Ok, I'll be graduating with my MBA on Dec 18, 2009. I want to go on a huge vacation to celebrate. My only problem is deciding what to do and where to go.
We don't travel much at all so we are a bit foreign to the whole "planning a big adventure" idea. Help?!
Some info... we live in NC. We've been to Disney World in FL which is probably the biggest trip we've taken with our 2 children. DH and I have been on a Carribean cruise and have gone to the Bahamas (trips before kids!).
Anyone have any suggestions on what we should look at? The kids are under 12, if that helps. We'd have about 2 weeks to take off over Christmas Break... so we are looking at the last 2 weeks in Dec.
ANY SUGGESTIONS OR ADVICE WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL! Regarding budget -- I'd like to spend no more than $5,000 if possible.
Thanks!
Help me pick a vacation spot!
September 25th, 2009 at 02:14 pm
September 25th, 2009 at 02:48 pm 1253890102
Or are you looking for something cheaper and closer to home? Where in NC are you, by the way?
September 25th, 2009 at 02:51 pm 1253890279
I'm partial to Southern California - just was there with five kids. We had a blast and did the following: San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, California Adventure, Universal Studios, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, and swam in the ocean at Laguna Beach. The weather was wonderful and there are tons of other things to do: the Queen Mary, Legoland, etc. etc. etc.
How fun though to be planning a trip like that.
My kids are 11, 10, 7, 5, and 4.
September 25th, 2009 at 03:17 pm 1253891847
I was curious about your question, so I did a random search for a tropical package and right away found a December deal for 2 weeks in Cayman Islands -- hotel room and airfare for 4 -- for $5200. Now that doesn't include food, but I bet you could search and find much better deals that would leave room in the budget for food and activities. (I picked tropical because it'll be December, but I also seem to remember friends when I was a kid being pretty happy with Hawaii and Florida vacations. I was never so lucky, but it sounded like fun!)
Good luck! I love planning vacations; for me it's almost as fun as the trip itself!
September 25th, 2009 at 03:36 pm 1253892999
September 25th, 2009 at 03:43 pm 1253893418
September 25th, 2009 at 04:47 pm 1253897272
September 25th, 2009 at 05:17 pm 1253899060
September 25th, 2009 at 07:51 pm 1253908295
What do you like to do?
Are the kids going with you?
Are you going to leave right after graduation and miss (insert appropriate holiday of choice here) at home or hope to travel after the holidays?
What did you enjoy about your last two trips with or without kids?
September 25th, 2009 at 08:01 pm 1253908878
We like just about anything like camping, amusement parks, beaches, and other fun kid-friendly stuff. DH and I like museums and educational stuff but the kids' attention spans don't really allow for that. Yes, we are planning on taking the kids with us as we just couldn't bear to be away from them for too long. We wouldn't mind missing Christmas for this trip -- our "choice" dates fall during the kids' Christmas break which will be from 12/23 through 1/3. Anytime during that time period will be just fine.
Ima, we've been to Pigeon Forge so we really don't want to do that one again.
BA, DH and I went to Vegas years ago when I had to attend a conference out there, and I would have to agree with ceejay in that I don't want to take my kids out there... however, if it were just me and DH going, I'd vote for Vegas in a heartbeat.
Ahh, the Cayman Islands sound delightful. We've thought about taking a cruise, too. I guess the options are so vast that it's just making it a difficult decision -- I really don't like planning out trips at all, but with my budget conscious mind, I don't want to not be in control of the planning either.
I appreciate everyone's suggestions - please keep them coming!
September 25th, 2009 at 09:46 pm 1253915185
1. So Cal is great, but I do NOT recommend alot of those theme parks. Why? They are EXPENSIVE. Six Flags Magic Mtn charges something like $15 to park. They are not open everyday in winter. Universal studios costs a bunch just to park. STOOPID. You can get free audience tickets for MANY of the TV tapings. Go to some websites such as for CBS studios.
Yes, go to one or two themeparks but there's much to do otherwise: Beaches, beaches, beaches. It is warm enough in December for Tshirts, picnics, shell collecting, roll up your pants and get your feet in the sand.
Walk Hollywood and Vine (where the stars in the street are), it's sort of seedy though, beware! Walk selected parts of downtown LA (get a good guidebook and avoid baaaaad places like skid row, very bad). Get yourself to some of the harbors such as Newport Beach. Very very upper class but very friendly to visitors.
If you come to CA you are going to need a rental car but this is a bonus. Drive to some hamlets nearby such as Laguna Beach. Extremely walkable, part of the So Cal Riviera.
2. Instead of the city sights, come to California and visit the National Parks. Have you been to Yosemite? This is an experience you nor your kids will ever forget. You must reserve early but winter is much less crowded than summer. Get on the parks reservation website TODAY. You will not be disappointed. There are waterfalls to astound you, trails and more nature than you can absorb. There is a very family oriented (inexpensive!) snow park area (cross country, downhill, snowshoe and sledding) in Yosemite. Yes you need winter clothes.
Ditto Red Woods National Park. Have you ever been? Not all of this park is accessible in winter but the Coast Redwoods are plenty available. Study the maps. You won't even need snow boots for some of this park.
3. Las Vegas is NOTHING like it was 20 years ago. Tons of the hotels are just big indoor/outdoor shows. It is easy to spend several days just hanging out watching the statues come alive inside Ceasar's Palace, the outdoor pirate ships, pretending to walk around Paris, etc. Don't walk the strip, you will absolutely be exhausted, use the monorail and bus. Pick a hotel with a pool and a hot tub, it's warm enough in the winter for the kids to take a dip.
4. Finally, my next family trip will be to Wash DC with my kids. I've been several times when single, there are so many places I personally want to examine more closely, ie the Library of Congress, the treasury, the White House. My kids need to see the congress in session in the Capitol building. This year they were very aware of the election process and O'bama as president.
Oh, this is long enough, just ask me for more if you need. Nina