Budget Trip Needed

[jstbcuz]

We live in KS, and I told my DD a senior to pick a place for vacation this year, and if it wasnt unreasonable, thats where we would go for her "senior trip" since they dont get to take them here. Well she never decided, so now Im turning to you.

Im not going to be able to go to Hawaii or anything, as the budget it stretched very thin with senior expenses as well as other things.

Our crew would be DH, ME, DD17, DD15, DS5.

She would love to zipline, go whitewater rafting, etc........but her and her dad would probably be the only ones to do this.........but we could find something to do if this was the case........

Any ideas.........I dont want to drive FOREVER..........been there done that.......would love to fly..........but the ultimate goal is BUDGET FRIENDLY!!!

Thanks!!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Have you considered a budget trip to Walt Disney World?

 

[crl]

I'm not sure where you are in KS, but we love Colorado. There are some nice places to visit that have things for the whole family. My kids were little when we lived there, so we stuck to places around the Denver and Colorado Springs area. But I heard friends talk about some amazing activities they did as teens on the eastern side of the Rockies.

 

[jstbcuz]

YEP.........we've gone to WDW the last several vacations.........we will go back someday, but not this trip. Actuially, DH and DS want to go to Disneyland in 2012 for CarsLand.........

 

[jsmith]

I was going to say Colorado also-depending on where you are in KS you are looking at a day or less driving-and in the spring whitewater rafting is excellent-along with hiking, climbing and fishing, great scenery and tons of stuff to do.

 

[Disfan3]

Don't know how far away this would be for you but you might consider the Wisconsin Dells...all that and more there! It is an easy drive from Iowa (where I am about 5 hours) so I am sure it would be further for you...but worth looking into...touristy things to do but also a lot of outdoor activities!! We usually go once a year...sometimes twice! Lots of waterpark resorts!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Consider the Branson area. There are 2 new zip lines and lots of water stuff on Table Rock Lake. I don't think there is rafting but you can rent a boat for the day and inner tube or ski. Silver Dollar City is a wonderful park and much less expensive then Disney. The shows are good and the area is affordable.

 

[rnorwo1]

Gatlinburg can be very affordable. There's Dollywood there for your theme park fix, the mountain trails/waterfalls are gorgeous, and you can zipline over the mountains. Plenty of white water rafting opportunities too... my DH and some others did that on our last trip there and they loved it. You definitely will want/need a car there though.

 

[SplashMo]

We like to go bike riding. We have a place (too far away...) that we rent a house and then bike on trails around golf courses...

SunRiver Oregon...

Likely other places like this...

 

[Justsyd2]

Have you looked at cruises? Seriously. DH and I just returned from a 4 night and only paid $164.00 pp + taxes and tips. There are some great deals out there right now, and you don't have to drive, or budget for meals!

 

[jstbcuz]

Have you looked at cruises? Seriously. DH and I just returned from a 4 night and only paid $164.00 pp + taxes and tips. There are some great deals out there right now, and you don't have to drive, or budget for meals!

Yes, we had looked at cruises, but havent seen any cheaper than 279pp which Im not saying is bad..........just that you would still have to pay for tipping, excursions, the drink card (would be a must), and the closest port is still 12 hours away. Not to mention Im afraid of water, boats, etc.

 

[bananasplitkids]

Have you looked at cruises? Seriously. DH and I just returned from a 4 night and only paid $164.00 pp + taxes and tips. There are some great deals out there right now, and you don't have to drive, or budget for meals!

Who did you use to book your cruise?

 

[Justsyd2]

Who did you use to book your cruise?

I always book them myself. I just watch the cruise sites for great deals!

 

[RangerPooh]

I too was going to say a cruise. We're looking for ones this summer at avrious ports that sail to the Bahams or Carribean (since we have to travel we're open to a variety of options), and depending on ho wflexible your travel dates are you can get some really good deals for interior cabins.

 

[kayrosek]

I definatley second the Branson area. We love Table Rock Lake and there is tons to do there. I noticed the zip lineing the last time we were there. I bet Colorado would be great too or what about Wyoming (Jackson Hole area). A little longer drive but a gorgeous area.Two incredible National Parks and tons of touristy stuff in Jackson Hole. They definatley have river rafting trips you can take around that area actually when we went we stayed at the Jackson Hole KOA in a TeePee (already set up, raised wooden floor, just threw our air mattresses and sleeping bags down and camp was made) I think they had white water trips leaving from there.