Alpacalia Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 (edited) My friends and I are planning a vacation together in a few months. It was my friend's idea for all of us to take a trip somewhere to celebrate my birthday during the summer. We can only go during the summer months. Each of us are paying our own way and we only have about a week for travel. Iceland was our first suggestion/choice. Due to the lack of darkness during the summer, we are unable to see the northern lights. We really wanted to visit Iceland to see the northern lights! I suggested Italy for an alternative. It is a country that I and a few others would really like to visit. One of my friends traveling with us has already been to Italy and she prefers not to go again. So now everyone is suggesting a Caribbean island. I really would love to go to Italy. If I do Italy that means one of my friends can't go. I feel like I want to visit somewhere that I haven't before (i.e. Italy). Yet I do not want to exclude my friend. The trip has suddenly turned into a brain fart. Grrr. There must be a happy medium! Any suggestions? Edited January 9, 2023 by Alpacalia 1 Link to post Share on other sites
basil67 Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 I'm sorry it's not working out. I'd keep looking at options until you find somewhere where you all want to go. The world is your oyster! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
ClearEyes-FullHeart Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 Maybe you can propose Sicily? Yes it’s part of Italy but very distinct. I just spent a week there over the holidays - love the off-season travel. Sicily is amazing, and the dollar goes far. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
NuevoYorko Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 Have you watched "The White Lotus" season II? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 (edited) Oooh, exciting!!! I've been to Italy and loved it. I really wouldn't recommend going in the summer, though. Besides the fact that it gets fairly humid, there are HUGE THRONGS of people at all the popular locations. When I went in spring, which is supposedly shoulder season, the queues were already insanely long at the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Duomo in Florence, the Gallery Uffizi... basically everywhere that is famous will be jam packed. And St Marks Square in Venice will be shoulder-to- shoulder when the cruise ships dock. You COULD go to Italy and not see those famous places, and maybe take a road trip through Tuscany or such, where it will be less packed. But if it's your first time, you will probably want to see the famous sights. And I don't know what your tolerance is for crowds, but I grew up in a very densely packed city and I still thought the crowds in Italy were excessive. If I went back, I would pick winter. Caveat: I went pre-Covid, so I can't speak for the current conditions. However, I think travel has mostly resumed in Italy by now, and also by summer, the tour groups from China will be back in full force. Edited January 9, 2023 by Elswyth 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 I forgot to answer your question, haha. For me, in the summer I would prefer to go somewhere at higher latitudes with good hiking (as that is usually only accessible in the summer). I'd definitely be on Team Iceland if I was in your group (Northern lights aren't a guarantee even in the winter, and IMO there isn't all that much to do otherwise in the winter in Iceland)... but aside from that, I'd like to go to the Scottish Highlands, or maybe Norway or Sweden, or somewhere in Canada. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
ClearEyes-FullHeart Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 41 minutes ago, NuevoYorko said: Have you watched "The White Lotus" season II I did actually but my trip was booked before I saw that season. Really enjoy that show! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
ClearEyes-FullHeart Posted January 9, 2023 Share Posted January 9, 2023 (edited) Agree with Elswyth that Italy and other hot spots in Europe will be super crowded over the summer. That said, other places some friends have been that they love and are on my list include Croatia. I think it will be swarming with people but likely still fun! Iceland is great, and I was there in Sept. a few years before the pandemic and saw a glimmer of the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. It is true that winter is more likely and you need to be out of the city to get the best sightings, and Mother Nature can be fickle. They say to plan on a 5 day trip at minimum if you want to see the lights during the right season, and no guarantees. Hope you all have fun wherever you end up! Edited January 9, 2023 by ClearEyes-FullHeart 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Alpacalia Posted January 10, 2023 Author Share Posted January 10, 2023 I haven't seen White Lotus. Does this mean Sicily gets the boot? lol Thank you all for sharing your travel adventures and extra information with me. So cool! @ElswythThe culture and attractions in Italy (and eating plenty of tasty food) are definitely top priorities for me. On the other hand, if summer is as chaotic as Disneyland, I might not want to. 2-3 hour crowded lines in hot and humid weather, yuck! I grew up in a very crowded area myself (NJ) so I totally get it. 😊 Iceland looks so beautiful and the northern lights is definitely the main reason we'd want to visit. I suppose though if there is no guarantee that we'd see the northern lights regardless of the time of year we travel then I'd probably not want to make the venture. In talking to my friend further, I came to learn that she doesn't wish to go to Italy for mainly financial reasons since she has a trip to Portugal the following month. We're each paying for our own trip so I suggested we postpone Italy until next year and stay within the U.S. this summer (maybe Key West or somewhere), so that we can ALL go to Italy next year together. This works out for her too because she is going to take a train after to visit family in Greece. I have older relatives in Florida so this also gives me an opportunity to visit with them this summer. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
