Family vacation recommendations

[zoebartlett]

My parents, my sister and BIL, and my FI were talking about taking a family vacation sometime in ''09. We''ve never done this before, and the last time my parents, sister, and I went on vacation was on a 4 day trip to Bermuda 8 years ago. We''ve tossed around everything from going to Europe (destination unknown) to going to Key West. I''m not sure why Key West specifically was thrown out there but there it is.

Here''s the thing though: we are all very different and we''re sort of afraid that we won''t travel well together.

We all want to sightsee -- that''s a given. My sister, BIL, and dad love nature: hiking, running, and doing outdoorsy stuff. My mom and I like shopping and hanging out at the beach/pool, reading and people watching. My FI is more into history and observing nature from afar (totally not the adventurous type).

I think we''re all in agreement that spending a ton of time riding in a car, touring a country, and always needing to get somewhere by a certain time isn''t what we''re after. I''m afraid some of us wouldn''t make it to the end of our trip.

Can you think of anywhere that would accomodate our different vacation ideals?

My mom has briefly looked into Hawaii but in her words, it''s "uber expensive." As for time of year, I think we''re leaning towards the week between Christmas and New Year''s, since my mom and I have it off already and it''s kind of a "dead week" anyway for the others. Other than that, we''d probably go sometime at the end of June.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dolphingirl22]

Have you looked into Belize? My husband and I go every year and stay on an island off the mainland called Ambergris Caye. Theres not a whole lot to do on the island but sit on the beach and go snorkling/diving. You can take tours to the mainland where you can go cave tubing, zip line, and tour Myan ruins. Here are some links:

http://www.ambergriscaye.com

http://www.travelbelize.org/

The hotel we stay at:

http://www.bananabeach.com

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks Kristine! It''s funny you mentioned Belize because my dad suggested it the other night. I''ll check out the links you gave. I''m not sure about the "not a whole lot to do" factor though. I think we''d like a mix of lounging by the beach or pool and seeing the sights. I''ll take a closer look at what you posted -- it does look very beautiful!

Any other suggestions?

 

[fansynancy]

What about a Carribbean cruise? There are excursions for nature lovers and duty free shopiing as well. Every can do what they like and meet up for dinner. The cruise ships have wonderful gyms and spas too. Something for everyone!

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 12/28/2007 9:00:25 PM
Author: fansynancy
What about a Carribbean cruise? There are excursions for nature lovers and duty free shopiing as well. Every can do what they like and meet up for dinner. The cruise ships have wonderful gyms and spas too. Something for everyone!

Oh, I second that motion!

We took a Caribbean cruise a few years ago with the whole fam damily (15 of us), from Grandma on down and we had a 4 star BLAST! Something for everyone, for sure! I totally recommend it, and in fact, we hope to do it again soon.

 

[gwendolyn]

Oh, a cruise would be perfect! They really aren''t that pricey (I did a short one to the Bahamas that was mega-cheap) and have heaps to do and can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like! Definitely a good idea.

Another thought is maybe somewhere like Orlando, where there''s heaps to do but just chilling out by the pool is really lovely and relaxing too. I spent a week there in January, and the weather was PERFECT. 75 degrees everyday, plenty to do with Disney World, nature parks, nightlife, restaurants... No idea if that might be appealing to you, but I know I had a great time and got some of everything when I was there. Wouldn''t recommend it personally if you were thinking of travelling during the summer, though.

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks Nancy, Lynn, and Gwendolyn,

A cruise, huh? That''s a thought. There''s only one problem though -- I get motion sickness often. Rocking on boats, twisty roads, turbulence on planes, you name it. Going on a cruise makes me nervous because you can''t escape. You''re stuck on a boat and if there were rough waters, well, you''d be out in the water with no relief. I''ve heard that cruise ships are so big that you don''t feel the movement but I''m not sure about that. What''s your take on this?

 

[gwendolyn]

The only time I felt like I was moving at all was when I stood at the front of the ship, out on the deck with the wind blowing in my face and in full earshot of the waves slapping up against the side of the ship. I enjoy the feel of boats usually, so I actually was a little disappointed I couldn''t feel anything. I guess if you''re really extremely sensitive to motion, you''d feel things I couldn''t, but I was *trying* to feel the movement on the ship and couldn''t for the life of me, so you might be ok.

