First, some background info- We've been to Europe more than 40 times and done one around-the-world trip. We have not been able to do any international travel for 5 years due to my mother-in-law's health. She is doing better and we now have some family closer who can help us with her care. I have always wanted to be in Edinburgh for Hogmany (New Years). I am of Scottish decent (Cherokee Indian, too- so I can out-stubborn almost anyone- LOL) and have enjoyed reading about the special events there at New Years- it is sort of on my bucket list. So... Hubby had planned to take me to Edinburgh this Dec/Jan. He had even reserved our room and was waiting for fares to drop this summer to book our flight. It would only be a short trip (about 5-6 days), but we wanted to splurge a bit (we'll also be celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary in Dec.). After the new terroist arrests in London (we'd be traversing through there) Hubby is re-thinking the trip. I am open to suggesstions for alternate locations. Not just in Europe- but almost anywhere in the world. The well-traveled readers of this site, I am certain, should have some great ideas for us to consider. (one note- we DID NOT enjoy Paris the one time we went there, so it is out).
I thought about Hong Kong (we only had one day there on the around-the-world trip for his 50th birthday, but really liked it), but wonder if it is just too far to travel for such a short trip. ... Ok ... lots of rambling .... but... what desitnation would YOU suggest for a special, short trip in Dec./Jan.?
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
The direct flight from Charlotte is to London- then we'd take the train to Edinburgh. Probably spending 1 or 2 nights in London on either side of the 4 days in Edinburgh. He's probably going to stick to it, but I never know. When he gets a bee in his bonnet, he can be even more stubborn than I can- and with less reason.
Jo's suggesstion of Berlin might could work, too, as we could fly direct to Frankfurt then train to Berlin.
Posted by
Lynden, WA
97 posts
But if he has concerns about London, and your interest is Edinburgh, why go that route? Instead, fly from Charlotte to Edinburgh via Newark (for example).
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8956 posts
Berlin. Party at the Brandenburg Gate.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2373 posts
Would certainly not go to Hong Kong for a short trip. If it has always been on your bucket list, go for it, visit Edinburgh for Hogmany.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Great idea!!! We've got the DVD of Mike Oldfield's New Years concert there. But I didn't even think of that. We've enjoyed Munich and Salzburg and seen (briefly) Baden Baden and Hiedleburg.... definetly somewhere to think about. Thanks Jo!
Posted by
Lynden, WA
97 posts
Stick with your original plan. You've traveled enough to know that anything can happen, anywhere, at any time. Edinburgh at the New Year is high on your wish list. It's a reasonable distance given that you only have 5-6 days. No need to put it on the back burner simply based on what may or may not happen in London. For that matter, you can avoid London altogether if you'd prefer.
Posted by
South Yorkshire, UK; formerly St. Louis, MO, USA
317 posts
There are many, many places in the world to celebrate. Sydney is fantastic at New Years. The fireworks on Sydney Harbour Bridge are something to behold. The year I was there (they may do this every year) - the city opened the Metro to everyone for free so you could get home safely. Further, the day or so after New Years, you can actually CLIMB Sydney Harbour Bridge. I did it at night, and it was fantastic.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I've considered Sydney, too. But it would take even longer to get to than Hong Kong, I believe. We loved Sydney on our around-the-world trip and seeing it in their summer would be nice. Yes we know that terrorist threats are just that- threats. We started our international travels back when the IRA was active in London (in fact we 'survived' a few close calls then adn were even IN London on 7-7 and were acutally close to some of the bombing sites then). But now with his mom's health issues, kids and grandkids, etc., hubby has gotten more 'concerned' about such things (you should hear him talk about the DNC here in Sept. and the 'potential' for problems around some properties that our family business owns). So I want to be prepared with some alternative suggesstions. Thanks everyone!
Posted by
Lynden, WA
97 posts
Yes, a 5-6 day trip with a 20+ hour flight on either end doesn't sound particularly inviting, so I'd scrap thoughts of destinations on the other side of the world (Hong Kong and Sydney, for example). You might consider something closer to home that still offers a unique atmosphere; Montreal comes to mind. Again, though, since you don't even have to go through London, I don't understand the hang up.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3792 posts
Toni, I would fly in and out of Edinburgh, and stick with your plan to be there. If hubby doesn't want to do that, consider Quebec City. We had a fantastic stay at Chateau Frontenac. Enjoyed the city walls and medieval style city gate. The Musée de la civilization (Museum of Civilization) has an exhibit on the Algonquin Indians which is quite good. We enjoyed the food at the hotel very much, so I'm sure they would do something special for New Years. If you are concerned you may have to get home suddenly for your mother in law or a crisis, you could certainly do so from there.