|
|
Post by Really Red on Nov 7, 2016 14:49:54 GMT
So I'm usually not so indecisive, but for some reason, I'm having a hard time. I'm a single parent and I really don't have anyone to bounce these ideas off of, so thank you for being my sounding board. I have 3 teens - 2 19yo girls and 1 16yo boy. We all decided (mostly them) that we'd rather getaway for Christmas than give presents. Well, boy doesn't care at all and girls really want to. We need to be home for Christmas Day, but they all have the week before school off. I have a limited budget - very limited - but haven't been on vacation in 2 years, so really would love some core family time. The options are listed above, but here are some facts. One daughter needs to fly wherever we decide and I included that in my cost. She's in Boston. I would like to go to the snowy mountains of Colorado. My kids were born there and I love snow and cold and roaring fires. No one of my kids wants that but they have all said they'll do as I want. However, my Boston daughter sacrifices much for me. She is always kind and thoughtful and helpful. She HATES the cold. She is miserable in it. I don't love the warm weather, but I'm not miserable in it. I found a cruise and we have never been on a cruise before, but it's only 5 days and 4 nights, slightly less travel time (7 hours each way). I don't know a lot about cruises. Can older teens have fun on a cruise? Or will they just stay by the pool all day? To go to FL would take about 12 hours. To go to CO would take about 10-12 hours. We can go for 6 days for each of these trips. I would love to fly to the islands, but in the end, the flight cost takes most of my budget and it's not a quick trip. We are 2-3 hours away from an airport. I just want a cozy few days away with my kids. Is it ridiculous to spend that money on basically a 5-day trip? I've never spent this much money for a short trip before. Part of me wants to tell my kids that they have to spend 5 days with me in the house and I'll give them $$$ instead of going on a trip. They have to play games with me and do puzzles. Yes, the color of my sky is mauve with blue polka dots  If I were super rich, I think the choice would be easy. As it is now, I just want time with my kids. It goes by too fast. Thanks for ideas, thoughts and help! |
|
smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,302 
Location: MN
|
Post by smcast on Nov 7, 2016 14:52:38 GMT
Cruises are great! We took a family cruise when I was 20 and sister was 18 to the Bahamas. We were tickled pink because the drinking age was 18. There are plenty of activities for the kids on the cruise to enjoy, not to mention excursions off shore. Sounds like a win-win.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 17:54:06 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2016 15:04:21 GMT
Where do you live? (General area)
Maybe there's another alternative that the peas can think of with less travel time, less expense, that would be a happy medium for everyone and get you all enjoyable family time at a reasonable price.
|
|
|
|
Post by jtmom on Nov 7, 2016 15:08:55 GMT
Sounds like what you really want is time together. Do the kids want to go on a trip and do tourist type things or do they want to spend time together and hang out. If they don't care either way, I would find a rental on the beach or something of that nature, then your all getting away but not breaking the bank & you get that quality time.
|
|
Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
|
Post by Loydene on Nov 7, 2016 15:13:03 GMT
Cruises are fun -- BUT -- your teens will be a difficult demographic for most cruise lines. They aren't old enough to drink or gamble; they are too old for the "kids" programs. Laying by the pool is what will, mostly, be available to them. Your lucky difference (than mine when I took my then 16 year old DS on a cruise) is that they will have each other as a "group".
Another thing you might not have considered are the "shore" costs -- the on shore excursions to see the ports can vary, remarkably, in price!
Give more info about your cruise -- the cruise line, the itinerary, etc and maybe we could be more help on those points.
Alternatively -- I'd go for sun and suggest you consider the Gulf Coast. We've been to South Padre Island, Galveston (don't recommend), Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pensacola Beach, Fl. WE have found what we consider to be reasonably priced accommodations in each place -- and in addition to the beach, there has been plenty to do.
I can't see where you would be traveling FROM - but I would absolutely do something "different" than where you start ... and I, like your Boston daughter, do not appreciate the cold!
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,287
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on Nov 7, 2016 15:16:40 GMT
In your situation (with older kids) I'd say take the cruise. Food, lodging and entertainment are all included. Basically you just pay for alcohol and tours. Plus you know they can't wander too far. Hahaha.
