Edinburgh vs. Munich

Wow, what a great mom you are! Which city do you think you would you prefer? I'm sure she will be thrilled with either and given that you are paying, I'd suggest you indulge your interests too. If Germany appeals to you, I would not be overly concerned with the language barrier. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to get around. Just study up in advance (read Europe through the Back Door) and don't be afraid to ask someone for help. You will find lots of people who speak English and will help you out and your daughter can help with the formalities (e.g. Sprechen Sie Englisch).

That's a tough one. Those are two very different cities. Language should not be an issue for YOU. English is spoken widely enough that any place you go common to tourists will be easy to communicate. If she is interested in hearing German spoken, I would give the edge to Germany. That said, I was not enchanted by my time in Munich. Yes, there are good points, but I would rank it at least 20th or lower on my list of interesting European cities. I would rank Edinburgh somewhat higher. The time of year is problematic, too. Edinburgh is likely to be dreary and in the 30's - 40's F and wet. Munich might not be much better. No chance you couldn't do it in the summer or at least in the spring? If I couldn't do summer, I would just take her out of school for a week in April or early May. The trip is educational, too. You'll save some money in Feb/March being a less desirable time of year, but if this really is an almost once-in-a-lifetime thing, I would want it to be more pleasant outside. I know Germany has great and inexpensive public transport both in and out of the city. I can't comment on Edinburgh and surroundings, but I'm sure there are options. There is always a learning curve with public transport. But if you choose Germany, make Lee from Colorado here on this board your new best friend. He can tell you everything you need to know - and more - in excruciating detail. See what you can do about your dates. Another consideration is daylight. The difference between Feb and April could be a couple of hours. Good for you for dedicating yourself to saving to give your daughter such a great gift. Sorry I couldn't be more definitively helpful...

Leslie, After reading over the criteria you're using to choose between cities, my suggestion would be Munich this time. These are some of the reasons: > In late February/early March, both cities will likely be on the "chilly" side but I suspect that the weather in Munich may be a bit warmer. > While both cities have Castles, there are some good ones available in the Munich area, including Neuschwanstein which is a big favourite (it's not actually that old, but is still a great place to visit, IMHO). > Munich has some good sights and walking tours, and you could perhaps take a day trip to Salzburg. The Deutsches Museum is incredible, and it's easy to spend several hours there. The Hofbrauhaus is always "entertaining". > While you shouldn't have any trouble functioning with English, this would give your daughter a chance to practice her German language skills. I'm not too familiar with German, but I believe the dialect in Munich/Bavaria is different than in other parts of Germany. Your daughter might find that interesting? > Both cities have good public transit, but Munich is perhaps a bit better organized with U-Bahn, S-Bahn and Trams. It's also a very "walkable" city. > Last but perhaps most important, is the fact that you'll "be on a very tight budget and would like the best "bang for buck". Travel in the U.K. can be very expensive, which varies a bit depending on the exchange rates at the time. The exchange is currently at about 1.60 for the Pound and 1.30 for the Euro, so that seems like "better bang for the buck". Once you've decided which city to visit, I'd suggest picking up a copy of the Guidebook for that city to do detailed planning for sightseeing. Happy travels!

The real answer is to go with your heart. however, Feb/march is still "Winter". Edinburgh can feel gloomy in poor cold weaher. I have always found Munich easy to get around in using public transport. The City Center is compact and very scenic and easy to see virtually everything by walking.
The fairytale castles are close-ish and easily accessible by public transport. You will find that you can easily communicate in English and a smattering of polite German phrases Edinburgh, has one castle, plus Holyrood palace. I suppose Stirling and its castle is also close by and doable.(i was going to try and make a joke about the Scottish dialect). You may want to consider advice above- can you delay your trip a few months? Germany is wonerful in Spring (May). I think the better weather will double your enjoyment

Oh you ARE sneaky!! That's wonderful.

English is widely spoken in Germany. I would pick Munich. There is so much to see and do in the area. You can daytrips from there to Regensburg, Fussen, etc. I liked Edinburgh but more to see and do in Munich. Check www.flickr.com and look at photos of both areas.

Thank you, Thank you to everyone who took a moment to reply. I've taken all of the tips into account and I've decided two things. 1. Germany it is! I'm still leaning very much toward Munich, but as I've now pinned down a country, I'm going to take another week to do research on attractions, transport, etc. 2. I'm going to push the trip back to the second week of April. (It's the latest I can book without increasing the price of the tickets beyond my budget.) I know it won't be a proper Spring, but hopefully it won't be miserably cold either. This is such an exciting time for us! (Though for my daughter not so much, she's going to be under the impression that she's packing a bag to go to Nashville for a 3 day ACT intensive course. Hee Hee, I'm so sneaky!)

