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

[Sugar Jones]

What is the price range you are looking for? It's hard to suggest things because "budget" means different things for everybody

I myself would personally avoid Mexico right now.

 

[Eliza32]

I'd recommend the beach condo route, somewhere on the gulf coast should be reasonably warm for when you want to go.

We stayed in Fort Myers and there was plenty to do in the area.

 

[scrapquitler]

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.

Honestly, I think that for a family of six, travelling from Toronto to somewhere warm and sunny in the winter, the hotel rooms is going to be the least of your expenses -- getting wherever you want to go is most likely going to be the biggest expense of the entire vacation. Six plane tickets or many many hours of travel in the car (and potentially driving in bad weather for portions of it) is going to be your big obstacle.

I'd suggest two things: option 1: scope out the airline websites and jump on whatever location is offering a low airfare, then rent a condo in that area.

or option 2: cruise out of New York City/New Jersey. The drive to New York from Toronto is long, but doable in one day. Take a cruise out of NY/NJ and go somewhere warm. There are cabins that will fit you, but you may get a better deal with two bargain cabins. My friend who has 3 kids has done it both ways, depending on what was less expensive at that particular moment. I'd suggest calling a cruise travel agent for this one.

 

[momlee4]

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

I had thought about it, and decided there would be more families who are on a budget, than budget conscious people who are in large families

 

[momlee4]

Thanks Canadianjovigirl for your link, I have actually hit that website before in my online searching. Unfortunately, the resorts listed are out of my budget, the ones that may cut it are in Mexico, which I'm thinking I should stay away for now.

Sugar J, my budget is 4K, everything in.

Lucigo, is that $1400 per person or for everyone? I'll definitely research cruises. Its been mentioned several times now.

Thanks for the suggestions for out of US, I shall look into Panama and Puerto Rico (the telescope thing does look cool!) and even Cuba.

Thanks ksl5... and BuzznBelle'smom, I will definitely look into sixsuitcasetravel, haven't come across that yet I don't think! I'm excited to explore that!

 

[momlee4]

Honestly, I think that for a family of six, travelling from Toronto to somewhere warm and sunny in the winter, the hotel rooms is going to be the least of your expenses -- getting wherever you want to go is most likely going to be the biggest expense of the entire vacation. Six plane tickets or many many hours of travel in the car (and potentially driving in bad weather for portions of it) is going to be your big obstacle.

I'd suggest two things: option 1: scope out the airline websites and jump on whatever location is offering a low airfare, then rent a condo in that area.

or option 2: cruise out of New York City/New Jersey. The drive to New York from Toronto is long, but doable in one day. Take a cruise out of NY/NJ and go somewhere warm. There are cabins that will fit you, but you may get a better deal with two bargain cabins. My friend who has 3 kids has done it both ways, depending on what was less expensive at that particular moment. I'd suggest calling a cruise travel agent for this one.

I like option 1 above, but you're right, the airfare will really be what kills us. Cheapest airfare from Buffalo is usually Florida. Anything out of Toronto, and you're paying a hundreds in taxes already.
Option 2, I'm not sure the kids would be too happy with a long drive, 4hrs is the most we've been in the van, and I think NY is around 10.

 

[elaine amj]

Keep a close eye on cheap airfares, particularly to Cuba or Mexico or else check Buffalo, which will most likely be to Florida.

Cruising is a good possibility. I personally found cruising $$. but, we wanted a megaship and had to travel during march break. If you can snag a good deal and are willing to go on a smaller ship, it can be much more affordable.

Are you flex with travel dates? that makes a big difference. cheap airfares is mostly on Tues and wednesday or else during low season.

We're actually looking into a washinton/NYC road trip....then I stumbled across www.megabus.com. They're out of TO as well. Driving long distance is not something my DH loves - although he'll do it. Megabus sounds a whole lot more comfortable way of travel - particularly for distances like that. Tix can be as low as $1-$15 pp all the way up to $40-$60 pp. If you can snag the cheap deal, it will be cheaper than gas and save you a bundle!!

For us, Washington would be a super budget trip. Hotel outside the city with free breakfast, Metro tix, free museums -just pay for food.

Your other option out in the East Coast is Baltimore or Virginia Beach. Never been to Baltimore, but enjoyed Virginia Beach. It can cost for stuff there - but if you just hang out on the beach all day, it won't cost the earth.

 

[lucigo]

Thanks Canadianjovigirl for your link, I have actually hit that website before in my online searching. Unfortunately, the resorts listed are out of my budget, the ones that may cut it are in Mexico, which I'm thinking I should stay away for now.

Sugar J, my budget is 4K, everything in.

Lucigo, is that $1400 per person or for everyone? I'll definitely research cruises. Its been mentioned several times now.

Thanks for the suggestions for out of US, I shall look into Panama and Puerto Rico (the telescope thing does look cool!) and even Cuba.

Thanks ksl5... and BuzznBelle'smom, I will definitely look into sixsuitcasetravel, haven't come across that yet I don't think! I'm excited to explore that!

The $1400 I quoted was for everyone. On top of that you would have airfare, a hotel the night before, tips (usually around $10 per person per day), and then optional expenses like alcoholic drinks, souveniers, and shore excursions.

If you haven't been on a cruise, its really a very good option for an all inclusive family vacation. Go with a family friendly cruise line like Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

I just found that price on an internet site (cruise dot com). I prefer to book my cruises directly through the cruise line however, just use them for prices!

 

[Sugar Jones]

Thanks Canadianjovigirl for your link, I have actually hit that website before in my online searching. Unfortunately, the resorts listed are out of my budget, the ones that may cut it are in Mexico, which I'm thinking I should stay away for now.

Sugar J, my budget is 4K, everything in.

Lucigo, is that $1400 per person or for everyone? I'll definitely research cruises. Its been mentioned several times now.

Thanks for the suggestions for out of US, I shall look into Panama and Puerto Rico (the telescope thing does look cool!) and even Cuba.

Thanks ksl5... and BuzznBelle'smom, I will definitely look into sixsuitcasetravel, haven't come across that yet I don't think! I'm excited to explore that!

Okay I'm going to make it my mission to find you something, I love a challange

Does it have to be all-inclusive or could you do a European plan? You'd have to budget for other meals though.

I know my sister have the same size of family as you and it's the flights that kill them!