Diane

England - land that I love! After the US, of course. Never have I met an unfriendly person there although the meals could have been better at times. I was in enchanted with England long before I found out that almost all of my ancestors came from there. Genetic memory? I start planning our next trip the day after we return.

panos

search for mount Pelion, and you will find about the most beautiful area in Europe. <BR>Bye!

Dean Gold

I have been to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Isreal and Italy. To me there in no comparison. Italy just fits. The wine, the food, the people, the art, the scenery, the natural beauty is all just right. When I am in Italy I feel home. <BR> <BR>While I love travel adn have had great times everywhere I have been (and that includes about 30 states in the US), Italy remains my ideal of traveling perfection. Despite saying that, I have plans to travel to Greece, Spain, Thailand and possibly Japan in the near future

James

Call me easy, but my views have already been echoed by a couple of previous posters: 1) the last place I've visited, and 2) everywhere I have been has been exactly the right place for me at that time. Sure, I have some special memories from various places but I honestly don't think the weight of these memories has tipped the scales against my personal sense of travel adventure. <BR>When planning a holiday I'm more likely to throw a dart at the map and think "sounds good to me - about time I went there" than limit myself to settings that tug hard on the old heart-strings. <BR>The desire to travel, regardless of motive, is indeed a wonderous thing. <BR>p.s. - The dart has just landed on St. Petersburg.

Jean Paul

I'm responding to the following message: <BR>"Author: PG ([email protected]) <BR> Date: 1/01/2001, 2:53 am ET <BR>Message: Spain for me. <BR>NEVER again am I going back to Portugal" <BR> <BR>I already responded to your bad experience in Portugal in another post, but I have to respond again because it seems that you were really upset over this cab driver overcharging you. Did that make you THAT upset? There had to be something worse... If not, then I don't understand your atitude towards it! Portugal is one of my favorite countries. I'd say it's #1 for me, together with Italy. I really loved the beauty of Sintra, the charm of Obidos and Evora, the history of Conimbriga and Coimbra, the traditions in Viana do Castelo and Braga, and of course, the uniqueness of Lisbon. Anyone who doesn't enjoy Portugal, doesn't know what beauty and traveling really is like... <BR> <BR>

Santa Chiara

Okay, I am easy, too, so put Portugal down for me. But I have to Dean Gold's message resonated with me. I cannot explain what it is about Italy, and I have been to most European countries as well as Asia, Australia and South America. I have chosen to live here at considerable personal sacrifice, well, okay not that much sacrifice, and although it can be one of the most frustrating, infuriating and, yes, difficult countries to be in, it remains for me, after two years here, the most seductive, intriguing, varied and awe-inspriring places I have ever been it. It is like having the perfect lover, but you don't have to wash his clothes and cook his meals.

Santa Chiara

P.S. I meant, put Portugal down for me to travel to, in response for to the previous poster. Never been there. Moved it up on my list after the testimonial.

andy franks

I am writing this as someone who has lived in London his whole life. As a "traveller" myself, I have experienced life in many different cities and countries all over the place. I feel that London, like many other cities does have an element of people who aren't particularly friendly towards tourists. However, like other cities, the vast majority of citizens are proud of our city and don't mind helping out others in quest to dicover this fine town. Please forgive those who may seem `unfriendly` as the vast majority of us are nice people who like to help out when we can. <BR> <BR>

Gigi

Hmmmmm, 'been putting this off for a long time as I can't decide! <BR>I've been to England several times, Spain as many, France, as many, Italy, Austria, Czech Rep, Portugal, Andorra, ...and, as been said before, and better than I, <BR>They are all my favorites! <BR> <BR>I once expressed how wonderful all our trips had been to a friend of mine. She replied "Well, sure, you've always had everything go so well". <BR>I was pretty surprised that anyone would judge a trip on that basis. (That's why she's at an all-inclusive spot in the DR, and will probably not leave the resort) and I going on my own to Europe again. <BR> <BR>Well, anyway, when I get back from this trip to Eastern Europe I think my next trip will be Turkey... or, maybe Greece... or, maybe China..., Russia... hmmm...who knows... <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

linda

The English are neither unfriendly nor rude! I've lived there for a total of 7 years, and some of the best friendships I've ever made are with English people. You just have to be willing to be friendly to them. As to rudeness, they just follow a different set of etiquette rules. In some countries it would be rude for you to show the bottom of your feet; not in America. The English wait patiently in "queues"; not so in Italy and not always in America. Are the Italians and Americans "rude". Not necessarily. Just a different set of rules. If you take the English for what they are, English, and accept them for it, they are a marvelous people. I love England and would go back in a heartbeat (and will, I'm sure) As to my favorite country in Europe? A real toss-up--they are all great.

suzanne

No contest!!! The Adriatic coast of Croatia from Pula south to Dubrovnik...stunningly beautiful!!!! <BR>Easy to drive, cheap, friendly people, uncrowded...what more could you ask?

suzanne

No question about it...The coast of Croatia from Pula to Dubrovnik is stunningly beautiful, cheap,uncrowded and friendly,without question, the most beautiful place on earth.

