Europe with Teens & Preteens
- More Advice about Teens & Europe: Ireland ... Italy ... London ... Paris
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Questions |
Europe on the cheap with teens?
Sept 2008
Is it still possible for middle class america to visit Europe? My husband and I are hoping to take our 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son on a 2 week trip to Florence, Venice, and Paris (maybe Rome, too) in late June '09. Any suggestions on how to eat, sleep and travel without it costing a fortune? leslee
One way to travel around Europe relatively cheaply is by camping! That how the European middle class does it. Europe is full of wonderful relatively inexpensive camp grounds that most Americans never visit. My wife, then 14-year old daughter, and me brought our camping stuff, rented a car and spent 3 weeks driving around France 4 years ago. We were always the only Americans but the campgrounds were full of European families with kids. At one place my daughter made friends with a bunch of Irish kids and we hardly saw her because she was having so much fun with them. Another piece of advice is to stay away from the big cities if you can't camp there. Jon
Yes, home exchange! We're big fans. We've stayed in two different houses in Europe now with home exchanges. It's a great experience and so much cheaper than any other option. We even exchanged cars, so our only expenses were airfare, food, gas and entertainment. You could take a look at www.homeexchange.com for an idea of what's available. Home Exchange Fan
Peruse the Travel section at Barnes and Noble and buy a few books on Europe. I always found the Frommer's Europe From $__ a Day to provide all the information you are asking about. The last version I saw was Europe from $85 A Day. I don't know if they've continued with updates in this series, but the books are great--they give very specific details about how to save money. There are other ''cheap travel'' books--see what appeals to you. Anonymous
Your desire to visit the famous capitals with your kids is admirable and understandable, but those places are most expensive, of course. One good option is to go to www.vrbo.com, a listing service for vacation rental by owners, so that you can kick back, make your own meals, etc. But though cheaper than hotels, the places within the cities themselves will be very expensive. You could try the suburbs; there was a listing in St. Ouen just outside Paris for a little over $125 per night that would house all of you: http://www.vrbo.com/185916
Or one just outside of Rome for $825/week: http://www.vrbo.com/196594
Or one near Florence: http://www.vrbo.com/27679
But it might be fun to try a different kind of vacation. You could choose a base out in the provinces (for instance, there was a listing for an entire medieval stone house in Tuscany for 500 euros/week), rent a car (which I just did with my son for not too much money in Britain), and use the provinces as your base of operations. This introduces you and your kids to village life and allows you to get to the big city fairly easily (the car can be parked at a nearby rail station for city trips -- the national rail companies have great deals for families, railpasses are too expensive now). On such a short time frame this would probably mean that you would need to select one country, but the experience could well be deeper and richer (and not so exhausting) and cheaper.
Feel free to write to me directly to chat about European travel if you like. It can be done! Bon voyage/Buon viaggio Linda
We went to Paris in August and it is expensive to eat. Add maybe 30% to restaurant prices here. No problem to find a $40 nothing special hamburger. We took the time to find restuarants that students would typically eat at and were pleased with both the cost and the quality. We were able to keep costs down by shopping at markets and bakeries every day. I would do it again. Donna
In answer to your first question, no it isn't really possible. We recently spent two weeks in France--2 adults and 1 teen, and it cost $12,000, including airfare. We didn't scrimp while we were there, but we didn't indulge either. So you may want to go elsewhere. To make it cheaper, try a home exchange--we did for one week, and definitely rent ap'ts if you can't--more comfortable, about the same price as hotel, and you can eat one or two meals a day in the apt, which saves money. It was fun, but we won't be going back soon!
