I was listening to a travel podcast in which the hosts debated where a first time visitor to Europe should go first; and Amsterdam was their answer :smoke:.
No, not really; it's an hour long podcast so it was mostly hemming and hawing about the highlights of Europe. Anyhow I was wondering what you'd recommend to a first time visitor to your country.
I'd recommend a first time visitor to the United States see New York City; it's a good introduction to the Irish, Italians, Jews, Hispanics, religious nuts and political fanatics that make up this country. (For similar reasons I'd recommend a first time visitor to Latin America see Miami.)
Washington DC, I'd think.
Quote from: Savonarola on July 15, 2019, 03:13:50 PM
I was listening to a travel podcast in which the hosts debated where a first time visitor to Europe should go first; and Amsterdam was their answer :smoke:.
No, not really; it's an hour long podcast so it was mostly hemming and hawing about the highlights of Europe. Anyhow I was wondering what you'd recommend to a first time visitor to your country.
I'd recommend a first time visitor to the United States see New York City; it's a good introduction to the Irish, Italians, Jews, Hispanics, religious nuts and political fanatics that make up this country. (For similar reasons I'd recommend a first time visitor to Latin America see Miami.)
Link, out of curiosity?
As for the Amsterdam answer... :rolleyes: I'd have guessed that London, Paris or Rome would be their choice, but Amsterdam...oh well.
As for Spain, undoubtly Madrid and/or Barcelona.
This is going to be mostly capitals right? Paris for France, obviously. But then, nearly all tourists go there first and then it's only Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Castles and the French Riviera mostly.
As for Portugal, I'd say Porto but I suspect Lisbon could work too. ;)
PS: please no discovery of Portugal starting by the lobster-faced Brit-occupied Algarve!
Quote from: The Larch on July 15, 2019, 03:47:25 PM
Link, out of curiosity?
El Souvenir| Viajes (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/el-souvenir-viajes/id1234275486)
I'd have to know what they're interested in. But then again, if they haven't done their homework, what's the point?
So probably Amsterdam, then at least they won't get in my way :P
Sail down the Mississippi like Huck did.
First, you need about 3 months to see the place properly - the list of what they should see is long.
No need to see Vancouver, they've already been to Amsterdam.
Area 51. Hopefully they would go and tell us what is there. :area52:
The best part of my 3-day weekend trip to Amsterdam was the day we got so bored and decided to go to Brussels.
I'd say to visit Washington DC, as someone else also said. I've been there a couple times and the various museums are fantastic places to visit.
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on July 15, 2019, 03:59:02 PM
This is going to be mostly capitals right?
Not for Canada. :)
I have no idea if you're going to say just one location in a country as big as Canada...
But definitely not one of the cities. Not Toronto, not Vancouver.
Screw it - I'm going to say Dawson City, Yukon. The Klondike. :cool:
New York City
After that Hollywood. Then National Parks
Quote from: Valmy on July 15, 2019, 09:27:21 PM
New York City
After that Hollywood. Then National Parks
As a foreigner who visited your country, I would agree with NYC or the (South Western) National Parks, but Hollywood? Los Angeles is an ugly mess and there is nothing to see in Hollywood. Definitely not on the list of my suggestions for the US.
Chicago, maybe.
Quote from: Zoupa on July 15, 2019, 08:10:52 PM
The best part of my 3-day weekend trip to Amsterdam was the day we got so bored and decided to go to Brussels.
:lol:
For Austria, Vienna seems like a logical choice, because that's where pretty much 70+% of tourist attractions are - museums, palaces etc. If that's your jam, Vienna it is.
That said, I don't think it gives an impression of "typical" Austria. Vienna is much more cosmopolitan than most of Austria, and the mountains are a ways off.
Salzburg would be an obvious alternative candidate with its picturesque old town, and the medieval fortress nesting on the hill. Also: mountains nearby. However, you can't make a step without stumbling over other tourists.
I think my recommendation would be a toss up between Innsbruck and Graz. Innsbruck has the mountain vista and is generally representative of the mountainous, more conservative parts of Austria. Graz is in Styria, "the green heart" of Austria - beautiful countryside with rolling hills, and a smaller, progressive town with a huge student presence considering its size, but still retaining its historical charm.
