Western Europe

Hi everyone,

The last time we saw the Dolomites—briefly—was back in 1982. Obviously, things have changed dramatically since then, as few Italian tourist spots are spared from crowds these days.

So, I have two questions:

1) When? Which period offers relatively good weather and moderate crowds? I was thinking October, but are the cable cars still running then? And what about accommodations?

2) Where? Which "must-see" spots should we skip? On the other hand, which places should we prioritize?

We’d like to do a few hikes—moderate in terms of time, distance, and elevation gain.

Thanks for your tips!

Hi there, I’m Canadian. In June 2025, I’m planning to travel to Nordkapp in Norway to start a bike trip all the way to Finistère in Spain. My plan is to take a flight to CDG, Paris, and then connect to a flight to Honningsvåg. Do you think that’s the best option? The other option would be to fly from Canada to Oslo and then connect to a flight to Honningsvåg. It seemed just as easy to go through Paris as it did to go to Oslo. Maybe there are other ways besides flying to get to Honningsvåg. I could also have the option to go directly to Nordkapp. Any possible options would help me plan my trip better so I can start my bike journey from Nordkapp. VéloAcadien. Paul 😉

Hi there, I’m posting this because I can’t decide. We’d like to travel in mid-October to explore a Nordic destination. We’ll have 6 full days on-site. I’m torn between the Faroe Islands and Lofoten... What about the weather and the cost of accommodation? My budget is a maximum of 120 € per night. I don’t want to rush but take the time to explore just one part of these islands and avoid running around too much. The Faroe Islands might be pricier and less lively. Lofoten requires more flight connections... In terms of landscapes and 6-day hikes, could you share your feedback?

My request is a bit vague.

Thanks for reading!

Penelope

Hi there, I’m heading to Tromsø for a few days in March. I’d love to do a northern lights tour, go on a trip to see orcas, and learn more about Sami culture. Any excursions you’d recommend?

I’m also looking for info on local accommodation—Airbnb’s an option, but if you’ve got other suggestions, I’m all ears!

Thanks for your tips! :)

Hi, I’ll be visiting Vienna in February and I’d love recommendations for temporary exhibitions (it’s not my first trip, so I already know the museums well). Thanks!

Hi, I’m trying to plan our trip to the Azores. I’m running into a problem: can you rent a car on one island and take it to two other islands? We’d like to pick it up on São Jorge, then go to Pico, and finally Terceira, but the only price I’m seeing is 28,000 € for a week in August! If you know any rental companies that do this, I’d love to hear about them. Thanks! Aurore

Hi everyone,

I’m planning an 8-night trip to Norway in early March 2019, specifically around Tromsø and the surrounding area. I’d love to experience the Nordic winter, its vast landscapes, the northern lights, discover the local wildlife, and most of all, take some amazing photos in these magical settings.

But I’ve got a few questions, especially about how to split my nights and plan the route.

I’m planning to land in Tromsø and stay there for 2 or maybe 3 nights—so far, so good—but after that, I’m torn between the Lofoten Islands or Senja Island for the remaining nights.

The Lofoten Islands seem magical for a photography enthusiast like me, with their little harbors and steep mountains, but the downside is the distance from Tromsø, especially in winter. What do you think? Is it doable to make a round trip from Tromsø to Lofoten in a week, especially in winter (are the roads passable? Is the weather unpredictable? Is the drive worth it?)? Because ideally, I’d like to return the rental car to the same agency in Tromsø to avoid extra costs.

After doing some more research, I came across Senja Island, which some blogs call a "mini Norway." The big advantage is that it’s only a 2-hour drive from Tromsø, but is it as charming as the Lofoten Islands?

And if you’ve got any tips for this route, I’m all ears! 😛

I’d love to hear about your experiences or knowledge, and thanks in advance for your replies! 😉

Arnaud

Hi there, I’m heading to Florence soon, and since I want to visit as many museums as possible, I’m thinking of getting the Firenzecard (or Firenze Card). From what I’ve gathered online (and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong), with this card, you need to call a phone number to book a specific time slot for the Uffizi Gallery (+39 055 294883). Unfortunately, when I try calling this number from my mobile, I get a message saying the number “is no longer in service.” Has anyone else run into this? Could it be an issue with my phone plan, or has the number changed? Thanks in advance for your help. w.

Hi everyone, I’m really torn. I’m planning a trip for my girlfriend and I can’t decide between these three European cities: Athens, Lisbon, and Valencia. I’m eagerly waiting for your replies—help me out!!😅😅

Hi there, I’m planning my first solo trip after watching some coaching videos that say it’s great for personal growth (independence, self-confidence, socializing, etc.).

I’d like to start with a weekend in Amsterdam in a few months.

But I’m wondering—should I follow a pre-made itinerary like the ones in *Lonely Planet* to keep stress low for my first solo weekend, or should I plan my own route by picking the places I want to visit and activities that interest me, then connecting them with Google Maps to build my independence?

Because that’s really the skill I want to work on most during this trip.

The thing is, if I go with the second option, I’m worried I’ll panic trying to find my way once I’m there. So now I’m stuck in a dilemma.

Also, about youth hostels—how far in advance should I book?

Thanks!

Hi! I’m an amateur photographer and I dream of photographing the Venice Carnival. I’m not really much of a partygoer, so I’m wondering how I’d feel at this event—I’m afraid I might feel a bit like an intruder... I know I’m overthinking it since hundreds of photographers go there. How did you feel about it? Thanks!