Personally though, this beach-town girl loves going to the mountains in winter for a few days.
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on Nov 7, 2016 15:31:43 GMT
Cruises are fun -- BUT -- your teens will be a difficult demographic for most cruise lines. They aren't old enough to drink or gamble; they are too old for the "kids" programs. Laying by the pool is what will, mostly, be available to them. Your lucky difference (than mine when I took my then 16 year old DS on a cruise) is that they will have each other as a "group". Another thing you might not have considered are the "shore" costs -- the on shore excursions to see the ports can vary, remarkably, in price! Give more info about your cruise -- the cruise line, the itinerary, etc and maybe we could be more help on those points. Alternatively -- I'd go for sun and suggest you consider the Gulf Coast. We've been to South Padre Island, Galveston (don't recommend), Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pensacola Beach, Fl. WE have found what we consider to be reasonably priced accommodations in each place -- and in addition to the beach, there has been plenty to do. I can't see where you would be traveling FROM - but I would absolutely do something "different" than where you start ... and I, like your Boston daughter, do not appreciate the cold! What cruise line were you on? We cruise with our 16 and 17year old sons and they have a blast! Rock climbing, snorkeling, dance parties, onboard surfing, zip lining, etc. |
|
PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,310
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
|
Post by PaperAngel on Nov 7, 2016 15:37:38 GMT
Since your children do not have strong opinions about the destination, I recommend staying at home to to create new (& maybe revisit some of their childhood) holiday traditions. Everyone gets down time from school/work to play games, watch movies/tv/sports, try new restaurants, drive around to see holiday decorations, & maybe a day/overnight trip to the nearest city for shopping/dining/sporting event/etc. You could also devote one day to honor each person. For example, on Monday you choose your favorite restaurant/snacks/activities ending with you receiving a gift; on Tuesday, your son plans his ideal day, which ends with a souvenir of his choice; one of your daughters' turn to plan her honorary day & decide on a gift is on Wednesday; & Thursday is all about your other daughter. Everyone participates in the honoree's favorites, so you reconnect, spoil each other, & have fun together.
If you choose to travel, our family's favorite holiday break destination is San Francisco, CA. Note we prefer busy (e.g. touring cities, trying new restaurants, attending sporting events/theatre/museums, etc.) to relaxing (e.g. beach, cruise) vacations.
Regardless your choice, hope you & your children have a safe & happy holiday!
|
|
|
|
Post by beachbum on Nov 7, 2016 15:43:24 GMT
If you're going at Christmas time, the only warm part of Florida is going to be southern Florida, think south of Tampa. I have friends who have a condo on the Panhandle - they had snow last year around Christmas. I live in SW Florida, normal temps are in the upper 70's/low 80's - great winter weather for me. Gulf water temps are a bit chilly for me, but there are always some people in there. Most hotels/condos will have heated pools. Sanibel Island is a great vacation destination, but finding a place if you want this year may not be possible as winter months are our 'season' here.
We did a Christmas cruise out of Tampa one year with all our family and LOVED it. The ship was decorated, Santa was on the ship on Christmas morning handing out gifts to the children (and the staff was handing out eggnog to the adults!!) We went to Cozumel and Costa Maya (took a bus to Majahual), weather was great and the water temps were better).
|
|
|
|
Post by GamGam on Nov 7, 2016 16:09:57 GMT
I am a "Home Puppy" at holiday time, so that is what I would want. Do you think your children would enjoy a home based time together? Paperangel's ideas sound lovely to me. Holiday travel is so stressful, so that anything I could plan to avoid it would be appealing. How about your kids? Would it be easy to please them?
|
|
Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,643
Location: Kansas City -ish
|
Post by Anita on Nov 7, 2016 16:20:13 GMT
We are frequent cruisers, and my 16 year old loves them. She has spent zero time at pools because they are always taken up by "the little kids" she doesn't want to hang out with. So yes, older teens can have a great time on ships.
|
|
paigepea
Drama Llama
Enter your message here...
Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
|
Post by paigepea on Nov 7, 2016 16:26:33 GMT
I would do the cruise. It will be a new experience. Food all included. See some new places. Much to do for all age groups.
