My daugter will be graduating in 2010. A large group of her friends are headed off to cancun. We are trying to entice her to take a different trip with us and brought up Europe. That definitely got her attention. So our question is ...Where is a good place to go in europe in March. This is only an option for us if we can do it inexpensively. We started out looking at a london\paris package. We would be interested in a inexpensive package for that or would be open to some other spots that would not be less pricey as the obvious london paris. She has not traveled outside of the US, with the exception of Mexico and i have only been to Rome and Barcelona.

Well it really depends on her interests. Obviously London and Paris are fantastic cities - but March can still be quite chilly/rainy. Weather would probably be more pleasant in Italy - so a mix of indoor and outdoor things will probably be much easier.

Also, what language(s) has she studied? That may make one or another country more familiar/interesting to her?

Spain is usually somewhat less expensive, southern Spain will be relatively warm - and the area is fascinating due to it's unique Moorish heritage.

Suggest she have a look at some of the student guides - perhaps Let's Go - to get an idea of what the places are like and what she will enjoy most.

Southern Spain would be a wonderful destination (and MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better than Cancun!). So much to see and do and so much culture, art, natural beauty! I have been to Germany, Italy, Spain, and, yes Cancun (gag!) and have fallen in love with Spain. You can't go wrong, of course with any location in Europe. I totally agree with enticing her to Europe and keeping her away from Cancun (but the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula is a whole different story and an awesome destination).

We've been to Italy in March and it wasn't too chilly, especially around Rome.

I have traveled to Europe in late Feb/March several times and, unless you like really cold temps, I would avoid Ireland, Turkey, Germany and Austria! All were wonderful, of course, but very cold and damp.

Tracy

Andalusia or Sicily---have fun !

So many wonderful places, but for a graduation present, Paris!

Paris is Paris, even "in the winter when it drizzles."

A first trip to Paris is something special.


(By the way, we're taking our granddaughter to Paris in March, too._

Byrd

The first time I went to Paris was in early March. It was not warm like summer, but it was Paris, so it didn't matter

I just took DD to Paris again for her graduation gift a few weeks ago. It is a perfect place for a celebratory trip, IME. To keep costs down, stay for the week in one location and rent an apartment. That way you can eat in quite a bit, which while it saves a lot of money, it is also a lot of fun. Going to the markets to buy items is enjoyable, IMO.

I think simply going to Paris is a great idea!! Plus it is less expensive than London imo. One thing about "packaged" tours is they are normally double-occupancy based, so I'm not sure how that pricing would work for 3 people together?

mms,
you mentioned renting an apartment. We are not very traveled overseas, how would be go about doing that?

Hi JL,

There is no reason to buy a package.

A week in London + a week in Paris, or 2 weeks in Venice, Florence and Rome can be easily planned yourself for lower cost.

With your daughter, I recommend London/Paris. Fly into one and out the other. Take www.eurostar.com between them (sometimes a RT daytrip is cheaper than a one-way).

Let the other kids ruin their skin sunbathing at Cancun and catching Montezuma's Revenge. DD will be doing something interesting.

jerrylee, renting an apartment overseas is very easy. You can check out VRBO.com, slowtrav.com, tripadvisor, or there are plenty of websites if you type in "vacation apartments in XX" or something along those lines. Or simply do searches on this board for apartments in X city and you will see tons of posts. Many, including myself, love renting vacation apartments.