Europe or Latin America
 

When each of our kids turns 16 we take them on a special trip. My husband gets to take our son this February 2006. My son thinks he wants to go to two countries in Europe and my husband is secretly wishing he wanted to go to Carribean and go white water rafting and fishing and etc...my son picked Europe because his sister did her 16th trip in Paris, and he takes french in school so you get the picture...I should mention that my son is going to Ireland w/school band in March...and his interests are sailing and maybe site seeing but he gets bored really fast, does not like to shop ever!

You're taking your son on a trip for his 16th Birthday and are wondering... <b>should you take your son where HE wants to go or where your husband wants him to go</b>?

Just trying to be clear: Is that the the basic question here?

good one Bardo, and I get it, but to be honest my son has traveled mostly in US his life and since he is an avid sailor I'm just wondering if he is picking it because sister did, but would actually have more fun south of the border...and I should say that my husband and I really want this to be special for him, but come on he's 16, and does not always know what's best for him.

Gosh as I read my replies, I sound like such a jerk, really we are very devoted parents, just looking for some advice travelwise...

If the trip is really for the son, well you've got your answer. If the trip is really for your husband, well you've got your answer there too.

Take him to Paris. Do it for me! I took French in high school and have been wanting to go there ever since. I can't convince my husband NOT to go to the Caribbean every year. Don't get me wrong - I love the Caribbean. But a little part of me still wants that high school dream. Let your son have his (even if it did begin with sister envy, it's still a worthwhile dream!)

Since you don't seem to think your son is capable of making a reasonable decision about this without some &quot;guidance,&quot; why not encourage him to research where he may be able to participate in some of the outdoor activities he and his father enjoy, in France? I haven't been outside Paris, but it looks like the Dordogne could be a good option. Have him post questions on the Europe board if he's so inclined.

molly,

Sorry if my tone was lacking - by post was just my first impression to your OP.

I think the idea of further research is a great idea. No need to buy new updated guidebooks at this point. Go to the library and get two comprehensive guide books: one that covers all of Latin America and one that covers all of Europe. Your son will enjoy researching and may discover some activities he didn't know were available.

Best of luck.

How about a french-speaking caribbean island?

wow- this one's an absolute no-brainer IMO... Take the kid to Paris! He wants to go to Europe, he's studying French, it's your gift to HIM (not the other way around).

&lt;my son picked Europe because his sister did&gt; Or maybe he has a mind of his own and is simply stating his desires.

Oh yes, and I'll suggest the french-speaking part of Switzerland as the second destination along with France.

are you telling your son and husband about this thread? wink wink ;-)

When my then 16-year-old asked me to take him to France after one year of learning French, the only reason I took him to Montreal instead - it was all we could afford.

Don't think they don't know at 16 where they want to go. If he gets bored easily, then maybe a rented car will give more flexibility?

If he's interested in sailing, maybe a boat trip? A trip to Marseille instead of Paris? French Riviera? French part of Switzerland?

And if he gets bored easily, make sure he creates the itinerary with a view to what he wants to see/do. The trip won't go well if he just expects dad to amuse him with activities every day.

Just thinking ahead for his &quot;best interests&quot;--Europe should be better to prep him for college. He'll relate better to History 152 (or whatever that core course is) having seen the historic sites that they discuss in class.

I think you should take him wherever they accept American money.

:-)

mm