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Post by jcmom04 on Mar 21, 2017 1:59:33 GMT
I also grew up never going on vacations and my DH family would go to Branson and call it good 😉. So, we've done a lot of traveling in our 20 years of marriage. I've learned what I enjoy and my family does well. Someone earlier suggested think smaller in terms of not going out of the country and I would suggest even trying a 2-3 day trip. Over Spring Break I rented a cabin at lake a few hours from us and we were only there 2 nights but it was such good family time. We were out in the middle of nowhere and I insisted on No Electronics for anyone. It was great!!
Having a 2-3 day trip now and then can be extremely affordable (we paid $200 including gas for the entire weekend by using VRBO).
Hope it works out!
Kristin
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Post by birukitty on Mar 21, 2017 2:31:30 GMT
My favorite spot of family beach vacations is St. John USVI. That stands for United States Virgin Island so you don't need passports. 3/4 of the island is National Park so it's not developed but protected and it is STUNNING! We've been twice as a family and stayed two weeks each time. We like to go the first two weeks in December because it's the last two weeks of low season and the weather is perfect. Anyway, there are tons of small beaches with white sand, turquoise blue water and the water is crystal clear. It's called the "Kauai of the Caribbean". It's a lush island, hilly and green. When we went we stayed at the wonderful Maho Bay Eco campgrounds, but sadly they lost their lease after 28 years and no longer exist. We went when DS was 8 and 13. He adored these vacations and didn't want to go home. I love this island so much I want to move there. Now of course there are plenty of airbnb's to choose from. You'll likely need to rent a jeep to get around but it's worth it. Airfare-luckily airfare is dirt cheap these days. I just bought a ticket flying from home (Maryland) to Poland and then from Amsterdam back to home two weeks later for $700.00! That's unheard of. I've flown plenty of times to Amsterdam and it's usually around $1,400.00. I have no idea what's going on these days but if you're thinking of a vacation that includes airfare now is the time to plan it and jump on it. I used cheapoair.com There is plenty to do on St. John. It is not the sleepy little island people used to call it. What I like-it's not full of shopping, bars, dancing, crowds, like St. Thomas. What it is-an ecological gem where you can take day trips anywhere-take a boat trip to the BVI's (British Virgin Islands)-for this you would need passports, or just a day sail for snorkeling and a picnic. But the best part is you can snorkel right off the many, many beaches that surround the island. Snorkeling is super easy. If your 5 year old can swim he/she can snorkel. What I did was get my son lessons at the indoor pool before we left for our trip so he could hit the beach running before we got there. It worked out perfectly. Check it out over on www.tripadvisor.com on the forum. The water is warm and so beautiful. It's also a safe island. You can leave your valuables (wallet, towel) and no one will take them while you are in the water. Not every island is like that in the Caribbean. You don't have to worry about being surrounded and hounded constantly to buy, buy, buy their wares like in Jamaica (I've been there and I hated that part). You can explore the entire island and be left in peace thanks to that. Whatever you decide I hope you have a great time and make lots of great memories. Birukitty, we are heading to St. John/BVI for the very first time in a few months! We just booked it a few weeks ago. I'm really excited! Birukitty, we are heading to St. John/BVI for the very first time in a few months! We just booked it a few weeks ago. I'm really excited! Birukitty, we are heading to St. John/BVI for the very first time in a few months! We just booked it a few weeks ago. I'm really excited! Birukitty, we are heading to St. John/BVI for the very first time in a few months! We just booked it a few weeks ago. I'm really excited! Birukitty, we are heading to St. John/BVI for the very first time in a few months! We just booked it a few weeks ago. I'm really excited! Damn! I can't get this right no matter how hard I try. I'm so sorry. Anyway-Ahiller I'm so happy for you! How long will you be on St. John and where are you staying? My best advice-do not miss snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay. You don't need to do a tour there. Best to do it on your own. It is the best snorkeling site on the island. When we sent (DH, DS and I) we hired a taxi (didn't have the jeep that day) and he dropped us off where the road is the closest to the beach. We agreed on a pick up time. Make it a few hours. You then hike in just a little bit. We had the entire place to ourselves that day (like I said we go the last two weeks of low