gina2000b

Can anyone recommend a great vacation for a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids ages 15, 13, & 8) this August? We like to experience the real culture of our destination (no mega resorts/kids clubs). Willing to travel to Europe, Caribbean, U.S. - but want to stay in one room/apt./condo/etc. Swimming a plus.

jgg

Well, that is a big question, and you don't mention where you have been before, but I will take a stab at this one. (Specifically because my kids hate kid's clubs as well! We prefer to spend our time together on vacation.)

After several years of doing Jamaica, Disney World, Arizona and then Maui for the past 4 years, we decided to go to Italy this year for spring break with our kids age 9 and 12. We had the best family vacation we have ever had. We spent two weeks in Italy going to Rome, Venice and Florence. We stayed in hotels, but there are a lot of recommendations on this sight for nice apartments that might suit you better.

We were there in March so swimming was not an option, but you may consider spending sometime (or even all the time depending on how long your trip is) in Tuscany. There you can rent in a villa and many have pools.

I'm sure many people will have recommendations for you. This is just from one family who decided to do something different (for us) and had an incredible vacation together.

Good luck on your research. When you have narrowed it down, come back and ask specific questions. We planned our whole trip from suggestions from this website as well as Slow Travel. They are great resources.

starrsville

Well, if you wanted to do a big driving trip in the US, I'd fly into Phoenix, visit Sedona, then the Grand Canyon. Head east through Monument Valley with a quick stop at Four Corners. On to Mesa Verde National Park and Durango Colorado. Depending on whether you want more SW or mountains, I'd head north into the mountains of Colorado and Rocky Mountain NP and fly out of Denver, or head south over high desert to Taos and Sante Fe and then fly out of Albequeque. It would be the trip of a lifetime for your family.

BetsyG

Gina - I have been thinking over your question, we also are a family of 5. Our favorite place so far is St. John, USVI but I wouldn't recommend it for August because of hurricane season. We have been there twice in late June, off season but not really hurricane season. I like starsville suggestions but you could pick one of those places if you wanted less moving around, i.e. Colorado, Arizona (hot), or Utah. You don't say where you have been, where you live or what your family likes to do. That would be good to know. Also, did you post this on the U.S. board?

ira

Hi g,

For how long?

Do you want just one place or will you move?