Two Women, Where to go?

John, in 2007, 3 of us "girls" flew into Paris (5 nights),then took the train to Aix en Provence, (3 nights), Monterosso (2), Civita di Bagnoreggio (1), Florence (4), Siena (2), Florence (2), Maienfeld (3--to visit a very dear friend of mine) then home. This of course was a 3-week trip but it might give you something to consider. It was an absolutely fantastic trip.....but that's partly because of the people involved!

Any large city or combination thereof will be a great choice. My personal favorite is Berlin, as it encompasses every priority your wife and her friend want, plus it's less expensive than Paris or London. I'm about the same age and can find plenty of nightlife that doesn't involve neon jewelry and house music. Berlin is also 2 1/2 hrs away from Dresden by train, and about 4 1/2 to 5 hrs away from Prague. I love it so much I'm going back in the spring, for the 2nd year in a row!

What an excellent and loving question on your wife's behalf!!! And... wow. It doesn't sound like your wife and her friend are ideal travel partners. Before I launch into where they might want to go, can I ask you something pointed? Have they really, REALLY talked to each other about their priorities, expectations and comfort zones? If your wife is "adventurous and laid back," and her companion "gets nervous" when even talking about hostels, they may not travel will together AT ALL. It has been my sad personal experience - and something I have witnessed happen to my aunt on not one, but TWO disastrous travel occasions - that folks who are potentially nervous travelers actually get worse once they arrive on foreign shores. This can ruin a trip for the "adventurous and laid back" traveler, who will naturally be the one making all of the accommodations – i.e., giving up things she wants to do in order to keep her less adventursome companion happy. Sounds like they might be best off traveling in the UK or bigger cities in Northern Europe, staying in "nicer" (more American-style, or chain) hotels, and hitting the tourist high spots. I say that NOT to be snarky - just realistic and helpful based on BAD past experience of traveling with someone whose travel style did not match mine. Your wife can have a fabulous time, too - and she will be MUCH liklier to have a better time if her friend isn't scared, or whining, or worried, etc. Copenhagen would be great. Stockholm would be great. Ditto London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff, Swansea, Brighton, even Paris or Brussels or Bruge. All have plenty of significant (gorgeous, amazing) historical sites, and would be easy on a novice traveler.

I vote for Paris and Amsterdam. Pretty easy to get to, good weather, lots of English speakers, charm, yet very different cities. Also both are places where the ladies could do something different on some days and meet again for dinner without worrying. Too much togetherness can trip up family or best friends.
Also, they would not have to move around since there is enough to do in those 2, plus the day trips. Fly in, stay, take a short train ride, stay, fly home. Your wife could put the other one on the bus for a day trip while she takes the metro/train to Versailles, for example.

If they are really a bit uneasy about doing this on their own the first time, maybe they should consider England and Scotland. Lots of great history, culture, and room for adventure and everyone speaks English. ; ) Pam

Well I suggest London and Paris. They can take the Eurostar between the two, easy, fast and cheap, downtown to downtown. ( buy ticket well in advance for cheapest tickets, 120 days) London to get their feet wet with little issues re culture shock or langauge, and Paris because it ROCKS . Both cities offer an array of easy and fun daytrips they can do on their own.. from London theres Bath, Brighton, Windsor, etc, From Paris there is Versailles , Rouen, Chantilly, Riems and Giverny for Monets Gardens. In Paris and London they should start with a bike tour,, Fat Tire does them, easy and fun for anyone, gives you the lay of the land. Look up their website.I liked the one to Giverny best.

Normally I would recommend London, but the Olympics are there this year, not sure when they start, but I would avoid going there in June. If both women's interests are in culture, historical sights, nightlife, Paris is an obvious choice, and Amsterdam also. I agree with a previous poster though that if each woman has a different travel style or expectations they should get them worked out now, If one is adventurous and laid back and the other not (which is how I am) this could cause problems.

I see that the summer Olympics do not start until July 27, so my recommendation is for London, and then Eurostar to Paris.

Olymipics are in late july august,, june in london will be fine.

I agree that they should have a frank discussion regarding their travel expectations. If not on the same page, your wife could have a terrible trip. As others have suggested, London and Paris would make good places. Fly into London and spend one week there. That is plenty of time to see London and do a day trip or two. Then take the Eurostar to Paris for a week. Again, plenty of time for Paris and a couple of day trips. Another suggestion - they might consider apartments. That would give them more space and allow them to have some separate space. It is a challenge to spend 24/7 for two weeks with a spouse. With a friend, it could be even harder. It is possible for friends to travel together successfully. I just did a three week trip to Barcelona and France with a friend. What made it work were discussions and clear expectations prior to the trip, and flexibility on the trip. We also were in mostly 1-2 bedroom apartments, so we had plenty of space and were not constantly forced to be together.

I too suggest London and Paris, and they can do easy side trips from both via train or bus. Most everyone in Paris speaks English too,but I think it will feel foreign, especially to her friend. Also agree that they should hash out expectations, I've spent 2 weeks with some people and it's fine, and 2 days with others....As long as they both realize that maybe sometimes they'll need to separate just for a breather or if one wants to do something and the other really doesn't.....And you can find them perfectly good hotels that won't cost an arm and a leg and not have to resort to hostels!