Family of 5 needs a somewhat active and stimulating two week vacation. A little adventure is what we are looking for. Outside the US is fine. We have miles to fly anywhere in the world yet a budget of $3,500-$4,500. The kids are 15,12 and 10. We would appreciate any suggestions.

Just to be clear you have a combined lodging/dining budget of only $250-$320 per day for a family of 5, but can fly anywhere for "free". Correct? Where do you live? If a beach is OK, a house or condo in a non-tourist part of Mexico or elsewhere in Latin America might fit your budget. What are your interest?

We are rich in miles. We do not have to use the full 2 weeks maybe we should cut it down to increase daily budget.

We took our family to Costa Rica last August and absolutely loved it. There will be plenty to keep your kids busy and stimulated.

Prices are reasonable too. Just an example, in researching a family trip to Kauai for this summer, I looked into the ziplines. (since we loved them in CR) The prices on Kauai are about $110 per person. We paid $45 pp in CR.

There are lots of great and helpful people on the Fodor's Latin America board who can help you plan your trip.

Good Luck!

CR has been on my list. Is this the best place for what I am describing?Does anyone have itinerary ideas that might keep the cost down?

Yes, actually CR would be a good fit. You could rent a house on the beach for under $100/night and either cook in (for next to nothing) or eat out (very well) for under $100/day for the five of you.

I suggest reading the Latin America board and then posting a detailed question there for itinerary advice.

Other countries in Latin America are equally adventurous and affordable.

thanks! off to Costa Rico!
Now the itinerary? "Beach house", any ideas?

www.VRBO.com

I second third? fourth? Costa Rica. Went last summer with husband and four teens. Great place and can be done very reasonably. If you will click on my name, you can access my trip report on the Coast Rica Board. You will also find a wealth of info on that board. Have fun!

Costa Rica sounds neat...but won't it be terribly hot?

We enjoyed our August trip to the Olympic Penn., British Columbia, Seattle and Mount Ranier. Coming from Texas, cooler weather in August was key. Hiking Mt. Ranier was incredible...wildflowers blooming everywhere....mountains, snow, little brooks...it all looked like pictures from a calendar.

Last spring break we went to Paris (kids ages 13, 11 and 8). We rented a 2 bedroom flat. It was quite an adventure. (We also spent 2 days at Disneyland Paris...it was like taking a vacation from our vaction.)

missypie,
Yes, yes, yes - but in Paris they would spend $250-$350 a day just to house 5 people.

<<Costa Rica sounds neat...but won't it be terribly hot>>

It is very hot on the coast, but not any hotter than Florida. However, if you travel inland, the altitude makes it quite pleasant. In fact we froze when we visited Irazu volcano.

Given that I don't know where you live or when you want to go, have you already taken the family to Yellowstone/Tetons or Glacier Nat'l Parks? Lots of outdoor adventure in terms of hiking, whitewatering rafting, seeing animals, fishing, etc..... Just a thought.