NuevoYorko Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 How about Mexico? It's hot in the summer but if you're on the coast you can stay cool. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
S2B Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 How about some of the small villages in France? They are beautiful. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Alpacalia Posted January 10, 2023 Author Share Posted January 10, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, NuevoYorko said: How about Mexico? It's hot in the summer but if you're on the coast you can stay cool. That's true! Good suggestion. 27 minutes ago, S2B said: How about some of the small villages in France? They are beautiful. Thank you! Lovely idea. 😍 Edited January 10, 2023 by Alpacalia Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 (edited) 17 hours ago, Alpacalia said: The culture and attractions in Italy (and eating plenty of tasty food) are definitely top priorities for me. Mmmm yes, the food!!! Honestly, if I did go back, it would be for that reason. :9 The best part about food in Italy is that it's just amazing everywhere, every region has their own specialties, and you can basically avoid the crowds if you avoid the tourist hotspots when going out for a meal (which you should do anyway!). I would usually search for a trattoria or osteria outside of touristy areas on Google Maps, then filter reviews based on language. If it has a lot of good reviews written in Italian, I'm in! Quote Iceland looks so beautiful and the northern lights is definitely the main reason we'd want to visit. I suppose though if there is no guarantee that we'd see the northern lights regardless of the time of year we travel then I'd probably not want to make the venture. Yeah, the problem with Northern (or Southern) lights is that it depends on the solar wind. So you could make all the other factors favourable - high latitudes, long nights, dark skies, good weather - but if the sun doesn't want to play ball, you wouldn't see all that much. That being said, I think you should try someday! Just maybe in spring or autumn, when you have reasonably long nights, but also you can do other things in Iceland in the daytime, unlike in winter. Quote In talking to my friend further, I came to learn that she doesn't wish to go to Italy for mainly financial reasons since she has a trip to Portugal the following month. We're each paying for our own trip so I suggested we postpone Italy until next year and stay within the U.S. this summer (maybe Key West or somewhere), so that we can ALL go to Italy next year together. This works out for her too because she is going to take a train after to visit family in Greece. I have older relatives in Florida so this also gives me an opportunity to visit with them this summer. This sounds like a great compromise. Good on you! Edited January 10, 2023 by Elswyth 1 Link to post Share on other sites
flitzanu Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 the UK was loads of fun, and lots to see across the whole thing. Amsterdam was a great time as well, and has amazing museums and food. i've heard Sweden is lovely to visit, as is Germany, and Ireland. maybe make a list of Top Ten things to see before you die, and see if your friends have any common things on the lists? i'm going to New Zealand in April, so i can't tell you how great it is yet until i go there first 1 Link to post Share on other sites
MsJayne Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 How about Spain? Very like Italy but somewhere your friend hasn't been, (?). It has beautiful beaches, fantastic food, is packed with history and culture, unique cultural experiences, eg: Gaudi's buildings, bullfights if you can stomach them, fabulous festivals, and has some of the most incredibly good-looking men among the many sightseeing treats. Also has the pumping nightlife in the more touristy parts. Or, if you've never been there, Thailand. It's an incredibly beautiful place and again, excellent food, beautiful beaches, and plenty of culture-based activities, wild nightlife, the world's best foot massages, and the shopping. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Alpacalia Posted January 11, 2023 Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 17 hours ago, Elswyth said: Mmmm yes, the food!!! Honestly, if I did go back, it would be for that reason. :9 The best part about food in Italy is that it's just amazing everywhere, every region has their own specialties, and you can basically avoid the crowds if you avoid the tourist hotspots when going out for a meal (which you should do anyway!). I would usually search for a trattoria or osteria outside of touristy areas on Google Maps, then filter reviews based on language. If it has a lot of good reviews written in Italian, I'm in! Yeah, the problem with Northern (or Southern) lights is that it depends on the solar wind. So you could make all the other factors favourable - high latitudes, long nights, dark skies, good weather - but if the sun doesn't want to play ball, you wouldn't see all that much. That being said, I think you should try someday! Just maybe in spring or autumn, when you have reasonably long nights, but also you can do other things in Iceland in the daytime, unlike in winter. This sounds like a great compromise. Good on you! Oh, yes, the food! Eggs on pizza are common in Italy? Iceland is definitely something that I intend to give a try at least once in my lifetime before I croak. Thanks a lot Els for providing all the extra information you did. I really appreciate it. The main thing is that my friends and I are all together and I feel this way it all works out (even if I have to wait another year). 