So last September-ish I posted at topic titled "Where to go for our first time to Eurpoe." Okay first, I want to apologize to everyone for misspelling the word Europe.... So any how, I wanted to post a bit of an update. Everyone was really really helpful and I want to say thanks. Since then I did a lot of research... Rick Steve books, maps, watching his videos on YouTube. Googling and doing searches on various places of interest and what it was going to take to get us there. Well it just so happened that earlier this year an old college friend asked us to join her and her family for a 7 day Disney Cruise on the Magic thru the Norwegian Fjords. Of course this would involve a long flight to Copenhagen Denmark that I was going to have to talk the hubby in to doing and a lot of research into how i can make this somewhat cost effective without putting him into cardiac arrest. For the flights I looked for the most direct and shortest flights and picked something that would have a bulk of the travel overnight. Give him some melatonin or Ambian and watch him fall asleep for 8 hrs. Then for the three days in Copenhagen prior to the trip, instead of staying at a hotel with all those fees and taxes, I instead opted to utilize the Airbnb website (www.airbnb.com). Lots of great homes to stay in and people to meet. I actually found us a place on one of the channels, with a market, laundry mat and cafe near by. For 3 nights in June it will only be $325 (that includes the only service fee of $25). There were some places a bit less, but I liked the reviews of the place, the pictures of the home, what it had to offer, the location and the fact that the owner was so personable and responsive. For the actual cruise itself, I partnered with my friend's parents whom are coming with to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They got their cruise thru USAA Travel. I was able to be added to their group and take advantage of using some of their points to get a discounted travel for us. Actually the points they allowed us to use, they ended up earning back plus more. So any how as for sight seeing at the ports, I have not bothered with any of the excursions...not yet anyhow. I have been reading the Rick Steve books and also going to the country tourist websites and have found that many places offer Day Passes for 24-72 hours that allow you into the local attractions, use of transportation and more for either free or a discounted rate. In many cases like Copenhagen. You can go to their website and it will allow you to check mark the places of interest you are wanting to go and compare it to their Day Pass cost to see if it will truly be cost effective for you. To be quite honest. There is so much to see and do in both places. I have noted down a few points of interest that I really want us to see and the rest of the time plan to walk or bike around the towns and immerse ourselves in the culture. Oh and as for expenses on the cruise I was able to pay for some of the on board extras ahead of time and in the case of Disney Cruises, you can go to any Disney Store and get Gift Cards that can be used to cover those on board expenses such as Gratuities, Spa Treatments, etc... you know the splurge stuff.
Oh and if you are wondering... my husband said yes. Surprisingly, I didn't have too much of an argument from him. I think the 14+yrs of hearing me talk about wanting to go to Europe and the fact that I reminded him that we never did go on a honeymoon when we got married 7 years ago helped. :) No I am not against shameless guilt trips. Well, I don't know if this helped anyone, but all I have to say is don't be afraid to ask others for input. Don't feel guilty one bit. That my friends is the whole idea behind these forums. I hope to give a detailed follow up on our experience in about 3 weeks. Till then Ciao Bellas! And see all y'all later.