We're looking for affordable December holiday vacation ideas. We will be taking our 14 year old son with us. We live in northern California and prefer warmth (no snow!). I was hoping for Hawaii, but spouse says not this year - translation - can't afford it this year. I haven't had to put a vacation for a family together before (flights, hotels,what to do, etc.), so your help, all affordable ideas and information would be greatly appreciated!

Arizona?

How much warmth? What else do you want; what's your budget; how many days? More info needed...

Maybe some areas of Texas would be suitable in terms of weather, proximity, semi-affordable travel & lodging, and sightseeing on a reasonable budget.

For a diversion you could take a side-trip to New Orleans or something similar.

It might even make sense to direct the 14yo's attentions near there, and ask if he has any spots of interest nearby, for a side trip from such a place.

Ideally you could use Priceline for lodging, and remember to rent cars AWAY from airport locations, to save huge on the TAXES and excessive daily charges above and beyond the advertised rental rate.

Plus, with Texas having numerous airports, you could research a handful of initial destinations and price the hotels, rental cars, and airlines costs for each. If you end up in a big 'circle', it won't matter where the circle starts and ends.

You can do it!

Don't write off Hawaii. It depends where you go, where you stay, what you do once you are there. I know it has the *reputation* for being expensive, but I can vacation as cheaply in Hawaii as many other places, as long as you aren't looking for luxury, willing to eat cheap, enjoy the things that are free on the islands, etc. Plus the airfare and flight times are very favorable from west coast US.

What dates do you want to travel? I agree wholeheartedly with Suze that Hawai'i can be affordable. But as far as i know the airfare and lodging rates do increase significantly at Christmas- New Years.

You have to tell us what "affordable" means to you otherwise we are just guessing. So, give us a real dollar amount of what you have available for your trip.

Now, flying somewhere can eat up a lot of your budget so you should probably concentrate your search to those "popular" destinations that have lots of flights from your nearest airport - lots of flights generally translates into lower airfares.

Also, set a realistic expectation for your accommodations. If you are on a strict budget don't even bother with pricing out stays at upscale hotels or resorts - they will be out of your price range and only get you depresses. Look instead at room rates at some of the lower priced hotel chains ( Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, etc.). There is nothing wrong with them and your accommodation dollar will go a lot further.

As for meals you can always find cafes, luncheonettes, coffee shops, diners where you dine inexpensively. Cross
all the upscale places off your list so they don't tempt you.

Good luck in your search.

Good point from about aloha regarding rates if you are traveling over Christmas/New Years. Earlier in December is still considered 'low season' many places, but the holidays themselves have a noticeable markup for both air and hotels. I know this is true in much of Mexico and the Caribbean as well.

For a trip closer to home, you could ride the train to Los Angeles or San Diego.
Save some money for a longer trip next year.
Have you been to some of the great National Parks in the southern US?