Hi,
I was fortunate to receive some money for Christmas. I would like to take my family on a nice trip this summer and would like some advice. We are torn between Hawaii, Munich/Vienna, London, or Rome/Venice. I do have a 15 year old boy who I'm not sure on how we will like Europe. We have never taken a big trip like this, and may not for a while, so i want to make sure I make the right choice. I would appreciate any help. Thank You.

I think that one hour in the travel section of the biggest public library near you - - good guidance/parenting/bonding time with your 15 year old - - will answer this question for you.

And there is some merit in "dangling" the money (and the trip that it could make possible) in front of him - - for 2006 or beyond. Go, with him, when he is really excited about the possibility.

Best wishes,

Rex

In order for us to help you, perhaps you could tell us some more about your family, likes/dislikes, previous vacations good, bad and otherwise, what your son is "into" and how much $$ you're talking about spending and for how long you'd go away.

I'll just start by saying, depending on where you live, Hawaii is a very long trip and can be quite expensive to fly unless you plan well in advance. I live on the east coast and it's much further than Europe. London and the countryside of England would be a great introduction to Europe if you've never been but the dollar to pound exchange rate is making the UK a very expensive trip. Rome and Venice are great (I adore Venice) but can be very hot and crowded in summer. I haven't been to Munich/Vienna, but based on process of elimination, I think that might be a good pick. But do tell us more.

I have been looking into guided tours, and they all are in the same price range, so $$ isn't really an issue. I guess we are just looking for the most bang for the buck. My concern about my 15 yr old, is without english TV, he will get bored durning the "down times", and my wife & I won't be able to sneek out on our own for a while. Thats why we are looking into Hawaii & London, even thou Munich/Vienna & Italy is our first choices.

If Italy is your first choice, go for it! There is English language programming on Italian TV although I hope you don't have too much "down time". This forum is mostly made up of independent travelers and, depending on the itinerary you choose, I think you would enjoy being on your own rather than with a tour group. Travel in Europe is very easy by train.

If Italy really is (one of?) your first choice(s) - - is this "with" Munich/Vienna? or either/or? then go for it - - and get your son involved in making some of the choices.

And you can have separate, safe and wonderfully enjoyable evenings, apart from each other in Venice, if it is near the end of the trip (for some language and "get-around" skills to have blossomed).

It might be a worthwhile extra precaution to buy "by-the-minute" (i.e., no contract, reload with minutes as you need them) cell phones, so that he knows he can reach you if/when necessary.

I would think that if he can be alone in Hawaii, he can be alone in Venice. If you have more than 7 days/nights, then add in one destination - - even if just for one night, where you put him in charge of becoming the expert, reading up, and showing you around. Assisi, for example... or Siena (assuming he is willing to do this; don't force it on him, like a homework assignment).

Hi
I honestly think that a guided tour is not the best way to introduce Europe to a 15 year old. You will spend a lot of time on buses,and the groups tend to have mostly adults. The itineraries are pre-set as you know, and may not allow much time for off-the-beaten track exploration, or having some down time in front of the tv in the afternoon, or in visiting Hard Rock Cafes or their equivalents.

Many European hotels have tv satellite stations (CNN World, BBC) and though that's mostly news programs, if you choose England and the UK to begin with, there will be other shows to watch.

Hawaii will be a resort vacation---beach, water sports, some sightseeing or day tours, the primary focus is outdoor delights.

London is a great choice--lots of sightseeing and daytrips during the day, TV in English, lots of kid-oriented activities and restaurants and theatre.

Have you thought about a cruise? Alaska, or Hawaii, or even in the Mediterranean? You get sightseeing, you get activities for all age groups, you get great food for adults and for kids, and you could have an evening with your spouse knowing your kid is being fed and entertained.
Some of my family did a Princess family cruise to Alaska with their boys a few years ago (aged 11 and 14) and they still say it was one of the best trips they've been on,and they've done quite a bit of traveling.

Hi keno,

If you have the time, I suggest London for 5-7 days followed by Paris for 5-7 days.

If your son can't stay interested he is beyond hope.

Thanks for the Posts. I will have to think again about guided tours vs. doing our own thing. I'm just concerned about "getting around". I don't want to rent a car. I know trains are an easy why to get around & see the countryside. I have never been to Europe, and really want to go, just have to figure out the best way to do it, and where is the best place to go.

Hi
It's hard to get over worries, especially the first time.
London and the vicinity might be an especially good place to 'get your feet wet' as you won't have language concerns, mostly b-(

It's true that the dollar to pound exchange rate is pretty bad now (ditto for euros) but it's not going to get better anytime soon so you might as well take the plunge

there are plenty of suggestions here for budget-minded but convenient hotels and B&Bs, in London, or in the other cities you are considering.
Daytrips by commuter rail or by train are easy to plan. They break up the city routine, and they allow you to see other areas and historic sites, anything from gardens to castles to former concentration camps. Or, for day trips, you can take organized bus tours which take you there, show you around, and bring you home.

If you're considering Munich and Vienna, perhaps pick one of those and for another destination choose Prague.
People of all ages love it, and it's much less expensive than some other European capitals. The city center is small enough, and walkable, so that you could let your son wander a bit on his own if you like.

I would also suggest traveling independent for the trip you describe, but keep it simple by visiting one or two places (Munich & Vienna or Rome & Venice would both be pretty easy logisics). Travel by train. Pack books or games for your son, or encourage him to watch TV in a foreign language... it really is a fun thing to do.

Alternately I love Hawaii, it is simply stated, a totally different experience. I don't think we can help you make that decision.