Amblet

My dd wants a trip to Spain for graduation. I am looking for an affordable way to take her but everything I have seen is either too long 14 or too expensive. Can anybody stear me in the right direction?
Thanks

nytraveler

First - how old is your daughter - graduation from what?

Second- how long is too long and how much is too much - is $5000 too much - or do you want to spend $500?

Piesdeplomo

How long do you intend to stay?
Which month?
Any points of interest?
Where do you come from (I mean... if you come from the States, you will most probably flight to Madrid, if not, there are more choice)?

Amblet

She wants to go in late June, and is graduating from High School. I would like to go with her but do not know if it would be possible for me to get the time off of work, I am thinking enexpensive like 2500-3000 for 10 days or so, we would be coming from Oregon.

Robert2533

Unless she is traveling with someone a bit older, and wiser, I'd advise her, and you, to wait until she finishes college, when she has actually accomplished something to earn an unescorted trip to Spain.

You wouldn't want to possibly spoil her, now would you?

Amblet

She has worked hard and deserves it, has finished her first year of college along with her senior year of high school, has over a 4.0 and her IB is fluent in Spanish and has given up every vacation during high school to volunteer work. She is not spoiled at all and has never asked for anything big in her life. My mom or I will probably go with her but neither of us have been to Spain, although mom has travelled in France and Italy alot the last couple of years.

beanweb24

How old is she? If she is at least 18 years old would you consider allowing her to go on a tour herself? Contiki has great tours for the younger crowd...I have taken two (one to Spain/Portugal and one to Ireland) but no longer go the tour route. You might want to consider Contiki if she is 18 and if you would agree to sending her by herself.

http://www.contiki.com/en-US/Tours/E.../Itinerary.htm

cruiseluv

Hi Amblet,

There are programs that take HS or college age "kids" to Spain to take part in an immersion program. Why don't you check those out? One of them is WWW.lpi.com.

Viajero2

Your daughter sounds like a wonderful young woman and I congratulate you. As far as Spain, without a doubt you can do this on your own (bulk of Fodor's business, right?). Earlier June is better than later, better yet, Spring Break is prime. Any thoughts on that?

Amblet

I would love to send her Spring break but she is already commited to a church Mission to Mexico at that time. I will check on Contiki, thanks. She does not want to do an immerision program but would be willing to do a tour. We have a family friend that she also wants to visit in Madrid.

nytraveler

Are you asking about $2500 per person - or for two people. (It would never work for 2 people - since airfare would eat up almost all of it.)

If she is 18 suggest she organize a trip on her own - and do it herself. If you want to provide funds fine - but this way it is a great learning experience - vs a rolling frat kegger.

dave23

Your daughter sounds like an exceptional young woman. Find out from her if she wants to do an organized youth tour or to go on her own. I don't think you'd have much trouble either way on the budget you propose, especially if she could stay with the family friend in Madrid.

beanweb24

Just a side note...I would not classify Contiki as a rolling frat kegger. But yes, there will likely be people on the tour that do go out at night and drink on their own free time.

I am now a do-it-yourself traveler, but Contiki was a good start years ago when I was too overwhelmed to go it alone. I also met my hubby on a Contiki tour, so I'm a little biased.

Chicago_Heather

How very presumptive to assume that her graduation isn't worth celebrating. Geesh.

Anyway, congratulations! I hope that you decide to go with her ... mother/daughter trips are a wonderful experience. Am taking my mother for a surprise to Spain in late May for 2 weeks. We're doing it on our own and you should strongly consider doing so.

Viajero2

Your best bet is to have her visit the family friend in Madrid. A couple of weeks should be great. Madrid has a lot to offer and the train system in Spain is very good, overall. If you plan ahead and have flexibility you can monitor flights prices and buy when convenient. A tour is not a bad way to go, but a sponsored visit (i.e. friend/realives) is even better.