Vacation Ideas for a large group that don't cost a fortune?

[snoopy5386]

We have 11 people who want to take a trip together and one generous friend who is covering the bill. Last year we did a cruise together in February with 3 less kids and it was around 7K. This trip has to be in July and I priced cruises for that time and they are all running 20K!

Thinking we need to come up with a new idea, unless anyone has a super secret way to cruise cheaper!

Our group consists of a family of 4 with a DD8 and DD4, a family of 5 with a DS8, DD5 and DS3 and two confirmed bachelors.

We are not outdoors people, no one likes the heat or the beach, but due to schedules the trip has to be in July. This is a geeky crowd into video games, comics, role playing games, etc.

We are on the east coast, my family is in MD and everyone else is in NJ and we'd like to go somewhere that is no more than a 6-8 hour drive but would consider flying somewhere especially awesome. We loved cruising because entertainment and meals were provided and we'd love to find something similar on land, but we are open to any and all suggestions. Thinking we'd like to keep the costs between 10-12K or less. Thanks for any help.

 

[ssawka]

How about renting a large home in the Outer Banks?

 

[iheartwalt]

So not sure how budget minded this is but a geeky crowd and need to travel in July? Comic Con sounds like the obvious fit to me Don't know how much all the little ones would like it but I am sure you could fit a San Diego Zoo day in somewhere

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Niagra Falls?

I imagine it would be crowded, and have no idea on cost. But weather should be "decent" and travel easy from NJ.

 

[Iowajes]

My large extended family rents condos in Wildwood (Jersey Shore). It's a ton of fun for the kids, lots of playing on the beach, last year we went "deep sea" (not really, though advertised that way) fishing, kayaking, biked on the boardwalk, took a day-trip to Cape May. Though the water is freezing. I'd recommend on beaches condos in NC or Florida instead...but Jersey shore would be an easier drive.

 

[kymom99]

Airfare alone to San Diego would run over $4000 for 11 people. Then you would also need to rent a couple vehicles.

 

[sunshinehighway]

How about renting a large home in the Outer Banks?

That's what I first thought of too. The rentals will be more expensive in July but you can probably still get a nice big house that will accommodate 11 people.

 

[DisneyDiana]

What about renting in Central PA and going to Knoebels. We go every July and rent a big cottage. It is not expensive at all. Another option might be cruising from Baltimore on the Carnival Pride. Those cruises are usually not too crazy expensive and you won't need air.

 

[wiigirl]

So not sure how budget minded this is but a geeky crowd and need to travel in July? Comic Con sounds like the obvious fit to me Don't know how much all the little ones would like it but I am sure you could fit a San Diego Zoo day in somewhere

 

[Handbag Lady]

Why not rent a house any place and put on a family roll-playing tournament of some sort? The kids can do video games and such. It doesn't need to be near a beach or anything.

Or Comic-Con? Either, or!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

We have really enjoyed 2 family vacations in beautiful log cabin homes here. Homes are available in all sizes and some have great game rooms, home theatres, hot tubs, etc. There is so much to do from nature activities to shows to Dollywood.

 

[dougsmom98]

You can't beat the price of renting a home in the Orlando/Davenport area. Florida is super warm in the summer, but spending time in an air conditioned home,with games room, plenty of bedrooms/rooms for people to spread out, private pool/hot tub and all sorts of things to do within an hour-hour and half drive such as beaches, aquariums, air boat rides, the Everglades, Gator Land, the Lowry Park Zoo, quirky things like one of those dinner shows like Medieval Times...

I just quickly and randomly picked a few houses for you to see:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p124449

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3581544

http://www.vrbo.com/91552

 

[bearzabout]

Have you ever thought about Williamsburg? Threre are some great museums and state/national parks (Jamestown Settlement / Yorktown) to visit along with the historic area. If you get hot, a day at Water Country USA can't be beat. Busch Gardens is aways fun with a group.

Virginia Beach is a close and the Maritime Museum in Newport News is very interesting. Sometimes tall ships take passengers out of Yorktown. There is a lot to do there, but it will be HOT.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Fly into Vegas! There are many of the best national parks within a 2-5 hour drive. We rented a home in Kanab, Utah this summer for about $150 a night. It was close to Zion, Bryce, Death valley, arches, Moab, the north rim of the Grand Canyon and gorgeous Lake Powell. We bought an annual pass for $80. Tons to do and see, plus we cooked or grilled several meals to save money. One of my family's favorite vacations. Flight to Vegas are usually very affordable.

 

[mommymeg]

We have 11 people who want to take a trip together and one generous friend who is covering the bill. Last year we did a cruise together in February with 3 less kids and it was around 7K. This trip has to be in July and I priced cruises for that time and they are all running 20K! Thinking we need to come up with a new idea, unless anyone has a super secret way to cruise cheaper! Our group consists of a family of 4 with a DD8 and DD4, a family of 5 with a DS8, DD5 and DS3 and two confirmed bachelors. We are not outdoors people, no one likes the heat or the beach, but due to schedules the trip has to be in July. This is a geeky crowd into video games, comics, role playing games, etc. We are on the east coast, my family is in MD and everyone else is in NJ and we'd like to go somewhere that is no more than a 6-8 hour drive but would consider flying somewhere especially awesome. We loved cruising because entertainment and meals were provided and we'd love to find something similar on land, but we are open to any and all suggestions. Thinking we'd like to keep the costs between 10-12K or less. Thanks for any help.

Every few years my BFF and I plan a combined family vacation. Disney was a blast but doesn't sound like what you are looking for, especially in the heat of the summer. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was also great. We rented a huge cabin that had an arcade game, pool table and hot tub. There is a ton to do from the aquarium, laser tag, Dollywood. It was a 10 hour drive for us from PA which was right on the edge of my breaking point. This might be a good option for you.

Our next trip will probably be a beach destination (outer Banks or Myrtle Beach). DC also has a ton to do with most museums being free.

Have fun planning!

 

[Rose23]

Washington, DC -
* Nearly all of the sites to visit are free including Smithsonian
* Transportation around DC is very reasonable with DC Metro system which is very clean and efficient

Hilton Head Island, SC -
* Beach is free and beautiful

Happy New Year!

 

[snoopy5386]

After getting together last night to talk it over, we have narrowed it down to either Cape Cod or Vermont! Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Maddie2]

After getting together last night to talk it over, we have narrowed it down to either Cape Cod or Vermont! Thanks for all the suggestions!

Both sound wonderful!

My husband is from Massachusetts and we love going out there. SO much to do! We spent a week on Cape Cod in July 2013 and loved it - but it was very HOT. We were grateful to have the ocean nearby so we could cool off, but even during the night, it was HOT. Were you thinking of renting a cottage/house or getting hotels? FYI, not all places have air conditioning there.

You mentioned that your family doesn't care for the heat or the beach, maybe it would be cooler in Vermont? I've been there, but it was years ago and it was winter.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

I would like to become friends with your friend.