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[ms.jackson]

My boyfriend and I are trying to decide where to go on holiday. We've narrowed it down to two continents, but can't decide amongst the many destinations that have captured our attention. If you've been to any of these places, we'd love to hear from you. Hearing about other traveler's adventures might be just the push we need. Keep in mind we only have seven days off and we are looking to travel in April. Here are the choices, in no particular order:
1. Denmark w/ excursions either southerly or northerly
2. Finland w/ excursions to Estonia
3. Belgium
4. Montenegro by way of Italy
5. Uruguay w/ excursions to Argentina

[luke_1989]

My choice would be between Belgium, Montenegro and Uruguay. If it had to be one it would be Uruguay but i cant do the deciding for you which one appeals to you more?

[durnadupa]

Having just came back from a trip that included Finland and Estonia, I can tell you that this is a good idea. However, you must realize that Finland is outrageously expensive...especially compared to some of your other destination ideas. And frankly, I found Estonia more welcoming and interesting than Finland. Plus it will still be a little cold in Northern Europe during April.

I would rather suggest the Uruguay/Argentina idea and the Montenegro idea. If you're in Montenegro, why not visit Croatia as well. Dubrovnik is very close by.

[kathryn77]

I'd go for Uruguay too - I loved it there! It depends as well where your starting point is, because if you have to travel far, it might be better to leave that for a longer holiday - like a fortnight?

I've never been to Finland, but I have been to Sweden and I'm going to Norway next month, and Scandinavia is expensive like Durnadap said. I also agree with them about Estonia - I loved Estonia, and it was much cheaper

I have been to Belgium, but if you're not travelling far to get there, you could do it in a weekend/long weekend as it's quite compact.

What about the Netherlands as well? Sorry - realise we're expanding on your list here, rather than narrowing it down, hee hee!

[ms.jackson]

Ahhh... that's just it! Each destination holds a certain appeal. The cost associated with Finland and Denmark is definitely a deterrent since I am a teacher and the salary doesn't support major globe-trekking. I guess I'm leaning more toward Belgium since I know a bit of french and would feel more comfortable getting around. Then again Montenegro is sooooo intriguing it would be worth the experience even if not all of my creature comforts are met. Still thinking... and definitely taking more advice from my Travel Pod colleagues. Thanks everyone!

[kathryn77]

But where is your starting point - where are you travelling from?

[ms.jackson]

Good point. We will fly out of Boston, Massachusetts USA. Maybe an airfare deal will be the final decision maker...

[kathryn77]

Cool - I think budget wise, you'd be better going to Uruguay from there, with cheaper flights and a cheaper country when you get there, plus less flight time (I think...?) for a 7 day break...

Europe will generally be more expensive than SA, but Belgium is certainly cheaper than Scandanavia - places like Estonia/Latvia will be cheaper than Belgium.

If you're set on going to Europe, I wouldn't let language be a deciding factor, as most Europeans can put us to shame with their English! Belgium is lovely, don't get me wrong, but You would want to travel round a bit I think, coming all the way from the states.

Montenegro sounds great - I've never been, but it does sound intriguing!

Also, what time of year are you going? That could help decide too - some places get FREEZING in winter! But equally, different festivals could be happening, e.g. Oktoberfest has just started in Germany...then Christmas markets will be on everywhere...

[laorfamily]

There is one, and only one, reliable and scientific way to decide such a complex question.

First you need a bristol board (8.5 x 11 would do), a nail, a writing instrument and a dart.

Write all the locations on the board and hang it on the wall using the nail.

Now here is the important part - step back 5 steps AND ONLY FIVE!!!!

Not four...not six...five!

Turn around and throw the dart at the bristol board.
If the dart doesn't stick - repeat.

Where the dart lands - that's where you'll go.

[ms.jackson]

The decision has been made! We are flying to London (due to cost constraints), exploring that city for a while since the boyfriend hasn't had a chance to do so yet, and then off to explore Belgium! Thanks to everyone for your input! We ALMOST did the Montenegro thing, but the airfare was going to kill our budget. So, off to some familiar places and some new! Thanks again, travelers.

[sarah820w]

2. Finland w/ excursions to Estonia

I have heard that area is amazing. But I have never been myself.

[kathryn77]

The decision has been made! We are flying to London (due to cost constraints), exploring that city for a while since the boyfriend hasn't had a chance to do so yet, and then off to explore Belgium! Thanks to everyone for your input! We ALMOST did the Montenegro thing, but the airfare was going to kill our budget. So, off to some familiar places and some new! Thanks again, travelers.

Cool Glad you made your decision. When are you going? You should register to www.lastminute.com for cheap things to do in London - they often have deals for shows + dinner, if you like that sort of thing, for example.

If you're going to Brussels, there's a great little restaurant street near the Grand Place (If you're standing in the Grand Place, facing the town hall type building, the street I mean is in the direction of the corner, behind you to your right hand side (hope that makes sense!) It's a really narrow street, but with heaps of restaurants on it, and they all want your custom Speciality is seafood, so a lot will have fresh fish on ice outside their restaurants (they do serve other dishes too)

[wisconsin_fan81]

Finland and Estonia....that one's on my radar too.

[aaren34]

Hi

2 Responses to “How do you choose your next destination?”

1. Choosing your next destination often begins with passion. What countries must you see before you depart from this Earth? Six months to live? Where would you go? Create a Top 10 Destination List, formulate a plan, and get traveling!

2. I’m usually taking time onto work or conference trips so my destination map is set to randomly take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way.

Thanks
Have a nice time ahead