Travel_Nerd

This looks a little better, but, personally, would not stay overnight in Bratislava when you could see the city as a day trip from Vienna. It is only an hour away and the town - especially Old Town is very small. I'd actually add those two nights to Vienna instead. Vienna is huge and there is plenty to occupy yourselves with the additional day, in addition to the day trip to Bratislava.

andyoinsefl

Thank you. I’ll take your advice!

FTOttawa

Only you know what’s more important, cities or mountains. But another option is to drop Budapest in favour of a little more time in Vienna and then going onwards to Innsbruck. Not sure where it would make sense to fly home from.

andyoinsefl

Does anyone have an opinion on a 2nd place to see in Czech?

Travel_Nerd

Are you not going to Cesky Krumlov now, then? You do realize that is in Czechia, right?

Other than those two, not really. Best suggestion: research areas near the two that make for a viable daytrip to extend your time in either of the two cities. You don't not need to add another stay somewhere, especially since your trip us really heavy on cities, not so much on the "nature."

See what grabs you. I plan trips around just poking around on a map, looking at photos and what's there. Best way to find hidden gems that no one knows about...

andyoinsefl

Yes, I know it’s part of the Czech. Just wondering if I’ve made the right choice. Really struggling with this trip, in part because I want to find some things for our 14 year old. Just second guessing my itinerary. Cesky Krumlo is at least on the way to Vienna so not sure it’s really an additional stop vs a day trip from Prague.

Travel_Nerd

At 14, he is old enough to be involved with the planning. Why don't you have him research every city and region your are planning so far. See if there are possibly sights/towns nearby he might be interested in. From there, see if it makes sense to add. Or see if you need to add time in a particular location because research yielded more than expected.

There has to be a reason these cities and towns were chosen by you, right? There is no reason to second guess - this is your trip. If you want to go to Cesky Krumlov, go.

Keep in mind, though, you have a lot going on for this trip already and it is, so far, pretty rushed. It's perfectly OK to "plan" a day or two just to take it easy, too.

hugo64

We did a train trip that was borrowed from a large travel agent but was very easy to organise ourselves.
We started in Budapest then caught the train to Vienna. Next was Prague then Dresden which was a very pleasant surprise
Final stop was Berlin where one of the highlights was a trip to San Souci Palace Potsdam also by train
We finished by catching the train to Munich for our flight home to Australia

andyoinsefl

Interesting thought, but I’ve been to Europe many times and I’m struggling to find a route and things for him. I’m not interested in putting this on him. My wife wanted to see Prague and I haven’t been since ‘94 so that’s why we added the Czech Republic.

andyoinsefl

Curious if you did this trip with kid(s) and if so, what some of the highlights were?

Travel_Nerd

I did not say to put it all on him. If you're struggling on finding things he likes to do, in the cities you have chosen ask him for input, thats all I was suggesting. I have been to all of the towns you have mentioned, once with a teenager in tow.

Good luck. Apparently my help is no longer useful. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

andyoinsefl

Your help is useful. He’s in 8th with 4 high school classes, basketball every night. He’s got enough going on. I’m also struggling so don’t think he’ll come to a conclusion sinner than I will.

hugo64

No have done a few trips with young Grandkids but it's mainly a matter of not doing too many things and never passing a playground.
The thermal baths in Budapest were enormous fun.and there's certainly a lot to see in Budapest. We spent 5 nights there.
Vienna 2 nights. We've been there quite a few times
Prague 3 nights
Dresden 3 nights Frauen Kirche This was one of the most beautiful churches we've ever seen. The Green Vault museum was amazing.
Berlin 5 nights where Potsdam out in the countryside was a huge highlight
Munich 3 nights The highlight here was a great trip by rain and boat to Herrenchiemsee Palace
We saw lots of palaces and castles and walked miles
There's certainly a lot to see in all of these cities but it depends on the fourteen year old I guess.
Son took 15 year old to New York where she had to be prised away from her phone and forced to leave the hotel room
Down the track it's become the highlight of her life.

aquamarine_seas

If your son is into science, Brno is a fun Czech town to spend a day or two in, and it's on the way to Vienna. You can visit the monastery where Gregor Mendel lived/worked. They are still raising peas supposedly descended from Mendels peas, and at least when I visited, you could buy peas seeds from those plants. The town has a nice main square with a pretty church and crypt that can also be visited, along with a small castle.

Sassafrass

All of your advice is really good. I think the OP is just stressed. I have personally taken many teens to Europe (Italy, France, Germany and Spain) and younger kids to several other countries. They enjoyed having some input into the planning, learning how to use different transportation, etc. It wasn’t as if it was a job or chore. They were excited by the opportunity and ownership of the trip, and they liked doing something unique with adults.