Traveling with family

What month will you travel? Matters for the heat issue.

You could be safe in the summer in London. But you never know for sure.

1. Hoping for good public transportation
2. Would love to rent a home or villa

Getting both in one location will be a challenge

For forum members to make a suggestion for a home or villa, knowing how many are on the trip would be helpful

If prices are a minor issue Copenhagen and Stockholm are your places to be. Would normally add Berlin but it can be really hot - depending on time of travel. Also a legal restriction on short-term renting houses / apartments.

How many people, and what time of year? Are you thinking of a major city with museums, restaurants, plays, etc., or a small town or village in a scenic spot for hiking, boat or train excursions, and local festivals?

When you say “villa” I think “Italy”, which would not be a problem with the heat if you go in April or October. So timing is very important.

And is there any one language that might work better than others?

English is our only language.

Please tell us what time of year. It's impossible to take weather into consideration without knowing your timing.

Dublin hardly ever gets much above 75. Lots to see and do in the city and you can find day tours to some lovely places. Not sure about finding good food though. Unless you want to go between November and March, I can't think of anywhere that would guarantee no hot temps. A week-long heat wave is possible almost anywhere, as we've seen in the last couple of years. Spain, Portugal and Italy have mild winters and early springs.

Please tell us what time of year.

75 F is extremely mild, anywhere, these days. Manchester UK, Memphis and DC all were over 100F last year.

Are you considering a winter trip?

I know a lot of people have asked, but you've been back since only to tell us you only speak English. If you don't help us help you it is very hard to help you.

For any group larger than four, negotiate an advance agreement on going your separate ways to follow different interests. I stress the advance part of the suggestion, to avoid resentments that could still be simmering come next Thanksgiving. My friends and I share the evening meal recounting our adventures during the day.

If you would just please tell us how many people, and what time of year, we can make some meaningful suggestions.

I only asked about language in case anyone in your group had a second language they studied in school ( French, Spanish, etc.) which might tend to favor certain areas.

Amsterdam in the fall would be fun. You can rent a house, easy transportation, plenty of museums. Check out the RS book for a great and easy day trip doing the day trip to Hoorn and Enkhuizen on the Historic Triangle train/boat route.

London is also pretty flexible for a family, but your person in Manchester might not be too excited about that option.

Siena or Florence could be an option as well. Both are quite pleasant in the shoulder months, and easy to take day trips with some or all of your group.

Don't put it off! And don't worry about finding the perfect option. You're going to make great family memories no matter where you are.