hers

Hello,<BR>I would appreciate any help from the seasoned travelers here. My husband and I plan on taking our college-aged son on his first international vacation. My husband and I have been to London and South Africa on corporate travel and earned free tickets anywhere British Airways flies, and have no idea where to go, but need to go mid-August. I was hoping for some advice.<BR>My husband is not much for city travel, and due to a heart condition I can not really "push" myself as far as a hectic pace goes, but I don't want to miss out on what may be our only family vacation. And we do want our son to have a great experience and enjoy our family time together, which is scarce since he is a student, but would not care much for waiting on lines and such. <BR>And, since we are limited to seven days including travel, I don't want to spend over 12 hours in transit if I can help it.<BR>I know these things limit us somewhat in travel, and I would appreciate greatly your insight. <BR>What I did enjoy, and I know I am leaving myself open to ridicule here, were those open topped tour buses that allowed us to see London at our own pace, and hop on and off to explore a bit, and also loved the safari in South Africa.<BR>Also wondering if, when you make a suggestion, you could possibly suggest a mode of transportation? Living in a very very rural area has not given us much experience as city drivers. Although we do not to pay for air travel, we do not have unlimited funds for vacation, as the college tuition is somewhat burdensome at the moment!<BR>I want to tank you in advance for your gracious help.<BR>

Wayne

Honestly, I think you might be best off taking an escorted tour. There are many, many tour companies around, and a travel agent is your best bet to find a tour and a price that suits you. I'd recommend finding a tour that minimizes the distance from spot to spot (usually in a bus) and/or one that provides river cruises on scenic rivers such as the Danube or Rhine.

mj

If the family has European roots, how about travelling to the area the family came from? I'm sure once you decide on a destination, you'll get some good ideas from the folks here.<BR>

hers

Well,, my son called today and asked if we could go to Italy. I have no idea where to start so I visited out local travel agent who never has been to Europe and had no ideas for me. We have seven days, and probably won't do especially well with a car, since the driving must be so different there.<BR>With no travel advice, and being in a remote reigon, can any advise?<BR>Thank you so very much!

casey

Hi,<BR>I also have a son who just finished his freshman year in college.<BR>He was never interested in travel until 2 years ago.<BR>We went to Japan , which was very interesting. The following year we went went to Germany and we did a driving tour and we had an awesome time!He and his younger sister (7 years younger) and I really enjoyed the castles,the wood carvings, the mid-evil towns,etc. <BR>We drove alot, but every day was like a differnt culture as we covered many differnt parts of Germany. I believe that we used "autoeurope." They gave us maps and directions, vochures for hotels each night and suggestions of where to stop on the way.<BR>We loved it.<BR>My son also seems interested in Italy this year, though I don't know if it is going to happen. Very expensive this summer!<BR>Have fun!

Ruth

Sites such as<BR>http://www.italiantourism.com/ could help you start to narrow down your search (or search for e.g. Italy tourism on Google). Venice could be a wonderful destination for 7 days - while it's a city, it is easy to explore on foot and by boat. It may be too crowded in August though. Or a tour of Tuscany, to include a trip to Florence? Maybe the Italian Lakes? There are so many options - I think you will have a great time wherever you choose! I wouldn't try to do too much in just 7 days, maybe just one or 2 destinations. <BR><BR>Your travel agent sounds useless! At least the internet gives you the option of finding hotels or a tour independently.

Grandma

My first response to a question like yours is always..... Italy! BUT, in August the weather could be dreadful and if your health is a problem it might be uncomfortable. I'd suggest a trip to Scandinavia. Aaugust is the best time for travel there. Copenhagen and Stockholm are full of sights. I'm certain other Fodorites will weigh in with excellent suggestions.

doug

Virtually everyone in France and most of Italy is on vacation in August. Although I haven't done it myself my friends from there told me going to either of those in August is not seeing them @ their best.<BR>England: Bath, Stonehenge, Statford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle couple days in London<BR>Germany: Bavaria (Munich area) with a car.<BR>Be sure to let your son drink the beer.

Ruth

Also, as your son has suggested Italy, why not find out what aspects of Italy he has in mind? I'd certainly involve him in the planning - don't take all the responsibility for a "perfect family vacation" on yourself! But you may find things are booking up if you are planning for August 2002.

Rick Steves et al.

1) Resources like "Europe thru the Backdoor" and other guidbooks by Rick Steves are invaluable at the beginning stages of planning. And/or his website at www.ricksteves.com. Offers advice for independent travelers but also he sponsors small group tours with leaders.<BR><BR>2) Go to a bookstore or library and browse thru the guidebooks and travel magazines.<BR><BR>3) Look into Agriturismo (sp?) where you stay at homes in the Italian countryside.<BR><BR>4) Find a travel agent that DOES have 1st hand European experience.

Kara

Hello -<BR>I would highly recommend travelling to England and focusing your trip in London, then venturing out to Bath, Oxford and Stonehenge. You won't need a car, as public transportation is great (I have done it many times), and the people are friendly and helpful. A week should be sufficient time. I would also recommend staying in B&B's as they are reasonable priced.<BR>Have fun!<BR>

Bob

We did a trip last year that is what you are looking for....boat cruise down the Danube on the MV Mozart.<BR><BR>Fly into Munich and bus to Passau on the German/Austrian border. Get on board and just slowly cruise the Danube through Vienna, Slovakia and end at Budapest. <BR><BR>Get off during the day to see the sites and always return to the same room. Turn around in Budapest and head back to Passau. They stop at different towns on the return voyage. Whole trip was one week. Very relaxing and fun.<BR><BR>Cabins very nice and food was great. No hassle way to see a lot of Europe.

carol

Based on everything you've said I think the best choice would be England. You could go to London, then go by train and spend a night in Bath and a night or two in York. Also try arranging for a bus tour of a few days through the British tourist office (maybe some more rural area like Devon and Cornwall, or the lake country, or Cotswolds--of those I've only been to Devon and Cornwall).<BR>While I love Italy, and I think it's packed with wonderful things to see, when you go to Italy you have to expect things to go wrong (not horribly, painfully, dangerously wrong, but mishaps and confusion and little screwups) and I have a feeling you're not up for that. Also one week is far too little time for Italy.<BR>You didn't say where you're from, but I assume USA or Canada, and, if so, any trip to the UK is especially meaningful because of your country's British heritage, regardless of what your family's ethnic background might be.

carol

Just noticed you said your son wants to go to Italy. I still think a week is too little. But if it will be Italy, I suggest going right to Florence, staying there for a week and taking day trips by bus or train or packages sightseeing tours to Siena, to some of the smaller towns of Tuscany, and perhaps to some place in Umbria. Don't try to see too much!!!!!!