Hi, I will be planning a trip for my family, 2 boys 15 and 11 for December during winter break. We went to Washington DC last year, my kids weren't thrilled with the choice. I loved it.We live in Florida. I really don't want to cruise (although my kids have never been and are dying to go). It's really not my thing. I want to do something different. Maybe take them to see snow? I also thought a dude ranch might be fun.
Thanks for you help.

I have a teenage son, so I know how challenging it can be to make it a great trip for everyone.

This year, I took my son to Flagstaff/Grand Canyon/Sedona for the holidays. It was gorgeous and the crowds were almost non-existent... which is always nice. Flag didn't have snow, but I've been there several times in the past during the holidays and generally there is snow on the mountains.

It may give your kids the best of two worlds... snow and skiing on the mountains and the Grand Canyon.

I'm taking my son to Colorado for spring break in a few days, so I will follow up with a trip report on how it is for families.

Good luck!
Janelle

Thanks so much Janelle. have a great trip. let us know all about it when you get back

We took a high school band to Gatlinburg, TN. When they first heard the destination most thought it would be boring. It turned out to be a great time that all enjoyed.

We started with a tour of a cave, then went white-water rafting, spent the day at Ober-Gatlinburg (buy a wristband), spent another day at Dollywood, went to Comedy Barn.

Many students said they want to go back because there is a big variety of things to do and in 3 days there just wasn't enough time. Many of these kids had never seen mountains before.

You can also go in the winter, Ober Gatlinburg is a ski area that seems to be reasonably priced.

Have fun!

Hi bethsmall1,

I understand as we have 2 boys, 12 and almost 15. A lot depends on their interests and yours.

Last winter break, we took ours to London which was great fun, but pricey.

We took our boys on a cruise a few years ago as part of a family trip for my in-laws' 50th anniversary. I thought it was fun, but not my first choice, however, the boys are begging to go on another one. They had a blast. Sure, your kids would probably like it, but if it is not your thing, then I'm sure you can find something you will all like.

We all loved our ski trip to Steamboat Springs, CO. There was skiing, tubing, an indoor hot springs pool with slide, and great restaurants. The area also offers sleigh rides, snow mobiling and other stuff like that. It is a real western feeling town.

Another of our favorite wintertime trips was Belize with Mayan ruins, rainforest, river kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.

Also, I'm not sure what they didn't like about DC (it is not my favorite city even though I have lived around it for most of my life - fun, just not my fav), but NYC is always a hit with my kids. We love it and it is especially lovely over the holidays.

A dude ranch might be fun, but I think summer is more prime season for those although I am not that familiar with them.

Other ideas: San Diego/LA or Grand Canyon/Sedona/Flagstaff as janellel suggested (we did that as a summer trip which we loved, but just don't know it in winter - sounds great though)

Hope this helps! Have fun whatever you decide.

Thanks so much! so many great ideas!

Skiing would be great and the Steamboat suggestion was perfect. So much to do, and their ski school is pretty good.

Another thought--San Antonio during the holidays is amazing. Our family (with two teens)was down there this past December and had a great time.

One more idea--how about LA/Hollywood/Santa Monica? Tons to do and see, plus it's a different kind of coastal experience than your kids are used to. We've stayed at the Renaissance Hollywood before and thought it was the perfect location. Our next trip there will be in September and we're staying on the beach in Santa Monica.

I'd hold off on the dude ranch until summer.

I'm glad you liked some of the ideas! Feel free to ask questions.

And, we'd love to hear what you decide.

Happy Travels!

Oh, and Tess, one of my sons (12 yo) and I are leaving for LA in 12 days to visit my sister who just moved there.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but if you have any special recommendations or favorites, feel free to email me.

fun4all4,

Check your email--I sent some tips. Happy travels!