Never too early to start planning! Looking for suggestions... two active parents and a teenage boy, looking for a week To enjoy being outdoors and take in the culture of a different country. We don't want to run around and do too much touristy stuff ( last year we saw Rome, Florence, and several spots in England). Want to avoid over crowded beaches but otherwise open to any place we can spend a week at a rental and enjoy great food and culture... hike, bike, drink wine and beer and just take in the culture. Oh and relax- so hard when there is so much to see and do!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8952 posts
Bavaria. Specifically Garmisch-Parkirchen( probably spelled wrong, sorry. Often just abbreviated Ga-P)
We stayed there for a week and could have stayed for another. About 1 hour out of Munich by train. Mountains, lakes, river gorges to hike, great bike trails, good food and lodging. Also summer luge. Base for trip up to Zugspitze.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
Go to Normandie in August.
You can rent apartments in Deauville and walk across the bridge to the sandy beach in Trouville.
If you rent a car, there is a "Calvados et Camembert" road trip that's worth it.
If you are based in Paris, only a 2 - hour train ride to Deauville/Trouville.
Posted by
8405 posts
For Germany, yes, Bavaria is wonderful. If you have time do the Romantic Road out of Munich.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Austria somewhat cheaper and beautiful country, even cheaper Czech Republic and cheaper and on Euro Slovakia. Both also beautiful countries.
Posted by
Washington DC
28363 posts
Or the Dolomites in Italy.
Posted by
1172 posts
Ireland.
We spent 2 weeks there last summer and it was our favourite family vacation to date. You can be outdoors a ton ( just bring rain gear), there is a great music and arts culture and the food is delicious.. The Irish are the friendliest people you will ever meet!
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3113 posts
We were in Finisterre (end of the Earth) in Bretagne in France. We have friends there. Small towns, seaside villages, the real France.
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3113 posts
Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro. My favorite countries - we have been 4 times to Croatia since 2011. Small, with friendly English-speaking folks. There are mountain areas and seaside areas. There are world-class parks (Plitvice Lakes).
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Croatia fits all your requirements. Istria for coast and hills plus traditional old places to explore.
Alternatives - Scotland, the Lisbon area in Portugal or if your budget is considerably larger, Norway or Denmark.
If you only have a week, it would be worth thinking about where you can easily get to/from.