Has anyone here even been to Sweden (specifically Stockholm) or any of the other Nordic countries before?
I lived in a small town in the south of Sweden (Gislaved) for 8 months. I absolutely loved the people and the culture but couldn't handle the weather. Stockholm in the East is beautiful, with a good nightlife scene. Swedes are easy to talk to, and party with, but it usually takes Americans a bit of time to warm up to them. Culturally, they don't smile nearly as much as Americans, and I've consistently witnessed Americans have a bit of difficulty in adjusting to lesser level of gregariousness - but once past that, most discover just how genuinely warm people most Swedes really are.
Gothenberg in the West is gorgeous with an awesome nightlife scene. Tons of things to do, both in town and on the countryside. Lots of kewl towns to visit like Uddevalla, Malmo (connected to Denmark), Vaxjo (College Town), and Kalmar (Another College Town on the water with kewl castles). For such a small country, Sweden is quite diverse. But the downside is DEFINITLELY the weather. The small window for a decent visit is between June - September. Too far into fall, winter, or early spring - and you'll freeze your cajones off.
And now you live in Australia?
Do you think Scandinavia is more interesting to visit than France or Germany?
Now I live in Seattle (at least for a few more months)
"Interesting" is pretty subjective. I'd say that generally, as an American, you're likely to find more things "Interesting" in both France and Germany since both places have colored the history of this country moreso than Scandinavia. One of the common things that comes up with Americans I've traveled through Europe with is the genuine surprise they feel when they come across something which they had prior thought was just a part of their history and then come to find out that it was actually part of the history of the particular European country they're visiting. Often simple things, like nursery rhymes, certain dishes they'd thought of as American in origin, common phrases they'd thought were created in America, etc. So there is a certain natural draw and interest in such things, and it's much more common for Americans to find those commonalities in both France and Germany since both places have colored American history moreso than Scandinavia has (unless you're from Minneapolis or Seattle with their unusually large Scandinavian populations).
If it were my 1st trip to Europe, I'd choose France and Germany over Scandinavia, as a "1st Visit". That said, I can easily recommend Scandinavia as a fine travel choice that's not likely to leave most disappointed. The people really are a joy, and are very welcoming of Americans and their culture, and literally just about everyone speaks perfect english (often better english than some Americans! lol) _________________ I'm On point, On task, On message, and Off drugs. A Streetwise Smart Bomb, Out of rehab and In denial. Over the Top, On the edge, Under the Radar, and In Control. Behind the 8 ball, Ahead of the Curve and I've got a Love Child who sends me Hate mail.
Totally agree there are some “1st visit” countries to prioritize in Europe even though most of them are all worth a visit.
But not sure I’d include Germany there although definitely agree with France. Just curious, why didn’t you include Italy?
If I were recommending a first Europe visit for only two countries it would be Italy first, then France. So much to do in Italy and so many cities worth visiting.
Second tier would be Spain, Germany, England, Switzerland.
Then Scandinavian countries which are more beautiful than steeped in arts and culture. And also the other countries like Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, etc.
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2018 6:11 am Post subject:
ringfinger wrote:
Totally agree there are some “1st visit” countries to prioritize in Europe even though most of them are all worth a visit.
But not sure I’d include Germany there although definitely agree with France. Just curious, why didn’t you include Italy?
If I were recommending a first Europe visit for only two countries it would be Italy first, then France. So much to do in Italy and so many cities worth visiting.
Second tier would be Spain, Germany, England, Switzerland.
Then Scandinavian countries which are more beautiful than steeped in arts and culture. And also the other countries like Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, etc.
Then probably Eastern European countries.
Italy is on my list too. Any particular area you recommend? (Venice, Rome, Milan, Florence, etc.) _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
Totally agree there are some “1st visit” countries to prioritize in Europe even though most of them are all worth a visit.
But not sure I’d include Germany there although definitely agree with France. Just curious, why didn’t you include Italy?
If I were recommending a first Europe visit for only two countries it would be Italy first, then France. So much to do in Italy and so many cities worth visiting.
Second tier would be Spain, Germany, England, Switzerland.
Then Scandinavian countries which are more beautiful than steeped in arts and culture. And also the other countries like Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, etc.
Then probably Eastern European countries.
Italy is on my list too. Any particular area you recommend? (Venice, Rome, Milan, Florence, etc.)
Florence is my favorite int’l city thus far. So Florence for me. Its beautiful (in the city not nature sense) and steeped in culture too.
India, Singapore, and Japan on the best list. Strange crowd.
What's wrong with Japan and Singapore?
. Nothing. Nothing wrong with Irvine either. Just doesn’t make my best cities list.
I can see why you don't like Singapore, but isn't Tokyo one of the most exciting cities in the world?
It’s not exciting in the way that I would call exciting. Interesting, overwhelming, bustling, frenetic yes. But on the scale of fun and enjoyable? Not touching the great fun cities I’ve been to. But cool if others think so. Just interested to know what specifically ranks it tops with them.