Yeah, I have the same feeling about NYC. It's one of the world's great cities, but not really representative of America. For instance, they have a useful mass transit system. Madness.
To be representative, a city would have to be bland and generic. NYC would be my first pick.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 16, 2019, 12:59:24 AM
To be representative, a city would have to be bland and generic. Des Moines would be my first pick.
FYP.
For England it would have to be London.........boring!......but it would be very strange to start anywhere else.
For USA I would nominate the road-trip. I really enjoyed mine (thanks katmai :cool: ) and there is the space to do it properly.
Edinburgh.
Pretty and touristy yet real and British.
If I meet another person who upon me saying I'm from the UK start talking about their trip to London I shall stick them.
Quote from: Tyr on July 16, 2019, 05:08:06 AM
Edinburgh.
Pretty and touristy yet real and British.
If I meet another person who upon me saying I'm from the UK start talking about their trip to London I shall stick them.
Edinburgh as a first time in UK? I like it but I don't think that makes any sense...as a person who doesn't despise London. ;)
I'm not sure if I'd associate Edinburgh with Britishness. :lol: :bowler:
Quote from: Savonarola on July 15, 2019, 04:00:21 PM
Quote from: The Larch on July 15, 2019, 03:47:25 PM
Link, out of curiosity?
El Souvenir| Viajes (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/el-souvenir-viajes/id1234275486)
I was not expecting mexicans. :lol:
It would have to be London, you'll find something to your taste there.
Depending on remaining time, you'll probably be based there to, so maybe a couple of day trips or overnights to other picturesque cities, perhaps take the train to Edinburgh and enjoy the countryside on the way.
Oh and a day trip to Oxford, easy coaches, a fair few tourists but worth it for the museums.
Don't do the cheap day trip to Stonehenge/Salisbury and then on to Bath, too many tourists in the exact same small locations.
Alternatively why not do a train journey to Brighton to enjoy the reinvigorated English seaside, short distance from London.
Quote from: Barrister on July 15, 2019, 09:13:57 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on July 15, 2019, 03:59:02 PM
This is going to be mostly capitals right?
Not for Canada. :)
I have no idea if you're going to say just one location in a country as big as Canada...
But definitely not one of the cities. Not Toronto, not Vancouver.
Screw it - I'm going to say Dawson City, Yukon. The Klondike. :cool:
It's a good choice.
We have different types of wilderness.
I think Saguenay Fjord is pretty suitable. Only Fjord outside of Norway, Whales, Forests, Poutine.
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal. I'd choose one of those based on the individual and, because Canada is so big, whereabouts in N America they were.
But I am a hard core city slicker. :sleep:
Quote from: Barrister on July 15, 2019, 09:13:57 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on July 15, 2019, 03:59:02 PM
This is going to be mostly capitals right?
Not for Canada. :)
I have no idea if you're going to say just one location in a country as big as Canada...
But definitely not one of the cities. Not Toronto, not Vancouver.
Screw it - I'm going to say Dawson City, Yukon. The Klondike. :cool:
For Canada, I'd say a canoe trip to Algonquin Park.
Reasonably accessible, gives a taste of the wilderness that inspired some of the most iconic Canadian artists without excessive travel from civilization (that is, Toronto. :D ).
Quote from: Zoupa on July 15, 2019, 08:10:52 PM
The best part of my 3-day weekend trip to Amsterdam was the day we got so bored and decided to go to Brussels.
That more or less happened to me when I went there :D
Quote from: Zanza on July 15, 2019, 11:10:56 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 15, 2019, 09:27:21 PM
New York City
After that Hollywood. Then National Parks
As a foreigner who visited your country, I would agree with NYC or the (South Western) National Parks, but Hollywood? Los Angeles is an ugly mess and there is nothing to see in Hollywood. Definitely not on the list of my suggestions for the US.
Yeah, I skipped LA altogether. About the only thing I would find interesting there is JPL. The parks, OTOH are absolutely gorgeous.