I'm not a fan of staycations in place of a vacation. Our family spends much more time together talking / being together / laughing on vacation when we leave our cell phones in our rooms than when we stay home and get stuck in our own things. No new experiences to talk about. Less memories created. That is just the way my family works.
A cruise isn't only about hanging at the pool. There are activities all day. Indoor and outdoor. And activities all night. Nightly shows after dinner. It's fun.
Paige.
|
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Nov 7, 2016 16:43:09 GMT
My biggest concern about the cruise would be the cost of the extras and I'd also take a hard look at what the 5 days and 4 nights really mean. Is the first day boarding at 4 PM and the last day disembarking at 7 AM?
Colorado will be expensive over Christmas and, unless you are going for the winter sports, I'd skip it.
A staycation will be really hard IMHO for the kids not to want to connect with friends while home, so if you want them to yourself I think you need to pick a neutal destination.
Northern Florida is appealing because it should be pleasantly warm, not hot.
TBH, I'd look for the nearest decent sized city and an AirBnB or HomeAway rental. Have the kids pick activities, restaurants, local sports events, local holiday events, etc., and put together an itinerary for the week. I love large apartment rentals that let you have slow, lazy mornings before heading out for the day.
|
|
janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,174
Location: Alabama
|
Post by janeinbama on Nov 7, 2016 17:52:35 GMT
A cruise would fit the bill and a 5 day cruise would be not be tooo long if anyone doesn't like it. There are many activities starting around lunch and going till after midnight. If this is the kids' Christmas present, what you would like the most should not carry more voting weight (even though you are $$). The travel arrangements could present bigger problems, Florida is slammed after Christmas with multiple bowl games and park visits.
DH did go on a 7 day cruise and did not love it. That being said, I would take our 3 oldest grandchildren on a short cruise when they are 14,15 and 16 or so. They would have a blast.
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Nov 7, 2016 17:55:43 GMT
I picked cruise because I think that'll have something for everyone!
|
|
Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
|
Post by Loydene on Nov 7, 2016 18:03:53 GMT
What cruise line were you on? We cruise with our 16 and 17year old sons and they have a blast! Rock climbing, snorkeling, dance parties, onboard surfing, zip lining, etc. Carnival - The Triumph. The group of 16 - 17 year olds was no one that DS would want to "hang" with .... and he was making a wise choice. That was the absolutely worst cruise we have ever taken -- with the all time BEST shore excursion in Puerto Rico! |
|
|
|
Post by Really Red on Nov 7, 2016 18:20:31 GMT
Cruises are fun -- BUT -- your teens will be a difficult demographic for most cruise lines. They aren't old enough to drink or gamble; they are too old for the "kids" programs. Laying by the pool is what will, mostly, be available to them. Your lucky difference (than mine when I took my then 16 year old DS on a cruise) is that they will have each other as a "group". Another thing you might not have considered are the "shore" costs -- the on shore excursions to see the ports can vary, remarkably, in price! Give more info about your cruise -- the cruise line, the itinerary, etc and maybe we could be more help on those points. Carnival Cruise Ecstasy out of Charleston and visit Bahamas and Jamaica. I think like you - my kids are too old for the kids' programs and too young for other stuff. Where do you live? (General area) Maybe there's another alternative that the peas can think of with less travel time, less expense, that would be a happy medium for everyone and get you all enjoyable family time at a reasonable price. I am in Central VA. If you're going at Christmas time, the only warm part of Florida is going to be southern Florida, think south of Tampa. I have friends who have a condo on the Panhandle - they had snow last year around Christmas. I live in SW Florida, normal temps are in the upper 70's/low 80's - great winter weather for me. Gulf water temps are a bit chilly for me, but there are always some people in there. Most hotels/condos will have heated pools. Sanibel Island is a great vacation destination, but finding a place if you want this year may not be possible as winter months are our 'season' here. We did a Christmas cruise out of Tampa one year with all our family and LOVED it. The ship was decorated, Santa was on the ship on Christmas morning handing out gifts to the children (and the staff was handing out eggnog to the