This summer I turn 50! Any suggestions for a fabulous celebration trip - length about 1 week in July? I'll be going with my husband, would like to avoid a cruise (done it) and prefer a destination that's not too pricey. We've been to Turkey & Greece, but otherwise our travel has been in the US. We are interested in the UK, but it seems so expensive. Maybe northern Europe?

What do you mean by northern Europe? Scandinavia is relatively expensive.

As a general rule, go east to get more for your money. There is a lot of good value to be found in central Europe, and it is very interesting territory. Look at the many threads here about Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Or you might check on Croatia.

Another possibility might be Spain or possibly Portugal which we have found to be somewhat less expensive than other parts of Western Europe.

Katie I suggest Paris to celebrate your 50th birthday. Everything is pricey these days.

Life is short... go to Paris

Have you thought about Italy?
If it was me (which it isn't),I would research from Rome up into northern Italy.

With about seven days, you might start in Venice and finish up with either Lake Garda or Lake Como. Assuming that you are in the eastern US, I would think that you could make this work on $4,000 (airfare, rooms, meals, etc included).

Paris - it's not as expensive as I expected. Actually, it can be quite economical. Decent hotel accommodations can be found for not too much money. Also great food for average prices.

So much to see in Italy and it is a warm and friendly country. Prices seem to vary so much. Rome is wonderful but I don't think you get the same amount for the price you would spend in Paris. The countryside is fairly inexpensive, but I wouldn't miss the excitement and beauty of the cities.

Greece and Spain are beautiful and also less expensive options in Europe.

Not sure about everywhere in the UK, but London is so-o-o expensive. Even when we try to economize there, we still spend way more than we would elsewhere.

The eastern countries are probably wonderful, but if you haven't been to Italy or Paris (or Greece or Spain), they are just places I wouldn't want to miss seeing.

France is still one of the best-priced countries in western Europe. Hotels, even in Paris, can be found for moderate prices, as can restaurant meals. And the food and wine are superb.

Northern Europe...if you mean Sweden, be prepared for very high prices--friends just back paid $20 for an ordinary bowl of soup, the cheapest things on the restaurant menu (and it wasn't an especially terrific restaurant, either).

I'd head for the Basque Country (Pays Basque and/or País Vasco) where the food and wine can't be beat and the prices, even in Biarritz, are very reasonable.

Robert is right! Head for San Sebastian. See my write up at Marshlands.blogstream.com. Been a lot of places and San Sebastian [and Bilbao, Pamplona, Biarritz - all within one hour] work the best for me!

I've been to London, Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany. While all nice, I say yes, GO TO PARIS! They are all relatively expensive, but hey, you are turning 50! And so am I next year. I am also planning a 50th trip celebration even though my pocketbook is telling me not to. But, Life is short!

Cheap is not an option -- especially this summer. The dollar is hitting nearly all time low against the pound and the EURO. If you don't think Paris is doable which is what I would prefer --- then the second choice and maybe first would be Croatia. It might be cheaper but will cost more to get there.
Frank

I find Paris the most inexpensive big city in the world. I can be very happy there eating cheap and "sleeping" cheap. You can entertain yourself for practically nothing as every street you walk down has new delights. And unlike most places where a romantic dinner means big bucks, in Paris you can have a fantastic romantic evening in the most inexpensive little bistro.

What do you like to do?
Do you love art, culture, incredible food?
Hiking, castles?
Relaxing by a quiet lake?

HI Katie R, I'm turning 50 next July as well. On the 8th, as a matter of fact. How 'bout you? I intend to have dinner at Altitude 95 Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower and then I intend to float down the Seine at night in a bateau mouche. Please tell my husband where would be a good place to surprise me with some diamond earrings. Anyway, happy birthday! I think I will spend the day giving much thanks and appreciation for all the people who helped me get to this 1/2 century mark.

Hi K,

>Any suggestions for a fabulous celebration trip ...<

In this order:

1. Paris

2. Paris

3. Paris

4. Venice