Also, I wish I would've stayed at NYC for a bit. Alas, no time.
As for Spain, I would say Andalucía, starting from Granada.
Quote from: mongers on July 16, 2019, 06:38:35 AM
It would have to be London, you'll find something to your taste there.
Depending on remaining time, you'll probably be based there to, so maybe a couple of day trips or overnights to other picturesque cities, perhaps take the train to Edinburgh and enjoy the countryside on the way.
Oh and a day trip to Oxford, easy coaches, a fair few tourists but worth it for the museums.
Don't do the cheap day trip to Stonehenge/Salisbury and then on to Bath, too many tourists in the exact same small locations.
Alternatively why not do a train journey to Brighton to enjoy the reinvigorated English seaside, short distance from London.
When family and I visited the UK some 25 years ago now, I think we did it right...a few days in London, drive up around throughout Wales, and a train trip up through York to Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, I've been living over here about 9 months and haven't been down to visit London yet. :sleep:
Quote from: Malthus on July 16, 2019, 08:58:05 AM
Quote from: Barrister on July 15, 2019, 09:13:57 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on July 15, 2019, 03:59:02 PM
This is going to be mostly capitals right?
Not for Canada. :)
I have no idea if you're going to say just one location in a country as big as Canada...
But definitely not one of the cities. Not Toronto, not Vancouver.
Screw it - I'm going to say Dawson City, Yukon. The Klondike. :cool:
For Canada, I'd say a canoe trip to Algonquin Park.
Reasonably accessible, gives a taste of the wilderness that inspired some of the most iconic Canadian artists without excessive travel from civilization (that is, Toronto. :D ).
Definitely Vancouver - and especially the local mountains, Deep Cove (especially a kayak up Indian Arm), and I would instruct them to definitely not do what BB did when he was here. Whistler is a must see. The Chief in Squamish. A trip to the Okanagan valley. Then up North along the coast then over to Tofino and then down to Victoria. That is the first two weeks. Quebec is another two weeks at least. The Maritimes are another week or two. Ontario has so many things to see it is hard to think about how one squeezes that trip into this one. Best to skip the fly over provinces. :P
Quote from: crazy canuck on July 16, 2019, 03:22:28 PM
Definitely Vancouver - and especially the local mountains, Deep Cove (especially a kayak up Indian Arm), and I would instruct them to definitely not do what BB did when he was here. Whistler is a must see. The Chief in Squamish. A trip to the Okanagan valley. Then up North along the coast then over to Tofino and then down to Victoria. That is the first two weeks. Quebec is another two weeks at least. The Maritimes are another week or two. Ontario has so many things to see it is hard to think about how one squeezes that trip into this one. Best to skip the fly over provinces. :P
:D
Actually - I visited Tofino some years ago; it was indeed awesome. Walks among the giant trees and soaking in a hot spring (we flew to a more remote park) were highlights, plus staying on a houseboat and seeing whales by day and phosphorescent plankton by night - well worth the trip.
All we saw of Vancouver that trip was the airport though. :(
Quote from: Malthus on July 16, 2019, 03:33:07 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on July 16, 2019, 03:22:28 PM
Definitely Vancouver - and especially the local mountains, Deep Cove (especially a kayak up Indian Arm), and I would instruct them to definitely not do what BB did when he was here. Whistler is a must see. The Chief in Squamish. A trip to the Okanagan valley. Then up North along the coast then over to Tofino and then down to Victoria. That is the first two weeks. Quebec is another two weeks at least. The Maritimes are another week or two. Ontario has so many things to see it is hard to think about how one squeezes that trip into this one. Best to skip the fly over provinces. :P
:D
Actually - I visited Tofino some years ago; it was indeed awesome. Walks among the giant trees and soaking in a hot spring (we flew to a more remote park) were highlights, plus staying on a houseboat and seeing whales by day and phosphorescent plankton by night - well worth the trip.
