family vacation recommendations?

My mom wants to go on a family vacation for their 35th anniversary next year. We're trying to figure out the best options.

We were thinking a cruise - which we've done so many times before. But they do work well for family trips. The carribbean is out - we've already hit up all those islands.

Any destination suggestions that don't cost a fortune? I welcome alternatives to the cruise idea too.

Thanks girls

Re: family vacation recommendations?

How about Las Vegas? There is so much to do, shows, great restaurants - great for a group trip I think!

Re: family vacation recommendations?

We did Vegas last year (for my aunt's anniversary) -and you're right, it was a good option!

Re: family vacation recommendations?

What time of year? I took a cruise to Bermuda that left from Boston (they also leave from New York) and it was great -- and cheap because of no flights! These cruises are only good in the warm months though!

Re: family vacation recommendations?

We're looking at January - my younger sister (19) is still in college, so we'd have to go during her breaks.

She'd be able to go in the summer too, but my family is very into their boating so the whole summer is like a vacation without actually going anywhere. That why they'd prefer January.

I'm in CA, everyone else is in NY - so we can't escape flights.

Re: family vacation recommendations?

Hmmm Vegas may not be great with someone who is 19. I've heard great things about Arizona... lots of real nice hotels/spas and unique natural scenary...

Re: family vacation recommendations?

My FMIL just went on a cruise to Alaska & raved about it!

Re: family vacation recommendations?

I would LOVE to go to alaska!!! i want to make it there in a few years... DH not to into it but i am... i love the cold and winter.. hes a summer man!!!

Ok, I know I don't belong here, but I love talking about vacations, so I had to put my two cents in. We went on a cruise from NYC to Bermuda this past April, and LOVED it! We're actually planning another one for next year :) I'm pretty sure that if you need to vacation in January, this particular cruise is out, since they run from late April through maybe October? Not sure about that, but I know we went the last week of April, and it was the first cruise of the season. We sailed on the Celebrity Horizon, and it was GREAT! Last month, we went on a Carnival cruise (out of Tampa) to Key West, and Cozumel. Key west was nice, but touristy. I hated Cozumel. In my opinion though, Carnival couldn't compare to Celebrity. If you're looking to go somewhere in the beginning of January (first two weeks), it's the slowest time of year for Disney. The parks are pretty empty, and it's really a great time. You can also get great deals on their hotels.

Re: family vacation recommendations?

what about going to their honeymoon destination? You actually gave me a great idea for my parents 40th!

Re: family vacation recommendations?

Could always do a Panama Canal...We did a European cruise last year but I wouldn't recommend it for January! Right now my whole family is on vacation in Puerto Aventuras. They rented a huge villa for the week (here is the website: http://www.brisacaribe.com/villa-amenities.htm . I couldn't go because I am already taking a vacation to London & Paris at the end of this month. There are lots of places where you could go and rent a villa. Try these websites:
http://www.vacation-rentals.org/
or
http://www.cottagelink.com/yrround.shtml

Good luck!

Re: family vacation recommendations?

Thanks everyone!