<p>Have you ever been to Galena–near the Iowa border. It’s beautiful, hilly terrain, so unlike the rest of the state of Illinois. We’ve stayed at the Eagle Ridge resort and it is very nice. Plenty of outdoor activities–golf, swimming, cycling–but also very relaxing.</p>
<p>You can come to Santa Barbara with us next week. 
We’re taking an 18 year old, and visiting a 21 year old. Can’t wait - seems to be so much to do.</p>
<p>cheers, why is it embarrassing for 19-year-old boys “to have mum along” at Miami beach? How about dad?</p>
<p>Take the Lake Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Michigan. You can either take your car on the ferry or you can rent a car at the terminal in Michigan. Go to Silver Lake Sand Dune Area.</p>
<p>We can’t afford a vacation…visited relatives. We have gone to concerts at the local university and also to a musical. I feel lucky when we can all have dinner together.</p>
<p>Hi-</p>
<p>I’m resurrecting this thread - last year we ended up at the Dells in the pouring rain for two days and came back one day early. Ah well - it seemed like a good idea at the time!</p>
<p>This year we’re considering a short cruise after DS gets home from college and before he begins (hopefully) a job. We’d like to avoid Carnival (been there done that) - has anyone been on a cruise that they would recommend for our little family of 3 in May? I recognize there aren’t too many college students on cruises with parents. It would be quicker for us to leave out of Florida etc but the west coast is not to be ruled out. And even though DH and I would enjoy a smaller boat I don’t think it’s what DS would like best. Also, can the three of us fit into one cabin if we’re not going to spend much time there?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Many cabins have a third person option but often it’s a too short couch. When the third person is an adult, an overhead bunk is more comfortable. Has your son obtained a passport during the past year? I believe passports are now required to reenter the U.S. by sea.</p>
<p>Check out Royal Caribbean. Cruising is a common thing for college students to do during spring/summer vacation, at least in our neck of the woods (east coast Florida). It’s convenient and the kids are jaded with the usual beach scene. You are likely to find, if it is toward the end of May, that there are many older teens/college students on the ships. Call the cruise line and ask them about the age breakdown (or sleuth the internet).</p>
<p>The Disney cruises leave from here too, but they are going to have LOTS of VERY young kids and young families. RC is the way to go. Carnival is a big party.</p>
<p>I have found that vacationing with older kids is easier on us rents if there is more than one teen. We’re lucky to have two boys a year apart, but if we didn’t, I’d consider bringing a friend for my son to hang out at the young adult activities with.</p>
<p>Yes, our son now has a passport so that’s not an issue. He’s quite tall so a short couch wouldn’t work (actually, I could take the couch although I’m not short - 5’7" -and give the men the twin beds). Unfortunately there really isn’t a friend to bring along. I did read that RC was good for college age but I wasn’t sure if there were many college kids onboard at times other than spring break so that’s useful to know.</p>
<p>Marilyn –</p>
<p>I read all the way through this thread without ever realizing that it was old. One or two posts before your update, I stopped to think of good midwestern destinations. First thought: Lakeland area of northern Wisconsin (Minocqua + similar towns). Second thought: Dells I’m sorry to hear that the rain got in your way, though. FWIW, my third suggestion would have been the Twin Cities, or perhaps northern Minnesota (maybe the Boundary Waters if outdoorsiness had been ruled acceptable).</p>
<p>Our family did a Caribbean cruise a few years back…my sister and I were 16 and 20, just after our sophomore years of HS and college, respectively. We had a a fair chunk of time, so we spent a few days in Disneyworld before leaving out of Port Canaveral in FL. Had a fantastic trip…whole family was surprised with how much we enjoyed it! It’s a good way to travel as a family, because you’re ensured as much “family bonding time” as you can agree upon, but there are also plenty of outlets for everyone to pursue their own interests. </p>
