I'm looking for ideas on where to take a vacation with my family. My father turns 65 next year and I would like to take a 3-4 day vacation to celebrate his birthday. I have four adult sisters and spouses (about 11 of us all together). Our common interest is the beach/warm destinations. But we are open to all suggestions. Some of us like to explore, bike, hike, swim and some of us like to kick back and relax.

Try Captiva Island Fl. Great beaches, easy to get around to explore the whole Islandand keep the group together plus great bike riding. Many private rental home can be had. Try www.vacationspot.com and key in Captiva for the search. I list my homes there. It will give you great ideas. Also try T'ween Waters (reasonable) or South Seas Plantation (more expensive)for a hotel type place to stay. Check their website at tweenwaters.com (I think)

I speak from experience-I have taken my elderly father and TWO elderly grandmothers (90's) on numerous vacations--the BEST way is a cruise. They are not as expensive as you may think. The kids will love it, the adults will love it and the cruise staff will make your Dad feel like a king! I took my Dad on a Celebrity Line cruise for his 65th and it was incredible. The ports have great beaches etc...

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Williamsburg, VA has lots of fun things to do. History in Colonial Williamsburg & Jamestown / yorktown, Busch Gardens Wmsbg has great rides & shows, York River state park has terrific mountain biking trails (email me [minus the exclamation] for any details), there is golfing, great restaurants, shopping.