I touched down in London yesterday just in time for the big day…the 2012 Olympic Games kicks off here this evening. While I did not score tickets to the opening ceremonies (that probably would have cost more than what I payed for my entire Round the World airline ticket) I am super excited just to be in the same city and to watch it on the big screen in either a outdoor viewing area or at a local pub. While many locals and tourists are giving London a wide berth during the Games for fear of the chaos that will ensue and the inflated prices on everything from refrigerator magnets to hotel rooms, I’m really excited to be in the mix and I can’t wait for it all to kick off. I feel like the opportunity to be here and to experience the Olympic Games in one of my favorite cities, very much outweighs the inconveniences of a long line at the venues or a overcrowded tube car. Plus my dear friend offered me a place to stay in the city so how could I say no??
In my mind, my arrival in London for the games also signifies the final part of my trip: the European leg that I had not even attempted to plan back at the beginning of the year. I knew there were certain cities I wanted to explore for the first time (e.g. Oslo) while other cities were more about visiting friends that I haven’t seen in far too long (e.g. Amsterdam and Zurich). I also wanted to leave this part of the trip a little unplanned in case I was inspired to visit somewhere based off of fellow travelers recommendations. The benefit of doing a longer trip like this one is being able to be spontaneous. To be able to pick up and jump on a plane or train based purely on a whim or a suggestion of a unique experience/meal/view/party than cannot be missed.
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| Where should I go? Map source: www.aboutromania.com |
So as I spend my days searching through Kayak.com and skyscanner.com to find travel great deals to European cities, I wanted to ask you all for suggestions for must see places in Europe. I’m already planning to see Zurich, Oslo, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Vienna, Paris and possibly Kiev or Warsaw, but I’d love to hear where your favorite European cities are and why. And I’ve also already been to Turkey, Cyprus, Hungary, Spain and Portugal on this trip, so likely will not be heading back there this time around. I still have some flexibility in my schedule this last month and I kind of like the idea of adding a few stops to my itinerary solely based on the recommendations from travelers. So please help me out with my planning and leave a comment below with a must see city in Europe (either big or small) and why you recommend it. I can’t wait to see what suggestions come in!
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| Where to go next? I’d love your help! |
I was going to recommend Barcelona but you already stopped there! 🙂
I’ve heard great things about Iceland, See NicoletheNewBlack blog she visited there.
Croatia looks gorgeous, that is on my list.
Oneika the traveller went to Norway recently, check out her post. Gorgeous pictures!
I went to Belgium a few years ago and gained a new appreciation for Belgium Blonds (the beer) and they have gorgeous architecture especially in Bruges.
Hope this helps.
Lady Littlefoot
http://ladylittlefoot.blogspot.com/2012/07/31-day-reset-day-24-allowing-tears-to.html
Hey there! Love the suggestions! Thank you so much. I have had a lot of folks tell me to go to Bruges, so I’m researching that today. Norway is already on the Must Do list as its the last Scandinavian country I have to get to. Croatia is also a maybe depending on the cost, but if not this trip I will be there – and hopefully on a nice yacht! Haha.