I'd love to know if any of you travelers have been to Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. Is there a bus station that serves the main cities? Where can I find information and schedules? Is there a train station that serves the main cities? Where can I find the information and schedules? Thanks for your tips!

Hi there, I’m planning our next (pricey) trip to Norway. It’ll be a road trip with accommodations either in Airbnbs or hotels. I’ve been dreaming of going to the LOFOTEN for ages, but I don’t want to skip the big fjords either (Geiranger, Flam, Bergen, Stavanger). So to combine both, I thought of doing a round trip from Trondheim to Stamsund with Hurtigruten and spending 4 nights in the southern LOFOTEN. The fares are so steep that I don’t think I can do more. The coastal road is certainly beautiful up to BODØ, but with the stops to plan, it ends up costing as much as taking the boat—plus the fatigue and extra kilometers. Has anyone taken the Coastal Express with their vehicle from TRONDHEIM to STAMSUND?

Hi, I need to take a trip to Madeira from November 16th to 23rd and I'm looking for tips and advice. Thanks

Hi, Any suggestions for a traditional Austrian restaurant in Vienna (Austria)? Thanks in advance, Jc

Hi, Does anyone know if there are several car rental agencies at the port of La Estaca when the ferries arrive? The only one I can find is CICAR, but they're relatively expensive. All the others with reasonable prices are at the airport. Thanks, Gilles

Hi there, We have the option to go to Venice from December 31st to January 4th or 5th. But is it a good idea?

Does anyone know an easy place to park in Granada and Córdoba? Thanks

Hi there, I’ve been wanting to explore Sicily for a long time. From an all-inclusive hotel so I don’t have to change accommodation every night, and getting around by rental car. About ten days. Which spot would be best to stay so I can explore without excessive driving? What are the must-see sites, knowing that Mount Etna is already my top pick? What are the key things to know about renting and driving a car (laws, speed limits, requirements in certain cities, parking, etc.)?

Hi, I’d like to plan a trip for my girlfriend at the end of February/beginning of March for 3 nights. I’m torn between Valencia and Lisbon. I’d love to hear some opinions to help me decide! 😊 Thanks in advance for your replies.

hi, I'm having trouble getting an idea of what the weather's like in this region in winter. I'm thinking of going there the first week of January after spending New Year's Day in Madrid. Is that a good idea? Is it pleasant to walk around the small towns at this time of year? And by car? thanks a lot

I'm looking for the best option to visit the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces (guided tour + tickets), because there are so many choices and I'm overwhelmed trying to pick one that's good value for money and won't rip me off. Thanks! Sandrine

Hi everyone, so happy VoyageForum is back up and running! I’m planning to explore Sardinia at the end of April and in May 2025. Could anyone tell me what the must-see spots are for this destination? I know there are tons of stunning beaches and, like everyone, I’m drawn to them. But I’m actually more interested in visits (towns, remarkable sites, curiosities) than the usual touristy spots. Looking forward to your enlightened tips!

Hello fellow travelers! My husband and I would like to spend a few weeks in Jan-Feb-Mar 2025 in Spain.☺️ Our main criteria: shopping, hiking, long walks along the sea, climate 15-24°C, easy transport, languages (French, English, or Spanish), 🥂🏌️‍♀️🚴🎾☀️🎼🏝️ We’ve already been to Marbella and Alicante. However, we don’t know these places apart from suggestions from friends who’ve visited them. 🤔 We’re thinking of renting an apartment or condo near the sea and maybe a car from time to time! We’ve visited Spain a lot and really enjoy it given the distance and climate for these months away from the cold! 😊 Looking forward to your suggestions and tips! Thanks so much! 🤗 Oh, and we’re seniors but in great shape! 💃🕺😉

Hello,

I’m starting to plan our summer 2025 trip. We’ll be traveling as a family (2 adults and 2 teens), most likely in mid-July. Here’s a first draft of our itinerary. I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this 15-day route is doable. We’ll be renting a car in Rovaniemi.

- Rovaniemi (2 nights) - Jokkmokk (1 night) - Kiruna (1 or 2 nights???) - Narvik (1 night) - Lofoten Islands (3 or 4 nights???) - Bodø (2 nights) - Return through Sweden, but where to stay between Bodø and Luleå to break up the drive????? (1 night) - Luleå (1 or 2 nights???) - Return to Rovaniemi (1 night)

What do you think of this route? I’m open to all suggestions—whether there are places to add, remove, or adjust. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a destination for a 3-4 day trip with my older kids on Nov 11. Every year we go away together in Europe for a few days, usually in the spring, but this year it wasn’t possible. In past years we’ve been to London, Amsterdam, Prague, Rome, and Lisbon. They know Spain well. I’m struggling a bit to find something since some cities aren’t (or are poorly) served by airlines at this time of year.

I just found out there are direct flights from Paris to Stockholm that aren’t too expensive, so I was wondering if it’s a destination worth the cost at this time of year?

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Caroline

Hi everyone,

It’s all in the title—we’re planning to travel with three of us: my wife, our 2-year-old baby, and myself for Christmas in Portugal. Is this a good idea? We don’t have much time to figure out everything we can do or visit. We were thinking of flying into Porto, staying there for 2 or 3 days, and then traveling by train to either Lisbon or Faro—I’m not sure yet. Book 2 nights for the arrival and then decide the rest once we’re there. Will we manage without a car? I’d love all your tips! 🙂

Richard