tragusa3 wrote:
In the far back of my mind, I have an old college friend that owns a large coffee farm in Guatemala. She's asked for 30 years that I bring the family down there. I know NOTHING about international travel and all that comes to mind is the safety of my family. It's SCARY, but does sound like an adventure.
Also thought about backpacking Europe, but wanted the kids to be older. They are 12 now and thought maybe around 16 we would start considering that.
Having traveled Europe and Mexico quite a bit over the years, I think it is a good idea to wait a few years, as it will be all new for you and your wife and watching over children, while your learning the ropes of a different language and culture could be overwhelming(Europe). Now that being said, we have taken our children to Mexico since they were babies, but my wife is from there and I traveled there and speak the the language. Our kids are not getting to Europe until they both are at least 14.
But you know your children and yourselves the best and what you can handle. Safety usually is what you make of it, but by having a friend in the country, helps as they will teach you the ropes and keep you safer.
Not sure I helped, but my two cents.
Dean
