Would you vacation in Europe this year?

[wings&wheels]

Well this has turning into quite a walk down memory lane. Not sure how experiences had in 2015 etc relate to today but interesting.

Because none of this this is new......none. The US and our allies have almost always been involved in some controversy, conflict, supported some ally or imposing some policy that negatively impacts other countries or perceived as such. I say this as someone who was at an Ambassador's residence in a somewhat friendly country just after 9/11, when protestors scaled the wall...exciting*.

The difference now is we have a true and efficient 24hr news cycle, and especially social media where any "expert", and I use that term very loosely and sarcastically, can get an audience and worse, far too many folks believe them.




*In speaking to the wonderful US Marines after, one of them said "..they were subdued effectively", then the local Police Officer standing next to them added "...and repeatedly!".

 

[CKN]

Tons of people say Napoli is dangerous and full of pick pockets. And it has it's areas like any big city. But wife and I had zero issues! We didn't stay there super long as it was an in and out of Italy location for us. There are some semi-sketchy areas near (south of) the university, but the worse is it just gets super crowded walking down the street. Oh yeah and dog **** on the side walks (unbelievable!) But near the museum is just normal safe-ish city on up the hill. And BTW if you have never seen the Napoli museum, absolutely recommended. It's where most all the cool small stuff from Pompeii and Herculaneum is. Amazing artifacts - so very perfectly intricate carvings. Stunning IMHO.

That said we are always more happy staying in small villas, house with kitchen. EVERY Italian supermarket( small) is what?? An Italian Deli like you have never experienced. Learn enough Italian. It's NOT a difficult language - wife knows French, I know Spanish and some Portuguese so somehow we could communicate just fine.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life.

Pick pockets are a thing in Europe and elsewhere. The thing is to be so vigilant they never get a chance. There was a lady on our last cruise that got her phone snatched taking a picture. Can't remember where it was.

 

[Pablo]

Because none of this this is new......none. The US and our allies have almost always been involved in some controversy, conflict, supported some ally or imposing some policy that negatively impacts other countries or perceived as such.

Viva la Difference !!

 

[slo town]

Or would you be concerned about the reception Americans might get due to the disruptions in world trade caused by US policies? Would you stay with canned tours with guides and groups of people or do a self guided type vacation? What you might have done 1year or 10 years ago vacation wise isn't of interest, things are different right now.

It's a tough ask but this is not about politics or parties or individuals, what happened and is happening is real right now. There's some interest in our house to do something we've never done. I'm okay with that but not interested in going where we might not be welcome. i'm mostly a better safe than sorry kind of person.

I seem to recall you mentioning somewhere in this thread that you had been to Scotland many years ago and liked it.

I traveled to the UK many times and enjoyed myself every single time. Yes, this was 20+ years ago but the one big advantage of the UK is a common language.

When I traveled there I always stayed a week after my business was complete. I'd drive my rental all over the island. I'd stop at pubs and enjoy a pint with the locals, asking them about where they lived and what people did for a living. Poeple always like talking about their homes and communities.

Of course there is a lot to see in London and such, but get in your car and drive around for a week, It will take you to some exceptionally varied, remote, and beautiful areas. And given its proximity you may want to venture into Ireland, or even the Isle of Man.

Scott

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

A lot of heads buried in the sand in this thread. If I said what I wanted to say, I would get banned, so I will leave it that.

 

[Pablo]

I still recommend a CAMRA tour of UK.

https://camra.org.uk/

 

[chainblu]

I spent nearly 6 months in Europe about 30 years ago and had a great time. That said, I really haven't had the itch to go back. But I would without hesitation.

 

[AZjeff]

I still recommend a CAMRA tour of UK.

https://camra.org.uk/

Thanks for the recommendation and it's interesting but we drink so little as to be considered non-drinkers so probably not the best fit.

Additionally we're not "visit the city people", we avoid them and anything to do with crowds when RVing around the US. We'll figure something out.

 

[Pablo]

Thanks for the recommendation and it's interesting but we drink so little as to be considered non-drinkers so probably not the best fit.

Additionally we're not "visit the city people", we avoid them and anything to do with crowds when RVing around the US. We'll figure something out.

Yeah I don’t drink anymore really

We went way way off the beaten path to some of the ancient pubs. Buildings started in the 1200s. Talked with people who hardly meet Americans. Good times

 

[02SE]

No.

