First Child Free Holiday in 10 Years! Where to Go?

[Bonnie151]

My wonderful ILs have offered to take the children away for a week next August so that DH and I can have a week to ourselves! This will be our first child-free holiday in 10 years and we can go anywhere!

We had been looking at Mexico (El Dorado Seaside Suites, but are open to other suggestions). However, the other night DH said, "I wonder how much WDW would cost...". I did a quick price check and a week at AKL would be a bit more than Mexico, but not much!

Now we're torn! On the one hand, we've been to either WDW or DLP 8 or 9 times so maybe a change would be good? On the other, what if we go to Mexico and spend the whole time wishing we'd done WDW instead? Or what if we do WDW and then feel guilty because the children aren't with us? They will be going away somewhere with their grandparents and will also have had a week's holiday away with us in the UK earlier in the summer, but still...

We've spoken to the kids and they are fine with us going to WDW - we'll be doing a 2 week long family holiday there in 2013 and were there last year with them. I'm happy to go lie on the beach for a week and if we do WDW instead, I'd like it to be a bit more of a resort holiday than we usually do (i.e. not running around the parks trying to fit everything in, more pottering about/time at the pool). We've done WDW in August and the heat/crowds don't bother us. We usually stay at the WL, so AKL would be a change for us.

Any and all opinions are more than welcome!

 

[punkin]

In May DH and I went on our first child free holiday in 18 years. We went to Napa and San Fransisco. It was lovely and relaxing. We did a lot of eating out (and drinking out for me in Napa) and it was a very relaxed time.

 

[Uncle Remus]

My wonderful ILs have offered to take the children away for a week next August so that DH and I can have a week to ourselves! This will be our first child-free holiday in 10 years and we can go anywhere!

We had been looking at Mexico (El Dorado Seaside Suites, but are open to other suggestions). However, the other night DH said, "I wonder how much WDW would cost...". I did a quick price check and a week at AKL would be a bit more than Mexico, but not much!

Now we're torn! On the one hand, we've been to either WDW or DLP 8 or 9 times so maybe a change would be good? On the other, what if we go to Mexico and spend the whole time wishing we'd done WDW instead? Or what if we do WDW and then feel guilty because the children aren't with us? They will be going away somewhere with their grandparents and will also have had a week's holiday away with us in the UK earlier in the summer, but still...

We've spoken to the kids and they are fine with us going to WDW - we'll be doing a 2 week long family holiday there in 2013 and were there last year with them. I'm happy to go lie on the beach for a week and if we do WDW instead, I'd like it to be a bit more of a resort holiday than we usually do (i.e. not running around the parks trying to fit everything in, more pottering about/time at the pool). We've done WDW in August and the heat/crowds don't bother us. We usually stay at the WL, so AKL would be a change for us.

Any and all opinions are more than welcome!

You got your kids' permission, what else do ya need?

We went in June 'n called the kids from there to tell 'em where we were 'n had a fabulous guilt free time. Enjoy yourself!

 

[HeatherH]

I would definitely NOT do WDW in August! I think it's time to expand your horizons...why not take a cruise? Western Caribbean itineraries can include Mexican ports and lots of relaxing on beaches, if that's what you're looking for. And cruising is an excellent "adult" vacation, lots of things to do and a nice, romantic atmosphere.

WDW in August is hot and like you said, it's not like you haven't been there or won't go again. Do something DIFFERENT with your husband and enjoy!

 

[Squidgyness]

As much as change can be good, it can also be disappointing or even downright bad.

It all depends on your interests, but seeing as if you will be doing a resort type holiday, I would probably go for somewhere with a beach close by. Maybe the caribbean? Not sure how much that would be.

Or you could always split a WDW vacation with half in orlando and half at the beach, though transport might be an issue.

 

[stsomewhere]

What about a cruise?

 

[JoiseyMom]

The first time DH and I went away without kids we stayed at WDW, it was for 4 nights. We had a blast and stayed at a different hotel every night to check them out. We also did one of the all day tours that don't take kids and that was great. It was nice taking our time and doing our favorite things at the park.

The second time we went without kids we did the DCL Magic. That was nice also! Have you ever cruised?? That is a nice way to vacation!

Hmmm...think of a place you have always wanted to go to and go for it!

I hope you guys have a great time, no matter what you choose!

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, Mexico in August isn't going to be any cooler than WDW in August.....

