Pegasus Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 We received an inheritance earlier this year and have budgeted $4k for a family vacation. I need ideas for where to go and what to do. We are a family of 4 including DD12 and DD9. We live in East Tennessee and past vacations have included: Walt Disney World beach on Florida panhandle Chicago Sacramento/San Francisco northeast area north of Boston driving tour of midwest (St. Louis arch, badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, and Yellowstone N.P.) local trips to Nashville, Chattanooga, Smokey Mtns I'm looking forward to seeing your suggestions! Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Go on a cruise. We did this as a family of 8, plus my parents. Best vacation ever!!! Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 When you did San Francisco, was it mostly a city visit or did you get to explore the terrain a bit? If you haven't done Yosemite and/or other natural attractions in California, I'd strongly consider that. The Grand Canyon would be a memorable visit to a new part of the country. Or, you can come see us down in New Orleans! edited to add that your kids are at a great age to do DC, Philly or New York! fun AND history in all 3 places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I would drive across the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 When do you want to go? I really would love to take my dc to Maui; dh and I went a few years ago and it was fantastic; warm, beautiful, beaches, safe, USA (no passport needed!). I would really like to go back to VanCouver and Victoria, BC, with the dc as well. It was clean, safe, fun, interesting, lots to do and see, not in the USA (so you will need a passport now or soon, anyway). Went to the Riviera Maya w/dc a couple years ago - was very fun and relaxing; Chichen Itza was goose-bump cool! I would suggest staying at at least a 4 star, all-inclusive resort. We did get sick toward the end, though :D. Worth it? Yeah, the dc even recently asked when we were going back. Also need a passport these days. Good luck, what a fun decision! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey in TX Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Our average family vacation is $4000 for 7-8 people. Best vacations we've taken are Italy (off-season), and Disney. If you desire something more cultural, consider Chicago or San Francisco. Have a great vacation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deidre in GA Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Go on a cruise. We did this as a family of 8, plus my parents. Best vacation ever!!! Ria :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Outer Banks! So much to see and do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Washington, D.C. So much to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 Go on a cruise. We did this as a family of 8, plus my parents. Best vacation ever!!! Ria Oh! I do want to do an Alaskan cruise. Thanks for the reminder. I'll have to check prices. I'd love to do some of the unique Alaskan experiences. Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 When you did San Francisco, was it mostly a city visit or did you get to explore the terrain a bit? If you haven't done Yosemite and/or other natural attractions in California, I'd strongly consider that. The Grand Canyon would be a memorable visit to a new part of the country. Or, you can come see us down in New Orleans! edited to add that your kids are at a great age to do DC, Philly or New York! fun AND history in all 3 places. We mostly visited family while in Sacramento but did take the time to do a city visit to San Francisco and spent a couple days in Yosemite. Oh my, I nearly keeled over carrying a toddler up one of those trails! I took a business trip to New Orleans once, years ago. I very much enjoyed myself. Thanks for the suggestions. Grand Canyon would be great and I've been thinking about DC. Decision, decisions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 I would drive across the country. I wonder how far we could go and how many sights we could see before we ran out of money and had to come home. Probably depends on the price fluctuations in gas. It would be fun to find out! Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 When do you want to go? I really would love to take my dc to Maui; dh and I went a few years ago and it was fantastic; warm, beautiful, beaches, safe, USA (no passport needed!). I would really like to go back to VanCouver and Victoria, BC, with the dc as well. It was clean, safe, fun, interesting, lots to do and see, not in the USA (so you will need a passport now or soon, anyway). Went to the Riviera Maya w/dc a couple years ago - was very fun and relaxing; Chichen Itza was goose-bump cool! I would suggest staying at at least a 4 star, all-inclusive resort. We did get sick toward the end, though :D. Worth it? Yeah, the dc even recently asked when we were going back. Also need a passport these days. Good luck, what a fun decision! I've never priced Hawaii but I assumed that $4k wouldn't be enough. Maybe I'm wrong. :confused: I'll look into your other suggestions as well. DH and I have valid passports but I think the children's have expired. Shouldn't be a problem as long as I plan far enough in advance! I don't really have a timeframe in mind yet. We're still in the dreaming stage. :001_smile: Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I've never priced Hawaii but I assumed that $4k wouldn't be enough. Maybe I'm wrong. :confused: I'll look into your other suggestions as well. DH and I have valid passports but I think the children's have expired. Shouldn't be a problem as long as I plan far enough in advance! I don't really have a timeframe in mind yet. We're still in the dreaming stage. :001_smile: Pegasus If you look around, you can get a family of 4 to Hawaii for under $4K for a week. You'd be looking at only about a week, though. Food is the biggest expense, after lodging. Check w/a travel agent for this and compare it to what is online...for sure. And I know Mexico is really inexpensive for all-inclusive stuff. Check with Funjet or Apple Vacations...again, call them as well because sometimes they can save you oodles of $ more than what is available online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Go to Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I've only been twice and I'm really hoping for something like that with my kids late next year. Maybe I can hijack this a little and ask the hive about the costs of that type trip, and where to go?