London, Paris, Rome?
Mar 21st, 2016, 09:48 PM
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London, Paris, Rome?
Hi Everyone! We are a family of four (2 adults and 2 girls 10 and 7). We are planning our first trip to Europe. We are planning for a 6 day trip at the end of August. We are thinking of London, Paris or Rome. Since we have never been to Europe, we are not sure which city to go to. The 2 adults have been to Tokyo and loved it! Our girls have never traveled internationally. We are very excited. Thank you for you help and suggestions on this adventure!
We really enjoy historical places and sites. Museums and exploring the city and culture of where we end up. We are the type to move move move until we collapse in our bed at the end of the day. We wont be driving so public transportation is important. We dont mind day trips if something is a cant miss.
We really enjoy historical places and sites. Museums and exploring the city and culture of where we end up. We are the type to move move move until we collapse in our bed at the end of the day. We wont be driving so public transportation is important. We dont mind day trips if something is a cant miss.
Mar 21st, 2016, 10:24 PM
#2
Any of those cities would make a great 6 day trip. But I would avoid Rome -- August it will be hellishly HOT and really crowded.
Paris would be wonderful (hot but not anything like Rome).
But honestly for the girls' first trip -- I'd probably pick London. Just sooooooo much for families to see/do. The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, lots of (free) museums, gardens, fancy afternoon tea, theatre (Matilda the Musical or Lion King would be great), street performers -- just all sorts of fun.
Paris would be wonderful (hot but not anything like Rome).
But honestly for the girls' first trip -- I'd probably pick London. Just sooooooo much for families to see/do. The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, lots of (free) museums, gardens, fancy afternoon tea, theatre (Matilda the Musical or Lion King would be great), street performers -- just all sorts of fun.
Mar 21st, 2016, 11:05 PM
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I like Rome( 3 visits) .. I loved London( 5x) .. but Paris( many visits since 1972) is still my fave. My daughter was 11 when I took her to Rome and Paris.. and yes, in August.
Rome is insufferably hot in August . Paris may or may not be hot.. I have been hot as hades in Paris in summer.. but I took a friend one year in August and it was either rainy or coolish for 7 out of 9 day.. and I had told her to pack sundresses and capris..so you never know.. but Rome.. Rome you know.. it WILL be hot there in August.
I would choose Paris or London.. but your kids are young and it is their first international trip, so I give the nod to London.
Shorter flight.
No language issues.
Food they are more likely to recognize.
If you had 10 days I would say split between the two, but 6 days is whirlwind short so pick one.
Have you asked the girls. I had my daughter contribute some ideas of things she wanted to see in each city we went to.. every kid over 6 knows how to google.. lol.. just getting their input is such a good way to make this a family trip.. not your trip the kids are just tagging along with you.
Even your youngest may think of the Eiffel Tower.. or the Disney films Hunchback of Notre Dame, or Ratatouille, or Madeline.. or perhaps want to see "where the Queen lives" or go up the London Eye etc
Rome is insufferably hot in August . Paris may or may not be hot.. I have been hot as hades in Paris in summer.. but I took a friend one year in August and it was either rainy or coolish for 7 out of 9 day.. and I had told her to pack sundresses and capris..so you never know.. but Rome.. Rome you know.. it WILL be hot there in August.
I would choose Paris or London.. but your kids are young and it is their first international trip, so I give the nod to London.
Shorter flight.
No language issues.
Food they are more likely to recognize.
If you had 10 days I would say split between the two, but 6 days is whirlwind short so pick one.
Have you asked the girls. I had my daughter contribute some ideas of things she wanted to see in each city we went to.. every kid over 6 knows how to google.. lol.. just getting their input is such a good way to make this a family trip.. not your trip the kids are just tagging along with you.
Even your youngest may think of the Eiffel Tower.. or the Disney films Hunchback of Notre Dame, or Ratatouille, or Madeline.. or perhaps want to see "where the Queen lives" or go up the London Eye etc
Mar 22nd, 2016, 12:19 AM
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Rome is not necessarily insufferably hot in August while Paris or London is reliably cool. Memories are short. Last year in August, London suffered 100 degree weather for many days running while Rome was considerably cooler.
