jdurham

I love these suggestions and its going to definitely steer us in the right direction. PalenQ I agree about taking the train for time purposes. We will look into other places in France..Avignon etc. She is going back to Paris on a field trip with her school or it would be the natural choice! Boo.

Cathinjoetown-I will also take a look at Thomas Cook for sure. Thank u!

For everyone else...I typically have used Fodors as my starting point. Usually I'm not 100% certain of what I am looking for (I know not helpful right) but then I find that after hearing from such knowledgable and experienced travellers-even through just their questions to me -it really steers me towards what I really need to be researching more on my own. It inspires me and gives me ideas. I think where I went wrong was not knowing/practicing appropriate forum edict. And actually- it's not so much edict ...it's simply common courtesy and manners. I didn't think people really cared about end decisions or reasons why! But now I understand. The forums have been so instrumental in so many of my successful travel choices. I am very grateful for people who takes the time to respond to perfect strangers like myself. My daughter always asks me, "How did you know about this? Where did you find this?" After constantly answering her that I find these ideas- from perfect strangers on travel forums..she now says-following our amazing trips, that I should post reviews to help other people-just as they have helped us-and I then I never do. And now I think I will be listening to her Common courtesy. Lesson learned. Thank you

PS: MmePerdu -Merrekech was amazing! Stayed at a riad called Riad Orangers D'Alilia and would highly recommend. 20 min walk to madeina but that made the experience even more enriching.

thursdaysd

In addition to the hostel sites you might check this one for ideas on where the young are traveling:

http://www.wsaeurope.com

It offers weekend breaks for students and is run by Andy Steves, Rick Steves' son. I know RS is not popular here, but his son certainly has loads of European travel experience.

Tulips

I must say that if I were to offer a weekend trip to my daughter, Berlin would be top of the list.

If she is going for Antwerp; there's a very nice modern new youth hostel, in a great location; Pulcinella.

conradgg

I'd suggest Berlin. Cheap, easy to get around (could do a cheap airbnb that supplies bikes even), in general everyone's English is great, the shopping options are superb, abundance of attractions and deals to get decent access.

Sassafrass

Prague!

dweislaw

Copenhagen. Train at airport takes you straight to central. Can choose between standard tourist fare - the number of museums, parks, castles, etc is stunning for a city of its size - or much more comtempory doings. Although expensive, a weekend visit won't break the bank. My 20 somethings (and us) loved taking the train for half day at the Louisiana. Many flight choices available.

bilboburgler

Get to Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2.com websites. Look at the Stansted routes and choose one.

TouristTrekking

I'd give the "Iceland Stop-over a try!" We did a little video on it this year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eubaf7KrTI&t=15s

massimop

Have the young travelers been to Florence? City center is very close to the airport. So much to do indoors and outdoors, every step you tae, in such a compact area Shopping in every price category. Very safe city, bargain eating if you know where to look. If they have special interests -- like music, or fashion, or shoemaking, or perfume, or paining or mysticism, it is easy to find a corner of Florence that is dedicated to its history.

5alive

It's funny--we have so much information on the Internet but it is almost too detailed sometimes, isn't it. A few brainstorms.

When I was a student in England, I went up to Edinburgh for a long weekend. After Edinburgh, we took a train to a tiny town near Loch Lomond. The taxi took us to a hostel along the lake. No idea if it is still there.

We went as family last summer to Scotland and my oldest felt he would have enjoyed Glasgow much more than Edinburgh from the bit he saw. He is in college too. He wants to go back eventually.

If the timing worked out, maybe your daughter could stop at York on the way to/from Edinburgh or Glasgow. My daughter really liked it there.

Some of my friends went to Ireland back when I was a student and they loved it. I can't advise on this one, except to point out how close it is.

A couple of years ago I went to Prague and Vienna. I think both would be fun for college students. Prague is cheaper and smaller, and just lovely. The city itself is what you go to see. I really loved the Mala Strana as much as the Old Town. Still, central Vienna was easy to get around without a car and it would be fun too. The only negative with these is that you are spending time on a flight or long train ride for a very short time at your destination. Still, the journey is part of the fun, right?

Once your daughter has a finalist or two, you might want to create a separate post and tag those countries. There are Fodors members who check those sub-boards mainly.

MmePerdu

Wherever they go, make sure they know not to book on Ryanair, 18,000 flights can celled at last count. Not not a typo, 18,000. No telling how it will go in future.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/ryanair

MmePerdu

Speaking of typos, make that "cancelled".

jdurham

Good to know about Ryanair! I used them to Madrid to merrekech and it was a terrible ordeal right from booking - so I will stay clear of that.
The kids are already going to eidenburgh as a school trip!
They have now narrowed it down to wanting a warmer climate (which was not part of their original preferences) but it helps narrow options down at least. They are going end of October.
We will look at budget flights from Gatwick (it's so close to their school) and see what comes up. Thinking Florence, Venice or south France somewhere -even though my daughter has already been, it will be totally different experience with her friend.
Thanks everyone for your amazing tips. We are printing them out and highlighting great ideas. I will send a quick update as to the final decision when they book for anyone who actually cares!
PS- they just returned from a weekend in Geneva and Annecy and absolutely loved it.

jdurham

We have decided to forget about the weather as we now think it's better to stay closer to UK because of time factors and to minimize travel etc. So we have narrowed down to Ghent, Bruges or Vienna. They figured out they like 'cute and quaint "-they just returned form Annacy and loved it. Opinions on these 3 (Ghent, Bruges or Vienna) are appreciated! They are not really confident navigating train and public transport so as requested earlier-simple routes to the destination is the preference. I also posted a new thread with these 3 destinations highlighted.
Thank you!!