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Mother/Son trip ideas?

Hi all, my son (18) is graduating high school and heading to Europe with his grandparents this summer for a trip to Copenhagen and Stockholm. They'll also swing through Frankfurt to visit family. I MIGHT be able to tag along for a reduced rate (family member works for Lufthansa). If that's the case, I'd like to go earlier with him just to have some time together before he begins his trip. I don't have a set number of days I'd spend there yet...still figuring it out.

We live in Arizona, so he's wanting colder cities (see: Denmark and Sweden). We will be there in June. He's had some decent travel experience to Europe 7 and 9 years ago, but I'm sure some of his memories are fuzzy. Places he's been so far: Amsterdam (twice), London, Paris (twice), Munich, Switzerland, Rome, Venice, Slovenia, Austria...I think that's all. We were supposed to go to Rome and Naples in 2022 in an ill-fated trip that had to get canceled at the last minute.

I'm trying to think of places we could go together that we would both enjoy. We both love cities and like to walk around. He's not really that interested in museums. I would prefer not to rent a car. So, somewhere with cool sites to see. I don't personally care if it is cold or not; I'm more interested in the city. I don't mind more expensive cities as we can nickle and dime it if needed.

Personally, my favorite city we have visited is Paris. There was just something about that trip that made me so happy. I know he enjoyed both Paris and London when he was younger, but I don't want to just pick the obvious cities. (Also, I realize Paris has the Olympics...so probably not the best idea now!)

I'm trying to narrow it down, but feel a little overwhelmed by options. The South of France calls to me. So does Scotland. I'd love to know if anyone has any thoughts or tips. Thank you!

Posted by
6583 posts

It could be hot in the south of France. I took my sons to Europe when they were in their early 20s. We had such a great time. We loved Budapest and Prague, but those places could likely still be quite warm, but I'd guess cooler than Arizona in the summer. Prague would also likely be quite busy. I've been longing to go to the Baltic countries--Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and June would be a good time of year to go. Plus, they are relatively close to Denmark and Sweden.

Posted by
6713 posts

How about Berlin? He doesn't have to visit all the museums, or any for that matter, but it's nice to know they're there and you might want to go to one or two. Great parks, historic sights like the Reichstag and several parts of the wall, the palaces at Potsdam, the Sachsenhausen camp nearby, lots of nightlife, excellent public transit. It's also less expensive, generally, than cities like Paris or the Scandinavian capitals.

London could be a good choice for someone who was last there as a child and is now much older and wiser. No language barrier, lots of nonstop transatlantic flights. Or Scotland, focused on Edinburgh and Glasgow (fly Icelandair if you live near one of the US cities they serve). For the highlands you'd want a car or a good tour like Rabbies.

Mid-June is two months away, gotta get planning this seriously.

Posted by
3083 posts

so he's wanting colder cities (see: Denmark and Sweden).

What about Copenhagen and Stockholm then if he's interested in this culture? Also good for walking / biking around. Various options and places to have common fun. They are not really cold in June. The year started really warm.

From mid of June there is European Football Chapionship (soccer) in Germany. So may be avoid or include one of the 10 cities. Getting tickets is hard but we have public viewing at a lot of places which is also fun.

Tip: Let him search for events he likes.

Posted by
20458 posts

If you love Paris chances are you would love Budapest. Those are my 2 favorite because they are so similar in a lot of ways.

But since you and he have done Western Europe so many times, that it's time to broaden horizons and head East. Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, or Istanbul.

Posted by
510 posts

I think Edinburgh would be perfect. You can always do a day trip (Fishing Villages of Fife, Stirling, etc.).

Posted by
748 posts

Why not do Oslo? That would 'complete' the Scandinavian three. Also like the idea of Berlin

Posted by
645 posts

Hamburg! Some soccer, some other festivals, very walkable, not too hot, easy to access from Copenhagen / via Lufthansa, cool sites, and a bit off the beaten track as far as cities go. Lots of day trip options as well!

Posted by
31 posts

Thanks, everyone! I did forget we once we to Croatia for the day and I thought it was beautiful.

Turns out we will HAVE to fly into either Munich or Frankfurt...so that will make things a bit interesting. After such a long flight, I'd rather take a train.

Off to do some searching for the cities!

Posted by
328 posts

My son and I did a trip last year (added on to an extended family summer trip) to Belgium. He was 22 and had just graduated University. We did a wonderful Chocolate and Beer tour (that included food with the beer https://hungrymary.com/) in Brussels and also day trips to Bruges and Ghent. We also happened to be there during the Ommegang Festival (super cool if you have the chance to see https://www.brussels.be/ommegang.)