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Family Vacation destinations other than Bahamas

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Chat' started by Second_To_None, Jun 11, 2014.

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  1. Second_To_None

    Second_To_None Low-Roller

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    Have been to Bahamas (Atlantis) a few times in recent past - LOVED IT! However my 14 year old is "bored" of it and wants to try a new place...

    I have 2 boys - 7 & 14 years old... 7 year old is fine and is not yet at the age where EVERYTHING is boring...

    Trying to get an idea of places that may be similar to Atlantis - that is as kid-friendly...

    I want to try a cruise but wife doesn't like the idea of "being stuck on a ship" despite the fact MANY people have told her there is so much to do...

    I heard Aruba is kid-friendly as is Dominican Republic...

    Thoughts? Suggestions? Appreciate any/all feedback. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. lotso-bear

    lotso-bear VIP Whale

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    When do you plan on traveling and are you willing to go international (ex. Europe)?
     
  3. Second_To_None

    Second_To_None Low-Roller

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    sometime in August... usually go to Bahamas as rooms are comped (aside from taxes and fees)... 6 days/5 nights.

    Can't afford to spend a TON of money - $4K max (for room, airfare, food, beverages, and any other expenses).
     
  4. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    RV and an awesome national park?
     
  5. Second_To_None

    Second_To_None Low-Roller

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    Never did or considered an RV before... wouldn't mind checking out Yosemite though - heard that's nice....

    Was also considering Canada - Niagara Falls... heard there is an area there with a bunch of attractions which are kid-friendly..
     
  6. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    No kids here, but we camped all over the West when I was a kid and while a lodge is now almost roughing it my wife and I still love the parks and open spaces.

    Couple thoughts/questions:

    Yosemite and Niagara are not exactly a quick drive apart, so where do you live, for starters?

    August and a National Park = MASSIVE crowds. The prime and more accessible parks likely sold out last year, but America has gobs of wild spaces under banners other than the NPS, so there are places where you won't be boxed out. Sunset had a recent article about great spots to go/see that aren't A-List when it comes to crowds. Check it out.

    Personally, Niagara is cool to see but it's a freakin' tourist trap of epic proportions.

    Switching gears, if you are on the west coast, what about Hawaii? Rent a condo or house through vrbo and save money, have plenty of elbow room, and you can cook some, which also saves in the islands. On the flip side, Hawaii prices from the usual western departures spots have gone through the roof by now, so this far into the game this probably isn't plausible.
     
  7. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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  8. lotso-bear

    lotso-bear VIP Whale

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    I agree that Niagara Falls is cool but there are a lot of tourist traps there. Instead, I would recommend either Montreal or Toronto since the weather in both cities are good that time of year.

    I’m not sure if airfare in your area is high but I noticed that airfares are pretty high for summer travel in my area, so I would just stick with Aruba for this year since the rooms are free. Just use the money for a trip in December/January to Hawaii or Mexico
     
  9. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    There's just some basic logic to that suggestion. But I will say that December in Hawaii is high high high season. The islands never go low but the two shoulders are April/May and Sept/Oct. Plus those are the times of the seasonal sea changes so on islands where there is some significant seasonal variation north/south, you often can catch good conditions on both sides. (Yes, always respect the water. Drowning is the #1 cause of turista death over there. Well, that and too many shitty luaus.)
     
  10. rooster42000

    rooster42000 Goat of all Goats , My Hero

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    Punta Cana in Dominican Republic , Riviera Maya outside Cancun both are great and kid friendly and they are all inclusive.
     
  11. lotso-bear

    lotso-bear VIP Whale

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    Yeah Hawaii is extremely pricey during that timeframe but if the OP saves money on this trip then it wouldn't be too bad.
     
  12. Second_To_None

    Second_To_None Low-Roller

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    appreciate all the replies. I live in NY - east coast. Airfare is pretty high - Bahamas we've been able to get for close to $400 per person past few times we went. We were actually looking at Punta Cana last year - airfare was closer to $800 per person - that didn't include the comp rooms we got at Bahamas ; )

    Niagara Falls has now been ruled out - thanks to the feedback received here... Looks like we may just end up at Bahamas again - my 14 year old will have to "suffer" and "settle" for another trip to Bahamas...

