The airports in Germany won’t allow you to take rented vehicles into eastern Europe. This puzzled my parents and I, because in two weeks we were about to take a road trip to Croatia. We had beenliving in Germany for three years now, and had thoroughly taken advantage of what the economically sized continent had to offer us. We’d seen everything from the leaning tower of Pisa, to Venice, to the mustard factories of Dijon, France. We knew Europe would be a brief revelation, but a revelation nonetheless. At this point the deadline for us to go back to South Carolina was creeping up on us, like a B-movie vampire, and we wanted to take one last meaningful vacation before we’d have to say our goodbyes to European living.
That’s when we found out that German rental car companies don’t insure, or sometimes even allow trips to the once dismal side of the Iron Curtain. My father asked the desk clerk why this was?
“Most cars don’t come back.” she said.
We ended up having to take our rickety, unreliable Volvo down to Croatia: the country that gave the world cucumber sauce, and men’s ties.
Croatia isn’t exactly on everyone’s top ten list of places they’d like to see before they die. That’s because back in the early nineties, traveling to Croatia meant that it would be the last place you’d see before you died. The entire region of former Yugoslavia was engulfed in violence that was at once ethnically, religiously, and nationalistically motivated. Most of the violence and genocide was in Serbia, and Bosnia, however the bloodshed did spill over into neighboring countries. As time went on though, the madness subsided and like so many other countries past and present, it was faced with the daunting task of rebuilding itself.
Croatia is now a frugal European tourist’s dream. It’s cheap, warm, sunny, and possesses a slightly ailing, discolored, crumbling, bullet-fragmented infrastructure the locals would rather describe as, rustic.
Our first three days were spent in the sea side town of Umago, were we learned the fundamental basics of staying in Croatia. The country itself isn’t very expensive for tourists, that is unless you don’t know what to do. If you’re not careful in Eastern Europe (or anywhere really) you will be ripped off.
The first rule is to never stay in a hotel. Ironically, renting out an apartment for a few days from local residents is cheaper. People do it there all the time to make some extra cash, and all one has to do is walk into a tourist bureau and ask. The only downside to this is that rates are so low that they border on the unethical, leaving one feeling guilty for obtaining such a deal. In Umago, we stayed at a place right on the green waters of the Adriatic, Hotel Krystal. It looked like the Four Seasons on the outside, but the rooms resembled a Super 8 motor lodge.
Once we had gotten the swing of things, we settled down in a small residential village where tourists seldom went, and the trip would blossom into a fruitful last glimpse of Europe. My sister went horseback riding, while my father lay listlessly on the beach. My mother would read several books (she hated it there), and I would flirt with a Croatian girl gifted in linguistics and have my first real shave. That’s what it all meant: it was time to grow up, time to return to an uncertain future for America, time to shave the hair off my face.
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Aurelia – never fear. One of our authors took her teen on an "Angels & Demons" tour of Rome after the book came out.
They went all over looking for the temples that held clues to the killer's identity — see her story at http://www.familytravelforum.com/where/europe/12000-Angels-And-Demons-Rome.html
For this summer, the movie has just come out and your son will have lots of fun tracing the filming locations on a map of Rome. The movie highlights some of the city's greatest monuments and it and the book are filled with fascinating facts about the city, the Vatican and its cultural history. I bet you can get him involved in this "treasure hunt" along with the whole family.
Enjoy!
While in Sacramento, be sure to check out the Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt. Kids get to learn a little about the Pony Express, Gold Rush History, Transcontinental Railroad, etc. by solving riddles and eye spy activities.
http://www.oldsacramentoscavengerhunt.com
We will be traveling with a 16 year old to Rome for 4 days. He is in the "everything's boring" stage and, other than the colloseum, we're not sure what he'd like. Any suggestions?
He likes science museums, particularly hands-on stuff.
I really do love this resort.. My daughter is spa supervisor there and developed the "Heaven in a Hammock" massage… Say hello to Stacy Myers one of my two wonderful daughters…
Gosh, my husband and I feel jealous! Sounds like just the type of relaxing family holiday (this often being a contradiction in terms) that would work for us and OUR hard-to-please teenage cubs. You've got us looking towards Florida for our next holiday, probably the Amelia island Ritz Carlton!
Great article!!
What writing program was this for?
Sounds like a great vacation, I can definitely relate to the fresh air anecdote!
Yes,Shanghai surely is one of the most beautiful cities in China.Bund has the name of East of Wall Street.
Here is the website about travelling in Shanghai and China,it would help you.
http://www.chinahotels.hk
This is so great to hear how encouraging the teachers are. I tried to learn to surf once in Brazil and it was just useless, trying to jump up on the board when we practised on the beach. I felt like such a beached whale.
Thanks for your note. Please fill out our Custom Trip Planning form at this link: http://www.familytravelforum.com/how/trip_plans/index.1.html
and we are happy to help you plan your reunion. For prices at Stratton this August, please get in touch with the resort directly. Good luck!
