non-Dis vacation for large family on a budget - any suggestions?

[momlee4]

Okay, so I need to plan a vacation for my family (DH and I and 4 kiddos age 4-11). Its not until next year, but I'm doing research now. We're in the Toronto area and would love to fly south somewhere warm for Jan/ Feb or March, but it needs to be CHEAP or we can't go We have already planned a trip to WDW in October (staying offsite), so the budget is tight, and hubby is not keen on spending alot on another vacay so soon. I need a vacay in those months to keep away the blues (S.A.D.D)
So here is my dilemma. Last minute vacation online sites almost never allow you to enter the occupancy number as 6. Not alot of all-inclusive resorts offer suites that sleep 6 unless its a really pricey resort.
What do other large families do for a sunny vacay on a budget? I've asked a few travel agents and they are NOT helpful at all.

 

[MrsTeddy]

I think a non all inclusive may be your best bet. Perhaps even look into renting a condo somewhere or a time share? I don't think many resorts will accomdoate 6 in one room, you would likely have to try and do a connecting room and pay for 2 rooms. I hope you find something!

 

[SweetMissy]

How about a cruise? 3-4 night cruises are fairly cheap. Not sure if you're into that though. We personally love going on cruises.

 

[Heluvsme]

For sunny and warm, during those months, really Florida is your best bet. A condo would be a good choice, and since those are non- peak months you will probably be able to find a pretty good deal, plus being in a condo will allow you to save money by preparing a lot of your own meals, using the condo resort's on-site amenities (pool, golf course, movies, etc depending on where you rent from). And while it would be tempting to do Disney, you can find so many other things to do... Go see the manatees, go to downtown Disney and stroll around, etc.

Hope you can swing it, I completely understand needing some sun and warmth in the midst of a bitterly cold winter, plus it gives you something to look forward to.

 

[merbobear]

I second a condo in Florida. Generally they give you more space than any resort would, you can save money on meals by cooking in the condo.. Did you want to do Disney if budget allowed? Maybe you could get AP's and do WDW in Jan/Feb AND in Oct, thus splitting up the ticket costs over 2 vacations. Just a thought..

 

[momlee4]

Thanks MrsT, Sweetmissy, Heluvsme, and merbobear! 3 recommendations for a Condo, 1 for a short cruise. I've always thought of cruises as an expensive way to do things, again because we would need 2 rooms to accomodate us. It would be lovely though. Maybe a last minute cruise sale would fit the budget?
I am open to the condo thing. And hubby is not a Disney fan, he would definitely refuse to go again so soon (I on the other hand think that would be wonderful!). So maybe I can get a condo for elsewhere in Florida, explore a new city. (But really, what could be a more kid friendly city than Orlando?) I'll have to do more research. Suggestion welcome. A condo in Caribbean would be nicer, but again, probably more costly for flights etc.

 

[Happy Mom2]

How about just getting a condo at the beach. My favorite beaches down here are Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL and Destin, FL. They are both family friendly. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (my fav) are probably a little more affordable. They both offer a lot of family friendly activities, or you can just hang out at the beach.

VRBO.com has some great condos.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Chabby]

Does it have to be in the US?

Panama was voted the No.1 country to visit in 2012. And No. 2 to move to

http://www.visitpanama.com/

 

[North of Mouse]

You might want to post on the Budget board and might get better advice than on the Disney Family board - just sayin'

 

[Teacher Princess]

I would suggested to also try my hometown, Puerto Rico..
Is a USA Territory and USA Commonwealth.. our money currency is the dollar..

Try this website: www.gotopuertorico.com
You would love our beautiful beaches and the food.. almost everyone speaks english (our second language there) and there is a beautiful rainforest called "El Yunque" . also there is a county call "Arecibo" in which they have one of the biggest telescope in the world..have you seen the movie "Contact" with Jodie Foster? They called it "The Arecibo Telescope" ..
This a special program with the USA and Puerto Rico and it has been there for many years.. very impressive! ( sorry don't remember much since I've been living in the USA for more than 12 years) .
I will be celebrating DD8 b-day party down there with our family!! Beach style!!
Good luck with your decision!!

ESL Teacher..

 

[Teacher Princess]

I would suggested to also try my hometown, Puerto Rico..
Is a USA Territory and USA Commonwealth.. our money currency is the dollar..