OK, sneaky girl - - How are you managing getting her a passport if she's only going to Nashville?

@Nigel: She already has her passport. Two years her grandparents were going to take her to Mexico on a family trip. Those plans fell through, but that little bit of "luck" just adds to the overall sneakiness of MY plan!

Leslie, That will be a wonderful surprise for your daughter, but you might have to continue the deception a bit farther and suggest staying an extra 4 days in Nashville. If she only packs for a three day trip, she'll likely need more clothing for a seven day trip in Germany. Does she normally pack along a Camera, Cellphone or Laptop when she travels? If not, you may have to pack some of that along with Plug Adapters and other gadgets in your luggage, and give it to her when you arrive Germany. Cheers!

Okay, I know you've "decided," but no one really laid out the case for Edinburgh. First, let's consider the daylight issue. The first week of March, Munich has about 20 minutes more daylight. By the 9th that has closed to ten minutes. So much for dark and dreary! Now, let's consider temps. Today in Munich it is 35 with a forecast to stay in the 30's for the next week. Today in Edinburgh it is 48 with temps climbing to over 50, but mostly in the 40's. So much for colder! Now as for castles, Edinburgh Castle is one of the best castles anywhere. It was a defensive castle and a palace. King James I and VI was born there to Mary Queen of Scott's. Stifling Castle is spectacular and is a quick train ride from Edinburgh. The castle is perched on a volcanic plug as is Edinburgh's. And, its Rennaisance Palace has just been resorted. Back in Edinburgh there is also Holyrood Palace where the queen still stays when she comes to Scotland. Edinburgh itself is packed with attractions. They just re-opened the Museum do Scotland. (They were restoring the Victorian wing.). I enjoy the Georgian House and Gladstones Land for a look at how more average people lived. The zoo just got two pandas from China. The Royal Yacht Britania is a great tour. You can also take the train to Glasgow and see Museums there including the brand new one designed by Zaha Hadid. Then there are lots of other day tours that are offered by touring companies. See abbeys in the borders, or St. Andrew's, another castle here, or go further north to the Highlands. Take another look at Edinburgh and decide based on something others that weather or light. ; ).

@Pamela, Given the difference in exchange rates, I still feel that a destination in Germany provides more "bang for the buck". Also, I doubt there will be any German language practice happening in Scotland. The educational opportunities for Leslie's daughter in dealing with native German speakers is something to consider also. Cheers!

It appears you have settled on Germany which I'm sure you will not regret. I have only a smattering of German, mainly the usual greeting phrases etc. and felt very comfortable when travelling throughout the country last year. The only thing I think you should consider is making Berlin your base instead of Munich.
Edinburgh can wait for another time. It is a great city too.

Reading your post made my day! What a wonderful surprise for your daughter. I support your decision for Germany. If you still plan to continue to go to Munich for your stay, do try and get a day is in Salzburg, Austria. Easy trip via train. And please come back and let us know how it went, and your daughter's reaction.

Munich will be great perhaps you can get out to Fussen area
and Salzburg is wonderful if you can fit it in to your schedule

@Ken "bang for the buck" was one of five points. No one on the post gave Edinburgh a fair shot. People on the Helpline have been seduced by the typical English view that Scotland is always cold, wet and dark. They have been whinging on about this since before Edward Longshanks. Leslie, of course, will go where she wants to go, but deserves to hear about both cities. Pam

@Ken "bang for the buck" was one of five points. No one on the post gave Edinburgh a fair shot. People on the Helpline have been seduced by the typical English view that Scotland is always cold, wet and dark. They have been whinging on about this since before Edward Longshanks. Leslie, of course, will go where she wants to go, but deserves to hear about both cities. Pam

@Pamela, I'm not sure it would be fair to say that no one gave Edinburgh a fair shot. I was in Edinburgh in August and had a wonderful time. I'm looking forward to returning to tour more of Scotland. Although "bang for the buck" was only one aspect, I felt that given the overall criteria, Munich (or other location in Germany) was a better "fit" for the circumstances. Also, given some of the storms that have hammered Scotland so far this winter, even in late February I suspect the weather will be more pleasant in southern Germany (although of course there are never any guarantess with the weather in any location). Each of our opinions on this matter are certainly relevant, however it appears we will have to amicably "agree to disagree".

This sounds so great! I think your daughter will love Germany. If you are still planning on going to Munich, you could also look into some of the smaller towns northwest of Munich (some of which are on the Romantic Road) that are accessible by train like Augsburg or Nordlingen. I have heard these are very pretty and charming towns that your daughter may enjoy as well! Good luck!