Anonymous wrote:Are you thinking Japan 2027 because it’s late to book for cherry blossom timing.

I was thinking this year, but haven’t done a lot of research yet as our shortlist is still pretty long. Are there specific events that are must-see that require tickets? I was assuming there would be areas like the tidal basin where you could walk around and enjoy, but wouldn’t necessarily need to have the full (crowded) festival experience.

I would choose Japan or New Zealand over Singapore. New Zealand would probably be my top choice.

Switzerland - Dolomites - Italian city (Milan or Venice) would be a fun and easy trip logistically.

Have you been to Portugal? That would also be a great 2 week trip. Porto, Lisbon, some smaller towns (Evora), Comporta, etc.

Asia (Singapore or Japan) for spring break since you are on the west coast and weather there will be nicer in spring than in summer.
Amsterdam in summer because of weather.

Anonymous wrote:
Respectfully, this is why folks get frustrated with non DMV people posting.

Already on your second box of Chardonnay?

We did Amsterdam with kids that age for SP and it was great. East coast so it was a quick flight though. Lots of walking, boat trips, 2 museums, fun food, we have a younger kid too so we did a bunch of parks and playgrounds. Very easy language wise etc. book any museums now if you're going as tix do sell out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We are on the west coast, so flying direct, Japan is roughly 11 hrs there, 9 back; Europe is 10.5-11 there, 11.5-12 back (and we’ve done that twice no problem).

Respectfully, this is why folks get frustrated with non DMV people posting.

Respectfully, the OP clearly mentioned in her OP that they live on the west coast.

Respectfully, this is why folks get frustrated with people with no reading comprehension skills.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We are on the west coast, so flying direct, Japan is roughly 11 hrs there, 9 back; Europe is 10.5-11 there, 11.5-12 back (and we’ve done that twice no problem).

Respectfully, this is why folks get frustrated with non DMV people posting.

OP was very clear in their original post about where they are located. It’s fine, this is a free page after all.

Are you thinking Japan 2027 because it’s late to book for cherry blossom timing.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We are on the west coast, so flying direct, Japan is roughly 11 hrs there, 9 back; Europe is 10.5-11 there, 11.5-12 back (and we’ve done that twice no problem).

Respectfully, this is why folks get frustrated with non DMV people posting.

For SB, maybe Japan as it gets so hot/humid in the summer. Be sure to explore the smaller cities.

Norway in the summer is lovely - temps are great - warm but not overly hot. Very family friendly - at a local soccer match - the stadium had play-rooms facing the soccer field (one for toddlers and another for older kids with legos).

And NZ was also nice in their winter (our summer) - especially Queenstown.

You were in London last year for spring break and you want to go back again for this spring break?

OP here. We are on the west coast, so flying direct, Japan is roughly 11 hrs there, 9 back; Europe is 10.5-11 there, 11.5-12 back (and we’ve done that twice no problem).

NZ would be 13, so longer but not wildly so. Based on flight times, we’d get 7.5 days there…but I haven’t experienced jet lag with a 21 hrs difference. Is the feeling essentially like going from EST to PST?

Anonymous wrote:I can't imagine flying all the way to NZ over spring break with a 10 year old. You would kill several days just getting there and back.

Or Japan

I can't imagine flying all the way to NZ over spring break with a 10 year old. You would kill several days just getting there and back.

Hi! Seems like many of us are in travel planning mode…adding my question to the mix. I’m looking at spring break & summer combinations. We are west coast based, family of 3 (DD is 10), looking for a mix of mountains & city, budget is $25-35k across the the trips. Current short lists:

Spring Break (first week in April, ~9 days):
- London (return visit, loved by all for SB 2024)
- Japan (new, DD and I more excited than DH…possibility of cherry blossoms!)
- Amsterdam (I went as a teen, excited about art, culture, tulips!)
- New Zealand (new, amazing hiking, early fall/fewer crowds)

Summer (late July or early August, up to 12 days):
- London & Scotland (if not going on SB)
- Japan (if not going on SB)
- Switzerland (return visit, loved amazing scenery, hiking, ease of travel)
- Amsterdam & Bruges (if not going on SB)
- Singapore (new to all—food!!)
- Norway (new to all—scenery & heritage)
- France (new to DD…I’ve spent a lot of time there, it’s wonderful, but leaning to somewhere new)
- Wild card…Dolomites? Possibly southern Switzerland/northern Italy combo (may be extra fun post-winter Olympics)

Initial flight pricing is generally within range…the possible budget buster combo would likely be Japan & Switzerland. Thoughts? Open to other ideas, too. Thanks in advance!