Trip with an almost 18 yr old and an almost 2 yr old (Europe, possibly Canada)

[Anonymous]

We're currently discussing a family trip after my step-daughter's HS graduation this spring. She'll be almost 18, hasn't been out of the country aside from a few cruises. We also have a 1 yr old who will be about 20 months when we'll be going. So far the little one has been a good flyer, even on 5 hr flights. Husband is, frankly, not a good traveler - hates everything from planning, to packing, to flying, to staying somewhere other than home, but actually enjoys new experiences. I've done a fair amount of traveling, but it's been a while. When we all have gone on vacations, I'm usually the one who's up and ready to explore, while they are taking forever to get out of the hotel. (I've turned into my mother, I accept this!)

SD mentioned Amsterdam, but would be fine anywhere outside the US, 'even Canada'). Husband is now fixated on Amsterdam, and gets cranky if I suggest something that may be more interesting than Amsterdam (I've been there, it's lovely, but not sure if I'd want to use a week of vacation, 12 hours travel time with a toddler, at least $4,000 in airfare alone to go there). Ironic part here is SD would actually be good with another location, she's easy-going and a good sport about most things, it's husband who's in 'Disney Dad' mode. BUT, as often the case in blended families, some things aren't worth pushing, so I'm strongly considering Amsterdam.

We have a little over a week due in mid-June due to SD's schedule. Right now my thoughts are:

Amsterdam the whole time -- keep things low key, stay in a 2-3 bedroom apartment, don't really plan til we get there, spend time wandering around, visiting parks and kid-friendly museums with the toddler in tow. Least amount of stress, but feels like a lot of money/time for not seeing much.

or

Amsterdam and one or two other cities (Paris, Reykjavik -- we'll probably fly thru Reykjavik, so might as well stop there for a few days). We'd see a whole lot more, but it'll be a whole lot more work/stress (which will fall mostly on me).

or

someplace else entirely, if I had my druthers, I'd do Montreal/Quebec City -- since I've seen less of that part of Canada than the parts of Europe we're considering and it would be a whole lot easier logistically.

So, suggestions DCUM? Either for alternative itineraries or cool places in Amsterdam for a young toddler? Or for how to actually relax on this sort of trip? Writing this out makes me think the first option may be the path of least resistance -- I'll book the flights and the vacation apartment and we can go from there.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have to tell you, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward.Island. breath taking and perfect in June.

[Anonymous]

Nothing cool about travel with a young toddler. Absolutely the worst.

[Anonymous]

I would not do a two stop trip! That just doubles the hassle. Conversely, the hassle to travel to Amsterdam vs Quebec is about the same if you get direct flights, IMO. Either way you have to pack up and get on a plane. So you may as well go the place your DH wants to go. Instead of a second city I would check out any small towns you might be able to visit in the country side. If you like to bike I bet there could be some fun places to go to do that!

[Anonymous]

I would not do a two city trip either. Lots of fun cite day tRip towns from Amsterdam though. Accessible by excellent trains which could be fun for toddler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do a two stop trip! That just doubles the hassle. Conversely, the hassle to travel to Amsterdam vs Quebec is about the same if you get direct flights, IMO. Either way you have to pack up and get on a plane. So you may as well go the place your DH wants to go. Instead of a second city I would check out any small towns you might be able to visit in the country side. If you like to bike I bet there could be some fun places to go to do that!

Good point re: once you're on the plane (although a 2 hour flight vs. a 7-8 hour flight...). We'd probably go thru Iceland -- fares are about $400-600 cheaper than if we flew direct to Amsterdam ($850-900 vs $1400) -- with 4 tickets, I'm not sure it's worth the extra $2000, but maybe it is? If we did direct we may have enough FF miles to get one ticket...

I like the idea of biking -- we have 6 months to get the LO comfortable with her bike helmet!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have to tell you, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward.Island. breath taking and perfect in June.

I've been to NS (and would love to go back), and PEI would be wonderful as well -- although I'm the only Anne of Green Gables fan among us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing cool about travel with a young toddler. Absolutely the worst.

I agree, but it is sometimes worse (for me at least) to stay at home and do nothing. Of course, I may regret that half-way through our trip! We'll have a ratio of 3 adults/almost adults to one tot, so hopefully the odds will be in our favor!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have to tell you, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward.Island. breath taking and perfect in June.

I've been to NS (and would love to go back), and PEI would be wonderful as well -- although I'm the only Anne of Green Gables fan among us.

Nova Scotia is like being on another planet. It is so beautiful. I do though revise my statement that for only a week, I'd skip PEI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have to tell you, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward.Island. breath taking and perfect in June.

I've been to NS (and would love to go back), and PEI would be wonderful as well -- although I'm the only Anne of Green Gables fan among us.

Nova Scotia is like being on another planet. It is so beautiful. I do though revise my statement that for only a week, I'd skip PEI.

Agreed -- when I went years and years ago (late May) we were the only car on a small ferry and ended up driving around very foggy, misty roads. It was amazing! If we don't go there this time, I'm putting it on my list of places to go.

[Anonymous]

OP,

I really like the sound of Nova Scotia--I love trips with scenery and atmosphere. However, if the trip is for an eighteen year old, I'm not sure that it will meet the needs. You know your SD and if this trip is for her, please remember to consider those dynamics, as well. I will tell you that the idea of an overseas flight with a toddler is not at all appealing to me. I'd probably go with Quebec--unless you think she really will enjoy Nova Scotia. I've never been to Nova Scotia or Quebec, though.

Amsterdam, once you get there, would be a great place for everyone, I think. You have choices of things to do--scenery or walking, canal tours, etc. I'm sure Quebec offers that ,too.

[Anonymous]

If I had never left the country, Nova Scotia would not be my first choice! Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Amsterdam, with day trips via train to Cologne, Antwerp. You can also go by train to Paris in about 4 hours, if you want to do a two stop trip without much fuss.

The good thing about Amsterdam is that there are sooo many flights, that you can pick toddler friendly hours.

[Anonymous]

I was going to say, while Nova Scotia may be beautiful, please take your very nice sounding stepdaughter someplace more exciting than Nova Scotia! I'm 41, and Nova Scotia seems like an old people place to me.

Why don't you go to Amsterdam with maybe a couple of days in Paris or Brussels with some subset of the family?

[Anonymous]

Since it sounds like it might be awhile before your DH goes to Europee again I'd do Am. and maybe Paris. Squeeze as many days out as you possibly can. Get apartments in both places.