Need Help Planning a Spring Break Trip. Suggestions?

[Z-Man]

I would like to take my family some place fun (and warm) for spring break. We have two boys, ages 4 and 6. I probably won't get to play any tennis, but I figured there are some well-traveled folks on TW who might have some suggestions.

I want to go some place the kids will enjoy, but I'm struggling with the fact that all of the kid-friendly destinations will be cheezy and crowded. Right now, we are thinking either Beaches Turks and Caicos (which is somewhat like Atlantis), or, if we can survive 13 hours on a plane, going to Hawaii--either the Grand Wailea on Maui or the Four Seasons Kona/Hualalai (Big Island).

Any other places we should consider? I'd like to go some place as interesting and exotic as possible that will still be fun for the kids. I have a phobia of Disney World, crowds, and waiting in line.

Thanks in advance,
Z

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by Z-Man

I would like to take my family some place fun (and warm) for spring break. We have two boys, ages 4 and 6. I probably won't get to play any tennis, but I figured there are some well-traveled folks on TW who might have some suggestions.

I want to go some place the kids will enjoy, but I'm struggling with the fact that all of the kid-friendly destinations will be cheezy and crowded. Right now, we are thinking either Beaches Turks and Caicos (which is somewhat like Atlantis), or, if we can survive 13 hours on a plane, going to Hawaii--either the Grand Wailea on Maui or the Four Seasons Kona/Hualalai (Big Island).

Any other places we should consider? I'd like to go some place as interesting and exotic as possible that will still be fun for the kids. I have a phobia of Disney World, crowds, and waiting in line.

Thanks in advance,
Z

Your phobia of theme parks during spring break is warranted. Bad time of year with all the crowds. Hawaii is absolutely spectacular but if you are going to make such a big trip, maybe wait another year or two so your youngest remembers it better. It is a very long trip out there. Southwest Florida is hard to fly directly to, but they have a lot of family friendly beaches there and the water should be warmer if you want to consider a continental trip. Virgin Islands are nice if you get away from St. Thomas. The British Virgin Islands are even better. We had a friend down there on a cruise stop who rented a huge boat for us and took us all around the islands, it was a blast.

[tennisphotog]

You are correct to avoid theme parks. I cringe at the thought. Hawaii is too damn far. Been there, done that. Florida, boring. The caribbean is the way to go . Or cheaper, Mexico's Riviera Maya in the Yucatan. Avoid Cancun entirely, and distance yourself just a bit from Playa Del Carmen. Beware, many beaches are full of coral/rocks, so do your homework carefully on TRIPADIVOSR.COM
My favorite is Akumal. If you don't need fancy, but love a great kid friendly beach, the "Akumal Beach Resort" is really hard to beat, very laid back, small all inclusive in a fantastic location. They have two pretty run down tennis courts but will do in a pinch. There are lots of other options too depending on what you go for.

[mikeler]

I won't be going to Mexico again until they get their violence under control. Not worth the risk when there are plenty of nicer places to visit.

[tennisphotog]

Mexico is very safe as long as you stick to safe resort areas.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by tennisphotog

Mexico is very safe as long as you stick to safe resort areas.

Why take the chance though? The bandits there may decide to take a trip to one of the nice areas for some easy money.

[ollinger]

Travelling to Hawaii from the east coast was the silliest trip I've ever made. Simply not worth the time and inconvenience when there are so many lovely beach destinations closer to home. Anyone dying to see a volcano can get from the east coast to Mt. Etna in much less time than it takes to go to Hawaii. (And Mt. Etna, when I was last there, is much more accessible and interesting than the Hawaiian volcano.)

[Z-Man]

I really want to go some place that I would enjoy (Hawaii, Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Grenadines, etc). But I think I will suck it up and go the kid-friendly route. My 4 year old just isn't ready for 13 hours on a plane, and he won't be able to snorkel, hike, enjoy scenery, etc. Beaches Turks and Caicos seems to be the best compromise between Disney and something more exotic.

What sticks in my craw is that the cheezy kid-oriented resorts can be just as expensive as the really nice ones. Don't get me wrong--I know we're lucky to be able to go on spring break at all, and we will have a great time anywhere. I think it's just that I really like to get way off the beaten path, and the kids aren't ready for that yet.

