Hello! We are planning our very first trip to Europe, Spain to be specific. We lived in Asia and are extremely excited to experience another side of the world. Typically we’d land in a far away place with no plans, backpack and lonely planet guide. Now that we are older and have a 14yo in tow (selective eater and not at all excited to travel) we need a plan. After landing in Madrid, We have two weeks in the early part of June to explore. I’m drawn to the North, my husband to the South. Any recommendations on an itinerary, specific hotels, restaurants, experiences, are much appreciated! We love to explore on our own but also visit some big sites. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Connecticut
610 posts
Give the lonely planet guide book (or other materials) to the teenager encouraging them to plan several of the days or perhaps points of interest for some of days. Then incorporate that into your itinerary. Getting one involved in the planning could raise the bar on interest in traveling.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
I agree with raymonelee's thought, but wouldn't hand the 14yo a guidebook. I'd ask them to watch youtubes and tiktoks to get some ideas for what they want to do.
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
Does the 14-year-old like museums? Madrid is more about the museums than the ambience. Where are you flying out of? What are your teenager's interest?
What about spending time in Madrid that includes a day trip to Toleldo and then heading up to the Basque Country?
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
There are many great destinations in southern Spain, but the summer weather there is likely to be brutal. Maybe have your husband take a look at the climate-summary chart in the Wikipedia entry for Seville. Even in June the average high temperature is 90F (32.2C), and days over 100F (37.8C) can definitely show up; the record is 113.4F (45.2C).
For actual, historical, day-by-day weather statistics, go to the website timeanddate.com. I see that last year there were seven days in June when the temperature got up to 100F/37.8C.
You can use the pull-down box to see other months/years and the Search box at the upper right to check on other cities.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
When we took our children to Spain (11 and 14 at the time) neither had any interest in museums. They both enjoyed the historic buildings and Roman ruins. My daughter wanted to go swimming and my son wanted to play basketball and explore castles. Find what the teen is interested in and make some time for it if possible.
Posted by
Connecticut
610 posts
The idea to have the teenager search social media rather than a guidebook for planning is spot on.