We are taking our son(s) on a trip as a high school graduation present. We may have his brother who is a year younger along on the trip as well, as an early graduation present. <BR>I thought the boys may have a more enjoyable time if both went. We took our daughter to Spain last year and relished the special time we had with her. Unfortunately, our oldest son doesn't really care to travel and I am afraid he may balk at going at all! And, my youngest son would like to combine the trips as well. <BR> <BR>With this in mind, the boys would like a beach, and I would like for them see something of the world. They have mentioned Cancun (no way!), so I know what they are thinking...girls, sun, fun,etc. <BR> <BR>They have been to England, already. <BR>I have thought about China, Europe and South America. <BR> <BR>I have been to several countries in Europe and so am looking for a new destination. <BR> <BR>Would Croatia offer a new place for me and yet the attributes I am looking for for my sons? Perhaps the southern part of Italy? <BR> <BR>I am open to any and all ideas!!! <BR>Thank you!! <BR>Mom <BR> <BR>

You can lead a son to cathedral(s) but quite possibly, you can't make him pray. <BR> <BR>If Cancun is out, what about Puerto Rico- - or want more exotic? Try Culebra - - see www.dispatch.com/travel - - yes, don't laugh - - that's the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch - - the NY Times isn't the only useful source of travel info in the world. <BR> <BR>Oh, I realize that this is not Europe - - but these are fellow American citizens, you know - - and there are plenty of things to be learned about "foreign" cultures and geography without crossing the Atlantic. <BR> <BR>And none of that Cancun alcohol/disco worship in Culebra, apparently! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Thanks, Rex! <BR>I forgot to mention that we must travel in March and will probably take ten days including travel time. My husband and I would send the boys back and then continue on ourselves for another week or two. <BR>I appreciate your response and apologise for not giving all the info upfront. I know that is a pet peeve of yours! <BR>I should add that my husband and I have done a little bit of traveling and are looking for something a little off the beaten path. <BR>Thank you! <BR>Mom

Hello, Rex, <BR>I did take a look at the article you listed. That is the only type of island I would consider. I am not into the Club Med thing, nothing against those who do, just not my type of thing. I had thought about Puerto Rico. Perhaps a couple of days there and a few on this island... <BR>I have an interest in Cuba, as well. However, it is still off limits for us, isn't it? <BR>So, what makes sense for AFTER Puerto Rico...South America? I had thought about Sao Paulo for us. I need a fix of culture and art that I usually satisfy in Europe. That is one reason that I had considered Croatia. <BR> <BR>How about the Almafi Coast in March, is that warm enough? <BR> <BR>I would love any ideas! Thanks, folks! <BR>Mom <BR> <BR>

I am not knowledgeable about cuba, but I believe that Americans are finding ways to travel there, especially by way of companies in Canada specializing in this kind of thing. <BR> <BR>There IS a connection to Europe in going to Cuba - - the litte known airline with the improbable name www.aireurope.it flies from Havana to Milan (I think - - having some trouble getting the English page of their website to open properly right now) - - though I don't know if this is an affordable "side-trip" way to cross the Atlantic or not (assuming you genuinely want to go to Cuba - - and if you go there with a Canadian tour company, will they let you leave the isalnd, go to Europe and then go back "with" them later?) <BR> <BR>And though you say that Culebra is the ONLY kind of island experience you would ever like, I would urge you not to be close-minded about Bermuda. I have no idea if there are direct trans-atlantic flights from Bermuda to Europe or not (though surely there are). <BR> <BR>

Mom, this wouldn't involve Europe either, but have you considered Costa Rica or Belize? Costa Rica's coasts have some beautiful beaches--some are real surfing meccas--and there are also all sorts of outdoor adventure options: rafting, jungle hikes, so on and so forth. Sounds like something teenage boys would enjoy. I was a 26-year-old female when I first went to CR, but I certainly loved it!

This isn't a suggestion for Europe, but what about Brazil, starting out with Rio de Janerio, with a side trip to Iguacu Falls on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Costa Rica is a great suggestion. My daughter's been twice, once as a 20 year old Spanish student on an in-home study program and this past fall for 3 months as a 23-year old volunteer teacher. Her dad and I are anxious to see a place that so captivated her, but we're off to Italy this Spring, so Central America will have to wait. March may still be a bit chilly for serious beach-stuff in Europe, but what about Greece and Turkey? Not your typical "Spring Break" for sure and maybe exotic enough for two teenage GUYS. (I know what they are like, we've got a 20-year son, who is hoping to do a surf school on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in 2002!)

