Two ABDs in one year?

[Rapunzellover]

Hey all-

Here's my dilemma: I, like most of you, became addicted to ABDs when I went on my first one last year (London/Paris). I was dying to do one this year, but couldn't, for various reasons.

I've since booked Italy in late May of next year but I have time to do Ireland in late July as well, and I booked it today. It's all very expensive but YOLO, right?

My problem: I'm concerned that two overseas trips so close together might be too much.

I'm looking for feedback on this situation. What do you all think: keep both or cancel ireland (I have 14 days to back out on it) and do that later?

 

[sayhello]

It depends on what you mean by "too much". Every time I go to Europe, I swear I'm never going to fly overseas again. But, of course, once I'm into the trip, I forget all about that, and start looking forward to the next one.

Flying to Europe, and the inherent jet lag *is* a strain. So I guess it depends on how well you adapt to that, and recover from it. It sounds like you'll have 2 months in between your trips, which *should* be enough time to re-cover & re-plan. I had a trip to California 3 weeks after coming back from Scotland, and that was too close. I scrambled to do any planning for the California trip and get my mind out of vacation mode. It ended up getting postponed to the end of this month, and I feel much more relaxed & prepared. So that was about 2 months between trips.

That said, if I had the vacation time and the funds to do 2 ABD's in a year, I totally would. I personally might opt for one European and one domestic trip, but heck, if you want to do 2 European ones, I agree, YOLO. Give it a try. If it ends up being too much, you'll know not to do it again. But if it isn't, you'll know it for next time you can manage 2, and you'll have 2 fabulous experiences to remember!

Sayhello

 

[davedmaine]

Hey all-

Here's my dilemma: I, like most of you, became addicted to ABDs when I went on my first one last year (London/Paris). I was dying to do one this year, but couldn't, for various reasons.

I've since booked Italy in late May of next year but I have time to do Ireland in late July as well, and I booked it today. It's all very expensive but YOLO, right?

My problem: I'm concerned that two overseas trips so close together might be too much.

I'm looking for feedback on this situation. What do you all think: keep both or cancel ireland (I have 14 days to back out on it) and do that later?

If you can afford it, go for it..

 

[kristilew]

My DH flies back and forth to Europe at least every 6 weeks for work. He actually feels the more you go, the more you get used to it and the easier it is to adjust. So in that sense, not too much.

If doing two big trips in one summer would mean vacation drought after that for more than a year, I would space them out more. I personally am happiest when I have a countdown running. But, if you can afford the time and $, without sacrificing future fun, totally go for it!

 

[calypso726]

YOLO is right! I'd say go for it! Totes jelly (as the kids say) on 2 ABDs overseas in the same year!

 

[carpenta]

We did a trip in April to Italy and then Germany in late June. I only wish I old have done another in August but......funds 'r low.......Happy travels

 

[cheer4bison]

Two years ago, we did ABD Viva Italia in June and ABD Peru in August. Two months in between was enough time to recover. Your plan sounds fabulous.

What I'd really love to do is back-to-back ABD trips so as to avoid having to pay airfare each time. In a perfect world, I'd combine Ireland and Norway. I better buy some lottery tickets...

 

[Rapunzellover]

Two years ago, we did ABD Viva Italia in June and ABD Peru in August. Two months in between was enough time to recover. Your plan sounds fabuIlous.

What I'd really love to do is back-to-back ABD trips so as to avoid having to pay airfare each time. In a perfect world, I'd combine Ireland and Norway. I better buy some lottery tickets...

I've thought of doing ireland/scotland back to back but I don't get enough vacation time to do two trips back to back. Not at the times they're offered.

 

[Woodview]

Hi Rapunzellover,

As a person who travels to Florida twice a year , here is my take on your dilemma.

We live in Ireland ( Cork ) and we fly to Florida in April or early May

& we find it better to do the 2nd trip in September

This gives us a break between trips to do family trips at home and to enjoy our

Irish summer . And a trip to Europe , In July this year it was Toulouse & Spain & Andora.

We also travel to Europe at least 4 times during the October to April time.

Next trip is November 6th to The Netherlands & driving to Avesnes -Sur -Helpe in France .

Your trip is to Italy in Late May which brings you into say the 7th June
& you fly out again say 26th July 7 weeks later.

I would change the Ireland trip back to late August or early September.

Most Irish people will be on Holidays in July & August as children are off school till 1st week of September.

There is an old saying as soon as the children " Go back to School " the sun

comes out.

