Summer Vacation ideas?

[lukenick1]

We are a family of 4 with 2 boys ages 10&12. We are looking for something great to do this summer. The boys really want to go back to Atlantis because when we went last time they were only 4&7 so they were limited to water slides. Part of me also wants to go back but we also like to try someplace different. These are the places we've been so far....
Disney (of course), Greece, Bahamas, Riviera Maya, Grand Cayman Island, and Aruba. We considered the Grand Canyon, but not sure how they will do on long car rides getting to the Canyon. Our budget is $3,500 or less.

 

[Trish.Glenn]

Budget board??? Confused...

 

[lukenick1]

Budget board??? Confused...

Forgot to mention...."budget vacation".

 

[lukenick1]

Besides......since when does a TV show topic belong on the "Budget Board" you didn't reply "Budget Board...confused?" on that topic. Why are you questioning mine?

 

[eliza61]

Budget board??? Confused...

what's confusing? she has a budget and needs tips on getting the most for it.

Ok, I probably would cross off the Bahamas. My sons thought it was a bit boring after a few days.

We've done grand cayman and there is tons to do there. the snorkeling kept my sons occupied for days.

I would love to do Greece but depending on where you are flying from, that might break your budget.

 

[crjack]

Hi OP,

Not sure where you are located but on the east coast Colonial Williamsburg, combined with Water Country or Busch Gardens could be fun. I know lots of posters here have gone and there are a number of timeshare rentals in the area that give you space at a decent price. There is also a Great Wolf Lodge in the area but dont think they are too budget friendly.

For the west coast, we loved our vacation out in San Diego and La Jolla. There are lots of water activities available in addition to the zoo and Sea World.

The Grand Canyon is on our visit list but seems to involve more planning and time since lodging can fill up way in advance.

A cruise may be another option for you where you have activities on the ship as well as ports.

Best of luck!

 

[goofyfigment]

We are doing Niagara falls this year. We needed a budget friendly trip and this seemed to work for my bank account

 

[ReneeA]

We are going to Hilton Head, staying at the Beach and Tennis Resort. Very, very reasonably priced...we got an oceanfront condo that sleeps 6 (there are 4 of us) for $800 a week in August. It's all updated, and there are fantastic reviews for it.

We plan to eat one meal out a day, with breakfasts, lunches, and snacks in the condo. One day touring Savannah (45 minute drive), and possibly one day in Charleston. I figure I can spend about $2300 all inclusive for it. Much less $$ than our 10 days at the Wilderness Lodge last summer!

 

[rusty4]

I am looking for the same thing. I am bouncing all over the US. I am totally confused!! What gets me is it does not matter where you go everything is so expensive.

One place we are considering is Colorado. My son would like to rent a cabin there. I am just afraid that he will get bored. I think a resort type of place where we can have kitchen is better. Something with activities going on during the day. We don't want to be driving all around or standing in line for park rides somewhere this trip. We just to be able to relax.

BTW, I love checking the Budget Board for vacation ideas. There is almost always a thread for one kind of trip or another.

 

[nolanboys]

We love the Smokey Mountains. It's an 11 hour drive for us, so very doable. The boys asked to go back - this will be our third trip. We stay at a great place where you have your own cabin with kitchen, laundry and arcade games (Gatlingurg Falls resort). We hike all day in the park and do ranger led activities. Come back, make dinner and relax. The downtown in fun to walk around in. We usually eat out once, and head into town a couple of nights for shopping and ice cream. Last trip we went mini golfing and tubing on a river. They also have a great aquarium that we went to on a rainy day. Great vacation spot that doesn't break the bank.

 

[lukenick1]

Hi OP,

Not sure where you are located but on the east coast Colonial Williamsburg, combined with Water Country or Busch Gardens could be fun. I know lots of posters here have gone and there are a number of timeshare rentals in the area that give you space at a decent price. There is also a Great Wolf Lodge in the area but dont think they are too budget friendly.

For the west coast, we loved our vacation out in San Diego and La Jolla. There are lots of water activities available in addition to the zoo and Sea World.

The Grand Canyon is on our visit list but seems to involve more planning and time since lodging can fill up way in advance.

A cruise may be another option for you where you have activities on the ship as well as ports.

