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Started By
Message
re: Fun things for (reluctant to travel) teen in Europe
Posted on 8/13/25 at 5:38 pm to HouseMom
Posted on 8/13/25 at 5:38 pm to HouseMom
quote:
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.
Not to put to fine a point on it but leave his arse at home. If he doesnt want to go you both will be miserable.
0
Posted on 8/13/25 at 5:45 pm to Fun Bunch
quote:
So what do you do in Europe. Just sit in the hotel?
Mountain bike, hike, walk around villages, walk around cities, drink espresso at cafes, eat lots of food, talk to people, drink alcohol, go to beaches, read, write, take photos, etc…
We did do a food/market tour in Nice which was great. And I shouldn’t say we never go to museums as that’s not true. It’s just not usually our prime activity when we travel.
My mother in law and her husband don’t get it either. They do tour groups which are scheduled from breakfast to dinner with sightseeing seeing and visiting historical/cultural attractions. They love it, and I know that most people like to travel in that way or feel that’s the “proper” way to travel. Just doesn’t appeal to us. We generally engage in what has come to be know as “slow travel.”
Posted on 8/13/25 at 7:08 pm to HouseMom
I didn’t really get the feeling that you were mentioning a specific destination. Europe is obviously a big place with so much to do for somebody that age. Are you completely open to any country or do you have something in mind you’re trying to get him to go to or what is your interest overall?
PS: show him some YouTube videos from the beaches on Ibizia Spain! Say something to the effect of we’re thinking of going to Spain initially check out these videos. Then maybe we were going to Germany to see some mountains…
Women
Booze
Food
In that order!
Seriously. We’ve taken our children, older say the 20s, to places like Rome. Munich. Vienna. Prague. Budapest. They had a blast for various reasons.
PS: show him some YouTube videos from the beaches on Ibizia Spain! Say something to the effect of we’re thinking of going to Spain initially check out these videos. Then maybe we were going to Germany to see some mountains…
Women
Booze
Food
In that order!
Seriously. We’ve taken our children, older say the 20s, to places like Rome. Munich. Vienna. Prague. Budapest. They had a blast for various reasons.
This post was edited on 8/13/25 at 7:15 pm
Posted on 8/13/25 at 7:27 pm to HouseMom
If an 18 year old can't have fun in Europe, than I don't know what to tell you. Maybe it's the idea of going with his parents that isn't fun. I could totally see that.
Certainly give him some freedom to do his own thing. I went to visit my parents in Madrid in college for a month. I think I was 20. After 10 days, I was ready to come home. Then a military buddy of mine I knew growing up called and said he was in Seville. I took off on my own and spent a week hanging with him and doing my own thing. That saved the trip. Maybe he'll have more fun at home for 2 weeks hanging with his buddies after high school while his parents are abroad. There was certainly a time in my life where the last thing I wanted to do was be with my mom/dad and sister for extended periods of time.
Certainly give him some freedom to do his own thing. I went to visit my parents in Madrid in college for a month. I think I was 20. After 10 days, I was ready to come home. Then a military buddy of mine I knew growing up called and said he was in Seville. I took off on my own and spent a week hanging with him and doing my own thing. That saved the trip. Maybe he'll have more fun at home for 2 weeks hanging with his buddies after high school while his parents are abroad. There was certainly a time in my life where the last thing I wanted to do was be with my mom/dad and sister for extended periods of time.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 8:00 pm to hogfly
quote:
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.
Whitewater rafting might also be a target activity. Based on what you have written about him, I think mountains are the correct general idea.
Posted on 8/13/25 at 8:34 pm to hogfly
I mean there’s a balance of doing things like that and seeing the tourist things.
Posted on 8/14/25 at 7:16 am to Nole Man
quote:
I didn’t really get the feeling that you were mentioning a specific destination. Europe is obviously a big place with so much to do for somebody that age. Are you completely open to any country or do you have something in mind you’re trying to get him to go to or what is your interest overall?
Sorry about that, should have clarified more "generic" Europe, honestly. France is a definite yes, mostly because I love it and my daughter has a list of things she would like to see. Other than that, whatever is realistically close. Could be England --> France --> toodle through the Alps (or maybe Chamonix and go up to see Mont Blanc) --> Italy. Or instead, circle back down to Spain. But, Germany is very cool, and Switzerland is gorgeous. I've never stepped foot in Austria.
There's also the educational/parent part of me that thinks one should have the opportunity to see the sites in London, Paris, and Rome. These are "need to see" places IMO. I mean, let's be honest, studying world history makes a lot more sense when you've seen things in person. But, not all have to be seen on this trip. And also we are Catholic, so seeing the Vatican at some point would be meaningful.
I just need my kids to be aware of other cultures, languages, food, architecture, etc. Any place we go will provide a new perspective.
This post was edited on 8/14/25 at 7:37 am
Posted on 8/14/25 at 7:51 am to HouseMom
LOL! Found this article online: Best Places.
Well, based upon where I've been, or with my older children, here are my thoughts.
