A is going to be taking a little time off between jobs this August, so we are looking for a place to vacation probably for about 10-14 days. I am having a hard time thinking of somewhere that would be good. Also, there is a slight possibility that we could bring along a cousin as a vacation babysitter if the plane tickets/hotels were cheap enough.
The Possibilities:
New Zealand: What is the weather like there in August? Is it winter? We want warm (but not too hot) weather. (Pluses +) interesting cultural differences, pretty scenery, english speaking, and traveler cred points (it is a cool place to say you’ve been). And I liked the movie whalerider. (Negatives -) timechange/jetlag for a week or so trip, long flight, expensive plane tickets (maybe I haven’t checked yet).
Hawaii: (+) Asian influenced food, beaches, kid friendlyness, and scenery. (-) included longish flight, expensive flight and accomodations. And I have already been to Maui twice.
Bali: (+) beaches, cheap accomodations (maybe), Asian food, traveler cred. (-) hot in August (?), long flight, expensive flight, no scuba diving due to A and my own fear of fish. Jetlag/timechange.
Thailand: See Bali (above). (+) great food. (-) Already been there.
California/Mexico: Fly to Cali, rent a car, go to mexico for 5 days spend the rest of the time in Cali. (+) seeing friends, cheap plane flight, good food (banh mi!) in SF and LA. (-) Lots of driving time. Hassle of driving. Expensive hotels (can’t stay with childless friends because they don’t know what to do with M). Unable to go out at night with friends because of M.
Greece: (+) Short flight, pretty, never been there. (-)Can I really eat lamb for a week? Don’t know much about it.
I am open to suggestions. Is there anywhere else I should consider?
I would not recommend going to Mexico in August. We went and it rained quite a bit, and was humid (late Aug./ Sept. is hurricane season).
We went to New Zealand and LOVED IT! Both truly fabulous. NZ in August is summer and the weather was fine, not too hot at all.
I actually don’t love Hawaii (I know, I know),but it is a great family vacation spot. We were there in July and the weather was nice. The sunsets were okay and it rained a little, but was always warm.
Hawaii! Yes, I know, O’ahu gets dogged as a travel destination because of Waikiki, but honestly we’re an awesome island. I mean, have you looked at my photos?
You don’t need to stay in a hotel- for around $100/night you can rent a beachfront cottage on Kailua beach, which is perfect for wading/swimming/sunbathing/etc. Check out Lanikai Beach Rentals
Though I have to say a Carribbean cruise sounds like fun to me.
I would go to NZ if I were you… Not only do you get cool travel points, you may already know someone there (Karen) who can show you a few places or point you in the right direction.
Although, if you end up coming to California, we can go to all the great Vietnamese restaurants, and I’ll show you all the yummy stuff they DON’T put on the menu.
Hi, delurking to say I’m from New Zealand so thought I could help.
Um, sorry, but August in NZ is winter.
So if you are looking for sun and warmth, NZ is out of the running! The best time to visit here is Feb/March – the tail end of summer and the weather is more stable. Come then! We’d love to have you!
My vote is for Greece. Never been myself actually, but everyone I know who’s been there LOVED it (one friend went for 2 weeks and stayed for three months!). Beautiful scenery, warm, set up well for tourists and depending on where you go you can have hustle and bustle, or absolute peace and quiet.
Have fun choosing!
Oops! Of course it is winter in NZ!! Duh, me. However, we went for 3 weeks in August and the weather was great, so maybe we just lucked out.
My vegetarian friends went to Greece for their 25th wedding anniversary–and they didn’t starve.