of the people we have met have been Wonderful! We have not found anyone that didn't like us because we are Americans. Additionally, sites such as this are extremely helpful. Good Travels! Shirley
We have made four trips and have a glorious trip to Italy planned for September of this year. We will retire soon (hopefully in 8 years) but do not want to "wait" to travel. Careful planning (85% of the fun) and saving for these marvelous vacations are the key. All of the people we have met have been Wonderful! We have not found anyone that didn't like us because we are Americans. Additionally, sites such as this are extremely helpful. Good Travels! Shirley
Jun 22nd, 2006, 12:52 PM
#127
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At age 59, I can only wish my number of trips equalled my age!
Starting at age 5, flew from D.C. area to Athens, stayed 3 years with multiple trips to Germany, stopping off in Istanbul on trans-Atlantic sail home.
Then D.C. area to El Salvador for three years, multiple trips to Panama and Guatemala.
Then D.C. area to Den Haag for three years, multiple trips to Paris.
In past five years, have been to Paris five times. Next trip, November.
And no, it hasn't been nearly enough and never will be.
Starting at age 5, flew from D.C. area to Athens, stayed 3 years with multiple trips to Germany, stopping off in Istanbul on trans-Atlantic sail home.
Then D.C. area to El Salvador for three years, multiple trips to Panama and Guatemala.
Then D.C. area to Den Haag for three years, multiple trips to Paris.
In past five years, have been to Paris five times. Next trip, November.
And no, it hasn't been nearly enough and never will be.
Jun 22nd, 2006, 01:32 PM
#128
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Seven times, will be eight this July. Heavy emphasis on Italy which we love (my wife born in Calabria):
1998 Venice, Florence, Tuscany
1999 Wild Dunes, SC (huh?)
2000 Paris and the Cotes d'Azur
2001 Rome and the Amalfi Coast
2002 Milan and the Lakes
2003 Athens, and the Cyclades
2004 Barcelona and the Costa Brava
2005 Nice and the Ligurian Coast
2006 Sicily!
we're still rookies. ages 48 and 49.
1998 Venice, Florence, Tuscany
1999 Wild Dunes, SC (huh?)
2000 Paris and the Cotes d'Azur
2001 Rome and the Amalfi Coast
2002 Milan and the Lakes
2003 Athens, and the Cyclades
2004 Barcelona and the Costa Brava
2005 Nice and the Ligurian Coast
2006 Sicily!
we're still rookies. ages 48 and 49.
Jun 22nd, 2006, 02:01 PM
#129
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First trip to Paris in 1998, August
Paris 1999 August
Courmayeur and Paris 2000,March
Paris again May 2000
Ireland Nov. 2001
London Dec. 2001
Austria Jan. 2002
Paris/Rome March 2002
Paris/London Nov. 2002
London June 2003
London/Paris Nov. 2003
Paris March 2004
Austria Jan 2005
Paris June 2005
London Feb. 2006
Paris/Prague March 2007 Booked!
15 trips in 8 years, wow I am hooked.
Paris 1999 August
Courmayeur and Paris 2000,March
Paris again May 2000
Ireland Nov. 2001
London Dec. 2001
Austria Jan. 2002
Paris/Rome March 2002
Paris/London Nov. 2002
London June 2003
London/Paris Nov. 2003
Paris March 2004
Austria Jan 2005
Paris June 2005
London Feb. 2006
Paris/Prague March 2007 Booked!
15 trips in 8 years, wow I am hooked.
Jul 29th, 2006, 06:16 PM
#130
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First trip ever abroad was to Paris in 1995. Since then, I've been back to Western Europe 3 more times (Paris - 2000, Amsterdam - 2001, and Rome - 2004) I,ve ventured into Eastern Europe (Ukraine) 3 separate times during 2005-2006. The capital of Ukraine (Kiev) is one great city! My trips there have been very good.
I welcome any suggestions on any other European cities anyone thinks are great places to visit. I was 29 years old my first time abroad; I'd like to dedicate future vacations to places I haven't yet seen.
