Help! Guidance for trip to Spain, Germany and/or Italy

[kmp]

My parents will be using our timeshare to travel to Europe for the first time ever. It will probably be the only time ever. I have heard great things about traveling to Spain, Germany, and Italy. Would anyone have any suggestions or guidance as to which destination would be the best for a once in a lifetime trip? Also, any specific suggestions for actual places to stay that are silver or gold crown? Thanks!
KP

 

[marion10]

How old are your parents? If they have never been abroad before I would not send them on a timeshare trip. They will have to navigate many things themselves. I would look into a good tour.

 

[hibbeln]

What are their interests? Would they feel more comfortable with a "familiar" culture + language such as England, or are they prepared to dive into a foreign culture and foreign language? Would they want to drive, or will they be using all public transit (and how mobile are they for dealing with lots of stairs, then?) What is their level of adventurous-ness and tolerance? Do they worry about things or jump right into a new and unfamiliar experience?

 

[PStreet1]

In addition to everything others have asked, are you aware that the timeshares are generally not in the heart of the cities? They will have to negotiate getting to the "touristy" things in most cases.

 

[Laurie]

Southern coast of Spain does have lots of luxury accommodations that are fairly easy exchanges... tours can easily be booked from most reception desks... and language isn't much of a barrier (assuming they don't speak Spanish which may not be a correct assumption). Also if they decide to rent a car, driving isn't difficult there. I wouldn't hesitate to choose this location for any level of travel independence or experience.

We loved Villacana Club in Estepona, but its location would be less ideal without a car. There are lots of other resorts in southern Spain within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants, closer in to the main tourist towns.

 

[mamiecarter]

Whay kind of vacation do they want?

It really depends on what they want.

Art? Food? Beaches? Mountains? a big city? Relaxation in the countryside?

Spain and Portugal have beach resorts that can be used as a home base for sightseeing.

Southern spain has lots of historic buildings, museums, mideval cities, Grand scenery,superb food. Spanish resorts are easy to trade into and the country is not expensive. I have been to Southern Spain a couple of times and loved it.
Go in the spring or the fall. The summr is too hot. Italy can be hot in the summer too.

If they want to see a big city, better to buy a guide book and rent a hotel room.

Germany is nice, cool in the Summer, a lot of people speak english and everyone is friendly but it's very expensive.

Consider France. There are timeshares available and it is cooler in the summer than Spain and Italy. Outside of Paris people are nicer, the scenery can be spectacular and the food can be unbelivable.

Italy is wonderfull but trades are hard to get. Italian food is great, Italians are very helpfull to visitors and even the smallest town has things to see.

If your nervous about sending you parents to Europe alone, why not go with them?

 

[Jennie]

What time of year do you have in mind? Also be aware that unless you own a week with excellent trading value, you may have a hard time getting any week in many European countries unless during the off season periods which can be undesirable.

If you are lucky enough to get a week at Sloane Gardens in the Chelsea section of London, this would be a great option. It is close to the tube (underground train), buses, stores, restaurants, and major tourist attractions. One can even get to and from the major airports by train, so no need to rent a car.

The San Francisco Exchange Company has good inventory for this small Victorian home turned timeshare.

Many European timeshares are located in the mountains or other remote areas and are difficult to get to, and far removed from the major cities. Europeans like to get out of the cities and go to rustic areas to relax and recharge their batteries, or to ski.

Also, I'm not sure about the age of your parents, but many European car rental companies will not rent to persons over age 70.

We have lots of friends in the 70's and 80's who vacation regularly all over the world, staying at timeshares. So if your parents are adventurous and in good health, there is no reason for them not to go. It is a great experience being exposed to the culture and history of foreign countries. We have stayed in timeshares in London, the British countryside, Paris, the south of France, east Germany, West Germany, Denmark, and Sweden and have loved everyone of them. While possible to reach them by bus, train, or taxi, we would not have had as nice an experience if we had not rented a car.