We are considering going away a few days over the holidays with our 22 and 19 year old sons. I want to be somewhat price conscious…meaning not wanting to spend $10k to Europe.
I’m thinking somewhere warmer. I’m open to suggestions, Mecido, Carribbean, even here in the states. What concerns me is enough things to do, as they don’t like beach vacations anymore…meaning spending hours and hours on the beach. We went to CA last year, visiting several cities and they loved that…plus some beach downtime, but not a lot.
So, going to an all inclusive in Mexico would not be their thing with us (I’m sure they would love it with GF or friends though?
Thought about Puerto Rico, have been to Old San Juan on a cruise, but one DS says he’s “been there now”. Don’t know what there is to do there in the main part. maybe there are some cheap vacations in Europe in the wintertime? They would probably be up for that.
We had this exact same issue last Christmas with our 2 sons (very similar ages) and decided on Portugal and Spain. It was awesome.
Flew into Lisbon, spent several nights there exploring then rented a car and drove to Seville Spain with a stop in Ronda Spain. Great trip, lots to see and do and wasn’t outrageously expensive, although we did prob spend close to the 10k mark. You can certainly keep costs down using Airbnb, Homeaway, etc. Our apartment in Lisbon was our first Airbnb experience and it worked out great.
We’ve spent a number of winter vacations in Miami with Happydad’s relatives. There is plenty to do between Miami and Key West, and you don’t even have to step one foot on the beach if you don’t want to. You’d get to see a lot more stuff than we have because you wouldn’t have umpteen commitments with all of the extended family.
Mallorca. Especially if your family likes to bike.
Maybe Sante Fe?
If they don’t want a beach heavy holiday do they like hiking, museums, fine dining, history, or an architecture tour?
As for San Diego I would highly recommend the Hotel del Coronado. The museums in Balboa Park have some interesting stuff that you won’t see elsewhere. The weather may be too cool for people.
I’d probably go back to California and just pick a different area to explore. If you were in LA go to San Francisco this time. The gangs in Mexico would make me want to avoid Mexico and all of Central America for anything other than a beach vacation. Not worth the risk. I always think of Florida as a little boring especially the scenery away from the beach. Being very warm in the US over Christmas is a crap shot at best.
Why not browse Airbnb?? Portugal? Greece? Even Bavaria (see above). I just booked a centrally located modern apartment in Paris that sleeps 4 for the entire month of November. Only $2200.
(this will be my fourth Airbnb experience and it’s been fantastic so far)
If your family likes history Philly is a great visit during winter or spring break. The weather is lousy but the crowds are minimal.
Are you thinking of 3 to 4 days or 6 to 8?
I hear from my close friends that can only get the family together for one vacation a year that Cabo at Christmas is a top choice. The college age students are off from school. The work force entrants are likely have shutdown at their company. The spa and dining choices are fantastic.
I know you said no beach vacations.
The 18 to 24 group is much more worldly than their parents. They don’t want to waste their free time in Peoria. They don’t want to spend vacation back at the ole homestead. Think of the common denominators that would unite the whole family and maybe a friend or two.