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Started By
Message
Fun things for (reluctant to travel) teen in Europe
Posted on 8/13/25 at 9:50 am
Posted on 8/13/25 at 9:50 am
We're planning a trip to Europe in the spring/summer with no set itinerary just yet. Our son will be 18 for this trip, and he is just not feeling it. At all. I realize he sounds spoiled, but it's more that he would rather be fishing or hanging at the hunting camp with his buddies.
He's not a huge fan of museums, but he does seem interested in Omaha Beach and general WWII history. He loves trucks, cars, and generally anything outdoors, but not exactly hiking. I even told him he could legally drink at least ha ha. Has anyone done an organized hunt in the UK?
I realize I shouldn't make him go, but I also realize that he doesn't know what he doesn't know. He doesn't even understand what he doesn't want to do.
Help, please!
He's not a huge fan of museums, but he does seem interested in Omaha Beach and general WWII history. He loves trucks, cars, and generally anything outdoors, but not exactly hiking. I even told him he could legally drink at least ha ha. Has anyone done an organized hunt in the UK?
I realize I shouldn't make him go, but I also realize that he doesn't know what he doesn't know. He doesn't even understand what he doesn't want to do.
Help, please!
18
Posted on 8/13/25 at 10:14 am to HouseMom
quote:
He's not a huge fan of museums, but he does seem interested in Omaha Beach and general WWII history. He loves trucks, cars, and generally anything outdoors, but not exactly hiking.
Research the places you will be and find a good pub -- take him during a soccer or rugby match.
One of my better memories was stumbling into a bar one evening in Berlin right after a rugby match. I was 17, the rugby players were all 4 or 5 years older. The chaos, fun, drinking, and exploits of two rugby teams drinking together right after battle on the field -- was a lifetime memory for me.
He's 18. Get him to enjoy some 18 things.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 10:31 am to HouseMom
quote:
I realize I shouldn't make him go
Who is the parent here? Its not exactly a punishment to miss 10-14 days of summer with your friends to travel to Europe with your family.
2 things of interest:
1.) Euro babes
2.) drinking legally
I'd think that would entice many 18 years olds
A fishing guide trip would be very reasonable in certain areas. I would consider somewhere around the Alps as there are a lot more outdoors in that area. Maybe some sort of "extreme" sports, rafting, canyoning, bungie jumping, etc.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 10:54 am to HouseMom
Go to Bayeux for a few days.
Tour the DDay beaches with Overlord Tours.
Get a rental car and drive to Mount St Michel for a day trip.
Then drive to Paris and turn the car in.
Tour the DDay beaches with Overlord Tours.
Get a rental car and drive to Mount St Michel for a day trip.
Then drive to Paris and turn the car in.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 10:57 am to HouseMom
My BIL took a day trip from London and got a fishing guide to take him out. I can find out where if you’re interested.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 11:03 am to HouseMom
Find a beach in Spain and let him see the topless euro girls.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 11:07 am to HouseMom
I would consider Spain or Italy.
I know that may not fit the WW2 stuff but...
Lots of fun stuff to do, great food, sports, beaches, great fishing from certain areas. And great nature stuff. Incredible landscapes, incredibly beautiful girls/women.
You guys can do museums while he strolls around. Show him videos of the passeggiatta in Italy and I bet he gets interested real fast (its where people walk up and down the main areas dressed to the 9s to walk around an socialize up and down the boulevard).
I know that may not fit the WW2 stuff but...
Lots of fun stuff to do, great food, sports, beaches, great fishing from certain areas. And great nature stuff. Incredible landscapes, incredibly beautiful girls/women.
You guys can do museums while he strolls around. Show him videos of the passeggiatta in Italy and I bet he gets interested real fast (its where people walk up and down the main areas dressed to the 9s to walk around an socialize up and down the boulevard).
This post was edited on 8/13/25 at 11:11 am
Posted on 8/13/25 at 11:08 am to baldona
quote:
Who is the parent here? Its not exactly a punishment to miss 10-14 days of summer with your friends to travel to Europe with your family.
