207lauras

Hi all,
Trying to convince my kids that Disney is crap and that we need to go Europe My work schedule only allows for travel between December and early March. I'm kind of over the beach destinations. My 10 y/o girl loves history/castles/animals etc, 15 y/o girl loves urban, shopping etc. Hubby and I love history, food and beer! Sadly for us, we do not do winter sports (but live in New England so the cold is not an issue). I was thinking of trying to plan out a 10 day Bruges/Berlin/Austria itinerary but am totally open to suggestions. I have never been to any of these places. I am looking for advice on cities to visit, things to see and more importantly best way to travel in to/ out of and between them. This would be the girls first visit out of US experience. The older one is a pretty picky eater and usually sways towards the vegetarian side of her diet. I speak very minimal french (I mention this as I dont know if English is commonly spoken in these places). I have visited and driven in Australia and Ireland, visited but not driven throughout Italy. I am not at all opposed to driving in new places!
Any help and suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Thanks a ton!

janisj

If ou have 10 days total -- that will only leave you 7.5 days free on the ground -- so I'd limit to 2 cities (or 3 if they are very near each other).

You don't need a car -- and you don't want to be driving one in the winter anyway.

English is widely spoken just about everywhere -- but learning the basic good day, goodbye, please, thank you type courtesy's is always a good idea.

Brussels, Brugges, Amsterdam or something like that would be rushed but OK. Wherever you decide -- book open jaw tickets in to one city and home from another so you don't have to back track.

tonfromleiden

London and Paris can easily be combined. 2,5 hrs with the high-speed Eurostar train.
The same for Paris and Amsterdam. 3 hrs with the high-speed Thalys.

janisj

London and Paris would be my choice as well for a teen's/tween's first trip- but you didn't mention the UK in your OP.

PalenQ

plan out a 10 day Bruges/Berlin/Austria>

those places are too far apart for such a short trip- using a whole day going between them and in winter days are dark and often dank in northern Europe.

Yes Paris and London are enjoyable in any weather - maybe do a London - Bruges - Paris trip - fly into London and out of Paris - trains are great between them - for lots of great info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check out their online European Planning & Rail Guide for loads of rail itineraries).

PalenQ

Trying to convince my kids that Disney is crap and that we need to go Europe>

Well you can also do Disney in Paris - make both camps happy!

tasmangirl

Have to jump in and say Disney is far from crap...but I get that you were trying to expand the kid's horizons.
Paris and London sound good and have a day at Disneyland Paris.

fourfortravel

Disney is far from crap, I agree, though I too understand what you were trying to say. Is this is first Europe trip for the girls? Why not London or Paris?

If your itinerary is set, your destinations are too far apart for just 10 days. Austria wouldn't offer much shopping excitement. Berlin would be fun; maybe add Prague (rather decent shopping; both DD and I find some favorite French and Italian labels when we shop there.) Both destinations are urban, with shopping; there are castles and palaces; Tiergartens and zoos; and great cuisine, even including national dishes. If you travel before Christmas you will be treated to holiday markets, as well.

Just my €0,02. I hope this is helpful.

PalenQ

IMO some things kids want should be included in the itinerary - like Disney Paris and not just adult things - well my subjective take

207lauras

Thanks for all of the suggestions! We have done Disney a few times and enjoyed it when the girls were younger. My meaning of "Disney is crap" was more along the lines of, if I am paying many thousands of dollars for a family vacation, I was hoping to broaden horizons this time around. Standing in line for hours while paying upwards of $100 per day per person for admission/souvenirs that get tossed a few months later etc is not my idea of family fun since the girls are older.
Nothing has been booked or set in stone as of yet so we are very much open to suggestions which was why I posted here
I thought getting out of London and Paris might help to save some money which was why they were not included. Have also thought about Portugal, Spain and Scotland. Was really trying to incorporate both big city interspersed with historical sights etc to please everyone!
Thanks for the ideas and I welcome any more!