I am planning a b-day trip in December and may be limited on time (like only 7 days), and of course, budget is always there...no more than 1500 including spending money

I have been to London 2x, and while I would love to go back, I think I might not find it as exciting the 3rd time around, or it might make me long to live there even more.

Paris was fun, and while I do want to see more of it, I am not sure if I am feeling it for my b-day again.

And Italy doesn't interest me right now.

I know I want to go to NYC...but part of me is thinking of doing NYC for 3 full days, and then somewhere in Europe...sigh...i cannot decide...

I know it will be cold, but I have to go in December. And I will be going solo.

Any fun suggestions and why.

I'd forget London with the awful exchange rate. This $1500 budget doesn't include airfare, does it?

I thought Spain was very affordable for W. Europe... Barcelona in particular.

Yes, the 1500 does include airfare, and I have been to london 2x on that price, so I know it is possible.

Hmmm....haven't thought of Spain....

In December, I favour Southern Europe for obvious reasons.

I am a big fan of Spain. Assuming you want to stay in a city, Barcelona is incredible – been there several times and never tire of it. Madrid is interesting, but gets mixed reviews from visitors. Worth a visit if you love art galleries and museums and you can do interesting side trips by public transportation (Segovia, Toledo). I also loved Seville and Andalusia – have never tried the public transportation system; can you include a car in your budget?

I have not been to Lisbon, but it is generally considered one of the cheaper capitals.

You might also be able to get reasonably priced accommodation in the South of France – Provence and Cote d’Azur. Try flights into Paris, connecting to Nice. Several on this board have been able to tour the Cote d’Azur using public transportation.

Istanbul is simply spectacular! I was there last December and the weather was sunny and warm, the food was delicious, the tourist sites amazing. It is definitely cheaper than other capitals and your money will go a lot further.

I suggest you do some preliminary work on Expedia.com to ascertain the cost of flights from NYC to various destinations, then work out how much is left over for accommodation, food and spending money and work from there planning your trip.

Also, if you can provide more details on what you liked about London and Paris, how you enjoy spending your days, we can make more focused recommendations.

Regards Ger

Well, I love museums and parks and lots of diversity. I don't care about shopping too much, as long as their is good and cheap shopping.

I loved the parks in London, the Alfred and Victoria Museum, their transportation system. I loved the Louvre in Paris and the champs de lysee....but I admit, I wish I had seen more of the neighborhoods in Paris

You might want to start off by telling us what city you'll be originating from, as $1500 including airfare is a bit tight for a 1-week vacation.

Also, do the 7 days include travel days or not?

If I had only 7 days (including travel days), I'd start by checking which European cities I can fly nonstop to, as 1-stop flights easily eat up 2 days of my vacation.

Going to NYC for 3 full days and then flying to Europe is not really feasible, as it'll take you 1 day to fly to Europe and 1 day to get back. You want to fly across the pond just for 2 days (well, unless you're our fellow Fodorite 111op).

But back to your original Q - I'd vote for Madrid or Barcelona.

New Orleans.

Best wishes,

Rex

Madrid has three amazing art museums, and plenty other museums, a nice castle and cathedral, plenty of great churches, good places for walking and good parks. I went in December and really enjoyed myself. I liked Madrid more than Barcelona, but others probably disagree. The weather would be better in December than most places.

Also, what about Lisbon? I've never been, but I know there are good museums and churches and a good price ... it's cheaper than most other European cities.

Flying out of SFO or Oakland

7 days wouldn't include travel days. So I am aiming for 3 full days in NYC, and 3 full days somewhere else...

maybe I will just keep it in the US? Or maybe fly from NYC to Puerto Rico!!

Wait, before I get flamed, yes, I know Puerto Rico is a US Territory, but not technically a state.

If you only have 3 days from NY, maybe stick to America. Boston or DC?

Go to Costa Rica. I was able to do 2 weeks there for $1400, and that was including the flight.

You could stick to the Carribean coast and and manage to do a lot. Or stay on the Pacific Coast. I did both and parts of the north. Amazing.

You'll have fun whatever you decide.