I welcome any suggestions on any other European cities anyone thinks are great places to visit. I was 29 years old my first time abroad; I'd like to dedicate future vacations to places I haven't yet seen.
Jul 29th, 2006, 07:02 PM
#131
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In 1995, I was in Schipol airport, taking a break from a flight from Indonesia to NYC and decided to move there.
I spent a year and a half living in Amsterdam (it was three fateful months after my decision) that were both painful and exhilerating, being that I never had working papers.
During that time, through work and leisure, I saw parts of England, Norway and Denmark. Performed in Berlin. Visited more of Germany, Portgal, Spain and a few hours in Paris on Bastille Day.
Since then, I have been back to Berlin and Amsterdam. France three times. A day in Geneva. I am in love with the south of france and want to move there!
I spent a year and a half living in Amsterdam (it was three fateful months after my decision) that were both painful and exhilerating, being that I never had working papers.
During that time, through work and leisure, I saw parts of England, Norway and Denmark. Performed in Berlin. Visited more of Germany, Portgal, Spain and a few hours in Paris on Bastille Day.
Since then, I have been back to Berlin and Amsterdam. France three times. A day in Geneva. I am in love with the south of france and want to move there!
Jul 29th, 2006, 08:19 PM
#132
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>>But if there are four seasons, and you go 2x a year.
Robespierre, if I go 2x annually for 10 years, that is 20 trips/seasons total. I could hit each of the 4 seasons 5 times. Should have read this back when you responded.
I live in Florida, I forgot about the multiple season gig most have. I only experience 2 seasons here, hot and hotter, neither being among the generally accepted "seasons" in their classic sense.
MvK
Robespierre, if I go 2x annually for 10 years, that is 20 trips/seasons total. I could hit each of the 4 seasons 5 times. Should have read this back when you responded.
I live in Florida, I forgot about the multiple season gig most have. I only experience 2 seasons here, hot and hotter, neither being among the generally accepted "seasons" in their classic sense.
MvK
Jul 29th, 2006, 08:55 PM
#133
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We (myself, husband, and two sons, ages 15 and 20) recently returned (July 15) from our 5th vacation trip to Europe having gone every summer since 2002. We are usually gone about 2 1/2-3 weeks. On this last trip we spent 5 nights in Provence, 3 nights in Vernazza in the Cinque Terre, a week at an agriturismo in Tuscany (pure heaven), 4 nights in Sorrento, and 3 nights in Rome.
We have been all over France; numerous regions of Italy 2x; Cinque Terre 2x; Venice 2x; Rome 2x; many regions of Germany; Berlin; Munich; Vienna; Prague; Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast; and Slovenia. We have loved every minute and are also addicted!
Read the Lonely Planet book--"Don't Let The World Pass You By! 52 Reasons To Have A Passport" Totally agree with them. When a person travels, you start to pay more attention to what is going on in the world and you feel some ownership for the places you have been. I think you start to care more about other people and this can only make the world a better place.
We have been all over France; numerous regions of Italy 2x; Cinque Terre 2x; Venice 2x; Rome 2x; many regions of Germany; Berlin; Munich; Vienna; Prague; Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast; and Slovenia. We have loved every minute and are also addicted!
Read the Lonely Planet book--"Don't Let The World Pass You By! 52 Reasons To Have A Passport" Totally agree with them. When a person travels, you start to pay more attention to what is going on in the world and you feel some ownership for the places you have been. I think you start to care more about other people and this can only make the world a better place.
Jul 29th, 2006, 10:29 PM
#134
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I have lost count also. Probably 70+ times to Europe. I'm 134 years old (just kidding)! I started very young and went to Europe multiple times a year. I've been to:
Italy
Greece
France
Germany
Switzerland
Austria
Norway
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Ireland
I fit in a lot of trips to places outside of Europe like the Caribbean, Hawaii, many parts of the USA, etc.
