We’ve been back a week from a really fantastic 5 week trip to Europe over the Christmas New Year period. As usual I got so much help from you all and even despite some ‘negative’ feedback on our plans; it was a truly memorable trip. I do like to do a really thorough trip report but this is the first time I didn’t keep a journal, I did ‘jot’ notes on our map, so with that, photos and receipts, I will try to be as helpful as possible.

We are a 50 year old (oh god, that’s the first time I’ve had to write that…..), I’m retired, Dh is back at work after a couple of years travelling but has managed to secure plenty of holiday leave in his new role  . We’ve been to Europe several (6 we think) times, so the time in London, Paris & Amsterdam, were really just little ‘treats’, to revisit some favourite places. The planning was based around wanting a white Christmas with our two grown daughters (24 & 26) and their two partners (now fiancées……sure was an exciting trip). Early last year we secured a really great package deal, through a coupon website for a hotel/resort in Mayrhofen, Austria. So with that booked, we planned around that.

This is our itinerary and I will go into more detail shortly;

The 4 young ones flew out with Malaysian Airlines on the Friday night for London.
Dh & I departed on the Saturday morning with Singapore Airlines, B/class booked with points.
3 Nights in London with the ‘kids’
Eurostar to Paris, for a really special dinner
Train to Munich, two nights with the kids.
Picked up 2 cars (included in the Hotel package)
Drove to Mayrhofen
5 nights over Xmas, skiing
Back to Munich, kids flew back to London
Dh & I flew to Madrid for one night
Collected small Motorhome (this is where I got a lot of negative feedback)
17 nights exploring Spain & Portugal
2 nights Madrid
1 night Amsterdam for the meal of the trip & our flights home

Ahhhhh I hit preview and it submitted.....How do I now tag Spain? I think I should just start again.......

Looking forward to your report. I have enjoyed your previous reports. We often talk about visiting Paris for Christmas but don't know it will eventuate.

How wet is it!!! We are up the range in the Garden City and it is very wet and windy today. Happy Australia Day.

hi aussiedreamer, looking forward to your report, especially the Spain and Portugal part. DH and I are planning our trip to Europe this year and are yet to decide what we want to see.
so interested to read what you thought of the two countries.

happy Australia day to you to rhon............I think you are probably in for it worse than us (Brisbane) but it has not stopped!!

I hope you will follow me.........I'm going to repost so I can tag Spain?

I'm interested to see how you made out with the motorhome... hoping you proved all the naysayers wrong! ;^)

in...