My brother has decided to take our entire family away somewhere in November and has put his only sister in charge of the task of finding the "right" place for 13 adults and 5 children ages 2 to 11.

At first he recommended a Disney cruise and I did some research. I don't think it's the place for us especially since children are in the minority. What about an all-inclusive resort that has quality programming for kids throughout the day? We want an EASY trip where no one has to worry about driving? Are there any other high quality cruises that do allow children? What about a European getaway in a small town? I'm all over the place... I need some help!

Any suggestions out there? It appears that money is not an issue nor is traveling. Thanks to all!

Hi,

You are the only sister?

Does everyone have passports? That would be my first task. Are all leaving from the same city?

Cruises are great, no drivng. Your family could go different ways, on the ship, in the day and have dinner together as a family. You would just be at the end of the hurricane season in the Atlantic.

You have me thinking what I would do and so far nothing comes to mind. I get several emails on cruises, I delete, I next one that comes in I will have a look and let you know the website address. They are not as often this time of year.

I would feel so much pressure of planning this for 18 people.

I personally would not dare take 5 small kids to Europe. One word: jetlag.

No one wants to spend their week? getting the kids on the right time only to deal with again on the return. Not to mention entertaining a 2 year old on the plane.

Where are you originating from? That will help.

We honeymooned at Beaches in Turks and Caicos and it was lovely. My husband would head over to the kids section and play video games with the little kids. You might have a problem with the little ones. A lot of resorts don't have programs for kids that little.

I do know that Club Med has programs for all ages, even babies. They are all-inclusive. Definitely check out their website.

What do the adults want to do all day?

Disney World also comes to mind. The kids would love it. They do a very nice job at Disney making sure everyone has a great time. When we went we only did a park every other day. The other days we just hung by the pool and took it easy.

Most cruise lines have some type of childrens programs. As KarinNp mentioned, the bigger concern would be if everyone has passports. That may limit your travel destination.

I'd check on the passport situation first. If everyone has one, or can get one quickly, then'd I'd explore the cruise idea further on that forum.

We have a large extended, blended family, and travel together frequently. We've done Europe vacations, ski vacations, beach houses, and cruises.

I'm the designated coordinator, since I've worked in the travel industry. Planning the cruises have been the easiest for me, and the family has always been happy with them.

Second best has been the beach houses we've rented through VRBO.

Hope everything works out well for you. With the right group, it can be a lot of fun!

For both cruises & resort type areas most of the kids programs have minimum age limits. So, if you decide to go that route, please check that...Passports, as mentioned, would also be a major issue. If you are then limited to teh US, I would suggest the SW. Both Az & NM offer a huge variety of climates & activities. It sounds like you want an active vacation so I'll skip the beach house in OBX. My other suggestion would be a lodge/house in the Carolina Mts., in or around Asheville. Again, a plethora of activities for all. Usually when we have groups like that, everyone will take a turn w/one night w/the kids. Just an idea.

Thanks to all for your responses. Here's a few more details. 1.) Not everyone has passports so you're right that might limit us considering we're only two months out. 2.) A few folks are flying out from Pittsburgh PA and the rest from Jacksonville FL. 3.) The adults like to eat well, hang out and explore unique areas, and sight-see a little.

I'll look into the few suggestions you've all offered. You've all been a great help to get me moving in another direction.

OBX and the Carolina mountains in November sound like punishment. Cold and colorless. Same for europe, and, as mentioned, passports can take many weeks to procure.

We've done family reunions w/ smaller children in Playa del Carmen, Mexico at an all-inclusive. The weather would be balmy, and, there are opportunities for water sports and sightseeing all over the peninsula. Our children insist that was one of their best vacations, though their primary attractions were the swim up bar and all-one-can eat buffet tables.

For November without passports I agree that the SW is the way to go.

How about San Diego area? Could you get a block of rooms in the Hotel Del Corona? Lots to do in San Diego, or day trips from there.

There is a resort in the Mission Bay area; I can't recall the name.

November in europe is not great for kids - unless you do southern Spain. Weather won't be great - and stuck indoors would be horrendous. Also - europe doesn;t specialize in all-inclusives - esp not with kids programs. (ANd even some with kids programs don't do 2 year olds.)

You're much more likely to find something in the Carib or Mexico.

I needed my passport fast and did get it within 2 weeks.

I went to the university campus (MSU) post office where they did the photo, took payment, sent it rush. I am certain most universities PO do this. If a cruise is on your mind, go now!

All the children traveling in your group will have to have their own.

As for jetlag Hawaii is as far as Europe. We have had good experience leasing thru vrbo also.

November is one of the absolute best times to visit the NC Mts. The leaf-peepers have gone back to their Winnebagos and the snowbirds have departed for Florida. From either of those places, you could even drive. About 8 hours from each I would think. Start in Asheville.

I just suggested this on another thread somewhere else, but I think it applies to your situation too: Phoenix.

We did a big family trip to Phoenix (7 adults, 4 kids) and everyone had fun. There are some nice parks/playgrounds for kids (including one in Scottsdale that had a little train...not sure of the name), golfing for adults, the zoo, etc.

Other cruise lines have great kids programs and fun for adults. We did Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the seas last February and loved it. Gorgeous ship, good food, and my son had so much fun in their kids program. Look at the port of call/itinerary to see if it is of interest. Most other cruise lines have kids programs as well. You can look at vacationstogo.com. I usually check there first then check the cruise lines' own web sites.

We just returned from the Estes Park, Colorado. We stayed in a lovely cabin at the YMCA (YMCA Headquarters). I simply can't say enough good things about it. It is located about 10 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and can easily accomodate your group of 13. It is extremely kid-friendly. They have Family Program Activites, horse-back riding, hayrides, guided hiking, indoor swimming, tennis, library, the list goes on and on. To give you an idea how to get there: Fly into Denver and drive about 1 1/2 hours to Estes Park. The only driving is getting to and from, but all your activites would be at the Y or 10 minutes to the National Park. They have both cabins and lodges. It is the type of place where you take your children and they will have so many wonderful memories, they will take their children.

How about an all-inclusive in the US Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico. Many have kids clubs and you don't need a passport.

Suzie_Q, I am curious if you stayed at Estes Park or Snow Mountain Ranch?

I am in the process of planning our trip for 2009 with another family. There would be 4 adults & 5 kids.

Thanks in advnace

I agree with the southwest. You could go to Vegas with sidetrips to the Hoover Dam and Death Valley. Plenty to do to keep both the kids and adults entertained. Or you could do Utah and visits Arches and some other parks. Phoenix area is nice...with a side trip to the south rim of the grand canyon.

All I know is that for years my dad has wanted to take ALL of us someplace, and we have yet to agree on a place we're all willing to go.

If you talked to your fellow family members, this may (or may not!) be a problem...

The closest we come is when my parents rent a huge house on the Outer Banks for a few weeks and the various families sort of come and go.

Hi,

I did a bit of looking in SW Florida thru vrbo.

The first was Venice Island beach home sleeping 16. #19729 There is a beach near Venice where the kids for look for shark's teeth. It is $$$$.

Second Captiva Island, tennis, private beach, private pool. Just sleeps 12. You could pick up an air mattress for the kids at Walmart. #21903 again a $$$$$$ place. Usher (????) stayed there.

Hopes this helps.

Karin