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6 weeks... Portugal, Denmark, or the Czech Republic?

Next summer I'm doing a 6 week homestay in Europe. I have narrowed down my options to Portugal, Denmark and the Czech Republic. They all seem like perfect places, but I'm having a hard time deciding between the 3. Any input/opinions about them? Thanks.

(Sorry I didn't realize I could edit this)
As for temperature, I live in a cool climate, but I'm sure I could handle Portugal, the average high in July there is 82 which is by no means unreasonable for me.

I have the choice of going to Sweden, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Portugal, Slovakia, Norway, Mexico, Czech Rep, Germany, Argentina, Lithuania, Italy, Turkey, Ukraine, or Romania. Any of those you think I should reconsider? I'm still considering Poland, but I have a little while to decide.

Posted by
48 posts

How hot do you want.

Hot in Portugal more mild like Portland in other 2.

Posted by
10344 posts

Those 3 areas are geographically distant from one another; for that reason, and because it's a homestay, it seems that a big deciding factor for you is going to be:

What geographic area of Europe do you want to be near?

If you can clarify that, we can offer more specific advice.

Posted by
276 posts

WOW! What a wonderful dilema:) I agree with Kent, but would add that it would be helpful to know your interests - outdoor sports, history and culture, nightlife,etc. Also, as it's for 6 weeks, you should consider your tolerance for culture shock. Are you used to and/or like pushing the bounderies of your cultural comfort zone?

Posted by
6 posts

Just so everybody knows, I like outdoor things (swimming, hiking, boating, etc.) and I like music (I play classical and jazz, but I like those plus just about everything else, rock, pop, etc.). I like architecture, especially baroque and gothic.

I'm pretty adaptable, so culture shock shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Posted by
10 posts

I lived in Denmark for approximately 5 months, from August through December in Copenhagen. I would highly recommend going to Denmark. There is a relatively cool climate even in the summer. There is also lots of music, culture and other activities going on. Additionally, most people are incredibly friendly, excellent atmosphere (the vibe, if you will, in Copenhagen is great--no wonder Danes are always listed in the top happiest places), and Denmark offers large cities, college towns, beaches and islands to explore over your 6 weeks. Good luck with your choice! Enjoy your time in Europe!

Posted by
1717 posts

Hello Peter. Of those three countries, I would choose Denmark. But, to see Baroque and Gothic style buildings, go to Portugal.

Posted by
4637 posts

The decision is obviously yours. We can supply information. I myself would choose between Portugal and Denmark because Czech Republic I already know intimately. If you would consider Czech Republic this is why: Prague has probably best baroque architecture in Europe. One of the best beer. And cheap. A lot of classical music concerts. Beautiful countryside with a lot of well marked hiking trails. Good public transport. Size of the country is easily manageable. Many castles and chateaus all over the country. While Czech Republic is known as a beer country (home of original Pilsener and Budweiser), southeastern part is full of vineyards and wine cellars. White wine is surprisingly good. If you are fan of folklife festivals and authentic folk music that's the place to be. Another advantage: relatively close to other touristy cities like Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Berlin, Munich, Salzburg etc.

Posted by
818 posts

Never been to Portugal or Denmark so what do I know? BUT I think Czech Republic would be a great place to spend 6 weeks. I loved Prague but I LOVED Krakow - you could visit Poland, Hungary, and maybe Slovenia. Denmark (I hear) is expensive. Czech Republic is cheap. Good cheap beer. Lots of opportunities to go to concerts.