We planned a trip to the Keys this November to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday, taking our two boys, daughter in law and two grandchildren, ages 2 and 5. We thought it might also be a good place for both the adults and the little kids, but now we are a bit worried about the zika virus appearing in Florida. Any suggestions as to where else we might consider going, that would appeal to our age ranges? Thought of California as well, but other than Disney (where we wouldn't want to stay for 4-5 days), we are at a loss. Any thoughts on a destination that might apppeal to all of us? I appreciate any input and thanks very much !!!

First, what is it about KW that would appeal to the children? Tell us that and we might be able to suggest alternatives. You realize, of course, that Zika has only been confirmed in one part of Florida.

Can it spread? Of course.

November is tough because nowhere else in the continental US will be as warm as the Keys. Hawaii?

Zika will almost surely spread, but I assume the OP realizes that it is truly dangerous only for fetuses and for people with compromised immunity.

I think San Diego would have more for the kids than the keys, but as said above, keys would be warmer. Are you solely interested in a beach vacation?

If you're nervous about zika, I'd go to Hawaii.

Thanks for the responses. We are flying from NY (hence Hawaii trip would be too long for the kids), and picked a place in the Keys with a pool and a beach. San Diego (or CA in general) might be an option, but not sure where to concentrate. Normally, wouldn't be concerned about Zika, however, with a daughter-in-law and the potential for pregnancy makes me/them nervous. Any recommendations for the San Diego area? Thanks much !

I would not worry about zika. They spray like crazy in KW. Between the city and the military you are good imo.

Should elaborate. Key West has a huge military presence with many families, young married couples. Good enough for them and would not freK out over it. I have not seen a mosquito there.

Well, look, there are mosquitoes there. November is drier than summer, although note that hurricane season runs through the end of November. Frankly, a potential for pregnancy would make me nervous, too. But there are a lot of unknowns as to whether and how far the virus will spread, so if son and DIL are willing to wear strong mosquito repellent while outdoors, they might not consider the risk to be great.

The San Diego suggestion is a good one. As you know, there is currently no local transmission in the Keys. But keep up on what is happening with Zika - www.cdc.gov

I like the San Diego/California area too, but not sure where might be a good place to stay that would be good for the group. Suggestions anyone ? Thank you

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Del Mar
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1. Legoland
2. San Diego Zoo
3. Balboa Park
4. Coronado Island
5. Charter fishing for your husband?

Lots of posts on San Diego with young kids!

To be clear Zika can make other people ill - but it's generally mild flu like symptoms - but who wants that with little kids. The problem is committing now and finding out Zika has spread before you go.

The real risk is women who are not absolutely positive that they will not be pregnant or getting pregnant within a fairly long time after possible exposure (I don't know the amount of time, not even sure the MDs do).

Exactly! Thanks for your suggestions fishee!

nyt, men can transmit the virus sexually for an unknown period of time after infection--at least 90 days, I think I read. So they are at risk of fathering a baby with serious birth defects. I find this scary given that most healthy adults don;t even realize they've been infected.

(Sorry for the hijack. I realize that the OP did not intend to discuss Zika--perhaps she could start a new thread bout San Diego??)

We are somewhat in the boat - theoretically. Looking at vacation ideas for extended family, and not too concerned about the four grandchildren, but our DD and SIL are thinking about getting pregnant with a second baby within the next six months, and I wouldn't want to take any risks.

We will either skip a warm-weather winter vacation, or maybe go to the snow (Tahoe?) and rent a cozy cabin for all of us.

scdreamer, I'd do the same in your shoes, fwiw.

Everyone must do their own due diligence, but everything I read suggests that Zika is nearly harmless even to newborns and certainly for young children. The problems arise in utero, for reasons still poorly understood.

You can also check Pacific Beach for vacation rentals on the water. While the other neighborhoods are considered much more exclusive and hence, don't have the "college kids on Spring Break" vibe, Pacific Beach is more centrally located and it's generally easier to get on/off the freeway and get to things like the zoo, Balboa Park, etc. The logistics might be a bit easier from PB.