Mom

I'm looking to surprise my husband with a quick getaway for his 44th birthday. Any ideas for a 5 or 6 day vacation at the beginning for February? Must take all 4 kids, but will bring their grandmother to help. Open to all suggestions (skiing, beach or anything but must have kid/baby friendly facilities) Can spend up to $5000 including airplane tickets and lodging. We live in Phoenix and can get great, direct fares via our hometown airline, America West. Any ideas??? Thanks so much.

xxx

Since you want a relaxing vacation for your hubby, can you pay grandma to stay home and watch the kids and do something just yourselves? If not, I say drive to California and hop on a cruise! Not only are they kid friendly, you and your husband will have a great time also.

x

NO matter where xxx posts he/she always suggests that you leave the kids at home. Just FYI xxx, her post says she MUST take the kids.

travellyn

I like the cruise/beach vacation idea, but my guess is that $5000 wouldn't cover it. A ski trip to Durango is a possibility because America West flies there directly. I assume that they also fly to several other ski towns.

orgy7

how about a Disney cruise..

Cruisesare

No way are you taking a Disney cruise for 7 people including airfare for under 5,000K!!!!!!!

It would cost you double that.

Try to rent a house for a week on the West Coast of Florida. Otherwise you're looking at 2 hotel rooms every night and all meals out, which will add up quickly.

ingrid

Not sure if the deal with Club Med where they pick the place would fit your budget (you could leave Grandma at home because their kids facilities are great). Or a Mexico beach vacation? Check www.moments-notice.com .

x

how about san diego. grandma could take the kids to the zoo, sea world, the beach...great city for kids. plus romantic spots for you and the hubby...sunset cliffs, la jolla restaurants, walks along the beach at sunset.

Mom

Thanks for all of your fabulous ideas. I've considered a cruise, but I'm restricted to leaving on a Thursday or Friday. It seems that the only short ones (4 days) that I can find are on Carnival Cruise's older ships. (Saw LOTS of bad reviews....) Anyone know of any other ones? Love the West coast of Florida idea. Will the Florida beach be too cold at the beginning of February? Thanks.

x

check out cruisecritic.com & cruisemates.com

xxx

I've been to the Clearwater Beach area a few times in March for spring break with the kids. It was plain cold the one year. Could roam around on the beach, but needed sweaters even during the day.

xxx

Ft. Lauderdale Florida would be a good place to go-stay at the Lago Mar-it is gorgeous, right on the ocean, has a lagoon pool and a regular pool, a great playground for the kids, mini-golf ect. You could get the 2 bedroom suite and the prices are reasonable. We have stayed here many times and love it. Check out website, Lagomar.com

xxx

What about Puerto Vallarta? America West has direct flight.

janet

I don't think there is any place in the continental US whereone can guarantee warm beach weather in February. (Especially in the beginning of Feb)
Maybe South Florida a possibility.

How about Mexico? Early Feb. would be pre-Spring break. Maybe find an all-inclusive for the family? How about Playa Del Carmen?

Someone suggested Puerta Vallarta, however I've been told they don't have the nice sandy beaches there that kids would enjoy. (I may have been misinformed. Best bet, try the latin american boards here)

Mom

Thanks for the great suggestion about Mexico, Janet. I've actually looked into the Cancun and Playa del Carmen (sp?) area, but unfortunately the trip would cost us almost $8500 for all 7 of us to take the Charter to Cancun and stay for a week. Any other ideas?

ilisa

Actually, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have 4 day cruises. We're booked on a Norwegian one in February. I can't remember which line, but one of them does have a cruise leaving on a Thursday.

ilisa

One other thing, friends of mine highly recommend Club Med's Sandpiper Resort in Florida for a family vacation.

Sarah

Mom what about skiing out west up in Wyoming, Idaho, Tahoe? There are a lot of options out there, Denver Kesytone is on the reasonable side. I say plant the family in one spot if you could find cheap package for the entire family kids could be in their lessons and you could be in yours. What about a program that includes meals than your not cooking either.

I started skiing at 40 and I have to tell you it is about the only thing I can look back on as say I was glad to turn 40 for.

Catherine

How about skiing in Big Bear a couple days, get a cabin. Then head down the mountain to Palm Springs for a few days to warm up? AmW should be pretty cheap

kam

Cancun or better yet Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan. Or, if you want closer to home,how about Santa Fe, San Antonio??