This is a question of what country or countries would a family of 2 adults, kids 16,13,8 enjoy most. We are looking for a few things, castles and the most beautiful area. My sister said between Austria, Germany and Switzerland was gorgous. We had thought of going to Switzerland for about 5 days and then to France for another five days. Maybe we should stay with a smaller country. We are waiting to find out how long we can go for. Hoping for 15 to 21 days but may only have 10. Obvouisly the more days, the more we can see but is it better to spend time in one or two places verses all over. This will probably be the only time we go. We have kids who don't have a great energy level and have an illness so that must be taken into account. We had also thought about just Italy, just Germany, just France or Just London, also open to Irealand and Netherlands, just about anywhere as have watched all the shows. I will say, Switerland with the Alps and tog of war, alpine slide and the ride over the montains as well as the railroad looked pretty fun. Staying in one of those montain Chalets. I know my kids would like to see castles, mostly small towns and scenic railtrips. They love beaches as well so it is hard to pick when you don't know. We can do without the beaches of course but if someone has a great family trip in a certain area over another, it would help. I am reading his books now and trying to find out how long we can afford the trip. We could do a rush and see a little of everything but I am not sure they will old up well. Any suggestions. I know its a broad question.
Posted by
OP
Waynesville, United States
4 posts
Well, thats up in the air too. Let me explain a little. Part of the trip will be provided by a drean foundation for terminally ill kids so it will depend on when they can pull it together. We had thought of Mid August but we may have to wait until next summer. We have also thought of off season as I homeschool, September or October. Spring was another thought but if you say its not good, I will take your word for it. The warmer months are better but maybe right before or after kids are in school, less crowds. Do you have a suggestion on the best time to travel?
Posted by
OP
Waynesville, United States
4 posts
I thank you for your input. We are waitning to see if doctors in France are going to see our kids and then we may make a dask for Paris and spend three days there along with the Apls. I think that would be a pretty nice trip. I wish we had more time and money so we could take them everywhere. They have a shortened life unless science catches up. We would love to live in Europe such as France with their health care as here in the US, our girst sick child was misdiagnosed, and we had another child and they missed our oldest. We now have three which we are gateful for but we have lost everything and their future looks bad in this country. I wish we had a better health care system. It isn't fair but getting into another country is impossible with sick kids. We will make the most of our time together. Thanks again, Vickie
Posted by
OP
Waynesville, United States
4 posts
Wow, thanks so much from everyone. I now have plenty of ideas. I will say after watching his shows on Austria, Germany and Switzerland, I think it looks the bast. We will make a doctor's stop as well but I think keeping it to these areas and small maybe not even all through Germany but just Munich and Switerland and possibly Austria it looks pretty good. I will watch the other shows as we have them all. We watched them a long time ago as I homeschool and they are great for that use as well. To the momther who also had a sick child, my heart knows yours. Thank you everyone and I will look into all the suggestions and go from there. Once I know, I may ask a few more questions. Again Thanks.Vickie
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
Vickie, I'm so glad you guys get to take this trip. I'm sure you all will have a wonderful time.
I'd recommend getting a copy of Cynthia Harriman's book "Take Your Kids to Europe." It has some ideas of fun kid things to do that you won't find in the regular guidebooks. But the big thing is it has ideas of what kind of trip to plan. We had 2 kids, and since having kids, we've started renting apartments when we go overseas. It costs less than a hotel and gives you more room, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. We've gotten apartments at farmhouses and loved it.
The book will give you websites to help you search for apartments in different countries. I love the alps, haven't gone to Switzerland yet, but we've done Germany and Austria and are going back again next year. With castles, sometimes doing a mix between fancy castles you have to see with a tour vs. ruins that you can explore on your own is a good idea with kids.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Our kids loved Salzburg when they were around the ages of yours. There is lots to do- salt mine, Hitler's Eagle's Nest, Alpine slides, trips to Munich, the Saltzkaergurt lakes area, trip to Innsbruck, lovely fort, castles, Helbrun with its fun water-works. You could base either in the city itself of just outside and have plenty to do.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Vickie my heart goes out to you especially since our family too has received a wish from Wishing Star.
Relative to when, I suggest September or early October because in most places and years the weather is still nice and the crowds have thinned out.
Keeping in mind that travel is tiring maybe you should consider keeping the trip to a smaller area with good transportation, maybe France and Germany?
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Vickie, I agree with the posters who suggested Salzburg. Also, have you checked into Agriturismo in upper Italy - especially if you go in the early fall, there will be apple and grape harvests and staying in one scenic place a little longer may be easier on everyone. http://en.agriturismo.it/
However, the days get so much shorter in the fall....Germany and Austria, too, have farm stays ("Urlaub auf dem Bauernhof"). Not all are working farms but have been redesigned for vacationers, most with kids in mind. A lot of the sites have English versions.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Here is one more website for Italian agriturismo: http://www.redrooster.it/en/ - this is in English and I received a brochure I sent for via the site in a very short time.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
Well, if you go to Paris: My 12 year old daughter still talks about how much she loved Eurodisney.
Our kids found it a welcome break from churches, museums and long car rides.
http://www.disneylandparis.com/
If you do the Alps, "Europa Park" (another big theme park for kids) is near Freiburg (close to Swiss border). Here is there link:
http://www.europapark.de/lang-en/Home/c51.html
Also "Lego-land" is between Munich and Stuttgart and is also a hit with kids.
https://www.legoland.de/en/Explore/
Wishing you all the best...
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1930 posts
My heart goes out to you so much! I also have a child how has an illness, but it is not terminal. She has CP and hydrocephalus, and we carry MRI's and sometimes a wheelchair along with us on our trips. We also homeschooled (9 years), but she is now 19 yrs. old in community college. If you want beauty...the berner oberland is the best! We stayed with the local school teachers on RS show in Gimmelwald. We went the end of Sept. I would probably go earlier if you can. It really is the most amazing place. There isn't much to do but hike, but we still had a great relaxing time with only a bit of hiking. The trains, gondolas are expensive but you can buy passes. Our daughters condition made hiking really impossible (only on day of it) but my regret is we didn't spend the money to buy to pass. We'd love to go again, as I have MS and don't know how long I can do it either. You'll have a great time no matter where you go. Austria is good too! And cheaper. I have a nice B&B there if you are interested. Have a fantastic trip!
Susan
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1930 posts
Oops! I thought I was sending a PM. Sorry for all the personal information.