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Extended Family Vacation in Europe

School is starting and summer is on it’s way into fall.  With kids in school, weekend trips and family adventures in the works, you’d think that the travel bug would be in hibernation for a bit.    Instead, we’re taking this opportunity to plan a much more involved (and lengthy) trip for next summer. . . one that will take a good nine months of planning.

We’ve decided to attempt a European vacation for the four of us (2 adults, 2 kids).  Since flights are so expensive (a thousand dollars at minimum), we’re working on extending our trip for as long as a month and figuring out ways to make it both economical and adventurous.

Choosing an International Destination with Kids

Some factors that we’re considering as we begin the planning.

1.) Can we rent an apartment for a month?  Where? How do we go about finding the best resources? We require internet, a small kitchen (to cut down on eating expenses), and beds for four. A relatively safe locale, with easy access to grocery and other conveniences is also on the list.  So far, our best resource for investigating has been airbnb.com, but we’re still looking at expanding our resource list.

2.) Will we need a vehicle for all or part of the time?  If we go to most locations, a car is required in order for us to get to the climbing areas. Some locales will have opportunities for climbing within walking distance while others are more spread out.

3.)  Is there sport climbing available with a short approach and a landing that is safe/accessible for kids?  One of the main points of this trip is to do a bit of climbing.  Can we go climbing with the kids in tow and without another adult?

4.) How difficult is it to get there? Is it a direct flight, then a drive? Is it two flights and then a train? What is involved in the travel?

5.) What else is around to do with the kids?  This is less of a concern, as kids will make due, but we’d like some water (ocean or lake) and/or other kid friendly summer vacation options in the vicinity.

Stay tuned as we do more research and start to nail down a location.  For now, top on our list are Sardinia Italy, Arco Italy, Mallorca Spain and/or potentially France (generically, as we don’t know exactly where yet).  Chime in with your suggestions, recommendations, resources, and helpful tips for international travel.  In addition, if you have a room to rent in any of these locations, feel free to email us.