[salukigirl]

well for my 21st birthday my mom has always wanted to take me to las vegas. but im not much into gambling and would rather go somewhere ive always wanted to go. there are 3 places I have always been fascinated with: Russia, Germany and Ireland. Ireland, mostly because thats where my family is from and I have always wanted to go. I have only been outside the US once and that was on a cruise to the Bahamas. Has anyone ever been to germany or ireland? We don't know when the best time to go would be. We dont want to go over the summer or christmas because it would be too touristy and too expensive. We want to go for about a week. Our birthdays are only like a week apart so were combining birthday presents lol. My bday is late august and his is early september. Does that sound like a good time to travel?

[RozG]

i think late august would be a good time to visit ireland....the weather starts getting a bit icky from september on.

[Perna]

I did Switzerland in mid- to late-September and it was great. Before we went we took a German course from a native speaker who'd only been in the U.S. a couple years and, since it was German, we learned mostly about Germany. But I'd think September would be good for Germany.

http://www.visitireland.com/aboutireland/weather.asp

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/c...ml?tt=TT003650

[salukigirl]

ive taken german for 6 years so im good in that aspect. i think that will be a good time too. probably go to dusseldorf. there is an aquazoo there and tons of museums plus its really close to the rhine.

[splitimage]

I've been to Ireland twice and love it. Dublin has to be one of the best cities on the planet. It's really easy to get around in, and most of the major touristy type stuff is within walking distance of each other. Just be sure to bring an umbrella - it rains a lot. If you want to do a road trip around various parts of Ireland that's cool too. The Giant's Causeway is this really awesome rock formation that's amazing to see.

I haven't been to Germany.

I have been to Russia, if you decide to go there, definitely go with a tour company. I was there about 5 years ago so maybe it's improved a bit, but the lack of infrastructure is pretty appalling. And corruption is pretty high. But lots of fascinating historical things to see.

--splitimage

[salukigirl]

thanks splitimage. that helps a lot. my family is from dublin so thats my main reason for wanting to go there. i guess im into going places with lots of stuff to do. jason is into going somewhere where he can just lay around. so id like to find a middle ground

[Timgt5]

I have been to both, I really love Irelend, its topography is so gorgeous, so a beautifully sweet and romantic kind of place, plus the pubs can't be beat

TJ

[salukigirl]

maybe well just keep it in the continent and save the rest that we would have spent. its awfully expensive. the cheapest weve found it still about a grand a person. maybe l.a. or something. who knows well figure something out. we need a vacation! lol

[jbug]

My sister lives in Germany and in the summer its really hot and they don't have air conditioning so keep that in mind.

I've been to Russia and went with a tour company and had a blast. I agree with the other poster that said if you do go to Russia go with a tour company.

Jbug