    Thanks all
     
  13. SteveAC01

    SteveAC01 Tourist

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    STN---
    If your 14 year old is bored with Atlantis, anything else is going to be worse.
    However, an alternative choice can still save you money.
    You can probably be comped the room and some food and bev at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Casino.
    Airfare from New York to St. Kitts vs. Nassau shouldn't be much more.
    ***HERE'S THE KEY***
    ***You'll probably need to use an independent casino host/junket manager to get you a decent up-front comp.
    If your play earns RFB at Atlantis, and it can be verified, that would carry you at the St. Kitts Marriott.
    This place has nice rooms, beautiful pools, decent restaurants, and a smallish but okay casino.
    If you need a change, it meets the bill. But it's NOT Atlantis, by any stretch.
    Another approach might be to tell your 14 YO that the family is going back to Atlantis, but since he's bored, you've arranged for him to stay home with grandma.
    That might change his perspective. Good luck.
     
  14. DBear

    DBear VIP Bear

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    Is Disney World a bit too obvious or do you need a gambling destination? The rides at Hollywood Studios or Universal Studios would keep any 14 year old occupied. Why was Niagara ruled out?
     
  15. miniwhale

    miniwhale High-Roller

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    This will be our 3rd family trip to Atlantis this summer. We get at least 3 nights comped Royal Tower, which gets us back every year. No food, drinks, etc. We have a 10 yr old son. I can see a 14 year old getting bored with the routine, but it really depends on what he is looking for. Our son loves the kid's club, not sure what he would like at 14, but I cannot imagine what any other destination would offer similar to Atlantis. (If you are looking to gamble AND have something fun for the kids to do)
    My husband and I just went to Punta Cana, teeny casino,not much gambling at all, but we had a great time. Pools and ocean for kids, but not much at night to do. Cab to Hard Rock was going to be $60 RT, no thanks.
    Niagara Falls does have plenty for kids to do. Yes, it is a tourist trap, but lots to do. What do they want to do?
     
  16. Second_To_None

    Second_To_None Low-Roller

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    Thx all - prefer gambling destination. Wife and I, along with our now 7 year old, love Atlantis. We first went there 4 years ago - my 14 year old was 10 at the time. We convinced him to try the kids club - he didn't like it... he has all the video game consoles but not really into video games - more into sports. He did enjoy building his own car and racing it at the time - he is too old for that now... Unfortunately he's at that age where EVERYTHING is boring... He would LOVE to hear he can stay home and doesn't have to come with us - he would be in heaven. But wife is not a big fan and I would love to spend some quality time away - just the 4 of us. If I could afford it, I would love to go somewhere like Europe or Hawaii - but we're on a budget and can't afford either - unfortunately.

    He's gonna have to "suffer" and go to Bahamas - that's all. LOL!

    Thanks again all.
     
  17. lotso-bear

    lotso-bear VIP Whale

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    He can do my work and I will take his place on this trip :thumbsup:
     
  18. Second_To_None

    Second_To_None Low-Roller

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    LOL!!!!!
     
  19. miniwhale

    miniwhale High-Roller

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    I would think at 14, he would enjoy girl-watching. We have seen many-a-young girl in teeny bikinis ranging from full coverage to strappy thong bikinis. (and I am talking about teen girls with their families) We are with you on gambling trip, budget, and family-friendly. We work our way around our budget. We order from foodstore2go. Don't know if you use a delivery service, but they are great! They will deliver the stuff and leave it at the concierge. The stuff will be brought up when you get to the room and call for it. We get bottled water, sodas, booze. (beer is expensive!) We bring a collapsible cooler, and we also tell them we need a fridge for my son's medication, and we get it for free. I think your 14 year old will get over it, probably not a lot of places that will make him happy.
     
  20. daveg000

    daveg000 VIP Whale

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    Since I am a Wisconsinite, I'm partial to taking my kids / grandkids to Wisconsin Dells, The water Park Capital of the world. Waterparks, amusement Parks, Animal Parks, fishing, Beautiful Bluffs and canyons on the Mighty Wisconsin River. Boat rides, Duck Rides, Jet boat Rides, Dive bars to elegant Clubs. Greasy spoons to Fine dining. Go karts, Bungees, Deer Parks, Motels to Mega hotels. Night Clubs.

    There is even a decent Casino within 5 miles. Ho Chunk Baraboo

    BIG Water parks - Noah's ark, Mt. Olympus Water Park & Theme Park, Kalahari Resort Waterpark

    100's of thousands of tourists, workers have to be imported from through out the world, during the summer months.

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    You can investigate for hours!
     
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