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I am wondering who has been somewhere absolutely wonderful for a family vacation?
Somewhere that everyone can have fun, spend their time happily, relaxing or occupied by some activity, etc...
I was looking at the website for Smugglers Notch (which i believe in wiinter is a ski area) and they seem to have a lot of activities to offer. Now, it was VERY expensive and we didn't go (they didn't have our time available, and well, it was very expensive).
I do love Disney, yes, I get sucked up into the magic, but that is very commercial.
Has anyone been to any of the all inclusive resorts in the caribbean? Is it sandals or beaches (i think one is for families, the other one for couples, i have no idea which is which, but i suppose one leads to the other....)
I was wondering how those are, I know expensive as well but are they worth it? Sometimes it is worth paying that extra amount of money to ensure that you are going to enjoy it.
Where else is good to go, not necessarily all inclusive but family friendly?
What was your most successful and happiest family vacation?
The Belair in St. Maarten is very family friendly. The units are two bedrooms (small) and two baths with a nice veranda and a kitchen, dining area, and living room. Excellent beach and good restaurant on the premises. Also, Jody's is a small grocery/gift shop in the resort. It is located in walking distance of downtown Phillipsburg. SXM is noted for wonderful restaurants and many types of beaches, but Belair's beach is great. There are free floats and noodles for the family to use and plenty of chairs and umbrellas on the beach.
Myrtle Beach is a much nicer beach than the Outer Banks, IMO! Better sand, clearer water.... if you're looking for a beach type vacation.
Disney may be a big commercial enterprise, but they sure know how to entertain their visitors! We've LOVE it , and so do our kids!
We are really hoping to go to Williamsburg, VA this year. I think a week might even be too short of a time to see everything!
We like beach vacations and the Outer Banks in NC are wonderful.
A cruise would be really fun, most of them have activities for kids all day!
We go to Disney at least once a year though!
Dawn
We went to Williamsburg this summer with my 8 year old. A nice mix of history, "thrill" attractions, restaurants... One of the nicest week long vacations we have had. We'll go back.
What are the ages of the family members? We've been vacationing with extended family including kids ages (now) 12-21 and 8 aunts and uncles and two sets of grandparents for several years and always have a good time. When they were small we went to the outer banks of NC. The kids were happy just digging in the sand and playing in the waves for hours. Our last vacations have been to the Grand Canyon, Manitou Springs Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. There are always games in the evening, hikes and walks during the day and some shopping.
What are the ages of the family members? We've been vacationing with extended family including kids ages (now) 12-21 and 8 aunts and uncles and two sets of grandparents for several years and always have a good time. When they were small we went to the outer banks of NC. The kids were happy just digging in the sand and playing in the waves for hours. Our last vacations have been to the Grand Canyon, Manitou Springs Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. There are always games in the evening, hikes and walks during the day and some shopping.
I don't know where this came from, but I have been dreaming of visiting the outer banks of NC. Does anyone else think the Myrtle Beach area would be better as one poster? Because I have already been to Myrtle Beach and found it very, very busy and commercial. We live in Massachusetts so thats really too far to travel to go somewhere with millions of other people. I picture the outer banks as much quieter and unspoiled. Am I just dreaming or is that how it is there? And how much would I expect to pay to stay there a week (hotel accommodations only)
My kids are 3.5 and 7. I have a cousin now living in AZ which I hope to take advantage of to go to see the Grand Canyon.
If you're looking for a place that's not all that commercialized, we LOVE Chincoteague on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It's like going back 30 years in time. We rent a house for the week, take our dogs and kids, go fishing, go to the beach once or twice a day, take our bikes and ride along the wonderful trails there, birdwatch, go to the local ice cream places at night, and have a peaceful family vacation.
We often rent a house for the week whenever we go on vacation (we've done that in San Diego, Point Pelee Ontario, Wareham Massachusetts, Door County Wisconsin and Luray Virginia.) It's a great way to save a little money and have the freedom of having a kitchen available as well as the ability to take our dogs (in the pet friendly places.) Of course, it means I'm doing all the same stuff I do at home (cooking, cleaning, etc) but at least it's in a new location. When I REALLY want a break, we go on a cruise .
And that reminded me that San Diego was a GREAT place for a family vacation. There was TOO much to do there. We love animals and wildlife, so we spent DAYS at the zoo and the Wild Animal Park.
i think the outerbanks are so much nicer than myrtle beach. much more peacful
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, but i suppose one leads to the other....)
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