If you were me, where would you (and your husband) spend two days in the first week of January? Vienna? Budapest? Paris? Any suggestions? Just two 30-year-olds who want to relax, walk around, see the sites, eat some good food, maybe even be romantic.

Where have you been before? Where are you coming from? Will you be jet lagged?

I always love Paris, so it gets my vote. I think Jan 1 and 6 are holidays all over Europe so you might keep that in mind.

I'll be coming from Ireland. I won't be jet lagged. I haven't been anywhere outside of Ireland and the U.K. Husband's been to Vienna and Budapest (spelling?), but is leaving the decision up to me. We'd be traveling after Jan. 1.

Amsterdam....romantic walks along the canals (few cars in the city centre), trams, bicycles, cosy bars, markets, everyone speaks English.Cold. Short flight very cheap from Ireland if you change in London, possibly cheap direct flights also.(check out Ryanair) <BR>OR southern Spain - warmer!Visit Seville.Probably flights to Malaga available from Ireland.3 hours on plane. <BR>Don't go too far North if you want to sightsee unless you can see in IR- here in Scotland it's getting dark around 3:30 pm at that time. <BR>London is a bit dreary/hung over at that time.Many regard this as the real new millenium - any excuse for a party!

Paris, from the choices you gave. <BR> <BR>For that matter, Paris is still the best bet, compared to everywhere in Europe, if you only have two days. <BR> <BR>BAK

Maeve <BR> <BR>assuming you can fly direct from Dublin (or Belfast?) I'd go to Rome. I took my husband there for a weekend when he was 40 in February. It's so much warmer, and there's lots to do or not as you prefer

Maeve, <BR>Quick breaks that I have taken from Ireland include - Edinburg (no language hassle), Rome (get a package rather than do the flights etc seperately as it is dearer coming from Ireland as I have found from experience - can recommend an excellent travel agent that deals in packages from ireland to Rome), Prague (Czech airlines are now flying directly from Dublin - it will be cold but lovely city and so cheap that you will never think Dunnes Stores are cheap again - great pottery etc and good food), Crawcow in Polnad (flight to Berlin and train or via London), Paris (with Ryanair). But if you have only 2 days I would opt for either Londong, Paris or my favourite Rome. Airlines will be doing 2 for the price of 1 in Jan and Rome is .... well I am biased. <BR> <BR>Could I suggest that you extend those 2 days into 3 or 4 - 2 is too short - alternatively fly down to Cork or Galway (avoiding the driving) and wander around either city. Otherwise book yourselves into Tinakilly House or Mitchelles in laragh Wicklow and pamper yourselves. Save on airfare and the hassle that is Dublin airport. I have started doing that after living on the continet for many years and seeing a lot of Eastern and Central Europe & now I am rediscovering Ireland. <BR> <BR>Have a good time, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Although Rome would be warmer, I just cant stand all the noisy scooters buzzing around there all the time. <BR>My choice would be your first choice, Vienna. Cold, buts lots of lovely warm coffeehouses etc., and the chance of a really good concert too at that time of the year.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll be leaving originally from Belfast, flying to Liverpool for a football match on New Year's Day. We're flying Easyjet to Liverpool for a ridiculously small fare (30 pounds each, roundtrip), and they have really cheap fares to other cities from L'pool. Unfortunately, as I found out yesterday, Paris is not one of them. Amsterdam is, however, and so is Malaga, for some reason! Others are Athens, Barcelona, Madrid, Palma, Geneva, and Zurich. I'm leaning toward Amsterdam or one of the locations in Spain. Any more votes? <BR> <BR>If you're flying from cities in the UK to other European destinations, I would definitely check out www.easyjet.com. I haven't flown them yet, so I'd also be interested in hearing anyone's experienced. But the fares are incredible. Roundtrip, Liverpool to Amsterdam, for TWO people, 94 pounds--not each, but in total. I think the Malaga flights were similar.

Also, I've spent a lot of time traveling in Ireland and the U.K., so I want to go somewhere else! I'm also not a big fan of London, and have spent enough time in this part of the world to know that the first week in January isn't the time to be traveling--the only reason I'll be in Ireland is to see relatives and friends.

For a romantic place, I would go to Prague & stand on the Charles Bridge at night--a little chilly but... Czech food is good & substantial. <BR>One of my favorite cities is Berlin because there is so much to see and do. The people are nice and the food good; lots of culture and history. <BR>Florence also comes to mind but that is better when you can enjoy the gelato at Vivoli's.

Maeve, <BR>Another vote for Wien!

Well, it may look like I'm ignoring all of your suggestions, but it looks like I'll be choosing between Barcelona and Madrid. Logistically, these two cities will make the most sense, and they are both cities I would like to visit. I think I'll post another message. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for the help!

Barthelona it must be. <BR> <BR>if you look onthe "walking city" thread you will find some stuff already posted. I spent 2 1/2 days there at the end of 10 easyjet based days in Spain a couple of years ago and it was great. <BR> <BR>E-mail if you want more info.