Remember to hold onto any unused Euros , from your Italy trip .as you need them for Ireland.

Have you checked out Aer Lingus for your flights to Ireland ? They link up to

other internal USA airlines .

Hope this helps and DO plan & Enjoy BOTH trips as they are Both different.

 

[Rapunzellover]

Hi Rapunzellover,

As a person who travels to Florida twice a year , here is my take on your dilemma.

We live in Ireland ( Cork ) and we fly to Florida in April or early May

& we find it better to do the 2nd trip in September

This gives us a break between trips to do family trips at home and to enjoy our

Irish summer . And a trip to Europe , In July this year it was Toulouse & Spain & Andora.

We also travel to Europe at least 4 times during the October to April time.

Next trip is November 6th to The Netherlands & driving to Avesnes -Sur -Helpe in France .

Your trip is to Italy in Late May which brings you into say the 7th June
& you fly out again say 26th July 7 weeks later.

I would change the Ireland trip back to late August or early September.

Most Irish people will be on Holidays in July & August as children are off school till 1st week of September.

There is an old saying as soon as the children " Go back to School " the sun

comes out.

Remember to hold onto any unused Euros , from your Italy trip .as you need them for Ireland.

Have you checked out Aer Lingus for your flights to Ireland ? They link up to

other internal USA airlines .

Hope this helps and DO plan & Enjoy BOTH trips as they are Both different.

I unfortunately can only do these times if I want to do both trips; I only have very specific vacation time (gotta work to pay for my trips, right?).

I've decided: I'm just gonna go for it. Thanks for your help and advice everyone!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I absolutely would 2 ABDs in one summer. I am considering it for next year. We have June 24th Australia booked and I am toying with booking a trip to London for dd, ds (he graduates college in 2015 and it could be our last trip together) and myself without a tour group or doing one of the Nashville ABDs. I have to see if my dd really wants to go to camp this summer before committing to the Nashville ABD.

Cousin Orville did 2 ABDs last summer - China and Europe if memory serves me correct.

Go for it!

 

[Cousin Orville]

I did China and a DCL Med cruise this past summer. I have a Backstage Magic coming up in December followed by a trip to Prague. It's just a personal decision. It helps that ABD requires the least work and planning which I appreciate a lot nowadays. I kind of wish my Prague trip was an ABD.

 

[Calfan]

I kind of wish my Prague trip was an ABD.

Cousin Orville, you will love Prague! We did 4 days on our own before the Central Europe ABD, and it really didn't take that much planning. I used the Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Prague to rough out our days, and it worked out great. We did two day trips: one to Karlstjen Castle which we did on our own by train and one to Kutna Hora, which we did through The Prague Experience. If it makes you feel better, I think I enjoyed the on our own time in Prague more than the actual ABD, although the ABD was a really great trip.

 

[Cousin Orville]

Cousin Orville, you will love Prague! We did 4 days on our own before the Central Europe ABD, and it really didn't take that much planning. I used the Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Prague to rough out our days, and it worked out great. We did two day trips: one to Karlstjen Castle which we did on our own by train and one to Kutna Hora, which we did through The Prague Experience. If it makes you feel better, I think I enjoyed the on our own time in Prague more than the actual ABD, although the ABD was a really great trip.

Thanks for the tip. I have all our hotels booked and transportation between the cities (also visiting Vienna and Budapest) but that's about it. We're mainly there for atmosphere during Christmas time, so it will be great no matter what. Nevertheless, I do need to pick up my guide books and get organized.

 

[kristilew]

Cousin Orville, It is soooo easy to do Prague on your own. Definitely a place I would have been talking to myself if I'd spent the money for ABD. ( of course, I wouldn't pay for the Nashville trip either, and others would. To each their own ).

Anyway, I wandered all over all by my lone during the day, and with DH (there for work) in the evenings and loved every minute. If you like beer, you will be in heaven. So many awesome, non tourist, places brew their own basically right in front of you. I can't wait to go back!

 

[carpenta]

Cousin Orville, It is soooo easy to do Prague on your own. Definitely a place I would have been talking to myself if I'd spent the money for ABD. ( of course, I wouldn't pay for the Nashville trip either, and others would. To each their own ).

Anyway, I wandered all over all by my lone during the day, and with DH (there for work) in the evenings and loved every minute. If you like beer, you will be in heaven. So many awesome, non tourist, places brew their own basically right in front of you. I can't wait to go back!