season). You then swim out to the Cay-it's a tiny island out in the water. Then snorkel around it. The sea life and coral there is amazing! Last time we went was awhile ago-it was 2003. The coral was technicolor. DS saw a spotted eagle ray! So full of multi color fish and coral. It is so beautiful there. We made a mistake and went there one of the last days of the trip. Should have gone there one of the first days and gone again and again. Bring water, sunscreen and even a packed lunch. If you have any questions or would like to talk about St. John PM me. We would have gone back many, many times before now but DH's job situation means he hasn't been able to take a vacation in many, many years. Things just got better with his latest contract. He's in IT usually working on a contract that lasts 18 months with no benefits. In November he just signed a contract for 5 years with benefits. First vacation we take will be to St. John. It's been way too long. Have fun. I'm thrilled for you. Where in the BVI are you going? |
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Post by ahiller on Mar 21, 2017 3:14:47 GMT
Biru - my kids are 7 and almost 5 so I'm not sure how much snorkeling we will be able to actually do. I'm planning on getting them into our pool with masks and fins this summer but I don't know how it's going to go with my ds. I think he will be more of a stand in the water and put his face in and call it snorkeling on this trip. We are considering buying one of those rafts that has a clear panel so he can lay on it and just look down. Hell, I might use it for me too, lol. We are staying in a condo in Cruz Bay. We wanted to stick closer to town and other people with it being our first time. We're heading to Virgin Gorda afterwards. I made a rookie mistake and booked our departure from STJ on a day that the ferry doesn't run straight through. Oh well, I guess that means I will get to see Tortola!  |
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The Great Carpezio
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Mar 21, 2017 4:37:10 GMT
What kills you is the airfare. I'd have maybe two trips in mind--one that could be saved for in a year and one that might be bigger and farther out? Have you done a cabin trip? We really loved Ludlows Island Resort. It isn't cheap, but cheaper than flying somewhere. The service is amazing and it feels like you really are farther away from home than three hours (and there are a bunch of things you can do in the area---tower-Sudan, ely, wolf center, bear preserve, etc... ludlowsresort.comAlso, not cheap, but how about renting an RV? We have an old small one and we camp in Mn/Wi, but when I was a teen, my family (with aunt/uncle/cousin) rented a big RV and went to the Grand Canyon for one trip and Glaciar/Rockies another summer. I'd recommend the latter. Also, if you are going to NYC, we flew into DC and did DC, NYC and Philly in the same trip. I'd like to do that with the kids someday (it was pre-kid). The Dells are fun too and The Kalahari has two bedroom condos (top: over the Fourth of July they have excellent fireworks) If you can swing it down the line, you can't go wrong with Maui. It's perfect for families imo. |
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Post by annabella on Mar 21, 2017 13:52:09 GMT
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Mar 21, 2017 13:59:00 GMT
We have not gone on a "real" family vacation and I would like to start planning for/saving for one. I have no idea where to start! I didn't grow up going on vacations and DH and I have only gone on a trip once (on a cruise in 2001). I see a lot of pics from friends who go on vacation frequently and think it would be fun to go somewhere, but we have 6 people and a budget. Where are the best places to go with kids? How do you find the best deals? Are there times of year that are best? What else do I need to know? I would like somewhere with a nice beach and preferably other things to do as well. I didn't really like the cruise due to being seasick the whole time and I would also like to spend more time in the location that we go to, not just on the ship. Any suggestions? I have the BEST memories from our annual beach vacation when I was a kid. I was shocked to realize as an adult that our destination was only a 2 hour drive from home because I remember it as an all day trip to get there. By the time the car was packed and we were on the road, it was probably after 10 and we stopped half way at a park to run and play while mom & dad put out a picnic lunch. I now realize we couldn't check into our cabin until after 3, so we spent more time picnicing than actually on the road.  We were on a beach with a large tidal flat and spent all day making giant sand forts that we futilely tried to save from the incoming tide every night. If it was a daytime high tide, we build complex driftwood forts on the beach. We always took at least one day trip to explore parks within driving distance, but most of the vacation was spent playing & relaxing at the beach. I'd highly recommend Parksville, BC for a family vacation, but I'm sure you can find something closer to you. I guess what I'm saying is a vacation doesn't have to be an expensive destination, especially when your kids are young and you have to buy a lot of airfare. That's so funny. And a good point. There was a thread on the old board about your kids favorite things from vacations and it was often the little things - like getting room service and watching a movie in the hotel room. My daughter is certainly the same way - we've been some gorgeous places and she's been more interested in riding the shuttle bus, what snacks we brought, or barb wire. |