My favorite is Ireland (see my user name).
I am independently wealthy -- NOT! I just know how to travel cheap.
Italy
Greece
France
Germany
Switzerland
Austria
Norway
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Ireland
I fit in a lot of trips to places outside of Europe like the Caribbean, Hawaii, many parts of the USA, etc.
My favorite is Ireland (see my user name).
I am independently wealthy -- NOT! I just know how to travel cheap.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 07:56 AM
#135
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Thanks for your replies everyone. This shows the VAST resourse that this travel forum has to draw on. Amazing !!
IrishEyes,
Care to share any of your secrets on how to travel cheaply?
IrishEyes,
Care to share any of your secrets on how to travel cheaply?
Aug 2nd, 2006, 04:39 PM
#136
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We lived in Germany in 1970-1971 while in the Army. Fell in love with Europe and traveled a lot while there. Have now made about 28 trips back to just about all areas. Heading back soon for more adventure....but we had to throw in China, India, Burma, Australia and New Zealand in the meantime. Next up is Egypt...then here we go to Europe again in 2007.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 11:06 PM
#137
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JandaO,
There are lots of ways to cut costs. Probably one of the larger bites out of the budget is airfare. If you work for an airline you can often travel free or for a token fee (stand by). I have always taken advantage of that perk. Used to be the big hotel chains gave 50% off to airline employees. There were always many "interline" deals on offer. How can you beat a four day trip to Ireland including airfare, accommodations, banquet and bus tour for $39. Granted that was a couple of decades ago and off season. Still a great deal.
Don't work for an airline but know someone who does? Many employees get discount tickets to share with family and friends. Fly stand by on one and save big bucks. Maybe even go business or first class if available.
B&Bs include breakfast so eat hearty then. If you do not need a gourmet meal every night you can save a lot.
There are so many, many ways to cut costs. Maybe a new thread is in order for that?
There are lots of ways to cut costs. Probably one of the larger bites out of the budget is airfare. If you work for an airline you can often travel free or for a token fee (stand by). I have always taken advantage of that perk. Used to be the big hotel chains gave 50% off to airline employees. There were always many "interline" deals on offer. How can you beat a four day trip to Ireland including airfare, accommodations, banquet and bus tour for $39. Granted that was a couple of decades ago and off season. Still a great deal.
Don't work for an airline but know someone who does? Many employees get discount tickets to share with family and friends. Fly stand by on one and save big bucks. Maybe even go business or first class if available.
B&Bs include breakfast so eat hearty then. If you do not need a gourmet meal every night you can save a lot.
There are so many, many ways to cut costs. Maybe a new thread is in order for that?
Aug 3rd, 2006, 05:54 AM
#138
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This Fall will be my second time. I love Europe!
But I also love seeing other part of the world. I spent a year traveling and living in Asia, and absolutely loved it. However, I am ready for a nice classic European vacation again (well not the Chevy Chase kind of European vacation, but you know what I mean).
I think I'll spend the next few years exploring more of Europe again before I tackle South America and India. This board has given me fantastic ideas for my next years detination...Croatia!
I am going to Italy (1st time) this Fall for 2 weeks, and can't wait!!!!
But I also love seeing other part of the world. I spent a year traveling and living in Asia, and absolutely loved it. However, I am ready for a nice classic European vacation again (well not the Chevy Chase kind of European vacation, but you know what I mean).
I think I'll spend the next few years exploring more of Europe again before I tackle South America and India. This board has given me fantastic ideas for my next years detination...Croatia!
I am going to Italy (1st time) this Fall for 2 weeks, and can't wait!!!!
Aug 3rd, 2006, 05:57 AM
#139
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Oh I forgot to add that I am 29. And I do not travel with work.
14 countries at age 29 isn't so bad. But I am a rookie compared to other people's experience on this board. I better hurry up and catch up!!
14 countries at age 29 isn't so bad. But I am a rookie compared to other people's experience on this board. I better hurry up and catch up!!