We rented a car in Paris and drove to Bayeux, where we based for the week and toured the Normandy region. Mont-Saint-Michel. Can't imagine anyone not getting steeped in WW2 history. Maybe watch Band of Brothers before hand? The food. The drink. The history. One of our best trips.
Krakow, Poland. Now, we did this a couple of years ago in early December. So yeah, cold. BUT..Christmas market time! Great food and drink. Who wouldn't like that. AND it's unique. No one really goes there. Think how cool you'd be saying "I just got back from Poland"! Affordable, youthful, and packed with history. Auschwitz isn't far (we hired a driver) and salt mines offer tons of unique experiences.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Was there last November. Cool vibe, bike-friendly, great nightlife, and tons of young travelers. Won't go into the beer culture and that "funny smell"
but...Why you’ll love it: Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, canal cruises, and tulip season.
Here's one off the grid (and one I talk about a lot). Try Slovenia! Best trip we took. Has it all. Alps (literally next to Austria!) WW1 battlefields. Great food. Easy to get around (we drove a car). Someone mentioned rafting. We didn't do it, but there is rafting on the beautiful Soca River!
Selected Photos.
Finally...
I'd say overall:
Let him help choose: Give him a shortlist and let him veto or vote. Ownership helps.
Mix it up: Combine a city with a nature escape (e.g., Berlin + Alps or Barcelona + Costa Brava).
Based upon my experience, I would say be careful not to overdo it based upon your interest if you're taking kids. My wife (no pics) is like that. "If it's Tuesday it must be.." If you cram a lot of stops in a short amount of time, packing and unpacking, 4am Ubers to the train stations yada yada, they'll freak. Find a couple of easy enough destinations, base and just immerse in that region. You can always do "non kid trips" (we are now in retirement, like taking a Viking Ocean Cruise in Norway next week!) on your own.
Well, based upon where I've been, or with my older children, here are my thoughts.
quote:
France is a definite yes,
We rented a car in Paris and drove to Bayeux, where we based for the week and toured the Normandy region. Mont-Saint-Michel. Can't imagine anyone not getting steeped in WW2 history. Maybe watch Band of Brothers before hand? The food. The drink. The history. One of our best trips.
Krakow, Poland. Now, we did this a couple of years ago in early December. So yeah, cold. BUT..Christmas market time! Great food and drink. Who wouldn't like that. AND it's unique. No one really goes there. Think how cool you'd be saying "I just got back from Poland"! Affordable, youthful, and packed with history. Auschwitz isn't far (we hired a driver) and salt mines offer tons of unique experiences.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Was there last November. Cool vibe, bike-friendly, great nightlife, and tons of young travelers. Won't go into the beer culture and that "funny smell"
but...Why you’ll love it: Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, canal cruises, and tulip season. Here's one off the grid (and one I talk about a lot). Try Slovenia! Best trip we took. Has it all. Alps (literally next to Austria!) WW1 battlefields. Great food. Easy to get around (we drove a car). Someone mentioned rafting. We didn't do it, but there is rafting on the beautiful Soca River!
Selected Photos.
Finally...
I'd say overall:
Let him help choose: Give him a shortlist and let him veto or vote. Ownership helps.
Mix it up: Combine a city with a nature escape (e.g., Berlin + Alps or Barcelona + Costa Brava).
Based upon my experience, I would say be careful not to overdo it based upon your interest if you're taking kids. My wife (no pics) is like that. "If it's Tuesday it must be.." If you cram a lot of stops in a short amount of time, packing and unpacking, 4am Ubers to the train stations yada yada, they'll freak. Find a couple of easy enough destinations, base and just immerse in that region. You can always do "non kid trips" (we are now in retirement, like taking a Viking Ocean Cruise in Norway next week!) on your own.
This post was edited on 8/14/25 at 7:59 am
Posted on 8/14/25 at 9:06 am to Nole Man
Thanks for the great suggestions! I have actually been looking at Slovenia. I feel like they don't get much attention, but it looks so pretty.
And my husband and I will be doing a kid-free trip to France this December (part business, part fun). We'll be split between Paris and the Burgundy region, so I'm sure I'll make a separate post about that. He and I can nerd out on museums by ourselves lol.
This is my plan! Compiling a list of some suggestions here, and we'll see what the kids vote on.
And my husband and I will be doing a kid-free trip to France this December (part business, part fun). We'll be split between Paris and the Burgundy region, so I'm sure I'll make a separate post about that. He and I can nerd out on museums by ourselves lol.
quote:
Let him help choose: Give him a shortlist and let him veto or vote. Ownership helps.
This is my plan! Compiling a list of some suggestions here, and we'll see what the kids vote on.
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:25 am to HouseMom
quote:
This is my plan! Compiling a list of some suggestions here, and we'll see what the kids vote on.
Update us on how that goes!
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:51 am to HouseMom
I would keep it fairly simple and don't pack it to the gills with things, and go to 1 country, 2 countries max if its France and England.
Allow for free time for him to explore the things he wants to.
If you're going to England, get a soccer match for him to go to, some pubs, go to Stonehenge which is remote but cool as frick. A town like Bath is really cool too
Allow for free time for him to explore the things he wants to.