 

[Lynn B]

I can definitely get motion sick and seasick, so I was worried, too... but we have been on several cruises and I have never had one bit of a problem. Those ships are so huge and so stable, you don''t usually even feel like you are MOVING at all! However, we were on an Alaskan cruise once and there was a big storm with huge waves, and the ship did do some *rocking* - but even that didn''t bother me.

If you do experience problems, though, there are a lot of motion sick remedies nowadays that really work well... the patch as well as pills, some kind of pressure-point bracelet, and even a gel or lotion now (I think?)... and they''ve given away OTC meds for that free on every ship I''ve ever been on, in case someone needs it and didn''t bring it with them.

If you are seriously worried, would it be possible for you to take a small weekend or 3-day cruise yourself first? If that''s not possible, I''d say take some medicine and go for it! I honestly think you''d be totally fine -- AND have the time of your lives!

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks Lynn! My dad just suggested we look into the Palm Springs area of CA. I''ve never been there. Has anyone else? I had mentioned Carmel and a few other towns around (can''t think of their names at the moment) but I don''t know much about them.

I know Mara''s been to Palm Springs (I think she''s posted about it before). Mara, are you out there?

 

[orbaya]

I''ve heard that Costa Rica is beautiful. If I remember correctly, you could also go over to Venezula too. Someone tell me if I''m wrong.

 

[sap483]

Hi Zoe. I just typed out this long response and lost it. This one will be a bit shorter....

Have you considered Scottsdale? The resorts there have gorgeous pools and spas. While the rest of your family could play golf, go horesback riding, etc. Also, Sedona is a short drive from there. It has these gorgeous red rock formations that you can hike and climb- or take guided tours through.

Another suggestion is Egypt. I know, it sounds random, but FI and I went last year and loved it. We spend several days in Sharm El Sheikh, which is a resort town on the Red Sea. We laid out on the beach, went snorkeling and diving, went ATV''ing, took camel rides, etc. The area has lots of shops, restaurants and nightlife too. We weren''t bored. We then went to Cairo and explored the city and took several trips out to see various pyramids and ruins. It was facsinating to be in a city that has 30 million people in it each day. Many companies also offer Nile River cruises or guided trips if you don''t want to coordinate the travel on your own.

Let me know if any of these interest you. I''d be happy to share more info.

 

[Independent Gal]

Sounds like Italy might have the cure? You could settle in somewhere and each take day trips according to your own specifications.

Walking, hiking, exploring galore (Cinque Terre in the north and Abruzzo in the middle are my favourites for this... oh, and the Alps of course...but there''s lots in Tuscany too) for your dad, Sis and BIL...

Arguably the world''s best shopping for you and your mom

Beaches on the Mediterranean in the summer

As much history as your FI could dream of ...

And many beautiful and interesting sights and museums to see

Achingly beautiful landscapes.

Plus, the food is beyond amazing.

Only problem is the pathetic state of the $US

Italy ain''t as cheap as it once was, given the strong Euro.

But it''s still cheaper than Hawaii!

 

[UCLABelle]

A great place I found was the Bahamas (and more specifically the Atlantis). It caters to almost every person in the family, which was great when we went there two years ago. My parents ALWAYS took our family to two spots: Maui, and Disneyland So, other than saying Hawaii is great (but as mentioned, rather expensive), and Disneyland is fun (but lots of work, and not very relaxing), I would look into the Bahamas. It has great beaches, you experience a different culture if you go inland a little, and most hotels have all the amenities you could want!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 12/31/2007 7:24:16 AM
Author: zoebartlett
Thanks Lynn! My dad just suggested we look into the Palm Springs area of CA. I''ve never been there. Has anyone else? I had mentioned Carmel and a few other towns around (can''t think of their names at the moment) but I don''t know much about them.

I know Mara''s been to Palm Springs (I think she''s posted about it before). Mara, are you out there?

Not Mara, but maybe I can help a bit.

