Some observations: I've been posting since 1996 and while France has always been, and probably will always be, a very popular topic of inquiries, I have noticed a tremendous surge of inquiries for a variety of Italian destinations. It appears that the idea of independent traveling in Italy away from the staples (Rome-Florence-Venice) has become quite popular and accesible.

I do agree with Sally (Fowler) in that there is a seasonal element to the postings. Christmas markets in Germany seem to be gaining popularity, while Oktoberfest does not seem to trigger as many postings as it used to. I have noticed that the number of inquiries from first time travelers bound for Paris has subsided a bit, while the traveler who used to go to Paris every year continues to do so. Spain is another country that seems to be attracting more travelers; I have certainly noticed inquiries to Northern Spain on the rise in the last year.

Italy has a wonderful history with fantastic buildings in many cities such as Venice,Rome,Florence,Pisa,Taormina,Bologna and Siena to name only a few.Almost everything I admire about Italy is hundreds of years old.Paris dominates France to a great extent but many other cities and towns are beautiful too.Some people seem to think that having seen Paris they have seen France but they have not.With the new TGV trains doing 200 miles per hour it is a country that is easy to get around.One small country that gets a lot of postings here is Ireland- there are over 5,000.Many seem to arrive in Shannon (6hr 20 mins from Boston),visit the Cliffs of Moher,then head for Dingle,Kenmare and Killarney in a rented car.They stay in B and Bs and often seem to get the know people in pubs and elsewhere.It is a very different experience to Italy or France in being concerned with the beauty of nature and the conviviality of meeting people who enjoy conversation.

Not to discount the beauty of the French countryside, but in historical, architectural and artistic reasons, Italy has much more to offer than France. Venice and the Vatican alone can occupy you for weeks, if not months. For all intents and purposes, Italy is the epicenter of what's called the Western world.

Jacko wrote: "Venice and the Vatican alone can occupy you for weeks, if not months."

Don't you think that is a bit of an overstatement? Maybe an art history teacher but not your average tourist.

Hi,
I feel that the reason we get so many travellers to Ireland and Italy is that so many Americans, Canadians and Australians have Irish and Italian roots. So many times I have read great postings about meeting long lost relatives in small towns in Italy and Ireland. I may be wrong but I don't think so many French people were emigrants.

On our recent 3+ week trip, we saw many Brits, but only two Americans. A friend just reported a similar experience.

I heard that american travel was on the wane, but this came as a surprise.