I lost my father a month ago and my mother does not want to be home at Christmas. She is 73 yrs old could you suggest some good reasonable places in Europe to travel that would not be too cold or hot with moderate temps. We have not traveled to Europe in Winter. I would like a good base city with another 1 0r 2 places to go. An easy pace. Italy? Spain/Portugal? Other suggestions you might have? We could probably travel 10-12 days. Thank you for any help you can give to me. I love Rick Steves and all the work his team does. Thanks,
Jamie Norris
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA, USA
419 posts
Christmas in Munich can be very nice. The Christmas markets are exciting and there are lots if indoor activities, plus day trips to Neuschwanstein, or Ulm for the catherdral, Nuremburg and so forth. The weather would be much like what you are used to in Indiana.
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
My sympathy for your loss. Southern Spain can be very pleasant at Christmas- and they're quite low-key about celebrating Christmas, which might be a bit easier emotionally. Seville is beautiful. From there you could visit Cadiz, Jerez, Granada (it'll be colder there) and Portugal.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
We have thought about doing the same thing for somewhat the same reason. Right now our thoughts are about palm trees and sand. Philippines and Java are our two considerations.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15768 posts
I also vote for Spain. Weather in Italy is also fairly mild in the winter, but southern Spain is generally warmest. It is certainly easier to take it slow in Andalusia, and the Moorish heritage makes it a really different destination. Seville has a lot to offer and there are easy day trips by train or bus to other great places - Cordoba and Jerez are among the best.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
No matter where you go in Europe it will probably be somewhat cold, so maybe you should think about a warm climate. If not, it might be fun and a lot less stress to hop on a RS (or another ) tour. Lots of other people to interact with and maybe diminish a bit of the loneliness and loss for her and you. The first holidays can be really difficult, so something new to look forward to might be good.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2053 posts
You have my condolences. Perhaps you might consider a river cruise during the holiday season visiting the Christmas markets. Easy travel, slow pace. They aren't cheap, however. I have never done one, but many people love them. When my mom died we were advised to do something different come the holidays; we did not, and it was awful. I think you are on the right track. Best of luck to you and your mother.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
741 posts
My condolences on your loss. We spent the first Christmas without my mom in Florida and here's what helped. 1) Warm climate - we associate Christmas with cold weather so it felt less like Christmas 2) We actually traveled on Christmas day - so avoided the Christmas breakfast with gifts that was our tradition. 3) Did small humorous gifts on the day . 4) Planned something for each day and esp on arrival Christmas day. While it was a difficult Christmas- it was still a nice Christmas.
I think Spain would be a great choice for all the reasons others have mentioned.