Yes, @bookworm please do lookup that name. Thanks!
We have been to Charleston multiple times but thanks for trying.
Zion is a great idea. I will look into it!
Hawks cay resort Lots of activities for kids and adults a total complex. It is central location, so easy to do day trip to key west
We often stayed at key largo, at the Marriott or Hilton or marina deal mar. We just went for weekends to relax, snorkel, eat good food.
I’ve got favorites in key west, but didn’t stay there with my son.
Big Island of Hawaii has beaches, snorkeling, lava desert, rain forest, active volcano, hiking, whale watching, sea turtles…probably more that I am forgetting about or didn’t try such as surfing or kayaking.
We rented a condo & car very reasonably and also stayed in Volcano National Park Lodge. We were there in Feb. Beach weather, positively steamy in Hilo.
Pretty much anywhere is going to be more crowded & expensive on your chosen dates.
We went on a cruise one year, from 12/23 to 12/30. It was cruise that was added late to the cruise calendar, so it was really very cheap. We had a really good time, plenty to do for all ages on the ship and off.
I agree that national parks are very nice. I suspect it would be cold at Zion (at least for us used to 70s and above).
Zion is very doable in the winter as it’s not super high elevation–Zion Lodge is about 4200 ft as opposed to Bryce at 7900 approximately. The nights do get cold as that is winter in the desert.
I went to San Diego for the first time last September and was there 4 days. There is so much to do and I can’t wait to take my boys, who are a few years older than yours. We stayed on Pacific beach, which has a great vibe for everyone. But we did a hop on hop off tour of Old Town, went to gaslamp for lunch and dinner, went to La Jolla and Coronado. Its a perfect place for all ages. Now I know why people talk about it do much. Again, I’d stay on Pacific Beach.
Thumper, I think I must have been in Magic Kingdom the same day you were there!
@thumper Santa Fe is not usually that warm in December - pretty chilly actually. It is in the desert, but the altitude is above 7,000 feet. Great place to go in the summer or fall though!
Agree. Santa Fe won’t be warm…but really even FL (unless you are WAY south) can be chilly in December.
The issue this poster needs to deal with is airline reservations. That is a HUGE travel time. When we went to FL from dec 26-31, we made our plane reservations and hotels… year in advance (Disney).
Lots of the most popular travel spots will be crowded…and expensive.
What about an all inclusive in the Dominican Republic?
We did San Diego that same time for that same reason. There was a lot to do including beautiful hiking along the ocean and exploring some ocean caves, the zoo of course, and the aircraft carrier there is a must do!
Puerto Rico? Fares can be quite reasonable(depends on where you’re flying from). Lots to see, San Juan, rain forest and hiking there, and nice beaches. We went there in early November and it was great weather-wise.
Thanks for all your ideas. I have been on other sites researching destinations. All the airfares are high right now and not all airlines are even booking flights for December yet so that cannot yet be decided. I have turned on fare watchers however.
I have also booked lodging that can be easily cancelled in the current front runner destination just so we have something somewhere. Now I remember why I have always been so grateful that all my family visits were within driving distance during the holidays.
I will keep looking and considering destinations until it all comes together: lots to see and do, good price, and all family members at least a bit excited about going. 8-} [-O<
Ok. We are getting closer. Need some info from our Texas members. I want to confirm that there are under 21 music venues for a variety of genres in Austin, Dallas or San Antonio. Since there are universities, I am fairly confident these exist but want to confirm. Also other suggestions of college towns with golf, some water sports, and airport within an hour would be appreciated.
I have checked most of my sources and cruises just are not on the right departure dates. Have not found any package deals outside the US that I would call good prices and not sure GFs parents would be comfortable with that anyway. Still considering PR but could not give the college kids as much freedom there as we all prefer so that one is a tough sell.
Wasn’t it Atlanta that had the horrible ice storms last holiday season? Leaning towards direct flights for this trip to avoid getting stranded in a connecting city.