<p>We had great luck with Royal Caribbean, partially because there were a relatively small number of little kids running around, which made for a more relaxing trip. From other colleges kids, I’ve heard that Princess was insufficiently geared toward young people, while Carnival and Disney were overly so. May have had more to do with particular itineraries + times of year than with the lines themselves…I can’t say. Particularly if you’re traveling in early May, the cruise might have a relatively small number of young people,which could be both a blessing and a curse. We traveled in August, and I didn’t have any trouble meeting kids around my own age. The one complaint I did have was that my age group got a little squeezed out of the organized activity. Lots of events and areas for <18, and lots for adults. I was totally content to read on the deck, but that’s just me…I wasn’t that into the organized activity in the first place. Having my sister with me, even though she spent time in the teen areas, was quite helpful. Any chance your son could invite a friend?</p>
<p>I do hope that whatever you plan ends up wonderfully (and rain free)!</p>
<p>ETA: Cross-posted with doubleplay and OP, sorry.</p>
<p>[Mississippi</a> River Passenger Cruise Review -The American Queen](<a href=“http://www.cruisesrfun.com/river_cruise.htm]Mississippi”>Mississippi River Boat Cruise Review - The American Queen)</p>
<p>mississippi river boat cruise. stay northerly (??) in summer for heat.</p>
<p>We’re taking Astrogirl to Hawaii for spring break (leave Sat—whoo-hoo!) This will be the first time that we’re going without younger sis (staying home for high school…her spring break will be with us in Cancun in 3 weeks).
I suspect this will be the last time we can whisk D1 away for spring break from college…bf or college buddies will probably take over from here. She wants to relax and do very little…sounds good to me; we bought dad a hiking guide!</p>
<p>We (H,S,I) took a family trip over the holidays (two weeks) to Europe. S had just turned 21. He was thrilled at the opportunity to do all the grown-up type things, including the “brew” while parents were not flinching and worrying…no driving, etc. We gave him responsibility for the global phone, and he was respectful of the $$ issues for anything other than emergency. There were different combinations of relatives for short spells, and he was a great trooper helping with younger family members when there were logistics involving tag-team babysitting. He did appreciate the staggered schedule which allowed him to have his own room part of the time, and he had time to wander around on his own. We were all glad to get home and retreat to our respective computers and phones. All in all it was good, but I think state-side with less freedom it would not have been okay with him. </p>
<p>Last summer he and a friend took themselves to Mexico for a week, one of those all inclusive resort things, did excellent research to pick a place, figure logistics, get a good rate. That was a college kids excursion, though…NO families allowed.</p>
<p>astro, I had to re-read the last line. I first assumed a “hiking guide” was a person!! (They sell PEOPLE in Hawaii??!)</p>
<p>Our DD is in the same position as OPs son. She is planning, however, a long weekend at home at the end of summer to do the medical/dental stuff and head to the Adirondacks for a few days.</p>
<p>How about renting a houseboat and floating along the canals in NY?</p>
<p>[Mid-Lakes</a> Navigation | Cruising on Skaneateles Lake and The Erie Canal](<a href=“http://www.midlakesnav.com/]Mid-Lakes”>http://www.midlakesnav.com/)</p>
<p>haha 2cakes…yes, hiking guides…it’s a special division of the “Emperors Club”, recently of NY/DC fame!!!</p>
<p>
Hmmmm. While it’s still possible, after the blockbuster news story of the week I’d suggest that public figures think twice. And then think again. Just wouldn’t be prudent. ;)</p>
<p>Sorry, astrophysicsmom my brain had already gone there when I saw the thread title and before I saw your post.</p>
<p>If you’re in the Chicago area, try a drive to Wisconsin Dells.</p>
<p>My 19 yo D learned that I was taking a vacation in May “without her” and asked if she could come along. The cost for her is minimal, and she will pay it. So yes, it’s possible, and I was (pleasantly) surprised she wanted to go.</p>
<p>Thanks all for the suggestions! Student - glad to hear RC is popular with college age. I’m looking at their short cruises. Also considering for the first time Branson - we’re not at all country or partiuclary outdoorsy but it seems to have just about every kind of entertainment imaginable. It looks like the Dells exploded to 20 times the size.</p>