Well, after great contemplation, and planning, and scheming, I have decided to take my kids to Europe for the summer - two months. We have been to Paris many times but nowhere else. I would really appreciate your advice on must sees and best times to go to different locals. I was thinking of maybe something like Italy, Spain, England, and France and I'd really love to see Ireland. Any ideas how to do this somewhat economically. Not packing in too much, having time to soak it all in and relax a bit here and there. Kids are 13 and 14.

Your kids are a good age, but don't wait any longer. See if you can say, fly into London, then out of Madrid. England is a good place to start because of the common language. With that much time, I hope you have scheduled week-long stays in various areas. House rentals in county and city are easily available. Day trips in a rental car are the best way to get a feel for the country and see some important attractions. Good luck and have fun!

Why are you posting again?

You have already received many thoughtful responses from loyal Fodorites!

Hi maria,

Click on your name to get all of your threads.

Thanks. Not sure what I'm doing wrong but sometimes I post and then can't find them. Must be the category I'm choosing when I post. Sorry for the confusion. I'll try merging them.

Maria,

You can't find your post because each new post brings its thread to the top and yours keeps going lower and lower.

Just click on your name.

Still trying to get my arms around this. It's difficult to figure out the best way to do this. I had hoped to used travel miles and my plan doesn't allow open jaw trips- meaning fly into one airport and fly out of another. Given that, and given that I want to visit France, England, Spain, Ireland, and Italy, do you have any suggestions how to tackle all that in two months?

Not only do I wasnt to share Europe with my children, but I also want to locate a place where I might want to live in a few years.

I want to see Bilbao, London, Venice, the south of France, and get a feel for Ireland (land of my ancestors). Beyond that, I want to have a wonderful experience with them while it's still not too embarrassing to be seen with me.

Don't want it too rushed. Would like the kids to have a chance to make some friends there, be in places that feel safe, and have a great cultural experience. Would rather miss a little than be harried.

Just trying to decide the general itenerary and length of time in each area. If I had to pick only three, it would be England, Italy, and France. But my son really wants to see Ireland.

I'd love to ride on a train, maybe do the chunnel, maybe a boat experience. Maybe stay in a home in the country. A little worried about driving in Italy but don't want to be stuck without transportation.

Would like to do this for about $4000 not including airfare both ways (using travel miles). Less would be great, too. Main thing is to feel safe.

We'd really appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you. MC

One more thing. How do I post so that my message is seen when you click on Europe? What category would that be when I see the country choices. Thank you.

There is one Europe board; there are not individual country boards. Everyone who visits the Europe board will see your message as long as it is near the top.

have you thought about raileurope.com? A youth rail card (travel in 17 Euro countries)comes in two varieties from ast little as $600 for 15 days travel within 2 calender months?

I'm sure you've read that Europe is quite expensive. With two kids in tow and multiple destinations, you'd be hard pressed to do this two-month trip with a budget of $4000.

I agree with weadles. You are planning on spending about 50E/day.

Hotels or apartments will cost more than that.