Family Vacation
 

I would like to take my daughter and her family (3 kids 6-10-11/husband) on a vacation in late March. We are interested in a warm climate and we are open as far as location. It can be the U.S., carribean, West Coast, East Coast. It would be good if there were access to services to watch the children if we go off on our own for some adult time. Would like lots of kid interest and activities, but also interest for adults. Moderately priced would be good, but want good accomodations.

Thanks for your input.

I'd appreciate some ideas. Thank you.

Bz1443

We took our kids to the Marriott in Aruba. It was a fun vacation. They have a kids club that will take the kids for three hours at dinner time. They take the kids for Pizza at one of their restaurants and you can dine in the nicer restaurant. They have a day time kids club that we did not use. We used the night time one once and the kids had fun. We were two families traveling ages 8, 10, 10, 11,and 11 at the time. We had the 10 and 11 year olds.
The Marriott had watersports galore out front if you wanted it. They also have two timeshare properties that you can rent. This may conserve on cost having a kitchen for breakfasts or lunch items.
Also, the weather is great and would be very warm. The restaurants on the island are excellent and it is somewhat americanized so a good place to take kids. The water is drinkable from the tap!
There are many other timeshares and hotels on the island that may offer a less expensive vacation.
Puerto Rico has many great hotels. The Caribe Hilton was one we went to years ago with a large family get together. We all had a good time.
A cruise might be a good vacation with kids.
Arizona is resorts galore and the weather would be warm.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I have been to the Marriott in Aruba and it is very nice. I have considered that as a possibility, but wanting to explore my options. Do you have any suggestions for Arizona?

thanks

Have you thought of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands? Perhaps Beaches or you may want to try one of the condo properties such as Le Vele, Royal West Indies or Ocean Club. The condos would give you more space as you may be able to get a three bedroom condo (which would probably make it more feasible).

I was very fortunate to have gone on a business trip with my husband to Scottsdale(we brought the kids too) to the Phonecian. I know it was expensive, but we did not have to pay. It was a fabulous resort.
There are many resorts. I would check the chains, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Fairmont/Sonesta?, to see what resorts they have there. They will have websites that will give you descriptions.
We took our kids to Sedona for a day to see the red rock canyons. It was very boring for them (6 and 7) at the time. They just wanted to go down the slide at the hotel pool! You can visit the Grand Canyon from there. It is quite the drive, but you can incorporate this if you have the time and desire to do so. I am not a big fan of the desert, but it was interesting.
Southern California could be a good choice. We have been to San Diego and they have SeaWorld. It is a short drive to Disney. I found this Disney to be a lot smaller and was more enjoyable. We stayed at a Hyatt in La Jolla and a Hyatt in Anaheim. Hyatt was offering a buy one room, get the other for half price for the kids. We had my mother in law on this trip and she took the half off room. (This was several years ago so I am not sure if Hyatt runs this type of Promotion anymore.)
Late March is a nice time to get to a warm weather destination. We are going to Hawaii next April for our spring break.
We went last year to San Fransisco. The weather was not that warm. It was in the high 50's-low60's. It is a city tour which may be too much for your 6 year old grandchild. We rode the trolleys, went to Alcatraz, toured Chinatown(our favorite), ate in the italian section of North Beach, went to Muir Woods to see the redwood forests,etc...It was a great trip, but will not be relaxing.
The Caribbean would be a more relaxing vacation. The Grand Cayman was on our list, but we had frequent flyer tickets and Hawaii was available and the Cayman was not. So, we will tough it out in Hawaii...LOL...
The Grand Cayman is a safe island with clean drinking water. It has resorts that are priced from moderate to very expensive.
Good luck and let me know where you choose!! I hope I was somewhat helpful!.

Consider Isla Mujeres
A small laid back inexpensive island
10 miles off Cancun.
visit www.isla-mujeres.net
On the left tool bar click places to stay
try Nautie beach Condos
else e-mail us
[email protected] and we will e-mail
you our 30 page brochure on the island.
No strings --we have no commercial interests
Dan and Ginny

You have been very helpful. I'll let you know what we decide on....it is difficult when you have different ages, different interests, etc.

thanks a bunch.

Bonnie

Why not check out Kauai,Hawaii.It is the most beautiful island that I have been to.It is not too commercialized but has plenty of stuff to do.The Kauai Poipu Beach Hyatt was voted one of the best family resorts in Hawaii by the Travel Channel.

You could visit Waimea Canyon..while there AKA..the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,kayak the Wailua River,Opekea (spelling?)falls,Wailua Falls,Spouting Horn,Queens Bath (a natural pool),snorkel Kee'Beach on the North Shore.

Google Kauai for more information if you are interested!We live on the East Coast and the long flight was well worth a visit to that beautiful island!;)

Good luck..wherever you choose to go!