Family trip Europe in Sept/Oct - what suggestions to you have for an adult and their parents?

regretfulshopper on 05/03/2019 - 10:29

Hello everyone,

Not your typical family trip; I'll be taking some time off with my parents to spend 15 days in Portugal, Spain and either Greece/ Italy in Sept/Oct

I'm interested in knowing;

  1. Which country is more preferable between Italy/ Greece in terms of activities/ things to do?
  2. If you've travelled with your parents as an adult, what tips would you have that are specific to that travel arrangement?
  3. Mid market hotels vs Airbnb. I'm on the hook for accomodation and I'd like to save some pennies without hindering the comfort of my parents. What would you suggest?

As a bit of background, both my parents are pretty well travelled, over 60 and big fans of immersing themselves in local culture.

I'd appreciate any recommendations ( bargains) as well!

Thank you

Travel Europe

Comments

  • Some Guy on 05/03/2019 - 11:16
    -5

    Three countries in 15 days? I couldn't get out of the capital city of any of the countries you mentioned in such a short time. You'll be soaking up all the culture that international airports and/or long distance trains have to offer.

    I suggest you look up a Contiki itinerary and follow that.

    • Some Guy on 07/03/2019 - 10:59

      Wow - so many negs. Seems as though my advice is terrible compared to all the other replies that tell you to go other countries or do things you do not have the time to do.

      Please accept my apologies and have a great trip :-)

  • Randxyz123 on 05/03/2019 - 11:26

    I would pick 2 countries.

    Personally I’d go to Italy and Spain.

  • try2bhelpful on 05/03/2019 - 12:01
    +1

    It depends on how active your parents are. We took my, 64 year old, mother on a trip that was Rome, Amalfi, Pompei, Florence, Como, Lucerne in Switzerland, Paris, New York, New Orleans, SAN Francisco, Yosemite and Las Vegas. She had an absolute ball but she was pretty active and fit. There is plenty to do in Rome and the hop on/hop off takes you to most of the touristy spots, but you will need to push your way on as it is crowded. Renting a place in Tuscany, probably the under side of Florence, and hiring a car to tour around is pretty good as well, Sienna is terrific.

    Air bnb is quite decent but can be variable and handing over keys can be painful.

    Have fun.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2019 - 12:01
    +2

    Why not Croatia instead of both Italy and Greece? Everything is more affordable in Croatia and there are many things to do in that place. Actually if I were you, I'd skip Portugal and visit Spain (Barcelona), Italy (Rome) and either Zurich or Munich or Vienna or Prague for your final destination.

    • bohn on 05/03/2019 - 13:31

      what is there to see in Zurich? ;)
      imo Switzerland is all about the countryside.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2019 - 14:15

        Clock and Watch Museum, Lake Zurich and other attractions? It is one of the better places in Europe to have a night out as well.

  • Cheap Steve on 05/03/2019 - 14:18

    Italy and Greece are both awesome countries and you will be spoiled either way for eating and drinking but Italy is an easy choice as far as activities and things to do.

    There are a lot more interesting cities to visit eg Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, Milan etc + nice coastal areas eg Cinque Terre, Amalfi coast.

    Athens has great atmosphere but is pretty darn ugly. Easily the best part of Greece is island hopping the Greek Isles.

    Do your parents like drinking ouzo and dancing on tables?

  • GG57 on 05/03/2019 - 14:22

    1. Italy / Greece: that's your call, not anyone on here. We don't know what you and your parents like to see / do (apart from the immersion thingy)

    2. Travel with parents (>60 y.o.):
      a) Are your parents active? There are young 60 year olds, and there are old 60 year olds.
      b) Let them plan / set the pace.
      c) Let them choose the key sights / activities.
      d) Set the scene before you leave that you might want to go off by yourself and do something else. But keep it unstructured and see how each day unfolds. Tell them what you might do; they may be more interested in that than what they had planned.

    3. Hotels / Airbnb:
      Depends on your answer to #1 above, together with your itinerary.
      a) Airbnb is great for a longer stay (say > 5 days) as you can more easily immerse yourselves into the local scene, cafes, bars, shops, buy local food and cook some meals, etc. Anything less than that duration can be a little more of a headache as you lose time finding the accommodation, getting access, cleaning before you leave, etc. And don't forget you will most likely pay a cleaning fee regardless if you stay 1 night or 10.
      b) Hotels are great for arriving, and getting out and about pretty quickly, doing what you want to do, back to the hotel and crashing in readiness for the next day. Meals are on tap if you want them, breakfast might negate the need for lunch. Clean rooms every day. Walk away at the end of your stay.

  • ShannonN on 05/03/2019 - 21:50

    Go to Germany home of Porsche, model trains (Marklin) both close to each other many things to do for active ppl generally multi lingual.

  • Matta955 on 05/03/2019 - 22:25

    So much to do in Spain, you could easily spend the two weeks there…

  • Tyler Gannal on 07/03/2019 - 12:39

    Europe is quite high in budget but worth tho. My friends recommend the apknite Europe Travel Expert app. Don't know much but your suuggestionsa are also helpful. Thanks so much.

  • endolphin on 10/03/2019 - 08:55

    Get a car, drive from Milan to Lake Como, over through the Dolomites and on to Venice. Guarantee that they (and you) will love it!

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