Where to take my family during my 1 month sabbatical

[Anonymous]

I'm going to become eligible for a sabbatical in a few months through my work that is 100% paid for 1 month (I know, I feel so lucky!!!)

What I'd like to do is AirBnB our house to cover mortgage and then live abroad for a month. I have a 3.5 year old and and 6 month old, so would prefer to stay in one location the whole time, or split our time in half, spending 2 wks in each location.

Some requirements I have:
1. Good weather. I can pick any time of year to go, as early as this coming fall or as late as next spring.
2. Good food! We like everything so hopefully this isn't hard. We also love wine
3. Direct flight. Very important.
4. Ability to rent a 2-3 bedroom flat or house, ideally with some outdoor space (large patio or garden) for the toddler.
5. Access to good healthcare, especially pediatric in case of emergency with the kids.
6. Family friendly - openness to children, plenty of activities we can do with them.
7. We are very outdoorsy, so access to great hikes and nature is a big plus.

We are not very daunted by different customs, languages, cultures. I speak Spanish fluently, some French, and can generally navigate in Italian and Portuguese.

Suggestions, DCUM??

[Anonymous]

French or Italian rivieras get a house with a pool and rent a car.

[Anonymous]

Try some of the house swapping sites too.

[Anonymous]

Portugal, although not sure on direct flights. I'd have to think so, depending on which airport you want to use.

[Anonymous]

New Zealand if you can tolerate the flights - but never a better time to do it than when you have a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:French or Italian rivieras get a house with a pool and rent a car.

Which cities would you recommend?? That sounds fabulous. Is the weather there cold in early fall, e.g. Sept?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Portugal, although not sure on direct flights. I'd have to think so, depending on which airport you want to use.

Where in Portugal? Maybe a Lisbon/Porto combo?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:French or Italian rivieras get a house with a pool and rent a car.

Which cities would you recommend?? That sounds fabulous. Is the weather there cold in early fall, e.g. Sept?

Not PP, but September is great in Europe. I lived in Germany and I always tell people that is the month to go. It will still be warm on the Riviera.

But, since you speak Spanish, I would think that Spain would be better. Barcelona, maybe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Portugal, although not sure on direct flights. I'd have to think so, depending on which airport you want to use.

Where in Portugal? Maybe a Lisbon/Porto combo?

This would be great. Or Porto/Amalfi.

[Anonymous]

I would do south eastern France, Spain and maybe add Portugal. or maybe just Portugal and Spain.

[Anonymous]

Oh, lucky you! What a wonderful adventure! I would go to Florence. It is my favorite city by far out of everywhere I've lived or traveled to. Wonderful food, lovely people, beautiful sights. You have the benefit of the city but can be in the country in a jiffy. The downside is that there are no non-stop flights from this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New Zealand if you can tolerate the flights - but never a better time to do it than when you have a month.

This would be my plan, too. But doesn't meet the direct flight requirement.

[Anonymous]

Can't fly to the Riviera direct from d.c.

[Anonymous]

OP here - surprised there haven't been any suggestions for places in South America, or even Japan?? I've heard that Japan is super kid friendly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - surprised there haven't been any suggestions for places in South America, or even Japan?? I've heard that Japan is super kid friendly?

Japan would be great. Nonstops to Tokyo. I also loved Mexico city and think it's very family friendly.