Patti Suttle

Ireland. <BR> <BR>I never get tired of going to Ireland. And trust me, it has NOTHING to do with my mother living there!! I just love the quietness of the countryside, the music in the pubs, the brown bread!! <BR>I was 16 on my first trip there and just fell in love with it. I sort of felt at home...I grew up with "all things Irish"... <BR>But, I certainly have enjoyed Italy, Canada, Australia (and yes, Kangaroo Island is wonderful!), England, Wales, Scotland,Germany, Switzerland and Austria too. I would love to go back to any of them. We do go to Ireland, London and Paris (1st time) this summer! <BR>Patti

Mike

I have been to Germany (Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Dachau concentration camp, and Neuschwanstein) and Italy (Rome). Berlin was great, I wish I could have stayed longer. Good food and beer and good museums, and other attractions. Dresden wins out for being both pleasant and a bit romantic, although you have to remember that it was in East Germany for a while and it has been affected adversely thereby. I was not very impressed by Munich...it seemed to have an air of being a tad dirty to me, and I didn't feel there was much to see there. Dachau is not far away and is worth going to. The crematory ovens are still in place and there is a small museum. King Ludwig's castle at Neuschwanstein in the Alps was awesome. Rome wins out as being the best place in Europe that I have visited, though. Awesome history and museums, good food and shopping, etc. And it probably is even better in the summer (I went in early May).If you wear anything but dark-colored, nice clothes, even tenis shoes, you will be instantly known as a touirist. Italians are almost without exception well-dressed. Watch for pickpockets and con artists...it happened to me (con-artist), and I know that at least one pickpocket eyed me at any rate.

stinger

Without a doubt it's Scotland. Hands down. It has it all, scenery, history, the mystical vibes. Just breathtaking in every way. I've been twice and am dyeing to go again. The weather, as has been stated, can be very ornery sometimes but it changes so fast that if you're there long enough, you'll see it all!

StCirq

Even though I've bought a second home in rural France, I'm not totally committed to France as my favorite. I might have bought a place in Italy - if I thought I could get a telephone installed in less than 3 months and the septic system redone in less than a year. In reality, I love all of Europe. As a history buff, every country fascinates me (except for perhaps some of the Scandinavian countries, which have some interesting history but nothing earth-shattering if you're into the overall picture in Europe). Bottom line: France. I wouldn't have purchased a second home there unless I was extremely serious, believe me. France is a country that works well - you can get stuff done and quickly and efficiently (not true in Italy, much as I love it). So, bottom line, my final answer is France.

bev

I have traveled to the British Isles, Scanidinavia,Greece,Yugoslavia,Italy,Spain,Portuga l,Austria,Switzerland,Germany,Italy, and France,many ofthese several times but the place I return to at least twice a year is <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>France.I love everything about it. Next trip is in May. Always stay briefly in Paris, then it's off to rural france.Just rent a car and enjoy the scenery, the people, the wine, the food, the joy of it all. I am truly in love...and I can't get enough of it.

Joanna

I have enjoyed everywhere I've been in the world and am just glad to have experienced so many different countries. However, there are four countries that I felt as if I'd left part of my soul in - Italy, Great Britain, Norway and Greece. These were also the countries I spent most time in, but I remember when leaving each one I felt as if I left a dear friend. It may sound corny, but it's true.

judy

That's a tough one though London is by far my favorite city in Europe (surpassed by Sydney but that doesn't count since it is in Australia). Have visited almost all of the European countries aside from those in Scandanavia (that is this summer's trip) and can find wonderful things to say about all. I have also learned to love Paris.We speak absolutely no French desite my husband's response to the locals that he speaks "a little". His French pretty much limited our diet to ham and cheese sandwiches and drinks to beer or wine but even this small attempt to speak the language met with hearty approval. We ate in a small local restaurant where NO ONE spoke English and my husband still is not sure if he had cow's brain or pig's innards but he loved it. I, on the other hand was happy to be able to recognize "chicken" on the menu. Thing is we have found that the locals in any country will be helpful and friendly if you approach them in the same manner.

travers

Hey, no one has voted Ireland, my home country, and a beautiful green island she is with cheery and friendly people, OK so the British Isles isn't that great but the poeple and pubs in Ireland make up for it. My message to all of you out there is in Europe you find and friendly and unfriendly people wherever you travel, same everywhere in the world, people are people.