Has anyone been...

[Russ Greaves]

to Iceland (the country) or somewhere inside the arctic circle?

I want to get away in late October for a few days and go somewhere I wouldn't necessarily go for my main holiday.

The arctic circle came to mind as I neglected to take up the opportunity to experience it when I was in Norway as it just didn't fit in with my plans.

However, I'm open to any other suggestions, which should factor in that my girlfriend will be with me.

[Russ Greaves]

change of plan. Latest idea is fly to Zadar and visit Plitvice National Park:

[Russ Greaves]

Or Budapest?

Failing that, is Morocco worth a visit?

[Bendigeidfran]

HAS ANYONE BEEN ANYWHERE??? EVER?!

[Russ Greaves]

Pretty much. I value recommendations, if anyone has any.

Just got back from Malta. Wouldn't recommend it, but wouldn't, erm....unrecommend it.

[Bendigeidfran]

I gotta be honest, Uganda had loads of nice places to visit. If you don't mind travelling a bit (lot), and don't mind getting stared at a bit (lot), then it's a beautiful place. It's not all 3rd world poverty

[Mark Peters’ Bonce of Power]

A mate of mine reckons Iceland is the best place he's ever been, that's all I know.

[rocky]

The Arctic Circle in late October? I assume you and your girlfriend are experienced dogsledders. My only experiences are in Norway and Sweden, both with rather severe weather conditions, and they weren't particularly romantic (but beautiful, nonetheless).

Iceland in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and is great for travelling and backpacking, with good transport links, lots of hiking trails, and most locals speak at least some English. But I've only done that during summertime. The weather tends to be fairly similar to northern Scotland, so you'll take your chances in late October.

[Russ Greaves]

That's why I've gone from the arctic circle to Morocco. I could handle the weather, but not the frosty reaction I'd get from my missus!

[El Goodo]

... to Istanbul?

I absolutely loved Budapest. I'd recommend it to anyone, particularly for a long weekend type thing.

[imp566]

How would you compare Budapest with Prague? Loved Prague when I went a couple of years back, have thought about going to Budapest next.

[habbinite]

Here's some nice views of Iceland to give you a flavour.....

[Russ Greaves]

Budapest is topping the list at the moment because the deals on offer are so damn cheap.

[El Goodo]

It's cheap when you're there too.

If you enjoyed Prague (the more cultural aspects of it that is) then you'll definitely get along with Budapest. I thought both were great but Budapest was my favourite of the two.

I went to Sweden in December. Cold doesn't bother me (which was lucky as it was around -15 at night) & it's absolutely beautiful at that time of year, no tourists so some of the stuff you might like to do might not be possible as they do shut some things down over the winter period. They love Christmas over there too which always makes it a really great atmosphere at that time of year.

Iceland I can't recommend highly enough either. Reykjavik is up there with Berlin & Budapest as my favourite cities I've been to.

With a girlfriend though I'd be weary of Sweden/Iceland/Scandanavia in general at that time of year. Not been to Morocco or Croatia so can't comment on those but from that list, Budapest would be my recommendation.

[cambcam]

A few relevant posts from a thread back in March -


Quite fancy a bash at Malta myself having read a couple of books on the events that took place there during WW2. But I'm a little put off by the 'Englishness' if that makes sense? I'd be interested to know if that perception is wrong, what sort of 'feel' does it have?

Anyway, I was in Morroco last week and what a stonking place that is. That might well tick a lot of your boxes Russ. Fabulous weather, plenty for the culture vultures and the incredible melting-pot that is Marrakech.

Had a much more Arabic/Middle-Eastern feel to it than I expected, and was a pleasant change from the normal mediterranean stuff. Throw in the incredible Atlas mountains and it's a place that takes some beating.

However, it might be easier to get a light ale and good portion of chips in Malta though.



Joined: Jan 2011
Gender: Male
Posts: 3,131
Re: Has anyone been to...
« Reply #13 on Mar 27, 2012, 3:07pm »
Morroco was my first choice but her indoors was worried about the unwanted attention female westerners get.

Having looked into Malta a bit more, I'm excited by the prospect now.
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Re: Has anyone been to...
« Reply #14 on Mar 27, 2012, 6:34pm »
Can't say we experienced that, but I keep telling the missus she's a bit of a minger

Joking aside, that wasn't a problem, but the general unwanted attention became a bit of a pain in the arse. You certainly have to have your wits about you in Marrakech and shaking off hangers-on became an art form. Some people felt intimidated and uncomfortable, but be adventurous and embrace it and it rewards you like never before.

I had a haircut and cut-throat razor shave for about £4 which was superb, and loved being sat there in the heat taking in the sounds and smells - a strangely enjoyable mix of spices and moped exhaust fumes. As mentioned the Atlas mountains are sensational and such is the diversity of the place you can pick the bits you want to make it perfect for you. I can only imagine what the heat must be like in the summer so that of course is something to consider.

Just NEVER do anything without fixing a price first and you won't go far wrong. It's very much out of the comfort zone - if you enjoy the thrill of that then fantastic, if not then leave well alone. Each to their own, it is a holiday after all.


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