adults!!) We went to Cozumel and Costa Maya (took a bus to Majahual), weather was great and the water temps were better). how old were your kids on that cruise? My biggest concern about the cruise would be the cost of the extras and I'd also take a hard look at what the 5 days and 4 nights really mean. Is the first day boarding at 4 PM and the last day disembarking at 7 AM? Colorado will be expensive over Christmas and, unless you are going for the winter sports, I'd skip it. A staycation will be really hard IMHO for the kids not to want to connect with friends while home, so if you want them to yourself I think you need to pick a neutal destination. Northern Florida is appealing because it should be pleasantly warm, not hot. TBH, I'd look for the nearest decent sized city and an AirBnB or HomeAway rental. Have the kids pick activities, restaurants, local sports events, local holiday events, etc., and put together an itinerary for the week. I love large apartment rentals that let you have slow, lazy mornings before heading out for the day. Yes! We leave late on Saturday and get back early on the last day. There just really isn't any place warm nearby us at Christmas. I'm almost tempted to do NYC, but I think that will be too pricey for me, unfortunately. And I think all my kids want to relax right after finals. It's a tough year for all of them. What cruise line were you on? We cruise with our 16 and 17year old sons and they have a blast! Rock climbing, snorkeling, dance parties, onboard surfing, zip lining, etc. That sounds like a lot of fun. I am such a newbie on these things. I went to the Carnival site, but I didn't see a section for all that kind of stuff. Do most cruises have it and cater to the teens? |
|
|
|
Post by malibou on Nov 7, 2016 18:22:43 GMT
This isn't one of your choices, but this family with a nearly 16year old boy, loves a car trip.
I don't know where you live, but I can't think of anywhere where you can't drive to something amazing. Over Thanksgiving the boy has a week off of school. We are driving about 8 hours to stay 3 days in a sort of remote cabin and 3 days in a city then home again.
We listen to audible books in the car and chat and play word games.
J
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on Nov 7, 2016 18:23:11 GMT
@really Red we have only cruised (many times) with Royal Caribbean so I cant speak to the other cruise lines. Have you checked with Royal?
Also, if you are on a cruise, you wont be on the boat the entire time. Depending where you are going there will be things to do there as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by beachbum on Nov 7, 2016 19:24:26 GMT
beachbum how old were your kids on that cruise? Our kids were adults on that cruise, but they've been cruising since they were young, they started when the youngest was 5 and the oldest was 11. They enjoy cruising, 2 out of the 3 like the organized kids programs, one not so much (but that's his personality, not the fault of the program, he's not outgoing and would rather be with us or by himself, reading). SaveSave |
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Nov 7, 2016 20:11:15 GMT
Someone up thread said north Florida is pleasently warm at Christmas. Compared to North Dakota perhaps, but north Florida gets surprisingly cold that time of year. If you want warm, you really do have to go south. I'm more central, and usually Christmas Day is tshirts and jeans weather, but I wouldn't go over to the beach expecting to wear a bathing suit or go in the water. Souther is better. lol But. I will also say this-if you go to some place on north Florida, there is nothing better than a cold day at the beach-curled up under a blanket on the porch, listening to the waves and the gulls with family.  |
|
Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
|
Post by Loydene on Nov 7, 2016 20:50:21 GMT
A cruise is all very exciting -- flying to the departure port, getting to the ship, getting On the ship. Meals are all provided, some entertainment. You can sometimes find many no cost things to do -- dance classes, the piano bar (you do not have to buy a drink to sit and listen/sign ... people usually do, but you aren't obligated), trivia, the "social" games (belly flop, hairy chest, dating game sorts of things). My favorite is to find an outside deck and sit and read! The Bahamas You are probably stopping around Atlantis which is very expensive I understand. Jamaica - watch out! Climbing the river falls is one of the big things there. Everyone will probably be offered the opportunity to buy grass!
|
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Nov 7, 2016 20:56:18 GMT
Forget the snow! Yuck!
If everyone is ok with the cruise, then I would do that because the weather will be warmer. FL in December can be iffy as far as temperatures.
