I'm trying to get my 17 year old to consent to a few days in the sun with me. His response has been wishy-washy. I think he's concerned about being stuck with his mom. Any ideas on where we could do in the 48 contiguous states? He loves tennis - I love the beach. Thx

If you can go soon, the Nasdaq 100 tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, Florida runs from March 24 - April 4. You can stay right on the Key and enjoy the beach, or come in from the mainland for a couple of days for the tournament. While I wouldn't classify it as cheap, the day or night passes are a great deal, and it is a lot of fun to spend a day just jumping from one match to the other on a whim. It really is a very nicely laid out and planned tournament with lots of interesting activities on the grounds.

While Key Biscayne does not have much to offer, I think, otherwise for a 17 year old, it is not too far to South Beach. Hotels on Key Biscayne are very nice, if pricey (I've heard they do come up on Priceline), and the beach is okay. Then again, Florida sunshine is Florida sunshine whatever beach you are at.

how about skiing?

Depends on when (March? April?) and your departure city. Are you flying or driving? Does your Son have any suggestions?
I find it is much easier to entice a 17yr old Son to travel w/ Mum if you offer for him to bring along a friend. They "chill" while you enjoy the beach. Then he is not "stuck w/ his Mum"! He's w/ a friend. This is "cool" & Mum just happens to be there!!

coskier - he just skied with his dad in February. The trip would begin and end between 3/27 and 4/4 - don't have to go the entire time so the tennis tournament might be the key buy here. Thanks!

The Boca Raton Resort and Country Club has one of the best tennis centers on the east coast. I think it is home to pro Chris Everett.

The Boca Raton Resort & CC beach is fantastic.

Teen agers need to be embarassed.
I did not yield just to satisfy the whims of a drippy nosed teen ager.
Perhaps I engendered resentments.
So what. Its my money paying for it.
Therefore I reserve some right to say how it is used.

Actually, I'm the one pushing a trip - he wants to stay at home and save $$. This is not a drippy nosed teenager. He just knows that he'll have more action with his father than me.

The Bausch and Lomb tennis tourney is April 5-11 on Amelia Island Florida, held at the Amelia Island Plantation. Even if you aren't here for the tourney, the AIPlantation will be a great place to stay and offer lots of tennis options. The resort is on the beach and there is a nice quaint downtown shopping area (outside of the resort) listed on the national historic register.

To Bob Brown "The apple does not fall far from the tree."

cmeyer54, enjoy your time with your son, whatever you decide to do. I vote for Key Biscayne. He will not only enjoy the tennis, but he'll love the girls in skimpy clothes, too...LOL! Remind him how hot it is in Florida and all the girls in bikinis. Maybe that will get his attention.

Bob -- Had I been your child I'd have been a drippy nosed teenager just to tick you off! As the previous poster said... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Why not ask him to plan the trip? I have a daughter the same age & I understand your concern. If they aren't sold on the ide then you can waste your time try to be the "cheer leader" of the trip.

What are his interests other than tennis? Where are you leaving from? Any budget restraints?

How about New Orleans? We have a lot to offer for all ages. History, good food, House of Blues concerts, swamp tours, 6 Flags theme park & of course... Bourbon Street. Don't worry, during the day it's pretty mild & he can always brag that he was there. For tennis, check out
http://www.sport-neworleans.com/tennis_sport.html

Check out the Colony Tennis/Beach resort on Long Boat Key, Florida (Sarasota)...excellent tennis, great beaches, close to good places to eat (resort has nice restaurants too)...rooms are like small condos...it is also a very safe area if your son wanted some alone time...

As it turned out, his dad was back in Germany on business so he flew over, they joined up and had 6 days of skiing together. We'll get our time over the summer. Thanks for all the suggestions -