thanks for the encouragement, LoveItaly! Appreciate it!
Between the dogs and kids, most of the traveling I do lately is in my dreams!

Have they been to NYC? I think that's a place that all would enjoy.

Smiroglotta hit upon something I have been researching. I've never done Caribbean Mexico, only the Pacific side and don't know much about the area.

My family is taking a trip to Cancun and my aunt is concerned about her kids (age 10 to 17) and run-ins with topless sunbathers & overall raunchiness to be avoided. ;) We have heard Cancun is like Waikiki...we want something more lush/tropical and family oriented.

Any recommendations on great all-inclusives and/or beaches to go in a lush, tropical area where people don't mind tanlines, and where there is enough for everyone to do??

We are leaning toward the Hotel Marina El Cid Riviera Maya in Puerto Morelos. Thanks for any insight!

Seer- where did you end up going and how was it?

I am 14 and I have been to Mexico (cancun, etc.). I thought it was very fun but...next year we are going to Kauai and I have to say that I am much more excited about this trip. Who doesn't love surfing, zipping, and jumping off a 25 ft. high cliff into a swimming hole?? :-) This year I got to decide which two islands to go to. I chose Kauai and Oahu. We're spending most of our time on Kauai. All I want to do on Oahu is meet some awesome surfers (Carissa Moore!!!) and see the waves at Pipeline. I'm really excited about Kauai because I don't really like big crowds and can't wait to see the Na Pali Coast! I'll be interested in seeing where you ended up going!

I have to ask, as a person who works with high school aged students, how a 14 year old knows about this site? I am simply asking, not judging, and glad that teens have a say in their family travel Have a great time in Hawaii! I went to Kauai and you have made a terrific choice.

I have always loved traveling and planning trips with my family. We always buy Fodors books, so I looked online and found this site. I am homeschooled. I have regular classes, but when we go on vacation we have to do educational stuff too. (My whole family loves to travel! My mom says that the world is our classroom!) For example, on Oahu, we will be going to Pearl Harbor. I'm pretty excited about that too! :-)