Where would you rather live for the next 3-4 years: Spain, Italy, Germany, Azores, England, or Hawaii?

Question

My husband and I have to put in our top 5 picks of where we want to get stationed next through the Air Force and hope to get one of them. We're going to try to stay overseas and these are probably our best options. Where would you want to go 1-5?

The Azores are little tiny islands in the middle of the Atlantic between the US east coast and Spain.

Answer 1

I would definitely choose one of the places in Europe because that would afford you the most opportunity to travel around easily via car and/or train and see more countries since it's on a continent. I stopped in Spain and Italy when in the Navy and, although I enjoyed both, I thought that Spain was really kick-back so I'd have that as my first choice followed by Germany.

The problem with Hawaii and the Azores is that you're on a set of islands. It's great for about the first 6 months, but then you begin to feel claustrophobic. You can always hop on a MAC flight to visit those places. My visits to Hawaii were great, but only because they were for short periods of time.

Answer 2

1. Spain/Italy
2. England
3. Germany
4. Hawaii
5. Azores

That would be my pick. First and foremost, choosing between Spain and Italy is a tough call for me; I've never been to either so it's a tie. From the other postings I would avoid Azores (my apologies if I mispelled it). I was born and raised in Hawaii, so it is very much a been there, done that thing for me; and yes I am a "native".

In re: to that previous posting about the natives not liking mainlanders...that is a bunch of crock. Like anywhere else in this world, people are going to like you once they get to know you. That is if there is anything worth liking. For the most part local people don't really care one way or another if you're the military. However, if you act like a jackass that's a different story. It doesn't matter if your local or not, a jackass is a jackass and most people don't appreciate that kind of attitude.

So, yeah I would go the Euro-continent route. Assuming that once your family is out of the military, and are able to find decent paying jobs...Hawaii can always be done later. But in either case it's a give and take. Each duty station is going to be what you make of it. If you sit in the house and complain all day, every day about what the place has and doesn't have, then it's a safe bet that the overall experience will be crappy.

If you are the type of person that likes to get on the road and drive for hours (not just being stuck in traffic) Hawaii isn't for you. If you are relatively laid back, like the sun and surf...than Hawaii calls. Also, if you think that gas prices are high here in the states, and you have a problem with it now, don't go to Hawaii. Having grown up there, I can say that EVERYTHING is expensive. Gambling is illegal, so don't bother asking for scratchers or lottery numbers or anything like that...for that you'd have to go to Hawaii's ninth island "Vegas".

My family and I just moved from Hawaii to TX and before we left the airline companies were dropping rates to about $25 one-way for trips to the outer islands. So, that is always a plus. There lots of things to do if you are in Hawaii, that is assuming you are the outdoorsy type. 'Course it doesn't really matter all that much since the weather is relatively decent year-round. Also, if you do decide to do the Hawaii thing, you could always play in the snow and go to the beach in one day while on the Big Island (between December and February, I believe). Also, from what I have seen and been told...Hawaii also has the largest Navy Exchange and possibly Commissary out of all the duty stations worldwide. So, if you like shopping at those places. That would be your best bet. Not to mention that there are smaller, less crowded locations to do your shopping within a 20 minute drive from Pearl Harbor (assuming that traffic is decent of course).

Finally, if you do go the Hawaii route, stay in touch with me. I would love to be able to help you out with any questions. Whatever you choose, I wish you and your family the best!

Answer 3

i've got continually had to stay in Spain or Italy, I in simple terms think of the conventional of life is a lot extra valuable than it rather is right here. to not point out the fact it is not as costly because of the fact the united kingdom. a million: Spain 2: Italy 3: England 4: Hawaii 5: Azores

Answer 4

Trained in and GE loved it,, my brother was stationed there for 4 years and loved it. I was staitioned in Hawaii and would kill to go back. My roommate in Hawaii had been stationed in the UK and loved it except for the weather. My best friend's brother was in Spain and he loved it. My best friend and his wife are in Italy and they love it.

My point is all of them have good and bad points save for the Azores. The good point about Germany is that it is centrally located and has rail links to the rest of Europe. When my bro wasn't in the field he traveled all over the continent cheap. The US presence is smaller than it used to be but still large enough that when you're feeling homesick you can find more than enough American's to make you feel better.

Hawaii the weather is beautiful, the people friendly once they get to know you and the beaches perfect. The problem is you're a 6 hour flight from the mainland. If you can live with that then it's terrific.

Luck

Answer 5

Germany ( I'm currently here and love it. The closeness of other countries make traveling easy, quick and fun)
Spain ( Been there, and loved it. The people, the atmosphere, the things to do/see...)
Azores ( I've heard two things about the Azores, either you love it, or you loathe it. I like the idea of the island, don't like the idea of all the fish and seafood)
Hawaii (My brother was stationed there, and hated it. The cost of living is high, and the natives don't like mainlanders)
England (The weather, and the food. My apologies to any Brits out there, but I was NOT impressed by the cuisine found in England.)

Answer 6

I lived in England as a dependent, and I thought it was great. They don't do beef all that well, but otherwise it's an enjoyable tour.

I was stationed Germany while serving in the Army, and enjoyed it immensely. Learned the language, went on volksmarches, drove the autobahn. Yeah. Germany was fantastic.

As one other commenter said, I would avoid islands. You can really develop a case of cabin fever after awhile, not to mention the expense, especially in Hawaii.

I didn't make it to Italy, therefore I couldn't intelligently answer.

Answer 7

Either Spain or Italy. I've been to the Azores and I definitely wouldn't want to live there. No offence to the Portuguese but it has nothing on Italy or Spain. Germany would probably be a cool place to live though.

Answer 8

Wow, that's a tough question. I've been to Germany and Hawaii. Both are beautiful places. I would pick Spain or England. You can visit Hawaii anytime. Pick a place you know you'll never be able to afford if you weren't Air Force.

Answer 9

Hawaii

Answer 10

Hawaii