Well…whatever Air Tahiti that flies from and to LAX is the bargain choice according to my kid.
They could go to New Zealand for two weeks.
Why about the Galapagos? That would be very doable from where they live.
They could go to Key West…and just relax.
What’s Alaska like in October?
Tahiti (Papaete) itself was more busy than I’d like, but the neighboring islands - Raiatea and Tahaa were amazing, gorgeous, not enough words to describe. The Moorings does charters out of Raiatea and they’re great.
Someone mentioned South Africa. If they’re at all interested in a safari, consider Tanzania and Kenya in October because they can catch part of the Great Migration. It’s pretty amazing to be in a tent or vehicle while thousands of Wildebeest and zebra mosey past. You fall asleep at night to the sounds of the animals all around you - amazing.
@milee30 my H and I did a Sunsail charter out of Raiatea and it was one of the best charters we have done. My dream is at some point to take the entire family on a charter trip to French Polynesia. I’ve been to French Polynesia several times and prefer the less visited islands such as Tahaa and Huanine. Bora Bora from a sailboat though is divine very different than a five star land resort.
My S has been extremely fortunate to have done some great travel with his grandparents including a safari to Kenya and experiencing the migration. He has also been to Alaska.
Galapagos is still a very long flight even from California.
If they had a couple more days, they could do one of the re-positioning cruises that goes through the Panama Canal. They seem to take 15 or 16 days. Drive to the ship in California and fly home from Florida. They would have to go through the Caribbean at the end, though.
It seems they have either already been where folks are suggesting or the trips are too far.
Maybe they should do a couple of short relaxing trips from their CA home and save the big trip for when they can reschedule.
They could easily get to the Seattle area, Phoenix area, Albuquerque, Portland O, and the like.
Maybe two long weekends at a nice B and B would be an option?
I am passing on the ideas. I would not be surprised if they decide very last minute. He is very ADHD, his style seems to work for them. Knowing him they will be all over the map till a few weeks before the vacation dates. They didn’t decide on a honeymoon location till a month before the wedding even though they had 18 months to do so. It is so opposite of his parents and siblings who like to plan ahead and have a plan.
He knows I am the family holiday planner. He asks for suggestions but the execution is up to them.
From CA I’d head to Peru or Costa Rica ‘foreign’ enough to feel away from it all, ‘close’ enough in case of homesickness, LOL! 
@momo2x2018 they have been offered accommodation in Acosta Rica free of charge. I think they feel it’s still rainy season. I’ve suggested Peru.
DD’s suggestion
French Polynesia
Indonesia
Malaysia
New Zealand
Thailand
Spain
Savannah or Charleston
A cruise someplace
Tulum
Many good options to choose from- but NOT places where hurricanes can happen. Hawaii could be nice. Or they could do DC without the heat and excessive crowds. They could include some time seeing fall colors in the region as well.
We went to a wedding in the small village of Tulum. Our hotel was a small one (the small village has many) that was right on the water…not all that different from French Polynesia (well except we were next to the water…not over it).
Flights are into Cancun with shuttle service you book to get to the small village (not the actual big town but past there to the village).
It’s a very nice relaxing vacation spot, and should be nice in end of October. They could go to Chitzen Itza (oh I don’t think that is spelled right) for a day trip. Really…nice, convenient and we thought the prices were fair. And the food was excellent!
Has anyone been to the Yucatán area recently? A friend went in the spring to Akumal another small town in the area and said the Sargassum was so bad they could not swim in the water.
Many years ago we had our honeymoon in late October in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. I remember beautiful clear blue water and good weather. Love the food in Mexico. The episode on Netflix of Salt,acid,fat, heat ( or however the title goes) in the Yucatán was great. As is the episode that takes place in Italy.
Another idea if its early October is Western Canada. Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and more. It’s beautiful and if $ isn’t an issue they can take the glass roofed train and stay at the old Railroad hotels. Must like nature and beautiful vistas. It’s gorgeous there. Emerald lake, everything.
On another note, I don’t suggest Grand Caymen or any Caymen islands. We had to fly out during a hurricane like storm to get home and it was a total wash out. Loved the people though.
I would do the south of France, from Avignon/Aix over to Monaco. I looked at this for a trip but we didn’t have enough time. 12-14 days should be plenty, and it’s easy to get around by train if they don’t want to drive. What a lovely “problem” to have - hope they have a good time wherever they end up!
Thought I’d post an update. They booked yesterday and are going to French Polynesia. They are saving money by not staying at resorts. They are excited to get some off the grid time away from work.
Next adventure-kid number 3 and her husband are looking for a reasonable priced adventure for Christmas week. Her job is closed and it’s a good time for her to travel. They want warm weather, warm water, good snorkeling and possibly diving for her H. They want it all but at a budget price. I think they can manage 10 days. Traveling out of San Francisco.
Ideas they are floating- Cook Islands, Fiji ( might be out of their budget), Panama, Roatan. Any suggestions on these spots?
For kid 3, what is their budget? Airfare to some of those places will be very costly.
I second Morocco! October should be an excellent time of year, as the worst of the heat will be over. There are relatively short non-stop flights to Casablanca and Marrakech from the US, depending on where you fly from. Jet lag isn’t a big problem, as it’s only five hours time difference.
It’s so culturally interesting and has an amazing variety of landscapes and architecture. Some of the best experiences of my life were glamping in the Sahara Desert, wandering through the thousands of maze-like streets of Fez, and exploring the desert kasbahs. Morocco is very friendly to American travelers and many people speak some English, though most people speak French fluently. Between my husband and I, we cobbled together enough high school French to get by just fine.
We all loved it, including our then-young teens. The roads are fantastic, so it’s a great place to hire a car. I highly recommend Morocco.
It might be better if you start a separate thread about the December trip…because as you can see…folks are still giving ideas about the October trip…which is all settled.
Just a thought…to make it easier to follow.