My husband and I want to take our 2 sons 18 and 22 on a wonderful trip as both are graduating this Spring. One from high school other college. We know they do not want to tour museums all day. They say they want a little history. They love to golf, have expressed interest in Ireland, Scotland, Amsterdam, well places like that. I'm sort of all over the place picking a trip. I've thought about Ireland or Scotland. Or maybe Amsterdam for a few then Edinburgh. Just don't know where to start. Ideas.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Playing golf at St. Andrews is a thrill of a lifetime for most golfers... it was for my husband. If that would interest your sons, maybe start with that and build from there. Don't know how much time you have, but Scotland, Ireland and England would be an amazing trip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17573 posts
Having a central theme (lke golf) for a trip makes it more fun, I think. Scotland and Ireland both offer lots an dlots of history, and golf (and history of golf). Either or both would be a great choice, and would make a memorable and meaningful graduation present. You can learn about golfing in Scotland on various websites like this one: http://golf.visitscotland.com/playing_in_scotland/faqs.aspx They explain how to get a tee time at St. Andrews Old Course (mostly by lottery). For Iteland, lots of websites too, like this one: http://www.golf.discoverireland.ie/Get-Inspired/Golf-Guide-2013.aspx I haven't been to Scotland but a friend who loves golf goes there every year to play. I have visited some courses in Ireland, mainly beautiful seaside links courses. My traveling companion was put off by the price of play at places like Ballybunion, but I think he just didn't do the research ahead of time. They will get back to Europe another time. I'd leave Amsterdam for them to visit on their own later.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8358 posts
My brother in law is an avid golfer. He is a high roller and plays many of the great courses of the world every year, including Pebble Beach. He said playing St. Andrews was the greatest experience in his life, bar none. Visiting Ireland and Scotland would be great, with a flight down to the Netherlands. Amsterdam could easily bring out the bohemian spirit in any young men.
Posted by
OP
West Chester, Oh, Usa
2 posts
These are great ideas. We lost a son in 2010. He was set to graduate from college too in 2013. We always teased about what a party it would be so without him we decided our party is a trip with the 4 of us. So we have we have lots of Hilton points that we would like to take advantage of and don't want to keep hotel hoping. Where would you recommend staying in Scotland and Ireland if you were planning a week in each.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Amsterdam for golf? , or red light district and pot smoking ? lol Since Scotland has some amazing history, stunning ruins and castles, and of course it the birth of golf ,, I would take them to Scotland .. perhaps flying into London for a few days for some truly world class museums( even my younger teens loved them) then off to Scotland for castles and golf. How long is visit, and when is visit,, lets keep in mind that Scotland can still be cool and very wet right through March and April..
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2473 posts
Since you state a week in each, suggest fly into Edinburgh, do the sights, also St. Andrews, then discount airline to Dublin, rent a car, do some touring going eventually west and home from Shannon. My son played golf in Lahinch on west coast and loved it, I think it is one of best in Ireland.