Vacation ideas for three generations

[dixieagle]

For those who have been on cruises, did you get seasick? Could you even feel the motion of the ship?

:hypno:

I’ve been on several cruises, and do tend towards seasickness. However, I just make sure to take - and keep taking - dramamine or bonine (there is a “less drowsy” type available) and that takes care of things. There are other things your doctor can do, as well; patches, etc. The only time that it was really an issue was once, heading from the Gulf to the Caribbean in pretty choppy water. But by the first evening, we were fine, and at dinner!

Try to get a cabin in the center of the ship; the time I got sick was when we booked last-minute and were in the bow (front). Since then, I just make sure to get a cabin in the center (or close to) and keep up with the anti-nausea meds, and I’m good.

I would also recommend an outside cabin; if you can swing it, one with a veranda is great - lots of fresh air for you!

Don’t let fear of seasickness prevent you from enjoying a cruise! I would recommend a Disney cruise, if at all possible, with a few days in Orlando afterwards. We adore Disney World, and can’t wait to see the new World of Harry Potter at Universal, Orlando, which opens in late June.

What fun, getting to plan a vacation that you don’t have to pay for!

Enjoy!

 

[dixieagle]

Also on the cruise idea - we did an Alaskan cruise recently (in June), and just adored every minute of it.

We sailed out of Whittier, down to Vancouver. It was very, very calm, with incredible scenery. Our favorite “excursion” was whale watching in Juneau. I had expected to be seasick, and had loaded up on the non-drowsy dramamine, but it was amazingly calm. Your son might really love seeing the whales, seals (or sea lions, can’t remember which!) and all the other wildlife. There was a train ride excursion at one of the ports, as well. We also saw some of the boats from “Deadliest Catch”, and the whole thing had a very “rough and ready” ambience that little boys would like (not the ship, the Coral Princess, which was lovely!)

 

[Nanny_PK]

Also on the cruise idea - we did an Alaskan cruise recently (in June), and just adored every minute of it.

We sailed out of Whittier, down to Vancouver. It was very, very calm, with incredible scenery. Our favorite “excursion” was whale watching in Juneau. I had expected to be seasick, and had loaded up on the non-drowsy dramamine, but it was amazingly calm. Your son might really love seeing the whales, seals (or sea lions, can’t remember which!) and all the other wildlife. There was a train ride excursion at one of the ports, as well. We also saw some of the boats from “Deadliest Catch”, and the whole thing had a very “rough and ready” ambience that little boys would like (not the ship, the Coral Princess, which was lovely!)

I second Alaska. Definitely get a balcony for an Alaskan cruise!!! So much beautiful scenery.

On most cruises there are so many children’s activities. I don’t know specifics because I don’t have kids so I’ve never had to pay too much attention to it, but there were always mentions of it in the cruise newsletter. Plus I think the excursions would be fabulous for a little boy!!! We did the train ride one that DixieEagle mentioned. It was amazing.

 

[Alexandra]

Not sure where the columbines are growing, lol…

We are not “Disney people” but we have been to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA a couple of times, and we all loved it. Not as hot as Florida, not as crowded either. Rides for all ages or just really lovely places to sit and watch everything including musical shows. It is beautifully done up as different countries and there is a train and a sky ride to get you around the park so “traveling” from country to country is not a problem. Different food places for each country make meals not as boring too…

Colonial Williamsburg is nearby and lots to see and do there too, although it does involve more walking. There is a water park nearby as well. You can find info on the internet and there are package deals for tickets for the area attractions.

Have a great time wherever you end up going!

We’re heading here the second week of June. We liked that there was educational stuff as well as just the amusement park type of stuff. Also nearby is Jamestown, and Yorktown. Plus there is local stuff like bowling. We’re looking forward to our visit.

 

[Alexandra]

Just a thought on the RVing vein. Travel Trailer vs Motorhome. In the travel trailer you have to sit in the car to travel and can’t move around much. However you set up at camp and then can unhitch and take the car and go places. If you rent a motorhome, it is more comfortable going from place to place, but unless you tow a car behind you you will not be able to just set up camp and then go and visit places. You will have to drive the motorhome to visit sights and set up camp again every time you get back from visiting somewhere. Just something to consider.

 

[Gertabelle]

Everyone’s comments here are wondefully helpful. I’m going to have a long conversation with my mom (is there any other type of conversation? ) and go over many of these suggestions. Alaska, the Caribbean, Williamsburg… these all sound AWESOME!!! Because of my recent hand injury, I think we’ll skip the RV option this summer and let someone else do all the work (I think my injury may be part of what inspired my mom to make her offer in the first place.)

