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

[Anonymous]

2 parents, 4 kids that in elementary-high school. We've never done any "big vacations" (Europe, Cruises, Carribbean, etc.) as a family---everything we've done has involved driving to our destination, and usually camping for at least part of it. Don't get me wrong, the trips have been great--lots of National Parks and landmarks! But before my oldest leaves for college I'd really like one "big" family vacation.

Open to any time of year where we could do it during a school break-spring break, winter break, summer, etc. It just has to happen in the next 2 years.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Costa Rica - good for all ages! Budget can be all over the place too, range of lodgings. Airfare: keep your eyes open for a great sale.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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

That said, since you seem like an adventurous clan, I'd seriously consider doing a multi-city trip to Mexico. It's got remarkable history, art, and cuisine, plus awesome outdoor activities. Spend 10 days or so on the Mayan Riviera snorkeling, caving, visiting Mayan villages, touring Sian Ka'an Biosphere etc., and doing the ruins (Coba or Chichen Itza). Then move on to some one of the old colonial cities in the area for art, dining, architecture, etc.

[Anonymous]

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

Wow, how boring is that?

[Anonymous]

I would suggest a travel agent to guide you. Everything could be set up and you wouldn't have to worry. There are so many little details you mAy not even think of now, but they will and cover them.
And I traveled all over and frequently when I was younger. Oftentimes I would get on a train in Europe and go...
But with children I'd definitely get guidance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 parents, 4 kids that in elementary-high school. We've never done any "big vacations" (Europe, Cruises, Carribbean, etc.) as a family---everything we've done has involved driving to our destination, and usually camping for at least part of it. Don't get me wrong, the trips have been great--lots of National Parks and landmarks! But before my oldest leaves for college I'd really like one "big" family vacation.

Open to any time of year where we could do it during a school break-spring break, winter break, summer, etc. It just has to happen in the next 2 years.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

What do you and your kids like? History? Nature? Architecture? Outdoors? That's the first question to ask yourself.

[Anonymous]

I would go to Italy or Greece! Purchase the tickets well in advance and rent a house on airbnb.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Costa Rica - good for all ages! Budget can be all over the place too, range of lodgings. Airfare: keep your eyes open for a great sale.

I took the family to Costa Rica in the spring. Flights are $2 to $3K but once you are there, resorts/activities/hotels are fairly inexpensive depending on where you go. Best family trip ever...something for everyone. Drinks on the beach, caving, zip lines, wildlife, hikes, volcanoes, etc. Very nice people and well developed country.

[Anonymous]

We are doing Costa Rica for spring break. Southwest now has a direct flight.

[Anonymous]

Go on a Disney carribean cruise for 7 days and spare no expenses, get the balcony and do all the character experiences. Your kids will love it, and you and your DH may be pleasantly pleased by how effortlessly everything seems to be handled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go on a Disney carribean cruise for 7 days and spare no expenses, get the balcony and do all the character experiences. Your kids will love it, and you and your DH may be pleasantly pleased by how effortlessly everything seems to be handled.

These are great cruises but most High School kids will not enjoy getting a picture with Mickey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 parents, 4 kids that in elementary-high school. We've never done any "big vacations" (Europe, Cruises, Carribbean, etc.) as a family---everything we've done has involved driving to our destination, and usually camping for at least part of it. Don't get me wrong, the trips have been great--lots of National Parks and landmarks! But before my oldest leaves for college I'd really like one "big" family vacation.

Open to any time of year where we could do it during a school break-spring break, winter break, summer, etc. It just has to happen in the next 2 years.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Given the logistics of 4 kids, I'd probably suggest a cruise. Perhaps to Alaska? or through European rivers + the fjords?

[Anonymous]

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?)