I am trying to plan a weeklong trip on short notice and have no idea where to go. It is during Spring Break and really don't want to be around large crowds. It is just myself and my seven year old son. We live in Florida and don't want to vacation here. We don't want to be super cold. Thought about maybe Arizona or DC or a cruise. Don't want to spend more than $4000, any suggestions???

How about San Diego?
What do you and your son enjoy doing together?

I am a single mom and last year for Spring Break I took my 7 year old son to San Diego for Spring Break and we had such a good time. We traveled from Texas and I booked the airfare and hotel through Expedia. We stayed at the Loews Coronado Resort. San Diego was very easy to get around, although you pretty much have to rent a car, the weather was beautiful and there was tons of stuff to do. In fact, we are going back again in March!

We love to be outdoors and I really want a nice hotel with a pool. Kath, what did you do while you were there? I know they have a fantastic zoo, anything else??

This hotel had a nice pool. It was a little cool for me to go swimming, but the pool was heated and my son had no problem getting right in and playing with several other kids. They had a poolside bar there, so I just sipped a margarita and watched him from the lounge chairs. We were there for four days. We did the zoo, Seaworld, Legoland, and a day of just hanging out at the pool, exploring Coronado and having dinner in Little Italy. This time we are also going to take the train up to Anaheim to Disneyland. One thing I liked about San Diego was it didn't feel overy crowded because it was Spring Break. However, I'm sure that will not be the case at Disneyland!

I didn't know they had Sea world and Legoland, this sounds seriously promising. You couldn't pay me to go to Disneyland on Spring Break though. We have season passes to Disney World and I refuse to go until well after
How far is it to drive to the moutains? Anyone ever been to Tijuana? Is it kid friendly and safe?

I went to Tijuana when I was single and it was the most disgusting place that I've ever been to. At the border crossing, there was a lady hitting her kid that was holding out a cup begging for money. Every time the kid would slow their tears she'd hit them again. Their crying obviously would make people feel bad and give more money. There were children roaming the streets selling Tic-Tac's. I would NEVER take my kids to Tijuana, it is not a place I would want them to see.

Well, that answers the Tijuana thing. Geez..

Sorry I can't be provide any info on driving into the mountains, hopefully someone else can. But there's no way I'd venture into Tijuana w/my son on my own. The other thing I'd considered doing would be a whale watching boat trip, I think March is still the right time of year.

I would highly recommend the wild animal park -affiliated with the famous SD Zoo. And consider reservind in advance a jeep trip as part of your day spent there. It is like going on a minature Safari. It is beautiful and I don't want to give it all away, but it is beautiful and the environments and the animals are diverse and fun...They also have an overnight camping experience, but I think that is in the summer. I believe there are AAA and other discounts you might find to save money.
Also in that same area, north of SD, there are hot air balloon rides, wineries, and towards the coast you will find Del Mar (with a famous horse track), LaJolla, etc. which are beautiful beach village towns.

San Diego is a great choice - we did that for spring break 2 years ago. We did Legoland, Sea World, zoo, Wild Animal Park, a hike at Torrey Pines, walked around La Jolla and went tide-pooling at Cabrillo. Then there's the city itself: Old Town, etc. There's a lot do here.

My older son's favorite spring break trip was to Atlantis on Paradise Island. We didn't stay at Atlantis, we stayed across the street at the Comfort Suites for a lot less $$$. You wouldn't avoid crowds here, though.

I might suggest Playa del Carmen, Mexico. There are some very reasonable airfares into Cancun from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale--I used Sprit Airlines last year, and got a great rate. In Playa I have stayed for about $50-60 a night(total for 2) in a very decent hotel 1/2 block from beach. I have been several times and usually stay at the Maya Bric Hotel there--nice budget place. If you want a little more upscale, check the family rates at Puerto Royal, which is an all-inclusive that you can get with or without the all-inclusive plan. I recommend NOT eating every night at the hotel, since there are so many neat little restaurants to explore and try. Playa is "busy" but not the party place that Cancun is! Very kid-friendly. Lots to see and do nearby, especially for kids. You can have a great vacation for well under your budget.

Thanks for the ideas. I booked a 6 night cruise on RCL for Spring Break. First time ever, so should be interesting!