Travel in Europe ideas as single mother great for 16 and 11 year olds

[lilnisi]

Hi guys,

I am new here. There is no rush going on holiday but after lockdown or 2022, I would like to take a break from single parenting and taking my 16 and 11 year olds on holiday. The 16 year old like beach holidays, preferably somewhere in Europe like Italy, Spain or Portugal and it will be cheap/budget. Any ideas on anywhere where there are activities for teenagers and pre teen as a single mother? My 11 year old like culture, at the same time there has to be family activities.

I have to rent a car cos my 11 year old is not good with public transport.

Thanks in advanced

Allysa

Union Lido in Italy has direct beach access. It’s a five star ‘campsite’ close to Venice, but we’ve only ever stayed in an apartment and a lodge as opposed to a tent!
Accommodation is self catered and there’s an on site grocery shop, but there are also several cafes, restaurants and take always so you wouldn’t have to cook every night.
There are loads of activities, including horse riding, archery, pedalos, crazy golf and bike hire. There’s even a spa. You get entry to two aqua parks included in the cost of your stay. The Laguna one is definitely aimed at teens.
There are a few guided excursions available. We went on the short kayak tour which was amazing www.unionlido.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Union-Lido-escursione-Short-Tour-Kayak-Experience-Laguniamo.pdf and it wouldn’t necessarily involve public transport because you could drive to the starting location in your hired car.

I'd suggest Antibes or Nice, probably Antibes more for the cultural opportunities. There is a choice of flights to Nice airport. Two large waterpark type places nearby if I recall correctly.

I think you need to tackle the issues your 11 year old has with public transport, so it does not become restrictive or costly.

For beach and culture you can't go wrong with Barcelona

West coast of France gite or mobile home - many sites have teen activities and well as kids clubs. I recommend the vendee for a balance between temperature and travel time, Brittany is cooler but lovely. Surfing is good on west coast too

Should say we always drove via Portsmouth to Caen ferry

Lagos I’m Portugal. It’s an old walled fort city with lovely beaches. Good surfing, drivable to moorish castles. Good food with a backpacker vibe to the city.

In not I’m

Second Barcelona, and highly recommend Valencia for lots of activities. If you hire a car you can drive up and down the coast and even take a day trip to Alicante. Lots of medieval towns, castles, but also modern science museums, theme parks, aquarium (caters well for teens), lovely sights and the beaches are good especially if you go to smaller ones outside the city.

Otherwise Naples and Pompeii is great too. You could combine it with Rome or another city in the south of Italy.

Slovenia, it has everything, coastline, alpine scenery, hiking, white water rafting, lake Bled, great caves, castles and capital city is v pretty. Loads of activities. Went with 2 teenagers and they loved it. Plus people v friendly. V easy to get around, compact country with loads to see and go!

We also had a fabulous holiday in Slovenia. Would recommend.