If anyone can recommend vacation spots--kid friendly or otherwise--I'm all ears.

[Z-Man]

Originally Posted by ollinger

Travelling to Hawaii from the east coast was the silliest trip I've ever made. Simply not worth the time and inconvenience when there are so many lovely beach destinations closer to home. Anyone dying to see a volcano can get from the east coast to Mt. Etna in much less time than it takes to go to Hawaii. (And Mt. Etna, when I was last there, is much more accessible and interesting than the Hawaiian volcano.)

Yeah, it's killing me that a week in the "Italian Village" at a kid-oriented all-inclusive resort is going to cost as much as taking the family to Rome or Venice. I'm just not sure Italy is ready for my kids. There are definitely a lot of things to see that are a lot closer than Hawaii.

[TennisMaverick]

Originally Posted by Z-Man

I would like to take my family some place fun (and warm) for spring break. We have two boys, ages 4 and 6. I probably won't get to play any tennis, but I figured there are some well-traveled folks on TW who might have some suggestions.

I want to go some place the kids will enjoy, but I'm struggling with the fact that all of the kid-friendly destinations will be cheezy and crowded. Right now, we are thinking either Beaches Turks and Caicos (which is somewhat like Atlantis), or, if we can survive 13 hours on a plane, going to Hawaii--either the Grand Wailea on Maui or the Four Seasons Kona/Hualalai (Big Island).

Any other places we should consider? I'd like to go some place as interesting and exotic as possible that will still be fun for the kids. I have a phobia of Disney World, crowds, and waiting in line.

Thanks in advance,
Z

At 4 and 6, they won't remember anything once they are older, so even Disney World doesn't do it. Figure-out where YOUR kids won't get bored or tired and cranky, so you and your wife can enjoy yourselves and not be overly burdened with the kids. Or, bring the nanny and go wherever you want in the world which is safe.

[mikeler]

How about a cruise? Much more economical and plenty of stuff for the kids to do. Disney cruises are expensive, but you can fly to Orlando and be over at Port Canaveral in about 45 minutes ready to board the ship (Disney or another line).

[tennisphotog]

I was in Turks and Caicos and stayed near that "Beaches" resort. Beware, the beach was a very very small sand strip. It was much bigger at other points along the same stretch of beach. Re traveling with kids, it's about having a great family experience, keep it simple. They would get nothing out of roman ruins at this age. All-inclusive beach holiday is handy as kids have fickle appetites. Plus, at most all-inclusive resorts, there is tons to do, even if it is pre-fab fun. We don't dump our kids in "kids club" as we actually like to see our kids when on vacation. Good beach, pool and a variety of food is all you need. Last tip, make sure the surf is not rough at the beach you are going to, the kids won't go in. Have fun!

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by tennisphotog

I was in Turks and Caicos and stayed near that "Beaches" resort. Beware, the beach was a very very small sand strip. It was much bigger at other points along the same stretch of beach. Re traveling with kids, it's about having a great family experience, keep it simple. They would get nothing out of roman ruins at this age. All-inclusive beach holiday is handy as kids have fickle appetites. Plus, at most all-inclusive resorts, there is tons to do, even if it is pre-fab fun. We don't dump our kids in "kids club" as we actually like to see our kids when on vacation. Good beach, pool and a variety of food is all you need. Last tip, make sure the surf is not rough at the beach you are going to, the kids won't go in. Have fun!

Be careful, you could win Father of the Year awards with that attitude.

BTW, I'm up near Falls Church several times a year. My wife is from Northern Virginia.

[Z-Man]

Tennisphotog: That's some good advice!
Mikeler: My wife is also from NoVa (near Manassas). Must be a good area for wife-hunting!

[r2473]

Originally Posted by tennisphotog

All-inclusive beach holiday is handy as kids have fickle appetites. Plus, at most all-inclusive resorts, there is tons to do, even if it is pre-fab fun. We don't dump our kids in "kids club" as we actually like to see our kids when on vacation.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=18766005