Well, I feel as though this may (or not) be the appropriate time to ask a question that's been bugging me for a long time -- almost since I first began reading this board about six years ago. In that time I've read a lot (a LOT), asked a few questions, and provided some information on the rare occasions when my information seemed potentially useful.

Okay, here's what puzzles me: How can anyone plan a trip to anywhere in Europe and have no idea of what THEY want to see and do? I want to travel because there are things I've learned about that I want to see and/or experience, but it just seems as though some people wake up one morning and say to themselves, "Wow, I guess now's the time to go to Europe, that big area off the Atlantic Ocean or someplace." But they have no clue why they think it might be a good idea.

Really, I'm not trying to be rude or anything; I just don't understand how you can WANT to go someplace without knowing WHY you want to go there.

Well, that's my question.

Sandy

Let's face it, most of us have asked reduntant questions here and have been too general in our postings.
That said, I think getting guide books and watching travel videos is a great idea. I collect travel books on Italy and Amsterdam but still I have questions and want suggestions.
I value this board and all of you who reply to requests.

>How can anyone plan a trip to anywhere in Europe and have no idea of what THEY want to see and do?<

Well i really don't have the time to go looking at musty old books in libraries or spending hours on the net searching and i don't want to have to pay a ta who's only going to rip me off anyway so i just thought that i would ask the people here where i should go in europe.
u don't have to be so huffy about it and if that's what u think, im not going to post hear anymore.




:)

I'm with Sandy - I don't understand how anyone can plan a trip to someplace (ANY place) and not have ANY idea of what they want to do. Surely- SOMETHING must attract you to a certain destination! Do people just say "Oh, look, there are really cheap flights from Chicago to Budapest! Let's go!"?????

We are not a big "beach-type" family - so 10 days in the Maldives doesn't appeal to us (a few days with just me and DH would be fine, however!). So - the trip I'm planning to Thailand centers around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Bangkok - NOT Phuket. Similarly, we LOVE good food and wine, so places like Paris, New Zealand, and South Africa are always on the top of our list.

I admit that after I've posted a question - sometimes I realize it was too general or maybe the answer was somewhere on an earlier thread and just required a search. I try, however, to do my research ahead of time so that I can ask specific questions.

In planning our July trip to Williamsburg, VA - I did all my hotel research, thought about the various options, and then posted a question requesting opinions on only 2 different lodging options.

I have received SO MUCH valuable information from people on Fodors.....but it has generally been info about SPECIFIC things - like the recommendation to take the luge down from the Great Wall at Mutianyu or the recommendation to take my sons to the Arms and Armory museum in Vienna.

I don't expect the people here to tell me what to do/where to stay/what to see.......I want to narrow down the things/places that appeal to us and then have the great people here "refine" my ideas based on personal experiences! THAT'S the true value of this board!

I agree with Lostmymind. I am relatively new as well and trying to still see the good and the fun in the boards. But many threads disintergrate into bickering, admonishments or inside jokes and references.

I know a lot of you are friends now and that is fantastic but I think you should keep in mind the original intent of the board and decide who it is you're here for - each other or the people to come to the Fodor's site for help because they respect the Fodor's name and want to learn from your experience.

Just answer what you want.

I'm with Sandy too.

On my first trip to Italy in 1999,
I was on a mission!!
I HAD to see Venice,
David,The Primavera, The Pieta,
and the Amalfi. I cant imagine going somewhere without researching it and finding all the wonderful sites and art treasures it has to offer.

Any of you "on a mission" or do you just like to go somewhere and wing it?

I'm not challenging anyone to do it my way, Im just curious as to your ideas about the way you like to travel.

"Really, I'm not trying to be rude or anything; I just don't understand how you can WANT to go someplace without knowing WHY you want to go there."

Obviously you can't. But you can certainly want to go somewhere without having much of an idea what it's like.

Always liked the name. Heard a song once. Chum says they had a great time, but you don't want to ask him. Want to keep up with next door. Want to go somewhere you're sure next door won't turn up.

Millions of reasons.

Ask your friends what's worth seeing there and you'll expose your ignorance. Ask a travel agent and they'll sell you something you're sure you don't want.

But on boards like this? Total anonymity. You can be as idiotic as you like (as several of us demonstrate daily). The worst that can happen to you is one of those damnfool emails from Fodors telling you to buy their books because it's full of quotations from you.

And, however vague the question, someone will always seize the opportunity to air their opinions.

Well said, Amaclise.

...and the great thing about this wonderful site is that if you don't like the question being asked or if you think it's too general, you don't have to respond...

Thanks to everyone who has helped us over the past 6 months... I figure if any Fodorite figures they are planning their trip for me based on a stupid,general question, they just won't respond.