All I want to know is, are you looking to adopt another person? - I'm available Have a wonderful time - your children are very fortunate!

Thank you all for the ideas! I had not thought about Costa Rica and Belize, but will surely look into it! <BR>I have give thought to Turkey and Greece. I wasn't sure if it would appeal to teenagers. <BR>Idsant, thank you for your kind comments. I hope my children enjoy and appreciate the trip! <BR>Mom

I don't quite understand what you're looking for or why you'd want to take someone on an expensive trip who doesn't want to go, but... how about Crete? You will have a great comination of things: Minoan archeology, Venetian and Turkish history and archeology, WW2 bravery tales, folk crafts, rugged scenery, old fashioned way of life, hiking, sea travel, simming from rugged rocks as well as from beaches.

meant Venetian and Turkish architecture

Your son doesn't like to travel, but his graduation present is a trip? I think this is a present for mom and dad.

I knew this would come up as an issue. <BR> <BR>My husband and I travel regularly, so this is not a "trip for mom and dad". <BR>If anything, the money I spend on this trip would allow me to take an extra one if I wanted to. <BR> <BR>I merely want my son to see other parts of the world. I think one reason that he doesn't like to travel stems from a lack of self-confidence. Going on a trip with his parents and funloving younger brother to a foreign country can help boost his self esteem and hopefully eliminate some of the fear of foreign travel. Personally, I have seen many adults not go to Europe or Asia just because they are fearful. <BR> <BR>He did enjoy the trip to England once we got there. And, I think with careful planning, and being sensitive to his wants, we can have a nice trip where he gets to indulge in some fun time. <BR> <BR>Selfishly, I do want the trip WITH my kids. High School graduation signifies a "change" in the parent/child role. I guess I would like for us to have one more special event, where everyone has a good time. <BR> <BR>Surely, you can agree that a young adult can benefit by having the scope of his world made larger? Why are you on this travel board if you do not see the benefit of travel?

Go, Mom! <BR>Ignore those dopes who don't appreciate introducing kids to travel! Obviously, they didn't do it at a young age. (Perhaps they aren't traveling yet?!)

I find it absolutely amazing at the cynicism that people feel compelled to post sometimes on this board! Jeez. . .Mom is doing a great thing for her kids - doesn't sound like a trip for her at all. Why can't we all just be happy and informative instead of posting snide remarks? Mom - one place you might also want to consider (although far) would be Australia - even though it would be winter, the gold coast would have great surfing, etc. and it is a rather fun place! BTW - ignore the naysayers.

I think your question is a good one. Here are some additional suggestions that combine beach/fun and cultural/sightseeing opportunities. I know that some are a little far for 10 days, but are doable. And they are a bit off the beaten track as you indicated was your desire. <BR> <BR>Thailand - Bangkok plus beautiful beaches <BR> <BR>Tunisia <BR> <BR>Morocco <BR> <BR>Zanzibar <BR> <BR>Austrailia <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I would not have thought about Thailand as an option. Yet, I think it could be interesting. I have had friends visit it and liked it. <BR> <BR>Morocco is an idea. We thought about Morocco when we were in Spain and Portugal. We never made it, however. <BR>My husband and I could venture into Europe or Egypt from Morocco...it's a thought, Howard. Thank you. <BR> <BR>I still have Croatia in my mind. I don't know what the weather would be like in March. Any ideas on Croatia? <BR> <BR>In all these destinations, I would like to allow my kids to venture out on their own a bit. Would you feel two 16 and 17 year old young men would be okay in these locations? They are charming, nice young men, yet, probably a little naive, having been raised in a small town in the Midwest. <BR>I am exploring all these options and printing out pictures of them for the boys to look at. <BR>Many thanks for all your time and kindnesses. <BR>Mom

While I think Croatia would be a great choice especailly if they had wanted to go to Cancun I don't think it would work for March. <BR> <BR>Went to Yahoo's weather site and for today Zagreb's high is 63 low 52 <BR> <BR>Dubrovnik high 70 low 57 <BR>Split high 64 low 48 <BR> <BR>so if they wanted a beach destination with girls in bikinis they wont get it in Croatia in March. I don't think anywhere in Europe would be warm enough would it? <BR> <BR>Are you going in March during your sons spring break?

My son is going to Fiji and New Zealand for Spring Break with his rugby team!! They expect to have great fun in the sun while there. It is heading into fall there so weather is expected to be quite nice.