Should be hardest decision: Lake Como or Paris?
Jul 28th, 2008, 06:52 AM
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Should be hardest decision: Lake Como or Paris?
Hello Fodorites. Please help plan our ten year wedding anniversary!
We've planned to go to Venice for our 10th anniversary, for, well about 10 years.
Problem is, we want to use our AAFF miles and we cant fly from NYC direct to Venice. Solution? Fly somewhere else for a couple of days.
We've both been to Paris (not together) and we were young and stupid - re: didnt see much. We can fly directly there, or, relax for a few days (and hubby can golf) if we fly into Milan and drive an hour to Lake Como. Then take a train to Venice (or fly to Venice from Paris.)
Question: which seems a) easier in terms of traveling and eventually getting to Venice, and which itinerary would be more appealing to you?
Sorry so long and thx in advance!
We've planned to go to Venice for our 10th anniversary, for, well about 10 years.
Problem is, we want to use our AAFF miles and we cant fly from NYC direct to Venice. Solution? Fly somewhere else for a couple of days.We've both been to Paris (not together) and we were young and stupid - re: didnt see much. We can fly directly there, or, relax for a few days (and hubby can golf) if we fly into Milan and drive an hour to Lake Como. Then take a train to Venice (or fly to Venice from Paris.)
Question: which seems a) easier in terms of traveling and eventually getting to Venice, and which itinerary would be more appealing to you?
Sorry so long and thx in advance!
Jul 28th, 2008, 07:41 AM
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Time of year is a huge factor, but also food I would think -- in which case, I'd pick Paris.
But I think I'd also pick it for going back to where one was young and stupid.
I'd want to be that way again 10 years later with the person I married.
But I think I'd also pick it for going back to where one was young and stupid.
I'd want to be that way again 10 years later with the person I married.
Jul 28th, 2008, 08:21 AM
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Hi T,
>We can fly directly there, or, relax for a few days (and hubby can golf) if we fly into Milan and drive an hour to Lake Como.<
You are having trouble choosing between Paris and golf?
>We can fly directly there, or, relax for a few days (and hubby can golf) if we fly into Milan and drive an hour to Lake Como.<
You are having trouble choosing between Paris and golf?
Jul 28th, 2008, 08:33 AM
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Im trying to please my husband who really always needs a vacation more than myself. I dragged him to the galapagos last christmas and getting up at 6 am to look at turtles wasnt really relaxing.
We'd be going mid June, 2009.
He really doesnt want to spend a lot of time traveling btw destinations. the man gets sick on every trip that requires many planes or trains.
We'd be going mid June, 2009.
He really doesnt want to spend a lot of time traveling btw destinations. the man gets sick on every trip that requires many planes or trains.
Jul 28th, 2008, 08:36 AM
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We just recently returned from Lake Como and it is truly one of the most beautiful places I've been. The main attraction is ferrying from town to town and visiting gardens and villas. Breathtaking scenery and very relaxing.
Of course, Paris is equally beautiful but in a totally different way.
Would you rather be in a big city with big city attractions or tiny quaint towns strolling through glorious gardens.
That's the choice.
PS: We went Verenna (our base on Lake Como) to Venice and it was as easy as could be. Connect in Milan.
Of course, Paris is equally beautiful but in a totally different way.
Would you rather be in a big city with big city attractions or tiny quaint towns strolling through glorious gardens.
That's the choice.
PS: We went Verenna (our base on Lake Como) to Venice and it was as easy as could be. Connect in Milan.
Jul 28th, 2008, 08:39 AM
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No wonder this marriage has lasted!
I get sick too, and I wouldn't want have to deal with what it takes to get from Malpensa to Bellagio.
Isn't the golfing better in the UK or Ireland? (I felt sure that was a big golf course I passed on my way out of Gatwick a little while ago.)
I might look at a transfer through London or Dublin.
I get sick too, and I wouldn't want have to deal with what it takes to get from Malpensa to Bellagio.
Isn't the golfing better in the UK or Ireland? (I felt sure that was a big golf course I passed on my way out of Gatwick a little while ago.)
I might look at a transfer through London or Dublin.
Jul 28th, 2008, 08:48 AM
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Zeppole - every hotel website in Lake Como area says it's SO EASY to go from Malpensa to the area. Are they lying?
Would take the train then get a cab. Was told whole thing would be about 90 minutes. Then a train from there to Venice.
Really just want this man to relax as he works 12 hour days. He made the promise to me to take me to Venice and wants to keep it. But if up to him, he'd be off to the Caribbean to play golf every day. No thanks.
Would take the train then get a cab. Was told whole thing would be about 90 minutes. Then a train from there to Venice.
Really just want this man to relax as he works 12 hour days. He made the promise to me to take me to Venice and wants to keep it. But if up to him, he'd be off to the Caribbean to play golf every day. No thanks.
Jul 28th, 2008, 09:01 AM
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It's easy to get to a hotel in Lago di Como if you take a private car transfer -- and let's hope you would toting a bag of golf clubs. But it's a long ride.