17 hours ago, MsJayne said: How about Spain? Very like Italy but somewhere your friend hasn't been, (?). It has beautiful beaches, fantastic food, is packed with history and culture, unique cultural experiences, eg: Gaudi's buildings, bullfights if you can stomach them, fabulous festivals, and has some of the most incredibly good-looking men among the many sightseeing treats. Also has the pumping nightlife in the more touristy parts. Or, if you've never been there, Thailand. It's an incredibly beautiful place and again, excellent food, beautiful beaches, and plenty of culture-based activities, wild nightlife, the world's best foot massages, and the shopping. These are nice suggestions. Thanks! Best footie massage? Until now, I had never heard of that. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
mark clemson Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 Picking a different place involves convincing your friend/s to want to go there too. One solution might be making separate plans - e.g. you go with them to the Caribbean (or wherever it may end up being) but then plan your own trip to Italy for next time you travel. Just something to consider. One nice thing is you seem to be getting a lot of great suggestions from folks. 🙂 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Alpacalia Posted January 11, 2023 Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 Yes, I see. Thank you, Mark. Because it was meant to be a birthday trip (their suggestion), at least I was hoping for a vacation somewhere I would enjoy. Still, I wanted to make sure that it was a place no one had been to before and that we would all enjoy going to. It is one friend who can't go to Italy this year. We're going to postpone it (Italy) until next year and stay within the states this summer. The entire group seems to be on board and happy with it. The travel suggestions are great. I love hearing about them too! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 4 hours ago, Alpacalia said: Eggs on pizza are common in Italy? I wouldn't say common, but I had pizza that had sliced boiled egg on top (alongside other toppings) in Rome. Don't think Napoli pizza has them. You definitely don't want to ask for pineapple on your pizza, though... and I'm saying this as a pineapple-on-pizza person. 😉 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Alpacalia Posted January 11, 2023 Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 3 hours ago, Elswyth said: I wouldn't say common, but I had pizza that had sliced boiled egg on top (alongside other toppings) in Rome. Don't think Napoli pizza has them. You definitely don't want to ask for pineapple on your pizza, though... and I'm saying this as a pineapple-on-pizza person. 😉 I like pineapple on pizza. Now you've got me curious about the pineapple. 😂 Link to post Share on other sites
MsJayne Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 8 hours ago, Alpacalia said: These are nice suggestions. Thanks! Best footie massage? Until now, I had never heard of that. Foot massage, not footie 😂 They scrub your feet, give you a pedicure if you want, and then do a massage all the way up to your knees. It's blissful. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 21 hours ago, Alpacalia said: I like pineapple on pizza. Now you've got me curious about the pineapple. 😂 Haha! It's an American thing I believe, just like the "California roll" of sushi, or the "General Tso's chicken" of Chinese food. Just because something isn't authentic doesn't mean that it's not good though... I'm not even American, and I enjoy all three food items that I mentioned, sacrilegious or not! 😂 1 Link to post Share on other sites
BaileyB Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 On 1/9/2023 at 12:45 AM, Alpacalia said: One of my friends traveling with us has already been to Italy and she prefers not to go again. Who doesn’t want to go to Italy again? I mean seriously, I’ve been twice and it’s at the top of my list of future destinations - the food is amazing, there is so much to see, you are drinking wine with your friends… what’s not to like?? 3 Link to post Share on other sites
BaileyB Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 On 1/11/2023 at 7:09 AM, Alpacalia said: Eggs on pizza are common in Italy? Yes!! Rhe certainly don’t put toppings on their pizza in the way we do in North America. It’s all about the tomato sauce and the cheese - 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Alpacalia Posted January 13, 2023 Author Share Posted January 13, 2023 (edited) 4 hours ago, BaileyB said: Who doesn’t want to go to Italy again? I mean seriously, I’ve been twice and it’s at the top of my list of future destinations - the food is amazing, there is so much to see, you are drinking wine with your friends… what’s not to like?? It's my best female friend. She does want to go now just not this summer. She has a trip planned the following month in Portugal so going to both Italy and Portugal this upcoming summer back to back would just be too much for her financially. We just decided to postpone Italy until next summer. Which is fine. She and my friends suggested we go somewhere for my birthday and for me to pick a place. At first I suggested Mexico, but no one seemed jazzed. Then a few of us said Iceland and that was all of our first choice until we learned no northern lights in the summer. I came up with Italy which everyone was on board with minus my bestie. Yes. Can't wait to share a nice glass of wine and eat some cheese, pizza and pasta!👌😊 Did you have a favorite dish while you were there? Should I not order ketchup with my steak? So many questions. 🤓 Edited January 13, 2023 by Alpacalia 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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