<p>Hawaii is amazing but really far from the East Coast; you’d lose some vacation time just traveling forEVER. I’d go to the Caribbean. We’ve been to Turks and Caicos three times-- the most amazing water in the Caribbean sea. Especially if not windy it’s the best. Beaches (the resort) is AI. But the OP is a little persnickety about cleanliness-- many AIs have buffets-- you’d have to be ok with that. T&C also has many other gorgeous resorts that aren’t AI. A little quieter than other islands. I also like Anguilla (also on the quieter side, more expensive), USVI (esp St. John), BVI and St. Lucia. We’ve been to Atlantis twice-- somewhat overwhelming and the older parts aren’t as nice as the newer parts, and you never really get a sense of the culture of the island, but it’s an amazing resort if that’s what you want. Grand Cayman is great too-- some quieter resorts and gorgeous beaches. Bermuda is pretty but it will be a little cooler than the Caribbean. </p>
<p>I’d avoid much of Mexico-- Spring Break makes some parts crazy! </p>
<p>I agree with several recommendations. The Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix is a lovely property and the weather at the end of March should be nice-there is golf, the spa, lovely pool but obviously no ocean, fine dining at both the hotel and throughout Scottsdale and the area. There are sights to see-travel up to Sedona which offers interesting scenary, lovely hotels and fine dining or down to Tucson…</p>
<p>I also recommend Hawaii. It is a long trip but you can red-eye back. I am a big fan of the Big Island-so interesting. You can stay at a lovely resort hotel like the Hilton Waikoloa Village or rent a condominium. Oahu also offers both beach and a city along with Pearl Harbor.</p>
<p>You can never go wrong with San Diego. By the end of March, Florida weather should be fine and most spring breakers are gone. Sanibel/Captiva island and the gulf coast are really nice. What about the Keys?</p>
<p>@mathmom , I agree with your endorsement of Scotland ! We recently took a trip there…it was kind of unusual because we were on a canal barge that we rented along with husband’s brother and wife…it wasn’t tropical , but so relaxing and beautiful. I have never met a friendlier nation that Scotland…it was a present from my husband for my 50th birthday and I would go back there in a heartbeat</p>
<p>Wondering if you’ve made a decision? We just decided to take a trip between Christmas/New Year’s 2013 so I was searching to see what other threads were out there before I started a new one. We’ll have a 20 yr old boy, 18 yr old boy, and 15 yr old girl. Hawaii is a possibility but, as mentioned, it’s a hike from the east coast. </p>
<p>I’ve done Ireland before in February, June, July, and August. Honestly? Not a huge difference between temp/rain in February vs. June. So, depending on when you go makes a big difference.</p>
<p>We went to Jordan in December and I can only rave about how wonderful it was. Great place to visit when it’s cooler so that you can be modest without any effort. (Though they aren’t fanatical about it at all.)</p>
<p>If you have any interest, skiing is usually pretty fun between Christmas and New Years. I suggest Lake Tahoe, but there are other great places too. Do investigate to make sure snow usually comes before Christmas though.</p>
<p>If you are only going for a week, Hawaii is a LONG trip.</p>
<p>13 years and you can’t schedule a vacation? That is really disappointing. We were having so much fun picking places to send you. The good news is you didn’t get stuck on that ill-fated cruise in the Gulf.</p>
<p>I’m glad I didn’t get stuck on that cruise too! My husband has two jobs, I have one and our kids have two different school schedules. Adding in the vicious dog who can’t be boarded and we have a conflict. I’m debating with myself about next year. It will be just hubby, son and me. They want a golf vacation. I don’t golf. I have to decide how much alone time I want on a family vacation. I’m waffling on that.</p>
<p>Go to a resort with a golf course…or two…or three. Most of these nice resorts also have nice spas, beautiful pools, nice restaurants, etc. If you pick the right location, there will be other things for you to do while they are golfing!</p>
<p>Ask your dreadful sis/niece to dog sit (offer big bucks). That would serve them right.</p>
<p>We are heading out shortly on a combined families (ours, including their friends/signif others, an old dear friend from HS, her extended family, etc…) ski trip. At last count there will be 16 of us (11 20-somethings and 5 old f*rts) plus one additional old HS ski buddy friend coming out to ski with us for a day. Somehow we are piling all these people into 2 condos! Should be interesting!! Am really, REALLY hoping nobody breaks anything!!</p>
<p>Jym, the dog really bites so there is no pet friendly for him. One of my daughters had to dog sit. D1 is finishing her masters, so when she is done she can help and i know she will. she is a sweetie like that and the dog tolerates her. </p>
<p>I haven’t spoken to sister in months and niece only once since her wedding. My life is so much less stressful.</p>
<p>Danceclass, yes we went to Petra. We hiked there pretty much nonstop from 9 am to 5 pm. Totally worth it to see more than just the usual there, but if you aren’t as energetic as us I’d recommend two days. We spent two half days in Wadi Rum and wished we had more time. We saw two of the crusader castles (which were less interesting but different), mosaics at Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Roman ruins in Amman, Um Qais, and Jerash. We saw the University in Irbid (not on the usual track). Basically saw all the highlights except for snorkeling in Aqaba or The Dead Sea (which we figured we’d seen from the Israeli side years ago.) We didn’t have a bad meal anywhere. We stayed in 3 (out of 5) star hotels - they all had minor issues, but were clean and the service was friendly. Wi-fi available at least in the lobbies, sometimes in the rooms. We had a week plus the weekends, but the weekends mostly disappeared in flights to and from. If you want more info PM me. Trip Advisor was very helpful.</p>
<p>Zoosermom, I really hope you can figure out a way to get a vacation. That’s way too long. I don’t think DH would ever take one if the rest of us didn’t drag him out, but he enjoys them as long as someone else figures out what the plan is.</p>