Good morning everyone,

I have tickets to go to Fort Myers, FL in Feb and also got myself locked in to airline and hotel in Italy in April. I'm not a real big fan of museums and ancient arcitecure, but love seeing natural scenery. Which would you rather do...get away from the deep freeze up north in Feb or go to Rome in April as it is starting to warm up. I would be in Rome during Easter. I have a rental car reserved in Rome, but would probably take several guided tours first to get the lay of the land. I'm thinking that out-of-pocket expenses would be high due to the exchange rate between Euros and US dollars. Any advice would be appreciated as my boss may only let me take on of these vacations.

No contest for me. I would rather go across the big pond at any time.

Curious to know how you would spend your time in Rome if museums & architecture are of no interest??

Howie
considering I live about 1 hour north of Ft. Myers, it is a huge no brainer. ROMA

Can't you do both? Feb in FL, which by the way is the busiest snowbird month that we have, and than do Rome in April.

It seems that all you are looking and not looking for can be found in Rome. The Natural Scenery there is amazing. Throw in on top of that the culture and there you have it.

Ft. Myers has the beach, not much culture. So my vote hands down is Rome.

Having been to both places more than once, this IS a no brainer to me - Rome.

I have same question as shangrila - if you already have bought tickets for both, couldn't you make both trips?

The euro/dollar exchange has greatly improved in the past 2 months - although may not be relative to April.

I, too, live an hour north of Ft. Myers on Manasota Key but I adore Italy and would definitely go to Roma and would take trips to the outlying areas for nature and scenery.

Betsym, we are neighbors. Mom and Dad are on the road right before the north bridge, Ala... Ave. And we are 10 minutes from them in Venice.

Shangrila - know exactly where your parents live and we do have the perfect spot but would still pick Italy in a heartbeat - wouldn't you? Have been there 6 times - the last time in May and would go back this year again but going to South America for 5 weeks. betsy

Since it doesn't sound like you're inviting any of us to come with you, I give you permission to choose Florida since it sounds as if you're leaning that way

The Fort Myers area in February should have excellent birding. Research the nature preserves within a day's drive and you'll have plenty of natural scenery to enjoy.

Hi Betsy.. yes, Itlay hands down. Perhaps it comes from my ervision to sand. I hate it. Or better yet perhaps... to me it is like asking the question, NYC or Nebraska (sorry don't mean to offend anyone)

Have fun in S. America

If you're going to be in Rome the entire time definitely get rid of the rental car. You won't need it.

The only things in florida are the beaches, and orlando theme parks. if you aren't interested in one of those, choose Rome

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I'm going to look into having a family member join me to help alleviate some of the expenses. I am now leaning towards Rome. I use Priceline too much and get myself locked into hotel rooms that eventually I can't use. I don't have the finances for both trips, so I will lean towards Rome depending on how much cash I get for holiday presents. Thank you all for your advice.

Howie67:
ITALY hands down. DITCH THE RENTAL CAR, you'd be INSANE to drive in Italy.

Ok, either way you're going to be in 2 places that are going to be packed with tourists. My parents live in Estero (just south of Ft. Myers) and Feburary is so crowded with snowbirds it's crazy. On the other hand, you'll be in Rome during Easter...big holiday around the vatican.

If you pick Ft. Myers, they've got the beaches, close to the everglades, and there's Koreshan National Park in Estero. Great for nature walks and all of that stuff. Here's a link to that: www.floridastateparks.org/koreshan

If you pick Rome, not sure if you've been before, but it's beautiful, so much history and beautiful buildings.

If I were you, I'd try to do both!

I'd be on that plane to Rome too, but PLEASE do not rent a car; in Rome you would not want. It is a rather small in area city to walk; the subway is not that of NY/Paris/London, but if staying rather central in the old city, say Piazza Navonna, you can walk anywhere. Parking, driving, a nightmare. The hop-on hop-off bus that runs all over town is a good way to become acclimated the first day. Even if you are not into museums, go up to the Villa Borghese and stroll, but to miss the Galleria there would be a mortal sin (the image of Apollo and Daphne sculpture is forever imprinted in our minds); it is a rather manageable small gallery and so fantastic. You can sit sipping expressos and enjoy wonderful food and just wander, but do not miss the Coliseum, Forum, and particularly the Pantheon. Just soak up all the Bernini sculptures everywhere. Pack umbrella and silk underwear and thin wools as April may be very cool and wet. Wear waterproof and not-thin soled shoes as the cobblestones are everywhere and hard on feet (I love Merrell). We were last there in late March and very cold. We are do-it-yourselfers rather than join a tour, do your homework on the way over and you can manage the city fine. But do not put down your camera. Ours was stolen from between our 'bottoms' from a church in that section south of the Tiber (Trasteverde or there abouts) in the middle of a mass!! If you feel you need to vacation sitting in a lounge chair on the Gulf, then by all means do so, it is a very different trip. So many places, so little time. Good luck.