One of the reasons I live in Italy is that Europe is the only place my husband could go where -- for some reason -- his office felt shy about calling him, and he could relax. So I'm with you here!
You need to book yourself a hotel in Venezia that is relaxing and away from the worst of the tourist madhouse. It can be done, but keep it in mind when you book.
I don't where you are flying from, and I'm not a golfer, but I've always heard golfing in Scotland makes a golfer's heart sing. There is at least one non-stop to Glasgow from NYC. Perhaps from there you could fly direclty into Venezia.
But if it were me, I'd tranfer through London, let the spouse golf while I sat in the spa and read, then off on a direct flight to Venezia.
One of the reasons I live in Italy is that Europe is the only place my husband could go where -- for some reason -- his office felt shy about calling him, and he could relax. So I'm with you here!
You need to book yourself a hotel in Venezia that is relaxing and away from the worst of the tourist madhouse. It can be done, but keep it in mind when you book.
I don't where you are flying from, and I'm not a golfer, but I've always heard golfing in Scotland makes a golfer's heart sing. There is at least one non-stop to Glasgow from NYC. Perhaps from there you could fly direclty into Venezia.
But if it were me, I'd tranfer through London, let the spouse golf while I sat in the spa and read, then off on a direct flight to Venezia.
Jul 28th, 2008, 09:11 AM
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I would never in a million years go to Venice in June. NEVER! It is so crowded you can't enjoy yourself.
Pick some other place for your anniversary.
And I LOVE Venice, by the way, but not in June, July, or August.
Thingorjus,
who is going to Paris in November.
Pick some other place for your anniversary.
And I LOVE Venice, by the way, but not in June, July, or August.
Thingorjus,
who is going to Paris in November.
Jul 28th, 2008, 09:25 AM
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Oh, please...it doesn't take a lot to get from Malpensa to the lake, especially if you're renting a car.
If you really want to go to Venice then GO there..why settle for second-best Paris/Lake Como (both of which I really like).
if you can fly to Milan, get a TAXI...it's your anniversary after all and go by rail from Centrale.
And some people are wondering if they can drive to work this week....
If you really want to go to Venice then GO there..why settle for second-best Paris/Lake Como (both of which I really like).
if you can fly to Milan, get a TAXI...it's your anniversary after all and go by rail from Centrale.
And some people are wondering if they can drive to work this week....
Jul 28th, 2008, 09:34 AM
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dukey,
Have you ever gotten off an overnight flight and driven yourself to Bellagio with someone who doesn't travel well? I wouldn't enjoy it as the start of an anniversary trip. Also, I think the OP has it in mind to take a train -- although I think with golf clubs, it would be a bad idea.
The OP would fly directly to Venice if it were possible to do with AAFF miles. But it's not.
I hoe you aren't suggesting that the OP take a taxi from Malpensa. And a taxi to Centrale is simply a waste of money -- and then there's that several-hour train trip to Venezia.
Having a hard time understanding your railing at OP for wanting to make her husband happy 10 years on.
Have you ever gotten off an overnight flight and driven yourself to Bellagio with someone who doesn't travel well? I wouldn't enjoy it as the start of an anniversary trip. Also, I think the OP has it in mind to take a train -- although I think with golf clubs, it would be a bad idea.
The OP would fly directly to Venice if it were possible to do with AAFF miles. But it's not.
I hoe you aren't suggesting that the OP take a taxi from Malpensa. And a taxi to Centrale is simply a waste of money -- and then there's that several-hour train trip to Venezia.
Having a hard time understanding your railing at OP for wanting to make her husband happy 10 years on.
Jul 28th, 2008, 09:57 AM
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Aww - no need to fight!
Not traveling with golf clubs. this isnt meant to be a golfing vacation. Just thought it would be nice if he could play a round if we were near a nice course. We went to Marbella two winters ago, and he spent 4 nights in the hotel (the Marbella Club - such a shame) and didnt get to golf at all, thanks to traveling from London to Rome to Florence, back to Rome, plane to Malaga, car to Marbella. PHEW!
We have a boatload of miles that we've never used, and want to go first class. Which is why I thought Paris or Lake Como - both romantic and relaxing. Dont want to go to Scotland...not a fan of haggis.
Not traveling with golf clubs. this isnt meant to be a golfing vacation. Just thought it would be nice if he could play a round if we were near a nice course. We went to Marbella two winters ago, and he spent 4 nights in the hotel (the Marbella Club - such a shame) and didnt get to golf at all, thanks to traveling from London to Rome to Florence, back to Rome, plane to Malaga, car to Marbella. PHEW!
We have a boatload of miles that we've never used, and want to go first class. Which is why I thought Paris or Lake Como - both romantic and relaxing. Dont want to go to Scotland...not a fan of haggis.
Jul 28th, 2008, 10:00 AM
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PS - looking more likely that my mileage upgrade needs to go through Paris (thank you American.)
