Itinerary Update - Vietnam AND Central Europe, Summer 2023!

Family in Europe Undergoes Major Changes This Summer!

Summer 2023 is gearing up to be pretty unique. We are not traveling together as a foursome although we will all leave the continent. I am getting the best deal this summer as the only family member going on both big trips. I'm starting off on a solo week in northern Vietnam before DH and DD#2 join me. Later in the summer my mom and DD#1 will head to Europe mainly to help DD#1 MOVE THERE! That's right, she is headed to college in Czechia. Naturally, we will make a bit of a vacation out of that journey.

VIETNAM

Here are the itinerary highlights for the first big trip to Vietnam, where I will spend a whole month.

Hanoi - three nights

I will start off in Hanoi by myself! As a teacher, I have more vacation time so I decided, why not go a week ahead? I already booked a food tour, a massage, and can't wait to explore the bustling city. I'm sure adjusting to the extreme heat and humidity will be a big part of these first few days!

Sapa - four nights

I will take a van 4.5 hours north to Sapa in the mountainous region near the Chinese border. This area is famous for trekking, motorcycle tours, rice paddies, indigenous groups, and gorgeous scenery. I plan to experience all of this!

Hanoi again - three nights

I will take a van back to Hanoi where DH and DD#2 will fly in. We are switching up hotels and will stay in a different part of the old quarter. I will be eager to show them around and experience more of the food, history, and culture. We will definitely find a way to experience train street!

Cat Ba Island and Halong/Lan Ha Bays - three nights

We will spend two nights on Cat Ba Island and one night on a boat exploring the bays. I'm excited to kayak, hike, cave, and swim! Hopefully we will feel brave enough to rent a motorbike to explore the island.

Ninh Binh - three nights

We will take a van 3-4 hours south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, also known as the Halong Bay on land. I am excited to do more hiking, biking, and scenic boat rides amongst more beautiful scenery. We are staying in many homestays in Vietnam. I'm especially excited for this one (around $30 per night).

Phong Nha National Park - three nights

We will take an overnight train about nine hours to the town of Dong Hoi where we will take a van another 45 minutes inland to Phong Nha. This area is known for it's amazing caves! We will also enjoy the rural area with more kayaking and hopefully motorbiking. This homestay has a gorgeous river view and free kayaks and bikes. Also around $30 per night.

Hue - two nights

We hired a private car to transport us around three hours to Hue. On the way, we will tour the DMZ that separated north and south Vietnam during the war. I am eager to tour the Vinh Moc tunnels which were carved to house the Vietnamese during the war. In Hue, we will explore the ancient city's citadel, surrounding mausoleums, and try their famous cuisine.

Hoi An/An Bang Beach - five nights

We will stay along the beach just outside of Hoi An. I am eager to try a basket boat, take a cooking class, take day-trips to Da Nang, Marble Mountain, and maybe even a waterpark. We are staying in a larger apartment for this finale to our trip.

Hanoi - two nights

Lastly, we will fly back to Hanoi for two nights before taking the long flight back home. The flight will actually include an overnight in Hong Kong where we will stay in a very expensive airport hotel.

Central Europe

After a whole week at home, I will gather up my mom, DD#1, and way more luggage than usual to move my daughter across the pond. This trip will be nearly three weeks and somehow squeezes in four different countries.

Prague - 2 nights

Prague will serve as our home base during this trip with us returning for three separate stays totaling nine nights. We will be doing different activities such as sorting out DD#1's housing, banking, cell phone, transportation, and more. So cool that her classrooms will look like this.

Cesky Krumlov - one night

We will take a 2.5 hour Flixbus to the small and adorable town of Cesky Krumlov. I visited this town back in 2003 so it feels like good timing to return.

Salzburg - three nights

We will Flixbus again about three hours to Salzburg, Austria. It will be especially touristy but we are staying outside of town just a bit. We will be purchasing the "Salzburg Card" which includes admission to most sites in the town. My mom is especially excited to visit and DD#1 must sing "The Hills Are Alive" on top of some mountain. We will make it happen.

Vienna - 2 nights

We will continue by train just 2-3 hours to Vienna. Vienna is massive and filled with beautiful architecture. Hopefully we will tour one of the big palaces, sample wine on the outskirts of town, and soak in some Viennese high culture.

Prague Move-In! - 3 nights

We will train back to Prague where we will switch hotels to be close to the apartment where DD#1 is moving. She has an adorable European roommate who we cannot wait to meet! They have spent hours on Facetime and are so excited for their adventures ahead. I anticipate trips to IKEA, Tesco, and other places to get them set-up with the things they will need. It will be fun staying away from the touristy center of town and exploring DD#1's new neighborhood.

Wroclaw, Poland - two nights

Mom and I will leave the girls to get comfortable while we take a bus around 4.5 hours north to Wroclaw, Poland. I have visited a few cities in Poland and this one has been on my list. On the list are exploring, eating, and getting my mom to a new country!

Dresden, Germany - two nights

DD#1 and her roommate will take the train to meet us in Dresden. My mom and I will take another long 4.5 hour Flixbus. I have always wanted to explore Dresden. It is less than two hours from Prague, is incredibly scenic, and seems like the perfect getaway. We are staying just outside of the old town (rebuilt after WWII) in the Neustadt neighborhood.

Prague Take Three - three nights

Finally we will train back to Prague where will be do any last things needed for DD#1. It will be incredibly hard to leave her there but what an adventure! I am happy that DH has a Fall trip planned so he can check in with DD#1. This first year will be a challenge for sure!

I will make it back to Oregon with just a few days to spare before reporting back to work. What a summer! I can hardly wait to get the adventure started.