Thanks, KathyK.

Still say, Costa Rica. Easy flight with no time change. Continental or Delta.
You can fly into San Jose, spend a night at Arenal to visit hot springs and see the volcano, and 2 nights in Monteverde to see the cloud forest and go on the hanging bridges and zip lines, and then head over to Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo for some great beach/surfing action.

They will see toucans, howler monkeys, sloth, snakes, frogs, exotic birds of all kinds. Just really fun.

Food is very inexpensive, as is everything there.
One of our lunches (3 people) was 2 orders of lobster tails (huge), 1 stuffed lobster, 1 shrimp cocktail, 1 beer, 2 sodas, 3 pie. With tax and tip--$43. And it was delicious.

We have a senior this year and she picked Alaska. I wasn't too excited since I'm more of a beach person but the more I've researched the more I think it will be the perfect combination of scenery and activities. We are renting an RV for 17 days and seeing as much as we can.

When our son was 20 and our daughter was 18 we rented an RV in Alaska and it was awesome. Our daughter who was at first ticked we weren't going to a tropical island for vacation admitted on the second day that Alaska was incredicle and she loved it!

There are a lot of great ideas here. Costa Rica (never been) sounds like it would be fun too. Wherever you end up have a great time!

It depends so much on the kids. We took my 2 stepdaughters with us to London and Paris when they were 11 and 14 - and 8 years later they're still talking about the trip - esp Paris - even though they've both had some other great vacations since then.

Don;t know if it's because it was their first exposure to europe, or the chance to use their French, or because it was their first "grown up" vacation where they could do things by themselves - but they still do the "remember when" every time we see them.

Rafting on the Salmon River was the best trip I ever took with my parents.

Second was either Explora in Patagonia or Maui.

I agree - Alaska was my older kid's favorite. We took a HAL cruise then rented a car and for two weeks we had great family time. Then, this spring - last month - we took a farewell cruise to Belize, Cozumel and Progresso. (Farewell to our graduating daughter). That two was great. There is a lot to do on cruises and especially in the ports.

Since you posted your questions on the US board, I'm thinking you mean this vacation to be within the US? The Alaska suggestins are great. But. . . if you can get on a Colorado River trip, it would be an unforgettabe experience for all of you.

Consider a Camping trip to the Black Hills of SD and Yellowstone NP. That will be a trip to remember as they head to college...

When my kids were teens we took them to Myrtle Beach one year and ended up going back for the next ten. They hang-glided, jet-skied, bungee jumped, played volleyball, golfed;they did it all. They made lots of friends and still keep in contact with them. its a great place for teens

Peru: You can also add the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands if you want more. Machu Picchu is AMAZING. The country is fascinating. See it before it's ruined.

Mexico: Great for the entire family with a little bit of everything. South of Cancun on the Riviera Maya you can stay at a lovely beach resort. You can go 3-wheeling on the beach, snorkeling, horseback riding, boating, etc. For a little adventure, you can rent a car and drive out into the countryside to Chichen Itza and other ruin sites. Prices can be very reasonable.

Alternatively, every member of your family could choose one or two place you would like to visit then have a family meeting to decide.

Come to El Salvador, Central America. I am a tour guide, and young people enjoy visit to volcanoes, boat ride at mangrove forest or lakes, surfing is practiced here.Mayan pyramids, city tours, rafting, if they enjoy adventure. Need more information? My e-mail is [email protected]