Never Been to Europe. WHERE SHOULD I GO??

[twnxn]

Originally Posted by dougie86

Of course I know that. I should have clarified that I did not want to mix up my history and geography.



My typical travel itineraries were as follows:
a) starting from and ending in Berlin + previous eastern bloc countires
b) Swedena and Finland + Latvia, Estonia and Belarusia
c) Norway, Sweden, Copenhagen, Finland, + St Petersburg and Moscow
d) Germany + Switzerland
e) England + Scotland
f) Spain + Portugal

Last month I travelled through Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Gdansk, Poland; and Oslo, Norway. I enjoyed Copenhagen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and thought the views in Oslo were beautiful. But, all these cities were beautiful.

Other cities that I thought were beautiful and much to see, but in a different parts of Europe were Prague, Czech Republic and Budapest, Hungary. These are different destinations from the "more popular" and "more stereotypical" European destination cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, etc.

[jja100]

Originally Posted by Dark Khan

I'm 21, male, white, and American. My parents and I are planning to go to Europe for ~2 weeks in a few months and I was wondering what people thought the ideal spots to hit would be. Looking to spend around 10k fwiw. I haven't done much research on where the best tourist type places are so I was hoping people with some experience could enlighten me.

We're interested in seeing whatever typical tourists go to Europe to see. Since I'm with my parents I'm not looking for hot nightlife or things like that, looking more for a family type atmosphere. Probably looking to stay in 3-4 different cities and 2-3 different countries. Right now we're leaning towards 1 of 3 possible trips:

A.) Italy/Switzerland/Austria (maybe)

B.) some combo of Scandinavia/Finland

C.) Belgium/Holland/Germany

By no means are these the only ones we're considering. We're open to go just about anywhere. All comments appreciated. Thx.

As a world traveler myself, I would suggest seeing Italy and France first. They have the most monuments, culture, activities, and food. After exhausting these two countries hit Spain and Portugal in one shot. Then later do Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Holland, and Belgium. Save Eastern Europe and Scandinavia for last. I am sure some will disagree as everyone has their preference but most people tend to agree with me that have visited most of Europe.

[Marie1249]

For a new traveler, starting off with England, France and Italy makes the most sense. These countries have the biggest influences historically, culturally, artistically, architecturally and in cuisine for Americans. You could do a two-week trip that would include the highlights of the capitals of these countries. (Then return on subsequent trips to spend more time in places that you really like.)

[City of Rain]

Originally Posted by twnxn

Last month I travelled through Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Gdansk, Poland; and Oslo, Norway. I enjoyed Copenhagen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and thought the views in Oslo were beautiful. But, all these cities were beautiful.

again, im sad to see tourists visiting oslo when in norway, not known that its the armpit of our country

the views are nice? the nature in eastern norway is just like sweden and the rest of europe.. go to western norway to find nature that is exclusive to norway (fjords etc)..

oslo is perhaps the ugliest capital in all of europe.. even poor eastern european countries have nicer capitals (though their suburbs are uglier). its a shame and im embaressed everytime someone tells me theyve visited oslo. its such a sad place, really.

[dougie86]

Originally Posted by City of Rain

again, im sad to see tourists visiting oslo when in norway, not known that its the armpit of our country

the views are nice? the nature in eastern norway is just like sweden and the rest of europe.. go to western norway to find nature that is exclusive to norway (fjords etc)..

oslo is perhaps the ugliest capital in all of europe.. even poor eastern european countries have nicer capitals (though their suburbs are uglier). its a shame and im embaressed everytime someone tells me theyve visited oslo. its such a sad place, really.

Oslo is a beautiful city and the people are wonderful, as can be testified by your humbleness. Most tourists visit only 1 or 2 cities because Norway is huge geographically and travel budget is a critical factor. I definitely will want to revisit Norway one day for an indepth tour.

[lapuraveritas]

You should try going to Frankfurt and Stuttgart...... in Germany!