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re: First International Trip Ideas
Posted on 7/27/22 at 11:49 am to Aubie Spr96
Posted on 7/27/22 at 11:49 am to Aubie Spr96
My wife and I went on a 12 day cruise for our 10 year anniversary to the Mediterranean. I had never been on a cruise and she had never been to Europe so we thought it would be the perfect way to see the world. We had stops in France, Italy, Greece and Malta, were supposed to stop in turkey but didn't due to "unrest" so they added an extra stop in Greece. We also added an extra couple of days in Paris since we may never get a chance to go back. It was a good way to see a lot in a smaller period of time with the excursions. Honestly, it kind of depends on how long you want or can be travelling and what kind of sites you want to see.
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Posted on 7/27/22 at 12:00 pm to kciDAtaE
quote:
France would be nice. You can visit WWI and WWII battlefields to scratch that history itch. Plus, Paris isn’t a bad place for the wife to spend her 50th bday and also comes with a bunch of history.
Side trip to Nice and surrounding areas is always a great time.
Just need to make sure you have a good understanding of the metro and train system but totally agree. For a history fan, it's tough to beat.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 12:21 pm to LSUfan4444
Paris metro system is extremely easy to use, maybe my favorite in Europe, especially with Google Maps.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 12:37 pm to Aubie Spr96
Central Europe is a great first trip IMO. Not my first, but when I think back to a quintessentially European trip that is easy, Germany/Austria/Prague/etc. would probably top the list. Germany and Austria have elite train travel and with a few hours research you'll have a very strong grip on it and can whisk your wife from city center to city center in comfort. She'll be impressed and it's a very enjoyable way to travel on a first big trip like this.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 3:36 pm to Aubie Spr96
Go to Ireland. It's European, beautiful country, it's different from here yet they speak English. It's a good one to break in international travel with. And the flight is easy too. Public transit isn't that of other European countries, but it's not hard to get around either.
This post was edited on 7/27/22 at 3:38 pm
Posted on 7/27/22 at 3:47 pm to LSUfan4444
quote:
Hawaii is a great intro to international travel without ALOT of the hassle.
No. Hawaii is a state in the United States. When I took my nephew there, one of his comments afterwards was that he was surprised, because he expected it to feel more foreign. It's domestic travel, and it feels like domestic travel.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 4:27 pm to GOP_Tiger
It's a weird mix in some ways. Not much about HNL airport screamed this is an airport in the US. Open air, floor fans buzzing everywhere, half of Japan is there. Then there's a Costco!
This post was edited on 7/27/22 at 4:27 pm
Posted on 7/27/22 at 4:39 pm to Aubie Spr96
Visited Greece for the 4th time last August. I really enjoy the islands. My #1 trip idea if you and your wife are flying over to Europe ----- Business Class Seats on the flight!!!
Posted on 7/27/22 at 5:56 pm to Aubie Spr96
I'd echo keeping it simple for your first trip. Big milestone. Splurge a little on airfare for Business Class to make it comfortable. Don't fall into the "If it's Tuesday we must be in Paris" trap. So easy to want to see it all.
We've been to 32 countries now. Self directed on a number of those trips, so if you're the independent type, that's something to consider.
The initial intimidation of language barriers, currencies, cultures etc. might be a lot on a first trip for some. You're completely on your own for everything. That you guys? If it is, may I suggest Slovenia. Most beautiful country in the world to me.
Selected Photos Of Slovenia.
It might not be for all, but I'm tossing out another suggestion: Look into a River or Ocean Cruise. We've done 4 Viking River Cruises and just did their Viking Homelands Bergen to Stockholm Ocean cruise. Let me tell you, they do EVERYTHING for you. Unpack once and that's it. Spectacular food and drinks. Amazing service. You get to hit a number of major Scandinavian Cities. Let's you get a taste of what you could do more of in the future. You're certainly in that age demographic. Some would say the "downside" is you're on a tour. You can't immerse. And that's true to an extent, but for a first trip, I couldn't think of anything better.
Selected Photos 1
Selected Photos 2
Selected Photos 3
Or, do a Danube River Cruise and build another week around it on your own once you've got your confidence going. You'll see the great cities of the continent like Prague, Vienna etc. You'll be hooked!
Also, we watch a lot of YouTube videos on travel destinations for future ideas. By far, our favorite is LifeStyle Hal! Amazing quality of videography. Hits a lot of the places you dream of.
We've been to 32 countries now. Self directed on a number of those trips, so if you're the independent type, that's something to consider.
The initial intimidation of language barriers, currencies, cultures etc. might be a lot on a first trip for some. You're completely on your own for everything. That you guys? If it is, may I suggest Slovenia. Most beautiful country in the world to me.
Selected Photos Of Slovenia.
It might not be for all, but I'm tossing out another suggestion: Look into a River or Ocean Cruise. We've done 4 Viking River Cruises and just did their Viking Homelands Bergen to Stockholm Ocean cruise. Let me tell you, they do EVERYTHING for you. Unpack once and that's it. Spectacular food and drinks. Amazing service. You get to hit a number of major Scandinavian Cities. Let's you get a taste of what you could do more of in the future. You're certainly in that age demographic. Some would say the "downside" is you're on a tour. You can't immerse. And that's true to an extent, but for a first trip, I couldn't think of anything better.
Selected Photos 1
Selected Photos 2
Selected Photos 3
Or, do a Danube River Cruise and build another week around it on your own once you've got your confidence going. You'll see the great cities of the continent like Prague, Vienna etc. You'll be hooked!
