Which countries to visit on first trip?
Dec 17th, 2001, 07:03 AM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
My first time to Europe was London, Paris, Edinburgh & some of the surrounding areas. Edinburgh has great views. When I took my wife for the first time to Europe, it was Paris & Munich, & into Austria. Some of the best scenerey I have ever seen was in southern Germany & going into Salzburg. <BR>When I took my oldest son for his first trip to Europe, it was Paris & London. When I took my youngest son the first time it was London. If worried about language, Britain is the easiest to manuver for first timers. Scenery for me was best in southern Germany. But Scandinavia has its share of scenery also, & the large cities are actually big-little cities, Oslo has a population of a few hundred thousand people, Stockholm, & Copenhagen were also eay to navigate. It also depends upon how indepth you want to travel in an area. Two weeks including travel days & jet lag recovery, would be good for Britain, Scotland, & Wales, with plenty of time to see surrounding areas. Or a few less days in Scotand or Wales or England & you could include an introductory 3 or 4 days in Paris.
Dec 17th, 2001, 07:20 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
It depends on how adventurous you think you are. If you are not sure how comforatable you will be (and there is no reason to be uncomfortable anywhere over there), I would suggest the Brit Islands, since the language factor makes it easier. Signs, legends in museums, etc. Also, it is a little easier to relate to some of the historical aspects.<BR><BR>If you are not concerned about that, Paris or Rome. I love the countryside and small towns of several countries, but for the first timer, I would go to the biggies.<BR><BR>True they are crowded, but the reason that they get so many tourists is that there is just so much really great stuff to see and do.<BR><BR>Don't try to go to a lot of places. Two or three cities, and relax. If you are nervous, you can buy an extra ticket and take me along as a guide/luggage carrier/or anything else.
Dec 17th, 2001, 05:46 PM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have visited most of the countries in Europe and I have loved all of them. I think that the English countryside would be very good for a first trip. There are many lovely places to visit and the guidebooks can help you decide. In 98 my friend and I took a train from London to Hever and walked from the train station through woods and fields on a marked trail to Hever Castle the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. This walk is described in a small book called "Short Walks in Britain". We walked by a country tavern and stopped for lunch. It was one of the nicest things that I have done in Europe. I hope you have a great trip. Europe is wonderful!
Jan 8th, 2002, 08:43 PM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
So Linda,<BR><BR>What itinerary have you planned? I'm sure everyone here is curious to know.<BR><BR>Or just give us your trip report when you return. You could title it Linda's trip report & remind everyone of their contributions to your post.<BR><BR>In any case, have a lovely trip!!
Jan 9th, 2002, 05:05 AM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Fly to London - rent a car drive to Cornwall continue driving around Cornwall seeing many quaint villages, , St. Ives see lands end. Drive to the Cotswolds for really quaint villages thatched roofs, the whole bit-tourists yes but except for Broadway you won't notice that many.<BR>Driving may take up some of your time and with only two weeks you may wish to do a train car combination. Wales is the place for wild countryside beauty but that may be another trip for you. Good Luck
Jan 10th, 2002, 05:43 AM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Dear Mary and everyone who has so graciously offered advice:<BR>We have narrowed it down to Germany's Bavaria, Austria, and if we have time,<BR>a little of France and Italy. So much to choose from! Wes Fowler is planning our itinerary for us! He's wonderful.<BR>Thanks again for EVERYONE'S help!<BR>Sincerely,<BR>Linda
Jan 10th, 2002, 07:34 AM
#32
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have a slightly different take on your inquiry. One of my very first trips to Europe was the "If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" kind. I personally felt that was a good way to go (get a Eurail pass and check out several countries). That trip gave me the lay of the land and believe me it will end up with you wanting to go back for more.<BR><BR>On that initial trip, I found places I really wanted to go back to and some where I just wasn't all that excited about. Now when I go on trips, I concentrate on one area. And in fact I often go on trips where I stay in one city (London, Paris, Rome) for a week and just absorb the culture of that one city.
Jan 10th, 2002, 07:38 AM
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
<BR>On our first trip to Europe, my wife and I flew into London and out of Paris. After four days in London, we took the Chunnel Train (Eurostar) to Brussels and spent a week visiting Amsterdam, Brugge, etc. as day trips. We then spent the last five days in Paris.<BR><BR>Starting the trip in London got the trip off to a smooth start because the language barrier was minimal (although I wouldn't say non-existent). In Belgium and Holland, the language barrier was only slightly higher because so many Dutch and Belgians speak fluent English. Only in France did we finally encountered a significant language barrier. Typically, the hotel or restaurant manager spoke recognizable English, but clerks, waiters, etc. either didn't speak it at all, or so poorly that I couldn't understand them.<BR><BR>Another advantage of that trip, was that we didn't spend a lot of time on a train or bus, or in a car. London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam are relatively close to one another, so we didn't spend a lot of time looking at each country through a window. Also, since we explored Belgium and Holland as daytrips from Brussels, we only stayed in three hotels (London, Brussels & Paris), which minimized transfer hassles and confusion.