And yes, it is wonfderful to plan a vacation I don’t have to pay for

Don’t know if I’m ready to deal with a 6 year old at a Disney park but that option’s on the table as well.

Thanks again, and please keep sharing!

Gertie

 

[Irishmom2]

We’re heading here the second week of June. We liked that there was educational stuff as well as just the amusement park type of stuff. Also nearby is Jamestown, and Yorktown. Plus there is local stuff like bowling. We’re looking forward to our visit.

Yes, forgot about Jamestown and Yorktown! The visitors center in Yorktown is awesome! My 12 year old son got to help set up a cannon for firing and still remembers it so many years later.

There is also a naval carrier nearby that gives tours. Really overall, so many things in a small area or very close by.

Have a great trip Alexandra!

 

[dixieagle]

Yes, forgot about Jamestown and Yorktown! The visitors center in Yorktown is awesome! My 12 year old son got to help set up a cannon for firing and still remembers it so many years later.

There is also a naval carrier nearby that gives tours. Really overall, so many things in a small area or very close by.

Have a great trip Alexandra!

Oh, yes…Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg are wonderful! We lived in Virginia for several years when our older daughter was little, and so loved it! Colonial Williamsburg is simply fascinating, and Busch Gardens is wonderful fun. I think there are also cruises out of Norfolk, quite close by, as well.

 

[purplesunshine]

If your 6yr old knows how to swim or is willing to be theatherd to a life jacket I’d consider renting a lake side cabin. They are often furnished. Especially, if you’re city dwellers. A nice, quiet camp on the lake, fires at night waking up and hearing loons on the water early in the morning and the fog rise. The sun and the wind and seeing the starts. Renting a little outboard and going for a boat ride during the day, reading in a lawn chair by the dock…popping pop corn and playing a board game on a rainy day…

Craig’s list often has summer cabins for rent by the week.

If you’re in the boonies than the noise and excitment of Disney or a Cruise may be for you, but if you’re city or suburbian folk seriously consider something outdoorsy…and maybe during that week take a short drive from a historic fort or other place…see if you can plan to go on a re-enactor’s weekend and get a costume for the little one.

 

[Gertabelle]

If your 6yr old knows how to swim or is willing to be theatherd to a life jacket I’d consider renting a lake side cabin. They are often furnished. Especially, if you’re city dwellers. A nice, quiet camp on the lake, fires at night waking up and hearing loons on the water early in the morning and the fog rise. The sun and the wind and seeing the starts. Renting a little outboard and going for a boat ride during the day, reading in a lawn chair by the dock…popping pop corn and playing a board game on a rainy day…

That sounds like a slice of heaven! Because my mom’s coming along, we’re opting for something more to her liking and speed – looks like that’ll be a cruise this summer with her.

But living in Colorado, we certainly have options for a cabin (or tent) in the woods, by a lake, in the mountains. I’ll check my budget and start planning that one for my son and me and maybe a few friends. It’s great to be a teacher with a whole summer to fill

Gertie

 

[Gertabelle]

Not sure where the columbines are growing, lol…

We are not “Disney people” but we have been to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA a couple of times, and we all loved it. Not as hot as Florida, not as crowded either. Rides for all ages or just really lovely places to sit and watch everything including musical shows. It is beautifully done up as different countries and there is a train and a sky ride to get you around the park so “traveling” from country to country is not a problem. Different food places for each country make meals not as boring too…

Colonial Williamsburg is nearby and lots to see and do there too, although it does involve more walking. There is a water park nearby as well. You can find info on the internet and there are package deals for tickets for the area attractions.

Have a great time wherever you end up going!

We talked briefly about doing a trip that included colonial sites along the east coast. I love Americn history and have wanted to take a trip like that since childhood! But I think we’re going to wait a few more years, until my son is studying the American Revolution in school, so it’ll all connect for him.

I’ll stick that one on the bulletin board for future reference

Gertie

 

[Gertabelle]

Just wanted to follow up with a huge THANK YOU for all the great suggestions, advice, and personal stories!

We are going on our fabulous vacation next week, and we can hardly wait to get started – a week with family in CA, and then a cruise to Alaska :extrahappy: I feel better already

A friend from my school also let my son borrow her world-traveling stuffed cheetah. Chester the Cheetah will be traveling with us and keeping a diary of all his adventures along the way. My son is delighted to have this opportunity, and what an awesome keepsake that diary will be!

Thanks again for everyone’s (name removed by moderator)ut. BTW, my hand is healing well. It’s been three months and I can already play the piano at about 80% of my former ability. The piano playing was the thing I was most concerned about, so this is a tremendous gift from Our Lord.

Gertie