It was August in 2003 when more than 3,000 Parisians died during a heat wave (most of them elderly), and heat waves that hit London and Paris often miss Rome, as was also the case last July.
On Fodor's, there are several posters who are big boosters of one city over another, and can be relied upon to find reasons to boost their fave city and paint the other choices as negative. Janisj is "honestly" not going to recommend a city other than London, and justinparis “just” prefers Paris.
I want to know: Should you give your kids chocolate or vanilla ice cream? How about peach or pistachio gelato? Which group of strangers would know?
I happen to live in Italy, think the gender of your children doesn't matter, the August weather is totally unpredictable and that the 3 places you are considering are so different, with "soooooooo many things" in each for families to do, that what really matters is what is exciting your individual family about your idea of what a trip to Europe might mean to you. Many kids I know don't like Disneyland, have little interest in the very aged Queen but are excited by long ago history and classic Europe. And they love pasta and pizza.
However long this thread goes on, it will be a jousting by the responders to pull you this way or that way, depending on their biases, not Europe or even family travel. Nothing objective. People have different reactions to different places in Europe, and that is personal, not universal. Up to you how what information you want to use as a basis for making such an expensive decision, but the opinions of 8 or 9 strangers who don't know your family and have their own agendas is --- ?
It was August in 2003 when more than 3,000 Parisians died during a heat wave (most of them elderly), and heat waves that hit London and Paris often miss Rome, as was also the case last July.
On Fodor's, there are several posters who are big boosters of one city over another, and can be relied upon to find reasons to boost their fave city and paint the other choices as negative. Janisj is "honestly" not going to recommend a city other than London, and justinparis “just” prefers Paris.
I want to know: Should you give your kids chocolate or vanilla ice cream? How about peach or pistachio gelato? Which group of strangers would know?
I happen to live in Italy, think the gender of your children doesn't matter, the August weather is totally unpredictable and that the 3 places you are considering are so different, with "soooooooo many things" in each for families to do, that what really matters is what is exciting your individual family about your idea of what a trip to Europe might mean to you. Many kids I know don't like Disneyland, have little interest in the very aged Queen but are excited by long ago history and classic Europe. And they love pasta and pizza.
However long this thread goes on, it will be a jousting by the responders to pull you this way or that way, depending on their biases, not Europe or even family travel. Nothing objective. People have different reactions to different places in Europe, and that is personal, not universal. Up to you how what information you want to use as a basis for making such an expensive decision, but the opinions of 8 or 9 strangers who don't know your family and have their own agendas is --- ?
Mar 22nd, 2016, 04:16 AM
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Actually, it looks to me as though Justine has recommended London.
I don't think you could go wrong with any of these cities. All have plenty to occupy and entertain a family for six days. You could probably fit in a day trip or two, especially if you'll have six full days on the ground, and all three have interesting possibilities for day trips.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that these are very popular tourist destinations, and the most popular sites in all three cities will be <b>very</b> crowded. I would avoid loading up your time with tourist "must-sees".
Since you're a family of four, I think you should base your decisions on an <b> informed </b> opinion of each one of the family. That means that you should make available some guide books for them to look at or read, suitable to their ages. The DK Eyewitness guides have lts of photos, which are helpful even for the youngest. Select one of the family as the tie breaker, in case the first three opinions result in a three-way tie.
I don't think you could go wrong with any of these cities. All have plenty to occupy and entertain a family for six days. You could probably fit in a day trip or two, especially if you'll have six full days on the ground, and all three have interesting possibilities for day trips.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that these are very popular tourist destinations, and the most popular sites in all three cities will be <b>very</b> crowded. I would avoid loading up your time with tourist "must-sees".
Since you're a family of four, I think you should base your decisions on an <b> informed </b> opinion of each one of the family. That means that you should make available some guide books for them to look at or read, suitable to their ages. The DK Eyewitness guides have lts of photos, which are helpful even for the youngest. Select one of the family as the tie breaker, in case the first three opinions result in a three-way tie.
