Trying to find a destination that would not be horrible weatherwise at the end of November and would be attractive to a 10 year old girl as well. She would like either Paris or London but I'm afraid it may be too cold/rainy to really enjoy them. So we're thinking maybe southern Spain, Italy, Portugal... We would prefer a destination that has non-stop connections from NY/Newark, Washington, DC or Boston.

Well, Paris is where I am taking my 16-yr old niece over Thanksgiving and she can't wait!

If weather is the deciding factor and it HAS to be Europe, then Spain- direct Newark-Madrid (Continental) or Portugal- Newark-Lisbon (Air Portugal).

BTW, my sister and I went to London in Feb 2002 and loved it.

This isn't in Europe, but in case you haven't thought of it, the Caribbean and Mexico are really very good choices for Thanksgiving. I've gone twice and even though the weather is lovely (past hurricane season, about 80-90), it is their low season until Xmas holidays. So, you can get rooms at about half the normal price.

If you want some European flavor, try St Martin or Guadeloupe (which I really liked). No problems with cold or rainy there. I really think it might make more sense because of the weather and the good deals you can get. I've also been to Puerto Vallarta during Thanksgiving week and liked it. You can get to these places by plane easily from those cities -- plane fare usually isn't a bargain during that week, but the hotels are.

Thanks Maira and Christina. Paris and London are still on our list since we can do so much indoors anyway.
As to Caribbean or Mexico, we are getting our "tropical fix" this summer by spending 2 weeks in Costa Rica so I guess we are looking for something different this time.

The weather in Sicily was pleasant when I was there for two weeks in mid-Novemeber 2002. It is not non-stop from the US, but it IS one of the most intersting places you could possibly pick.

I have been to both Paris and London in late November. While it was cold and rainy on occasion, we had marvelous trips both times. If you go prepared for the weather with proper clothing, it won't be a problem. We took warm rain coats (with zip out linings), comfortable walking boots (or rain-proof shoes), hats, gloves and a scarf to wrap around your face in the wind. We always had our tiny fold out umbrellas. Some days we needed all these things, other days we didn't - the sun was shining and the trees were grand. I think you should go where you want and just be prepared for the weather. We walked every where in both cities and were very comfortable. Yes, it rained - but it seemed we were always on our way to a museum and it just didn't matter.

In Paris we took in the Louvre on Thanksgiving day with hardly a crowd. In London we took the Verger's tour of Westminster Abbey, again with no crowds. November is our anniversary month and we have made lots of great trips over Thanksgiving. I love it because we almost always avoid crowds.

I have posted trip reports on both of these locations here. If you can't find them, I'll be happy to send them direct. Send me your email address.

Choose the location your daughter will love the most and make a game of cheating the weather.

Again, thanks all for the suggestions. Looks like it may be Paris after all. Our daughter "dream itinerary" for Paris is: visit the Eiffel Tower, stay at a nice hotel and shop for nice clothes! ;-) And she is not even a teenager yet!
Anyone has suggestions for centrally located boutique hotels ($150-200 range) that would allow us to follow her itinerary and take in some museums and architectural sights as well?

We love the Hotel des Jardins du Luxembourg. Its a great central location right across the street from the entrance to the Luxembourg Gardens. Tiny rooms with great bedding, big soaking tubs in the little bath, an itty-bitty balcony that looks over Parisian roof-tops, great staff, very near Metro stop and there's even a McDonald's in the neighborhood if you really NEED a fix. We stayed there last year for $130 Euros per night. Email: [email protected]

I was in Paris over Thanksgiving a few years ago also. It was my first trip to Paris and I loved it. But it really was cold. I had brought things to layer and thermal underwear and socks! And I was glad. Be sure you have a warm scarf and gloves as the wind can be nippy. We didn't miss anything because of the weather, but you need to be prepared. We ate Thanksgiving Evening at the Eiffel tower with the lights twinkling and it was so pretty! I'm so glad we went.

You can NEVER guarantee the weather in London so don't ever try to plan around it!! Why don't you do both? You can get the Eurostar between the two in about 3 hours or even fly (takes about an hour but involves getting to the airport, checking-in etc etc, so can take longer overall) - there are such good offers on that it probably won't cost much at all. Plan it carefully and you could probably add Barcelona onto the list too...

Hi Iza,

I took my daughter (who was 10 at the time) to Italy last year over Thanksgiving and she is still talking about it as much as I am. It was a wonderful trip and the weather was perfect for walking and sightseeing. I am seriously considering going back again this Thanksgiving. My trip report is posted if you are interested. Just type in Mother Daughter Trip Report in the search field and Italy as the country.

Have fun planning no matter where you decide to go.

hi - spent thanksgiving week 2002 in Spain and it was incredible. We spent about 3 days in Seville - weather was in the 60's during the day, low 40's at night. Then we rented a car and drove to Cadiz and up around the Mediterranean Coast, finally turning back inland to Ronda. The weather was a bit cooler along the coast and in Ronda, but overall, perfect fall weather. If you want to go to Paris though, take your chances - it is an absolutely amazing city and even rain could not ruin the experience. Good Luck!