re: Europe

Really depends on what you intend to do? History; nightlife; nature; culture; restaurants; or active?

I know people here sometimes hate on London as a beginner's trip. Honestly though, you have to do it at least once, so do it now. 5 days is perfect, especially if you add in a day trip to Windsor, Bath or Cambridge.

Stay at the Nadler Soho. You are in the middle of everything -- in the most interesting area of London.

Take the significant other shopping on Oxford Street (especially Selfridges). Go see Book of Mormon. Eat at Hakkassan Hanway Place.

Take the hop on hop off bus. See the tower; the London Eye; the British Museum; the Churchill War Rooms; Buckingham Palace. Once you get the lay of the land, take the bus or tube, or black cabs (London taxis are best in the world -- they destroy Uber).

Buy the Lonely Planet Guide to London. Use that to plan your itineraries. No need to go on a guided group tour.

Viator is an OTA -- so they sell tours from various vendors. Good overall source for tours.