<p>I want to take a weeks vacation this summer with my kids, but I’m not sure where to go. I think they would like an island where they could jet ski, parasail, waterski, etc. Me, I just need a beach, a beach bar and a book. We haven’t travelled much (single parent here), but I feel like if I don’t do it now, we’ll never do it. Any suggestions? I’m open to anywhere that’s safe, not really interested in Mexico right now, despite the fact that there are great deals.</p>
<p>I’m 17, but im pretty sure they would love a cruise. I would kill for a cruise! Haha I wish my parents would take me on a cruise. Go on a week long cruise to Bahamas.</p>
<p>Our favorite family vacation is Corolla Light on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Great, affordable beach houses and villas. Kayak, bike, golf, pools, fitness center and more. When you stay in Corolla Light all the amenities are free. Google Brindley Beach vacations. We have been vacationing there for over 15 years and our grown kids still want to go back year after year. Good luck and wherever you go, enjoy making special memories. :)</p>
<p>Maui. (take me)</p>
<p>What coast are you looking for? While cruises are certainly fun, other options might be the Bahamas (Paradise Island, Nassau, etc) or, a spot really enjoyed by my family - Aruba</p>
<p>I would recommend an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic or Mexico. The beauty of an all-inclusive is that you don’t have to be on the same schedule. Food (and drinks) are available 24/7 and there is always organized entertainment around the pool and beach during the day and shows, disco, etc. at night. You pay for everything up front, so there are no surprises about how much your vacation will be.</p>
<p>Puerto Rico. Great beaches, rainforest, small islands off the coast with some of the best beaches in the world (Culebra – Flamenco Beach, Vieques), old San Juan is great to go eat, walk around. It’s also very safe (it is a commonwealth of the US…!).</p>
<p>I’ve also heard good things about Costa Rica.</p>
<p>I like both Grivacobae’s cruise and michone’s all-inclusive suggestions. Club Med (all-inclusive) is a fun time, lots of activities that adults and young adults your kid’s ages can do together. Great place for singles, mom! I met my wife at one (Buccaneer’s Creek Martinique), so you better watch out:)</p>
<p>I think it depends on how much money you have to plunk down, where you’re currently located, when you’re planning to travel, and how far you’re interested in going. There are a lot of great islands to explore in HI at all price ranges. If you go during shoulder season, like most places, you’ll get better rates. There are a lot of lower priced options if you are interested in staying in a condo & cooking your own food. VRBO and other sites have options that others swear by (I’ve no personal experience). There are a ton of options out there–planning it & considering the options is part of the fun & adventure! Personally, I’ve not done a cruise and would think that if you want to spend time TOGETHER, not sure it’s the best option.</p>
<p>Thanks for the great suggestions. We are on the east coast and will be going in July. I actually looked at Club Med in Martinique, but someone told me it was an older crowd (great for me but maybe not for them). Does anyone have a suggestion for a great all inclusive? I looked at Aruba, but there are so many choices I got confused. How is Hawaii in July?</p>
<p>I also vote for Club Med, especially Columbus Isle (Bahamas). The club is the only thing on the island. All sports are included, your kids could try out wind surfing, water ski, tennis, sailing…while you sit by the pool (or try out some activities). It is great for single parent because guests (gms) and GOs are all very friendly, you could easily find people to socialize with (your kids wouldn´t feel obligated in keeping you company).</p>
<p>There was a period when H was very busy and couldn´t go on vacations with us. I used to take my kids to Club Med by myself and felt perfectly comfortable. Our kids are 21 and 17 now, and we have been going since they were 6 months old (different clubs, a lot of them have closed and new ones opened).</p>
<p>No suggestions (we usually go to the Outer Banks), but I love it when we first arrive at the beach. My two big guys (in their 20’s now) look exactly the same barreling into the waves as they did when they were four and six.</p>
<p>I was going to suggest the Outerbanks also, esp if you are on the east coast.</p>
<p>Another vote for the Outer Banks</p>
<p>Other east coast options: Hilton Head, SC, Kiawah Island, SC. It can get pretty hot in SC and futher south (ie Georgia and Florida coasts) in July though. </p>
<p>Further afield, Costa Rica, US Virgin Islands. Don’t believe passports are required in Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands but was there before the rules changed. Jamaica was fabulous too. </p>
<p>One of our family’s favorite vacations ever was to Maui in Hawaii. We went in July. Perfect weather, endless amounts of things to do, and plenty of ways to do absolutely nothing 
If you have the money, it’s outstanding. We used frequent flier miles for that one. However, it does take forever to get there and get back, which would certainly eat into precious vacation time. The nice thing about the Caribbean is that it doesn’t take as long fo those of us closer to the east coast to get there. I always factor that in my vacation timing/plans.</p>
<p>PS Forgot about Seaside, FL. It’s located on the Florida Panhandle (Gulf of Mexico) It’s the town where The Truman Show with Jim Carrey was filmed. Great places to rent, can walk to what you need and for sure your kids will likely meet lots of other kids too.</p>
<p>July in HI is paradise! It helps to have money but there are some less expensive options if you look around. Agree with the above posters about travel time–it really takes a long time to get between the East Coast & HI. Would definitely be MEMORABLE for everyone! Condos can be a more affordable option than a hotel. Fodors.com has a lot of folks sharing their experiences & tips in their forum section where you can view by state.</p>
<p>Good luck–your kids are lucky to have such a great parent!</p>
<p>We just spent a week at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic with roughly the same ages…it was wonderful. We had a villa with a private pool, and 2 golf carts come with each villa, which is wonderful. We each were as busy as we wanted to be…the resort had all kinds of facilities and restaurants. We are planning to go back as soon as we can !</p>
<p>Tripadvisor.com is a great site to check out reviews for all-inclusives. You can search by region and read the reviews. I don’t think Club Med would cater to teenagers as much. We have been to the Moon Palace in Cancun and Dominican Republic and Dominicus Palace in La Romana Dominican Republic. Dominicus Palace was mainly European, so I wouldn’t recommend it. There are many all inclusives to choose from. I wouldn’t be too concerned about going to Cancun because you won’t be going off the property. Riviera Maya is close to Cancun, but much quieter and I would recommend all-inclusives that are located there. Everything is there. The Outer Banks are nice, but I think your teenagers would be bored after a while without activities…</p>
<p>OP’s kids are not teenagers. Club Med caters to international clienteles. Most GOs are between 18 to 25, my kids have a good time hanging out with them. We tend to go to bed early and we feel perfectly comfortable for the girls to “party” by themselves.</p>
<p>There’s another all-inclusive outfit called Apple Vacations. You can also check them out.</p>