Q: "As a single parent, I have traveled 4 times to Europe in the last five years. Two of those years, I used Idyll Untours (http://www.untours.com">www.untours.com), a great company for single parents, particularly in Switzerland.This year, we would like to go to Spain and/or France. Do you have articles or ideas that you could direct me to? I have tow sons - 16 and 13." - M. H.

If you plan to travel independently with your boys, then I suggest the following for France:

* Mont St. Michel and the beaches of Normandy. Mont St. Michel sits on a spit of land that is near a charming medieval city. The boys will be entranced with the town as well as the quicksand surrounding Mont St. Michel. Allow at least 2 days , preferably 3 to see everything including the Bayeux tapestries.

* The Chateaux country. This is a wonderful trip with a rental car or you can take a bus trip out of Paris.

* The South of France. I could write whole pages on this section of France, plenty for the boys and you to do. Are you going in summer? Besides the beaches and all the summer action there are Roman ruins and bridges to climb and explore.

* Paris- The Effiel Tower is a must, do not eat there but go to the top. The Arc de Triumphe is fun - go to the top and view the city and the traffic. Sacre Coeur at night for the artists' colony. (Watch your wallet!) Also my daughter recommends making special arrangements to go backstage at the Opera House (no , this is not just for operas) and view the costumes, etc. Ride the bateau mouche - a must. Visit Notre Dame and Versailles, also must-dos. It is very easy to get around Paris by metro.

If you are hesitant to travel independently, then you absolutely positively must read my book. It will tell you how to plan and enjoy an independent trip. The rewards are many and far outnumber traveling by group tours. Your boys are old enough so that you can let go your fears of traveling on your own with 2 small children.

For Spain, you again have many choices, the south is wonderful, Seville is a must, you can head over to Gibralter or Morocco for a side trip. Andalusia is filled with enchanting and exciting Moorish towns - Granada, Cordova etc. Madrid is one of the liveliest capital cities in the world in the evening. Outside of Madrid are several day excursions - Toledo, where they make the exquisite swords, El Escorial, etc. You can cross the Pyranees from France and visit Northern Spain, less frequented by tourists. When in Spain you can stay at charming moderately priced paradores or even monastaries that take in tourists. Well, that is a lot to chew on.

Buen Viaje /Bon Voyage!

GlobalBrenda

For other tips on Paris, click here to read previous emails.

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