Help, I need planning ideas and tips. surprise vacation.

[Pamelle]

I've been thinking of doing a family vacation as a gift this year instead of a bunch of gifts that will be forgotten. We're limited though on times we can go as we have two kids in high school. In your experience is spring break really crazy? Would it be crazy to even plan a trip to Disney this close to spring break? It's possible that we could go in June after school is out but my son usually works at summer camp and I'm not sure how he would feel about missing that.

I'm also open to other vacation destinations if you have any suggestions. Our kids will be 18, 16, 12, and 5. We have traveled to Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg several times so any other suggestion would be great. We prefer to rent a house so my kids can be kids and loud!

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

Just asked my twins who are 17 years old. They both said that would not fly with them. DD said that if you discussed it as an alternative to Christmas gifts and everyone agreed, then ok. She wouldn't want that to be sprung on her Chrsitmas morning when she came down and expected to find gifts under the tree.

 

[Pamelle]

Thanks! I should clarify though that they would most likely get regular gifts as well. This would just be a big family gift. So yeah not as much stuff but honestly my kids don't ask for much and I usually get them fluff stuff they don't need or ask for.

 

[HannaBelle]

We went for spring break in 2006 and had a great time, crowds weren't unbearable. They were way lower than NYE week 2008. Early June 2011 was a freaking sauna!

I would take spring break hands down for a good balance between weather and crowds!

 

[Pamelle]

Thank you! We went in July once and it was crazy hot.

 

[LynnTH]

Have you ever thought about a cruise. I know we can cruise for less than going to Disney. (not a Disney Cruise). Your kids are the perfect ages. My DS16 and DD14 have been cruising since they were 8 and 6. They love it and it is now their preferred vacation. Going again over Spring Break on the Carnival Breeze. You can get some good deals.