I agree. Prague is a wonderful city that offers many tours that can be booked at your front hotel desk. They even come pick you up at your hotel. Budapest is also an easy city to explore on your own. Very walkable. People are very friendly and many historic places like the Opera House and Zoo. Loved both. Vienna also can be traveled by street car and walking. Great food also.

 

[sayhello]

Cousin Orville, you will love Prague! We did 4 days on our own before the Central Europe ABD, and it really didn't take that much planning. I used the Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Prague to rough out our days, and it worked out great. We did two day trips: one to Karlstjen Castle which we did on our own by train and one to Kutna Hora, which we did through The Prague Experience. If it makes you feel better, I think I enjoyed the on our own time in Prague more than the actual ABD, although the ABD was a really great trip.

Cousin Orville, It is soooo easy to do Prague on your own. Definitely a place I would have been talking to myself if I'd spent the money for ABD. ( of course, I wouldn't pay for the Nashville trip either, and others would. To each their own ).

Anyway, I wandered all over all by my lone during the day, and with DH (there for work) in the evenings and loved every minute. If you like beer, you will be in heaven. So many awesome, non tourist, places brew their own basically right in front of you. I can't wait to go back!

I agree. Prague is a wonderful city that offers many tours that can be booked at your front hotel desk. They even come pick you up at your hotel. Budapest is also an easy city to explore on your own. Very walkable. People are very friendly and many historic places like the Opera House and Zoo. Loved both. Vienna also can be traveled by street car and walking. Great food also.

So how many pre- and post- days would you guys recommend in Prague and Vienna? I'm starting (sort of) to think about airfare for the Central Europe ABD, and of course part of that involves how many pre- and post- days to allow for!

Sayhello

 

[kristilew]

So how many pre- and post- days would you guys recommend in Prague and Vienna? I'm starting (sort of) to think about airfare for the Central Europe ABD, and of course part of that involves how many pre- and post- days to allow for!

Sayhello

Can't say for Vienna as I haven't been there (yet!). For Prague, considering the ABD covers the central old town, you could probably do some pretty comprehensive touring in 2-3 days, if you were willing to go all day.

Even though the ABD goes to Prague Castle, I would spend a day there on your own, doing the complete audio tour. There is just so much to see. Add on a tour of Lobkowicz Palace, on the grounds. For some reason the guide books downplay this but it was a highlight of the trip. Check the times and wander to the front of the Castle complex for a changing of the guard ceremony. Eat lunch in one of the little cafes. For the full tour, you can also explore the beautiful old hunting grounds if you are so inclined. If you start first thing, you should be done around 2 or 3 and can spend the rest of the day in the Hradcany district. From the front of the Castle complex, walk about 10 minutes up Loretanska and tour the Loreto. You can then backtrack and go down the old castle steps, stopping in all the little shops and ending up along the river (and in an area where you can see many other sights if you're not exhausted.)

On another day, I would tour the Josefov, or Jewish quarter. There is another audio tour, this one taking you around to the different synagogues (including the one where the legend of the Golem originates!), the Jewish cemetery, and various memorials. It is incredibly moving. You can do this area in a long morning or an afternoon. I did it in a morning then had lunch and spent the afternoon at the Museum of Decorative Arts in the same general area. Looking at all the beautiful fashion lightened my mood after a somber morning.

Those are the two biggies. Everything else I did could be summed up as "poking around." If you wanted to spend an extra day or two doing the same, I'll be happy to share ideas and pictures. (maybe on a new thread? I feel like I've hijacked Rapunzellover's original one!)

I will add that everyone spoke English and no one bothered me walking around by myself. I wish I could fly over and do your predays with you!

 

[carpenta]

I agree with Kristilew, Prague is a great city where you could fill 3 days full of tours and exploring. There are many, many day tours available from your hotel that run from art to Nazi occupation. Everyone does speak English quite well. Vienna is also an historic city where you can tour the summer and winter palaces and reach both by trolley car. A couple days at least IMO. Budapest is wonderful and was so easy to navigate and explore. The world famous baths are something you could partake along with an opera and they also have a casino if that is what you wish to do. Hungary has their own money which I found was a positive exchange rate in our favor and helped us feel like big spenders. Budapest has a large indoor market that you can take in all the foods and drinks along with local items such as paprika. Oh boy now I'm hungry for Hungarian food.....[/I]

 

[sayhello]

Thanks, kristilew & carpenta. I do love a city that's wanderable. I think I will start a new thread, so we're not hijacking Repunzellover's thread any more. I wonder if I have the power to copy these last few posts to a new thread...

Sayhello