AlmiraGulch Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I have two choices. 1. Norway, with a day or two in Amsterdam. My stepson lives in Norway and the flight goes through Amsterdam anyway. I've never been either place and think it would be beautiful, but it would be quite expensive and cold, even in the summer. I HATE cold. Hate. 2. Key West. I love Key West. I plan to retire there. I'm never happier or calmer than when I'm there, except when sitting on my balcony on a cruise ship. It would also be pretty expensive, but I could drop the kids off at their dad's in Miami and drive down. But I've been there many times, and it will be really hot (July or August). I can generally tolerate hot better than cold, but July/August in South Florida is like going to another planet. So...what would you do, and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrookValley. Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Norway and Amsterdam, definitely. You've already done Key West and will go again. Go someplace different! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Well, I do NOT do hot so I would pick Norway. I can always add more layers :-) Are you close to your step son? How often do you see him? That would factor in as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Well, I do NOT do hot so I would pick Norway. I can always add more layers :-) Are you close to your step son? How often do you see him? That would factor in as well. I've met him twice. He just went home after spending a week with us and it was a great visit. I like hot. I hate cold. But I love beauty of any kind, so maybe Norway/Amsterdam is the right choice this time. It's considerably more expensive, though..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I would definitely do Norway and Amsterdam because it is different from what you've done before. Also, I'd love to go to Norway, so you need to go so I can too vicariously. LOL! You must post about it on the board though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Norway isn't *that* cold in the summer. Leaving the weather aside, it would depend on whether I wanted a vacation or an adventure. I usually choose the adventure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 It's got to be the warmest time in those two places, so if you're ever going to see them this is your chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Option number 3 - another cruise!!!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoObvious Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Norway for sure! That sounds awesome! You can go to Key West anytime... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I love cold and hate heat, so I might be biased. I also spent two days in Amsterdam last April and am currently planning a trip to Denmark and Sweden for this spring. Still, I would go for the adventure. Five years from now, which will you regret more--not going to Key West one more time, or missing out on seeing two new countries? Which trip will give you more memorable moments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 We did Norway in MARCH!! That was cold :) I think summer there would be lovely. Florida in the summer's too hot, even for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I agree with others who said Europe. Key West is there waiting for you - you know you'll get there again. I have never gone wrong in any European country - always so much to see and learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Norway is not cold in July/August. It is beautiful - swimming in the ocean or lakes is very common in the summer. Don't let the northern location fool you. The gulf stream keeps the temperatures very pleasant both summer and winter (for a 4 season climate). The scenery is breath-taking, there is lots to see and do culturally/historically. Amsterdam is also a wonderful city to visit. Also not cold at all in the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I've been to Norway and Amsterdam and would go again in a heartbeat. Go, you'll be glad you did--the scenery is stunning. We went in August--the weather was pleasant. The higher into the mountains you go, the colder it gets, naturally. Take lots of layers. You can do Key West next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I hate cold too. Despise it with a passion. I would still do Norway and Amsterdam, especially since you've been to Key West. I would buy some nice souvenirs, ones you could display at your retirement home in Key West while you sit around in your bare feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Option number 3 - another cruise!!!! :) We're going on one in April. Already paid for! Just 94 days away.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 I forgot to mention that my husband used to live in Norway. He hated it and has no desire to return, except to see his son. I tend to think it's because he didn't do anything but LIVE there. He didn't do anything "vacation-y" while he lived there. He really isn't excited about the prospect, but I could probably change his mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I curious when people say "not cold" what do they mean temperature wise? I love the warmer weather, and froze in Minn even in July when everyone else was in shorts and t-shirts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I've been to northern Europe in July. NOT cold (I don't do cold, either), gorgeous. I voted on the assumption that either vacation would take place in the same timeframe, and because it sounds like you'll have plenty of opportunity to go South Florida again some other time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Been to Sweden and Key West--is Norway similar to Sweden? It was lovely--we stayed on one of the islands in the Baltic and took the ferry to Stockholm. Key West is icky to me (no offense meant), so I would never recommend seeing it more than once--but that's just me! One thing to remember is the long summer days in those Northern Countries; when we went in July, the sun set around midnight and was up again around 3 or so. It's really interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 I really do want to go to Norway. An average temp of 60 F in July is cold to me. I still think it would be beautiful. That said, plane tickets alone will be about $3,500 for two of us, plus hotel, spending, and on and on. I can go to KW and stay in my absolute favorite place, eating at my absolute favorite restaurants, and not spend that much. And I love Key West. Oh, but the call of northern Europe is strong......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I curious when people say "not cold" what do they mean temperature wise? I love the warmer weather, and froze in Minn even in July when everyone else was in shorts and t-shirts. We were there in August and carried jackets with us everywhere. In Oslo, we didn't wear them. On the train through the mountains and on the boats, we were glad to have them. I consider northern European summers to be a lot like a Texas winter. :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I hate cold too. Despise it with a passion. I would still do Norway and Amsterdam, especially since you've been to Key West. I would buy some nice souvenirs, ones you could display at your retirement home in Key West while you sit around in your bare feet. :iagree: I despise cold, but I would deal with it for a trip like that - I love to visit new places and have adventures more than I hate being cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 We're going on one in April. Already paid for! Just 94 days away.... Good for you! We leave tomorrow for our next cruise. Given that you say your dh doesn't really want to go to Europe and the cost, I'd choose Key West. Sounds like a true vacation for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I would go to Europe in a heartbeat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinchick Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I think it depends on what you need for yourself right now. We try to take two vacations a year: a relaxing beach vacation and a go-go-go tourist vacation. But when we can't do both in a year, we base our choice on our mood. Do we need time to just hang out and reconnect? Or are we craving new experiences, culture, and interesting food? I voted for Norway today, because after the past week of Christmas visiting and tradition, I'm tired of hanging out and would love to shake things up. Also, where you have a cruise planned for April already, you may get the beach cravings out of your system and be ready for a more adventurous trip come summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Good points made by all. I really do want to go to Norway. Husband really does not, but would since his son is there. I'm thinking maybe Norway will have to wait one more year since we already have a vacation planned for April. The cruise itself is paid for, but the on board expenditures and excursions are not. Combined with the fact that my ex is moving to Miami in a few days, the girls will want to see him, and Miami is a natural stopping off point on the way to Key West, I'm thinking KW will probably win. And now I'm disappointed about it. I swear, sometimes I get on my own nerves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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