Where to go outside Europe for special holiday with teens?

[stripycats]

DS2 is desperate to go outside Europe and next year boys will have just done GCSEs and A Levels so it will be a good time to go away, maybe for the last time together the three of us (I hope not though!). I've been to the USA and Thailand years ago but boys haven't been out of Europe, though we've been to loads of places there. As an added complication, Ds1 isn't keen as he thinks there is nowhere we will all like - he can be a bit of a stick in the mud though and if I can find the right place he'll be fine. Also, I'm a teacher so we can only go late July/August.

Our requirements/wishes:

• Neither of the boys are sporty and they can swim but not very strongly, so no active/adventurous stuff wanted.
• They don't like sitting on beaches or by pools - or not for more than 1 day/an hour or so per day.
• DS1 loves history and would be in museums for endless hours. He also likes cathedrals and some art galleries. DS2 doesn't but will tolerate.
• DS2 loves shopping (but won't have heaps and heaps to spend!). DS1 doesn't but will tolerate.
• They both like 'tame' attractions like cable cars, funiculars etc.
• DS2 loves animals and wildlife. DS1 doesn't but would tolerate a limited amount.
• Both enjoy walking somewhere lovely, like on cliffs, a country park type place, by a river etc.
• DS2 loves a theme park as long as not too extreme. DS1 says he doesn't but enjoys once there.
• Definitely not Dubai or similar for any of us.

Cost would be a factor but I haven't set a budget - I have savings I'll probably be dipping into, which I don't usually for holidays. I haven't got pots to throw away but I think I spend £3-4k usually and obviously expect to be paying more than that for this. They don't want to be away more than 2 weeks max as they have to spend time with their dad too and don't want to be away from our house the whole summer.

Any suggestions would be very gratefully received.

Singapore is full of history…lots of museums ….lots of older areas ….think peranaken heritage ….you need to do some research OP …..I love Singapore and never just go shopping

Why not Thailand? It has tons of history, and animals, and all kinds of attractions. And your DS1 should not discount Singapore - the temples are amazing, plus it has the best shopping for your DC2, and a great zoo. We usually do a few days in Singapore when going to Thailand.

Lots of WW2 history in Singapore - BattleBox, Fort Siloso, the former Ford Factory, Changi prison etc.

Central America? Cute fabrics and nice shopping. Pyramids and so mush history as well. Beaches, mountains, lakes, jungle, everything. Ad if you stay in the beaten track it's safer than many people think.

Wherever you go, I think you might find it hot temperature-wise. Washington is brilliant because it is full of history (albeit US) and museums are free, the US is very expensive, but it is cheaper the last two weeks in August (probs because it is very hot !). Vietnam is good (very cheap once you get there, but can take a bit to get used to how frenetic) full of history, but again, not the best time of the year weatherwise. Eastern Europe is fab. The only other place I would offer is South Africa, it has loads of good stuff (wildlife, history etc) but it isn't safe to wander about and can feel a bit confined as a result. Good luck x

I think Japan would be perfect for you all, and the yen is weak rn. Have you looked in to joining a group such as EF Tours? You don't always have to be affiliated with a school to join one as they are just happy to fill the slots. I'm sure a trip to Japan seems daunting on your own but if you went this way everything is pre-arranged and booked, you have a guide, but you are also free to do your own thing/excursions etc.

Vietnam, The Gambia or Iceland

LOL @ "Not enough history in the US"

Try the desert southwest, in particular Mesa Verde national park (and UNESCO World Heritage Site), though it would be hotter than the hob of hell in July and August. You could visit Denver and maybe drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, too.

My teens loved Iceland. In summer it'd be 24 hour daylight. Lots of people drive the ring road in a week or more. We went in Winter so only did the South. Very expensive though! Have heard of lots of people using Play and find it fine. There are several tourist info groups on Iceland I used for research.

We are off to New York, the Rockies and Vancouver after GCSES and Alevels. Ridiculously expensive but I guess we are combining 2 holidays in one because like you might be last chance for all of us to get away!

LOL @ "Not enough history in the US"

It doesn't have the big, showy ancient stuff like Guatemala, Egypt or Greece. Or the UK for that matter. Depends how you like your history.

We’ve been to the US often and never for more than 10 days. Definitely don’t feel we’ve wasted days travelling. The time difference means you arrive on the same day you fly out, and arrive home the morning after you depart.

Weve done both west and east coast with no problems.

OP, I’d go for Florida. We’re planning our trip this year; planning a couple of nights in Miami, then over to Naples, then down to the Keys via the Everglades. Key West is awesome.