No Mexican beach resorts. But maybe Mexico City....

Is Mexico City safe these days?

Charleston, SC

MissyPie,
When you came to San Diego did you "do" LA or Orange County? AA goes direct into SNA - my dh flew it all the time when working for CapOne...

I have to second the nomination for SEDONA, AZ -- beautiful, beautiful place! Great views, spas, shopping at Tlaquepaque, dining, and since you mentioned you're Catholic, there's a beautiful church there built into the red rocks!

I looked at my post to see what made you think I'm Catholic...I guess it's because I used the term "Holy Week." Actually, we're Presbyterian and would leave for our trip right after Palm Sunday services.

Arizona would have been my first choice. A few years ago we did a spring break trip that included Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon and we really enjoyed it. We so enjoyed it that we are toying with hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for DS' last spring break at home (which would be '09). I thought that a good spring break would be to do the hiking first, then to veg out at a great resort elsewhere in Arizona. So, Arizona, yes, but a year later.

I just read your post...and started wondering where you went on your Spring Break. I was hoping for a report from Hot Springs...my personal choice.

It's for spring break '08. I'm still open to ideas. Since I posted, my husband has had a rehearsal scheduled for Palm Sunday night. I don't want to have to leave Monday morning and be back Wednesday afternoon, so I'm thinking of leaving my husband at home and traveling only with my 12 year old daughter. We could leave Sunday afternoon and get back Thursday night.

Not what you are asking, but re: your GC trip in 09, I highly recommend the mule trip to the bottom with a night at Phantom Ranch. Afterward, "veg" at Enchantment Resort in Sedona. That's what we did on a spring break trip and it was GREAT. Kids loved it. Unforgettable.

Had a thought: DisneyLAND. We did it w/kids one March spring break on a combo trip with San Diego. Perfect weather, so much smaller than WDW and easier to get around. Stayed at the Grand Californian where you walk out the hotel doors and you can see the gates to the park. Felt like a more relaxed trip than WDW.

Ah, if I thought that a certain spouse of mine would take off those 45 pounds he's gained since our wedding day, the mule trip would be an option.

The problem with a Disneyland trip is that our whole family loves Disneyland and they'd give me such grief if DD12 and I went and they couldn't go! I hate to admit it on this forum, but we are considering Universal in Orlando. The 12 year old loves thrill rides and if you stay on-site you get front of the line priveleges. It would be a very easy trip for the two of us to take.

I think Mexico City would be a good choice. I have been three times in the past year, staying at the Nikko and the Presidente Intercontinental. There is a JW Marriott right near those hotels as well. There are parks nearby, including Chapultepec, which would be great fun for a 12 year old, I think. Lots of food vendors, stalls selling all kind of toys and knick knacks. You can rent boats and paddle around the lake, visit Chapultepec castle. There is also a zoo there and an amusement park nearby. From the hotels listed above it is a very easy walk to the Archaeological Museum, which I loved. Rent the audio guides there. I have never felt unsafe walking around this area, sometimes with others, sometimes alone (I'm female). I just keep aware of my surroundings, as I do in any large city. So, Mexico City would get my vote!

Having to hike the GC if I couldn't qualify for the mules would probably be sufficient incentive for me to lose weight. Tell your husband you and kids will meet him at the bottom! (Just kidding.)

Sounds like you have a lot of great suggestions. I'd throw in New York and Chicago, two favorites of ours. But it sounds like you've got plenty from which to choose. And going to the front of the line in an amusement park is part of the enjoyment, too.

(Siblings in Europe giving grief because they're not in Disneyland?)

I was going to say Chicago also but then I remembered you said for "spring break." It can be pretty cold and snowy still in Chicago at that time - but there is a lot to do for both you and a 12 year old.

A couple of years ago my son went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for spring break and loved it. He did a lot of exploring and bartering style shopping as well as partying. I haven't been but he said I would like it.

Let us know what you decide!!!

We actually went to Chicago for Spring Break when the kids were younger. During the first part of the trip there was snow and they thought that was very neat. It warmed up a bit later in the week. It was actually a fun spring break destination.

I admit it. I'm not comfortable going to Mexico City without DH. I know that's probably ridiculous, but I'd like this trip to be very easy and stress free.

Come to Sedona AZ there is so much to enjoy and see on your 50th.
Its time for you, the red rocks and more will leave quite an impression.

Our plan (if we can get Phantom Ranch reservations) is to return to Arizona with the whole family next spring break. I'm all set to call at 8 am CST on March 1st. I really enjoy Arizona.

Albequerque/Santa Fe/Bandalier/Taos. Great spring trip. Eating/Shopping/Sightseeing.