My cousin is getting married in London June 2010. I would like to take my family (Myself, my wife and 2 children 11& 14) to the wedding then thru Europe for 3-4 weeks. We are all fairly seasoned travelers so we plan to move around and see as much as possible. This will be our first trip to Europe and sort of a tester to see where we want to come back to for a longer visit. Think we want to stay mostly to Western European contries this visit. Also thought about doing a week long Med cruise as part of it. We are not on a tight budget but not looking to do first class the entire time either. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
With a family of four the best option for an affordable holiday in Europe is to rent a campervan.
It won't be cheap, but less expensive than paying for 4 train tickets and 4 beds in hostels/budget hotels.
Alternatively look at car rental and bringing camping gear. 2-3 small tents that go into the back of the car.
You might want to read http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?thread=63819 for some tips on a fast-paced 3-4 weeks campervan trip around Europe.
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/0899camping.htm
Also thought about doing a week long Med cruise as part of it.
Do you want rest and relaxation or do you want to see Europe? If it is the latter forget about the cruise.
Hi,
If you're traveling to Europe there are a few tips you should know.
When you're on a European tours trip, all diets are off. This is a time not only to splurge and live a little, but also to experience cultural dishes and flavors from various regions.
What t_maia has suggested has just about weighed it up in a nutshell.
Motorhomes are not cheap (and the hirers usually charge mileage), but it saves a fortune on hotel/hostel rooms and car hire is great too, without any mileage charges.
There is a chance that you won't be permitted to take a hired car from one country into another, but some companies will allow it as long as you tell them and pay an extra insurance fee.
Western Europe is always going to cost more than across in the east, but as you say you're not on a tight budget so that doesn't really come into the equation.
There are a few budget airlines that do one ways within Western Europe from one country to another. The fares are very cheap but they will charge extra for the hold baggage. In Ryanair's case it is very expensive.. £40 for the 1st bag and up to £70 for any more (each !)
Again, mentioning t_maia's post, if it's a European adventure that you want, then bin the idea of a cruise. It's just popping into port for a few hours, then many miles and hours more of empty sea, without seeing very much of Europe at all.
There are a few budget airlines that do one ways within Western Europe from one country to another. The fares are very cheap but they will charge extra for the hold baggage. In Ryanair's case it is very expensive.. £40 for the 1st bag and up to £70 for any more (each !)
That doesn't sound right, so I had a quick look . If the hold luggage is pre-paid during the online booking, the first bag is charged at £15 and the second £35. The total hold luggage allowance per person is 15kgs (no sharing even if you're booked on the same itinerary) which could easily go into one bag that second bag is quite unnecessary.
If you can leave most of the wedding-related clothes etc in London with your relative (assuming you fly in and out of London, so you'll return to London after the European tour to pick those up) then you should be able to travel within the weight limit imposed by Ryanair.
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Re the cruise, I agree with the others that you should forgo that. And the diets are definitely off since it's a gastronomic heaven in Europe!
have you considered Slovenia ? Ljubljana ? Ok yes it is in Central europe but its really starting to get some some good rankings in polls. Ljubljana has been voted best small city Location in the world. Slovenia is 5th in the world as a destination. In a article by the national geographic Ljubljana was rated as one of the most honest city. Polls are just to get you to consider , i would recommend it to any none European as a destination. For me what you get is a something completely different to the larger "mainstream" European countries. This all most a young Europe. Not over populated , mass marketed, franchised , in personal service country. You have small family businesses , who care about customers returning.
The country itself has from city locations with great theaters coffee bars , theaters , a lovely slow moving river running through the capital , trees, very "leafy" and relaxed vibe. If you head out of Ljubljana you have mountains, wild life that compares to many countries. Tradition as well , the Slovenes hold on to the tradition so much and its not just displayed for the tourist like in some countries ... these guys are celebrating there traditions in the low season also.
Well i cant tell you everything in one post. but perhaps i have sparked a interest.-snip-
Peace
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