Hi all, We will find ourselves in Paris on December 30 with a return flight to the U.S. on January 3. By then we will have had more than our fill of Paris and Brussels. I would love suggestions about what/where/how to go for one final mini trip (Dec 30 -Jan 2). The night of Jan 2 we booked a hotel at CDG, in anticipation of a morning flight to the U.S. We're on somewhat of a budget, but have a bunch of travel points, so probably could do a bit of splurge. Anywhere but Paris and Belgium are fair game. We could travel by train, or even a relatively short plane trip would probably work. We're not looking for the wildest, loudest party scene.... just suggestions for a nice, interesting way to spend a few days and ring in the new year, after several months spent mainly in Paris and Brussels. Fully vaccinated and in possession the Pass Sanitaire. Thanks, in advance.
Posted by
Germany
1117 posts
Just to get things clear, you are talking about Dec. 30, not Dec. 3? That does make a bit of a difference in terms of possibilities...
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11799 posts
Where will you have been in your “months” in France? So we don’t suggest places you’ve already been.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34005 posts
I'm still contemplating suggestions - but I worry when you say "several months spent mainly in Paris and Brussels." I hope that you have your Schengen issues organized.
I didn't notice any discussion of it in your previous posts, but you've been around here for several years so I hope it is OK.
Have you thought of Hogmanay in Edinburgh?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20483 posts
If you don't mind a flight, although it's a bit short for that (but I do it often), go to Google Flights, put in the departure date, one way, nonstop from "Paris" (to cover both airports) to "Europe" and see what pops up. Pick one, then research the RT version. You can even put a cost limit on the search. You can get to a lot of interesting places for about $100. Most of Europe is within about 2 hours. Budapest is $115 @ 2:15. Barcelona is $60 and up @ 1:45.
Posted by
Germany
1117 posts
Wherever you decide to go, be sure to get reservations, especially if you're on a budget. A lot of people are traveling around New Year, so you may find hotels at high season rates only or fully booked early on.
ring in the new year
How about taking that literally and choosing a destination where that happens impressively: Cologne comes to mind, or Ulm. More destinations to choose from for instance in Bavaria or in Northern Germany.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Buy your tickets in advance and take the EuroStar to London. Splurge and stay at the Marriot St Pancras.
Their redo of the old ticket office into the glamorous Booking Office restaurant is impressive.
Get your Oyster Cards and board a Circle line train to Westminster. Mind the Gap and exit Westminster station. Follow signage to Exit 4. Once outside you’ll be in Parliament Square. Please note Elizabeth’s Tower and the Big Ben Clock will still be in scaffolding but I think the clock face is now visible.
Maybe one of our London posters can confirm or deny.
If I was tired of France and wanted one last world famous city to ring in the New Year I’d opt for London.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7995 posts
Split the difference geographically, and head to the Alsace part of northeastern France. Your Pass Sanitaire will still be handy there.
Posted by
Germany
1117 posts
Absolutely, and the bells of the Strasbourg Cathedral should ring in the New Year quite impressively!