Maybe you missed the part where he'll be 18. I'm not spending thousands of extra dollars to drag him on a vacation he really doesn't want to go on. He vacations with us every year. He just doesn't think he wants to go to Europe.
I'm just trying to think of "out of the box" experiences that may appeal to him.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 12:04 pm to HouseMom
Mountain Biking is always my answer to this sort of question, but I'll suggest mountain biking. Finale Ligure in Italy is a pretty amazing outdoor region for that activity, as well as rock climbing, but most mountain towns in Europe have some level of mountain biking experience available. Many ski resorts transition to mountain biking and you can ride chair lifts up and then descend all day long. Rentals are available.
Many of these same areas will also have fishing opportunities for trout as well. He may complain about it in the leadup, but being able to say you went mountain biking/climbing/fishing in Europe would provide pretty good stories for him when he returns to hang with his friends in the States. I also think that getting to see how conservation/land rights/access is handled in Europe and how sporting life is different in Europe would be pretty cool from the perspective of an American Sportsman.
I have zero idea how "seasons" and permitting works in Europe (especially around hunting with firearms), but they, obviously, have a long tradition of shooting sports and angling that is very different from ours, but it would be a cool thing to experience. I imagine that birdhunting would be the most accessible, if it's even a possibility. You might ask on the outdoor board, as they might have some experiences hunting/fishing in Europe.
I'll add that I have a son who is obsessed with mountain biking and fishing as well as four wheel drive vehicles and such. We went to Italy last summer, and while the mountain biking was awesome, I think he loved just experiencing different cultures and the European experience overall (public transit, cafes, etc..) as much as the mountain biking. It's such an eye opening experience to travel to different counties, especially for teenagers.
Many of these same areas will also have fishing opportunities for trout as well. He may complain about it in the leadup, but being able to say you went mountain biking/climbing/fishing in Europe would provide pretty good stories for him when he returns to hang with his friends in the States. I also think that getting to see how conservation/land rights/access is handled in Europe and how sporting life is different in Europe would be pretty cool from the perspective of an American Sportsman.
I have zero idea how "seasons" and permitting works in Europe (especially around hunting with firearms), but they, obviously, have a long tradition of shooting sports and angling that is very different from ours, but it would be a cool thing to experience. I imagine that birdhunting would be the most accessible, if it's even a possibility. You might ask on the outdoor board, as they might have some experiences hunting/fishing in Europe.
I'll add that I have a son who is obsessed with mountain biking and fishing as well as four wheel drive vehicles and such. We went to Italy last summer, and while the mountain biking was awesome, I think he loved just experiencing different cultures and the European experience overall (public transit, cafes, etc..) as much as the mountain biking. It's such an eye opening experience to travel to different counties, especially for teenagers.
This post was edited on 8/13/25 at 12:10 pm
Posted on 8/13/25 at 12:24 pm to HouseMom
We took our 18 and 19 year olds last summer and they loved it. Neither loved museums but there are kids everywhere and they could drink and sit outside and interact. But they did have each other which helped. They loved the independence and vibes.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 12:25 pm to HouseMom
quote:
He just doesn't think he wants to go to Europe.
This is one of those instances where, Mom needs to be Mom and not friend.
Make his arse go. Make memories. He will thank you later. Guaranteed.
Some outdoor activities:
Switzerland: Alps. He will be in awe.
Take a train on a route that takes you through the alps.
Germany:
Take a walk through Heidelberg, watch the burning of the Castle and enjoy the party. Have him jump off of the Old Heidelberg Arch Bridge (not responsible for any injury this may cause
) and then enjoy the scenery laying out in the sun on the banks of the Neckar. Take a train through the black forest.
Spain:
Pamplona - Running of the Bulls. Truly, even if he doesn't actually run on the streets with the bulls, it is an absolute spectacle to participate.
LLoret De Mar - Mind blowing night club scene. (fishing charters available, although the Med sucks for fishing)
Honestly, Europe does not have to be non-stop Museums and cathedrals. There are so many festivals -- just find a couple and have a great time. Also, if he likes music at all -- I don't care what genre -- there will be countless opportunities to see fantastic live concerts for any type of music he likes.