That's still pretty nebulous. What is your distinction between exciting and interesting/frenetic/bustling?
I mean, I'm more excited for Kyoto than either Tokyo or Osaka on my upcoming Japan trip, but I suspect your issues with Tokyo are different than mine.
Kyoto is awesome.
Indeed it is. The number of tourists was ridiculous (I realize this is equivalent to complaining about being stuck in traffic as if you're not part of it), but I (bleep) loved the city. I liked Tokyo and Osaka too, but not as much. It's too bad I can't drink too much anymore -- I imagine that detracted from my time in those two cities.
India, Singapore, and Japan on the best list. Strange crowd.
What's wrong with Japan and Singapore?
. Nothing. Nothing wrong with Irvine either. Just doesn’t make my best cities list.
I can see why you don't like Singapore, but isn't Tokyo one of the most exciting cities in the world?
It’s not exciting in the way that I would call exciting. Interesting, overwhelming, bustling, frenetic yes. But on the scale of fun and enjoyable? Not touching the great fun cities I’ve been to. But cool if others think so. Just interested to know what specifically ranks it tops with them.
That's still pretty nebulous. What is your distinction between exciting and interesting/frenetic/bustling?
I mean, I'm more excited for Kyoto than either Tokyo or Osaka on my upcoming Japan trip, but I suspect your issues with Tokyo are different than mine.
I think the exciting isn’t entertaining so much as just busy and crowded. Lots of tech, but food entertainment art things I would rate as being of interest to me aren’t as good as other places. I guess I would say Tokyo is a spectacle more than a broadly great experience. Japan is too culturally cold for me to find it topping my list as well.
Ah ok I see what you're saying. Yeah, that does make more sense. It doesn't help that a lot of things are hidden behind the language. Not sure if you've ever seen a rakugo performance but it's a really interesting piece of Japanese culture & entertainment. But if you don't speak Japanese you're SOL.
And yeah, the culture thing is a turn off for sure. I don't find it surprising that pretty much every story of one of my friends intermingling with the locals involves alcohol.
I spent two and a half years in japan. No axe to grind, enjoyed it, but it ain’t anywhere near the pinnacle of places to be. Not even in Asia, where Thailand, the Philippines, and even Seoul were way more fun.
Yeah having come back from Japan, I really enjoyed my time there but your point about the country being culturally cold definitely rang true. I went alone but I met up with friends for most of the trip -- the time alone was honestly pretty isolating, and not just because of the language barrier (though that is obviously a large part of it). Lost in Translation got that part right.
I had a lot of fun in terms of entertainment, though, but I'm younger and probably more into tech. Akihabara is a damn spectacle. I also just love castles, shrines, temples, etc. My biggest regret is not climbing Mt. Fuji. I'll do that next time I go.
I had a friend go to Seoul and she was utterly underwhelmed. I'm not really sure what there is to do in Seoul. But she, like me, is largely a non-drinker and I know a lot of experiences are shaped by nightlife.
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 1:24 pm Post subject:
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to trip a tour through?
Also, does it make more sense to visit France or Italy instead of Scandinavia? _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
I would like to visit my homeland but it no longer exists.
Which is what?
King of Prussia
That's just outside Philly. Was there a few years ago.
No, it is part of current day Germany. You have never heard of the Prussian Empire?
You have Prussian ancestors? Are they named Frederick and with a "von"? _________________ “Properly read, the bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.”
― Isaac Asimov
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90299 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 2:55 pm Post subject:
CandyCanes wrote:
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to trip a tour through?
Also, does it make more sense to visit France or Italy instead of Scandinavia?
If you haven't yet been to Europe, my advice would be to prioritize France, Italy, Spain, and London. I'd also put Reykjavik on as a hidden very good time. After that it depends on taste, but Ireland, Croatia (based on friends recommending), Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark are all nice _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to trip a tour through?
Also, does it make more sense to visit France or Italy instead of Scandinavia?
If you haven't yet been to Europe, my advice would be to prioritize France, Italy, Spain, and London. I'd also put Reykjavik on as a hidden very good time. After that it depends on taste, but Ireland, Croatia (based on friends recommending), Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark are all nice
Just curious, why didn’t Switzerland make your list? Feel like I’d put that ahead of several countries in your Ireland list, no?
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 5:17 pm Post subject:
Omar Little wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to trip a tour through?
Also, does it make more sense to visit France or Italy instead of Scandinavia?
If you haven't yet been to Europe, my advice would be to prioritize France, Italy, Spain, and London. I'd also put Reykjavik on as a hidden very good time. After that it depends on taste, but Ireland, Croatia (based on friends recommending), Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark are all nice
Thanks. Any particular areas of France and Italy you recommend besides Paris, Venice, and Rome?
