We are considering Spain in August for 10 days with a 10 and 7 year old. How busy is it in August? We like to be informal and "just go". Can you do that with the vacations they are taking? Suggested destinations?

<BR>In August the coast and islands of spain are the busiest in europe.<BR>Especially these places:<BR>Malaga, Almeria, Valencia, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca(Balearic islands),<BR>Barcelona, as well as some Canary islands. Millions of British German and Austrians as well as scandinaviens head toward the summer sun. Even in Germany it is hard to find reasonable prices for that time period. <BR>If you want to go - make sure immediately where and how long and book it now.<BR>More questions -email me<BR>Shain/Germany/D&uuml;sseldorf

Shaine is right: The coastal areas (and the islands) will be swarmed with British and German tourists who go there for the sun and cheap booze (and signs in German advertising cold beer, good German cuisine etc.). You might want to check out the north western coast.<BR>Years ago I spent 4 weeks on Formentera and Ibiza, which were pretty (but with the above caveat).

I think the above posters are right but I think the British/German package tourists tend to stick mainly to certain resorts on the Mediterrenean coast and in the Balearics. If you do some research I am sure you would come up with many nice places to stay that are quieter or have rather more Spanish holidaymakers staying there. I usually spend at least a week in Sitges, near Barcelona. Also, why not think of visiting the north coast of Spain? San Sebastian in the Basque Country is lovely and the weather will not be so hot as the more southerly parts of the country.

Tom, <BR><BR>Sheila is right, German and English tourism is focused in certain places to avoid: Salou , Benidorm , Canary Islands, especially Tenerife-Sur, and Majorca esp. El Arenal and Magalluf areas. But there are other great resorts like Girona (Cadaques, Rosas...), Granada (Moj&aacute;car), C&aacute;diz, Huelva...and of course San Sebastian, where I live <BR><BR>Cristina

Hi Tom,<BR>Ingrid is right, I forget to tell you that Formentera (smaller island just off Ibiza) is very good for family travel. Even though you will still find a lot of "Rhinelanders" here, the beaches a re nice, and its not so trandy and fancy as in Ibiza.<BR>And indeed the North West coast is still a secret to many europeans too.<BR>Most of them travel by car or in groups, but there a "Paradores" or even<BR>appartements to rent. And the good thing here is the cuisine too.<BR>Need more info - email me<BR>Shain/EU/DE/D&uuml;sseldorf

Spain is great for kids, and anyone for that matter! We took our kids to Spain, in August (Madrid and Barcelona), along with French Riviera when they were 12 and 9. This provided a good mix of beach and sights and made everyone happy.<BR>Do reserve hotels in advance if possible. As everyone's said, the beach areas are crowded. Although Madrid and Barcelona are not that crowded in August, you might get a better deal if you book early. (Note, most places require you to take two rooms; the Intercontinental/Holiday Inn chain almost always offers a package which gives you the option of the second room for 1/2 price.) Tho the beach in Barcelona is not the greatest, the water is really quite nice and is a good respite for the kids. (I would stay near there rather than in town;it's only a 5-minute drive.)<BR>I could make several recommendations--if you're interested, just email. Have fun!<BR>

Hi Tom,<BR>I've been told by our european friends that August is their family holiday time and many places are closed for their vacation (restaurants, shops, etc). I would definate check into where you are wanting to go to confirm they are open. Good luck!

Hi Tom again,<BR>please check <BR>http://www.cuendet.com<BR>You will find fantastic villas or appartements to rent or in areas where<BR>germans do not so often appear !!!<BR>Greetings from the continent.<BR>Shain/eu/de/d&uuml;sseldorf

You will regret August. Go in May or Sept. when temps and prizes are down.