If you want to soften the blow of "Get your bag packed and get your arse on the plane." --
Make a compromise: This year, Europe, next year Bahamas out-island. If he loves fishing and outdoors, you need to take him to Eleuthera, Andros, or Long Island.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 12:42 pm to hogfly
quote:
It's such an eye opening experience to travel to different counties, especially for teenagers.
I 100% agree! I went for the first time the summer before senior year in high school, and it's like it all made sense. It's truly life changing. Thanks for the suggestions!
Posted on 8/13/25 at 12:45 pm to HouseMom
quote:
We're planning a trip to Europe in the spring/summer with no set itinerary just yet
Do you at least have the countries/cities ironed out?
Posted on 8/13/25 at 12:48 pm to Floating Change Up
quote:
This is one of those instances where, Mom needs to be Mom and not friend. Make his arse go. Make memories. He will thank you later. Guaranteed.
I completely agree, but I would prefer for him to at least be a little excited instead of me forcefully shoving my man-child into my suitcase.
I KNOW he will love it and thank us later. I honestly just want to have things for him to look forward to, if possible. Planning a vacation is almost as fun as the actual trip, to me. And thank you for the suggestions!
Posted on 8/13/25 at 1:10 pm to HouseMom
Oh: I will add that we didn’t go in a single museum/tourist attraction while we were there. It’s just not our scene for the most part, but our kids also aren’t into that. Some people absolutely love to Jam Pack their vacations with “must see” destinations, but we don’t love that and will usually only do something like that if the mood strikes us and spontaneously.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 1:20 pm to Floating Change Up
quote:
One of my better memories was stumbling into a bar one evening in Berlin right after a rugby match. I was 17, the rugby players were all 4 or 5 years older. The chaos, fun, drinking, and exploits of two rugby teams drinking together right after battle on the field -- was a lifetime memory for me.
Oh, my husband played rugby in college, and he's totally down with your plan!
Posted on 8/13/25 at 3:17 pm to hogfly
quote:
Oh: I will add that we didn’t go in a single museum/tourist attraction while we were there. It’s just not our scene for the most part, but our kids also aren’t into that. Some people absolutely love to Jam Pack their vacations with “must see” destinations, but we don’t love that and will usually only do something like that if the mood strikes us and spontaneously.
So what do you do in Europe. Just sit in the hotel?
Posted on 8/13/25 at 3:29 pm to HouseMom
Now that I am thinking about this more:
Portugal might be a great option. Its generally pretty short flights and is way cheaper than a lot of the rest of Europe.
Lisbon, The Algarve (if you can), and Porto.
Its on the water, there is INCREDIBLE seafood and fishing, the Algarve has dramatic cliffsides and incredible beaches, he can go fish out of there if he wanted to. Porto is beautiful and different and strange.
If you go at the right time of year, you can also visit Nazarre and see people surfing some of the largest waves on earth:
Portugal might be a great option. Its generally pretty short flights and is way cheaper than a lot of the rest of Europe.
Lisbon, The Algarve (if you can), and Porto.
Its on the water, there is INCREDIBLE seafood and fishing, the Algarve has dramatic cliffsides and incredible beaches, he can go fish out of there if he wanted to. Porto is beautiful and different and strange.
If you go at the right time of year, you can also visit Nazarre and see people surfing some of the largest waves on earth:
Posted on 8/13/25 at 3:45 pm to Fun Bunch
quote:
If you go at the right time of year, you can also visit Nazarre and see people surfing some of the largest waves on earth:
That would be cool to see but the big waves are in the winter. Are you watching the 100 Foot Wave doc?
This post was edited on 8/13/25 at 3:46 pm
Posted on 8/13/25 at 3:50 pm to Zappas Stache
No I've never watched it. I heard its good.
But regardless the coastline of Portugal has some pretty great spots.
Just an outside the box thought
But regardless the coastline of Portugal has some pretty great spots.
Just an outside the box thought
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