Please respond with any suggestions on where I could take my 12 y-o son for spring break next year. We've been to Disney a few times and are not considering that as an option.

I was thinking along the lines of a 3 or 4 day cruise. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Have you asked your son for his ideas? One time we rented a car and visited Mammouth Caves and then went to the Corvette Assembly Plant which is near the caves - Bowling Green KY.The plant tour is great and appeals to that age boy. We did this during April School vacation. We have also gone places and brought his mtn bike along so he could ride while we rested. One year we let him pick to do stuff during a weekend in VT. We visited a humvee dealer and went to army surplus stores. Not too exciting for me but we felt he hadn't been getting much of our attention and needed a weekend doing what he wanted to do. Snorkeling together would also be nice. Luxury camping on St John USVI is great fun and there will be other kids. If you don't like camping there are hotels to stay at and you can explore the island together. Great national park and fantastic beaches. It's real important to spend time together and not go off on your seperate ways at a resort or on a cruise.Have a wonderful time.

I'm with Donna on the importance of seeking input re/vacation choices from young people once they hit that age. My daughter (now 16) and I have done a Cleveland/Chicago trip that was great fun (although it was summer). Went to the R&R hall of Fame in Cleveland and had dinner in the "Flats", then on to Chicago. Lunch on the 86th floor of John Hancock building (a bargain, by the way), wandering through funky little record stores in Lincoln Park area, an IMAX movie at the Museum of Science and Technology. She loved it. We have done the snorkeling trip and both loved it but her absolute favorite..... New Yourk City! I'm sure he's old enough and kids just think the Big Appl is totally "kewl" (because it is). The city has been "cleaned up", has throngs of tourists and is definitely a safe place to visit with any mature young person. Have fun!

How about skiing or snowboarding over spring break? If you're a non-skiing type there is still lots to do at any big mountain resort. Besides the weather is usually great and you'll get a great tan (most resort hotels have heated outdoor pools!) We have a 10 yr old and alternate spring breaks between skiing and beach vacations.

I took my 10 year old daughter whitewater rafting on the Upper New River in WV at that age level they ride duckies of "little" rapids..she loved it. There is a lot of history and it is a great time if your anywhere near West Virginia. There is camping/hotels available...also hiking, paintball and ropes courses. It is a great time if your into outdoor things...very reasonably priced if that is a factor.