I have two weeks vacation and am trying to decide between seeing the US or going to Europe. The airfare to Europe will be high, but it seems to me I can afford to stay there for less than it costs in most of our big cities. On the other hand, I'm not so sure about security and haven't got a good idea about the costs of getting around. Also, it seems to me that from Seattle, the jet lag would eat up a couple of the days of traveling.

I've seen a lot of the west and southwest of the US, so I'd have to travel a bit to get to places I haven't been before. Also not sure what I could do in two weeks -- whether to go south or north.

What are your thoughts, Fodorites? What would you do?

- What month are you planning to go?

- What are your expectations of this vacation? Rest? Adventure? Interesting sights?

- What type of sightseeing do you enjoy?

- What country or countries of Europe intrigues/ interest you?

- Is this a solo trip? Who would you be taking with you?

The more info you can provide on the above, the more worthwhile the opinions will be.

Not knowing none of the above, I'll say if it's the Spring, head out to Spain or Portugal. If its the summer, head out to New York. If it's the fall, head out to Germany, Austria or Prague. Italy is for all year around.

Europe in a Heartbeat! As much as I enjoy traveling the USA,Europe has the history that we do not have. Things that you have studied or read about come alive when you get over there.Depending on the time you travel,airfare is VERY reasonable to Europe. I agree with the above poster on Portugal/Spain for great value but if you go at the right time-the others can be doable!Its actually been cheaper for our family to go to Europe than travel in the USA when you start adding in high hotel rooms,city taxes,etc.There really is a price range for everyone traveling in Europe!
Another thought is that alot of the historical things overseas are starting to break down/security for property,etc...examplestonehenge having to put up fence,Acropolis,Leaning Tower of Pisa(used to be able to go up),etc. Go before they are totally off limits!One trip to Europe and you will be hooked like the rest of us.A trip to Europe makes you put your priorities in order for materialistic things when you get back home-cut back on meals out,cheaper car,etc. so you can get back there sooner?
Security? The USA has its share of problems so just chose areas that are not war torn or on the state department list.
Jet Lag? I think that you will find that you might be okay from Seattle to Europe as you actually have a chance to get into a sleep before you land.
Let us in on when you are going and what you like to do-you will be surprised on the help you will receive from fellow travelers. Just remember one of my favorite phrases-ENJOY LIFE BECAUSE IT IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL!!!

Hi Shaun,
I'm from Seattle and took my first big solo trip to Europe 5 years ago. It only took me one day to adjust to jet lag and I was so excited to be there I didn't get too groggy. I think about the trip all the time and I'm so glad I went. It was like an education for me and I feel like I should be able to put it on my resume.

I haven't seen all of the US but I figure it will be a lot easier to visit in the future than Europe. Many things have to line up in your favor for the Europe trip - including work, money, desire for adventure and energy to go.

I went to London, Paris, Switzerland and then got stuck in beautiful Italy for 2 weeks. Try to get more than 2 weeks off even if you have to do it with no pay. Just a suggestion. YOu won't regret it.

If you need a stress free, relaxing vacation, head to the incredible Oregon Coast and make life easy on yourself. However, if you want to experience incredible sights and insights, go to Europe. I had never traveled outside the US until about 10 years ago. I have only seen a few high spots (several cities of England, a couple in Scotland, Paris, and Rome and several points south in Italy) but I can hardly wait for a chance to go back. The jetlag is worth it as is every other hassle about getting there and back and finding your way around. Read the Europe Fodor's site a night or two. You can't help but be excited about going. There are people who can give you almost all the info you could possibly need to know. I have planned my Paris and Italy trip from posted suggestions. Enjoy yourself wherever you go. PJK

Since you're already in the best part of the USA, go to Europe.

Maybe spend one night in New York, if you have not been there, and then head for London and Paris.

BAK

A dissenting vote. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that Fodorites are ready to fly off to Europe on any excuse, but here's my experience: I'd been to Europe twice for extended trips in the early 80s when a friend acquired a van and asked me to see the US with him. I had the time to do it and we headed out.

By the time I'd traveled even a week, I realized how little I knew of my own country and how "Euro-centric" I'd been -- I'm an East Coaster.

So, Shaun, you have some wide areas to cover and big choices to make, but if you have never seen the East or the South, think seriously about it. Particularly these: cities -- Wash. DC, because the national media (and the partisans) make it seem like such a circus of fools but there's so much there that grabs you and pulls you into the history of the country. Chicago, because it's a world-class city and also very American at the same time -- there is no architecture in the world like it. But don't miss the South -- NOT Orlando but Savannah or maybe New Orleans. You need the flavor of the Spanish moss and the gardens gardens gardens. And if you thought Seattle thought up "laid back," it proves you've never been south. Boston is also a don't-miss city for the prettiness of the "other" city-by-the-bay and its history and lively demographics. You know why New York is special, but maybe save it for another trip.

But then there are the non-city things to see -- from the Grand Canyon to the Everglades to the Maine Coast. People think of the northeast as congested, but Maine is much less so than the Puget Sound area. I can't image a single country in Europe that can throw that much diverse beauty at you.

How to fit that all in 2 weeks? I'd fly to a "gateway" city like Chicago or Portland, Maine, and rent a vehicle to drive your own prescribed route. And there's always the train -- amazing what you can see from trains (instead of highways).

Let us know what you end up doing.

It's a tough choice. If you want to pack a lot of experiences into your two weeks, I'd pick Europe because it's so easy to get around by train. Fly to one country in Europe, use the trains (checkout the Eurailpass) to travel through at least one more country and fly home from a third. I.e. fly into Rome, go through Tuscany, Venice, Verona, Como. Then to Switzerland (the train from Como to Luzerne is spectacular). Then on to France or Germany and fly home from there.
Planning the details using the internet can be a lot of work but also a lot of fun.

B.Ross, you have made some excellent points. This would be especially true for any coastal American, like Shaun from Seattle. Midwest or Northern Americans might experience growth by spending extended times on the coasts or in the larger cities. Misconceptions about each other and the realities of our geographical areas are tremendous.

I'm with B. Ross because, even though Europe has all kinds of wonders, it's amazing how little Americans know about their own country. Shaun, if you are a native of Seattle who's never been east or south, you have a lot to see and a lot of people to meet. I'd second Savannah and also urge you to see Charleston for a taste of the South. But you won't believe how different the coasts are -- compare the Outer Banks to your own coast. If all you know about the rest of the country is what you hear on TV and radio, you don't even really know America. And how about Burlington VT and Milwaukee, WI?

Do both. Go to Florida!!!!!