Where should we go on vacation???

[bcbmommy]

We've been to WDW 3 times in the past 6 years, and while we LOVE it, on our last trip there last January (40ish degrees & raining) we decided to do something different this year. We were thinking Hawaii, but it seems overwhelming to me since we've never been there. A bit like WDW was before we'd been. Also, even though cost isn't a HUGE factor, I'd rather not spend $5000 on airline tickets.

This morning, dh was talking about a Disney Cruise, but again, know nothing about that.

So we need ideas. We have 4 children: 17, 15, 11, 3. We homeschool, so we could go at just about anytime. We want something warm, with fun things to do. I know there are lots of places we could go in Florida, but where? Tell me about your best vacation! Thanks!!

 

[mommyrulesx3]

I liked Disney Aulani A lot! That's in Hawaii!

 

[SweetMissy]

Disney cruises are expensive compared to a regular cruise. We took the kids last August on a Carnival cruise and had so much fun! It was definitely nice to do something different. HOWEVER, while on the cruise hubby and I missed Disney, lol! Seriously....we really did and vowed to not do anything different for a few more years, lol.

 

[Tiffylv]

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[MandiC]

You could also look into Beaches resorts. We love Jamaica and have always felt well taken care of with Sandals/Beaches. All-inclusive and beautiful with lots to do. It's not Disney themed obviously but I think all of your kids would enjoy it.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Beaches Turks and Caicos was our best family vacation. It was fun for all ages we had babies, kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. The beach is gorgeous. There are plenty of activities and it's relaxing because it's all-inclusive and you can put the little ones in Camp Sesame (included) to get a break. The Sesame Street characters are cute too!

 

[MommyMK]

If you've never done Universal and Sea World that might be a fun trip for your ages. A cruise would be great too, look into Royal Caribbean as an alternative to Disney, also good for your ages. We have had many great trips to Williamsburg as well. Renting a house in the Outer Banks?

 

[Fireflyblue]

You could come out to Disneyland. While that is similar than just going to Disney World, there is still many differences. Also there is a lot to do in Southern California. You can spend two or three days at Disneyland, then drive down to San Diego area. There is SeaWorld, and the world famous San Diego Zoo. There are also beaches and lots of other great things to do with kids. If you need more info on Disneyland or SoCal please personal message me. i can help you with your trip.

 

[Pesky]

Hawaii is nice and you can think about the Big Island which can be (comparatively) cheaper than Maui or Aulani. There is a nice Hilton property there so if you have any Hilton points, might be able to reduce expenses that way.

Other options:
* Florida: think about the FL keys. Beautiful beaches and fun things to do.
* The "other" Orlando: Universal, Sea World, Cape Canaveral
* Arizona: Sedona, Grand Canyon, Phoenix
* Other beach locations: Outer Banks in NC, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, Texas Gulf Coast, etc.: All with nice warm waters and family-friendly activities around. Plus you can likely rent a house or a condo and prepare a lot of your own meals.
* SoCal: San Diego with its zoo, wild animal park, Coronado Island, and other sights; Los Angeles with Santa Monica pier, Hollywood, Universal Studios; Anaheim with Disneyland. Word of warning: the water isn't as warm as on the east coast.

Hope you all have fun!

 

[MagicalMother]

We loved our Disney Cruise. It was a super easy vacation with our kids. It is a little pricey however; some other cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean would be fun as well.

 

[bcbmommy]

Wow! You all have given me a lot of ideas to think about. Thank you!! Hubby just told me last night that he would like to go on vacation around the end of February to the first of March, so I better get busy and decide! Regarding airfare to Hawaii, Jamaica, etc.....I have no idea what a reasonable price is. The best I could find for Hawaii was close to $800 pp. Is that pretty typical?

 

[MandiC]

I'm not sure on Hawaii because we have not been there yet but I know for Jamaica it was about $500 a person, round trip. I think you *can* get closer to $400, depending on time of year and airline, ect.

 

[MickeyMouse2010]

Yes- the airfare to Hawaii is always about that. We are going to staying Hyatt Coconut Plantation in Florida over spring break. I rented a week from a Hyatt owner. I have 4 kids too so we only stay in condos or houses. I have rented several Hyatt/Marriott properties through Redweek.com

I also agree with a California vacation- San Diego is great, so much to see and do there.

 

[monorailsilver]

I dont know where you are located but what about a cruise from NYC to warm places like the carribean. You'd avoid airfare nd still get warmth plus travel to different ports. But if you are coming from the mid west that won't work as easy as if you are coming from the NYC area.

