RLA

iroioj - It was before I started paying close attention to travel destinations, so I can't remember exactly. I'm wondering that again myself, so I plan to ask her soon, and I will let you know. I do remember it was her first European trip. I was shocked because she is higly educated, open-minded, fun person, etc. so it was a real surprise to me. She hit the typical highlights and had decent accommodations. We'll see what it was.

RLA

iroiog - You'll be relieved to learn it was nothing against London after all. She loved the history, architecture, and the typical London highlights. The main thing that skewed her trip was the difficulty in being able to reach and communicate with her kids. She's not a clingy mom, but the time difference along with everyone's schedules made it an impractical time (like 2:00 AM) to call. So, it was not being able to check in easily. She said the weather was unseasonably warm and really pleasant. Most of all, the charm of the adventure and unpredictability of every day (even with a plan) began to wear off. Everything was old which was intriguing at first, but after awhile she it got old wondering if the door handle was going to break, etc. I don't think she was there a really long time, but apparently too long for her.

I've had a similar experience staying somewhere too long. You start seeing the dirt instead of the charm.

iorioj

Thanks for the insight, RLA. I am somewhat worried about that...not for myself, but for my husband. Who knows...I might be surprised and he might love Europe, which will work out great for me because I am already thinking ahead for our next trip!

RLA

There is no doubt your DH will love most anywhere you go in Europe (with adequate planning) no matter what his preconceived notions are as long as he is open and willing to try. I would never skip London or any other major city based on some negative comments. With all due respect to those who did everything right and were still victimized by a bad experience here and there (it happens), it's likely that those "bad" experiences and horror stories have more to do with the person or his/her choices made.

JMM

A couple of comments for a first time Europe vacation:
I am inclined to agree with posters who felt the UK would be good for a first Europe vacation. You are kind of eased into the experience if you do not have the challenge of another language. (My first trip was to Belgium but I was young and adaptable and coming from a very multi-cultural city). Your husband might find London a little nerve racking. ( I loved it but the crowds and noise were a bit much for my husband on his first European trip.) My husband and I both LOVED Edinburgh - so I would highly recommend it. My husband also loved Devon and Cornwall (He did not even mind driving there - something he found stressful in other parts of Britain).