anaaleman

Just posted this in the general interest forum but as we prefer to travel to Europe, I thought I would post here as well.

I usually travel with only one of my children at a time...at age 12 or 13, I feel they are ready for a taste of Europe and I enjoy having time with just one of the kids. I am a single mother with lots of children and getting some alone time with one is nice for a change. However, for 2007, the children are all saying they want a vacation together...so the issue is where to take them all so that everyone will have fun and something to do? My 25 year old son is a history buff and writer; my 23 year old daughter is a law student and interested in history and political issues; my 13 year old daughter just returned from London and is interested in everything...very easily pleased, that one! The problem is I also have a very active and curious little 4 year old daughter and a 15 month old baby! So next year I will have a 5 year old and a 2 year old....I am leaning towards Paris, with a reluctant concession to visiting Disneyland. Any ideas??

janisj

Well of course you can't possibly go wrong w/ Paris. For how long and what month?

If a week or less than Paris would be terrific. But if you had 12-14 days I'd think London/Paris "two fer" would be perfect for everyone. And don't fret too much about going to Disneyland - it is an easy visit from Paris and if the older kids weren't interested you could have a nice day out w/ just the little ones.

And in London - when you visit Windsor you could also take the young ones to LegoLand.

In either or both cities you could rent a large apartment for less than 2 or 3 hotel rooms.

Travelnut

Just don't mention Disneyland unless your kids have already done so. They can be fully entertained in Paris (unless you -want- to take them to Disney, but it didn't read like you did).

nessundorma

I've vote for Amsterdam, with day trips to other parts of Holland (like The Hague) and Belgium, and perhaps Germany if you have the time.

anaaleman

Thanks for the replies so far...We should have a complete two weeks..perhaps 24 days including travel days...I think Paris and London would both be great. Just got back from London with Nina and we loved it, Pleny left unseen however so I know she would love to go back. Plus knowing her she will want to re-visit some sites to say hello to the staff people she made friends with and show everything to her siblings. I think the babies will love the Mews as the four year old is a horse fanatic. The littlest one will be happy just being with us. I also agree that the Disney word shall not pass my lips...Paris will hold enough to keep them happy. Legoland is a great idea for our London end of the trip as well. Still a year away but so far, London and Paris sounds great. My sister is pushing Italy... any thoughts on that?

degas

Any chance you can leave the five year old and two year old behind?

anaaleman

I do not normally take the youngest with me -- just the older children. But this time, the older children are all asking that the little ones come along. Given the limits imposed by such young children, I am trying to plan where would be the best...knowing full well I will be in the hotel in the evenings...no problem letting the two in their twenties go off to the nightlife on their own! Give me a nice comfy hotel and a good book and I am happy at night to stay in with the babies. Posted before maybe 24 days...meant to say 16 including travel days. We live in Central America so the trip will be a long one. My son had actually suggested Amsterdam and we have some friends there so that might be a good choice...though I think his reasons for wanting to visit and mine are quite different! I like the idea of London as the first city and then one more. Don't want to overdo and stress out the kids. Will research how to locate an apartment wherever we decide as with the babies that will be much easier and economical. Thanks for the ideas so far and please continue! Ana

Travelnut

Your son could visit Amsterdam for a night by himself - it's only a 4-hr train ride each way.

Your oldest 'kids' could let YOU out one or two nights, and stay in with the small children.

nessundorma

One of the reasons I suggested Amsterdam and day trips from there is that it offers so much for the individuals in your family. The children's attractions are sophisticated, entertaining and modern but home-grown, not canned and internationalized like Disneyland. There a canal boat rides and windmills and bike rides for the family. For your older children there is intellectual and historical interest, including politics and law, as well as a wonderful cafe/youth scene. There is tremendous shopping in Amsterdam -- and do any of your kids like pancakes? You might consider splitting your time between London and Amsterdam. I love Paris, but it's a more demanding, noisy city for families I think.

Amsterdam in a more beautiful city than many realize, and the outmoded image of it as pornographic and drug ridden is light years from reality. It's an enjoyable, unique city with fantastic art treasures.

NorthShore

"I do not normally take the youngest with me -- just the older children. But this time, the older children are all asking that the little ones come along."


Then I hope they intend to help care for them, watch them and give you some time to be alone. I doubt they fully understand what added expense and stress that will cause for you.

I travelled with young kids many times and its not something I would ever voluntarily do again.