Where would you go?

[PatsGirl]

I'm trying to plan "my biggest trip ever" for next April to celebrate my 50th birthday and a treat for DD before she starts high school. Originally I wanted to do a mediterranean cruise but she wasn't too thrilled with the idea and suggested a cross-country trip.

I then spent weeks researching a four-week cc trip and decided the only way for us to do it would be to ride Amtrak. There were a few flaws with the plan and when I showed the proposed itinerary again she was less than thrilled.

We recently found out that DS will be stationed in Misawa, Japan and I know this is someplace DD has wanted to see but it's not on my short list I researched it and it is very expensive in Tokyo and the surrounding areas and I'm just not sure I want to spend $5K or more travelling to Asia.

So the question is ~ if you could take as much as four weeks vacation (but I'd settle for a vacation of 18 days or so depending on location) and had $5K to spend, where would you go? I love the beach and prefer weather at least in the 70s (Japan would be low 60s as would most of the mediterranean but still possibilities). DD needs something to do besides the beach though. I thought about maybe combining a cruise from CA to Mexico and then touring the coast of CA?

Where would you go?

 

[AndyLL]

Only 5K cuts out a lot of international.

If I ever take a 4 week vacation I'm going to circle the world and stop at every Disney park but you can't do that for 5K.

My 2nd choice has always been to start in Washington and drive down the Pacific coast to San Diego.

 

[czycropper]

Fortunately, I'm doing one of my dream-of-a-lifetime trips in a few weeks to celebrate an early 50th (my 50th is in Oct. but since that's cheer comp season for my DDs we can't plan anything for that time) for me - Galapagos for 12 days

I will tell you that it is more than 5K per person-all four of us are going.

A friend who is also turning 50 this year wants to do a girls vacation and we're looking into going to Spain and the South of France for a couple of weeks in the summer but again that's more than 5K.

Is the 5K combined or spending 5K each?

 

[suejai]

What is your DD interested in? You mentioned that she would like to do more than just the beach.

 

[Robinrs]

I'm trying to plan "my biggest trip ever" for next April to celebrate my 50th birthday and a treat for DD before she starts high school. Originally I wanted to do a mediterranean cruise but she wasn't too thrilled with the idea and suggested a cross-country trip.

I then spent weeks researching a four-week cc trip and decided the only way for us to do it would be to ride Amtrak. There were a few flaws with the plan and when I showed the proposed itinerary again she was less than thrilled.

We recently found out that DS will be stationed in Misawa, Japan and I know this is someplace DD has wanted to see but it's not on my short list I researched it and it is very expensive in Tokyo and the surrounding areas and I'm just not sure I want to spend $5K or more travelling to Asia.

So the question is ~ if you could take as much as four weeks vacation (but I'd settle for a vacation of 18 days or so depending on location) and had $5K to spend, where would you go? I love the beach and prefer weather at least in the 70s (Japan would be low 60s as would most of the mediterranean but still possibilities). DD needs something to do besides the beach though. I thought about maybe combining a cruise from CA to Mexico and then touring the coast of CA?

Where would you go?

Wherever you go have a great time! What an awesome idea!!! And WELCOME to my decade!!!

 

[PatsGirl]

The $5K is for myself and DD total but is a bit flexible depending...we are used to budget traveling and aren't looking for 5* accommodations or prepaid tours,that sort of thing. We prefer the less expensive of the chains like Summerfield Suites, Hampton Inn and Suites, something with a kitchenette or free breakfast.

If we stay in the country, the money will go a long way. I know we can also do a 7-night cruise, LA to Mexico Pacific Coast and sightsee the coast of CA for 10 days or so for less than the budget. Hawaii is also a possibility for two weeks for under budget but I'm not thrilled with either choice

 

[happygirl]

2 weeks in Hawaii
2 weeks in Alaska

 

[PatsGirl]

What is your DD interested in? You mentioned that she would like to do more than just the beach.

She's a tween so she likes to do most things but never what I suggest Really, she will ride bikes, hike shorter trails, swim, might like to try surfing?, but gets bored laying on the beach. Oh, and of course...she likes to shop!

 

[PatsGirl]

2 weeks in Hawaii
2 weeks in Alaska

Funny you say that, she mentioned that as well. I'm currently looking at repositioning cruises from Hawaii but so far only found them to go as far as BC. I'm also very concerned about the roughness of the Pacific. She has cruised the caribbean and I have cruised quite a bit but never on the west coast. And to be honest, it will be too cold for me in Alaska I think in April?

 

[PatsGirl]

Wherever you go have a great time! What an awesome idea!!! And WELCOME to my decade!!!

Thank you Robin but let's not push it, I have another 415 days or so

 

[scrapquitler]

I don't know if it would work with that budget, but some of my dream trips are:

African Safari

Australia/New Zealand

Antartica

Egypt

 

[suejai]

What about one of the Disney Adventure vacations? They even have a Mediterranean cruise - although you have to call to get the pricing. They have some interesting packages.

Or maybe call a travel agent and see what they can come up with? Although I have to admit that planning a vacation is part of the fun.

Or a tallship cruise off New England - although I would go in the summer for that one. They sail out of Maine, and sound like a lot of fun.

 

[karibritt01]

I would show her some different cruise ships and itineraries, and let her consider that again. DCL is awesome, but might not appeal to her. Some of the RCCL and NCL ships are very nice. You could do an Alaska or Panama Canal cruise for the $5K if you shop around. Another option if she wants to travel the country is an Adventures by Disney tour. They have several US tours to choose from. The price might be a little more than $5K depending on what you choose, but include most meals. You could also look into some of the Ultra All-Inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. (Beaches and Breezes come to mind.) You could do a really nice vacay there with all food included. There is plenty to do around the resort. And if you wanted, you could do some of the cruise ship excursions around your resort. Sign up for their mailing lists and receive deals via email.

 

[PatsGirl]

I don't know if it would work with that budget, but some of my dream trips are:

African Safari

Australia/New Zealand

Antartica

Egypt

I did take a look at Australia but I'm a bit lost...seems that the weather would be in the 50s unless we went really south, have you been? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

[PatsGirl]

Has anyone been to Costa Rica or know anything about it? I'm flipping back and forth from info sites to here looking at it

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd go to Italy.

 

[suejai]

Has anyone been to Costa Rica or know anything about it? I'm flipping back and forth from info sites to here looking at it

I've never been but a guy I used to work with owns a condo in Costa Rica and would go 2 or 3 times a year. He loves it there.

 

[chamonix]

Go to Costa Rica, it is amazing! We went last year for 3 weeks and loved it! We plan to go there many times in the future. Beach, mountains, volcanos, monkeys, birds, nature nature nature--adventure---! Ziplining, rafting, horseback riding--they have it all!

The BEST part?! I have traveled the world, and Costa Rica has hands-down---the friendliest people in the world. Everyone we passed driving down the road waved at us! For three weeks!!! Seriously!! Only one old man in 3 weeks didn't wave.

Look into Costa Rica. If it fits the type of things you and dd are interested in--I highly recommend it.

 

[Kath2003]

I'd take her to Europe. There's a lot you can do there in four weeks. If you're flexible on dates you can get cheap flights.

 

[Robinrs]

Thank you Robin but let's not push it, I have another 415 days or so

She's counting the DAYS!! How cool!