Mar 22nd, 2016, 04:16 AM
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Rome is definitely not always hellishly hot in August. The historical temperatures are about the same as New York, but with lower humidity. I wonder how often Janisj has been in Rome in August. I've been there often, and the temperatures vary as much as they do in any other city in the temperate zones. Rome is also near the sea, so there tends to be a sea breeze, especially in the evening. I've learned to always take a lightweight sweater with me when I go to Rome in the summer, because I often need it.
People from the east coast of the US would find Rome to be pretty much like August at home, although probably you'd be outdoors more than at home. Paris, which is well inland, is often hotter than Rome. In Italy, Florence, Milan, and Bologna are on average considerably hotter than Rome, for the same reason.
In any hot place, you should try to confine most of your outdoor activities to the early morning. A little nap after lunch is useful, and in the afternoon you can visit museums, churches, and other indoor places.
People from the east coast of the US would find Rome to be pretty much like August at home, although probably you'd be outdoors more than at home. Paris, which is well inland, is often hotter than Rome. In Italy, Florence, Milan, and Bologna are on average considerably hotter than Rome, for the same reason.
In any hot place, you should try to confine most of your outdoor activities to the early morning. A little nap after lunch is useful, and in the afternoon you can visit museums, churches, and other indoor places.
Mar 22nd, 2016, 04:49 AM
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I would opt for London for a couple of reasons:
Weather - although not guaranteed - is likely to be less hot in August
There will be no language problem making the trip easier for kids (Our DDs, 11 and 14, loved both London and Paris but they both already had some French and were comfortable on their own during the day)
Much as I love Paris and Rome London really has much more to see and do - esp for elementary age kids
Weather - although not guaranteed - is likely to be less hot in August
There will be no language problem making the trip easier for kids (Our DDs, 11 and 14, loved both London and Paris but they both already had some French and were comfortable on their own during the day)
Much as I love Paris and Rome London really has much more to see and do - esp for elementary age kids
Mar 22nd, 2016, 07:26 AM
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Sandralist is so far off in her description of London weather it's irresponsible.
She said "Last year in August, London suffered 100 degree weather for many days running while Rome was considerably cooler." That is demonstrably false.
From the Met Office in the UK comes this description of the weather in August 2015. (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/...es/2015/august)
Note that the high in all of the UK was 30.9C, which is less than 88 F. In other words, it didn't hit 90 in London, never mind 100.
<b>UK overview</b>
<i>The weather during August was mostly unsettled and fairly cool, with the UK often under the influence of nearby areas of low pressure. Temperatures frequently struggled to reach average levels, although there were some warmer days, particularly across eastern England, with temperatures up to around 25 °C, and the London area reached 30 °C on 22 August. However, frontal systems brought heavy rain and thundery downpours, particularly during the second half of the month.
The provisional UK mean temperature was 14.7 °C, which is 0.2 °C below the 1981-2010 long-term average. It was coldest relative to average across south-west England, south Wales and Northern Ireland. This was a very wet month across southern coastal counties of England which received double the normal rainfall amount; some locations approached three times the monthly average rainfall and it was provisionally the wettest August across south-east England since 1977. It was a fairly wet month for many other areas too, except Scotland where rainfall overall was near average. August was a dull month across central and southern England but it was sunnier across north-east England and eastern Scotland.
The UK monthly extremes were as follows: A maximum temperature of 30.9 °C was recorded at Kew Gardens (Greater London) and Gravesend (Kent) on the 22nd. A minimum temperature of 0.3 °C was recorded at Braemar (Aberdeenshire) on the 17th. In the 24 hours ending at 0900 GMT on the 23rd, 62.6 mm of rain fell at Bramham (West Yorkshire). A wind gust of 67 mph was recorded at Needles Old Battery (Isle of Wight) on the 26th.</i>
She said "Last year in August, London suffered 100 degree weather for many days running while Rome was considerably cooler." That is demonstrably false.
From the Met Office in the UK comes this description of the weather in August 2015. (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/...es/2015/august)
Note that the high in all of the UK was 30.9C, which is less than 88 F. In other words, it didn't hit 90 in London, never mind 100.
