Long weekend in Europe in Feb - suggestions needed
 

Hi all,

I am planning to take my Mom to Europe for a long weekend in February as her birthday treat. She always pines that my Dad is not much of a traveler and has problems with flying (sinus issues), so she never gets to go places. She has however already been to Paris several times, Nice, London and Edinburgh (as part of our wedding in Scotland), so I'm not considering these cities (well, maybe London). She is not my mother for nothing - we both share a ferocious wanderlust :)

So, since I only have 3-4 days, I am looking for a European destinations that are served by direct flights from Boston. I have narrowed it down to Amsterdam and Reykjavik, or possibly London, but can't decide which would be a better idea. Iceland is clearly going to be more of a challenge weather-wise, but then she will never go there on her own. Iceland presents more of a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially if we are lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Also, Reykjavik has the shortest flight.

Amsterdam might be easier to walk around in February, and she would enjoy the museums tremendously. I have never been to A'dam myself but understand that it is a very pleasant city. It will probably be cheaper than Iceland, which is a concern (not tremendous, but some).

Another alternative is London - she loved the city and especially the theater, but I think she has more opportunities to visit London on her own or with friends, so it's less of a contender.

So, I would welcome any thoughts, suggestions and ideas on what would make a better destination for a nice weekend. Am I insane for even considering Iceland in February?

Thank you.

Hi K,

I would go to Venice, Rome or Vienna, but Iceland is certainly exotic.

OTOH, Icelandair is offering $248 pp RT Boston/London.

Iceland sounds okay to me if you have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, I think that would be incredible. I don't think the temps there are that different from Boston, anyway, in February, so think that would be fine. If that's the only think holding you up, I'd check some weather stats, because I don't think that should concern you.

Amsterdam is okay, has a couple good museums. I don't know that the weather would be any better there than in Iceland. Iceland is fairly cheap on Icelandair from some East Coast US cities, I'd think it wouldn't be cheaper to Amsterdam. If you mean hotels, that could be true, I don't know, but since it's only a couple days, I don't think that's terrible.

..No to Iceland. I was there 2 days ago. days are very short and can be very windy. It is a magnificent destination but please choose summer..fishing, riding, wonderful rugged vistas..

Amsterdam has more than just "a few 'good' museums" IMO..it has one of the greatest of all the museums in Europe, the Rijksmuseum and even if it is partially closed for renovation you can still see 400+ works.

As you probably already know distance traveled has little, if anything, to do with the cost of an airline ticket; competition on routes drives the prices.

There is a LOT to see and do in A-dam as well as in the cities Ira mentioned as well..I would pick any of those over Iceland at this point, especially if you do go there and don't see the Aurora..then what?

Have a great trip.

I think Amsterdam is the perfect city for a short amount of time.

Thank you for the feedback. I think I am leaning towards A'dam now. I was planning the actual destination to be a surprise, but I wonder if I should ask Mom if she has a preference :)

As for wonderful suggestions of Venice, Rome or Vienna - I'd love to. I was in Italy this May and am so ready to go back, especially to Venice. But since there were no direct flights from Boston to these cities on the dates I searched, the trip in each direction will take about 11 hours, eating in significantly into our short weekend trip time. That's why I was looking for destinations that can be reached by direct flights from Boston.

I am also considering Milan - not as a destination in itself, but Venice is a train journey away. I'll keep an eye on this itinerary as well for the next couple of weeks.

Once again, thank you everyone for your suggestions.

Julia.
5 days till I go to Paris - I am so excited!

The flights to Iceland may be cheaper but costs once there are sky high. And apart from the weather, the days will be shorter.

Hi

How abou Cardiff. Its a fab city. I live her and and i'm a police officer in the city so it must be safe?

I've been in Reykjavik in January, and it's OK - but mostly if you're going to be happy to hole up in the city and focus on restaurants, clubbing, etc. - with maybe an organised tour of the geysers, weather permitting. But that doesn't sound like exactly what you're looking for. If you want to be sure to have a chance to see the scenery/countryside, May - early October would be your best bet.

If your trip must take place in February, I'd say either Amsterdam or London will be just fine. But if you really think your mother would prefer Iceland to the other options, maybe collect some travel brochures and literature and package them up with an IOU for a trip to Iceland in the spring or summer. Or maybe you can go to AMS/LON this time, and consider Iceland in a few years?