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Post by happymom on Mar 21, 2017 14:30:27 GMT
Could you make the NCY trip a family vaca trip too?? There are lots of family vaca things to do around MN and WI. have you done the Dells? Stay at a resort in MN, Duluth, or even a long wkend in the cities and do a waterpark, science museum, MOA, etc, etc. Door county? Chicago? Mount Rushmore? It it all depends on what you all enjoy. We we are not beach sitters but love the ocean with nature activities and adventure. We loved Puerto Rico and it offers culture, history, forts, beaches , biobay, rainforest, with a rental car. And no passports!! |
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Post by melanell on Mar 21, 2017 14:35:45 GMT
With some of your kids being older now, perhaps you can start asking them to throw out some ideas. My kids always surprise me with the places they are itching to see, because they are often different from mine or different from what I expect from kids their age. Right now my 6 year old is crazy for the idea of visiting China. Now we're not actually taking him to China right now, but it's still something for us to keep in mind.  And eventually they may suggest something that will actually work for your family. |
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janeinbama
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Post by janeinbama on Mar 21, 2017 15:04:24 GMT
With some of your kids being older now, perhaps you can start asking them to throw out some ideas. My kids always surprise me with the places they are itching to see, because they are often different from mine or different from what I expect from kids their age. Right now my 6 year old is crazy for the idea of visiting China. Now we're not actually taking him to China right now, but it's still something for us to keep in mind. And eventually they may suggest something that will actually work for your family. Not sure where you live, but Chinatown in NYC would be quite the adventure! I am sure any large city with a Chinese population has a great area. You really feel immersed for a few blocks!
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Mar 21, 2017 15:24:20 GMT
If you are a member of Costco, you can get good deals through their travel site. If you are flying, I would highly recommend getting some kind of rewards credit card and charging everything to it (and paying it off every month!) to build up enough points for some free flights. With 6 of you, that's a ton of money for airfare! We use the US Bank card and I think it is much better than using an airline credit card and redeeming through them. Or you could open a specific hotel credit card (Marriott, Hyatt, etc.) and save points to out towards rooms. You can go to thepointsguy.com to see the benefits of a bunch of different cards. For us, we've found that getting a condo and buying food/cooking majority of our meals is a big cost saver. We can usually handle the airfare/lodging costs but the food at a resort is SO expensive. If you want to go out of the country, I'd do either an all-inclusive or rent a condo. This is a great idea. We did the same thing and I ended up with a Capital One Venture card. When I signed up I got $400 to use towards travel. I use my credit card for everything (paid off monthly) to accrue the points. I love that I don't have to book my travel through the card, but can just use it to erase travel costs. I've also been very happy with Capital One's customer service, website, and features such as no fees for international transactions. |
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janeinbama
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Post by janeinbama on Mar 21, 2017 16:19:34 GMT
It sounds like you guys have been on a few trips close to home. To the kids these are vacations. I would take a map and draw a circle around your maximum driving time 1 day, 2 day travel and then start looking up activities in these areas. Tripadivsor.com is a wonderful resource, find a city and look at things to do tab.
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Julie W
Drama Llama
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Post by Julie W on Mar 21, 2017 16:28:29 GMT
I'm in St. Paul.
