jenblase

Hi all - just found these forums - how very valuable! Anyway my husband and I are planning our "honeymoon" for next spring (actually got married last November but could only afford a few days in Vegas at the time). It will be his first time in Europe but my second. I visited Brussels, Brugge and Amsterdam in 2000 with a girlfriend, and I absolutely loved Amsterdam.

We were originally going to do two weeks in Italy but in planning the trip we have decided to do Paris (he really wants to go there) and one other city. I really think he'd like Amsterdam and want to show him the city since I loved it so. But he thinks it's stupid for me to go back to a city that I've already seen when we could see London, or parts of Germany, or other towns in France. What do you all think? Has anyone here repeatedly gone back to the same places, foregoing other areas that you know you "should see"? Or do you consider it a waste...

ira

Hi J,

Paris is an excellent idea.

>I really think he'd like Amsterdam and want to show him the city ...<

Very good of you.

I think one gets a better experience of a city if one has a guide.

Travelnut

and I'd start in Amsterdam...
1. the airport is much easier
2. the language thing is much easier
(although Parisians are coming back at you with English more and more)
3. the direct train to Paris is 4 hrs
4. the architecture/culture in Ams and Paris are sufficiently different enough to make a good trip pairing

However, you can always agree to see Paris + another new location on this trip, and then go back to Amsterdam together for a quick week sometime in the future.

sandi_travelnut

It's not stupid to go back to a city you've been to before, especially if you've only been once before. Many on this board have been to their favorite cities dozens of times. You always discover something new, especially once you get past seeing the major tourist sites. Tell him to relax and to trust you about that one. You both will love Paris, especially discovering it together. I bet you that he'll even want to return!

ggnga

He picks one and you pick one. He picked Paris, very very good choice in my opinion, and you can pick Amsterdam.

Perhaps you could do 4 days or so in Amsterdam and do a couple of nice day trips (other towns in France) with your added days in Paris. A win-win for your both and very easy to do.

Have a wonderful honeymoon and long, happy life together.

travelbunny

..just an idea..Do you want to do 2 cities? Another option is a week in Paris and a week in Provence. A nice contrast. I would base myself in 1 or 2 places in Provence and do day trips.

Patrick

If you were picking two places you had been to before, I'd reconsider. But the idea of experiencing Paris together for the first time, and sharing Amsterdam where you've been but he hasn't, sounds like a perfect combination to me.

jenblase

Patrick - now that I see you've responded to my post, could you email me at [email protected] - I've been reading some of your posts about the way you utilize FF miles on American and I have a few questions for you.

Is there a way to send a private message to someone on here?

~Jennifer

StCirq

I think it's a good pairing, Amsterdam and Paris - one new place and one you've been to.

As for going back to places you've been, well, having been back to Paris more than 60 times I guess I'd better not answer that one, as my perspective is obviously skewed.

jenblase

Ggnga - I really like your idea, thanks. Having been to Ams before, and knowing what it is worthwhile to see again (Van Gogh museum, Rijks, Anne Frank house, I don't think more than 4 days are necessary there. So maybe we can do Paris, Ams, and then the rest of the two weeks in a few smaller cities in France. Thanks all for your advice.

SAnParis

I like the Amsterdam-Paris combo as well. Your marriage sounds much like mine. I ALWAYS want to go to Paris & my wife favors Germany so we typically try & do both. For a taste of Germany, try visiting Strausburg. I also like the the flying in & out of Amsterdam idea, CDG is not for the faint of heart. Places I've been multiple times include Paris, Vienna & Munich to name a few. I always like to fit in some familiar places w/new, if that makes any sense.

suze

Just chiming in with another positive vote for Amsterdam and Paris. I love to return to the same cities I have been to (and liked) before.

Paris and Venice make a nice combination as well. That would both be new for both of you and give you a taste of Italy.

nytraveler

Have ben to many places - that I love - twice - or even mutiple times. Have bent London at least a dozen times0- ut a couple were for business.

If you love Amsterdam and want to go back - why not? (And why should he get to pick both places - stand firm - or he'll start to think he can make all the decisions.)

Surfergirl

I echo the idea of Amsterdam/Paris -- kind of "something old, something new", perfect for the honeymoon!

That, actually, is what my husband and I have been doing for 20 years! When we first got married, I had been to Europe many times and lived there twice. My husband had never been. So each trip was something old, something new. I wanted him to see places I had fallen in love with, but I also wanted to experience new places with him. As of our last trip (2004), except for one city, my husband is now completely caught up! So next summer we start, together, experiencing for the first time the wonders of eastern Europe.

jenblase

That is wonderful, Surfergirl!! I am looking forward to many many years of enjoying Europe with my hubby.