DH & I have no children. We have vacationed with people with young children. WDW is a completely different vacation with and wothout children....neither is better....I'm not gettig into that argument...but they are different.

Without children you might be able to try a higher end restaurant that you can't try with children.

Without children you could spend more time relaxing at the resort without hearing "I want to go to the Magic Kingdom" every 5 minutes or so.

Without children you could take the Keys to the Kingdom tour.

Without children you could go for a little more nightlife...Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk is a fun place. Even just walking the Boardwalk, seeing the sights, watching the street performers without having a kid saying "This is boring. I want to go to _____" every 5 minutes would be nice.

Without children you could sit on your balcony enjoying a nice glass of wine or something in the evening.

Without children you could maybe do a little outlet shopping.

That being said, there are a lot of other places besides WDW (did I just say that?).

Personally, if my choices were Mexico or WDW, I'd pick WDW. Not a fan of Mexico. If my choices were WDW of the Napa Valley, I might pick the Napa Valley and also spend some time driving the Pacific Coast Highway and such....touring California, so to speak. I'd also be looking into Italy...maybe the Amalfi Coast....

 

[minkydog]

Another vote for a cruise. Anything in the Caribbean will be nice. And you know, you don't *have* to go on excursions if you don't want to. Personally, I like Cozumel, but you couldn't get me off the boat at gunpoint in Jamaica. Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks, ya know...

 

[cassandrap83]

It depends on what your inerests are, and how much money you want to spend, but... my husband and I are doing a 10 day archaeological tour of Peru in two years - sans kids. I have wanted to do this all my life. It will cost us about $7k when all is said and done.

If I had about half that budget, I would probably travel to California & do some activities I have never done before.

If I had about 1/2 of that budget, I would probably take a nice cruise.

 

[palmtreegirl]

How about Hawaii? Or like others suggested a cruise?

I wouldn't go to Disney instead when I had the ability to go "anywhere'. I'd save that for family vacations.

 

[jmpurdy]

southern caribbean cruise. You won't regret it. Antigua, Barbados, St. Maartan, etc. Leave from San Juan.

 

[4forMe]

We have close friends that went on their first childless trip last year and stayed at Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun. They loved it and said it's no surprise it's rated #1 on tripadvisor. This is coming from a couple that only stay at high end resorts (ie. Ritz Carlton, etc.).

We personally love the Napa Valley region and are planning a trip to Sonoma for our next child free trip.

Maui is also very romantic with lots of activities and beautiful scenery.

 

[Bonnie151]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I think a cruise is definitely worth considering. I've never been on one! I'd like somewhere tropical and all-inclusive. I'm not too worried about price as this may be our only escape for another 10 years!

 

[Bonnie151]

We have close friends that went on their first childless trip last year and stayed at Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun. They loved it and said it's no surprise it's rated #1 on tripadvisor. This is coming from a couple that only stay at high end resorts (ie. Ritz Carlton, etc.).

Oooh, I was just reading the reviews for this resort before seeing your post and had said to DH that it needs to go on the shortlist!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, you are talking NEXT August????

Anyhow, for me, if it were an 'anywhere I want for an adult getaway...', sorry, but it would just not be Disney.

I too would LOVE a getaway with DH!!! And I have researched several options.

LeBlanc at Cancun is supposed to wonderful.
http://www.leblancsparesort.com/
( Check out tripadvisor - type in riviera maya - forums, and that would be a great source of info and advice on this area. From Cancun down to south of Tulum. Many wonderful, all adult, all inclusives to choose from.

Another place, that might have better weather in August, are the stunning beaches of Grace BAY at Providenciales on Turks and Caicos...
Check this out. http://www.pointgrace.com/
The all inclusive options at Provo are limited ( Beaches, and I think one other ) But there are quite a few stunning, upscale, resorts to choose from. But, just a heads up, anything here would be very, very, pricey.

 

[Bonnie151]

Well, we've decided! We're going in a completely different direction and going for Sunset at the Palms in Jamaica! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...views-Sunset_at_the_Palms-Negril_Jamaica.html

I don't think DH is completely convinced and he'd rather go to Mexico (plus I caught him sneaking a look at quotes for WDW again last night!), but this is completely my kind of resort. DH says he always gets to choose our hotels so it's my turn! The flights aren't out yet so I can't book it for another month or so, but that's me settled (so long as I don't think too hard about not going to WDW...)

Thanks for all of the suggestions!