Travel to Europe with 13 and 15 year olds
Jan 2006
Hi. I am travelling to Europe for the first time in my life this summer - hopefully for 3 weeks - with my two teens, a boy 13 and a girl 15. I'm a single parent so I am looking for any creative ideas to do this trip on a tight budget. We're thinking of Paris, train to Avignon and see the Pont du Gard, Provence, over to Cinque Terre, amble through parts of Italy (still to be determined) and fly out of ?? to take advantage of ''open jaw'' airfares. Any advice? Anyone know of flats, hotels, that are reasonable and clean that you can recommend? I'm willing to do a home exchange if anyone knows of friends in Europe who want to come to the Bay Area. Any places appealing to teens? Any advice appreciated! Barbara
I took my 14 year old son to Europe a few years ago (just two of us). I wanted to keep it simple so we went to Paris, Normandy and London. They were all great spots for us. He especially liked taking the train on day trips in France(which was easy and economical - I found we could just buy the tickets at the train station). In Paris we stayed at Hotel Leveque on Rue Cler which is a pedestrian only street with a great produce market plus bread, cheese, wine. My son was able to go out by himself and get crepes at a stand on Rue Cler. Web-site says 125 Europs for a room with 3 beds. In Normandy we stayed in Bayeux at le Lion dCbOr, took the train, walked to the hotel, then rented a car there. Lion d'Or is beautiful and reasonable and a good central spot for the Caen Memorial, WWII beaches, cemetary and other more rural site seeing (eg Calvados, dairy cooperatives). In general my son liked taking the subways, trains, eating, climbing all monuments with steps (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Arc de triomphe) street performers, not museums. I found one sight-seeing event a day was all he was usually willing to do. PS - the sewer tour in Paris is great and only takes an hour or so, English speaking guide. Can't seem to talk anyone into doing it but it was very interesting, only a slight odor! Mary in Oakland
In Paris, your teens will probably like many of the regular attractions -- the Eiffel Tower, touring Notre Dame, climbing the old, old stairs leading to the top of Sacre Couer. I would also recommend La Samaritaine (wonderful view if you go all the way up to the roof). Thursday food markets and Sunday morning flea markets are really fun. I'll bet your teens will like touring the Catacombs and seeing what was done with the bones when Paris cemeteries were moved as Paris grew + they'll get to learn a bit about the resistance movement during the war. Maybe get a book about Paris art & museums and let them each choose one or two works that they really want to see in person -- the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo in the Louvre, Van Goghs or Seurats in the D'orsay, really old tapestries in the Cluny. The three of you will have a terrific time. Paris lover
Check out Fodors.com and go to the talk section, Europe forum. It is an incredible website, very active and detailed. Look at other posts, do some searches and then you can post yourself and get some great advice. Have fun. Travelling Mom
We did Europe last spring break & it was fabulous. We got tix on travelocity for $310 roundtrip (could have been $255 if we were flexible on dates). We rented a gorgeous 2 bdrm apt in downtown Paris, 4eme quartier for about $60/night. We had our own kitchen, bath, etc and were able to eat-in most meals since the restaurants weren't appealing (and cost $50-60 for a ''cheap'' meal). The grocery food was plenty adventurous for my picky eaters!
We also skipped taking taxis. We walked all over Paris. It takes only a few hours to walk the entire length of downtown Paris. (The taxi drivers are beyond rude.) You can take other public transportation if you want to get out to the Loire Valley, etc. but our two weesk were plenty full with Paris alone.
We got our appt through www.parisianhome.com They spoiled us & made it all so easy. I can't believe it's the cheaper option to go through them (or a similar company). Even the scummy hotels cost more than they do. Actually, the youth hostel was the same price as our apt. (Hostel price is per head so if you have three people, which I did, it added up to $60/night.) Incredible what you can find when you shop a bit.
Specifically for teens: The internet cafes cost a fortune, about $10/hr per terminal, so let them know ahead of time that they won't be online much. Also, there is an amazing rollerblading night (every Monday??) where they shut down a big chunk of paris & let bikers & rollerbladers take over. We didn't do it, but saw it. Amazing. We also got headphones for all of the museums (rental about $5) and it deepened his experience. There's probably more. check out a guidebook or email me if you have questions. Cathy
Traveling with a 14 year-old in Europe
May 2003
I am taking my 14 year old son to Paris and London. I have 4 days in the middle. Any suggestions? Normandy? Amsterdam? Other parts of France? mary in oakland
This is not a recommendation of another place to stay, but I thought since you'll be in Paris, you should know about Parc Asterix, located 30 km north of Paris. It's an amusement park with a European flavor, vastly different from Disneyland. The rides are not nearly as wild as what kids are used to here, but if your son is open to new experiences, he surely will enjoy it. You can learn more at their imaginative web site: www.parcasterix.com. Nancy
Traveling with a 14 yo in Europe can be delightful as long as they have a voice in what you do. Bruges, Belgium, is a wonderful, medieval city. Also, Beaune, in the Burgundy region, is delightful and very manageable. If you are interested in a place to stay in Paris, contact me. I can tell you about a reasonably priced centrally located apartment. miriam
We took our 14-going-on-15 year old son to London & Paris last summer, and had a great trip.
