I guess it's just me but I wouldn't fly 9-10 hours for only a 3-5 day trip.

Aren't you interested in anything with a shorter flight time?

If the travel vs. on the ground ratio for a European trip doesn't concern you, Paris is a natural. Or, what about Barcelona or Lisbon? I would choose Barcelona over Madrid every time.

Combine Montreal with Quebec City... very different cities combining the French Canadian with the European flavor of QC...

I love Vancouver and Seattle, and like Portland a lot, but wouldn't say any of them has a lot of "wow" factor.

I like the Lisbon idea (a friend of mine just went for 5 days (from the West Coast) and loved it.

I like Madrid a lot, but like Barcelona even more (I always say that Madrid is a great place to "be", without a lot of particular sights to "see").

In my book, you can never go wrong with London, Paris, Venice or Amsterdam.

Have you thought about Mexico City? I used to think Mexico and my mind would go to Cabo, beach vacations, or maybe a Mayan tour.

I have friends who live and work in Mexico City and they love it. They are always posting photos of the gorgeous food and the events they've been to. There are also daytrips nearby. We are thinking of going. Your flights would be short, coming from Texas.

I also think it would be unforgettable to visit Cuba, but that option may no longer be available.

The problem here is that she only has five days total to travel.

<London, Paris, and Amsterdam are all under 10 hours and direct from DFW.

Now Mom gets the coin flip!>

Sounds like a plan! Let us know the decision...

I love Montreal, but January in Montreal wouldn't be my first choice weather-wise if you are not used to the cold and probable snow (I live in Boston so I'm not just being a coward). And I'd wonder about dull winter weather in Seattle/Vancouver. You may do fine. I loved Vancouver on a recent late October trip, but the weather was truly awful. I admired the willingness of the natives to go out and about in it, and I tried to do the same, but there is a reason for the expression: "dampening the spirits." YMMV. My only visit to Seattle was in January for a meeting and it was ok--not great--weather-wise, at least not pouring buckets. I've never been but I thought Puerto Rico was a great idea.

I'm also interested to hear what you pick.

Hi Charlotte - we are not traveling in January - her bday is January and the reason for the trip but we are going in late spring OR whenever the best weather is for our destination.

We have had a week to chew on it and now Mom is poring over guidebooks. We have narrowed it down to London, Paris, and Montreal.

This is the first time I noticed a not-winter travel time. It makes a difference. Having lived a while in Montreal I cannot imagine choosing it over London or Paris. I remember huge piles of dirty snow still occupying spaces like parking lots in May and I don't find the city center particularly inspiring. But as always, our tastes may simply differ. But you really cannot go wrong with either of the others, though I'd go late in spring for a chance of better weather, late May or early June. Last trip was late April/early May & depressing weather in Paris.

Wherever you go, but especially if it's Europe, up the wow factor by flying business or first since a third of the trip will be spent traveling. I know that the older I get the less I enjoy getting to my destination, so business makes the traveling much more tolerable.

I second SAB:)

I say Paris too - but wish you could stay more than a few days.

The trade off for cold and possibly rainy weather in Paris is the lack of crowds in museums, restaurants etc. We probably wouldn't risk the crowds and potential of late May early June, but as usual, weather is at least in part a matter of taste.

Food, scenery, local culture, walking tours...you just described New Orleans! Tons of amazing restaurants, wonderful architecture, great walking city, and neat plantation and riverboat tours. It's on my very short list of places I return to again and again. Plus, not far from you and perfect weather in January :)

"...perfect weather in January"

It has been revealed, "we are not traveling in January - her bday is January and the reason for the trip but we are going in late spring OR whenever the best weather is for our destination." (Was a surprise to me too.)

How about Iceland?? Have you seen the Northern Lights?

Ah! Yep, missed that part. Late spring sounds like Jazz Fest to me, though :)

Hi all - it's London or Paris, late May, whichever mom picks ;) Both magical cities, we have both been to both but not together, so don't have the pressure of the "must do" and can just do what appeals to us! Excited for either one!

If it's London the Chelsea Flower Show is on, May 22-26:

http://rhschelsea.seetickets.com/con...728.1498705642