Looking to book at trip for my family. Kids are 16, 18 and 23. We are ok with overseas but I've only ever been to London. Looking for activities, site seeing, culture and friendly locals around the Christmas break. We are ok a with warm climate or cool or cold climate. We snow ski, snorkel, raft, zip line and most any other activities. Looking between $10-$15K. Would love to hear any recs you have especially first hand experience and tips. Thx!

Costa Rica gets a lot of love on here, for good reason. You can check off everything but the skiing, and the logistics are easy. I'd have that at the top or near the top.

Europe at Christmas and/or skiing is very expensive, and a lot of places will have minimum night stay requirements. With 5 adults you'd need 2-3 hotel rooms and that alone will eat up most of your budget. Flights to Europe will take up the rest if not blow right through it.

A general note: The holidays are the most expensive time of the year to travel and you're only two months away. Availability will be difficult, so i would try to make some moves quick. Don't mean to sound all doom and gloom, just trying to be upfront.

How many nights are you thinking?

Thanks for the feedback. 7-10 nights.
I've read some positive reviews on Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Both are solid options for families who want a lot of activities and Nicaragua is definitely better when your kids are older, like yours. The logistics require a little more planning and it can feel more culturally immersive since their tourism industry isn't what Costa Rica's is. Roads can be a little rough so I would suggest hiring a driver vs renting a vehicle. It's great for hiking, horseback riding, volcano hikes, surfing and kayaking. I'd check out Rancho Santana, Morgans Rock, Mukul Resort and Yamaya Reefs. Those will be the most on par resorts to what you could expect in Costa Rica. Money will go further in Nicaragua for sure. Of those, I've done the most work with Rancho Santana, excellent property!

In terms of timing, both will work well. Dry season on the pacific side of the country and 7-10 days is enough time to see a couple places.

For a first time international family trip (outside of London) I might still put Costa Rica ahead of Nicaragua if I was giving a recommendation.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want some help with the trip!

This late in the game, I would look at a cruise.

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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This late in the game, I would look at a cruise.

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This is what I was going to suggest. I end up booking a lot of clients on cruises who come for last minute holiday vacations. Might have to get 2 cabins and they may not be next to each other, depending on availability.

Been on a Disney cruise. Nice and we enjoyed it but we mostly just stuffed our face and drank (which I'm not above) but I can do that here at the house. Felt like cattle onboard, departing and all the ports seemed like tourist traps. Is there a cruise you'd recommend for hat has a lot of activities at the ports of call?

I'll always recommend Costa Rica. Fun for all ages and activity levels. Also I would NEVER hire a driver there. It's part of the fun and in all honesty, the roads aren't that bad. Just get 4WD.

Europe in Christmas is another good option. Completely different experience than Costa Rica. It'll be cold (obviously) and more crowded. Skiing there is waaaaaay cheaper than the US. We don't stay in hotels in Europe ever....AirBnBs are such a superior experience and nearly always cheaper (significantly) especially with 5+ people.

Can't go wrong with either, just your appetite for warm/cold and cost.

AggieRuss said:

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Been on a Disney cruise. Nice and we enjoyed it but we mostly just stuffed our face and drank (which I'm not above) but I can do that here at the house. Felt like cattle onboard, departing and all the ports seemed like tourist traps. Is there a cruise you'd recommend for hat has a lot of activities at the ports of call?

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For your kids ages, I would look at Royal Caribbean, especially one of their Icon class ships (But you would have to fly to Florida, they don't come to Galveston until next August).

Ports are likely going to be the same, they all are tourist traps. I did really enjoy Perfect Day at Cocoay (RC's private island in Bahamas) but we also rented a private cabana. There was so much to do onboard and even though tons more people, I didn't feel "crowded" like I did on our small ship Disney cruise.

But even the Symphony of the Seas (RC) and Carnival Jubilee out of Galveston will have lots to do for those ages. Norwegian is also an option out of Galveston.

Happy to look at options for you if you like, email is in profile.