BKP

Where should I go?
I've checked all of the weather sites. It seems like if I want above 80 degrees I will have to go away from continental Europe. On our short list we have Cyprus, Crete, Turkey (the Turquoise Coast) Marrakesh, Fez, or Rhodes. Am I missing anything?

Normally on vacations we spend try to balance relaxation with museums, sites, ruins, etc. This time it is all about relaxing! All we want is to rent a villa with a pool and play, eat, and relax with our 3 year old son. We would prefer to be near a beach but that isn't a deal breaker. We live outside of London and don't want to fly longer than 4 hours or so. It would be great to be near an interesting city or village where we could go in for meals. I don't want to have to cook on this trip!

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Jayne11159

Come to Florida! October is one of the least expensive months, your currency is worth a lot more than ours, your have thousands of miles of beach to choose and we need the business!

kja

Hi, BKP -

> Am I missing anything?

Southern Spain?
Southern Sicily?

zeppole

If you live outside of London, can't you just wait to see what the weather is October for Barcelona, Sevilla, Palermo, Napoli, Genova or Nice -- and then book your flight and hotel? If all you're doing is relaxing, just keep your eye out and be ready to pounce.

worldis4travel

Egypt, Malta, Sicily have very good weather during October.

BKP

Thanks for the replies!
Jayne -- we're hopefully heading to Florida, Disneyworld that is, in December for a mini family reunion. I'll see what I can do for your economy!

We've been to Sicily and loved it but we want to try something new. My husband likes the idea of Egypt but I want to wait until my son is a bit older before we tackle that destination!

I was hoping to narrow down my choices by posting here -- but now I have even more! Malta looks beautiful. As for Southern Spain -- do I want to go south of Alicante? I don't want to go to the really touristy/clubby areas. Any specific suggestions?

I could wait and book spur of the moment. We want to rent a villa rather than a house and they usually want a little more notice. Besides -- isn't planning ahead and anticipating a trip half the fun?

nancy

Malta is a wonderful place to visit but I wouldn't consider it a "sit on the beach" type of place. Lots to see and great transportation.

I would spend a relaxing vacation in Turkey on the Turqouise Coast. I'm not a sun worshipper but Turkey is so amazing and if you can get around some you will love it.

I so wish I could have done one of those small boat trips along the Turquoise Coast.

zeppole

I guess so, bkp. And if you want to rent a villa, you probably will need to get all your ducks in a row in advance. For my friends in London who visit me (in Liguria), we just follow the weather reports.

BKP

nancy -- we're not sun worshippers either -- but we're willing to give it a chance! Do you think the small boat trips in Turkey would be appropriate for a 3 year old? If it's just a day trip and on a large enough boat I think he would love it.

zeppole -- do your friends just check the 10 day forecast and then buy tickets? I would imagine that good deals are hard to come buy with such late notice. That sort of spontaneity and adventure really appeals to my husband, maybe we'll give it a try sometime.

zeppole

bkp, yes -- but good deals aren't hard to come by in terms of flights. We're talking about the regular flights from Gatwick to Genova, or to Pisa or Milano. (The options would be even greater if you were totally open to which hot weather destination you wanted.)

My friends are coming to stay with me, so they don't have to worry about a hotel. But in October, along the Mediterranean, you're not going to have a problem getting a good place to stay.

A villa? I'm not so sure.

bilboburgler

Marrakesh within the city walls might be good if you book an old style house, but no beach.

Essouria on the other hand would be a good chill out area.

Cyprus in the south can be lovely and the people are great with limited crime

BKP

bilboburgler -- what about outside of the city walls in Marrakesh? We find this house that is listed at 12km away. We thought it would be nice to be away from the craziness of the city but still be able to go in for the day or even just a meal.

Here's the listing if you want to see it. http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...ech-city/53342

annhig

hi BKP,

even before i saw it again on Francesco's trip from venice to Istanbul [can't remember what it's called but if you watch BBc 2 at all, you'll know what i mean] i was suggesting Croatia.

it's cheap [well, cheaper than most] and beautiful, with good weather in October and lovely beaches for your 3 year old.

regards, ann

Mimar

What is the difference between a house and a villa?

BKP

Mimar -- a house is where you live but a villa is what you rent when you want to go on vacation and pretend you live somewhere else?

I don't know if there is a difference. I usually refer to a vacation rental as a villa because that is how most of the websites refer to them -- and it makes me feel glamorous!

BKP

ah -- Mimar -- I didn't see my earlier typo, which I assume your post was referencing. I meant to type "a villa rather than a hotel." That did seem a bit confusing! Ooops!

bilboburgler

BKP, there can be some lovely houses outside the city, say up in the Atlas, but in October it will be getting cooler at night while the old city generally stays warmer.

nancy

BKP: when I responded I wasn't paying attention to your having a three year old. I'm sure they have life jackets for all ages but you can check that out while there. Altho' it might be better to contact one of the cruise companies and ask about little ones going along. May be that you would have to take a life jacket for him.

The beach would probably be more fun for a little one and I would sure check out finding an apartment or condo very close to the beach.

Luisah

<<Marrakesh within the city walls might be good if you book an old style house, but no beach.

Essouria on the other hand would be a good chill out area.>>

I was thinking that and I don't think it's a long flight from London.

bilboburgler

Think of it sardines roasting over charcoal on the dock side. ( a bit chilly but still ok during the day)