February 4th, 2008
Hi everyone!
My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in late April/Early May. We want it to be fun, romantic, and we want to get a sense of the "best" of each area. I am a bit of a research nut when it comes to travel, and I really want to make this trip special for my husband and myself, since this will really be our first really big trip together. We probably will do some typically "touristy" things in the big cities, but we are also looking to take part in some of the things that the locals do - especially when it comes to eating establishments. You won't see us dining at big chain restaurants that are available to us in the US - we want to try local cuisine, and eat at restaurants that locals frequent.
A little about us: We are both native Southern Californians. When we travel, we enjoy good food and wine, the theater and museums, and beautiful architecture is more impressive than a beautiful beach. This is probably due to the beautiful beaches that have surrounded us locally. We don't mind interesting tours (ie walking tours), but we are mostly independent travelers that like to explore on our own. We aren't much for big crowds, if it can be helped. Also, Steve is a photographer, so he is always looking for a shot that captures the true sense of the city, and likes to experience as much of a place as possible before he looks for "the shot."
I am compiling research for this current trip, so any advice and/or comments is happily welcomed. And, I would be happy for anyone to take some of the compiled information to help on their trip!
Enjoy, I know we will! :-)
Well, slowly but surely I am planning this trip for my husband and myself. I would love to hear opinions and/or suggestions to tweak this trip, making it even better. The cities we are traveling to, and the dates that we are staying in each place, are not able to be changed. Other than that, we are pretty open and flexible.
Thanks!
My best suggestions are what we have chosen to do, in the schedule above. Decide what you like the best (history, art, architecture, etc.) and then choose the activities that seem the most interesting.
I'm really excited about this trip - it should be so much fun!
I am also planning like crazy, you might check out some of the things I've got on our schedule. I've planned nearly every available second it seems. Have fun.
I took a look at your trip and I like your trip plan. It actually looks like you are traveling the month after us. I know what you mean about "planning every second," as I do the same thing, only worse. :-) We may need a vacation when we get home from our vacation! I think it will be a lot of fun, for both of our respective groups.
Are you looking for suggestions for restaurants, or are you just going to wing it? I like to have some ideas in place before we go, but the flexibility to enjoy restaurants on the fly, too.
I live in France and I can give you some information on Paris. You can contact me.
jean Pierre.