Hello,
I really need an advice what would be the best place to go on the family vacation during the summer. We wanted to go to Europe, but thought may be it's too soon for our 8 years old daughter. We were thinking about Hawaii, but now my head is spinning and I don't know where to go ,and how better organize it. We wanted to be special.

Any advise/ideas/ suggestions are most welcome.

Agali

From where are you starting?

What's your budget? How many days? What are your interests?

We have a wide range of interests, and that's what makes it difficult. I like cities/ history/ architecture/art and my husband likes beaches/sun/snorkeling, etc. We will have from 1 to 2 weeks.

I think Hawaii is a great choice. Their ancient history isn't that ancient. You can visit an active volcano, see heieus, enjoy the sun shine, snorkeling and the beach. We love Hawaii. All of the islands offer something different. Our youngest was about 8 when we first went. Its a long ride but well worth it.

Still don't know from where you are starting. Personal bias here - but come to Boston area. Two downsides is that hotels are expensive, and it can be quite hot in summer.

Plenty of history/architecture for you, including some kid-friendly enough for your daughter. Then go spend some time at the beach - probably Cape Cod.

FLORIDA!!!!
We desperately need your $$$!! We like having tourist pay our state taxes!!

It would be helpful to know where you live-- then we'd all know what you're accustomed to and then suggest a contrast.

Might I suggest a tour of California-- over two weeks (it just can't be done, even superficially, in one week)? Start in the south, drive north.... There are numerous threads on this board regarding possible itineraries.

Boston would be a wonderful choice too. Florida, if you like it extremely hot, could be fun-- although, except for Miami/Miami Beach, architecture is quite uninteresting in the state.

Have to put my plug in for Northwest Montana, Glacier Park and Yellowsstone in the southern part of the state.

If you want it to be special, I'd also say Hawaii (But I think your husbandand daughter will get the most of that trip)

How about North or South Carolina? Charleston?

By the way, don't think 8 is too young for Europe. If I had my druthers, I'd head to Europe in a heartbeat!

(Druthers=money)

Another thought - of you don't need to plan everything far in advance and can be a little flexible with dates, wait until a few weeks before and see what is "on sale" - I get emails daily with great travel bargains.

The other thought is if your 8 year old is as computer savvy as many her age, let her do some research on the computer about places to go - sometimes our kids come up with ideas we never would have thought of (No, I am not suggesting you let an 8 year old have the final say in where you go!)

OK, we live in Oregon. This is where we start from. I still am open to the suggestions/advice.

Gail,

Where do you get your e-mails with the travel bargains from?

Since you live in Oregon, the California tour probably wouldn't be much of a thrill. I think that Boston and the Cape would be a great two week trip! Architecture, history and lots of things to do in Boston, then a spin up to the Cape for beaches and relaxation.

However, if you do it, do it NOW. Things must be filling up VERY quickly.

We took our children to Europe when they were 4 and 7 for the first time and have been back several times. They DO still remember quite a bit from all the trips. Of course every child is different, but if you are up for Europe I would not let your daughters age deter you.

But, if you stay on the continent why not go up to Canada. The Banff/Lake Louise area is gorgeous!

Response to "where do I get email travel bargains from" - anyplace I have previously used - anything from Travelocity and Expedia to individual airline sites (USAirways sends me almost daily low flight info). Some of these are not real bargains and some are great deals to places I can not go to because of schedule, cost, etc.

If it's 2 weeks, a combo SF/Hawaii
One week San Diego/La Jolla

Look into packages to southern Spain-8 is not too young (IMO) for a European vacation, but particularly if it's a beach destination.

Thank you all for the great suggestions. If we go to Hawaii can anyone suggest an island and a nice place to stay at a reasonable price, please? Is having kitchen really saves you money?

There are literally hundreds of posts on Hawa'i here. You can do a search and probably get your answer. If not, then I'd do a separate post with the question in the topic line.