 

[BenbowInn]

I would recommend a cruise (not necessarily a Disney cruise) from a nearby port. As far as being easy, it doesn't get any easier than a cruise. No real planning and very relaxing.

I've been on Carnival, NCL, RCL and Disney and they have all been equally enjoyable. Whatever you decide, I'm sure your family will have a wonderful time.

 

[mm1971]

We've been to WDW 3 times in the past 6 years, and while we LOVE it, on our last trip there last January (40ish degrees & raining) we decided to do something different this year. We were thinking Hawaii, but it seems overwhelming to me since we've never been there. A bit like WDW was before we'd been. Also, even though cost isn't a HUGE factor, I'd rather not spend $5000 on airline tickets.

This morning, dh was talking about a Disney Cruise, but again, know nothing about that.

So we need ideas. We have 4 children: 17, 15, 11, 3. We homeschool, so we could go at just about anytime. We want something warm, with fun things to do. I know there are lots of places we could go in Florida, but where? Tell me about your best vacation! Thanks!!

Hawaii would be a nice trip. We still have never been, but would love to go.

I can recommend Punta Cana, Dominican. It's not cheap, but the cost and flights are fairly reasonable. The resorts are all inclusive and we had a great time. You can swim in the ocean or the many pools, all kinds of water activities, good restaurants and a lot of relaxing. Where we stayed had a full size soccer pitch, basketball and tennis courts, game room, mini golf, small water park and so much more.

Other options we enjoyed:

1) Niagra Falls, Canadian side - less expensive and still a lot to do.

2) Washington D.C. - All the museums, white house and a great opportunity to learn about history.

3) Hershey Park - We did a few days here and then a couple days at Gettysburg. It was a great trip.

Good luck deciding.

 

[chicagoshannon]

The trips we're considering this year are Smokey Mountains and Williamsburg/Gettysburg/Boston. We are also taking a short trip to the Wisconsin Dells in a couple of weeks.

 

[katie111]

Our favorite family vacations have been the Mayan Riviera in Mexico and Costa Rica. Awesome all inclusives in Mexico and the prices are very reasonable. Lots to do for all ages. Costa Rica was incredible. If you are at all adventurous, Costa Rica is amazing. There is so much to do there. It's very safe and extremely beautiful. Cruises are fun too but we personally prefer land vacations as my DH hates crowds on cruise ships. I think your older kids might be a little bored on a Disney cruise.

 

[North of Mouse]

We've been to WDW 3 times in the past 6 years, and while we LOVE it, on our last trip there last January (40ish degrees & raining) we decided to do something different this year. We were thinking Hawaii, but it seems overwhelming to me since we've never been there. A bit like WDW was before we'd been. Also, even though cost isn't a HUGE factor, I'd rather not spend $5000 on airline tickets.

This morning, dh was talking about a Disney Cruise, but again, know nothing about that.

So we need ideas. We have 4 children: 17, 15, 11, 3. We homeschool, so we could go at just about anytime. We want something warm, with fun things to do. I know there are lots of places we could go in Florida, but where? Tell me about your best vacation! Thanks!!

Ever thought about a Smoky Mountain vacation (or similar National Park)? Don't know where you are from or what is closest.

We brought our children to the Smokies every year (plus an occasional WDW trip) and they loved it - perfect for kids! Every trip does not have to be 'artificial' for families to enjoy - the streams and the hikes in the woods are really relaxing, plus lots of freedom for children to 'run about', ride their bikes, etc. Also, much less $$'s than Disney! They were some of our best vacations, and the now grown kids still talk about how much they enjoyed them.

 

[LynnTH]

I second going on a cruise. We have been alternating between Cruises and Disney for a while now. We are all kind of Disney'd out and the kids would rather just go on cruises now. (They are 15 and 13). We have been on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Both are great. Royal has the Allure and Oasis that has tons of things to do for the kids.(Largest ships out there to date) We went on Allure a few years back. Kids had fun but preferred the Carnival Cruises. I think the ship was a bit too big and we couldn't give them as much freedom because of this. It really depends on your budget and where you want to go. We went last June and are going again next March for the kids Spring Break 2016. (Taking a year off to save as both kids will be in Private High School next year so tuition is doubling for us).

I usually go to cruisesonly.com and put in when we want to go and for how long and it will show you cruises available from all the different cruise lines and different prices and where they go and where they sail from. You don't have to book here but it gives you good idea of different ships /lines and prices.