wen_lesder

we are a family of 5 with 3 kids ages 12 - 17 from nyc area and are trying to plan a get-away to celebrate a 50th birthday that falls in december. the kids are off from school over christmas and new years so were hoping to go 3-7 days over that time period.

a few places we have mulled over = turks and caicos (beaches resort booked or extremely expensive during that holiday week so doesn't really work), san diego and san francisco (to see monarch butterflies and whales), and new orleans (for great food, city lit up at christmas etc), but are still feeling stuck on what is the best place to go.

we can go either way = relaxation at beach resort or a place with culture, sights and/or activities. overall, we are looking for a fun and memorable time that is low stress as far as getting there. i do not think anything super adventurous or super far would work.

please share your opinion and input - we want to get this planned in advance to avoid hotels and/or airlines booking up. thank you so much for your help in this big decision!

sparkchaser

I was going to suggest a European Christmas destination but it looks like you guys want sun and warm and more or less in the same time zone.

Of the places you listed, New Orleans is what I would go for.

wen_lesder

thank you! we are open to any and all ideas!

thursdaysd

If you pick New Orleans or San Francisco you could go by train.

Have you looked at Dominica? (Not Dominican Republic.)

You will get more replies if you post on the US and Caribbean boards.

TC

I would think that someplace like Charleston, SC would be beautiful at Christmas -- maybe more so than New Orleans. I haven't been all that keen on NOLA lately.

We took the family to DisneyWorld one December. While that may not be what you are looking for, we rented a big house with a pool and everyone loved the idea that we were out of the snow and cold for a whole week with our own place.

SFO will not be warm in December. I nearly froze there one April. Keep in mind...its not "southern" California.

What about Mexico? Cozumel is an easy flight from NY. Its guaranteed to be warm. Snorkeling the reefs is amazing! Its fun to see how another culture celebrates Christmas. Its cheap. The food is marvelous. Lots to do for the kids. You can rent a two or three bedroom private condo on the water or stay in a resort. Its one of my very favorite places.

sparkchaser

If they only have 3-7 days then taking the train is a horrible suggestion. It would be probably be cheaper to fly, not to mention faster and more convenient.

thursdaysd

No,it is not a horrible suggestion. Taking the train makes the journey part of the trip, rather than just an annoying way to get from A to B. I rode the California Zephyr last year (along with several other trains) and would be happy to do it again. They can get a family bedroom and relax instead of fighting the crowds and the security at airports.

See: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...fornia-zephyr/

sparkchaser

I'm sorry but that is ridiculous.

Train from New York city to New Orleans: 30 hr 17 min, $588-ish for 5 reserved coach seats or 38 hr 30 min, $1016 for 5 reserved coach seats.

Plane from New York to New Orleans: 3hr 25 min, $1475-ish. Plus maybe a total of 3 hours security and baggage claim.

thursdaysd

It's $514 for December, although I would look at a bedroom rather than all coach seats, after all you're saving a night in a hotel. Plus you have to add the time to get to/from the airport.

In any case, the point of the train isn't the speed, it's enjoying the journey.

sparkchaser

The $588 was the price for Sat, Dec 21- Sat Dec. 28. Turn the seats into into three rooms (at two people per -- family rooms only accommodate 4) and starts at $2298.00.

I'd never do it but different strokes for different folks.

sparkchaser

Oh, and over 60 hours total travel time.

thursdaysd

Train one way, fly the other.

sparkchaser

Madness.

suze

To me 3 days is one type of possible trip, 7 days allows for much more. Saying "3-7 days" is a BIG spread when we're talking vacation planning.

I don't think 3 days is really enough time to go anywhere.

NJriverchick

Have you considered a cruise?
There are several 7-day cruises out of NYC over New Years.

I am no "cruise-a-holic" --- I've only been on one (NYC to Bermuda). But it was such a novelty & so relaxing! Just get on the ship and the vacation begins. No travel hassles.

There really is something for everyone. Every morning on the ship, a newsletter is delivered with the days activities - 2 pages of things to do...everything from arts & crafts to beer tasting to movies, etc.

ALso, it can be very affordable depending on the type of room you get.

Katzgar

while a specific type vacation the train is a great idea.

tomfuller

I don't care how you get to New Orleans. Just get there and take a cruise. http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise/C...99&sdt=12/2013
If you still have some time left to get back, take the Crescent at least as far as Atlanta and then fly back.

LSky

I'd suggest Southern California. You may have a couple of day/nights of cold weather but generally it's nice.

You can swim in the Pacific in Dec but going to the beach is still pleasant.

Jean

I'm sure LSky meant to say, "You CAN'T swim in the Pacific in Dec..."

Well, you could, but you'd need a wetsuit. Water temps would be in the upper 50s F.

Jean

BTW, I don't think the monarchs' northward migration starts until early March, but you could probably see grey whales out of San Diego in December.