Best of luck!

We are from New England. I really would like to find something active. My boys will just bicker and complain if they are bored. A place with activities going on would be best. Their favorite vacation is Atlantis followed by Disney. Was hoping to top those, something really fun and memorable. They also really liked the All Inclusive in Mexico we did last summer.

 

[rusty4]

We love the Smokey Mountains. It's an 11 hour drive for us, so very doable. The boys asked to go back - this will be our third trip. We stay at a great place where you have your own cabin with kitchen, laundry and arcade games (Gatlingurg Falls resort). We hike all day in the park and do ranger led activities. Come back, make dinner and relax. The downtown in fun to walk around in. We usually eat out once, and head into town a couple of nights for shopping and ice cream. Last trip we went mini golfing and tubing on a river. They also have a great aquarium that we went to on a rainy day. Great vacation spot that doesn't break the bank.

What kind of ranger led activities do they offer?

 

[girli565]

Could you take a cruise? You'd get to see several ports of call on one vacation for a really great price. We sailed in the summer of 2010 for about $1600 for two adults so $3500 for your family is feesible especially because 3rd and 4th passengers are lower in price. and it includes all meals and entertainment aside from the casino and alcohol.

We really enjoyed our Eastern Caribbean cruise on carnival. We're dying to go on a Southern caribbean cruise next year once the baby is here and a bit older.

 

[lukenick1]

I am considering a cruise....where would be the place to book for the best deals?

 

[Darcy03231]

www.rockinghorseranch.com

My kids were never bored there!

 

[eliza61]

www.rockinghorseranch.com

My kids were never bored there!

OMG!! I can't believe that place is still open. I went here a few times when I was young!! (I'm over 50 now) LOVED IT

Glad to see it still in business.

 

[girli565]

I used cruise compete the last time we booked in the spring of 2012. You enter your info for your preferred dates and sailings and they will send you info from different agencies that meet your criteria. And most include some sort of credit to your shipboard account when you book. There's not a lot of discounts but some include your gratuities or enough of a credit to pay your gratuities. My last cruise we got our gratuities paid, free travel insurance, and $100 credit.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Wisconsin Dells. Plenty to keep two kids who love water busy.

 

[HeatherC]

We have 3 kids ages 16, 14 and 12 and cruises are their very favorite vacation. I would HIGHLY recommend one of Royal Caribbeans ships...Voyager, Freedom or Oasis Class ships.

They are truly amazing and kids will not be bored. They have a whole deck for sports....free mini golf, inline skating, basketball court, rockclimbing wall. You can do a tour on their website.

Carnival ships are also fun...but I would make sure it is one of their newer and larger ships.

We sailed Royal Carribbeans Explorer of the Seas out of NJ one Thanksgiving and had an incredible time. No flying involved which is awesome.

Another place that popped into my mind is Lake George. They have the Six Flags waterpark there and there is a ton of stuff to keep everyone busy.

Hope this helps! Have fun planning!

We are heading to Cape Cod for two weeks this year.

 

[katie111]

We have 3 kids ages 5, 9 & 10 and are also from New England. We are going to the Mayan Riviera for April vacation for the 3rd time. As you probably know, I just don't think you can compare the cost to any other vacation. People are always amazed at how little it costs relative to a US vacation, especially for all they offer. We have stayed at Occidental Grand Xcaret & Barcelo Mayan Palace and loved both except the food at Occidental was not very good. This year we are staying at Marina El Cid as its one of the few places that allows 5 in a a room. We have visited Xcaret and Xplor while we were there. My kids absolutely loved Explor & can't wait to go back.

For other vacations we have done Universal, St John, Turks and Caicos (both so beautiful but not much there beyond the beach), and a Disney cruise. A cruise is a good idea but I personally prefer a land vacation. This summer we are doing Hilton Head for the 2nd time. There isn't a ton there (no waterparks, themeparks, etc) but my kids love it. We usually spend the mornings biking for miles, then head to the beach after lunch, and then to the pool for the afternoon. Then out to dinner or ice cream & maybe some more biking or mini golf. My kids hate to be bored too and they love HH. Also very affordable. I'm renting a house there for 2 weeks for under $2000.

Good luck in your search.