A few years ago we did the Mount Rushmore and nearby attractions trip. Really really fun and not expensive to drive it.
If you've done a MN lake vacation - how about a lake rental in Michigan and driving it?
Some acquaintances did a drive along the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities to New Orleans last summer. They loved it, it engaged different ages of kids and wasn't too expensive.
Chicago is a day drive!
Good luck!
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Post by melanell on Mar 21, 2017 19:41:22 GMT
With some of your kids being older now, perhaps you can start asking them to throw out some ideas. My kids always surprise me with the places they are itching to see, because they are often different from mine or different from what I expect from kids their age. Right now my 6 year old is crazy for the idea of visiting China. Now we're not actually taking him to China right now, but it's still something for us to keep in mind. And eventually they may suggest something that will actually work for your family. Not sure where you live, but Chinatown in NYC would be quite the adventure! I am sure any large city with a Chinese population has a great area. You really feel immersed for a few blocks!
Exactly! Sometimes you can still find a way to work in something reminiscent of what they want, even if you can't take them to the actual place. Chinatown would be a great idea for him right now. And we only live a few hours outside the city, so it's a very viable option. SaveSave |
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peaname
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Post by peaname on Mar 21, 2017 19:43:54 GMT
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Mar 21, 2017 20:45:54 GMT
Not sure where you live, but Chinatown in NYC would be quite the adventure! I am sure any large city with a Chinese population has a great area. You really feel immersed for a few blocks!
Exactly! Sometimes you can still find a way to work in something reminiscent of what they want, even if you can't take them to the actual place. Chinatown would be a great idea for him right now. And we only live a few hours outside the city, so it's a very viable option. Consider Queens too. The New World Mall has an awesome food court. You can watch them make hand pulled noodles and there are a lot of good food options. |
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my3freaks
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Post by my3freaks on Mar 21, 2017 21:22:57 GMT
Boston is amazing. There is so much history, and so much to do. Kids usually enjoy visiting the USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young (a Navy destroyer from WW2) at Charleston Navy Shipyard. That's the best place to kick off the Freedom Trail. Fenway Park is of course, the greatest place on earth! The Cask n Flagon restaurant, around the corner from Fenway is so good. There's an awesome museum of science. Cape Cod is a short drive away too. Salem, MA and the witch museums and old cemeteries are so cool too, and the New England Pirate Museum is there. You can't go wrong in (and around) Boston! |
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The Great Carpezio
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Mar 21, 2017 21:27:40 GMT
Oh, since you are Minnesotan, consider going over MEA..then you don't have to take the kids out for so long, and you would find better travel deals. October is hurricane season, but the rates are much cheaper if you want that beach vacation. If we ever go on a week long vacation (unless SR gets a spring break some day), it will be over MEA. We did go to Disney in January, but we only took off three days and attached it to a weekend that had a "comp" day attached to it.
If you are flying, Orlando/Florida still seem to be some of the cheapest locations to fly to for MNs.---and you can get a direct flight. We are going on a Western Caribbean cruise in June. We really wanted a Southern caribbean cruise, but the flights to San Juan blew our budget---they were about the same as Maui. I know you aren't into cruising, but the mega ships would be nice for a family with such a wide variety of ages.....kids clubs, food included, lots of things to do. The multigenerational aspect of cruising is what made us choose a cruise this year for our nine people ages 6-71. Maybe 4 days at a VRBO on a beach in FL and a 4 day cruise combo over MEA?
If you are OK not just sitting on a beach, a trip I did before kids, but would do with them as well...fly to San Francisco--spend a couple days there, drive down the Pacific coastal highway and part way there stay on the beach in Monterey for a couple days, drive to Anaheim and go to Disneyland for a couple days, and then drive to San Diego a stay for a couple days--or some variation of that. Get history, nature, adventure, beach, amusement park and culture all in one trip!
