I want to do something abroad, outside of the US, with new cultures my daughter hasn’t seen.
It will be my wife and I, along with our 12 yo daughter.
Not really into beach resorts. Definitely no cruises (too many horror stories).
Old Europe, I don’t think so… she won’t appreciate sight-seeing ancient structures. But maybe if some excitement involved for a 12 year old girl? We did Disney Orlando last year.
We need something on top of everything like world-class roller coasters and such.
My idea was Hong Kong. Daughter begging for Tokyo instead, I think because of her infatuation with anime.
I said maybe we could do both, but the budget is only around $10,000.
Please provide any ideas, I promise to research them all.
Forgot to mention. I think all of us are in agreement for something kinda “cushy”. Like air conditioning and creature comforts. So African safaris are probably out as well.
Sounds like you should just go and do Japan! Lots of cushy, lots of culture, tons to do, and you know the twelve year old will love it. That’s a lot of positives to start from!
Japan is interesting and diverse enough to entertain whatever length of time you’d like to holiday. Plus, if you stick to a single country it will be even easier for you all, and more relaxed. You’d have time to prep together with Japanese phrases etc! It could prove fun.
England and mainland Europe have some fantastic amusement parks. Forget Disney; go more for Blackpool (England) or Europa Park (Germany). Most of my friends highly recommend Bon-Bon Land in Denmark if for no other reason than the Dog-fart Rollercoaster.
Where-ever you pick, with a 12 year old, get in touch with your local ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts) regional system and ask for recommendations. Rocket scientists know rockets no matter who makes them; we know amusement parks all around the globe. We have done England in the past and Japan was last summer. In a couple years it may be China. Despite being “American” we tend to wander around a bit.
I’ve taken my high school kids to London, Paris, Rome, and Tokyo. My son was also into anime and is vegan so he really liked Tokyo. My daughter likes art and theater so her favorite was England. We were in Rome during Easter so got up close seats in the Vatican Easter Sunday mass which was really moving seeing a very large crowd in the square. It’s going to depend on what you think she’ll like.
I’d lean towards London based on easier language, the royal sites, and great theater. Only you can make the decision but good travelling; it sounds like fun.
I’ve lived in both Tokyo and Hong Kong. Tokyo by a long shot. Plus there is tons of stuff to do around Tokyo, and the bullet train gets you in to very different territory fast. Hot springs. Seafood. Harajuku. There are a gazillion things to do. Clean. Safe.