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Original poster

To ask for ideas for lush, green, forest/mountainous holiday destinations?

61 replies

Marmadukebones · 31/08/2024 21:59

DS (14) is banging on about wanting to go somewhere where the natural beauty is off the chart. We've been thinking about South America, but it is expensive. He loves green, rugged, lush splendour! I also think he needs stuff to do. He'll get bored with amazing views.

Thoughts? For next summer. Thanks

OP posts:
Swingsandslides · 31/08/2024 22:37

Another vote for Slovenia.

Bramble88 · 31/08/2024 22:36

Scotland, you will get some amazing views up in the highlands, nature at every turn. So much to see and explore

Crikeyalmighty · 31/08/2024 22:34

Sweden and the Stockholm archipelago are great for natural scenery- air you can taste and incredibly clear water

overgrowntoddler · 31/08/2024 22:34

Alaska - just amazing

Assume PNW is similar - like real life virgin river- but not been

Andoutcomethewolves · 31/08/2024 22:33

Echobelly · 31/08/2024 22:08

On a budget, recommend Eastern Slovakia. Fly to Kosice or Poprad and stay in the Tatra mountains. There's adventurous hiking, swimming lakes, water parks, amazing castles with dramatic views. Very few Brits go there unless they have a family connection, but there's lots to do and it's good for teens.

I was going to say the Tatra mountains too, from the Polish side (my ex is Polish). We flew into Krakow which is great fun and so interesting for a night or two, then there were easy buses to Zacopane which is a beautiful little mountain town with a lot of activities and lovely scenery. I can't remember the details of the trek (that ex is - thankfully - long in the past!) but I recall mountains, forests, lakes and sleeping in little wood cabins along the way.

I haven't done the Slovakian side but my ex had and said it was just as good!

StrawberrySwitch · 31/08/2024 22:33

Scotland or Wales? Much cheaper, supports UK economy and much lower carbon footprint.

BeatsAntique · 31/08/2024 22:30

Costa Rica, lots of jungle adventure/ecology/wildlife things to do. Brazil similarly but not quite as safe as Costa Rica. Hawaii, but they’re not crazy about tourists at the moment. The Pacific Northwest (Washington/Oregon, you can be in or out of the cities) or western Canada.

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 31/08/2024 22:28

A colleague went to the Swiss alps this summer - ski resorts out of season, so cheap for the level of luxury, but in the mountains, sounds beautiful in the summer.

rainforests, go east? Flights are expensive but cheap while you are there. (Thailand, Malaysia etc)

Germany would also be a good choice.

GHSP · 31/08/2024 22:28

Goodness, I came on here to recommend the Lake District, and perhaps the Scottish Highlands if you were willing to travel that far! I agree all those faraway places are also lovely!

elm26 · 31/08/2024 22:28

Grenada, Caribbean x

outdamnedspots · 31/08/2024 22:26

Sweden? More lakes than you can shake a stick at. Lots of lake swimming, sea swimming, kayaking, hiking etc.

TheHateIsNotGood · 31/08/2024 22:25

As other PPs have suggested - Slovenia and Albania, the latter being blessed with the 'Accursed Mountains' no less. Plenty to keep an enquiring teen occupied.

Namechangeforthis88 · 31/08/2024 22:22

See now I was thinking Perthshire.

Newsenmum · 31/08/2024 22:22

Poland has beautiful areas like that and it’s cheap and ahhh I love Poland

TurtlesDoNotPetsMake · 31/08/2024 22:22

This thread makes me want to visit Slovenia. Sounds amazing

coronafiona · 31/08/2024 22:21

Madeira maybe - might be a more budget friendly option?

Gelasring · 31/08/2024 22:21

Scotland or Canada would be my suggestions!

TheVeryAngryCaterpillar · 31/08/2024 22:21

Another vote for Slovenia, hands down the lushest natural beauty I've ever seen!

Werweisswohin · 31/08/2024 22:20

Southern Germany.

Iiiiiiiiii · 31/08/2024 22:19

Scotland - close, cheap and very underrated

Totallymessed · 31/08/2024 22:17

There are plenty of places in South America, but the flights are long and expensive, and a lot of places have high crime rates. I loved Colombia, but it's a big country+ getting around was very time consuming, too much for a couple of weeks holiday imo.

FeistyFrankie · 31/08/2024 22:16

I also recommend Slovenia - Lake Bled and the Soca river are mesmerizing. Lots of fun activities to do there as well. You can go caving and white-water rafting. It’s great fun!

TheaBrandt · 31/08/2024 22:14

Austria or southern Germany near Salzburg. So beautiful it doesn’t look real. Lakes and mountains and picture perfect villages.

Totallymessed · 31/08/2024 22:13

Honestly? Madeira. I know it has a reputation for being for older people, but it is absolutely lush, green and the steep mountainous landscapes are incredible.

DelilahBucket · 31/08/2024 22:12

Montenegro. Lots of hikes with views and areas of natural beauty to visit. Lake Skadar is beautiful. We loved it there, just stunning landscapes everywhere.