Before we decided on the cruise, we were seriously considering Iceland, but we were also looking at VRBOs at the OBX or Maine or somewhere along the Atlantic. That could be pretty affordable and fun in the summer months. If my dad can still fly next year, that might be something we will consider again because he wouldn't have to do much but hang out...we will likely be doing just MN vacations with my family after this year for a while. I don't think my dad will be traveling, unless by car, after this summer due to O2 needs, but who knows what a year can hold?
Oh, and as far as where to go with kids? I think you know your kids the best, but I tend toward the idea that really any location can be a good place to go with kids. You just have to do your research, and know what you want to get out of the trip. I have had so many people think it is strange we wanted to take the kids to Iceland. They kept saying, "what is there for the kids? They will be bored." My kids like to hike, swim, be in nature, see new things they haven't seen before, eat out, meet people, learn about history, nature and science, etc... Sure, they like amusement parks and "kid stuff" too, but they don't need that to have a good time.
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Post by birukitty on Mar 22, 2017 1:28:56 GMT
Biru - my kids are 7 and almost 5 so I'm not sure how much snorkeling we will be able to actually do. I'm planning on getting them into our pool with masks and fins this summer but I don't know how it's going to go with my ds. I think he will be more of a stand in the water and put his face in and call it snorkeling on this trip. We are considering buying one of those rafts that has a clear panel so he can lay on it and just look down. Hell, I might use it for me too, lol. We are staying in a condo in Cruz Bay. We wanted to stick closer to town and other people with it being our first time. We're heading to Virgin Gorda afterwards. I made a rookie mistake and booked our departure from STJ on a day that the ferry doesn't run straight through. Oh well, I guess that means I will get to see Tortola! We went to Virgin Gorda on a day trip-a charter boat trip that we took from St John and we stopped at a few islands. The Baths in Virgin Gorda was our first stop. It was incredible. Sadly the surf was up that day so we couldn't snorkel there but we really had fun playing in the surf among the giant boulders (some as big as small houses) that are scattered along the beach and in the water. It is so beautiful there. It was a 2 hour boat trip from St. John. On the way back we stopped at Norman Island for some snorkeling at Treasure Point Caves. That was a really neat place to snorkel. I had a private swimming teacher teach my son how to use the snorkel (and mask) at our local indoor pool before we left for St. John and get really comfortable with breathing with it and swimming with it. He was 8 the first time we went. He also has severe ADD which means it's easier for someone else to teach him since he has a very short attention span. It worked perfectly. It also reduced a ton of frustration that might have happened had we gotten there and he would have struggled to get in that beautiful water and not have known how to use it. Because of this he was able to jump right in confidently. It sounds like you have your own pool. I wonder if you could hire a swimming teacher to come to your pool and teach your 7 year old? Maybe you too if you aren't comfortable using one? I do understand about your 5 year old-he probably is too young if he doesn't swim well. But if he does swim well, seeing as you have your own pool and you can set this up, what's the harm in trying? It doesn't hurt to try, does it? I would hate for you to miss out on what is the very best part of St. John-being able to see what is underwater. Obviously your 5 year old being able to do this is probably a long shot-in that case your DH and you could take turns watching him while you each went snorkeling with the other kid(s). Just a suggestion. Whatever works for you is best. The raft with a clear panel is a great idea for your youngest. I still find it hard to believe there are now condos in Cruz Bay! The first time we went there was a tiny dock, 3 small, very small (they looked like row boats) attached to it and a donkey when we landed where the ferry came into Cruz Bay. And lots of wilderness around. This was in 1997. A few stores nearby but that was it. We haven't been since they built those condos. I've read that Crux Bay has really been built up which is sad in a way. But staying in town makes sense for a first timer. Are you renting a jeep? How many days are you spending on the island? |
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Post by ahiller on Mar 22, 2017 1:39:50 GMT
