Long before I visited a movie theater to see “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” I dreamt of strolling along the streets of Paris and exploring all that Italy had to offer. In fact, I had even completed preliminary research for a European honeymoon, but alas, we ended up getting married in Hawaii and honeymooning there. As it stands now, my dreams of taking a European holiday are permanently on hold, especially since we now have a young daughter who would rather visit Elmo than the Eiffel Tower.
While we are in Elmoland a new survey found more than 64% of all travelers will be visiting Europe this year (up from 62% in 2006). A leading travel website, which conducted the survey of more than 2,800 travelers worldwide also found that 50% of Americans plan to go to Europe in 2007, compared to 45% last year. Apparently a great deal of travelers believe the adage that “there’s nothing like Paris in the spring” because 42% of travelers claim they plan to travel to “The City of Light” this spring.
Not surprising, according to those surveyed Paris is the favorite all-time European city, the most romantic European city and the best European city for arts and culture. However, survey respondents also ranked the French hotspot as the most “overrated” European city, and voted the French as the unfriendliest hosts.
Travelers taking the survey voted London as their second favorite all-time European destination, and ranked it as the best family-friendly European city. Respondents also said that it was their favorite European city to go shopping. But, if you are looking for out of this world bargains, survey respondents recommend heading to Prague. The city also tied with Edinburgh as the most “underrated” European city and was named the top city in Eastern Europe to visit this year.
If you are looking to eat your way through Europe seasoned travelers say to start in Italy, which was voted as having the best cuisine in Europe. According to survey respondents, France was second and Spain third for providing visitors with the world’s best palette pleasing dishes.
Finally, the survey found Dublin, Ireland was home to the friendliest and most helpful locals. London finished second among the worldwide survey, but is regarded the friendliest according to Americans. Conversely, the greatest number of travelers surveyed (32%) said the Germans were the most unpleasant while traveling on vacation/holiday, followed by the English and the French.
Do you agree?
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