Hi there!
We're deciding between our top vacation choices, but would love to get your thoughts. Also, will be TTC throughout the year, not sure if that will impact your responses. We're trying to stick to $5,000 or less.
A. Europe for two weeks in the Fall. Thinking of Paris, Florence, and Cinque Terre.
Pros - REALLY want to go to Europe. A good trip before a kid gets here.
Cons - Timing could suck if I'm pregnant/nauseous, etc. Pretty expensive.
B. St John, VI for one week in June. Plus a driving trip to Montreal for one week (in the fall?).
Pros - Have been to St John and love it...so relaxing
Cons - St John is pricey for a beach vacation. Seems like vacations we could "easily" take after a little one is here.
Re: Help choose our vacation for 2012...
I'd pick Europe in your situation. Although personally Montreal interests me more than Europe, you are right...beach trips can easily be done with children in tow. (and yes, St John is very pricey!)
ETA: I just reread your post and picked up on that you may or may not be pregnant when you travel. I would make sure you get good travel insurance or completely understand your cancellation options if you are dead set on planning a vacation for a time period where you may be pregnant. You definitely can't put your life on hold for a possible pregnancy since it takes some women a year or longer to get pregnant, but you also don't know if you will feel up to traveling or if you will have any complications that will prevent you from traveling.
i think with option 1 you'd do better pairing it with another city in italy-rome or venice perhaps along with days in tuscany.
for the caribbean-why only st john?
Alithebride-
I agree that Paris, plus florence, plus cinque terre may be too much for 2 weeks. ( I have been to Europe (England, Greece, France), but never Italy...
I picked St. John since we loved the beaches, atmosphere, and snorkeling there - was quiet too. I'm open to new ideas beyond the ones I've listed. We've been to Mexico and the beaches/snorkeling didn't compare to St John. For some reason I remember St. John being great for snorkeling/scenery for the price, compared to other islands.
We love food, and seeing something extraordinary that we wouldn't find at home. And would like to get out of the U.S. I guess it's choosing between more of a sightseeing vacation or a more beachy one too.
so stay in one area of italy. you can easily fly into florence, head to CT then to tuscany then to florence for 2 weeks. tons to do and not much time in between. florence is so easily walkable as well. parts of siena are really hilly but you'd probably be ok.
i totally understand about st john. it's my 2nd fave surpassed only by curacao. the snorkeling is better, it's quiet, the beaches are nice and it's SUPER easy to get around in your own car. consider it if you're looking for an alternate. the food's awesome and it's got a really great island feel to it.
I would (and did) do option A. I booked my plane ticket in mid-May, got a BFP in late May and travelled to Italy for 3 weeks at 18 weeks pregnant in September.
I knew I wanted to go to Italy in september so I waited to book my ticket when I knew I wouldn't be in the third trimester for the trip. I would have taken off June and July from TTC so I wouldn't be in my first trimester either.
i found it to be pretty even. with the food perhaps a bit less depending on where you eat. there's a long beach with restaurants all along it tht are really well priced ( and delicious) and then there's one Fort Nassau (which has absolutely GORGEOUS views) that is pricey-but dh and i only ate one special dinner there.
as for car rental-we just got a cheap little wagon wtih room for our snorkel stuff and it was pretty cheap. there's a hertz desk in teh breezes resory (which was next to where we stayed) so we just walked over and picked it up one day, had it for 5 days and then returned it.
we stayed at the sea aquarium resort, which is our mexican timeshare resort's sister, and it was really nice. super large suites (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room) and a huge balcony that over looked the aquarium.
i think the hotel kura hulanda in town is supposed to be nice too but we didn't make ti to town all week-too busy exploring the beaches
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This. We went from Rome to Frankfort in 2 weeks for our honeymoon but that was the most I'd do. You don't want to be too rushed on your trip. Have a great time whichever you choose!
Europe makes more sense, but I'd be so sad if I went to Italy and couldn't drink wine (if you're going to be pregnant).
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
Mark Twain
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Looks like Europe is winning by a long shot!! Very true about not being able to drink wine.... Also like the idea of travel insurance and/or trying to plan (although can't really) to be in the second trimester.
THANKS everyone