Dear 120Dayslater..thanks for your thorough answer…both helpful and rather wry! Good show and I think you have the issue in perspective!
ks
I AM LOOKING TO HOST A FAMILY REUNION THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 22, 2009. PLEASE SEND ME INFORMATION FOR ABOUT 50 PEOPLE, THAT IS ABOUT 20 ROOMS. WE NEED MEALS. THAN YOU
Hello, Thank you for your words about Spain. My name is Manuel. Let me give you my webpage http://spainlive.iespana.es/. I am specialized on trips for students of Spanish but I am also help people who want to know Spain on a different way with a private guide. Best wishes.
Hello, Thank you for your words about Spain. My name is Manuel. Let me give you my webpage http://spainlive.iespana.es/. I am specialized on trips for students of Spanish but I am also help people who want to know Spain on a different way with a private guide. Best wishes.
This is one of the best aquariums in the country and worth a full-day visit. Plan to wander around, take advantage of the kids' programs, and then have lunch there and relax for a bit. Then explore some more. Occasionally a local nonprofit group will have an evening program in the aquarium where their members and friends can buy tickets (more expensive than the regular tickets) but you really get the place to yourselves and can wander about. It is a great way to see the aquarium with teens, as they appreciate the more mysterious evening hours at the aquarium and there is still plenty to see. I imagine you could call the aquarium to find out dates when that might be happening.
I visited Sosua in the north coast in the Dominican Republic and I loved this exciting place and other thing. It's not a bad drive, and rental cars are not too expensive, and you'll find dozens of beaches on the way where you can stop and grab some salt water on silky sand and of course you could enjoy the hotel Sosua Bay Beach Resort. it's between Cabarete and Costambar . I'll be back next year. http://www.sosuabayresort.com
I was never really interested in the Mid-west until now. I might have to give st. Louis a visit!
this is a well illustrated website and would definately try you when I come for the world cup next year.
I like the description, entertainment is very important for all now in this busy world. But parents are satisfied if their kids are happy and enjoying during picnic/outing/an trip. After their exams children needs a change, to make their minds relaxed so plan for an outing which is enjoyable for your kids.
Eurocamp was a great deal for us when we took our kids to Italy a few years ago. Though there was no TV, there were pools, restaurants, etc…things you don't always have at state parks. And you didn't need an RV! I picked all ours for their proximity to large Italian cities we were visiting. We had plenty of space, a full kitchen, a private bath and still paid much less than we would any hotel in Florence, Rome or Venice. We loved it. And, most of the camps had transportation into the city for a reasonable price!
Thanks for this great list…my family is already booked for New Hampshire this year and I was looking on the web for Lake Tahoe vacations for next year when I came across this site.
When we went to Italy, we stayed at Eurocamps and they were a really great deal, especially when you hear how small and expensive hotels in Europe can be. I hope other people take your advice too!
In our experience, at many supervised kids' camps — especially if they're not crowded — a parent can bring a younger child in and stay with them for one or two activities.
If the counselors determine that the child will be comfortable without a parent present, which is what must have happened in Annie's case, they welcome the parent to leave their child at the camp and enjoy the rest of the resort. The counselors are always within cellphone contact and will ask parents to return if they think it's in the child's best interests.
In some states, there might be legal restrictions on minimum ages for daycare.
you mention your child was 3 years old and that you took her to the kids camp?? how is this possible when the article states they take kids age 5 and up??
For one day Legoland is probably not a good choice and you may be better off exploring Copenhagen. You could actually just go to Tivoli Gardens and enjoy a day in the amusement park there.
Discounted reunion rates are available for 2010-2011 call now for special rates !
Standard Room (2double beds)
One bedroom suite with king bed (equipped with full kitchen, washer and dryer, sofa sleeper)
Two Bedroom suites (equipped with full kitchen, washer and dryer, sofa sleeper)
Our largest banquet hall can accommodate up to 150 people banquet style however we have an adjacent outdoor terrace in which may be useful to accommodate overflow of guest or used for different outdoor activities such as barbecue or other scheduled outdoor activities. Please note: Our Suites are unique in many aspects. Our One and Two bedroom suites can comfortably accommodate multiple families all with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Please visit our website for more details.
I am having a problem getting a passport for my infant. We are currently in court – I only have temporary custody so far and his father refuses to sign the application for my son to get a passport. His father is from the middle east and had threatened to take the baby. I want to go to my sister's wedding in August in Trinidad and I don't know what to do. My lawyer is unsure if he will be able to succeed in getting a court order demanding that the father signs the document. Does anyone have any information regarding my problem. Thanks.
Don't go to your sister's wedding. Don't worry about any one else other than your child. Your ex-husband is waiting for an opportunity to prover you more concern over others than your child. The wedding is an example.I'm sure your sister will understand your situation. Your main concern is your child and getting full custody of him/her. As a signal parent, your life, world, actions are based on your childs well fair. Not your happiness or anything that has to do with you.
check out Sleeps5.com for a free listing of hotels primarily in Europe that will accommodate families of five or more in one room.
