A few years ago you helped me plan a trip to France with my son... now, we are starting to plan our summer vacation and would love your help again.

Here are the details: I am now a single mom and have a very(!) limited budget but would like to go somewhere warm, for about 7 days. Depending on where, I may use my frequent flyer miles for the airfare.

My son is now 17 and is happy to go snorkeling, fishing, swimming, exploring historical sites (big history buff), electronic game areas are always welcome (to my dismay and discouragement), meeting other teens, exploring new things... basically a great, easy-going kid. We went on a 5 day cruise last Easter to Mexico and he thoroughly enjoyed that. Another cruise is still an option, but I wanted to explore other ideas first. I am happy to do whatever makes him tick.

Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanks!

A friend, single mom, took her teenage son and another boy (my son) to the beach campground on St. Johns. They slept in 2 tents on wooden platforms, with beds inside, and there was some sort of small dining hall on the premises.

The boys had great fun on the beach, and there were lots of other families with teenagers around -- they swam, played cards, threw frisbees, and generally had a great time.

I was going to suggest the Riviera Maya area but you have already been to Mexico on your cruise. Puerto Rico has a lot to do and has accomodations in all price ranges. What is you lodging budget per night? That will hlep others give you some more precise options.

You might also be able to find some travel bargains at:

www.skyauction.com

If somethiing interests you on skyauction, do a search for "skyauction" and you'll get some advice from people who have actually bid. Make sure you the fine print for any additional charges.

Another auction is www.luxury.link - it is for more upscale properties.

Good luck!

Here are 2 properties that caught my eye. If my quick calculations are correct, the first is currently running about $105 per night with taxes and fees and seasonal charges and the Rio Mar in Puerto Rico (nice resort, we almost stayed there but ended up at a resort near by) is around $85 per night. Most of these resorts appear for auction regularly on the site so if you don't win the bid, they should be back on in a few days.

http://www.skyauction.com/action/offer/1380136

http://www.skyauction.com/action/offer/1380258

I have to agree with love the cape. I think Puerto Rico would offer the right mix for you. It has history, and many sightseeing activities plus a wide variety of accomodations.
We went last year and stayed at the Caribe Hilton. Our stay was very nice there.
Good luck.

I agree with Puerto Rico. It was the first place we ever went in the Caribbean and we loved it. We stayed at the El Conquistador Resort (in the mid-1990's) and loved our first introduction to snorkeling at their private island, Palomino Island. I understand they have horseback riding there now too and a water park. Puerto Rico has history and El Yunque Rain Forest to tour. I'm sure there's a hotel there that would be great for you.

Wow! Thanks for all of the good ideas. I worked in PR many years ago, but my son has never been... could be a good option. I'll let you know what we end up doing!