Shonda

Hi,

I would love to get some advise. I am looking to plan a one week vacation Feb 19 - 26th or 27th 2005. I have been to a few places in Europe but my husband has never been. I am thinking of Italy or Paris, I have been to both a long time ago and have LOVED them. Can someone give me some advise on which one may be better at that time of year? Which place is more affordable?

Since this is my husbands first vacation, I want him to have an amazing time.

We would both be interested great food, culture/history, romance-romance-romance and possibly renting a car to see countryside.

Any suggestions. I am not stuck on Paris and Italy if anyone wants to suggest their favorite destination. I realize this is pretty general but would love to hear opnions.

Thank you!!!

ira

Hi shonda,

Paris

MelJ

I had been to several European cities before my husband joined me. I determined that we should start in London (I also LOVE London) because it would ease him into the European atmosphere without the language barrier. Besides, you can get an easy and cheap jump on other cities by flying in and out of London. Why not do a weekend in London then take the Eurostar to Paris for the week, returning to London for the final weekend and to fly home?

Or, for romance, I think Scotland is fabulous! It's now become a favorite destination of ours. Edinburgh is a wonderful, beautiful old city, the coastal towns on the west (over the highlands) are romantic and only about 3 hours drive from Edinburgh--or take a train--and in February, though cold, there was a really nice, hazy atmosphere and it makes the warmth of the fires in the pubs even nicer! And the friendliness of the people can not be topped.

Have a great trip!

Shonda

I too have been to Scotland and really loved it. That is a great option. Have you ever been to Prague? I have always wanted to go but I hear it is quickly changing.

MelJ, that is a great suggestion about staying in London, then traveling to Paris. I know my husband really prefers to go to one place and stay there when it is a shorter trip. But that is a pretty easy trip.

Thanks

ira

>Have you ever been to Prague? I have always wanted to go but I hear it is quickly changing.<

Yes. It has already changed, ie, it is now crowded with tourists, hotel and restaurant prices have gone up, but it is still a lovely town.

smiley525

Hi I posted a similiar question if you want to look under my name. I too am trying to plan my DH's first trip to Europe. I think we'll go for the first two weeks in March (maybe April depending on when my sister is going to have her baby).

I love London, but that is the only city in Europe I have visited multiple times, I'm being a bit selfish and want to go elsewhere. I'm going (without DH) to Italy for the first time next month (Rome and Florence). I have been to Prague-6 years ago and loved it, but it has probably changed a lot since then. I also loved Budapest (also 6 years ago) I lived in Vienna then for 5 months so got to travel around quite a bit. This is what I'm thinking about doing for our 2 weeks. Fly into Venice, train to Vienna, Munich then Paris, fly out of Paris. Though 4 cities in 16 days might be a bit much? I can't figure it out.

I went to Paris 10 years ago for 2 nights and wasn't taht impressed but I want to give it another try.

I look forward to seeing the replies you get!

mamc

Since you are going for only one week, I would suggest Paris. Paris is fabulous for a week's trip. Italy is so wonderful but a week doesn't give you enough time to see, for instance, the "big three". I would save Italy for a trip when you can spend a bit longer and cover more territory. As far as price and weather are concerned, I don't think there is too much difference in Feb. Flights and hotels for both are likely to be lower than in high season.

elaine

Many of the airlines and organizations like go-today.com, are offering well-priced winter packages for one or more cities, and sometimes they will include transport from one city to the other, and/or airport transfers. You can also do searches on Expedia and Orbitz that include more than one city, and hotels.

If you found a package you like on British Air, for example, and since they route via London, London and Paris would be a good combination. Ditto Air France, but I haven't looked at their winter deals.

With only 3-4 days in each of two cities, do your research on centrally-located hotels so you don't lose time commuting from odd locations. You'll also want to make the most of your time since daylight hours will be short. That also would lead to keeping travel time between your cities to a minimum, which will eat up at least half a day even if you fly. Flying into one city and home from another will save backtracking.


I have files on London, Paris, and the three popular Italian cities (R, F, and V)
if you'd like to see any of the files, email me at
[email protected]

1tiredmama

Shonda: "We would both be interested great food, culture/history, romance-romance-romance and possibly renting a car to see countryside".

Paris and the Loire Valley would be perfect.

suze

Since you only have a week & your husband's preference is to stay one place... I say Paris!! For him to have an amazing time like you hope, why not at least start off with an itinerary that suits him?

I found Paris an easy city to plan for and navigate (have only been once) but w/ tres romantic atmosphere you're seeking. You can find a charming centrally located hotel, and have a relaxing time but with plenty to see and do.

It will be winter so I'm guessing you need coats & umbrellas, but that wouldn't stop me from going.

MFNYC

CHeck worldclimate.com for average temps and rainfall in the various cities. Rome would be a bit warmer than paris or london. For 1 week, I would suggest 1 major city, perhaps with a day trip or 2.

julie_Colorado

The first time I took my husband to Europe we went to London - and he loved it. But I wouldn't call it the most romantic choice. We typically travel with our kids -but we've gone alone to Scotland (terribly in Feb - but wonderful in the summer), Paris (wonderful - so romantic), and for his April birthday Venice (I've been without him and wasn't captivated - but it is a terribly romantic city with your husband). I was in Prague this summer - wouldn't be my choice for romance. Given the time of year, I would do the mountain villages outside of Nice, France (St. Paul de Vence, Tourettes sur Loop) or anywhere in Italy.... though you could never go wrong with Paris.

flsd

I had been to Europe many times as a single woman, and took my husband on his first three trips to the continent. One was to visit his ancestral home, but otherwise, as a "travel newbie," I think he really preferred London and Paris. If you speak some French, I'd definitely recommend the latter, with an automobile trip to the Loire for the food, romance, etc., you desire. Check out gites-de-France or Logis-de-France (google for the websites) for lovely B&Bs and small hotels in the French countryside.