Tourism in Sichuan Province China is rich in resources,there is the hometwn of giant pandas.It has World Heritage Areas in China such as Jiuzhaigou valley, Huanglong, Emei Mountain and lashan Giant Buddha,Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation system, Wolong Panda Siguniangshan ecological zones. From Chengdu to Lhasa,Tibet, Yunnan Dali, Lijiang tourism line is also very convenient.
hamburg ist a beautiful city, ya. I especially like the Aalster area with its trees.
Hi There Guys,
Just thought i would say Hi 🙂
Karen
hi evrybody
I use ipod touch ever since they launched it. And now I can't imagine my life without it.
This thread is dedicated to reviewing those apps that we like or dislike.
An eco resort for skiing sounds like a really awesome idea for a family vacation. 60+ years wow! that's awesome. I'm so glad eco travel is on the rise and it can be incorporated on any trip 🙂
Parents are splitting with kids right and left, something needs to be done. Children without passports are fairly protected but once the passport is issued there doesn't seem to be a procedure in place for revoking that passport until such time it must be renewed and even then I'm not sure it can be revoked. In some ways this policy is good and the right thing to do, but, it could also be a way for a controlling ex to make somebody's life miserable. As clogged as the courts are these days it can take months to get a hearing for a judge to order than the child can leave the country…so the moral is, if the ex is going to be a butt about it you better start planning about a year ahead of time and make sure whatever order you get has the required information contained in it or the airline/shipping line etc. may just refuse to honor it. Kids need to be protected, especially from middle eastern fathers/mothers that take the kids to non-hague countries. It's a very nasty situation and it's heartening to see this done but it can be a dual edged sword and may cause a lot of problems no one thought about.
I always check the rates with several codes from that list and book the lowest, without even looking whose it is. So do my friends. We have never been asked to show any ID, certificate, business card, flight ticket or anything else. The rental agent really couldn't care less, and I'm sure the rental company is happy to get the business even at a low margin.
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kevin
You can rent from Alamo. They don't have a maximum age for rentals in Israel.
I stumbled upon your post as I was worrying a bit about our upcoming 4 days in Provence in August. We are traveling with our two daughters, ages 15 and 20, and I found your post to be just what I needed! We will be spending one night in Cassis on the coast and 3 nights in Isle Sur La Sorgue. I have already planned a day exploring the Luberon area with the same itinerary as yours. So thanks for the post!
For the bargain hunter, the beauty of Yosemite can still be enjoyed with an inexpensive stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging. The resort is now offering <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com">Yosemite lodging</a> starting at only $69 for a yurt that can accommodate up to five people. Yosemite cabins start at only $79 for two nights for a basic cabin that can accommodate four people. These special rates are available at http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-camping-specials.html during the fall and winter season. Some restrictions apply. Yosemite Pines (http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com) is an RV resort, campground, and lodge located near Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Pines offers <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-camping-rv-tent.html">Yosemite camping</a> near Yosemite National Park with full hook-up RV and campsites. Yosemite Pines also offers Yosemite lodging and <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-cabins-yurts.html">Yosemite cabin rentals</a> near Yosemite National Park with cabin and yurt rentals. Amenities include a clubhouse, gold mine, gold panning, petting zoo, swimming pool, hiking trail, general store, children’s playground, horseshoe pit, and volleyball.
Hi Deborah –
This will no doubt be your most surprising comment to date. My father was Bob Witten, his mother was Ida Slavitt, His gradnfather Morris Slavitt. I have only today come upon a family tree and am google-ing everyone.
If your father was Norman Slavitt and of course if you have any interest in talking family I'd be so happy to hear from you.
Betsy
Can a healthy 81 year old male rent a car in Israel and if yes,what companies rent for my age?
In eurtour site the rate of hotels are too cheap and they also provides the discount on European hotels and the hotels are too good.
I'm the dad of the teenager with the pink hair. Chris & Pat said it all – brings back great memories — looking forward to the next trip to St Barths!
Thanks for the family-friendly eco-destination lineup. I also wanted to recommend an ecotour company with a lineup of fabulous family nature tours – all small-group and able to be customized to age of kids, etc. Natural Habitat Adventures' green credentials are impeccable and they offer family destinations from South America to Africa to the good ol' U.S. For more info check out http://www.nathab.com
I love Morocco too, thanks for sharing your story.
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
Hi guys thought i would make my first post, just want to say what a great forum this is and all the information here is over whelming
Tourism in Sichuan Province China is rich in resources,there is the hometwn of giant pandas.It has World Heritage Areas in China such as Jiuzhaigou valley, Huanglong, Emei Mountain and lashan Giant Buddha,Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation system, Wolong Panda Siguniangshan ecological zones. From Chengdu to Lhasa,Tibet, Yunnan Dali, Lijiang tourism line is also very convenient.
I like the Bund, Nanjing Road and zhujiajiao old street and other sites nearby.
Great Wall is a very highlights during a China tour. Most people like it, trekking, hiking is very nice.