France or Maui???
 

You have 8 days in August to go to either place with your spouse and one 11 year old.<BR>You have never gone to either destination.<BR>You're fit and able to be game for anything.<BR>Which do you pick and why???

Unless beaches are an absolute must, then France must be your destination (but be aware that August is the WORST month by FAR to travel in Europe). Maui is simply too small for anything but relaxing by the beach or viewing jungle beauty (which, by the way, is a great thing to do on a vacation!); France gives you great food, art, history, and culture.<BR><BR>Hawaii is my all-time favorite place for romance. But France would still be a better place to be overall.

I vote France too. I've been to both places several times each and while Hawaii is very nice, it's still a glorified beach resort (I can here the Hawaii lovers getting up in arms now). Maybe if you said January I might favor Hawaii, but in August you don't have to escape winter weather. <BR><BR>Hawaii while tropical is still the US. France is a different culture, beautiful architecture and far more interesting. Not to mention that you will be around Europeans rather than the Americans you are around every day. And quite frankly, I think Paris has Hawaii beat in the romance dept. The outdoor markets are fascinating, the Louvre, the Riviera, vineyards, and let's not forget the cuisine. I think an 11 year-old would be fascinated as well. Just my opinion but Hawaii is a much more common destination.

I'll complete the trifecta.<BR>Having been to both places several times, I'd personally choose France for vacations other than the proverbial beach vacation. You can arrange many different types of trips to France depending on your goals, and then, of course, there are the myriad opportunities for entirely different options just beyond France's borders.<BR><BR>But, that said, Hawaii provides one of the best getaway atmospheres in the world....relaxing, safe, low stress, great food, great resorts, great activities.<BR>You need only decide which type of vacation you want to pursue.

Me 4 will vote for France: <BR>If you go to The Dordogne region and visit the four areas of the Perigord there should not be too many people there and that place is magic. Stay at any of the following: Salat, Domme, Martell, Beynac, Rocamodour, Bergerac - these are all little places but are close to all sorts of wonderful things<BR>I envy you

Mark- Surprise- Go to France. Do the Paris thing, but the charm in France is the countryside. Normandy and Brittany with its many pretty coastal villages give you a real French feeling- (Mont. St. Michel is a Wonder.) The Savoie region in the Alps is of course very scenic. In the South, the Provence area and Canal du Midi are great. With 8 days, I wouldn't try to cram in all of the above. Personally, I would go to Paris, and just one of the other regions. Bon Voyage...KT

To all,<BR> Thank you for your sound advice.<BR>I would enjoy nothing more than seeing Paris and the French countryside with my Mrs. of 16 years. Unfortunately, a child on the verge of teenager-hood,<BR>with all the animousity and snideness could make it a little less enjoyable. <BR>Those with children, would an eleven year old enjoy all of these things?<BR>Thanks again. Mark

There is plenty for an 11 year old to enjoy in France. There's even a big rollerblading event each week through the streets of Paris. Check the europe forum for some ideas. There have been previous postings on this same ?

There is actually a lot more for a pre-teen to see/do/enjoy in France than in Maui. Of course the Hawaiian beaches are wonderful - but after that there isn't much for kids - unless they are into glof and flowers. <BR><BR>In France there are all sorts of new experiences - castles, cafes, museums, world famous sights, even Euro Disney if you are so inclined. Plus the adventure of eating new things, trying to speak another language.<BR><BR>The one caveat is that August isn't the best time to vist France - some places are closed because the owners are on holiday and others will be very crowded.<BR><BR>But all-in-all, France hands down.

of course I meant "golf" (I've really got to slow down and let my typing catch up w/ my thoughts)