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxxxxxxx Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Can I come along? :001_smile: Washington, D.C. So much to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Book a room at Hotel Harrington in D.C. and, staying at motels along the way, drive up and do Washington area, also drive yourself in a loop to hit other spots like Gettysburg, Monticello, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 You could have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World with $4000!! There are some good deals coming up next year, where you stay a few nights and get a few nights free. We went a few years ago, and stayed for 6 nights on site at a moderate resort, and we had the time of our lives. We have three kids, and it cost as about $3000. With $4000, and getting in on one of those deals I mentioned, you could probably stay at one of the really nice resorts onsite, which would be even better! If we ever have a sum of money to use for vacation, we will be going back to Disney without a second thought!! It was the best vacation ever. ETA: Oops, I missed the part where you said that you've already been there. LOL Oh well, if it were us, we'd go again! ;) Erica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Take them hiking in a National Park in Utah (Bryce? Arches? Zion?) or a really great trip in the Rockies. Maybe rafting on the Colorado River? Grand Canyon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Closeacademy Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 If you do the Big Island of Hawai'i and stay at one of these places http://www.vrbo.com/ You can get a deal. Car and plane tickets are the most expensive but with a condo or house you can just buy normal groceries and eat at "home." We really liked the plate lunches in Hawai'i because we could share one or two and have more than enough food. The beach in Hawai'i is free and so are a lot of the historical sites. If you want to do luau or adventures then you will have to pay out money. We like Destin and Disney World too. I'm hoping that the VRBO link will save you some money if you decide to go to a specfic destination. Hope you have a great time wherever you go.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I'd go to Europe, too. London or Paris would be my first choice. Lots of history, culture, and adventure. If you travel off season--not summer-- you can find decent air fare. Get a Rick Steves guide for whatever city or country interests you for suggestions on lodging that won't break the bank. Eat local...RS has suggestions on that as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Is $4K really enough to go to Europe? My sister has a friend in London and she said all the plane tickets she had been looking at were $1000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Go on a cruise. We did this as a family of 8, plus my parents. Best vacation ever!!! Ria If you go off season, you could get a great trip for that kind of money. Cruises are just awesome, and most (all?) have activities for the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamamoon Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 i second the vbro hawaii option. we got an amazing house last year on the beach in kauai through them. paradise!! and when you have a kitchen to do some of the cooking, it really helps. we essentially got off the plane, and drove straight to costco for supplies. lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I've only been twice and I'm really hoping for something like that with my kids late next year. Maybe I can hijack this a little and ask the hive about the costs of that type trip, and where to go?? Stacey, We ski in Colorado - Winter Park is where we've been most recently. But we've also been to Vail, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Purgatory, as well as Park Cities in Utah, Jackson Hole in Wyoming and Whistler in B.C. You can expect to pay $200 on up per night for a 2 bedroom condo, $20 per day for equipment rentals, and $60-80 per day for lift tickets. The lodging is the big question mark. If you want to stay in a luxury ski-in, ski-out place then you will pay dearly. And it is really nice to just walk outside and ski, not having to lug your skis all over the place. But if you plan really well, you can get a good condo on the shuttle route (most resorts have them) and it's not much walking. Be careful of a "short walk to the slopes" because there is no short walk when you are carrying, skis, poles, and boots while wearing your heavy winter gear and helping your kids carry their stuff, too. Or you can stay out, away from the resort and the shuttle and really save, but then you have to drive to the resort and find parking every day which can be difficult. Your dates will affect the price you pay. If you avoid Christmas holidays, President's weekend, MLK weekend, and spring break (all of March) you will do better on the lodging. I have a friend who is a wholesaler in the industry, and he says that it looks like prices will be dropping for the 2009/10 season, so you may do better next year. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I'd have to go with D.C. and area or NYC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret in GA Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Is $4K really enough to go to Europe? My sister has a friend in London and she said all the plane tickets she had been looking at were $1000. Yes, it really is. I've been looking for tickets to London and right now they are averaging $450 per person from Atlanta. Of course, it would be a bit more for them since they are flying out of a smaller airport. But, if you travel a bit off season and buy a Rick Steves guide you can actually do it. We were going to go skiing this winter, but this is actually cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 (edited) We're academic, history and theatre geeks. So, either an all-out Broadway trip--with tickets for every day--or a history-centric outing--with a side trip to the West End with theatre tickets for at least a couple of shows would probably be our dream vacation here. Edited to add: And I just checked. You can fly from Florida to London for $475 per person. Edited December 4, 2008 by Jenny in Florida Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 (edited) I would probably do NYC, Europe, or a fabulous beach vacation. We've stayed here previously: Casa del Secreto. Private house, private pool, private beach, private chef, beautiful yard with hammocks strung from teh coconut trees. Easy to get to from Cancun without having to be in Cancun with all the partiers. Playa del Carmen, Xel Ha, and ruins are all nearby. Edited December 4, 2008 by Amy loves Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Is $4K really enough to go to Europe? My sister has a friend in London and she said all the plane tickets she had been looking at were $1000. If you go when everyone else wants to go, then it is expensive. Avoid holidays and school breaks for the best deals. We go to Belgium in February a lot and generally pay 350-400 dollars for a round trip ticket. We live near a big airport, so that helps. Gosh, y'all have me jonesing for a European fix. Going to look up flights..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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