Italy or Hawaii??

[Deleted]

We are trying to decide on a trip for the spring. I absolutely love Italy and my H has never been, he has also never been to Hawaii.

I have some concerns about Italy due to a back issue and I'm afraid that all walking will be a big issue for me.

In my mind I'm trying to find a back-up plan and thought maybe Hawaii would be a good substitute.

We have about 10 days.

Any other suggestions or thoughts would be great.

[chicago]

I vote Hawaii. Provided the back issue is something you can get in check at some point, I'd save it so you can fully enjoy it. Maybe 7 nights on Maui so you can have some adventure but less walking, followed by 3 nights on Lanai at the Four Seasons doing nothing. There's a great deal for the 4S on Living Social right now...not sure of the dates though.

Tough call, Mags. I love both for different reasons. You said H has never been to Hawaii - I'd go to an island that's new for you as well.

[basilosaurus]

Since I recently flew from Hawaii to Italy (and Spain and France), I'm not sure I can provide the best perspective

I think there could be ways of mitigating some of the walking if you're willing to spend money on taxis and stuff. I'm way too cheap in general, but I wouldn't be hesitant to spend the money if I was in pain.

[Deleted]

I'm not worried about spending the money on cabs and stuff, but even minimizing the walking to get to the location then you have the waiting in lines and walking around the attraction. I do not want to make it miserable for my H. In Disney this year I was in a wheelchair half the time.

We spend so much time on the islands of the carribean that I was really looking forward to Italy...but now as it gets closer im worried...

[cricketwife]

Have you been to Hawaii? It's really different than the Caribbean. They are both so wonderful and so different that it's hard to choose. But it seems like you're really worried about being comfortable in Italy in which case I'd definitely choose Hawaii. Plus, is being in the water therapeutic for you? That would be another reason to do Hawaii (not that you can't hit Italian beaches, but that's probably not why you'd pick Italy)

[Deleted]

I have been many years ago...I wasn't comparing the carribean to Hawaii, just that we do many island type vacations.
Yes, the water is very good for me
I guess I just feel like I'll be letting him down by not doing Italy..he was so looking forward to it. I was trying to find something equally awesome for him

[jerseygrl]

I've never been to Italy but want to go so badly!

We went to Maui for our honeymoon and it was amazing.

We stayed in Wailea at the Grand Wailea (I think it's the Waldorf now)

It was so relaxing and low key for us.

I think it's all about what you are looking for out of this trip. Italy you may be on your feet a lot and Hawaii you can just relax.

[cricketwife]

Aug 7, 2012 8:30:32 GMT -5 mags said:

I have been many years ago...I wasn't comparing the carribean to Hawaii, just that we do many island type vacations.
Yes, the water is very good for me
I guess I just feel like I'll be letting him down by not doing Italy..he was so looking forward to it. I was trying to find something equally awesome for him

What about Greek islands? Could be a nice alternative? I promise that whatever you pick, your H will be happiest if you are comfortable. Back pain is misery and being with someone suffering from back pain is also not fun.

[Deleted]

I thought about Greece as well...I will look a bit more into it...thanks.

[mdgirl]

Are you OK riding in a car? The Big Island is pretty darn impressive (11 of the 13 climate zones on Earth, black sand, lots of turtles, Volcanoes National Park, lots of ancient Hawaiian history, beautiful hotels, stunning waterfalls) but it's truly large so there can be a lot of driving.

[Deleted]

I can do a couple of hours in a car...2 hrs is doable..in and out of the car would be good...standing and sitting...
We would probably do big island and maui maybe?

[shorty20]

I would pick Italy, but only because I've already been to Hawaii, but not to Italy. I love Hawaii though, so I don't think you can go wrong with either trip.

That wasn't much help, I know

[phillyrunner]

Could you do a more relaxing Italy trip? Instead of going to the bigger cities that require a ton of walking could you maybe do a week in a tuscan villa or some time on the amalfi coast?

[mdgirl]

Aug 7, 2012 10:46:42 GMT -5 mags said:

I can do a couple of hours in a car...2 hrs is doable..in and out of the car would be good...standing and sitting...
We would probably do big island and maui maybe?

That basically describes driving on the BI. There are lots of opportunities to stop and see things (that don't involve a ton of walking). I personally am not that big of a fan of Maui. Kauai is great and I personally love Oahu although I know it's not everyone's thing, but I usually do a lot of walking there. If your husband is at all into history it might be something to consider, though (only royal palace in the U.S., the Arizona, Cemetery of the Pacific).

[gt7301b]

You don't have to spend a lot of time waiting in lines in Italy. In Rome and Venice I was able to book reservations online or use Rick Steeves' tricks for getting tickets. I wasn't able to access the Academia website to buy tickets for David, but you can call and get a reservation.

My way of planning for a trip like that is to see if I can get a screaming deal to one of my top choices and let that make the decision for me.

[allibally]

Aug 7, 2012 15:54:19 GMT -5 phillyrunner said:

Could you do a more relaxing Italy trip? Instead of going to the bigger cities that require a ton of walking could you maybe do a week in a tuscan villa or some time on the amalfi coast?

This is my thinking too. Plus with 10 days you could break it up. Start with a short city tour 2 days, 5 days relaxing, 2 days city tour.

[ktkl09]

When are you planning to go?

I love both, but right now I'd choose Hawaii (maybe because Italy is only 3 hours away).

[Deleted]

After much consideration we have decided to go to hawaii.
I just feel it will be better and less stress than italy right now.
Now we have to decide which islands.

[blackkitty]

The best part of Italy is the food
The best part of Hawaii is everything! I vote for Hawaii