Where to Spend Christmas Holiday Vacation with Grown Up family?
 

I would like to celebrate Christmas/New Years in a foreign location with my entire family consisting of myself, DH, and 3 grown up children in their 20's (and possibly there mates depending on cost and logistics). I envision renting an apartment/house somewhere and would like to create some wonderful memories for all. Preferably the location would not be too cold, would allow lots of alternatives for exploration- either urban or rural and allow all of us time together as well as time to pursue personal interests. 1 of the kids has been to Europe, another to Argentina and the 3rd never outside the US. . We live in California and like the temperate climate. We have been to Hawaii together so that's out. I love the Carribean but am worried that being high season at that time of year might make it too pricey. (although a little voice inside me keeps calling Anguilla) I was thinking about Costa Rica but am concerned that it might be too rainy at that time of year. I've never been to Greece and am wondering if that might be a good match. Am looking for suggestions. Can anyone help?/

The Pacific coast of Costa Rica (like Manual Antonio) averages less than 5" of rain/mo for the month of Dec and less for Jan in most places so I certainly wouldn't take that off the list. CR is a wonderful destination. Manual Antonio is a beautiful area with lots of activities. You probably would get too much rain in places further inland like Arenal.

Not sure I'd suggest Greece for late Dec. You're likely to get cool temps and rain/overcast. And it's definitely offseason for the islands with many things shut down. We did spend 2 weeks there this past Nov the last half of the month (mainland and Santorini) and thought it was wonderful. We enjoyed great weather, lower hotel rates and few crowds, but we may have been a little lucky weather wise.

Australia/New Zealand come to mind.

May be too cold/wet for your criteria, but Christmas in London would be unforgetable.

DFR, I did more research and I do believe that you are correct about the weather in Greece in late December. I am crossing it off the list. Costa Rica is looking better all the time.I think Australia/New Zealand is too far to travel for too short a time- it deserves longer than a week or 10 days IMO. You are right about London being unforgettable but I am thinking warmer weather. Heck, I don't even own a proper winter coat!

If you do look further into CR, might want to consider Si Como No or Buena Vista Villas in Manuel Antonio or the Marriott Resort in Quepos (only real downside is the beach isn't great)

clarification: the beaches at Manuel Antonio are beautiful; the beach at the Marriott is not.

Also, there are lots of threads on CR in the Mexico & Latin America forum. Do a search there and you'll have more info than you can digest.

How about Bermuda?

Take a Costa Cruise from Dubai and tour Oman, Bahrain, and the U.A.E. The price was very reasonable and there is a lot to see and do. Desert adventures were a big hit with my family. The weather is not hot, just right.

Hmm, I had not thought about a cruise. It certainly would be enjoyed by all. Dubai is probably too far from California. Any other suggestions for closer to home at that time of year?

I'd love to know what you decide as I'm also trying to think of a December destination with similar-aged kids.
Laurie

Portugal would also be a good trip, we went to Madeira for a family reunion a few years back and it was really lovely.