The best thing I did when planning the trip was ask him what he wanted to see. His answer: Castles. That led to some of the choices we made.
We had two additional excursions - 3 days in Bath at the beginning of the trip, and an adventure in the middle of the Paris stint, out toward Dijon, to a wonderful town called Chateauneuf. It was small, with an old castle right in the middle - the town (and the castle) was not all restored and fixed up for tourists yet, still off the beaten path but had several places to stay & eat. We rented a car to go there, and were just 2 days out in the country (Paris--Chateauneuf--Dijon--Paris), but that was quite delightful.
I just asked my son what he would recommend, and he said he liked both Bath and Chateauneuf, but his first reaction was make sure things aren't too rushed, so that they are not just spending a little bit of time in each place.
In London, he loved the trip to Greenwich, he loved going to the top of St. Paul's, he loved the huge expanses of parks in the middle (we did a lot of walking.)
In our Bath visit, we spent a day on the Mad Max tour, which took us out to Stonehenge and other areas. http://www.bath.org/tours/madmax1.htm The guide books say Stonehenge overrated. I kind of thought so too (plus it was POURING rain), but he loved going there (to say he'd been, as much as anything, I think.) We also spent a day going to Avalon, which we all enjoyed. Took local buses to get there from Bath, wandered out to the Tor, relaxed in the Chalice Well garden. Our son has always loved the Arthurian legends, so that was a hit. Also in Bath took an evening walking tour, which was great.
Have a great time! Linda
Re Europe...my 16 year old son and I visited Paris and London last summer. We took the train from Paris to Amsterdam and really enjoyed the contrast of a smaller, easier to navigate but very interesting city. We had the luxury of staying with a friend so I don't have a hotel to recommend. But definitely visit the Resistance Museum in additon to Anne Frank's home (go at 6 p.m., open until 8 and much less crowded). Ronnie
Europe with a 12 year old
January 2001
I'm thinking of taking my 12 year old son to Europe in August, probably Paris and London. I've only been to these cities in the spring or fall. Is August an OK time in terms of weather and crowds to go to these cities? Any specific recommendations for kids beyond the obvious tourist sites? Mary
European Trip for 12 Year Old: Make certain to check whether anyone will be home in France in August. I remember someone telling me that August is the official vacation month there, when most of the country takes vacation and many (shopkeepers, restaurant owners, etc.) leave for their vacations outside of France. I'm not sure it's true, but it might have an effect on your trip. anonymous
As a native of London I would recommend anyone to travel there. However, the school year for the UK tends to end at the beginning of August so if you want to find less crowded kids attractions, I would try to go in July, or at least avoid the last long weekend in August which is a national holiday. As to kids attractions, there are two websites which have sections for kids: Www.thisislondon.co.uk or www.timeout.com/london/ Good luck and hope you have a lovely holiday. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me directly (clairet [at] egcrc.net). Claire
We were in London and Paris this past August 2001 with our 13 and 8 year old boys. It was a fantastic trip and great weather (60s and 70s in London) 70 - 80s in Paris - intermittent but warm sprinkles - Favorite activities included: London - Cultural: Westminster Abbey (really - my son had read the David McCauley book Cathedral and was able to relate to the architecture - (flying buttresses have now become a family joke) and had fun trying to decipher the latin on all the crypts. The Bishop of the Abbey give a 2 minute secular welcome during the midday - and then walks around talking with the visitors. He was delightful and told my sons great stories of kings and battles and politics of Church and state. The Old Tate \\ Gallery Turner paintings are action filled and also a great beginning to European galleries. My 13 year old like the action of Leicester Square and Picadilly stores, and also liked the boat trip to Greenwich and the Royal Maritime Museum ( a must!!) and Royal Observatory - as well as the steet flea and book markets. In Paris we especially enjoyed the climb to the top of Norte Dame, playing tennis in the Luxenbourg gardens, biking at Versailles, and watching the finnish of the Tour de France on the Champs Elysee. The Louvre and D'Orsay were great and my sons got into it - just have to take it in small chunks and balance the day between cultural and physical activities..
