Looking to escape? Here are two recent trips local readers took to the Vienna and Ireland. Check them out, then find more reader travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/.
AUSTRIA: Six weeks in Central Europe led Santa Cruz residents Sean and Elizabeth Seman on a wonderful journey through Prague, Germany and Austria. Elizabeth had her heart stolen by Vienna, Austria. “A train ride away, the romance of Vienna awaits,” she said. “Can’t you imagine Freud at the cafes and Sisi (Empress Elisabeth of Austria) dancing in the Habsburg jewels or sharing apfelstrudel at the Albertina? It’s immense and ravishing.” Elizabeth recommends checking out Schoenbrunn Palace to learn about the lives of the imperial Habsburgs, Hofburg Palace to see the Habsburg jewelry collection, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Ringstrasse.
TRAVEL TIP: “Plan for shops and restaurants to be closed on Sundays,” she said. “Travel light, have extra local currency on the go, plan an extra day in most cities, engage with the locals: sample local delicacies, learn a greeting in each language, greeting folks warmly as you enter each establishment. Above all make time for fun, lots of walking and for music!”
IRELAND: El Cerrito residents Harry and Michele Harrison “had a blast touring with our family for 10 days with our clan celebrating our 60th birthdays,” Harry said. The family group included sons Shea and Harbor with their long-time girlfriends, Gabby Wolak and Ashley Andersen.
TRAVEL TIP: “Make your way to Galway and stop in Athlone along the way,” he said. “Check out Howth to the east and Belfast to the north to Giant’s Causeway. There are castles, cliffs, cathedrals and so much rich history. Dublin in town is full of music, food, pubs and excitement, dawn to dusk.”
El Cerrito residents Harry and Michele Harrison, from left, visited Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher with their extended family, including San Diego residents Gabby Wolak and Shea Harrison and Portland’s Harbor Harrison and Ashley Anderson. (Courtesy of the Harrison family)
Join the fun! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to [email protected]. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow readers go there, too.