Anonymous wrote:I thought Cancun was reasonably fun and I really liked Chichen Itza.

I'd recommend 1 day at Xcaret and 1 day at Chichen Itza. To me, those days compared favorably with the best days on any of my global trips.

We stayed at the Mayaland hotel in Chichen Itza. It is under new management.

I recommend the planetarium show at the Mayaland and the evening shows at Xcaret and Chichen Itza.

My teens love all-inclusives resorts by the beach. Their favorite was in Mexico.
We stayed in a Rui resort in Playa del Carmen. We did the one day Xcarate pass and a day tour to the Pyramids.

We've done other vacations but they always remember that one.

One of the mountain resorts in Colorado. I like Breckenridge. Tons of outdoor activities and a cute town that the teens can enjoy.

California or Montreal

Martha’s Vineyard
Nantucket

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hawaii

This!

Not for a 6 day vacation from the east coast.

Gatlinburg
Clearwater Beach FL
New Orleans
Texas Hill country

Boulder + National park

Anonymous wrote:Hawaii

This!

Hawaii

Anonymous wrote:Montreal or Quebec city

Quebec city - such a laid back, quiet and lovely place. Someday I hope to visit it again.

Banff poster -- Can you plan all my future vacations?

Banff poster here--that was chat gpt! I dont use ai much but definitely ask for itinerary ideas and revisions!

Banff poster -- Can you plan all my future vacations?

As a native Californian, I second the LaJolla suggestion. Great food, great beaches, great hiking, a day trip to Coronado, and definitely plan at least one surf lesson. Also a Padres game if you're a baseball family.

One more suggestion for you, OP: Seattle and Olympic National Park. In Seattle, I'd recommend a day at Alki Beach (you can take the water ferry from downtown), a day trip to Bainbridge Island, a Mariners or Sounders or Reign game.

a couple thoughts:

domestic:

you mentioned california but....

La Jolla and san diego--if you stay in la jolla by the water, there's lots to walk to and plenty to do nearby but also hanging out on the beach, eating good food, etc.

carmel, monterey and san francisco

or, the oregon coast

---
as others have mentioned, costa rica has a lot to do and is beautiful. my kids preferred la fortuna but we also enjoyed uvita/dominical and the caribbean coast (which I would recommend if late july as they get a little break in the rain).

belize was really nice for that length--we did 2.5 days in san ignacio/jungle/cave/ruins and then a few days snorkeling and beaching.

canadian maritimes/nova scotia


banff/lake louise

finally, OP, try some itineraries on chat gpt with your parameters. Here was the lake louise suggestion:

Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Travel & Arrive in Banff
Fly from DC to Calgary (usually via Toronto)

Pick up rental car, drive 1.5 hrs to Banff

Check into lodge/hotel (e.g., Moose Hotel or Canalta Lodge)

Dinner in Banff, short stroll along Bow River

Day 2: Hike & Explore Banff
Morning: Hike Johnston Canyon (with waterfalls + catwalks)

Afternoon: Visit Lake Minnewanka (option for kayaking or boat tour)

Evening: Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs

Optional: Stargazing or board game night at the lodge

Day 3: Lake Louise + Moraine Lake Adventure
Early drive to Moraine Lake (iconic view, quick hike)

Afternoon: Canoe on Lake Louise ($145/hour)

Short hike to Lake Agnes Tea House (teens will love the challenge)

Ice cream and chill in the village

Day 4: Glacier Adventure Day
Drive the Icefields Parkway (arguably the most beautiful road in the world)

Stop at Peyto Lake & Athabasca Glacier

Do the Columbia Icefield Adventure (ride an Ice Explorer & skywalk)

Return to Banff or stay 1 night in Jasper for a new vibe

Day 5: Whitewater Rafting + Wildlife Spotting
Morning: Half-day whitewater rafting trip (Class II–IV options available!)

Afternoon: Wildlife tour or bike rentals around Banff

Free time: souvenirs, chill, maybe try axe throwing or a fun escape room

Day 6: Scenic drive back & flight home
Breakfast, drive to Calgary

Optional stop at Canada Olympic Park (bobsled, zipline, mountain coaster)

Fly home

With those parameters, I’d go to a driving distance beach (DE, OBX, Hilton Head is farther but some find it worth it). My kids prefer those vacations best, too (we’ve taken many great trips elsewhere that they’ve enjoyed, but when asked for their opinions, they like chill beach vacations best).

Anonymous wrote:Stumped on where to go this summer for a 6 day vacation with my college-age sons. We went to Europe last summer and my kids want something more laid back this year. We have done and enjoyed some of the Caribbean islands, Bermuda, California, the national parks out west. Looking for something where we can mostly relax and not be on the go but plenty for the kids to walk to. Budget around $10k. Any places I am missing for a 6 day jaunt?

You can literally go anywhere and have fun. You need to give us more information.