If you're going to England, get a soccer match for him to go to, some pubs, go to Stonehenge which is remote but cool as frick. A town like Bath is really cool too
Posted on 8/14/25 at 2:23 pm to HouseMom
If the family has European ancestry visit some ancestral towns. Let him do some reading about the places 1st.
In London some suggests here are good...LINK
Do intercity train trips... US lacks decent passenger trains. Let him see what he's missing.
In London some suggests here are good...LINK
Do intercity train trips... US lacks decent passenger trains. Let him see what he's missing.
This post was edited on 8/14/25 at 2:26 pm
Posted on 8/15/25 at 1:01 pm to Fun Bunch
quote:
So what do you do in Europe. Just sit in the hotel?
I've been to New York half a dozen times and the most touristy thing that I've done there is walk through Central Park. Going again in October, we mostly walk around the city, eat, drink, hangout.
Posted on 8/16/25 at 8:22 pm to HouseMom
Take him to a red light district to a strip club.
Nothing like bonding with family.
Nothing like bonding with family.
Posted on 8/17/25 at 8:52 am to HouseMom
Had same issue with my 16 yo. We did Munich and stayed a while in Reutte, Austria. Easy driving and all close proximity. Easy flights to Munich which is a super interesting city for a teen. Reutte had it all. Mountain biking, proximity to the Zugspitz, Highline 179, mountaintop fortresses, nearby ski resort with summer lifts in Biberwier that included mountain karting - our new all time favorite mountain activity. It’s right across the German border from Neuschwanstein.
Also always have to give a shout out to Nole Man. He’s spot on with Slovenia. Fly in/out Venice. Rent car and drive into Slovenia.
Hopping around Croatia on the beaches/islands from Dubrovnik to Split would also be a great.
Also always have to give a shout out to Nole Man. He’s spot on with Slovenia. Fly in/out Venice. Rent car and drive into Slovenia.
Hopping around Croatia on the beaches/islands from Dubrovnik to Split would also be a great.
Posted on 8/17/25 at 9:08 am to HouseMom
Not sure if this has been covered, but on top of Omaha, WWII type stuff why not throw in car stuff ? What part of Europe will you be in ? Tons of car stuff (McLaren, silverstone, F1 everything) in the UK..Plus there's always the Italian car stuff
Posted on 8/17/25 at 10:04 am to HouseMom
Start in Switzerland then go south through Italy.
Car experiences in Italy ahem Ferrari and Lamborghini; see about factory tours or a driving experience.
Fly fishing and day trip or train through the mountains in Switzerland.
Scilla swordfishing would be fun or just hit Naples and do a fishing charter there or the many lakes in Italy.
Mix in things for yourself obviously, but taking him on a couple of things just for him would be fun for everyone.
Plus pizza and pasta everyday.
Car experiences in Italy ahem Ferrari and Lamborghini; see about factory tours or a driving experience.
Fly fishing and day trip or train through the mountains in Switzerland.
Scilla swordfishing would be fun or just hit Naples and do a fishing charter there or the many lakes in Italy.
Mix in things for yourself obviously, but taking him on a couple of things just for him would be fun for everyone.
Plus pizza and pasta everyday.
Posted on 8/18/25 at 9:13 am to HouseMom
I really think you should concentrate on the Alps, whether that’s Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, etc. Or a combination of multiple. There’s just a ton more outdoors stuff to do there starting with obviously hiking and great views.ok at Canyoning, I can’t recommend it enough it’s an amazing outdoor experience you really can’t do in the USA. But the people that live in the Alps will be a lot more outdoorsy in general from skiing to fishing to mountain biking.
Maybe do a castle tour? Best castles of the alps? Most 18 year old outdoors type of boys will love castles.
Speaking of that, add in the World War and other military museums. I wasn’t a big fan of the Deutches museum in Munich, it’s just no real English everything was in German when I was there about 10 years ago but still a cool museum for German military and science history.
Here’s another idea:
The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, England, is widely recognized as the world's largest tank museum. It houses over 300 tanks and armored vehicles
Maybe do a castle tour? Best castles of the alps? Most 18 year old outdoors type of boys will love castles.
Speaking of that, add in the World War and other military museums. I wasn’t a big fan of the Deutches museum in Munich, it’s just no real English everything was in German when I was there about 10 years ago but still a cool museum for German military and science history.
Here’s another idea:
The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, England, is widely recognized as the world's largest tank museum. It houses over 300 tanks and armored vehicles
This post was edited on 8/18/25 at 9:14 am
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:13 am to baldona
TD has delivered, as usual! Thank y'all so much for the great suggestions. I will absolutely report back. 
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:43 pm to Floating Change Up
Try the Nurburing in Germany. I think you can drive the race course or do a ride along in some bad arse cars.
All the manufacturers have museums in that area. Porsche, BMW, Mercedes.
Also a couple of cool theme parks in the same area. Europa-park and Phantasia Land.
All the manufacturers have museums in that area. Porsche, BMW, Mercedes.
Also a couple of cool theme parks in the same area. Europa-park and Phantasia Land.
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