I feel so bad- about to make plans other than DCL

[rcchello]

Having done all the above I would pick Europe, especially if is a new experience for you.
My kids are all grown up and I must say going to Europe when you are younger and more mobile, etc was a lot more fun. You never know what shape you will be in after the kids grow up.

If you had your kids when you were 19, it's one thing but if you started late do it now.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

going to Europe when you are younger and more mobile, etc was a lot more fun. You never know what shape you will be in after the kids grow up.

This is my argument when anyone tells me I can travel when my kids are grown... Sure, but I've seen friends' parents have major medical catastrophies overseas. . And we want to be active on vacation, not saying you can't be active when you're older, but a lot of what is to enjoy in Europe, especially where we're going, requires mobility, stamina and lots of hours on your feet. I'm an older parent, so the reality is there.

 

[FigmentSpark]

It sounds like Europe is calling to you... that makes your decision easy. Do the beach this year and Europe with the two of you.

 

[SteveMP]

This is my argument when anyone tells me I can travel when my kids are grown... Sure, but I've seen friends' parents have major medical catastrophies overseas. . And we want to be active on vacation, not saying you can't be active when you're older, but a lot of what is to enjoy in Europe, especially where we're going, requires mobility, stamina and lots of hours on your feet. I'm an older parent, so the reality is there.

Well, i do have to say a lot if the old castles and churches etc I've been to in Germany and UK have been really tight cramped steep staircases and passageways. And if you want to see the catacombs of Paris, same thing. These were all built hundreds/thousands of years before ADA compliance. So I can definitely agree with that side of the argument. And sure you could see stonehenge in a scooter/ecv, I had the most fun walking around exploring the burial mounds etc.

 

[Rabb it]

Option 1 sounds pretty awesome because of the 2 other families that you know that are going. That isn't going to happen very often I don't think.

Even though DH hasn't been to Europe you can always do that another time, maybe the following year?

 

[cruiser21]

This is my argument when anyone tells me I can travel when my kids are grown... Sure, but I've seen friends' parents have major medical catastrophies overseas. . And we want to be active on vacation, not saying you can't be active when you're older, but a lot of what is to enjoy in Europe, especially where we're going, requires mobility, stamina and lots of hours on your feet. I'm an older parent, so the reality is there.

I agree with you. My dh will say stuff like oh we can do that when we retire. I say no we're doing it while we can. No person no matter what your age is guaranteed tomorrow. I've had 8 friends, coworkers and one family member die in their 40"s. I guess on a paper it looks good to save all your life and travel the world when your 70 unfortunately life just doesnt always work out the way you want.

 

[PAGA2003]

Obviously this decision is a really personal one but I can say we would do option 2. I'm all for giving my kids small doses of Disney while they are young so it is magical but not at the expense of traveling in a non-Disneyfied manner to see the world (both as a family and a couple). Also, for me the important thing is you are still taking them on a vacation along with your travels so they are not missing out on a trip themselves. I think traveling with our children is very important and if you can travel as a family and as a couple I personally think that is the best of both worlds. We promised ourselves we would have a vacation alone every year once we had children and we have successfully done that for the past 6 years and it is wonderful for our marriage to have that time alone.

And I also heavily agree with the possible health aspects of waiting. Thankfully my parents traveled while they were young but my mom had a whole list of her favorite places she wanted to return to in retirement. Well her health deteriorates every year and they have not made it back to one single place in the past 13 years that my dad has been retired. I think you have to find the happy medium with what you plan to do now and what you do later

 

[aprincessatlast]

I could not leave my kids as I traveled the world. Friends do it and say it is awesome but I would want to see it through kids eyes too. We will travel solo when they are grown.

We just got back from 2 weeks in Europe with our 7, 10 and 13 year old. Total it was probably about the same as a Disney Fantasy Cruise in Summer and the kids will never forget the experiences they had. Simply AMAZING! We do DCL in off season and the cruises all seem to run together as far as memories. We love them and they are relaxing but I say scrap the plans and find a way for you all to go to Europe.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Option 1. Safer.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Option 1. Safer.

How is it safer? Reasoning?

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

How is it safer? Reasoning?

It's just what I would personally choose. I would not want to go to Europe without my kids unless I had to for work, etc. I know lots of people do, we have very close friends who do every year and have a great time and we have helped watch their kids before, so no judgement. It's just too far for me. For a spouse getaway I would stay closer

 

[Westcoastwild]

Okay...I understand it's your choice, but east coast to London isn't much more of a hop that east coast to Seattle, and there are probably more frequent flights between London and NYC than NYC and, I don't know, Bozeman, MT. So in that sense, Europe is actually "closer" and easier than a lot of US destinations.

So is your plan for all couple vacations to stay in driving distance to where your kids are? I'm just curious. It sounds boring- plus, if you do that in the winter, you may still be unable to reach those kids in case of a storm. I just have never heard this line of reasoning before...

 

[FigmentSpark]

I understand what you mean. Being in the same country as your kids and available by phone, if needed, with the same culture and expectations. I think it's an emotional thing, though. It's a 'what are you comfortable doing', not because you can make a logical case, but because you can make an emotional case that it's right for you.

 

[Jess_S]

I vote for option 2 since it sounds like your kids will be happy with the grandparents. For me the deciding factor is that your hubby has never been to Europe. I know a number of people who put off a trip like that thinking they would do it later and wound up too ill to travel when "later" came so I say go while you can.