anniep

hello,<BR>please help! i am planning on traveling to europe for one week over christmas with my newly widowed mother, sister and brother-in-law. we are trying to make this a fun, not too cold, busy diversion for mom -- for all of us, really. having all traveled to europe both together and separately over the past year, and not wanting freezing, dark by 3 p.m. days to depress us even more, we have ruled out the following options: amsterdam, paris, rome, florence, tuscany, london and ireland. can anyone recommend any destinations? or weigh in on some of the options we're considering, which include spain (barcelona), portugal, and venice?<BR>this forum has always been a great help to me in the past -- any suggestions truly appreciated!<BR>thanks!

meg

Venice will be even colder and damper than London at Christmas time- deeply melancholic- I love the atmosphere but it may not be what you're wanting!! I'd suggest Cyprus/Malta or any of the mediterranean islands if you really want sunshine and warmth

TOPPER

LETS HELP HER OUT.

here is an idea

Sevilla--lovely architecture, sunny/warm climate (at least sunnier and warmer than Northern Europe), wonderful countryside--exotic but familiar<BR><BR>or<BR><BR>Morroco--the same but more exotic and less familiar

K

I'd suggest places like the Greek Isles, Malta, southern Spain. Temps for these places go from either 45 or 50 degree lows to mid-60s highs in December. Days would be good for sightseeing with a light jacket. Good luck!

orgy7

Greece

Rex

Wouldn't it better to have the longer days you can only get closer to the Equator? Aruba, Antigua, Bonaire? Hawaii?<BR><BR>Admittedly not Europe, but "other-cultured" there. Or am I wrong? I have never been to any of these.<BR><BR>

kam

Never been there at this time of year, but look into Sicily. Lots to do and culturally much different from the rest of Italy.

Krista

I suggest a cruise through the Caribbean. Nothing is more relaxing than laying on the deck of a cruise ship with a daquri. Plus you get the adventure of visiting many countries also.

anniep

thanks to all of you for your suggestions. very helpful -- we'll keep shifting focus south.<BR>rex: caribbean/hawaii book very early for christmas so no avail for the dates we're going, plus really want active, busy, different trip.

Nan

I know Switzerland gets dark early, but they have candle festivals in the evenings around Christmas, and the Swiss get out and about and celebrate, which I think would be important and lively. <BR>I would go to a fun loving place where the people are out on the town and not in their own homes with their own families. That is when a tourist feels left out, when everyone has a place to go, but you and you are stuck in a hotel. So do a search on celebrations, etc.

Maggie

Perhaps you could consider the Canary Islands?<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie

Phoebe

More than picking a country or a city, I would go to a place where I was sure that alot was going on on Christmas, such as a resort or hotel with Christmas dinner parties for guests. The most charming and wonderful and warm city might not have much going on for travelers on Christmas. I would do a google search on Christmas packages by a hotel or a resort. <BR>

Wendy

Since you are looking for lots to keep eveyone active why not look into a cruise? My friend and I went on one over Christmas years ago and had a great time.

John

Agree on the cruise idea - Caribbean, Mexico-Hawaii, Panama Canal... <BR><BR>One of the good things about a cruise is that you unpack once and then don't have to hassle with baggage, cabs, etc. for a week or two. You can sit at a table for 8 and meet other people, and there are enough excursions, activities, and other diversions to keep all of you busy and not make one another the "whole group" if you get my meaning. There are also places for Mom to sit and think, or, if she's inclined, to visit with folks who may have gone through something similar. All in, a cruise can be very competitive in cost terms with a European vacation, probably cheaper on a per-day basis.<BR><BR>You might consider choosing a cruise line that caters for a somewhat more mature clientele, especially Holland America (not Carnival). I'll bet you have a great time.<BR><BR>

Wendy

Anniep,<BR><BR>So sorry for your loss. Last March we went to Paris with my newly widowed mom. Although the weather wasn't perfect, we had a good time, at least as good a time as you can have after you've just lost a family member. Which brings me to my point. I think the change of scene might be more important than where you go. For that reason, I wouldn't necessarily cut out Paris, Rome, London, or any of the other great ( plenty to do) cities of Europe. Best of luck!

linda

How about New Orleans-almost a foreign country. I was there in December last<BR>year and there was lots going on for<BR>Christmas. Special dinners, beautiful<BR>decorations and lots of free concerts.<BR>Plus the weather was good. I can't think of a better place to spend the<BR>holidays-good company, good food and wonderful music! Enjoy!!