$15,000 and a family of 6. Where would you go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A grand tour of Western Europe seems the obvious option. London, France + Italy for example.

Wow, how boring is that?

Not sure if pp is joking, but hands down you should do Europe if you've never been.

OP here, thanks! We have been to Europe (well, Dh and I have been several times...and my older two have been, but not the younger two) but as individuals, not as a whole family.

A family trip to Europe would be excellent. I'm thinking that with 6 people, renting a car would be difficult and expensive. Should we plan to visit just major cities (maybe travel between cities via train?)

It's actually going to be far cheaper to rent one large vehicle and drive through Europe than it is to buy six train passes or individual tickets. www.autoeurope.com

I second this. Trains are very expensive in Europe. My sister lives in Switzerland and when our whole extended family visits her every year, we rent a big van and do lots of road trips. It's really a blast. I also agree with pp who said don't stick to just cities. We've been all over France, Switzerland, and Itlay on our van trips and we love the smaller towns and countryside. There's nothing like picking up some great food/wine in a small town market and having a picnic among the lavender fields of France, sunflower fields of Italy or spectacular mountains of Switzerland!! And half the fun is not knowing where you're going and wander country roads. In the alpine regions of Switzerland, you can find very charming ski accommodations that can host large families. Also we've had great luck with Air Bnb in Europe.

Good luck and have a great time!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally there is nothing less appealing than a cruise where you get very limited access to the location you are visiting and lots,of time stuck on a boat. Op,,Europe by train sounds like a great idea.

Yes! Posts like this one really remind me how different people are.

A Disney cruise would be the LAST place I'd take my family for a dream vacation. Zero appeal.

[Anonymous]

I would travel out west to Arizona and Utah. There are quite a few upscale resorts that are child friendly. Tons to do. I wouldn't go to Europe because I would hate to take children on a long plane ride. Much easier to have a direct flight into Phoenix. I'd look into gateway canyons resort and see Mesa verde, canyonlands, petrified forest etc.

[Anonymous]

What does your family like to do?

What does your family dislike?

My husband has traveled throughout Europe, and he calls anything involving cities, museums, and cultural heritage "trips" as opposed to "vacations." A vacation for him involves warm weather, an amazing beach, swimming and snorkeling, and great food.

I love ANY trip, so I'm easy to please.

Our kids are great travelers, and they love MOST trips. Dragging them through museums isn't fun--they can handle an hour, tops. They love cities, but lose interest after a few days. Our cruises and Caribbean trips have been universally enjoyed by all because it's equal parts fun/sightseeing/activities and relaxing.

I posted earlier saying I would opt for two different vacations, but maybe you could do one massive one that hits European cities and also includes some coastal towns for a more relaxing segment of the trip?

Cutting to the chase: every time my husband has to pull out his wallet, joy is sucked out of the experience for him. So a cruise is the only time he really avoids having to carry a wallet. We are a family of six, so even a casual breakfast or lunch adds up quickly. And tickets to a museum or gallery kills him---we're spoiled with free admission to the DC museums.

[Anonymous]

What about a leisurely tour of the west coast or even just CA? You could cover the mountains, the beach, and the city in one trip.

[Anonymous]

I would go to Hawaii. Visit at least 2 islands.

[Anonymous]

Hawaii or Italy

[Anonymous]

We're only a family of three, but I could never imagine spending 15K on a vacation, no matter how hard I might try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're only a family of three, but I could never imagine spending 15K on a vacation, no matter how hard I might try. Or even nearly half that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I vote spring break in Ireland. It's the right size to do in a week.

Yawn. Why are americans so into ireland? Its beautiful but so boring and white and blah and the food outside the big cities is so bland.

You sound a bit judgmental

[Anonymous]

Alaska in the summer is amazing. Denali, midnight sun, 70-degree days, Mt. Marathon for 4th of July, plane rides and cruises... Very memorable.

[Anonymous]

Grand cayman. Turtle farm and dolphin discovery were awesome

[Anonymous]

Peru, Machu picchu and Nazca

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're only a family of three, but I could never imagine spending 15K on a vacation, no matter how hard I might try.

For a family of 6, airline tickets to almost anywhere outside CONUS will be at least $6000, alone. Renting a larger vehicle to drive 6 people is FAR more expensive than renting an economy car. Families of 6 need at least 2 hotel rooms, etc.
I don't know how old your child is, or if they are a big eater, but my kids are all upper elementary age and older, and are all boys. Restaurant meals for 6 adults (since they are too old for "kids menus") is EXPENSIVE.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone! So far I'm leaning towards Costa Rica or a cruise in the Baltic sea.