I have been given the un-enviable task of planning our family vacation. We will be traveling with 6 adults ranging in age from 21 to 77 years. The limitations I am working with are: a destination that will have a large variety of things to do, from outdoor activities to cultural; good weather in mid-may (I was told by my mother-in-law that Yellowstone was too cold for her), reasonable prices, within a 2hr flight from Sacramento, but not in CA. I am from North Carolina and know very little about the west. FYI, my first suggestion was a cruise, but my brother-in-law insists he will be sea-sick. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Semms you're going have a real challenge based on the "condition"/"restrictions" already imposed on you. Question: What time of the year? I ask this since you commented that your mother-in-law says Yellowstone will be too cold. What is her minimum "comfort temperature"? (I'm not being sarcastic, by the way.)

We are going May 20 - 27. Ideal temperature for day is 65 - 80.

You have placed some pretty severe restrictions on your destination. You eliminated California which is the obvious place to visit considering flying time and weather. San Diego would be my choice as it satisfies all of your requirements except that it is in California.

Phoenix Arizona satisfies the travel time but will be more like 90-100.

You may have to rethink your restrictions or you will not find anywhere that will be suitable.

yes, as you may have guessed, my in-laws are not the most flexible people. My sister in law did not want to vacation in CA because they live in Sacramento. However, I may push for San Diego if it seems to be the best alternative.

Hi, Lenore,
(Sorry if this posts twice)
You can probably find some northwest areas which meet the (difficult) criteria. Seattle and Vancouver BC will be at the low end of the acceptable temperature range (May avg. in Seattle is 64°, warming to 69° in June.) Other alternatives include the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene areas or the Yakima Valley wine region, the Portland/Columbia Gorge area. All these destinations offer a variety of beautiful landscape, nice cities (hotels, restaurants…), cultural attractions…
Or then there’s Reno.

Sounds to me that you should go to Santa Fe (or maybe Taos) or someplace in Colorado (Aspen, Durango, or Denver if you want higher level "culture" meaning art museums, there's plenty of local historical history/Indian culture to explore otherwise) or maybe Lake Tahoe on NV/CA border. Santa Fe is probably perfect, except that I wouldn't say that prices there are "reasonable", but there are cheaper decent motel type lodgings on the outskirts of the city, though the main hotels downtown are rather expensive. Aspen is also expensive lodging. Tahoe is fine for the outdoors and there's things to do, but not cultural. Weather would be exactly what you want in NM or CO in May, I think.

I vote for Santa Fe. It has the culture (many fine musuems), plenty of outdoor opportunities, wonderful restaurants....and an all-around great destination for a vacation!

2 words... Las Vegas.

Dear Lenore:
You can take a cruise without getting sea sick: from Portland up the Columbia River, through the spectacular gorge, and up the Snake to Lewiston, Idaho.
Or you could stay somewhere in a small mainland town of the Puget Sound/Salish Sea region (staying on one of the islands might be too expensive for you), and explore the islands by passenger-only ferry from Bellingham (you will see lots of seabirds and beautiful scenery; you might see whales), or you could explore Mount Baker and the North Cascades by car. There are lots of walks and short hikes even a 77-year-old can handle.
Or you could explore the coulle country of Eastern Washington, the Okanogan Highlands, and the Methow Valley, and perhas take a day-long cruise up Lake Chelan (again no sea sickness).
There are, of course, lots of other options: Crater Lake/Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley Wine Country, Washington's Long Beach Peninsula and the lower Columbia River, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, . . . Even the Olympic Peninsula will be at its seasonally driest in May.

My suggestion would be Portland, Oregon. A fair amount of culture (MUCH more than Las Vegas), beautiful scenery nearby to drive or hike around, and laid-back attitude. Average highs in May are 68F, which may be a bit more chilly than you would prefer.

Check out

http://www.pova.com/home/index.asp

for more info. It may be just right.

Check out

I'd suggest one of 3 combinations:
Santa Fe/Taos, Sedona/Grand Canyon/Phoenix/Scottsdale, and Denver/Aspen. The latter two require some driving, of course, but there's some pretty nice scenery to keep you occupied. San Diego would be another excellent suggestion if CA becomes an option.
I really feel sorry for you Lenore. Seems like you're being set up for nearly guaranteed failure: a highly restrictive set of paramaters, and lack of familiarity with the area. I would strongly suggest that you dilute the 'responsibility' by reporting a few options to your clan and make them vote for one, then make them vote on a set itinerary items from a list. That or swear everyone to an oath of non-criticism if you're going to be doing all the legwork. Good luck.

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. Based on your advice, I am going to get more info on and offer 3 places: Santa Fe, San Diego and Pheonix. Personally I hope to visit the more northern areas, especially the boat trip! Thank heavens this extended family trip is only done once every 5 years.

Save some money and head to Lake Tahoe. More to do than Vegas and there are casinos and the largest alpine lake with mnts, outdoor activities, golf, etc. Stay on the NV side if it satifies the family (out of CA).

Easy deal. Boise, Idaho. Major airport, close to mountains or desert, major cultural center with museums, Philharmonic, Theatre, Concerts, night life. AND 70-80 degrees in May. Try it, just dont tell anyone how great it was cuz were being discovered way to fast!!!

Sedona...it will have wonderful temperatures (Phoenix will be too hot) and it is ideally situated for day-tripping.

How about Tucson--it should be warm and sunny with plenty to do. We've stayed at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and found plenty to do (there's something for everyone so you won't be forced to troop around in a group the entire trip). Tucson is laid-back and fun--good luck--you have your work cut out for you, it seems.

Dear Lenore:
There's only one problem with Tuscon in May: You specified an ideal daytime temperature of 65 - 80 degrees F. Climate statistics show that Tuscon has about 18 days in May with temperatures above 90 degrees F; the record high is a whopping <B>107 degrees