Ideas for 3-generation family vacation
 

My husband and I are planning a vacation for us, our kids, and our five grandchildren (12 of us in all) in June 2014. At that time, the grandkids will range in age from 2-16. We want someplace near or on the ocean. We've thought about the Caribbean or Mexico, or maybe a cruise in that area. If we stay on land, what family-friendly destinations/resorts offer things to do for the kids but will also satisfy active adults? Would you suggest all-inclusive (we don't drink)? If we go on a cruise, which cruise lines would you recommend? This is the first time we will travel together, so nothing too stress-inducing or complicated, please! Any ideas for a memorable and fun week together would be appreciated.

If you're interested in Mexico or the Caribbean you will get more replies if you post on those boards, not many people post on this one, Fodors also has a cruise board, although you will find far more posters on cruisecritic.com. With lots of kids you might want to try Disney cruises.

From where and with what budget? Without enough relevant info I don't see how you expect anyone to give you a relevant response.

For example, you mention cruises but I for one would not suggest a cruise website to you UNLESS I knew your budget could afford it.

With only one week available I also would not suggest anything that involves much actual travel time to/from the destination. That means knowing where you are coming from to start with. If you are on the west coast of the USA for example I would be more likely to suggest a place on the west coast of Mexico for example.

The more relevant info you provide, the more relevant the responses are likely to be.

vrbo.com

Hawaii would tick all the boxes. For one week, I'd choose one island and stay in a condo complex where everyone can have their own space and you can share the amenities.

We have been to the Big Island a few times, and we have stayed at Sea Village there, just south of Kona. It is a nice, clean, smallish complex with full-on ocean views, a swimming pool, free tennis courts, free parking, free barbecues to use in the beautiful garden courtyard. You can find places on VRBO by Googling Sea Village, or you could contact Donita's Vacations, who helped us book our places.

http://www.donita.com/

BTW, don't be confused that Donita's is a timeshare trade company. We used them once when we had a rental condo to swap, and other times we just did a straight rental through them. Their prices were very good.

I would recommend Tanzania Safari. June is a dry season, warm and it's the best time for viewing wildlife in abundant. I would suggest you have 6Nights on Safari( to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire) and fly back home to USA. You can plan your arrangements and booking with Happy World Safaris.

Both in Caribbean and Mexico, you can find sea shore area. So searching a cruise is not a big deal. You can find carnival cruise lines, vacation cruises are also available in these area. But if you are planning for three generation vacation, one more place I can suggest you and that is Solomon Island. This island has a scenic natural beauty and also there are several hotels and resorts for accommodation. In hotels like Uepi hotels, Honiara hotels, King Solomon Hotel, Charapoana Island Hotels, Ghizo Island Hotels etc., you can find special facilities for Children under the age of 18 years. They can share their parent's room, extra bedding is free. If a child under the age of 18 years should require an adjoining room to their parents a discount of 50% off the normal room rate will be given. Interconnecting rooms are available. So senior citizen can also be adjusted accordingly.

The cruise idea is a good one and I would also recommend Cruise Critic. Florida (where I live) has a lot of cruise ports with ships going to many destinations.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

We did a three generation trip to a guest ranch in Montana (Mountain Sky) -- loved it! Great kid/teen programs, riding, fishing, tennis, a pool, hiking, rafting. We went to one with great food (not just the home style cooking); the all-inclusive price did not include alcohol, so you would not be paying for something you did not want. http://www.mountainsky.com/Home.aspx

One time we did a three generation trip to Tuscany where we rented a large villa with pool for the week and another trip together was to the Colorado Rockies where we rented two large condos through East-West.

We have done three generation trips to Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, and most recently to Hilton Head Island. All three were a great deal of fun.

We've rented a house on Cape Cod and we've taken a Caribbean cruise with 3 generations; both worked out very well.

The cruise was certainly easier, as meals were all included and there were lots of activities for all ages. we always had dinner together, but often sub-divided during the day.

The OP registered, started the thread back in August . . . and has never been heard from again. Likely still not looking.

An all-inclusive resort in Mexico would be a great idea – choose somewhere you can stay in a large villa, or in inter-connecting rooms around a pool. Mexico has plenty to offer everyone in terms of excursions. The older members of the party can visit historic sites and travel to see the Mayan ruins, while the youngsters can take part in beach sports and water sports. It doesn’t have to be all-inclusive but we found it helps when you are a large party because you don’t need to keep worrying about who picked up what check. Also, the bigger all-inclusive resorts have good childcare options for when you need a break from the little ones. If not Mexico then I would recommend Hawaii.

Travel with so many people is very difficult logistically, especially since youngsters will be going.

I would suggest a 7 day cruise on one of the mass market cruise lines. They're setup to handle a group like you have.