We would like to go next summer (2010) for 2 weeks somewhere with our kids that will be 21, 19, and 16. My husband and I have done some traveling abroad with them- not at this age! Was thinking somewhere where we can balance things kids like to do ( beaches in the Mediterranean, food for us, history for all.) I welcome your thoughts! Thanks so much-
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Well the oldest two "kids" are actually adults, many at that age travel independently, so I would assume they will want some time away from family activities.. maybe time to go to clubs etc.
I suggest that THEY plan some of the trip with you,, instead of them just following along with your ideas. Even my 12 and 14 yr old were required to do some research and suggest three sites they wanted to see.. This makes the trip everyones responsiblity. No matter how busy their lives may be with work or school,, there is always some time to sit on the computer and do a bit of looking around. My 14 yr found out about the Catacombs in Paris and we had to go to them, my 12 yr found out about a costume museum in Venice.. etc.
For two weeks I suggest a max of three destinations.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
France, Italy, and/or Spain come to mind.
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
All my kids love Italy. Our biggest family trip was 10 days with kids who were then 23, 21, 13 & 11. The two older ones did take a break from us for a few days while we remained in Tuscany, to stay in a hostel in Rome. We met them there for the flight home.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA
5 posts
Thank you for responding- yes, I am leaning towards Italy, although I have been there a few times, my kids have not. I don't have more than 10 days to 2 weeks and was debating on Venice vs. Florence for half the trip and then onto a beach area. This website says Cinq Terre ( sp?) is a nice place. My kids love the beach and too cold to swim in Ocean here. Welcome any ideas!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
The Cinque Terre isn't really a "beach" area. Only Monterrosso has sand. the other towns are really rocky.
If they like to hike then then the CT will be fun for them for a couple of days...and they can swim or kayak.
I'm taking my 25 year old son to Munich this fall - his choice of cities (just for 5 days) We'll take side trips, his interest is cars, so the BMW factory is on the list as well as Audi. I'm sure he'll be out at night at the beer gardens while mom is reading in the room.
Took my daughter to Rome in 07, and we had the best time...exploring all the sights (we took day trips from there too) and shopping.
Italy is great, as is Spain. I'd cull the travel down to just 2 countries, and spend a week in each. Settle down in one location for 3-4 days, then move on. It can get boring for kids in the same place for too long.
For history, it's Italy, for beaches a night life, Spain - IMO
It's so wonderful to introduce your kids to foreign travel at their ages. It is important for our kids to understand other cultures and ways of life. Good for you!
No matter what you end up doing, your kids will have memories for a life time, and hopefully, will in turn take their own children to a foreign country.