We're behind in planning for summer vacation. There are 4 of us...who each have a different idea.
1. I'd like to go to the beach (any beach, either coast would be fine with me).
2. Husband would like to go to the mountains (preferably Colorado or somewhere else in the West)
3. Child 1 (15 year old male) wants to go to Texas. (He spent a month there last summer and wants to return.)
4. Child 2 (12 year old female) wants to go to Disney. Always a fun trip. (Though summer is not really when I want to go to Disney)
Our budget can't afford more than 1 of these. I'm flexible...would really go anywhere. It's just good to get away together as a family and laugh and spend some time together.
So...what's the best family vacation you've ever taken and why?
Interesting that Southern CA keeps coming up in the responses. We went there 2 years ago and LOVED it...maybe we should just do a repeat. The weather is nice year round.
Our son loved the culture in TX...more laid back than in our part of the country. He enjoyed visiting the Alamo. Really though, he spent a month with friends and I think is nostalgic to repeat that time.
Here's my thought: Road trip.
Head to FL (Disney) by way of North Carolina. Go through the mountains to get there and stay there for a couple of days. Stop in Myrtle Beach South Carolina for another couple of days. Then on to Disney for the remainder. Or do opposite and go to Disney first and hit the beach and mountains on the way back. :-)
We prefer beach vacations. We are originally from FL and grew up 1 mile from the beach. We usually go to Sanibel Island (FL) every summer for 2 weeks. Two of our best beach vacations were Hawaii and Spain (Costa del Sol). I would say find something that the kids enjoy. In a few more years they'll be gone and you and hubby can do anything you like!
I love to go to new places, so it is hard to pick a favorite. We do weekend trips here in Texas -- just got back from the San Angelo area and the bluebonnets and other wildflowers were just gorgeous! But I would highly recommend you not come here in the summer! If you are not used to it, the heat would be too much.
Maybe do spring break sometime and see Big Bend. There are small mountains there and the culture is "real Texas."
We went to Seattle last year and loved it! There were mountains, theme parks, the coast was close too. So much to do and it was so beautiful! Although San Diego would be a great place too...lots to do with theme parks, beaches, the san diego zoo, lego land, etc.
I don't have one favorite spot because I like to see new places, but Hawaii was probably our best ever family vacation. It was beautiful and had a mix of activities--hiking, marine life, snorkeling, beach and pool and volcanoes. That's a pretty long flight for you. They do have a new Disney-owned resort there though that could satisfy beach and Disney lovers. We have the same dilemma--I like the beach, my husband prefers the mountains.
Southern California could probably satisfy at least three of you. It has mountains within reasonable driving distance, the beach AND Disney. We've had a couple of good vacations in LA, San Diego and Carlsbad.
We went to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone last summer. The Grand Tetons would obviously satisfy your husband and Jackson/Jackson Hole has a variety of activities for all interests. No beach, but would whitewater rafting help? My boys (also 12 and 15) actually preferred the Jackson/Jackson Hole part of the vacation to the Yellowstone part.
You could do 3 of 4 of those by a trip to Cailfornia. Spend a few days in Big Sur, then drive south to a beach area like Malibu, Santa Monica, etc. and spend a day in Disney. Not sure what you son loved in Texas, but there has to be something in California that he'd like.
Well, I lived in Texas and hated it, so my apologies to your son for ignoring his part of the request, but my first thought is California.
In the same state you have nice mountains, beautiful beaches and Disneyland. You could have the vacation sampler platter. :-)
My family has done Disney World at Christmastime and Great Wolf Lodge in the Fall and we loved them both. Our summer travel is usually full up on family obligations, so I don't have real summer suggestions for you. I don't LOVE Disney (as much) in the summer, but I do love Florida beaches the best.
Good luck to you finding a good compromise.
I would rule out Disney right away. You don't want to be there in July. It's hot and at 12 and 15... it's not really going to be as much fun as they think! Same thing with Texas... pretty vague vacation idea.
I love the beach. We used to go to the Outer Banks every year in late May. Beautiful... relaxing... quiet. There's as much to do or as little do as you like and there is a wide range of accommodations depending on your budget. We go 90 mph every day- for us, vacation is slowly down and just enjoying some quiet and play time.
You know, you could find a combo of #1 and #2 depending on where you go! Find somewhere out west with a sandy beach and rent a cottage for 10 days. You get your sandy beach... husband can go hiking and fishing... kids can do both!
My favorite vacations are always beach, but reading your dilemma I thought southern california would satisfy 3 of you. Head to LA, and you can get beach, DisneyLand, and hiking in the hills, or even venturing out to the mountains. It won't be Texas, but maybe there is enough other good stuff to hold his attention. We actually did go down over Christmas break and had a great time. Sightseeing in Hollywood, the beach area in Venice, cool natural museum with IMAX. You'd have to drive a bit while you're there, but it could be a great adventure.