In reply to what to do with a 12 year old in Paris -- there is a book called Around Paris with Kids - 68 great things to do together published by Fodor's. We are living in Paris for a year with our 12 and 4 year old and this book has been a great resource. Some of my kids' favorites -- Invalides (and the Musee de l'Armee with Napoleon's tomb), the Natural History Museum, Cite des Sciences et Industrie, and, in the summer, all of the parks are great -- both the Boulogne and Vincennes are huge. Also, if you rollerblade, there is a group that organizes roller blading around Paris on Friday night and Sundays (probably more low key) -- we have not done this yet (because of the weather) but have seen them and it looks really fun. There are also groups that organize bike tours of Paris -- one meets on the Ile de la Cite (behind Notre Dame) -- this also seems like it would be fun (although again we haven't done it!). Both of these (and contact information) are listed in the Fodors book. Both my kids loved Notre Dame -- not the inside, but the climb to the top. Finally, (and maybe as a special treat) Parc Asterix, while maybe not exactly what you are envisioning as a Paris vacation, is right outside of Paris, and is a lot of fun, especially for a 12 year old who might be tiring of museums. Kerry
The main thing I found in taking my kids (aged 10 and 12) to London last summer, was that they like to be consulted before you go - I'd drawn up a plan of what I wanted them to do, but I'd failed to do what I usually do, which is go through it and discuss it with them, read stuff about it, show them pictures and so forth. Because I didn't discuss it, I didn't realise that they would prefer to go to the Test Cricket match at Lord's than go to any cathedral whatever, they loved going up the Monument, hated the boat cruise on the river - just ask and at least he'll have some sort of investment in enjoying it. Get a good guidebook and go through it together looking for ideas - 12 year olds really are a pain when they decide what you want is boring. NB coming from the US in summer is really useful, because the jetlag means you're ready to get going early in the morning, before the rest of the (endless) crowds. fiona
Europe at twelve sounds great! You may want to check to be sure attractions you want to see are open. Most of France goes on vacation in August -- which means some things will be open, but some things will be closed. I assume most museums and tourist attractions would be open. The weather should be fine. Warm, occasionally with rain (like the real world as opposed to the Bay Area!). Be sure to allow lots of time for people watching. Heather
Puglia in southeastern Italy may be a good option. While it's growing in popularity, it's still far enough out of the way that it isn't quite as crowded as other places. It's accessible via train as well as by plane through major stations and airports. It's beautiful and relaxing, on the water as well. The Algarve in Portugal can get very busy and expensive during those peak times, as it's a popular destination for Europeans on holiday.
Not on the coast but near, my family really enjoyed a vacation rental near Arles, France, Domaine de Laforest (https://www.domaine-laforest.com/en/). It's near the village of Fontvieille, with a small Roman aqueduct just up the road with the ruins of an impressive mill. Arles has its own coliseum (still in use) and Roman amphitheater. It also has a stellar Roman museum. It's not far to the coast. The Camargue region has a stellar bird sanctuary. It's a day trip to the Pont du Gard. I've been to the region twice, and find it delightful.
I'm a bit biased against Rome (things happened: I got to see the police station, and a consulate, and as a result ran out of time to see the Vatican). The Arles coliseum is smaller but in better shape, and Nimes and Orange also have coliseums.
Greece--Islands are great, but coast of the mainland is wonderful and less expensive. Rent a car and explore the Peloponnese area: Nafplio, Monamvasia, and my favorite for a longer stay is Kalamata. Along the way you'll find an ancient theater on the Eastern coast,that was part of classical Greece's healing center, sea caves to explore by boat on the western coast, beaches beaches beaches everywhere. The roads are very good. Car rental is competitive in summer, and you are smart to be in Greece before August when everybody in Greece and the rest of the continent is on vacation.
Of course you'll land in Athens, and won't want to miss the Acropolis and other sites in the Center.
My wife and I are in Greece for extended stays every year and we've seem amazing islands. But, like most Greeks, we love the coast of the mainland.
γεια σαs!
Rick