Holiday ideas

[katreeen]

Please help with ideas for a 2 week family holiday (2 adults, 18yr + 16 yr old) this summer (beginning of July onwards). Between us we seem to have dismissed practically the entire world:

Nowhere very hot/cold, preferably able to speak the language (can speak English, French, German), Australasia is too far, Asia does not appeal, we have exhausted France, nowhere 'dangerous', we want to be independent and not tied to an itinerary and/or group, we enjoy walking but my brother has been recently disabled and cannot walk distances, no solely beach or city holidays, we don't want to have to travel for long periods once we are there (so no driving for 8hours just for a day's visit etc), self-catering is preferable. We like dramatic scenery and want a relaxed break but with many options of things to do once there.

As you can probably tell, this debate is getting quite frustrating in our house but if anybody has any ideas that somehow fit around these criteria they would be much appreciated. It seems wherever is suggested, somebody categorically does not want to go there!

I am slightly embarassed to be in such a priviliged position to be able to have this argument in the first place but we have been saving up and are now quite annoyed at this setback!

[hugnie21]

How about Tunisia?

French speaking country, stunning mountains to look at/visit, sandy beaches, quaint towns to visit, and friendly locals.

[Clanad]

As a pilot for many years, I traveled most of the world and found New England here in the U.S. to be one of the most unique and interesting places, especially to take my family.  The costs are moderate (especially with the favorable exchange rate for Brits), the travel distances are very short and the area has a lot of attractions for most all tastes.  Several days can be spent in Boston alone (at least a day for Fanueil Hall), before driving up the Maine Coast (about and hour or so to Freeport, home of L.L. Bean as an example). All the small harbors have small lobster and seafood dockside restaurants, where the locals still speak down East. Realizing that everyone has differing tastes, please check the following sites.  If you decide on U.S., Welcome

http://www.wguides.com/city/34/159_15088.cfm

http://www.passporttonewengland.com/

http://www.discovernewengland.org/presetItineraries/itineraryView.asp?***********=33

http://www.meliving.com/lighthouses/south.shtml

http://www.freeportusa.com/freeportregion.html

[luckystrike]

I would suggest the south of Germany, possibly travelling by train.

 

My wife and I, both in our twenties, spend a fantastic two week break there last July.

 

We did everything independently, firstly flying from Belfast - London - Munich.

 

We then visited the lively university town of Freiburg, the luxerious spa town of Baden Baden, Lake Constance and Meersburg, the Alpine town of Fussen and its beautiful castles, and finally three nights in Munich.

 

The food was great, the people were lovely, and everything was close by.  Apart from a six hour train journey on Day 1 from Munich to Freiburg, we were not on a train for more than three hours, and when we were, the views were wonderful.

 

The castles in Fussen were a particular highlight.

 

We simply just bought a Lonely Planet 'Germany' book, and planned our trip ourselves.

 

A word of warning about Meersburg - it has very steep hills, which may not suit your brother.

[spudqueen]

How about boating, either a narrowboat in this country or France. Nice and relaxing, but should keep the teenagers busy with steering, locks etc. Different place to visit everyday, yet all your things with you.

[FatDan]

Have to agree Spudqueen.  I went on a canal boat holiday in UK with my parents when I was 16 and loved it.  But, it can be quite weather dependent and not much fun if it's chucking down. One piece of advice I would offer regarding narrow boats it to get one with more berths than you actually require, if you budget will stretch to it.  That bit of extra space can really make a difference and save you sanity.  For 4 adults I would suggest a 6 berth but it will cost considerably more.

How about Eastern Europe ? In July you would have to stick to Northern part to avoid high temperatures but Poland, Slovakia, Hungary & the Czech Republic are all fascinating countries with some fabulous scenery.  Where English isn't spoken you can usually get by German.  The High Tatras in Slovakia are particularly stunning with plenty to see and do,including day trips to Poland & Hungary.  For low cost flights to this neck of the woods try:
http://www.skyeurope.com/start.php?lang=en

and for more info about Slovakia try
http://www.slovakia-slovakia.com

or contact me if you want more specifc info about the High Tatras.

Good luck