Biru - my kids are 7 and almost 5 so I'm not sure how much snorkeling we will be able to actually do. I'm planning on getting them into our pool with masks and fins this summer but I don't know how it's going to go with my ds. I think he will be more of a stand in the water and put his face in and call it snorkeling on this trip. We are considering buying one of those rafts that has a clear panel so he can lay on it and just look down. Hell, I might use it for me too, lol. We are staying in a condo in Cruz Bay. We wanted to stick closer to town and other people with it being our first time. We're heading to Virgin Gorda afterwards. I made a rookie mistake and booked our departure from STJ on a day that the ferry doesn't run straight through. Oh well, I guess that means I will get to see Tortola! We went to Virgin Gorda on a day trip-a charter boat trip that we took from St John and we stopped at a few islands. The Baths in Virgin Gorda was our first stop. It was incredible. Sadly the surf was up that day so we couldn't snorkel there but we really had fun playing in the surf among the giant boulders (some as big as small houses) that are scattered along the beach and in the water. It is so beautiful there. It was a 2 hour boat trip from St. John. On the way back we stopped at Norman Island for some snorkeling at Treasure Point Caves. That was a really neat place to snorkel. I had a private swimming teacher teach my son how to use the snorkel (and mask) at our local indoor pool before we left for St. John and get really comfortable with breathing with it and swimming with it. He was 8 the first time we went. He also has severe ADD which means it's easier for someone else to teach him since he has a very short attention span. It worked perfectly. It also reduced a ton of frustration that might have happened had we gotten there and he would have struggled to get in that beautiful water and not have known how to use it. Because of this he was able to jump right in confidently. It sounds like you have your own pool. I wonder if you could hire a swimming teacher to come to your pool and teach your 7 year old? Maybe you too if you aren't comfortable using one? I do understand about your 5 year old-he probably is too young if he doesn't swim well. But if he does swim well, seeing as you have your own pool and you can set this up, what's the harm in trying? It doesn't hurt to try, does it? I would hate for you to miss out on what is the very best part of St. John-being able to see what is underwater. Obviously your 5 year old being able to do this is probably a long shot-in that case your DH and you could take turns watching him while you each went snorkeling with the other kid(s). Just a suggestion. Whatever works for you is best. The raft with a clear panel is a great idea for your youngest. I still find it hard to believe there are now condos in Cruz Bay! The first time we went there was a tiny dock, 3 small, very small (they looked like row boats) attached to it and a donkey when we landed where the ferry came into Cruz Bay. And lots of wilderness around. This was in 1997. A few stores nearby but that was it. We haven't been since they built those condos. I've read that Crux Bay has really been built up which is sad in a way. But staying in town makes sense for a first timer. Are you renting a jeep? How many days are you spending on the island? I'm definitely going to try and get the kids acclimated to the snorkel/fins before we go. They are both strong swimmers but I can tell that they are nervous about it so I figured Hawksnest would be a good place to start since the reef practically goes up to the beach in some areas. I'm laughing about the donkey, I hope that we'll get to see some while we are there. Things like that are the little travel experiences that I love for my kids to have. Yes, we are getting a Jeep. We'll be there Sunday-Friday so really only 4 full days on the island before we move on. This will be a new experience for us, we've previously really only done "on the beach" type places. I've wanted to do this trip for a long time but decided to wait until the kids were old enough to handle all of the travel and logistics in getting there. |
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Post by birukitty on Mar 22, 2017 1:41:40 GMT
OP as I have mentioned don't let airfare scare you away. Right now it is very cheap. Look on www.cheapoair.com and don't forget to clear your cookies and history each time you look, or the rate will go up and up with every search. I did that like I mentioned and got my ticket to Poland and Germany for $700.00 and that's for a trip in May which is considered high season. This is the time to book a vacation where you have to fly. I've never in all the years I've traveled overseas seen airfare this low. It is literally half of what it usually is. As for lodging consider www.airbnb.com This is becoming really popular and is so much cheaper than hotels. I wasn't sure about it for my trip because I'd never done it before, but looking in travel guides for Poland and Germany Rick Steves (who's