Dreaming of Europe

I love Europe. I officially caught the travel bug when I studied in Florence over the summer of 2002. Since that incredible experience, I have had an immense thirst to see more of Europe and I definitely have not seen as much as I have wanted. Don't get me wrong; I have seen a lot, and I feel lucky to have traveled as much as I have. But when you have been bitten by the travel bug, it's never enough.

Last year before I turned 29, I told Scott that all I wanted for my 30th birthday was to make a trip to Europe. I wasn't sure at the time if we could really make it happen, but I was determined. Scott has traveled abroad to Israel, but not to Europe. Not only am I thirsting to go back, but I do really want to share the experience with my husband. We have made several small trips around the US together and we are the same kind of traveler: active, curious and on-the-go. I believe that once Scott and I go to Europe together, he will understand my obsession and hopefully share the same passion as I do. I also want to make this trip while we don't have the responsbility of children.

We have been slowly but surely been saving some money, and Gypsy Lane Designs has helped put some more change in the pot. I definitely did not start a business just to go to Europe, but as my profits grew, I saw the dream of Europe become more tangible. I am giddy at the thought that this trip will really happen. Ideally we want to go this summer, (I turn 30, Scott turns 31 and we will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary) but it seems to be the most expensive time of year to travel in Europe. We may go in April over my spring break. Then there is the exciting question.... where will we travel? I love the trip planning process... there is so much anticipation, excitement, possibility while mapping out travel plans.

• My first choice is to make a return to the beautiful country I love: Italy. You can't beat the culture, the history, the food, the art, the romance. While studying there, I was able to see Florence, Rome, Venice, CinqueTerra, Siena and San Giminano. I never made it to the Almalfi Coast, and it's on my list of places I'm dying to see.
• Originally when I was gushing about my dreams of celebrating my 30th birthday abroad, I declared that I wanted to go to Italy and Greece. Every time I see pictures of the beautiful Greek Islands, the bright white buildings and the pristine blue water, I just melt a little bit. I don't think we will be able to make more than a 2 week trip, so I believe that seeing both Italy and Greece in 14 days or less will unfortunately be too much. I do vow to one day make it to Greece.
• Italy seems to be more pricey than some other Western European countries. Another option is to possibly see London, Paris and Amsterdam. I have been to London 2x before, but Scott has never been; it's an affordable hub to fly into and we can easily get around from there.
• There's so much more I want to see! Prague, Turkey, Monaco, Africa, Thailand........

I am constantly dreaming.........