My husband will be graduating from med school in May 2013. We have been saving up to go on a three-week trip, likely to be in April 2013. We want to do this as a celebration of him graduating, but we also plan on starting a family after and want to have an adventure! So, we need help with travel advice... we are stuck between Spain and the British Isles. Spain seems like so much more of a beautiful adventure, but we both know we would love the British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland). What advice can you give on helping us pick? We are somewhat worried about political climate in Spain, but B.I. would be a little more expensive... What do you think?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23621 posts
Personally I would do Spain in May just because it would be warmer. Without a lot more information, it is difficult to advice anything. Not sure what your concern about political climate is. It is not Greece.
Posted by
OP
Little Rock, AR, USA
5 posts
We have just seen things that it is headed in the same direction as Greece, but that all just may be too far down the road for that to be a factor. We had been planning on Spain this whole time, but I guess recently just got concerned and didn't know what other people might be experiencing or could recommend.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23621 posts
Those things have never bothered or concerned us. The probability of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is pretty remote. We were in London when the IRA was setting off bombs.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
We've done both in May - Spain in 2010 and GB in 2011. You cannot go wrong with either choices and weatherwise GB can have less rain in May than in July or August. Spain will be warmer though. My friends (one is a native of Madrid) were just there in December and saw NO political problems. Her and her family are hoping that the new conservative government will put Spain back on track (well over 20 percent unemployment at the moment). The only concern of mine is that if you choose the British Isles, IMHO, leave Ireland for another trip. The sights in England, Scotland and Wales alone will rapidly use up your 3 weeks. Good travels!
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
I would Spain without a second thought. Of course I have been there 5 or 6 times in the past few years and will be spending three months there beginning in March! I have visted London and Wales, but to be honest prefer Spain. The country, the people and the history are all so 'around you' in Spain. Suggest you consider the www.vaughantown.com program for one of the weeks. In it you will learn more about the people and the country in one setting than you will spending a year there on your own! And there is every type of attraction from the sea coast to the mountains from the small hamlets to the large cities. From my frequent talk with people in Spain, it appears that the political problems are somewhat overblown in the press and that the day to day experiences are not fully reflected in the press. Whereever you go, have a great time!!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I started planning a British Isles trip because I thought my wife would prefer English speaking countries. Everywhere we travel, I'm the interpreter (because I cram on the language before we go). During planning, my wife said, "I want to go to Spain." So we are. Which is better? Neither. There are differences and one may appeal to you more than the other but they are both great choices. I would make the decision based on how much culture shock you're comfortable with? British Isles culture isn't American culture but, without a language barrier, it's easier to adapt to. Spanish culture is more different and the language difference makes it more of an adventure. Which are you going to be happier with? That said, you can nearly eliminate the culture shock, and adventure, by taking an organized tour.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
143 posts
Hi Kathryn, You'll probably love both, and both are obviously completely different. I agree with a previous poster that Ireland merits it's own trip. Have you considered doing Spain with a bit of the UK thrown in? If you fly into London from the States, you could spend a few days there before continuing on. I know the UK is not just London, but that would give you a taste (maybe visit Bath or even easier, short trip to Windsor) I love Spain and was able to live in Madrid for a short time. I wouldn't even let the 'political climate' factor into your decision. Check out the Spanish itineraries on the Tours page, if not to actually join a tour (which I highly recommend) to get an idea of cities and sites to visit.
Posted by
OP
Little Rock, AR, USA
5 posts
Thank you so much everyone! I really appreciate your advice. We had considered doing a few days in England/Scotland before heading to Spain, but we were concerned we wouldn't have enough time to do justice to either. I spent a semester in Greece in 2004, so I am not really concerned about culture shock. But from what everyone has said, it looks like Spain would be great. Thank you all so much!
Posted by
Daphne, AL, USA
41 posts
Kathryn,
I lived in Madrid for 6 months and I have visited England/Scotland/ireland as well. (in fact, we are going to Ireland for 1 week this April! yay!). I think you will have a wonderful time in either location and I like the idea of maybe tacking on a few days in England at the beginning or end of the trip. Spain is beautiful in May and there are a lot of things to do...even though I studied there for 6 months I never got to do them all! Spain would also be great to take a trip to the beach (like Tenerife) and relax for a few days since it will be warm. I don't know if I would worry about the political climate too much... I was there in 2003 when the US war with Iraq began and the PM of Spain allied himself with Bush and there was a pretty big anti-war sentiment there, but I never felt unsafe or threatened at all. I know you will have a great time wherever you choose :) Happy Travels!