Help me make a quick decision

[Anonymous]

I suddenly have about 8 days to so end with my adult child, who is a very busy grad student (who can rarely travel with me). It is early July. I am debating Quebec City (relatively short travel, better weather than here) or the Dolomites (a part of Italy I have not seen). The airfares are similar. Hotels will be more expensive in the Dolomites. My DD says either is fine.

I am older and wondered if the jet lag will interfere with my enjoyment of such a short stay in Europe. I also have a French trip booked for later in July.

Help me think through my quick decision —thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suddenly have about 8 days to so end with my adult child, who is a very busy grad student (who can rarely travel with me). It is early July. I am debating Quebec City (relatively short travel, better weather than here) or the Dolomites (a part of Italy I have not seen). The airfares are similar. Hotels will be more expensive in the Dolomites. My DD says either is fine.

I am older and wondered if the jet lag will interfere with my enjoyment of such a short stay in Europe. I also have a French trip booked for later in July.

Help me think through my quick decision —thanks.

*8 days to spend with…

[Anonymous]

for the same price I am picking Italy.

[Anonymous]

I have been to the Dolomites but not Quebec City. Is there enough to do in Quebec City for 8 days, or what else would you do there? In the Dolomites, I assume you both enjoy hiking and food - if so, you’ll have a wonderful time!

[Anonymous]

Go to Canada!

[Anonymous]

If you go to Quebec, you might want to combine Montreal and Quebec City.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you prefer the idea of QC. That’s fine, do that.

[Anonymous]

I would have the young adult choose. Have them own the decision - then it's on them to have a good time.

[Anonymous]

QC is lovely, but not for a week, even if you add Montreal, unless you also add some kind of backcountry trip.

I would pick the Dolomites. You'll have time to hit the highlights, and if you pick direct flights, I think the jet lag will be OK. And I'm someone who can never sleep on a plane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:QC is lovely, but not for a week, even if you add Montreal, unless you also add some kind of backcountry trip.

I would pick the Dolomites. You'll have time to hit the highlights, and if you pick direct flights, I think the jet lag will be OK. And I'm someone who can never sleep on a plane.

Was about to say there are no nonstops from DC to anywhere in Italy outside of Rome, but that's no longer true, United just started daily summer nonstops to Venice, about 2 hours from Cortina, 2.5 from Bolzano.

https://www.flydulles.com/dcdefenders#:~:text=Starting%20May%2022%2C%202025%2C%20United,daily%20through%20October%2024%2C%202025.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:for the same price I am picking Italy.

+1 Me too

[Anonymous]

I think that’s too long for QC unless you add a lot more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:for the same price I am picking Italy.

In July?? Hell no. I will never again set foot in Europe in July or August. Totally, impossibly overrun with the worst kind of tourists.

[Anonymous]

That’s too much time for QC but you could do the areas around it (Charlevoix Valley, St Lawrence River, maybe head over to Montreal for several days[which is my preferred city— way more to do there, excellent food scene, and so on.]) The weather will be nice, the flight is so quick, and you won’t deal with jet lag.

I haven’t done the Dolomites so I can’t compare.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely choose the Dolomites. You won't encounter the same enormous crowds there that you would in the Italian cities. But FWIW, I would always choose any destination in Europe over one in Canada or the U.S. if the price were the same. I would love to visit the Dolomites -- what a nice opportunity!

I definitely do NOT consider 8 days to be "short" for a European trip. Jet lag is not a big deal when going west to east, IME. It will affect you more coming in the other direction, but at that point the vacation is over, so who cares. You should go!