Our three kids, 16, 12 and 10, have a full two week Christmas break this year and we would love to take a 5 to 7 day trip. Any suggestions? Skiiing would be great but I am afraid too pricey at this time of year. Beach would be great but what is warm in December in the U.S.? Help anyone.... we love unique, secluded and scenic beauty... Thanks and happy trails to all......

Where are you coming from? What is your budget? Flying? Driving? You realize the two weeks surrounding Christmas are the busiest most expensive time of year to head for warm weather?

That said, with your family, I would look into a vacation rental in South Florida. Condos and homes and not limit myself to particular areas but look for the best bargains.

Check VRBO.com and start doing research. Get an idea of your budget and make a list of what is important.

Do you need to be by a beach? Do the accommodations have to have a pool? If you fly, will you be renting a car? Can you walk to attractions? What kind of entertainment is important to your children? Are you looking for shopping?

Narrow done one thing and start from there. Cold or hot? Then budget. Then, which area? Then fly or drive, condo vs. hotel, condo vs. home, blah, blah, blah.

As it stands, you are a little too vague about what you want to get any good advice.

Yes skiing can be pricey at the holidays, but if you can arrange it for before the holidays say the 19th - 26th you will find that the prices are pretty resonable, at least here in Summit County Colorado. Rent a condo direct from owners and you will save the agency fee and have a place for a few meals too. try www.summitnet.com for some ideas on lodging & other activities.

PS. 2 other resources one for condos in all areas of Colorado
http://www.valuevacationrentals.com/...on-rentals.htm

sorry it is so long, but should work if you cut and paste into your browser

the other for various discounts
http://www.skicoupons.com

If you want to ski for a great price, I HIGHLY recommend going to Banff in Alberta, Canada. We went a few years ago, flew out Christmas afternoon adn returned Dec. 30th. Because the exchange rate is so good btwn US and Canadian dollars, a top notch vacation becomes a great deal more affordable then anywhere in the U.S. (If we'd gone to Colorado, we would have stayed at a considerably lower quality resort for about $1000 more!) We stayed in one of the better hotels there, Rimrock, but there were plenty of less expensive hotels/cabins there, including larger ones for families. And in fact, it was no more expensive to stay there at Xmas then it was during other times of the ski season (at least a few years ago it was that way). There are several ski resorts in the area...we liked Sunshine and Lake Louise. The lift tickets were VERY reasonable. I know I sound terribly gungho, but we just loved it so much there. Amazingly beautiful, clean, not NEARLY as crowded as Colorado (quick quick lift lines...as opposed to the 30-45 minute waits for CO lifts), amazing skiing (great powder), and plenty of other things to do besides skiing...we took a sleigh ride, hiked to some frozen falls, ice skated, hot springs...

I really shouldn't answer these posts, every time I recommend Banff again I miss it But it was quite a sight for a Texan girl who'd never seen snow at Christmas.

Good luck to you and your family!