DH and I don't think we are "cruise people", but lots of people do them and love them.
|
|
rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,123
|
Post by rickmer on Nov 7, 2016 21:13:30 GMT
i voted staycation but would like to qualify that... i don't know what is within driving distance to you but i live in toronto and we have done great trips between 2-6 hr drives (kingston, montreal, niagara falls, ottawa).
we get the best deal we can on a hotel* (my kids are a bit younger with oldest at 16 but they like the gym and the pool so i usually go middle of the road hotel). i do a bit of research as to what we can do while we are there and we hit the road. we eat some meals out but do grocery shop when we arrive for sandwich stuff, snacks & drinks. everyone picks something they want to do in that city and it's always been great.
*as a tip, last week i called a four points to book a room. i got nervous because it was for DD's sporting event and i asked four points rep if we can just book the room (then go back and fine tune the offer with breakfast options, etc) because i was worried other parents would be trying to book as well and i would lose the room.
so as i booked the room she asked if i was an SPG member. i said no, i don't know what that is so i am going with no. room booked and confirmed and we hash out other details. she says "well since you are now a SPG member, you qualify for these offers". my room price went down almost $100!!
before i go to any hotel, i will log into their site and sign up for the membership rewards program!!
|
|
|
|
Post by ktdoesntscrap on Nov 7, 2016 21:30:46 GMT
Where do you live? (General area) Maybe there's another alternative that the peas can think of with less travel time, less expense, that would be a happy medium for everyone and get you all enjoyable family time at a reasonable price. I am in Central VA. What about renting a cabin in the Smokey's closer than Colorado, not as cold, but you can do all the fun stuff you'd do at home but in a fun location... Last Christmas we went to my brother's house in Punta Gorda Florida. just south of Tampa, for Christmas. There were a few days when it felt nice to get in the barely heated pool, but most days it was too cold for me, though my DD and niece and nephew did. We had a real family holiday, lots of games, hung by the pool etc. We barely left the house. I am not a huge Cruise fan, and if you really want to spend time as a family I think you could all get lost on a ship and not actually spend a lot of time together. |
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Nov 7, 2016 23:45:57 GMT
Another thought on the cruise is only your youngest is probably eligible to participate in a teen program on board.
I don't know the South, but know my family would be happy to head somewhere like Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, or Savannah and explore a new city together.
|
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 8, 2016 0:09:09 GMT
Someone up thread said north Florida is pleasently warm at Christmas. Compared to North Dakota perhaps, but north Florida gets surprisingly cold that time of year. If you want warm, you really do have to go south. I'm more central, and usually Christmas Day is tshirts and jeans weather, but I wouldn't go over to the beach expecting to wear a bathing suit or go in the water. Souther is better. lol But. I will also say this-if you go to some place on north Florida, there is nothing better than a cold day at the beach-curled up under a blanket on the porch, listening to the waves and the gulls with family. I can remember one Christmas at my folks place in Clearwater where we had snow flurries. <brrrr> |
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Nov 8, 2016 0:14:17 GMT
Someone up thread said north Florida is pleasently warm at Christmas. Compared to North Dakota perhaps, but north Florida gets surprisingly cold that time of year. If you want warm, you really do have to go south. I'm more central, and usually Christmas Day is tshirts and jeans weather, but I wouldn't go over to the beach expecting to wear a bathing suit or go in the water. Souther is better. lol But. I will also say this-if you go to some place on north Florida, there is nothing better than a cold day at the beach-curled up under a blanket on the porch, listening to the waves and the gulls with family. I can remember one Christmas at my folks place in Clearwater where we had snow flurries. <brrrr> That's the thing-you never know what's going to happen. It can be cold enough to have a fire in the fire place or hot enough that you are wearing shorts and a t-shirt. lol |
|
|
|
Post by AussieMeg on Nov 8, 2016 2:02:08 GMT
I chose the cruise, and sunny Florida would be my second choice. Cozying it up for 5 days in the cold is my idea of hell - albeit a cold hell LOL!
ETA: My kids would find sitting around a roaring fire to be boring, as would I to be honest. At least on a cruise there is so much to do.
|
|
|
|
Post by KikiPea on Nov 8, 2016 2:06:46 GMT
All, but the last one, except we go to CO during off season when there's less people there.
|
|
