Recommendations for a family trip in August?

Question

My parents' 30th anniversary is this year and they've expressed that they want to go on a family trip (with me and my younger sister). I think I'll have to pay for a large amount of the trip, so I am trying to think of somewhere that is affordable with enough variety for my family (we all tend to get antsy). Ideally, I wanted to do Portugal because it seems like a walkable city, with good food and also a wine country.  The variety in Portugal is also appealing, but the flights are so expensive from NY in August (around $700 RT). Anyone have any suggestions similar to Portugal with more reasonable flights?

Paula R. Joseph · Answer

Not really. We've only cruised Royal Caribbean and Disney cruise lines (and loved them), but I've heard incredible things about Holland America and Norwegian cruises also.

I'd suggest go to 'cruisecritic.com' to start your research, input your preferences and see what they have. They've always been transparent and helpful when I've checked there, and they seem to cater to both cruise rookies and veterans alike. Enjoy!

Paula R. Joseph · Answer

One option is to eliminate the flight cost and spend it on the experience.

My family has done group cruises every few years. We're on the west coast so ours leave from ports within driving distance (so no airfare) and stop in San Diego/Mazatlan/Puerto Vallarta (southbound) or San Francisco/Seattle/Alaska (northbound). From NY you likely will find the same structure; Bahamas/Bermuda/Caribbean (southbound) New England/Canada (northbound).

And here's why we like cruises. All of our traveling families do their own thing during the day according to their wants and physical demands. Some get off the ship in ports and do excursions, some stay on board and do the spa, pool, classes, nap, etc. The key is we have dinner together at the same table every night and catch up. Those dinners are usually the highlight of the day because even though you may not have been right with them you can hear about Uncle Bob negotiating with the jewelry vendor on shore or the awesome facial that Aunt Becky had. It's an incredible bonding experience, but allows for individual tastes.

I think it would be a great way to incorporate the family but everyone still get some 'me' time. Good Luck!

Recommendations for a family trip in August?

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