Lots of anti American feelings towards us….

Don't believe everything you hear from our mainstream so-called media.

My sister and brother-in-law travel all the time. Often with their kids and grandkids along. My brother-in-law has been to EVERY country. Other than the occasional upset stomach, they enjoy it.

The wife and I don't travel abroad nearly as much as they do. But we have lived in various countries for extended periods. Usually the length of the Visa, and in a couple cases with granted extensions. That was with the kids when they were pre-teens. What an education for them.

As I already mentioned we will be traveling by motorcycle in Europe later this year. After winter has passed. We will be visiting friends in various countries as well.

Life is short, get out and live it.

 

[CKN]

Don't believe everything you hear from our mainstream so-called media.

My sister and brother-in-law travel all the time. Often with their kids and grandkids along. My brother-in-law has been to EVERY country. Other than the occasional upset stomach, they enjoy it.

The wife and I don't travel abroad nearly as much as they do. But we have lived in various countries for extended periods. Usually the length of the Visa, and in a couple cases with granted extensions. That was with the kids when they were pre-teens. What an education for them.

As I already mentioned we will be traveling by motorcycle in Europe later this year. After winter has passed. We will be visiting friends in various countries as well.

Life is short, get out and live it.

You can't believe everything you hear from "non main stream" media either.

 

[wings&wheels]

You can't believe everything you hear from "non main stream" media either.

Especially any that lead with “I’m going to tell you what the mainstream media won’t….”

 

[duck__dodgers]

the funniest thing about traveling faraway...you run into another American from one state over, and you both act like you're cousins/next door neighbors who haven't seen each other in a while---even though you two would probably never cross paths in America (or ignore each other when you do), lmao.

 

[02SE]

the funniest thing about traveling faraway...you run into another American from one state over, and you both act like you're cousins/next door neighbors who haven't seen each other in a while---even though you two would probably never cross paths in America (or ignore each other when you do), lmao.

Yep.

 

[Pablo]

the funniest thing about traveling faraway...you run into another American from one state over, and you both act like you're cousins/next door neighbors who haven't seen each other in a while---even though you two would probably never cross paths in America (or ignore each other when you do), lmao.

So true. Imagine mainland CENTRAL China ca 2000. First USA guy in a few weeks, we are like BROTHERS! hahahaha. Dude tells me everything has eaten, where he is staying.......TMI!!

 

[dubber09]

The way EU works today, just by stepping onto their soil you’ve probably broken some law.

Unless you claim to be a refugee and then get treated as a king ... LOL

 

[TMoto]

Yes and are talking about possibilities of Ireland, Spain, or Scotland, but who knows.

We travelled to Europe two months ago in mid-December and had a great time. Landed in Venice, spent the afternoon and night in the historic old town. Took the train the next day up to Salzburg Austria and stayed there for the rest of the week. Leaving, we took the train to Zurich through Munich, and spent the night before flying home the next day. We walked everywhere and only took an Uber a couple times and never felt unsafe. People are people, and if you act friendly and polite, most will be friendly and polite in return.

 

[fdcg27]

We've decided to embark a cruise ship from San Juan to Barcelona, since we've long wanted to cross the Atlantic in a ship.
We'll hit a port in Portugal and then five in Spain before getting to Barcelona, after fourteen days.
We'll spend probably four or five days in Barcelona before flying home.
Hotels are rather expensive in Barcelona, although I've found one quite near to Sagrada Familia that we'll probably book.
We'll go to San Juan a couple of days ahead, since we enjoy visiting Old San Juan and embark the ship April 19.

 

[CKN]

We've decided to embark a cruise ship from San Juan to Barcelona, since we've long wanted to cross the Atlantic in a ship.
We'll hit a port in Portugal and then five in Spain before getting to Barcelona, after fourteen days.
We'll spend probably four or five days in Barcelona before flying home.
Hotels are rather expensive in Barcelona, although I've found one quite near to Sagrada Familia that we'll probably book.
We'll go to San Juan a couple of days ahead, since we enjoy visiting Old San Juan and embark the ship April 19.

We booked one just a 10 minute walk away from there as well. My wife can't remember the name of it.

 

[fdcg27]

We booked one just a 10 minute walk away from there as well. My wife can't remember the name of it.

Although it is a modern building, it's certainly something we'd like to see.