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Not A Trotter
Where would you recommend for a first time abroad? (No really extreme temperatures tho'!)
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No best answer has yet been selected by Robinia. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Robinia, I think that you have answered this question perfectly yourself, by simple expressing an interest in France and New York!
Paris is very easy to reach by train or plane, and is a lovely place all year round. You will get to hear a different language, and see a different culture. There are also plenty of smaller, prettier places within easy reach of the city.
I would also recommend NYC for a few days - again, it is easily accessable from many UK cities. It is a brilliant place, just like you will have seen on TV. It is also very safe, clean, welcoming, and there are a huge range of hotels and restaurants for you to choose from. There are also no problems with language or food.
Happy travels!
Thanks very much to all of you globetrotters!
FP it's funny you should say Amsterdam because my (ex)brother in law is Dutch & my sons have been there - not sure what they were getting up to. You're right about the Dutch people & they know so much about their local history. Love your idea about Europe but as graemer's throwing a 'Cancerian moody' I think we'll start interviewing for a new driver!
Luckystrike I was afraid I might have been watching too much tv with regards to NY!
One of the reasons I fancy France is because, apart from being quick to get to, French was my best subject in school, (even won a prize) so there must be a reason for that!!
So many places are memorable but Venice is outstandingly wonderful, but not in July or August. Lots of small hotels/pensiones near St. Marks Square. If you prefer beaches, Venice Lido is the place, but it's a 20 minute boatride from Venice proper. September might be a bit cool and rainy, so a May or June visit would be better. Somewhere to really remember. Also in Italy, on the mainland, Amalfi and Portofino - colourful and very happy-making. Pompeii is handy for an excursion. if you like a bit of culture in the open air. Vesuvius the backdrop - climbing excursions! May/June again. The Italians in this region are much more 'laid back' I think. One of the loveliest places is the island of Sicily, go to Taormina. Very unusual. I think the money might go further in Italy, too.
Normandy - handier and there are some wonderful beaches. If you go to Arromanches there are the remains of the D-Day Mulberry Harbour still to be seen. Unfortunately places accessible only by car if you have only a short time . Honfleur-wonderful too. Climate not much different to our coast so it's like here - can be gorgeous, but ...
New York - there are some excellent bargain flights these days. I went once for a week and found it exhilarating. A giant film set to us, and seeing all the things 'for real'..... It did rain a lot during my week, but that was in a September and New Yorkers thought it was freaky.
Thanks flaming - you paint a lovely picture of those places, sounds like you have a good artistic/photographic eye.
judiewudie that's so spooky! I've always felt that I would feel at home in s. Ireland especially Cork/Kinsale. I love Irish people & they often assume I'm Irish too - maybe in a previous life!! Have a lovely time, I hope the sun shines for you! :-)