For those ages I’d skip Antarctica (which I loved but lots of down time and looking at incredible scenery which my kids didn’t like at that age).

Consider Alaska. Small ship cruise (like 15 people - lots of options for kayaking, hiking, etc) and then a land trip around Kenai and possibly stay in the park at Denali. Fly in bear watching. My kids loved this as young teens. You could easily spend $40k for 2-3 weeks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH’s company is having a very large exit and to celebrate with our kids we want to take a really special once in a lifetime type trip. Something we wouldn’t normally even consider. Kids are 7 and 9. Budget is up to $60k for the right trip. I was thinking Antarctica might be a great option, New Zealand/Australia or an African Safari, although it would have to be the right lodge for this age. Another idea is chartering a catamaran and island hopping in the Caribbean or Europe. Give ideas please!

These are you "once in a lifetime" trips? I've taken my family on these types of trips every 3 years. They love the safaris. Europe is so over done.

Like I wonder what you felt like you added to the discussion by saying this to the OP? Do you realize that the vast majority of people never take these trips period? It’s actually sad that you apparently have enough money and opportunity to do these trips every 3 months but still need to diss other people to feel good about yourself.

Anonymous wrote:Send the kids to summer camp, which they will actually enjoy, and go on an adult trip.

This. The kids would LOVE a summer camp where they horseback, swim and do s'mores all summer while the adults live it up in the destination of their choosing.

though my kids do love any water activity - beach, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, fishing, etc. I think OP should ignore the 60K and just plan what suits her. She may not meet 60K. The vacay could be 30 or 40. Great. Run with it, and save the money for an equally amazing once in a lifetime trip later in the year, or next year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only thing I think about when it comes to Antarctica posts is how seasick I would get. Zero interest.

There’s now fly and cruise trips where you can skip the drake passage.

Thank you!

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DH’s company is having a very large exit and to celebrate with our kids we want to take a really special once in a lifetime type trip. Something we wouldn’t normally even consider. Kids are 7 and 9. Budget is up to $60k for the right trip. I was thinking Antarctica might be a great option, New Zealand/Australia or an African Safari, although it would have to be the right lodge for this age. Another idea is chartering a catamaran and island hopping in the Caribbean or Europe. Give ideas please!

[/quote]

These are you "once in a lifetime" trips? I've taken my family on these types of trips every 3 years. They love the safaris. Europe is so over done. [/quote]

You only do this every three YEARS???? We go on Safari every three WEEKS. You must be POOR.

Anonymous wrote:The only thing I think about when it comes to Antarctica posts is how seasick I would get. Zero interest.

There’s now fly and cruise trips where you can skip the drake passage.

My kids went to all the Disney's and we were underwhelmed. They *much* prefered Universal.

Anonymous wrote:DH’s company is having a very large exit and to celebrate with our kids we want to take a really special once in a lifetime type trip. Something we wouldn’t normally even consider. Kids are 7 and 9. Budget is up to $60k for the right trip. I was thinking Antarctica might be a great option, New Zealand/Australia or an African Safari, although it would have to be the right lodge for this age. Another idea is chartering a catamaran and island hopping in the Caribbean or Europe. Give ideas please!

These are you "once in a lifetime" trips? I've taken my family on these types of trips every 3 years. They love the safaris. Europe is so over done.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Omg - these trips all sound like nightmares for your kids. Can they stay home?

I agree. The trip of a lifetime with kids is going to be Disney, OP. That’s what they’d love, the trips you’ve suggested are adult trips.

For $60,000? With that kind of budget I would look at visiting far away destinations that are very expensive to travel to. Places like the South Pacific, Micronesia, Polynesia, etc… Or the Seychelles, the Maldives, Mauritius (which you can add to an African Safari). Or I’d do Asia like Indonesia/Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. There are so many amazing places to visit in the world besides Disney! (And I’m a Disney fan).

The only thing I think about when it comes to Antarctica posts is how seasick I would get. Zero interest.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please stop touring in Antarctica. Leave it be.

Agree.

If people don't see Antarctica, what are you preserving it for?

Whales and penguins and icebergs?

How many thousands and millions of years has it been around without people with cameras and egos needing to confirm its existence?

You gotta admit, Antarctica is the ultimate IG and Bragbook, err Facebook, post

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please stop touring in Antarctica. Leave it be.

Agree.

If people don't see Antarctica, what are you preserving it for?

Whales and penguins and icebergs?

How many thousands and millions of years has it been around without people with cameras and egos needing to confirm its existence?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please stop touring in Antarctica. Leave it be.

Agree.

If people don't see Antarctica, what are you preserving it for?

We've chartered a catamaran twice in the BVI with kids. The first time our friends' kid was only 5. If your kids can swim, I wouldn't worry about their ages. We had an amazing trip both times. Both boats had water toys (stand up paddle boards, kayaks, motorized underwater explorer), snorkeling (and scuba) gear, and a dinghy that the captain used for tubing the kids. Make sure you select a captain and chef who are kid friendly. The cost was about $30k each time for a boat that held 8 guests, so you'd have an additional $30k for another trip down the road when your kids are older.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please stop touring in Antarctica. Leave it be.

Agree.

Clearly neither of you have ever researched or taken an Antarctica cruise. They are INSANELY protective of the environment. One example, Your gear is put through bio hazard cleaning before you leave the ship when you land on the continent. The cruises going there are not your Carnival cruises with casinos and belly flop contests; they are expedition ships focused on education.

Additionally, there are no children allowed on these cruises, so it's out for OP until they hit 18.

No way would I feed into the disappearance of nature by getting on a cruise.

Stay away then - cheaper prices for the rest of us! Antarctica is absolutely amazing. And the only way to get there is on a ship.

Or by documentary like most people.

Ok, if you're so Eco-conscience, just don't travel anywhere then. Because you're doing damage somewhere, somehow by traveling on a plane or in a car or on a train.