I've been a long-time lurker of this site and it always amazes me how knowledgeable and helpful the posters are. Now that I'm finally getting a chance to travel, I hope you can all extend your advice on my dilemma.

My husband and I, married just 2 years, both never been to Europe, (though I've been to Hongkong & Japan myself) are thinking of taking a 10-day trip to Europe around September. We've narrowed it to either England, Scotland, Ireland where his ancestors came from or the Benelux countries. I feel in UK we need a car to go around outside of London but in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg we can get by with the trains. We're interested in architecture, gardens, beautiful landscape/scenery, history. We're not picky at food or lodgings.

We're also on a tight budget because 1) we're doing an addition to our house that will cost about 35K and 2)we've been trying to get pregnant since we got married and now may resort to adoption or IVF that will cost some bucks. I'm pushing for this trip because once we have a kid it will be years before we can take a trip/vacation to Europe (I'm aware of how expensive Europe can be). I have saved money for this trip because I've always wanted to go to Europe. Sorry for rambling and thank you so much for any and all responses.

Catharina

that's an impossible choice for an outsider to make for you. But I'm sure you'd be made most welcome in Scotland.

I'm sorry if I was a little vague. I guess in a nutshell, I would like some recommendations on which of these two areas, British Isles or the Benelux Countries, would be a more fun place to visit based on what our interests are, and where transportation access is easier.

You really can't choose wrong here. But you CAN choose too much. For instance, I hope you don't mean "England, Scotland, Ireland" - all three. Or even 2 in just 10 days.

A nice 10 day trip (and yes, on a budget) would be Edinburgh for maybe 2 or 3 days and the rest wandering around Scotland staying in B&Bs

OR - 10 days in the SW of Ireland.

Or 3 or 4 days in London and the rest somewhere in southern England.

But 10 days for England/Scotland/Ireland - nope.

The Benelux would be good too - Brugge, Amsterdam, the Dutch countryside.

Not knowing you of course it is hard to recommend but my choices in order would be:

1) Scotland, 2) Ireland, 3) London/England, 4) Benelux.

I think the British Isles wins in the scenery and gardens departments. The two places tie for architecture and history. So the winner is...the British Isles!!!

And I agree with what janisj says. Choose a region and enjoy it fully.