Hi All,

I am looking for ideas for a special family vacation next June (probably 8 days, total.) We have a family of five, including 3 teenagers who love to travel. We are not really the museum-going type, but rather love outdoor activities - hiking in mountains, water activities, beautiful scenery, a nearby city would be fun, but we don't necessarily have to stay in a city. Somewhere unique would also be a plus. As we have 5 in all, I would prefer a destination that isn't crazy expensive. I've briefly looked into Croatia, as well as possibly scheduling a 3 day stopover flight in Iceland (although I know food here is really expensive) and then exploring another European city (near the Alps, perhaps?). I have just started researching, so I am by no means set on either destination. Although we do like to stay active while visiting a new place, we don't want to spend too much of our week driving from sight to sight either. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you!

Croatia is wonderful for outdoor lovers (but just about anywhere can be with research). Try to stick to one area--such as Istria or a section of Dalmatia, instead of traversing the country, and you will have ample time to enjoy. There are several nature parks. Just one example would be arriving at Split, hiking Biokovo, rafting at Omis, then heading to an island for swimming, etc.
I would not call dining on seafood in Croatia inexpensive, but the ample inexpensive rental apartments make up for other costs.

In Italy, the Dolomites would give your family a wonderful multi-cultural outdoor experience.

I'd personally look at renting a house somewhere to keep costs down. I'd also look at someplace reasonably close to a major airport in order to reduce total travel time. (Where are you flying from?)

Some places I'd research:

- Annecy at the edge of the French alps. Geneva is the closest major airport. The whole area is gorgeous, Annecy itself is one of the most picturesque towns in France, the food is great, and there are numerous things to do in close range.

- Edinburgh and Northumberland. Obviously Edinburgh is one of Europe's most appealing cities, but in an hour or two you can be somewhere along the Northumberland coast, with beaches, castles, hikes, fishing villages... amazing variety in superb settings.

- Italian lakes - Fly into Milan and badda bing, you're in superb countryside with alpine lakes, amazing food...

Oh, one more - Brittany. Easily reached from Paris, you've got scenic villages, prehistoric ruins, beaches, astonishing food, and a unique cultural heritage.

Agree with the Dolomiti suggestion. Lots of good trip reports here; Adelaidean’s is very helpful, for example.

Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions! I have to say, I am the most intrigued by Croatia as I’ve researched a little more about the country today. I love how it offers both an Amalfi Coast feel along the water as well as incredible national parks. I will keep looking into all the destinations and will post in the appropriate forum if I have specific questions about a particular country or area. Thanks again for your help!

Croatia is also much cheaper than places in Western Europe.

We thought that taking everything into account Croatia was quite expensive. Across the border into Bosnia & Herzgovina, and you'll get great value for money.

For vfm also have a look at Macedonia. Skopje and Lake Ohrid are both very easy on the pockket, and on the eye.

Our recent 18 night trip to Romania [Transylvania] was also great vfm. Romania is the cleanest and greenest country we've ever been too, and I've got a long list of countries far and wide.

Our recent trip report for our jaunt to Romania [Transylvania]......

Romania [Transylvania] - 6 to 23 June 2018

June is an ideal time.....you can't go wrong imo.

Trip report for Macedonia in April....

MACEDONIA - April/May 2018

My top tip for Europe is to avoid Euroland altogether, there's some beautiful lesser visited, but still easy to reach countries out there.

You think Croatia is as expensive as western Europe?

Croatia is an incredibly popular country for holidays, so it is getting more and more expensive. The new Mama Mia movie won't lessen the stream of visitors either.

With a party of five and only 8 days, transport issues need to be addressed. In general Croatia isn't a cheap place to get to from the US, and it takes quite a while as there no nonstop flights from anywhere in North America. Just checking for May next year (too early to see many June itineraries) airfare from most US cities to, say, Dubrovnik, is 60% - 100% more than airfare to, say, Paris, on the same days. With five, that can be serious money. Perhaps it's time for the OP to return and give us their thinking.

https://www.holiday-village-konavle.com/
we were in Croatia in May and had dinner at this agriturismo about half hour outside Dubrovnik (but closer to the airport). They had a brochure for week-Long stays with different “adventures” each day. It would be very hot there in June but you might want to take a look. There may be other types of places like this. I agree with previous comment that Croatia takes more time to get to and may not be a good choice for a short trip.

Perhaps it's time for the OP to return and give us their thinking.>

hey hey - Croatia or elsewhere - Venice could be a great place to fly into - Trieste really neat en route to Croatian coast.

A lot of you people from the wrong side of The Pond also use Turkish Airlines and fly to Istanbul [Ataturk]. From there Turkish Airlines will whisk you off to practically anywhere with a runway......great airline too, especially in the sky.

Istanbul's new airport I heard will be the busiest in the world. Turkish airlines are flying high.

I will read your trip reports this weekend. Thank you for more ideas! Yes, I have looked at airfare - in the neighborhood of $8000 for all of us. Yikes😬
Has anyone out there been to Iceland and if so, thoughts? Thanks again!

I was in Iceland briefly on layovers on IcelandAir some years ago and I recall how bleak the countryside was on the bus ride in from Keflavik Air Base to Reykyavik - totally barren with lava rocks. And Reykyavik though nice, In found it a very modern small city without much really to see and do right in it. So get out nto the beautiful Iceland of hot springs and geysers the country is so famous for - so I would say rent a car and do the popular tours of the coastal areas well out of Reykyavik. And then Iceland was extraordinarily expensive - not sure now but bring anything with you you need that you can - especially if into booze buy at duty-free shop at airport as booze prices sky high! Even food you could eat in your hotel room to avoid typically sky-high restaurants.