What's up, everybody? So, this is my first post in here !! I've got about 4-5 days of vacation that I'm going to lose if I don't take in in Mid December and I'm looking for a moderately priced European destination. I'm definitely on a budget and I don't mind "roughing it" at all. I'm pretty much into anything "cultural" and my tastes are pretty eclectic/ You name it: Bookstores, Museums, Music, Nightlife, etc.... I definitely prefer the activity and diversity of the city and always strive to make my experience as authentic as possible.

Have any of you had a particularly pleasant experience that you wish to share? I know that the weather probably won't be ideal, but I really don't let those factors stop me unless its extreme. Any help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks.

My 1st thought for your title question & most of the post (except the "Europe" part -lol) was Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is my favorite and I've often gone that time of year, it's beautiful weather, plenty of activity, music, nightlife. I guess not particularly "cultural". There's tourists but also a regular Mexican city right there too.

If you really don't mind traveling in the cold, rainy weather, I had a fantastic time solo one 4-5 day trip in Amsterdam. It certainly covers requests and requirements on your list. I found the Let's Go Amsterdam guidebook specifically and extremely helpful (I usually don't use a guide but knew *nothing* about Amsterdam so needed one).

Thank you.... I definitely appreciate the response. I've been checking out the Time Out- Amsterdam book this whole week. Question: Are the "Let's go" books better/more informative? Or, are they all pretty much the same? I'll be Flying out of DC and I've seen some reasonable deals, but it's hard to tell where the prices will be at the end of Nov., which is when I plan on booking.

Sorry, I don't know the other one to compare the two publications. As I mentioned, I rarely even use a guidebook but there is so much particular to Amsterdam, I'm glad I did plan a bit more for that trip than usual.

I don't know much about Amsterdam, but I think that the Time Out books are better at highlighting trendy, "younger" and less expensive (but REALLY fun) places and events than any of the other books. I used one when I got to London, and it was so valuable, and its reviews were more similar to how I found things once I was there.

Time Out also has weekly magazines for some cities that highlight current and new happenings. I don't know if they do for Amsterdam, but I know they do for London, Chicago, NYC, etc. It may be worth picking one up.

Amsterdam sounds like fun.. maybe I'll head there this summer.

Good luck, and have a lot of fun, wherever you go!

BearsGrl8:

Thank you for your comments and well wishes. Also, tell Lovie Smith & the crew to hang in there... It will get better !!