I am considering a trip to Europe with my family. I would like to rent a house in either France, Italy or Spain. I have traveled considerably in Europe (speak fluent German, passable Spanish and a little French). However, my husband and 11-year-old twins have never traveled overseas.

Best country? Area in that country? My goal is for the vacation to be part relaxation, part sightseeing.

Hi coulter,

What time of year?

> My goal is for the vacation to be part relaxation, part sightseeing. <

Gee, I've always thought they were the same thing. However, I don't have 11-year old twins.

Haven't experienced it myself, but was reading an article in the Times yesterday that Italy is very child-friendly.

Yes, Italy is very child-friendly but just be very careful if using the public transportation in cities. Buses and subways can be packed with people, thus very chaotic. Don't become separated on public transportation and keep your eyes peeled on them.
I've travelled with 3 and 5 year olds to Italy and Austria. I have to think its much easier with 11 year old kids. They'll have a blast and remember this the rest of their lives.

Funny that Italy still is thought to be child-friendly but has the world's lowest birthrate: Italy's rate stands at 1.24 (USA 2.13, Canada 1.5).

Perhaps that is why they are so child friendly!
Cheers,
Jan

I was thinking of mentioning in my post that Italians are child-friendly because children are becoming extinct there. But I didn't want to change the focus of the topic. BTW, the birthrate is only fractionally better in the rest of Europe. And that has a lot to do with all of the strikes that plague your vacations.

Servus Platzman, can't resist to ask: What is the connection between birthrate and strikes? Sooo curious

hi,

just recently there was a very similar thread with some good ideas. i don't know how to put in a link to that particular thread (anyone?), but will top it for you.

look for "traveling to europe with kids"

have fun!

You might think about the Dordogne region of France - it's very beautiful and has loads of things 11-year-olds would enjoy: prehistoric caves, canoeing down the rivers, castles with interesting exhibitions of medieval war machinery, beaches (on the rivers and lakes), interesting little museums, great hiking trails....but it's a very peaceful region, too, and conducive to relaxation.

>>Yes, Italy is very child-friendly but just be very careful if using the public transportation in cities. Buses and subways can be packed with people, thus very chaotic. Don't become separated on public transportation and keep your eyes peeled on them<<

This happened to my 14 year old daughter-she got off the bus but I coudln't get off and the bus took off. I managed to get the bus to stop but my daughter had tried to chase the bus. 11 year olds are old enough to teach before something happens--if you get separated - tell them to STAY PUT and you will find your way back to them.

Joelle

I've traveled with my kids when one of them was 11 years old to Switzerland and also to London. They loved both! I absolutely agree that the best way to travel with kids is to rent a house or apartment and use it as a "home base" to explore the region.

Susan

Cyprus is a good place for relaxation and for sightseeing, it is very child friendly, the Cypriots just love children and make a fuss of them, eating out again is not a problem wth children, English is widely spoken, but in the smaller villages Greek is the first language.
I would suggest www.dreamlivescyprus.com which has usefull information

If I were to ask my 2 kids who have been to Europe 3 times (Paris/Amsterdam, Italy, London/Madrid), Italy we would the #1 choice, London would be a close 2nd. This decision I beleive is primarily based on the food. In Italy, pizza/pasta/gelato everyday is a treat. In London, there's lots of decent Italian food. Need I say more!

My kids were 10/12 when we were in Italy, 13/15 when we were in London and 9/11 when we were in Paris/Amserdam.

We did find Italy very child-friendly.

Hello Coulter

We took our 9 year old son to Italy a little over a year ago. We visited Venice, Fererra (great castle with working drawbridge over moat), Florence, several Tuscan and Umbrian hillside towns, and finally Rome. He is still talking about it. I planned many cultural sights based on what I thought would appeal to a 9 year old boy and it was great.Highlights were the Secret Itineries private tour at Doges Palce in Venice, any castle with prisons, and the best was the Vatican. I booked a 3 1/2 hour private tour. We had a guide that really concentrated on making it special for a child. She had him so excited over Raphael and Michelangelo!He learned so much and we are now taking him to Paris in November, as it was so succesful. I have definitly thought of renting a villa and doing day trips. I would recommend Umbria, on the Tuscan border. You can drive to many of the small hill towns and catch a train to Rome or Florence. Try the Parker company sight. They have a great selection of villas to rent