<b>UK overview</b>
<i>The weather during August was mostly unsettled and fairly cool, with the UK often under the influence of nearby areas of low pressure. Temperatures frequently struggled to reach average levels, although there were some warmer days, particularly across eastern England, with temperatures up to around 25 °C, and the London area reached 30 °C on 22 August. However, frontal systems brought heavy rain and thundery downpours, particularly during the second half of the month.
The provisional UK mean temperature was 14.7 °C, which is 0.2 °C below the 1981-2010 long-term average. It was coldest relative to average across south-west England, south Wales and Northern Ireland. This was a very wet month across southern coastal counties of England which received double the normal rainfall amount; some locations approached three times the monthly average rainfall and it was provisionally the wettest August across south-east England since 1977. It was a fairly wet month for many other areas too, except Scotland where rainfall overall was near average. August was a dull month across central and southern England but it was sunnier across north-east England and eastern Scotland.
The UK monthly extremes were as follows: A maximum temperature of 30.9 °C was recorded at Kew Gardens (Greater London) and Gravesend (Kent) on the 22nd. A minimum temperature of 0.3 °C was recorded at Braemar (Aberdeenshire) on the 17th. In the 24 hours ending at 0900 GMT on the 23rd, 62.6 mm of rain fell at Bramham (West Yorkshire). A wind gust of 67 mph was recorded at Needles Old Battery (Isle of Wight) on the 26th.</i>
Mar 22nd, 2016, 07:28 AM
#10
I am getting <i>really</i> tired of having every post dissected and attacked by the Italy tag team. Can't people just post their own opinions w/o attacking others?
OK -- I should have said Rome <B>CAN</B> be hellishly hot. And yes I have been there in August . . . more than once. And I recommend all sorts of different places every single day.
OK -- I should have said Rome <B>CAN</B> be hellishly hot. And yes I have been there in August . . . more than once. And I recommend all sorts of different places every single day.
Mar 22nd, 2016, 07:40 AM
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I did NOT say Paris was " " reliably" cool. Where did that lie come from.?
I made it clear all three choices are good ones.
I painted no negative picture to boost one city over another, but was clear about my prefences and why.
I did say Rome was insuffersbly hot in summer, but , to me it always had been. And frankly it, of all three of the cities is most likely to be so, that is just a fact, Paris , and to a MUCH lesser degree London can have heat waves, but they can and do have coolish weather too..
In the end i suggest London, not Paris was a likely good choice, regardless of my "bias", and cited my reasons for saying so.
Why would anyone bother to come on a thread for the sole reason of cutting down other posters suggestions and casting aspersion on their contrubutions ?
I made it clear all three choices are good ones.
I painted no negative picture to boost one city over another, but was clear about my prefences and why.
I did say Rome was insuffersbly hot in summer, but , to me it always had been. And frankly it, of all three of the cities is most likely to be so, that is just a fact, Paris , and to a MUCH lesser degree London can have heat waves, but they can and do have coolish weather too..
In the end i suggest London, not Paris was a likely good choice, regardless of my "bias", and cited my reasons for saying so.
Why would anyone bother to come on a thread for the sole reason of cutting down other posters suggestions and casting aspersion on their contrubutions ?
Mar 22nd, 2016, 07:52 AM
#12
>>Why would anyone bother to come on a thread for the sole reason of cutting down other posters suggestions and casting aspersion on their contrubutions ?<<
Because that is just what they do . . .
Because that is just what they do . . .
Mar 22nd, 2016, 09:07 AM
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Ranole...and there you have it. You've encountered all the pros/cons of the Fodors forum. Glean from the great info and chuckle at the fighting. It's like hanging out at a family reunion.
With 6 full days on the ground I'd spend 2.5 in London, train to Paris and spend 3 days there. Your girls are the perfect age to appreciate seeing two cultures as one more great reminder about how different and wonderful travel can be. When our kids were 8 and 10 we spent 2 week doing London, Paris, Alps, Venice and Rome. They still speak with wonder about that trip to this day (it was 2011). We're taking them again this summer and they can't wait.