How's Amsterdam? I'm going to try to see if I can get that in too. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 1:30 pm Post subject:
Has anyone ever used a tour company before? I'm curious what people think of this bus tour. My concern is that most of the time would just be spent on the bus. But the rate (2,800 for 26 days) seems quite cheap... What's the catch?
Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 6346 Location: The Titanic that is the USA
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 4:24 pm Post subject:
CandyCanes wrote:
Omar Little wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to trip a tour through?
Also, does it make more sense to visit France or Italy instead of Scandinavia?
If you haven't yet been to Europe, my advice would be to prioritize France, Italy, Spain, and London. I'd also put Reykjavik on as a hidden very good time. After that it depends on taste, but Ireland, Croatia (based on friends recommending), Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark are all nice
Thanks. Any particular areas of France and Italy you recommend besides Paris, Venice, and Rome?
How's Amsterdam? I'm going to try to see if I can get that in too.
In Italy, I prefer Florence over Venice and Rome. You get all the history but I find the vibe better. Also check out Bologna which is not far from Florence.
Amsterdam is cool if you venture away from the real center of the city, where it gets really sketchy.
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 9:17 am Post subject:
I have around 30 nights. Here's how I'm thinking of doing it...
Thinking of doing it like this:
1) Arrive in Stockholm for five nights
2) Stockholm to Amsterdam via flight (four nights)
3) Amsterdam to Paris via train (five nights)
4) Paris to London via train (five nights)
5) London to Venice via flight (four nights)
6) Venice to Florence via train (four nights)
7) Florence to Rome via train (five nights)
8) Rome to NYC via flight
Is Florence really considered a major city in Italy, or would I be better off trying to visit Copenhagen instead? _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90299 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 9:21 am Post subject:
Heartburn wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
Omar Little wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to trip a tour through?
Also, does it make more sense to visit France or Italy instead of Scandinavia?
If you haven't yet been to Europe, my advice would be to prioritize France, Italy, Spain, and London. I'd also put Reykjavik on as a hidden very good time. After that it depends on taste, but Ireland, Croatia (based on friends recommending), Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark are all nice
Thanks. Any particular areas of France and Italy you recommend besides Paris, Venice, and Rome?
How's Amsterdam? I'm going to try to see if I can get that in too.
In Italy, I prefer Florence over Venice and Rome. You get all the history but I find the vibe better. Also check out Bologna which is not far from Florence.
Amsterdam is cool if you venture away from the real center of the city, where it gets really sketchy.
Also, check out Barcelona.
Haven’t been to Florence, but you’re not going to come close to the historical treasures in Rome. _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90299 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 9:24 am Post subject:
CandyCanes wrote:
I have around 30 nights. Here's how I'm thinking of doing it...
Thinking of doing it like this:
1) Arrive in Stockholm for five nights
2) Stockholm to Amsterdam via flight (four nights)
3) Amsterdam to Paris via train (five nights)
4) Paris to London via train (five nights)
5) London to Venice via flight (four nights)
6) Venice to Florence via train (four nights)
7) Florence to Rome via train (five nights)
8) Rome to NYC via flight
Is Florence really considered a major city in Italy, or would I be better off trying to visit Copenhagen instead?
You could trim Stockholm and amsterdam and Venice and Florence down a couple of nights and insert Copenhagen and Barcelona pretty easily. The places you will need the most time are Paris London Rome imo. Also, Reykjavik is a nice visit too. _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
I've been to france maybe 4-5 times and hated it every time. I wouldn't recommend it, I dislike the people and the culture, but I know a lot of people do like it so don't let me dissuade you
If you're looking for recommendations for Europe I would say Rome, Prague, Brussels, Barcelona, Utrecht, and Talinn.
I haven't been to Norway but people are always raving about it so I do wanna go there myself. Also Helsinki (Finland), and Tbilisi (Georgia) _________________ Kobe
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 10:03 am Post subject:
Omar Little wrote:
CandyCanes wrote:
I have around 30 nights. Here's how I'm thinking of doing it...
Thinking of doing it like this:
1) Arrive in Stockholm for five nights
2) Stockholm to Amsterdam via flight (four nights)
3) Amsterdam to Paris via train (five nights)
4) Paris to London via train (five nights)
5) London to Venice via flight (four nights)
6) Venice to Florence via train (four nights)
7) Florence to Rome via train (five nights)
8) Rome to NYC via flight
Is Florence really considered a major city in Italy, or would I be better off trying to visit Copenhagen instead?
You could trim Stockholm and amsterdam and Venice and Florence down a couple of nights and insert Copenhagen and Barcelona pretty easily. The places you will need the most time are Paris London Rome imo. Also, Reykjavik is a nice visit too.
Are Amsterdam/Florence/Venice really not all that interesting? The problem with Barcelona is that it is so far from everything else and would require a flight both to and from.
Copenhagen is weird because theoretically it should be easy to get to from Stockholm, but there really isn't that much difference in getting there than there is from any other major city. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
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