advice I trust) recommended it and a 2 page thread from the Peas here did too. I booked an entire apartment in Krakow, Poland for $56.00 a night (the apartment includes one bedroom, a kitchen, a living room, everything I need) and I'm in the process of booking an apartment in Munich, Germany for $60.00 a night-again an entire apartment. I myself can't get over how cheap it is compared to hotels. Both apartments are 1 km from the city center-amazing locations. Sit down with your family and ask them where they'd like to go. Have everyone write down their wishes on a piece of paper and then read them all out loud. Then start your research and see what is possible. I wouldn't limit my locations just to the USA-not when airfare is so cheap this year. |
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Post by birukitty on Mar 22, 2017 1:45:11 GMT
We went to Virgin Gorda on a day trip-a charter boat trip that we took from St John and we stopped at a few islands. The Baths in Virgin Gorda was our first stop. It was incredible. Sadly the surf was up that day so we couldn't snorkel there but we really had fun playing in the surf among the giant boulders (some as big as small houses) that are scattered along the beach and in the water. It is so beautiful there. It was a 2 hour boat trip from St. John. On the way back we stopped at Norman Island for some snorkeling at Treasure Point Caves. That was a really neat place to snorkel. I had a private swimming teacher teach my son how to use the snorkel (and mask) at our local indoor pool before we left for St. John and get really comfortable with breathing with it and swimming with it. He was 8 the first time we went. He also has severe ADD which means it's easier for someone else to teach him since he has a very short attention span. It worked perfectly. It also reduced a ton of frustration that might have happened had we gotten there and he would have struggled to get in that beautiful water and not have known how to use it. Because of this he was able to jump right in confidently. It sounds like you have your own pool. I wonder if you could hire a swimming teacher to come to your pool and teach your 7 year old? Maybe you too if you aren't comfortable using one? I do understand about your 5 year old-he probably is too young if he doesn't swim well. But if he does swim well, seeing as you have your own pool and you can set this up, what's the harm in trying? It doesn't hurt to try, does it? I would hate for you to miss out on what is the very best part of St. John-being able to see what is underwater. Obviously your 5 year old being able to do this is probably a long shot-in that case your DH and you could take turns watching him while you each went snorkeling with the other kid(s). Just a suggestion. Whatever works for you is best. The raft with a clear panel is a great idea for your youngest. I still find it hard to believe there are now condos in Cruz Bay! The first time we went there was a tiny dock, 3 small, very small (they looked like row boats) attached to it and a donkey when we landed where the ferry came into Cruz Bay. And lots of wilderness around. This was in 1997. A few stores nearby but that was it. We haven't been since they built those condos. I've read that Crux Bay has really been built up which is sad in a way. But staying in town makes sense for a first timer. Are you renting a jeep? How many days are you spending on the island? I'm definitely going to try and get the kids acclimated to the snorkel/fins before we go. They are both strong swimmers but I can tell that they are nervous about it so I figured Hawksnest would be a good place to start since the reef practically goes up to the beach in some areas. I'm laughing about the donkey, I hope that we'll get to see some while we are there. Things like that are the little travel experiences that I love for my kids to have. Yes, we are getting a Jeep. We'll be there Sunday-Friday so really only 4 full days on the island before we move on. This will be a new experience for us, we've previously really only done "on the beach" type places. I've wanted to do this trip for a long time but decided to wait until the kids were old enough to handle all of the travel and logistics in getting there. Don't worry, you'll see lots of donkeys! I'll pmail you a list of the best beaches and snorkeling sites in a few days. Almost all of them have reefs and it's great that you are renting a jeep. That gives you a lot of flexibility. Also, did you know there are no snakes on the island? I love that because I hate snakes. St. John has mongooses that eat all of the snakes on the island so therefore-no snakes. |
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Post by PEAcan pie on Apr 15, 2017 0:45:27 GMT
Kiddos are 13,8,5 we did all-inclusive to Jamaica Beaches last year and they LOVED it...still talk about almost daily. Yes the two older kids did great snorkeling (12 and 7 at the time).