And one more important bit of advice...let them plan as well. We had each child pick a city and do a powerpoint presentation about things to do in their City. They loved it. It's how we found the Cats of Rome.
Travel is a life changing experience for kids and will get them hooked. Enjoy!
With 6 full days on the ground I'd spend 2.5 in London, train to Paris and spend 3 days there. Your girls are the perfect age to appreciate seeing two cultures as one more great reminder about how different and wonderful travel can be. When our kids were 8 and 10 we spent 2 week doing London, Paris, Alps, Venice and Rome. They still speak with wonder about that trip to this day (it was 2011). We're taking them again this summer and they can't wait.
And one more important bit of advice...let them plan as well. We had each child pick a city and do a powerpoint presentation about things to do in their City. They loved it. It's how we found the Cats of Rome.
Travel is a life changing experience for kids and will get them hooked. Enjoy!
Mar 22nd, 2016, 01:18 PM
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I love both Paris and London (and have enjoyed Rome) but with only 6 days I would choose London. There is so much to do with children that is also enjoyable for adults. There are some wonderful suggestions here(if you can look past some of the posts) and I have a few more: the London Transport Museum on a visit to Covent Garden, a trip to Kew Gardens with tea at Maids of Honour or a day trip to Windsor Castle or Hampshire Court Palace. DH and I will be in London soon and have booked tea on the second deck of a classic red bus by BB Bakery. http://www.bbbakery.co.uk/afternoon-...-tea-bus-tour/
We have booked it at lunch time on our last day as a kind of farewell to London. It could also make a great introduction.
Let us know what you decide and post a trip report when you get back.
We have booked it at lunch time on our last day as a kind of farewell to London. It could also make a great introduction.
Let us know what you decide and post a trip report when you get back.
Mar 22nd, 2016, 02:10 PM
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All 3 cities are wonderful. Rome was pretty hot when we were there in September, so could be quite hit in August...but the history is incredible.
I love Paris but agree that London would be a great choice for a first international trip. Plenty of history in both.
London also has amazing transportation. I loved the crown jewels in the Tower of London....serious bling!
I would stay in one city though...6 days will go by fast.
I love Paris but agree that London would be a great choice for a first international trip. Plenty of history in both.
London also has amazing transportation. I loved the crown jewels in the Tower of London....serious bling!
I would stay in one city though...6 days will go by fast.
Mar 22nd, 2016, 02:24 PM
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I love all 3 cities that you mentioned, ranole, but I'm of the same opinion as Wekiva: I would recommend you to spend half of your trip in London and the other half in Paris, if you really have 6 full days on the ground. The reason is that these 2 cities are so conveniently close to each other and connected to each other (by Eurostar direct train). It would be fascinating for your family, especially for your children, to experience the 2 different cultures and languages. Yes 6 days is short for "experience the culture" in 2 cities, but believe me it would be too short for even 1 city. If it is your family's first trip to Europe, and there won't be many chances to go with all family members like that, London and Paris will make a wonderful combination. London alone, as people above recommended, is enough for your trip but I myself would also want to go to a non-english country on my first trip abroad. You can well survive in Paris without speaking French. I myself would choose these 2 cities even if I have only 4 or 5 days. But do ask your children and your partner. Each to their own. Wish you a best trip ^^
Mar 22nd, 2016, 04:26 PM
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Out of all three cities Paris is my favorite. Rome and London can be covered in a couple days. Paris will keep you plenty busy for 6 days. I went when I was 18 with my parents and younger sister who was 15 at the time. I love museums and there are so many wonderful ones (Orsay is one of the best, not too big so that it's overwhelming like the Louvre but has all the impressionist paintings people know and love). Plus there's the must see iconic places like Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, Opera Garnier (opera house the Phantom of the Opera is based on). The metro is simple to navigate and clean. There are also great day trips to take from Paris like Giverny, the Loire Valley, or Palace of Versailles. It was one of the greatest trips I remember taking with my family. Plus there's nothing like a fresh croissant! Make sure also to check out all of the different things your kids can get into for free. A lot of different museums offer free admission to kids under 26. Hope you have a great time no matter where you decide to go!
