Aloha Friends, We are food and photography lovers. In April/May 2012 we would like to visit London, Amsterdam, somewhere in Spain (Seville, Barcelona?) and Morocco for about 21 days. Our question is: How would one best do this vacation? We are open to fun and creative travel, but we are not on a tight budget, just so you know. Also, if you know anything about technology, how would we best be able to use our cell phones and get email? Did I forget anything? MANY THANKS in advance... Matthew@HawaiiFoodTours.com
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Matthew, If this is your first trip to Europe, my first suggestion would be to read Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. It provides a lot of information on a variety of topics, including Itinerary planning. Also have a look at the country-specific Guidebooks for the places you'll be visiting, for good ideas on Hotels, transportation, etc. I'd suggest using open-jaw flights, beginning in London. Travel by train to Amsterdam (it will be more pleasant and interesting than a budget flight), and then fly to Spain from AMS. You could perhaps start in Barcelona, Sevilla and then Morocco. I don't have much information on travel to Morocco, as I haven't been there yet (it's on my list). Another thought that came to mind (since you're not on a tight budget), would be to see London and Amsterdam on your own, and then take the Rick Steves Spain & Morocco tour. That would provide a FAR more interesting look at Spain and Morocco, including the foods. Rick's Guides always ensure that tour members enjoy the "local cuisine". Click the "Tours" tab at the top for further information. Regarding Cell phones and E-mail, what type of Cell phones are you currently using, and with which network? I'd suggest using "basic" Cell coverage only (ie: without data and E-mail) in order to avoid HUGE data roaming charges. Use a Netbook or Laptop to retrieve your E-mail at Hotels. Many European Hotels these days provide Wi-Fi with the cost of the room, or for a small charge. Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2367 posts
Ken is right on. Fly into say London and then home from your last stop. Also don't count arrival day and departure day as part of your stay so if you plan on 21 days you will really only have 19 days. Next get the books he suggests and decide how many days you want to stay in each place and do you want to see some other close by sights such as 7 days for London with 2 or three of them doing days trips. April and May would be great times to go weather and tourist wise. Good luck. Lap top is great for e-mails. We don't bother with cell phones but that is just us.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
My 2 cents: As a FOODIE, I would recommend focusing on Marrakesh only for Morocco (go for a riad stay) and Barcelona for Spain; both great for photography as well. London is fabulous for foodies as well - especially for access to ethnic restaurants! Amsterdam is good too. Since "travel days" cut into your overall time - 21 days is not long - I would suggest that you fly open jaw into London, and out of Barcelona. Marrakesh can be easily done as a return flight from/to Barcelona, London or Amsterdam OR as an open-jaw between two of these cities (look at Skyscanner.net). So, one open-jaw: to/from Europe/US +
one return OR another open-jaw to/from Marrakech/Europe Coming back from Barcelona would also be perfect for bringing wine back home ;-)
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
Just to complicate your planning.....a fun and creative way to travel is take a Med cruise. There's tons of different itineraries that would start and end in Spain. You could also start in England and travel to Spain on a cruise. We travel all around with our cell on 'airplane mode' then use free wifi at cafes and hotels. You can skype on your cell if it's capable.