I started a thread quite some time ago with the first installment of my trip report. But because life happens, I took a hiatus from finishing said trip report. And I'm sure those who were following along gave up hope. So, since I'm finally finishing this thing, and am on my last post (which should be finished by tomorrow), I figured I would start a new thread and put them all in one place.
Reading trip reports is what helped me plan my own trip, so I'm paying it forward and posting these here in the hopes that they will help someone else...

London: Part 1
http://grahamandwhitneyrussell.blogs...on-part-1.html

London: Part 2
http://grahamandwhitneyrussell.blogs...on-part-2.html

Paris: Part 1
http://grahamandwhitneyrussell.blogs...-part-one.html

Paris: Part 2
http://grahamandwhitneyrussell.blogs...-part-two.html

Rome: Part 1
http://grahamandwhitneyrussell.blogs...-part-one.html

I will add Rome: Part 2 to this thread when I finish.
And questions are always welcome.
Enjoy!

Charming reviews, what a wonderful experience at your "tender" age!

It took us 6 decades to get to London/Paris/Rome. Sorry we didn't do it sooner, and more often.

Also, lovely pictures.

love your pictures

Great photos and excellent format.

What a fun report Whitney! Great photos too. 3 of my favourite cities and I'm sure you and your boy will be back for many more trips in the future.

Bookmarking for our trip to Paris next summer! Your pictures are fantastic!

So much fun reading your report! I always forget to take pictures of myself and hubby when traveling, and I love yours. I think I will steal some of your ideas for composition. Looking forward to Rome part 2.

Yes! Wonderful shots and I'm enjoying your writing style. When DH and I first saw Versailles, my words were "Cr*p, no wonder they had a revolution!"--an amazing place.

More Rome soon, please.

Thanks, everybody! Rome Part Two is coming soon...Thanksgiving got in the way of me finishing it, but I'll get on it!

Whitney, it's always nice to find someone that loves Rome as much as I do. She is lovely... and I know you're probably already planning your return trip.

Thanks for sharing!

And the final chapter of our trip...

http://grahamandwhitneyrussell.blogs...-part-two.html

Very nicely done blog. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing your trip!





BTW What camera were you using?

chris45ny, I use a Canon Rebel T3i. It's a great amateur camera that takes (in my opinion) professional looking photos. There is a newer version that recently came out...the t5i.

Great trip report, Whitney! Thanks for posting it.

Lee Ann

I really enjoyed this, and your pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

Sighing for all the places you all visited. Pompeii was so compelling. DH and I used each other's backs to lean into while looking up at the Cistine Chapel ceiling.

Glad you had a great time. Congrats again on the super shots.

Thanks Lee Ann, flwrjen, and TDudette! It was quite the experience writing about our trip. Brought back amazing memories. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

This was amazing. My husband and I are doing in a week in Rome in July. Your trip report made me long to go now! Question, you went to Pompeii on day trip? Was that very doable? Would you recommend it? I wanted to go, but it didn't feel possible.

Sorry for the lack of response, andyrenee. I haven't been on my Fodor's forums in a few weeks! Yes, we did Pompeii in one day. We took the early morning Frecciarossa train from the Termini station in Rome to Naples. Then we caught the commuter Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii. It took a couple of hours, be we were inside Pompeii by early afternoon. We were able to see the major sites, but if you are interested in seeing EVERYTHING, then I wouldn't recommend trying to do it in one day. I have a different philosophy from most of the travelers on these forums. I try to fit in as much as I can. Most seasoned travelers would disagree with this approach, but I don't travel much, so when I do, I cram a lot of activities into one day. It's not for everyone. But, because of this mentality, one day for Pompeii was enough for us to see all that we wanted. We were back to Naples in tim for dinner where we got the MOST delicious pizza I have ever had! I would recommend getting on a tour. The guides will take you to the most interesting areas, and give you some amazing history as well. This was one of only two tour guides that we paid for on our whole trip, but we felt that it was worth it. Again, you have to have the energy and stamina for such a packed day, but we are SO glad we did it. Hope this helps!

I'm a maximize the time kinda traveler too. So I think we will make a go of it. Always been fascinated by Pompeii would hate to be a few hours away and miss it. Do you remember the name of the tours?