All we saw of Vancouver that trip was the airport though. :(
I was going to say that I think you could have an amazing visit to BC, as long as you didn't spend any more time in Vancouver than absolutely necessary. :P
Quote from: Barrister on July 16, 2019, 03:35:36 PM
I was going to say that I think you could have an amazing visit to BC, as long as you didn't spend any more time in Vancouver than absolutely necessary. :P
Or certainly the way you spend time in cities :P
Quote from: The Larch on July 16, 2019, 06:32:13 AM
Quote from: Savonarola on July 15, 2019, 04:00:21 PM
Quote from: The Larch on July 15, 2019, 03:47:25 PM
Link, out of curiosity?
El Souvenir| Viajes (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/el-souvenir-viajes/id1234275486)
I was not expecting mexicans. :lol:
No one expects Mexicans! :ph34r: :ph34r: :ph34r:
Almost all the Spanish language podcasts I listen to are from RFI; usually an interviewer and a subject done in European Spanish. I find the bull-session format this one uses a little more challenging; and the Mexican Spanish is helpful.
Quote from: crazy canuck on July 17, 2019, 12:09:24 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 16, 2019, 03:35:36 PM
I was going to say that I think you could have an amazing visit to BC, as long as you didn't spend any more time in Vancouver than absolutely necessary. :P
Or certainly the way you spend time in cities :P
I would have thought a guy who spends his time prosecuting petty criminals and addicts would have a grand time in Vancouver. :D
Quote from: Malthus on July 17, 2019, 12:34:15 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on July 17, 2019, 12:09:24 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 16, 2019, 03:35:36 PM
I was going to say that I think you could have an amazing visit to BC, as long as you didn't spend any more time in Vancouver than absolutely necessary. :P
Or certainly the way you spend time in cities :P
I would have thought a guy who spends his time prosecuting petty criminals and addicts would have a grand time in Vancouver. :D
That is kind of the approach he took. He basically walked along one of the least attractive and most industrial roads in Vancouver, for miles, to get to a particular store he wanted to visit.
AFAIK Vancouver's main claim to distinction is supplying the locale for the film Rumble in the Bronx
Quote from: derspiess on July 16, 2019, 01:29:51 PM
Quote from: Zoupa on July 15, 2019, 08:10:52 PM
The best part of my 3-day weekend trip to Amsterdam was the day we got so bored and decided to go to Brussels.
That more or less happened to me when I went there :D
Can't really put my finger on it but I just didn't click with Amsterdam. Oh well.
Brussels was just my secret agenda and I was able to convince 4 others in our group to go with me. We had seen plenty of Amsterdam by that point anyway.
Obviously Stockholm. It's beautiful, has history and museums (including the Vasa), and typical Swedish landscapes are just outside the city along with the lovely Stockholm archipelago.
Friend's from Australia have let us know they are going to be touring Canada for two months next year - so this thread could come in handy. Need places to see in Quebec to suggest for them - so far we just have the must see locations of Montreal and Quebec City.
whale watching on the st Lawrence is fun
Quote from: HVC on July 22, 2019, 12:09:12 PM
whale watching on the st Lawrence is fun
Link?
Quote from: The Brain on July 22, 2019, 12:10:07 PM
Quote from: HVC on July 22, 2019, 12:09:12 PM
whale watching on the st Lawrence is fun
Link?
https://www.croisieresaml.com/en/plan-your-cruise/tadoussac/tout/
Tadoussac is the traditional point of departure.
I'd suggest Reykjavík and the southern part of Iceland for a first time visitor. It's a short drive from the capital to nature and volcanoes and geysers. Just be careful of the Chinese tourists.
If you want the city most representative of America, I think you go to Cincinnati, OH. It's nothing impressive as a tourist destination, but it has the right mixture of a real city w/typical American urban attributes (both culturally and politically), and has a ton of quick access to "real rural America" as well as the traditional American suburb. The Cincy Metro area I think is one of the most representative of America as a whole.
I think it'd make a crappy vacation though, especially one you flew across the Atlantic for--if someone just wanted to have an enjoyable time I'd point them to some of our national parks and such, or depending on who they were I'd advise they check out several cities. Like going Boston-->NYC-->Philly-->Baltimore-->DC would give you a good east coast experience, or at least an interesting one.