Try this website: www.gotopuertorico.com
You would love our beautiful beaches and the food.. almost everyone speaks english (our second language there) and there is a beautiful rainforest called "El Yunque" . also there is a county call "Arecibo" in which they have one of the biggest telescope in the world..have you seen the movie "Contact" with Jodie Foster? They called it "The Arecibo Telescope" ..
This a special program with the USA and Puerto Rico and it has been there for many years.. very impressive! ( sorry don't remember much since I've been living in the USA for more than 12 years) .
I will be celebrating DD8 b-day party down there with our family!! Beach style!!
Good luck with your decision!!

ESL Teacher..

I found it! The Arecibo Observatory or Radio Telescope.. is a NASA Program
this is their website: www.areci****servatory.com I hope this helps!

 

[Teacher Princess]

I found it! The Arecibo Observatory or Radio Telescope.. is a NASA Program
this is their website: www.areci****servatory.com I hope this helps!

Sorry oops! this is the one: www.theareci****servatory.com

 

[Teacher Princess]

Sorry oops! this is the one: www.theareci****servatory.com

My apologies on more time, this is the real website: www.naic.edu
sorry for the confussion.. This is a beautiful place to visit!

 

[canadianjovigirl]

Not sure if any of these are budget friendly, but i use this site as a guideline for our family of 5

http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com/family-of-five-vacation.html

and they have these listed below for families of 6..............

Family of Six Vacation Resorts



◦Bayabibe, Dominican Republic
Santana Beach Resort and Casino (Family Suite)


◦Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Palladium Bavaro - Can accommodate 8 people!


◦Acapulco, Mexico
La Palapa - Can accomodate up to 10 people!


◦Mazatlan, Mexico
Luna Palace (1 Bedroom Suite)


◦Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Grand Marival Nuevo Vallarta (2 Bedroom Suite)
Samba Vallarta By Pueblo Bonito (1 Bedroom Suite)


◦Aruba
The Mill Resorts and Suites Can accommodate up to 8 people!


We tend to go to Mexico as we can get kids stay/play for free and get either family suites or adjoining rooms or some places even have villas.............

 

[asmit4]

How cheap are we talking? An all inclusive for a family is gonna run about 5K easily. My husband and I go to Mexico AIs alot and we pay about 2500-3K for our trips for a week. (just the 2 of us) I don't see 5K for a family vacation as 'super cheap'.

My suggestion would be a beach vacation. Rent a home and just hang out. Try and head as far south as you can (in FLorida) since the winter months aren't always warm at the northern end. (grill, chill in the pool, go to the beach etc)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

◦Acapulco, Mexico
La Palapa - Can accomodate up to 10 people!


◦Mazatlan, Mexico
Luna Palace (1 Bedroom Suite)


◦Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Grand Marival Nuevo Vallarta (2 Bedroom Suite)
Samba Vallarta By Pueblo Bonito (1 Bedroom Suite)


◦Aruba
The Mill Resorts and Suites Can accommodate up to 8 people!


We tend to go to Mexico as we can get kids stay/play for free and get either family suites or adjoining rooms or some places even have villas.............

I would not even consider many of these places you have recommended in Mexico right now.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html

http://abcnews.go.com/story?id=15555646

 

[ksl5f123]

Have you tried searching on sixsuitcasetravel.com? It is a website for hotels/cruises/etc just for families of 6 or more. I didn't see all inclusive resorts, but I only looked for a couple minutes.

 

[lucigo]

We have taken our large family on a couple of 5 day cruises. Some ships can fit 5 in a cabin, but we prefer to get 2 rooms (before they all grew up we had 6 kids at home). I like that its all paid for in advance, and that they can eat all they want without having to pay a fortune.

A 4 night cruise for six out of Miami in January is $1400.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We're also a family of 6, and have had success both with house rentals and sixsuitcasetravel, which a PP mentioned.

Personally, I prefer a condo/house rental, because it has more space, and you can cook to save money. I second the suggestion of a beach rental--there's your entertainment. Maybe find some smaller activities in the area, like a museum or zoo. A little research might get you a discount. I would look at flying into Tampa or Daytona, maybe Fort Lauderdale.

When we've rented from sixsuitcase, it's been a hotel room--the exact style depends on the hotel, but we've gotten a 2-room "suite", and also one big double-sized hotel room. They typically have a fridge and microwave, but you're nto going to prepare a "real" meal in the room with this option. This really isn't a bad option for a night or two, but I know my gang would be sick of the tight space for an entire week. YMMD, of course. But, we all agree it's better than 2 rooms at a Motel 6 type place, and the one big room/suite option is cheaper.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I've never been, but my kids have all been several times and I know other families who have gone, too - and they all tell me Cuba is inexpensive, safe, and beautiful. There are all-inclusive places as well as other resorts.

Teresa