Where would you go in the States for Vacation with 3 boys? (cost, airlines)

[thamlet2149]

Hi All,

My husbands sister has given us 5 Southwestern Airlines tickets so we are now wondering where do we go??

This will be our first family vacation out of state with the boys. I have a 17, 13 and 6 year old.

Any suggestions? We don't have a ton of money, but want it to be awesome!

[Mattie]

Washington DC. Everyone should visit it at least once, and there is so much to see/do, that all ages will enjoy something.

[jlawrence01]

Where are you located at? What do your children want to see?

[Jezer]

Are the tickets valid to go to Canada?

I was thinking of Vancouver, seeing as you are up in Oregon.

[PA2UK]

Orlando, Florida is an obvious choice. Are your boys very active? If so, I recommend some place like the Poconos - lots of outdoor activities in the mountains for boys with lots of energy. Things to See and Do in the Poconos – Pocono Events and Attractions

Or maybe the Outer Banks, NC. Great beaches and again, a lot of outdoor activities (but more water/beach based): The Outer Banks of North Carolina® Official Site - Visitors Bureau

[BlueWillowPlate]

So are you flying out of Portland?
I looked at where Southwest flies, and there were quite a few destinations out of Portland, including Denver (thinking mountains) Washington DC (our nation's capitol) Los Angeles (Hollywood, beaches etc) San Diego (more beaches, theme parks etc) and Orlando (I hate Disney, but I know a lot of people love that stuff.) One thing I noticed was that Southwest offers Disney packages.
This might help you plan a fairly cost-effective vacation.

[firebll31]

I can't believe I'm suggesting this, but Branson MO comes to mind. I live an hour and a half away, and find it's appeal to so many amusing, but there is a lot there to do. Silver Dollar City, White Water, music and comedy shows, Ride the Ducks, shopping, Table Rock Lake, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, horseb ack riding, mini-golf and arcades, Shepherd of the Hills, the Scenic Railway and kitschy gift shops galore. If you are willing to put up with a high-pressure sales pitch for a couple hours, the tiime-share owners may pay for your lodging and some show tickets. Most of the attractions ain't cheap, but what is anymore? In a couple weeks the dogwoods, forsythia, and other spring blooming plants will be beautiful. Fall in the Ozarks is nearly as beautiful as the Northeast.

Branson.com : The Official Website

[South Range Family]

I'm going to agree with Mattie. Every kid should see the monuments, the Smithsonian, Mount Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery. The changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown is something that you have to see in person to really appreciate. My 4th grade class made the trip in 1976. It is still something that I cherish so many years later.

[Luke9686]

D.C. is a good choice. I'd put Boston at the very top of my list if I got free tickets.

[firebll31]

Maybe you should start at the beginning: Do you want to focus on culture/history, nature, or just relaxing fun/touristy? Most places you can do a combo, but one type of activity usually stands out more than others. Once you choose a type of activity, that will narrow your choices and help you decide! Also, what month are you traveling in? Some places and activities are very weather-dependent.