Where do I go?!?

[HAnn521]

I'm in the US...If I get the opportunity to travel through Europe in the near future...what city (singular!) MUST I absolutely visit in:

England?

Wales?

Scotland?

Ireland?

If possible, please "grade" on these aspects: the tourism/non-tourism factor, enchantment, excitement, sight-seeing, romance, overall positive experience...

Also, I am in my early twenties, I'm female, I traveled to London when I was younger and I'll most likely be traveling alone this time with my boyfriend/fiancee....

Thank you so much!!!

[BossyBoots]

Before I suggest a place, how did your lunch go the other day at work? 

I would say Edinburgh.  I was there today and if you stick to the old parts around the Castle you will love it.

[HAnn521]

Hey BossyBoots! Thanks for asking about my lunch...It makes me feel nice to know people across the world even remember...I posted a little "lunch review" on that thread later on Friday...it went very well...nothing too exciting (i.e. promotion, raise) but it was a great way for me to show them I am useful and intelligent...thanks so much for asking and for the city recommendation....

now I guess we'll get back to the travel topic at hand....

[hugoboss]

You have to have to have to have to go to Scotland. Definitely the best place in Europe, but i am biased! don't just stick to the usual tourist trap of Edinburgh...go off the beaten track and head up to the Highlands.

www.visitscotland.co.uk

[spudqueen]

Why only ONE CITY in each country? Does it have to be a city and is it going to be a flying visit??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The problem is that there are so many different places, each with their own atmosphere, history, architecture etc. Anyway, the ONE place I would suggest visiting in Wales is Swansea. It hasn't got the fantastic castles some other places have, or even such a feeling of history, but it is in a BEAUTIFUL bay, has many Dylan Thomas connections and is on the edge of the Gower Peninsular, one of the most beautiful places in the world. The beaches at Caswell Bay, Three Cliffs Bay and Rhosilli and fantastic, and there's nothing like a meal at the Oxwich Bay Hotel overlooking the beach at Oxwich Bay. Then, as you are young, there is always trying to drink all along the Mumbles Mile!

Where to go in England? London? Chester? York? Winchester? Salisbury? Bath? Liverpool? I don't know, can't you visit more that one???????!! lol

[HAnn521]

spudqueen: Yes, I know it's hard to pick just one! It's just that I can see myself traveling through Europe and trying to hit the hottest spots (not the touristy spots), but the most recommended and only having time to visit each country for a few days, maybe a little more....

thanks for your suggestions! I am going to keep these for my future trip-planning....and also, maybe it'd help to know that my boyfriend is an architect and one of my most important vacation aspects is a great beach!...thanks...

[VINNY100_2]

You must come here HAnn 521

devon

[KARL]

Depending on your interests (not aty all necessarily golf), St. Andrews is a place with charm all of its own (give yourself time to let it seep into you). Alternatively, Inverness is worth suggesting provided you travel there by surface from Perth in daylight and see the countryside along the Highland route (road or rail).

[the>one]

warwick castle for a real taste of medievel times

[libertie]

Like hugoboss I'm also biased, but it most definately has to be Scotland, by the way I have a friend who lives in Chicago and regularly travels all over the world and he says Scotland is one of the most beautiful places he has been to!  Edinburgh in particular is a lovely city with something for everyone.

But wherever you end up I hope you have a great time in the UK,  and I'm sure you will meet lots of nice friendly people, travel safely and happily!!

[flipflop104]

I would def recommend York in NorthYorkshire in England and Leeds (but that's cos I live in Leeds and am biased - great shopping though!)In the south of england, I would recommend Cornwall for a great beach.In fact loads of great beaches - check out Porth, Fistral beach (for surfers)and Rock (you catch the ferry fromPadstow over to Rock and that has a great beach - I should know I got burnt on it earlier in the year lol) &that's only the tip of the iceberg inCornwall for beaches.And the Lake District is def worthchecking out as well.

[Peri]

You should come to Ireland HAnn.  I live in Dublin but you could go to Kerry in the south.  It is just beautiful around there.  Also the west of Ireland around Cliftden

[HAnn521]

Well, I'm ready to jump on a plane and start traveling now!! I love the suggestions everyone...Vinny, that place is breathtaking on the internet, can't imagine in real life (and I think I remember saying the same after seeing it in a previous post of yours)...the>one, I actually visited Warwick castle with the fam when I went to London years back (I distinctly remember the almost-haunting wax figures and enchanting atmosphere)...libertie and hugoboss, you have both talked me into it, I HAVE to see Scotland now! ....and finally, Peri, I will not be complete without having seen Ireland too!

Thanks everyone....I'm ready to start packing my bags now!!

[Doggri]

I would have to agree with other posts and say you should visit Edinburgh, it is such a beautiful city - and Perthshire is lovely too, the views are fabulous.  Although Edinburgh is a big tourist area there are still quite places to go, and Perthshire is practically untouched by tourists (apart from the recent G8 summit in Auchterarder).  Wherever you decide to go I hope you have a great time XxX

[Doggri]

Oh yes, and if you go to St Andrews like KARL suggested you HAVE to go to the ice cream parlour near the theatre!  It sells the best ice cream in the country...

[blingbling]

Never mind where to go I want to know why you put Boyfriend/Fiancee, is there a proposal on the horizon or are you just not sure what to call him - he he. Enjoy your travels it will be amazing.

ps I was born and still live in Edinburgh, Ive travelled loads and Edinburgh is truly one of THE most beautiful cities in Europe if not the world. Try to come in August when the festival is on.

[mews64]

I love London best, but I haven't been everywhere. London has got everything, apart from a beach.

[HAnn521]

blingbling: Thanks for your reply, and to answer your question...(a good one by the way), I don't expect a proposal anytime soon, but I do expect that by the time I have the opportunity to tour Europe as I would like to do, I will be either engaged or on my honeymoon....(which also plays off my "M" word question in the Body and Soul section oddly enough)...

Thanks again