A query for the CC hive mind: Son is studying in Europe in an English-language graduate program in the Netherlands; he is language proficient only in English, but apparently is adept in using Google translator (or so he tells me). He has a week off in February, and is interested in spending a few days in a “warmer place” with some of his school friends.
Any ideas about locations in Europe where he might go that are (1) easily accessible, (2) not too much of a problem for someone who speaks only English, (3) not too expensive, and (4) would have interesting things to do for a 26-year old, besides drinking beer/wine?
Not that I would actually make a suggestion to him, but if he should ask for my thoughts (as I am doing with the group here) . . . .
Seville or Malaga might be good options. They all see a ton of UK visitors so are pretty English language friendly. Toc Hostels are centrally located, very nice and relatively inexpensive. Day trips across Andalusia area are plentiful. Barcelona another good option (Toc Hostel there as well) and can take day train trips into French southern coast if interested.
If he is feeling more adventurous - Morocco is also pretty easy to get to, relatively cheap and Agadir is a resort town in the southern region. Again, very English friendly as tons of UK tourists flock there in the winter. Very picturesque, with a wonderful cable car to beautiful vantage point in the city. They even have Crocoparc, which is a fun visit. Rabat is a good location as well, can day trip to Casablanca or Tangier from there and is a very international friendly city. You have the French colonial parts as well as the old Medina and Mosque.
My S23 was in Paris last spring, and he did several trips with friends- they particularly enjoyed Italy (none of them spoke Italian). They used Ryan Air and just checked the website to see which cities were most affordable during their school breaks and stayed in hostels. Had a great time.
We were in Lison and Algarve Portugal a couple years ago in the beginning of March. Weather was fabulous! It’s also fun and inexpensive. I don’t speak Portuguese and had zero issues.