If that's the case - my mother in law is suggesting we stay in St. Germain. I think I'd like Marais. Hmm...
If that's the case - my mother in law is suggesting we stay in St. Germain. I think I'd like Marais. Hmm...
Jul 28th, 2008, 10:04 AM
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Hmmm, indeed.
I'm going to leave it to you to deal with your mother in law (I would pick Marais as well).
If it turns out you end up in Lago di Como after Malpensa, splurge on the private taxi.
Be reassured that if you even end up in Scotland, the seafood is wonderful.
Otherwise, enjoy being older and wiser in Paris.
I'm going to leave it to you to deal with your mother in law (I would pick Marais as well).
If it turns out you end up in Lago di Como after Malpensa, splurge on the private taxi.
Be reassured that if you even end up in Scotland, the seafood is wonderful.
Otherwise, enjoy being older and wiser in Paris.
Jul 28th, 2008, 12:37 PM
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Hi T,
> I dragged him to the galapagos last christmas and getting up at 6 am to look at turtles wasnt really relaxing.<
I agree.
You are a very lucky woman to be married to such a kind, pleasant and understanding man.
But Paris isn't the Galapagos, and he doesn't have to get up at 06:00.
However, since your destination is Venice, I suggest that you fly into MXP.
You take the shuttle bus, not the train, to Milano Centrale and a train to Venice San Lucia.
There are golf clubs in Venice.
> I dragged him to the galapagos last christmas and getting up at 6 am to look at turtles wasnt really relaxing.<
I agree.
You are a very lucky woman to be married to such a kind, pleasant and understanding man.
But Paris isn't the Galapagos, and he doesn't have to get up at 06:00.
However, since your destination is Venice, I suggest that you fly into MXP.
You take the shuttle bus, not the train, to Milano Centrale and a train to Venice San Lucia.
There are golf clubs in Venice.
Jul 28th, 2008, 01:31 PM
#18
Congratulations on your anniversary!
While Bellagio is a nice place to stay for relaxation and beautiful views, it's not the easiest base on Lake Como for someone who wants to do much golfing. I think the closest courses are near Menaggio, Lugano and Lecco. There are loads of courses in the area surrounding Milan and between Milan and the town of Como.
FYI, if you're flying on AA from JFK to Malpensa, I believe you land early in the morning. You could be in Bellagio in time for lunch. I've done this transfer many times after flying from the West Coast (which involves a connection), and I'm guessing I'm several years older than you. (Our 10th anniversary was 20 years ago.) If you decide to head to Lake Como first, you can search for the threads that describe the transfer options or you can just ask on this thread.
While Bellagio is a nice place to stay for relaxation and beautiful views, it's not the easiest base on Lake Como for someone who wants to do much golfing. I think the closest courses are near Menaggio, Lugano and Lecco. There are loads of courses in the area surrounding Milan and between Milan and the town of Como.
FYI, if you're flying on AA from JFK to Malpensa, I believe you land early in the morning. You could be in Bellagio in time for lunch. I've done this transfer many times after flying from the West Coast (which involves a connection), and I'm guessing I'm several years older than you. (Our 10th anniversary was 20 years ago.) If you decide to head to Lake Como first, you can search for the threads that describe the transfer options or you can just ask on this thread.
Jul 30th, 2008, 08:05 AM
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Just came back from all those places. Agree time of the year is important. Some points:
1. Paris will always be an amazing city to visit. But I'd say of all 3 locations, it's last on that list for relaxing - which could be good if you're then going to relax in Como or Venice.
2. If you're going to the Lakes - hire a car. But the roads are super narrow, it can be busy and whoever's driving (and the passenger) is likely to be stressed getting there unless you're confident drivers. There's public transport of course, but nothing beats the flexibility of your own car.
3. You can golf near the Lakes - and I saw some gorgeous golf courses I wished I had time to play.
4. Lakes to Venice is dead easy to transit to. In summer thought it is hot and crowded.
5. If it's in summer - I'd almost recommend something in the nearby Swiss / Italian alps which you can get to from Milan by car in a couple of hours. Spectacular scenery, very relaxing walks / hikes, extremely friendly people, beautiful golf courses overlooking mountains - you can't not like it.
1. Paris will always be an amazing city to visit. But I'd say of all 3 locations, it's last on that list for relaxing - which could be good if you're then going to relax in Como or Venice.
2. If you're going to the Lakes - hire a car. But the roads are super narrow, it can be busy and whoever's driving (and the passenger) is likely to be stressed getting there unless you're confident drivers. There's public transport of course, but nothing beats the flexibility of your own car.
3. You can golf near the Lakes - and I saw some gorgeous golf courses I wished I had time to play.
4. Lakes to Venice is dead easy to transit to. In summer thought it is hot and crowded.
5. If it's in summer - I'd almost recommend something in the nearby Swiss / Italian alps which you can get to from Milan by car in a couple of hours. Spectacular scenery, very relaxing walks / hikes, extremely friendly people, beautiful golf courses overlooking mountains - you can't not like it.
