lybern

I am looking for something that would be a restful but interesting break for a family of 4 with 2 teens over winter break. We are coming from NY - want to get away from the cold. Kids most likely will want to catch up on sleep so nothing too educational or structured. Not beach/golf/tennis people, so Club Med type experience is not attractive. Parents not interested in a Disney vacation, either, but all want some diversion. Were wondering about Las Vegas - don't gamble, but heard the shows might be fun and the hotels awesome. Also haven't been to New Orleans and thought a low-key cruise on Mississippi might be fun. (No one wants a dressy, crowded Carribbean cruise.) Has anyone ever done any of these things? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

wsoxrebel

LV or NO would be fun. You can also get a short cruise from NO to Cozumel.

bellairegirl

We're going with our 2 teens to New Orleans over winter break. I found a great rate for a suite at the Windsor Court Hotel (a 5 star property) just outside the French Quarter for $180/nt! One good thing to do in New Orleans is eat, which all teens enjoy!

Susan

Tandoori_Girl

My teen and his cousins all enjoyed the French Quarter, eating those pastries (I'm having a hard time spelling beneits this AM), watching the performance art in the Square. And just generally wandering the streets of New Orleans, which has a nice European feel. We did the steamer down the Miss. River to the Zoo which was fun. And the streetcars too. The Aquarium was not the draw we'd hoped for them. They were only mildly interested in any of the great music, but yes, the food they loved!

LV was a hit too with the teen if only for the novelty of it all, but I wonder if you'd enjoy it as much. Nor would it be as relaxing. It was an OK first experience for me but I don't think I'll go back.

Gardyloo

Don't know your budget but if you can swing it I'd recommend the Big Island of Hawaii. There are some nice beaches, sure, but the island is so big and diverse - jungle, desert, coffee plantations, historic sites, an active volcano - that there's more than enough to allow active touring as well as vegging. And of course it's absolutely gorgeous.

Vegas is less kid-friendly than in years gone by but it is an alternative. Winter break is a busy period, so don't expect too many bargains there either. NO is good - maybe combine with Cajun/bayou country tours?

Finally, what about San Diego? Trolly to Mexico, day trip into the desert, great weather. Probably the least expensive of the lot.

GoTravel

None of the places mentioned would have warm weather over winter break so you would need to head south.

LV and New Orleans would probably be cold.

How about Cancun?

Dreamer2

I think the overnight cruises on the Mississippi are mostly an older crowd, catering to "seniors" and retirees. You could also consider Charleston. Although not as warm as the others, I think it's rather festive for the holidays.
We're thinking of taking our 2 teens to the NYC/NJ area for winter break. Do you have any suggestions for your neck of the woods?! Thanks in advance!

miguelgcuadra

How about SOUTH BEACH, Miami Beach... sure weather will be warm and beautiful. Lots of restaurants, lots of night life, nice shopping and relaxing. KEY WEST is another great idea...

wtggirl

Are you flying? If so, you will need to choose your destination based on air availability on this...the most traveled time of the year. Also, when you say you want to get away from the cold?...do you want beach weather or just decent weather? For decent weather and no snow I would recommend Las Vegas. You can still get some good rates there. Believe it or not, Las Vegas may be a more teen friendly place. New Orleans is fine, but keep them away from Bourbon street at night. I actually think Bourbon street is more "adult" than Las Vegas at night. In Las Vegas each hotel is like a mini disney world for "older" kids. They will have plenty to keep them busy there and I would recommend it over New Orleans where at night they might feel a little bored (although there is plenty to do during the day hours).

paula1470

I would go for either Las Vegas or San Diego. Teens would like walking around LV, seeing shows, arcades, etc. It can be cooler in Las Vegas in December. Generally the days are pretty nice but people seem to forget how cold it can get at night in the desert. Since you are from NY-it probably won't seem that cold.

San Diego weather is a little warmer than LV during December. Usually in the high 60's, doesn't get as cold at night especially if you are near the ocean. There have been many times at Christmas that I have been wearing sandals and ready to put on my shorts. December can be a rainy month in San Diego but it hasn't rained here in so long that we've forgotten what rain is!! (only 4 inches this whole year). Your teens would probably enjoy just enjoy chilling out in SD and doing some of the things gardyloo mentioned. I think you can get flights from Newark to SD around Christmas in the $300 range (My daughter's friend from NJ wants to come visit). Flights to Las Vegas would probably be about the same. The only down side of San Diego might be the hotel costs, they might be a little more-I don't know how busy LV gets at Christmas break. In Las Vegas you wouldn't need a car, in San Diego you might want to have one for a day or two but with the trolley you can get around pretty easily.

And of course, if you really want warm in December there is Florida. I am guessing you have already ruled that out since you are not beach people but it is definitely the warmest place to go in Dec.

BAK

Get a Royal Caribbean cruise shop folder, read the parts about special facilities and programs for teenagers, and then book a cruise for the four of you.

If the kids want to sleep, they can do it in the cabin or on the deck of the ship in the sunshine. There's so much food that they will find things they know and like,a nd things they can try out for the first time, and like (or never touch again)

They can go off on theior own, leavingyou in peace, and yet you can meet up with them again for meals.

The winter-break cruises know there are little kids, teens, and adults, and program lots of entertainment, including really good shows, for all ages.

You can get off in the ports if you want, and then take tours or go to the local beaches. The ship staff makes all the arrangements.

There are lots of cruise lines, but Royal Caribbean seems to me to have the kids/teens programs well thought out and well staffed.

And, perhaps contrary to common wisdom, you don't have to do anything except eat and sit in a deck chair reading if you don't want to.

BAK

cyberUK

ritz carlton, san juan.

wtggirl

The cruise idea is a good one BAK, but there are two problems I see. One, it not the most relaxing vacation- too much going on and each port calls for a hectic day. Second, unless price is not a factor they will find much better value somewhere else. Cruise prices are the VERY highest of the year for the week Christmas- New Years. HOWEVER, if your break is long and you can schedule a full week before Christmas, the prices are very good.

Dreamer2

Hi Lybern,

Are you still there? What are you leaning towards?

Also, do you have any suggestions for a NYC stay with two teens over the holidays?

We've done the basic touristy things, and don't want to see the Rockettes again. Anything cool that locals in the know wouldn't miss?

ceg

I would not recommend Las Vegas if you are not gamblers. We went because we heard it was fun even if you do not gamble and HATED it. It made me uneasy, as if we were sending the wrong message to our teens.
San Diego is a good idea, lots to do, Zoo (even teens like), Sea World. Another idea is Phoenix/Scottsdale or Tucson. It is a busy time and not super warm but there is a lot going on over the holidays. Plenty of hiking, shopping. It would still be a break from winter.

Dreamer2

Don't know if you are still considering LV, but the Venetian just published "early bird" rates for Dec 24-28, excluding the 25th.
Check out their website for more info:
http://www.venetian.com/accommodatio...ed26/index.cfm

Also received notice of this cruise special from NOLA to Western Carrib through SW airlines:
http://www.southwest.com/jp/hotfares...l?src=et101204
Don't know if the rates would apply for holiday weeks, however.

betha

Dreamer2, are you still interested in things to do in NYC? I know my nieces always enjoy going to TRL (which I believe stands for Total Request Live). It's a show, which I think is broadcast on MTV. Worth looking into--sorry I don't know more about it, but all I've heard is positive things. Check out: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontl...l/etc/trl.html

betha

Here's a site with more details, Dreamer2:
http://www.nytix.com/TVShows/NewYork...tLive/trl.html

Dreamer2

Thanks, Betha! Great suggestion!

wow

Where did you end up going on this one?