This year they are begging to go back but they want a place they can snorkel form the Beach. We chose Barceló maya Palace...Mexico. Snorkeling is supposed to be great right from the resort. We leave next month. I plan to get my five year old snorkeling this time too.
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Post by Basket1lady on Apr 15, 2017 1:10:22 GMT
I'd do up that NYC trip. There's TONS to do in the area and it's a great experience for your kids.
Then I'd save up for the beach vacations that you want. I'm a huge fan of the Cape Cod area, but the water can be cold, even in August. We are literally on our way back from the Outer Banks and had a lot of fun there. Between kayaking, SUP, lighthouses, the horses, kite flying, the Wright Borthers National Park, Duck Donuts... oh yeah, and the beach!, you will have a great time. Spring break is a perfect time if you don't mind cold water. It was sunny and warm early in the week (when we did the water sports), then in the 60s later in the week when we did the lighthouses, Wright Bros and such.
Pick a year when Easter is later and go for it. We rented a 3 bedroom house for $1,100 for the week (remember-off season and we were on the sound side). It was great-quiet and parking was readily available because it was the off season. The house had everything, including sand toys, beach chairs, butter, oil, shampoo, towels, linens..
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Post by hop2 on Apr 15, 2017 1:11:02 GMT
When I was as a kid family vacations were often taken in our family camper. And not always very expensive.
We drove to fla to see grandparents some years we went to Disney othervyears we just hung out.
We took a family vacation to the NYS fair the year I made state finals in tractor competition.
We camped all over Conn, NY, NJ & PA most state camp grounds are pretty cheap.
First you need to choose an activity then look at ways to get there and stay there. So many historical places are very inexpensive if that sort of thing interests you.
With our kids we've done the choose a location ( usually a city ) then each person gets to choose 1 day. DH does NOT camp so our vacations were not as inexpensive. We've done Chicago, Boston, San Francisco places like that.
One of the cheapest vacations I've taken with my kids was the all inclusive Caravan company tour of Costa Rica. Plenty of activities, 90% of meals were included. Tour guide was wonderful.
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Post by redhead32 on Apr 15, 2017 1:15:42 GMT
Could you make the NCY trip a family vaca trip too?? There are lots of family vaca things to do around MN and WI. have you done the Dells? Stay at a resort in MN, Duluth, or even a long wkend in the cities and do a waterpark, science museum, MOA, etc, etc. We've gone to a few of the water parks in Minnesota but nothing major. Went to Duluth last fall and are going next week for a few days, although I'm finding that most of the things we wanted to do last time but didn't have time, aren't open this time of year.  . The NYC trip would be a vacation although we would stay with the in-laws. I would prefer to drive so we have a vehicle when we get there, but not sure DH wants to do that. I would love to go to Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean. But probably too $!$$ We go to NYC every couple of years to visit inlaws as well. Be prepared for sticker shock. Everything costs more than what we are used to in MN, IMO. We stay on Long Island, and drive out. We take a couple of weeks and do some fun stuff on the way there and on the way back. But we go in the summer and are not fighting sports schedules. Depending upon where you are staying in NY, you might not need a car at all. My family is too big for my inlaw's house, so we stay in a hotel about 10 minutes from where they live. And I need some down time ... so transportation is kind of a big deal for me. |
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Post by Tamhugh on Apr 15, 2017 1:24:53 GMT
What about DC? There is so much to do and see. The monuments, the museums, the Zoo. Accomodations might be a little pricey, but that could be offset by all of the things with no admission fees. My boys always loved the history stuff, but you would have the Air and Space Museum, and the Natural History museum if they aren't into history. You could spend a few days there and then travel to Williamsburg for some more history fun and a reward of Busch Gardens at the end.
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FurryP
Prolific Pea
To pea or not to pea...
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Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Apr 15, 2017 4:39:45 GMT
I know this is an old thread, and not sure who bumped it up, but if you do go international, don't forget to budget for passports for everyone, if you don't have them, already.
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Refupea #402
And eventually they may suggest something that will actually work for your family.
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