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Off-Season Vacation Spots?
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Anonymous
| We're thinking of visiting a European city this holiday since it will be off-season (less expensive, less crowded) and have looked at some packages, which in comparison to US in-season places are fairly "reasonable." Do people have recommendations? Yes, we have kids, elementary-school aged. We definitely want a big city. London? Paris? Amsterdam? Brussels? Barcelona? (Honestly, the packages offered at those places seem way cheaper than the big warm-weather resorts we checked out in FL, Mexico). We know the dollar is weak and once we are over there things will cost more, but we are planning to take public transportation places and scour the web for reduced tickets to museums and the like, be frugal about eating out (there will be lots of take out, market stops, or eating in small cafes as opposed to expensive restaurants), and so forth. I am guessing some of you out there are from these cities and maybe go home to visit family, and can offer advice, as well. Thanks to all who respond. |
Anonymous
|
Check the exchange rate for the Euro and the pound (UK hasn't converted yet). We took a long-ago-scheduled trip to London and Paris over the summer. While the US dollar was weak against both, the exchange rate was better against the Euro than the pound at that point in time. Fortunately most of our trip was in Paris so it was a little less painful financially than London.
(Also baguette was the equivalent of a $1.35 a loaf then so we never felt guilty about snacking on good bread in Paris!) |
Anonymous
| In the list of cities you mentioned, Paris, London and Amsterdam are worth seeing. Paris and Amsterdam are beautiful and there are many things to do/see; London is a fun city and there is lots to do and see as well. Brussels is an ugly city and there is not much to see so I would not recommend going there. Barcelona is not the nicest city in Spain, if you want to go to Spain, I would recommend Seville instead (very pretty city, lots to see). Also, you might want to consider cities in Italy: Rome, Venice, Florence are all beautiful and worth seeing. |
Anonymous
| If you like sking-Chaomoix in France is soooooo beautiful. You could also fly into Geneva and then drive to a variety of ski towns in both Swizterland and France. Wonderful!! |
Anonymous
| Do London. The major museums are free, and you will be able to take the kids to the theater. It's a wonderful city. |
Anonymous
| Love, love, love Amsterdam, but better to save it for a spring trip - tulips, canal rides, etc. |
Anonymous
Really, the museums are free? I think we went into 1 museum that didn't charge and the rest were equivalent to $20/person (the Dungeon Museum, London Museum, etc.). Even the major tourist attractions - the Globe Theater, Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathederal, etc. were pricey. OP - don't forget the Europeans take "holidays" too - extended ones too. So, what might be off-season over here, may not be over there (depending on where you decide). bon voyage |
Anonymous
| I went to Paris over Christmas a few years ago. It was nice trip, except for the weather - the whole time was rainy and cold. Not the best time to see the city. |
Anonymous
| What kids-friendly activities do you recommend for London, Amsterdam, Paris? |