Also, we watch a lot of YouTube videos on travel destinations for future ideas. By far, our favorite is LifeStyle Hal! Amazing quality of videography. Hits a lot of the places you dream of.
This post was edited on 7/27/22 at 6:05 pm
Posted on 7/27/22 at 7:40 pm to Aubie Spr96
Honestly, I'm surprised that you speak some Spanish and have never been to Mexico or Costa Rica or something. You can do those kinds of trips in a week or less.
If you want to see history and culture stuff and not just sit on a beach, then Mexico City or Puebla would be great choice.
Guatemala is an excellent choice if you go straight to Antigua and/or Lake Atitlan (avoid the capital).
Panama is another great destination for a short trip. In Panama City, you could see the Casco Antigua area, the Canal, and some of the rainforest parks.
If you haven't traveled internationally, one of the above trips would be perfect for a four-night trip.
I would do one of those first, and then plan for a longer European trip.
If you want to see history and culture stuff and not just sit on a beach, then Mexico City or Puebla would be great choice.
Guatemala is an excellent choice if you go straight to Antigua and/or Lake Atitlan (avoid the capital).
Panama is another great destination for a short trip. In Panama City, you could see the Casco Antigua area, the Canal, and some of the rainforest parks.
If you haven't traveled internationally, one of the above trips would be perfect for a four-night trip.
I would do one of those first, and then plan for a longer European trip.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 8:28 pm to Nole Man
quote:
Nole man
You’ve pumped up Slovenia in multiple threads. Got my wheels turning. May have to check it out.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 9:33 pm to Aubie Spr96
When do you plan to go? I am not certain about Greece, but half of Europe is on vacation during the last 2 weeks of July through the end of August. I was in France on the Med during that time and it was difficult... driving, dining, etc. Others may have a different view, but that was my experience.
If Greece is where you want to take her, do it.
I have taken trips of many sorts over there. Driven France, Germany and Austria... easy enough to get around. Used the Metro to explore Paris and Versailles. Cruised with Viking from Amsterdam to Budapest. Used a Blue Badge guide in London and the SE coast of England who drove us along an itinerary designed by us.
We will be doing Greece and Rome right after the Ryder Cup next year. So, that will be a personal checkmark on our bucket list.
If Greece is where you want to take her, do it.
I have taken trips of many sorts over there. Driven France, Germany and Austria... easy enough to get around. Used the Metro to explore Paris and Versailles. Cruised with Viking from Amsterdam to Budapest. Used a Blue Badge guide in London and the SE coast of England who drove us along an itinerary designed by us.
We will be doing Greece and Rome right after the Ryder Cup next year. So, that will be a personal checkmark on our bucket list.
Posted on 7/27/22 at 11:22 pm to Nole Man
quote:In September I'm heading over to the Baltic for the 4th time. The trip has been cancelled three times over the past two years as many trips due to Covid. Unfortunately, no St. Petersburg this time as it is my favorite city in the world to visit.
Nole Man
Doing a cruise on Oceania Cruises. Cruised with them in the Baltic twice before. Your description of a cruise in this area of the world is spot on. Unpack once in two weeks and enjoy everything about this part of the world.
My first three trips were with my deceased wife and now going with my second wife. Just booked ballet in Oslo and laughing at myself for attending ballet. The shite you do sometimes.
BTW....excellent photos!!!
Posted on 7/28/22 at 6:27 am to jkylejohnson
Hell to the yeah! 
Seriously, if you like that Austria "Sound of Music" kind of vibe, the mountains, food, people etc., Slovenia is the place to go. One of the great wine regions of the world as well, just not as well known.
Wine Region
Seriously, if you like that Austria "Sound of Music" kind of vibe, the mountains, food, people etc., Slovenia is the place to go. One of the great wine regions of the world as well, just not as well known.
Wine Region
Posted on 7/28/22 at 6:30 am to LC412000
Thank you. We've had 2 cruises cancelled, then rebooked, due to Covid.
This latest cruise they removed St. Petersburg and Estonia due to the war. Really bummed as those were the primary draws of the trip. Yeah, "First World Problem".
Still, had a great time.
BTW, your trip sounds amazing! Only wish we'd had more time in Norway and had been able to go up further north. Recent Trip Report!
This latest cruise they removed St. Petersburg and Estonia due to the war. Really bummed as those were the primary draws of the trip. Yeah, "First World Problem".
Still, had a great time.
BTW, your trip sounds amazing! Only wish we'd had more time in Norway and had been able to go up further north. Recent Trip Report!
Posted on 7/28/22 at 8:44 am to Aubie Spr96
Look in to Lisbon Portugal. It was awesome. They love Americans and most spoke really good English. Uber was cheap AF around the city and its an old world European city where you can ball out for relatively cheap. Highly recommend.
Posted on 7/28/22 at 8:48 am to tigerpimpbot
quote:
Look in to Lisbon Portugal
I have a buddy from high school that still lives there. He went there on his senior trip and never came back.
Posted on 7/28/22 at 9:46 am to LC412000
quote:
Visited Greece for the 4th time last August. I really enjoy the islands.
What are some of the Islands you have visited, and which are your favorites?
Posted on 7/28/22 at 9:47 am to Aubie Spr96
I am highly considering Portugal for a future trip and going to the Algarve region.
Posted on 7/28/22 at 10:55 am to Fun Bunch
quote:
What are some of the Islands you have visited, and which are your favorites?
Now, you making me think.....favorites are bolded
Delos
Santorini - crowded and I hate how the donkeys are handled
Mykonos
Crete
Ithaca
Patmos
Naxos
Rhodes
Corfu
Milos
Cyprus
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