A christmas present to my famly of four this year was cash for a vacation. Best time would be early summer. Where do we go? My son is 14 and daughter is 9. We have toured all of the great National Parks out west, yearly trips to the beach in Florida and generally the southern states. We could spend up to five thousand but would prefer to spend only three for a one week trip. New York sounds good, as does somewhere in California. I'm open to ideas something the kids would always remember.

How about a Cruise, many different destinations to choose from.

You mentioned California, and I have read very good reviews on San Diego or maybe Disneyland in Anaheim.

You also mentioned New York. That would be a great idea. There is so much to see and do there.

Whatever you choose, I wish you and your family great time. Family trips make for great memories.

Lucky you!
For early summer, and with kids, I would choose New England (although I am biased! ) or Canada, probably Quebec. From where are you coming? I see you like the outdoors - anything else come to mind for preferences?
What about something like Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia NP) and Quebec City or Nova Scotia?
If you do New York, are you thinking city? How about the lakes region upstate with a cross over to Canadian Niagra?
If you stick with California, my 14 year old son loved San Diego, especially Old Town, Balboa Park and Coranado. He also enjoyed touring LA.
Have fun planning!

I would do either NYC or the California coast from San Fran to LA. We have done both with our kids, NY when they were younger (10 and 12) to California (13 and 15). Both were great. If you only have a week I would do NYC as the California trip could take a week and a half or more to do all you would want. Have fun planning.

I agree with smoot60. I think that Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places that I have seen and San Francisco is my favorite city. I am not too fond of LA, but there are a lot of great thing in the area that I am sure your kids would enjoy. But to truely appreciate it I think would take more than a week. New York is an expensive destination any more, and I sure that you could easily burn your money there. There is a lot too see and do there, and I am sure that you could do a lot within a week. Have fun!!

Some friends of mine did a one-week all inclusive trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico with their daughter, who was about 11 or 12 at the time. They had special activities for kids and the daughter had a fantastic time, and so did the parents. I don't know about the cost.

I agree with earlier post that a trip to playa del carmen (right outside cancun) would be great. we took our tow kids a few years ago and they loved it. We were suppose to stay at the allego resort but they were overbook and put us up next door at the royal hideaway. fabulous place plus the trip turned out to be the bargain of a lifetime. Used the entertainment card and total for our family of 4 was $87 total per day which included great hotel, food, liquor, entertainment etc. Kids say I'll never top that vacation but there are many bargains to be had in that area. Lots to see and do that is different from other places you have mentioned. hope this helps.

I'm partial to both New England and the California coastline. Both would make great summer family car trips, camping or in motels.

Thanks everyone. I am budgeting about three thousand give or take. We would be flying from Louisiana. We have seen Disney World and don't need to go back. Also, we are of French ancestry (cajun) so Quebec would be nice. Although I am more and more irritated by the Candian and French officials. Maine is an intresting idea but I keep going back to New York City.
Should I budget more?