MmePerdu

Indeed!

PalenQ

18 year olds can find drugs and booze anywhere if they're so inclined, Palenq, especially among their peers at home, so I doubt that's a reason to nix Amsterdam.>

Well we'd like to know why OP nixed Amsterdam and Paris?

MmePerdu

Why, PalenQ? Do you really find this thread THAT compelling. I don't and no sign it will be. It's the details that make quests for information interesting to me, and those so utterly devoid of detail not worth answering (yet here I am, apparently an addict).

PalenQ

Why, PalenQ? Do you really find this thread THAT compelling>

curiosity?

marvelousmouse

Compelling is not the word I'd use...we're all addicts here...

But I'm always fascinated by threads like these. If the trip will happen, who is planning and paying for it? At 18, and well into my 20s, I just bought the cheapest ticket I found. And the 18 year old backpackers I've met don't care much about central lodging or airport access. Cheap beer, food, etc. sure! But otherwise wherever they go, there they are.

MmePerdu

My parents divorced when I was 18 so, as the eldest child and hungry for freedom, I just went off on my own and nobody seemed to notice in the chaos. It's served me well. I never had anyone but myself after that to make my arrangements so always got what I wanted or a lesson in what I didn't. No safety net and it never occurred to me that I needed one. My contemporaries never seemed to catch up with me in the adventure department. I think one must begin young to get that part right, if it's what we want. And I did and so glad to have made this life that's seemed perfect for me, no regrets (or few).

jdurham

Oh wow. Sorry I'm a teacher and have been busy at work knowing I would check in after a day or so.
Ummm I apologize if I was vague. I didn't realize the backstory would be of interest/relevance.
First of all, my daughter asked me to investigate on her behalf as I have talked about travel forums in the lay and how helpful they have been with my own planning. Secondly- it's all simple. They have both been to Paris and Amsterdam many time before. No other agenda folks. Sorry!
Finally- yes I was vague because she's 18 and has no expectations herself! Quite open to suggestions
Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful suggestions. She/I appreciate it. I'm confused about any judgements that might be happening but do appreciate the ideas and will pass them along to her.
Again- single mom with a full time job here so not able to reply/check in as often as some!

jdurham

Also whoever posted suggestions of Manchester and Vienna -thank u! We will explore those! She's been to most of the other places listed-Venice, Barcelona etc.

marvelousmouse

Thanks for responding back. What is she and her friend interested in?

If she hasn't done so, she should explore some of the destination descriptions on hostelworld, as they tend to be aimed more towards her age group. Or look at the hoscars list (hostel awards list- annual best small/medium/large hostels in each region, nominated by the backpackers themselves). That's what I do when I have no real ideas. There are some destinations that end up on my list just because I really want to see those hostels.

PalenQ

Manchester is sweet but I think going abroad would be better for them - different culture, etc.

PalenQ

Can't they wiggle a bit more than 2 nites? Especially if flying which takes half a day going each way. And what time of year are they going?

If much later than next few weeks weather in northern Europe can be grim (well if you live in Britain...) and it is so much nicer walking around, sitting at outdoor cafes, etc much nicer in warmer climates. For a smallish big city with nice weather Lisbon comes to mind or any Spanish town (except Benidorm!) Nice would be nice if not been there.

Cheers- you are a great mum to encourage them in doing this and taking time to research for them.

What cities will you present as options or do they just want you to decide?

jdurham

The idea of looking at Hostleworld and hostels in general is great. Thanks and we will definitely start to look into that!
They may be able to do 3 nights... they are travelling end of October- she has also already been to Lisbon and Nice.. but not without mom so I will propose those for sure.
More backstory-my daughter is in her first year University in UK from Canada. She will have opportunities to travel UK with classmates. Her friend is coming from Canada for 1 week and they want to escape the campus/London for a few days and see something totally different. My daughter has travelled mostly everywhere with me but never on her own yet. They are care- free teenagers with no expectations and my advice goes a long way with them, so suggestions will be quite influential
PalenQ - thank you for the kind words-actually made my day...so thank you!

annhig

And the 18 year old backpackers I've met don't care much about central lodging or airport access. Cheap beer, food, etc. sure! But otherwise wherever they go, there they are.>>

Krakow would be good. Loads to look at, cheap, good nightlife, and I'm sure I remember a thread a few years ago by someone who stayed in a hostel there. Plus a first glimpse at what was an "Iron Curtain" country so different from the places she's bee not so far.

jdurham - thanks for being so gracious about some less than generous remarks. Inner defence there are many who drop in here, ask a question, and never return. Also a "back story" is useful as we can get a better idea of what is required though TBF you did provide quite a lot of background to start off with.

i hope that she has fun planning and even more fun when she gets to wherever she has chosen to visit.

PalenQ

Does she speak French? A city like Avignon could be nice or Lyon especially if she wants to use her French (assuming she is not a Quebecois but may have studied it in school).

And taking a train I think could be sweet - London to Avignon in about 5 hours, less to Lyon, via change in Lille - Eurostar from London. check www.eurostar.com for discounted tickets if book really early. See www.seat61.com for great tips on booking own discounted train tickets; for general info and places to go www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

MmePerdu

Apologies, jdurham. It is as the very kind annhig says and, though I think I'm getting more patient generally, I still need to practice being silent sometimes. Fodor's is my therapy.

Now tell me, what happened with Marrakech?

annhig

Mme P - please don't think that I was getting at you at all - heaven knows I've been rude enough myself here more times than I can remember.

PalenQ

Even though she's been to Paris Paris is so easy - about 2 hours by Eurostar trains - and her friend perhaps not been there - nice to know ropes - has all their desires, especially shopping.

MmePerdu

No, annhig, you were gentle & right. I'm not good at being silent but trying to get better when it's the better choice. Both you & jdurham were models of restraint. We need more of that around here.

annhig

Both you & jdurham were models of restraint. We need more of that around here.>>

I must have been having a good day.

Cathinjoetown

When I was relatively younger, living in London and the internet was in its infancy, I used to book Thomas Cook city breaks from a kiosk in Selfrige's basement.

Great value at the time for flights and a selection of hotels. They seem to still be going strong. Suggest using them as a cost comparison if nothing else, www.thomascook.com