If I had the choice I would put my bet on April for better weather in Italy, and you'll still avoid the biggest summer crowds. But hotspots like Rome, Venice, and Florence will have some crowds at any time of year. The secret is not to be rushed - that's why I suggested staying put in one place for a week. It is tempting to want to expose your daughter to as many places as possible in the time that you have, but there is something very special about enjoying an ancient city like Rome slowly, just drinking in the atmosphere and not feeling like you have to follow a set schedule every day in order to squeeze it all in.

I'm surprised no one has asked yet - how does your daughter feel about all of this? What does she most want to see and do in Italy? And what did she not like about Paris but did like about London? That might help us give you better advice.

In answer to your earlier question about costs between Spain and Italy - I wouldn't let money sway your decision. You can travel on a reasonable budget in either country if you do your research.

My daughter and 2 friends went on a post HS grad trip to Europe. It was my daughter's 2nd time to Italy and it was still the hands down favorite. They were in Rome and Venice and all 3 loved both cities. There is just nothing like the colors of light in Italy - it is our family's favorite place.

One thing I'd look into, though not sure if this is an interest of yours - a cooking class. Another friend took her daughter to the south of France and they did a week long cooking school (also post HS grad). She said it was a great experience and something a little different from the regular museum, shopping, stuff. It is a great way just to experience the food - some classes include trips to the market and discussions about the ingredients as well as cooking techniques.

Hi

Italy is always a good option...place like Rome, Florence, Venice are all very nice cities with lots of history, museums, good food etc. Feel free to check out my trip reports from Rome (see http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy.htm ) and Florence (see http://gardkarlsen.com/florence_italy_travelogue.htm ) to get in idea of what to expect. But I don't think that it will be a great shopping destination at least not with the current € vs $.

Something more exotic....Dubai. My wife and I went there a few years back and it is not really a place for a cultural experience but there are shopping, gold markets, indoor skiing facilities etc.

Another suggestion...Cape Town and the south coast of South Africa. Cape Town is beautiful and the price level is pretty good.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I agree with Gard that Cape Town and the Western Cape is fantastic!! (I just returned). But if you do not want to venture so far (with only a week it would b e quite a schlep) think about Buenos Aires. The value is excellent..we could not spend more than $70 for dinner and wine for two in the TOP restaurants...far less at the less-exalted spots. And the shopping is excellent..lots of great leather (bags and shoes and home decor items).
And the tango scene..the milongas more than the tourist shows..is not-to-be-missed.

Thanks for the input and replies!
I would love to go to Africa, Cape Ann, etc. - I was just thinking that 7-9 days would not be long enough. I guess that I need to look into it more. Also Buena Aries. Sounds very cool!

As for my daughter- she is actually the one requesting "one more trip". I guess that I am lucky that my teenage daughter still wants to be with me!

Our situation is that my husband died in an accident when my kids were 3 and 10.
Traveling seemed to be something that we could do as a family- even though my kids were at different ages and therefore had very different interests.

My daughter's love for London had much to do with her love for Harry Potter......
We also went over there when her brother was doing a semester abroad and we ended up cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for his American dorm mates- all homesick. A unique experience! And great memories.

Her dislike of Paris really had to do with the cab driver who kicked us out of his cab due to the fact that the place that we had asked to go to was only a couple of blocks away- we had no idea, or we would have just walked! Then the inedible steak that we had paid good money for (really pissed her off! ) and the hotel that we stayed at that made us feel like we were a bother!
She really just didn't like the attitude there! Pretty funny- as she was only about 12 at the time! (And I love Paris!)

Other places: many places in the US: Fl, (Disney, Ft Lauderdale,Naples) much of CA, Washington DC, etc. as well as Germany and Japan, Mexico seemed to welcome us.

She does not seem to have much of an opinion as to where we go- (though just a few minutes ago she mentioned Egypt).

I guess that we are just looking for a somewhat affordable place to go over winter or spring break, a place where we can make some memories and have fun!

Italy is a place that is on my list- but it does not have to be this trip.

So any thoughts of a great place to visit with a 17 year old daughter are appreciated!

Curious- where is the most affordable place to visit now?
Thinking about where we could really splurge, versus penny pinching where the dollar is weak?

Anyone?

Buenos Aires is a city with character like no other. It is very South American as well as having a LOT of European influences. Argentina is a salad bowl, much like the US (lots of different elements combining to make something great while they still maintain their separate identities), and it is a never-ending adventure. Buenos Aires is an expanding city with a pretty great climate.

Going to Italy or Greece is not without merit, but I think that a trip to Buenos Aires would be incredible (not to mention less expensive).

Oh, BTW: if you eat meat, their steaks will make your day. And the rest of the food is pretty good, too!