I grew up going to Palm Springs, my grandparents owned a home in a nearby city, and DH and I take a trip there once a year. Winter is the time to go, as long as you''re okay with crowds. Lots of snowbirds who own two homes end up there during the fall/winter. There is definitely lots of shopping, lounging at the pool (the average temp during this time of year is in the 70s during the day, 40s at night), etc. There are also some outdoorsy type things, such as The Living Desert http://www.livingdesert.org/, which is one of my favorite things to do, and hiking in the Indian Canyons http://www.americansouthwest.net/california/palm_springs/indian-canyons.html, which I''ve never done. I don''t think there''s any other hiking close by. It''s a fun place to visit.

If you''re looking for warm, pool lounging, weather Carmel (and the CA coast in general) are not the place to be during the winter. It''s typically in the 60s during the day and in the 40s-50s at night. It''s not cold by most standards, but with cloud cover, it''s not weather that would make me want to put on a bathing suit and drink foo-foo beverages by the pool. DH and I were in downtown SD the other night and noticed lots of tourists were walking around in shorts and San Diego sweatshirts, they clearly thought it was going to be a lot warmer here than it is. I felt bad for them.

A great destination that might be fun for your whole family is Lake Tahoe. It''s such a beautiful place with tons to see and do. You could rent a cabin/house large enough to accomodate all of you. There''s skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, gambling, shopping, etc.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone! I''ve been speaking to my parents and they think that with the time we have (7-10 days, depending if we use up my mom''s and my whole school vacation), we should focus on closer areas. Egypt and Italy sound amazing but I think we''re sticking closer to home. Thanks for reminding me about the CA weather, Kim. I know that a lot of CA isn''t about hot sun and beach weather, but I forget that sometimes. The Palm Springs area really intrigues me now. I''ll have to look it up. My FI and I had thought of Sedona but my parents have been there before.

Thanks again! I appreciate the help.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 1/1/2008 12:51:47 PM
Author: zoebartlett
Thanks for the great suggestions everyone! I''ve been speaking to my parents and they think that with the time we have (7-10 days, depending if we use up my mom''s and my whole school vacation), we should focus on closer areas. Egypt and Italy sound amazing but I think we''re sticking closer to home. Thanks for reminding me about the CA weather, Kim. I know that a lot of CA isn''t about hot sun and beach weather, but I forget that sometimes. The Palm Springs area really intrigues me now. I''ll have to look it up. My FI and I had thought of Sedona but my parents have been there before.

Thanks again! I appreciate the help.

If you''re seriously considering Palm Springs you may want to look into the surrounding area as well. You will probably want to consider a day trip to Temecula for wine tasting, visiting a local casino, driving to see the dinosaurs that were in Pee Wee''s Big Adventure (ha ha ha) as it''s a relatively small city and 7-10 days spent there may be a bit much.

 

[diamondfan]

I used to go to La Quinta all of the time. It is a lovely resort, many Hollywood types stay there. It is really in Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage, just a bit outside of Palm Springs. Palm Springs is, in my mind, not really that exciting. Living in L.A. we used to go down there all of the time, it was a couple hours away and many of our parents had condos or houses there as vacation homes. Have not been in a while, but just think there might not be enough to do. There is hiking and shopping and of course one can sit by the pool, play golf, tennis, go to the spa...not sure if there is any nightlife or how the restaurants are nowadays. Weather is usually very warm in the day but it can get cool at night.

San Diego/La Jolla etc are gorgeous too. Boating, attractions, great weather, nice restaurants, again, a place that you can tailor to each person. Since you are not trying to entertain children I think there are lots of things to do and see and the weather is pretty much a given to be great.

The week between Xmas and NY is one I would always try to avoid, it is high season most places, meaning pricey and crowded which is not my idea of a nice vacation. June in Palm Springs can be unbearable and you would not want to be far from air conditioning. It used to be that no one went there from Memorial Day to Labor Day...it was too hot...

 

[Selkie]

Zoe, I love Monterey and Carmel, even in the cooler months. Sure, you might not be able to hang out at the pool as much, but there''s definitely plenty of shopping and sightseeing to do that isn''t totally weather dependent. There''s also fewer other tourists and lower prices. Same with San Diego, although you''re much more likely to have 70''s and 80''s there in December. It has been a *cough* colder winter than usual in Cali this year...