I need advice...

[nurseb]

Hey there everyone!! I haven't been on line in a few weeks...end of school, son had surgery etc, etc, etc...
I am now beginning to think about spring break 2004... You all were so helpful with our March 29th cruise ( to bad you could not predict the weather ) After the SEVERE sea sickness my DH suffered through in the rough seas, he is kindly requesting we stay on land next year Anyway.... not to bore you further...our TA is suggesting the Dominican Republic. A resort called Iberostar Bravado. (I could be wrong with the spelling) Any of you have any experience with this? Does anyone have any suggestions for a "land lovers" family vacation? I doubt anything could top the trip we had in March on the Magic but for one year I quess I will have to try.
Thanks a bunch!!

Betsy

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi nurseb.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a "land lovers" family vacation? I doubt anything could top the trip we had in March on the Magic but for one year I quess I will have to try.

Start with a few days in Las Vegas, Nevada. A room at the Rio (an all suite casino/hotel). The Mac King afternoon magic show is terrific for kids/families as is the evening dinner-show at Excaliber. Go to the Starship Enterprise at The Hilton (I think) and have a meal and/or drink in Qarks. Another terrific evening show is Lance Burton. Take the kids to Circus Circus. They offer circus performances as well as a "domed playland" (I'm sorry but I forget the name) AND a very funny clown show near the entrance to the rides inside. Drive on over to the Richard Petty Go-Carts and have a blast as the evening sun fades over Mount Charleston. There is much to see and enjoy at all the major - and minor - resorts. Have fun simply exploring.

Take a day to travel out to Death Valley with a stop at Scotty's Castle. They have an interesting tour available. Along the way, you can pause to oogle at the legal bordellos. "Buckaroo" heard Daddy say too often, "Hey, look, a desert animal!" and pointing in the direction opposite to the "trailer park of ill-repute."

Another half-day trip I recommend is to Bonnie Springs Ranch. A restored ghost town of sorts replicating the wild west. You can even become involved in a hanging.

Also take a drive out to The Valley of Fire. Fascinating.

After all of this, leave Nevada and head out to Williams, Arizona. Stay at The Frey Marcos Hotel. They have a great pool. Walk a bit of the old Route 66. You can purchase any number of overpriced souveniers. A nice dinner can be had at Max And Thelma's Restaurant. In the morning, take The Grand Canyon Railroad from Williams to the Grand Canyon. You'll enjoy the pre-train ride gunfight and singing cowboys on the train. Give 'em a tip and they'll "serenade yer sweetheart." Stay overnight at one of the accommodations in the area. You can sometimes get a good deal at The El Tovar Hotel which is right near a ledge overlooking the Canyon. Many many things to do. Try horseback riding in the Joshua Tree Forest just outside the park grounds. Also, local natives offer a terrific insight into the history and culture of the area through their own tours. Some services are now listed on the internet.

After a second night at the Grand Canyon, take The Train back to Williams - only on the return trip use their Parlor Car Service. It's worth the extra monies charged!

Proceed to Flagstaff but continue on to Sedona. Try a Pink Jeep Tour. Relax. Perhaps some golf or fishing. Then return to Las Vegas. Stop at The Hoover Dam for a tour. Then either stay the night in Las Vegas, again, or take a red-eye flight home.

Well, that's one suggestion for a "land lovers" vacation. I've got more, but this isn't really the forum...

 

[flexsmom]

Our TA is recommending Beaches Resorts. They are the "family" resort group related to the couples-only Sandals line. It looks like a good deal - many in Jamaica or Turks and Caicos, and best of all, the price is all-inclusive. Meaning - tax, tips, all drinks, all activities including golf, tennis, waterskiing, scuba diving, etc., food, kids clubs and nursery for all ages - all included. The beaches on Jamaica look amazing. Anyhow, check it out at www.beaches.com. Great rates available through the end of 2004.

 

[tezb]

Beaches and Sandals type vacations look great. We also looked into them instead of a cruise becacuse everything was still included. However, the rates are much higher than a cruise! Although they advertise that alcohol and drinks are included, they charge the same rate for miners as they do adults. How can that be, when the miners cannot drink alcohol? I think their rate for kids should be cheaper but it's not. That kind of turned me off to it and haven't looked into it since. If money is not an issue for you, go for it, it does look like a great vacation!

 

[tezb]

Nurseb....forgot to ask, did your DH try Bonine for the last cruise? It does work well...I know if he had a bad experience, he probably doesn't want to step foot on a ship again, but just a thought....it's not always bad weather.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi tezb.

they charge the same rate for miners as they do adults.

I guess it's time to revamp the spelunking labor laws...

 

[nurseb]

Thanks so much for the input...I knew I could count on you guys! W have looked into Beaches and it does look fantastic..The cost is what is scaring me away. The airfare alone for the 7 of us would be $5000 (ouch!!) That is one reason why our TA is suggesting Puna Cana (sp?) She says the airfare is much more reasonable plus the resort is also All inclusive yet a bit cheaper than beaches.
I love the idea of the train ride in Williams AZ...is there a web site where I might get more info?
And yes...my dear husband tried Everything. I think it was just an unsually BAD weather cruise (it was the cruise where we had to dock in Belize because the weather was SOO bad we couldn't go anywhere else) He will cruise again.... he said right now he still gets queesy thinking about it

Thanks again
Betsy

 

[RellingTwin]

How about Cozumel? Try this web site www.cozumelmyCozumel.com
The creator of the board has a wonderful 2(or 3?) bedrooom house for rent. Cozumel looks very easy to get around in, and I have read many of the trip reports on the above mentioned board. I even looked into taking a tour of the place while in Cozumel last year. Due to a hurricaine we did not make the port, so I had to cancel my appointment with Cary to view the house.
There looks like tons to do in Cozumel. I look forward to getting a taste of Mexico when on this years cruise, and possibly returning for a longer stay.

 

[dianedisney]

if you want to stay with the Disney venue check out Disney's Vero Beach in Florida or Disney's Hilton Head Beach in N Carolina. I have heard great things about both of them.

I know this sound really weird but....San Antonio is a wonderful town with so much to do.
1. Sea World
2. Fiesta Texas (six-flags company)
3. Alamo
4. The Riverwalk
5. El Mercado (Mexican Market Place)
6. New Braunfels
it is located just north of SA and has nothing but antiques and
while you shop the kids can hit Schlittern Bahn. A HUGE water
park. Also just a little further north is a great factory outlet
mall.
It is very easy to get around SA because of their highway system. Two major roads that circle the city.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi dianedisney.

I know this sound really weird but....San Antonio is a wonderful town with so much to do.

Very true. Some other attractions include The Tower of The Americas - a revolving restaurant atop this tremendously high, well like the name says, tower. I believe it had formerly been at the '63/'64 World's Fair in New York. The food was pretty good but I'd recommend having lunch there as dinner is quite expensive.

Near the Alamo itself is a cute interactive show about the history of the birth of Texas called The Texas Adventure. It is billed as a high-tech performance. This show is to high-tech what a Rugrats movie is to an Oscar.

One other interesting sight quite high on Buckaroo's Dad's not-to-be-missed list in San Antonio is the world's largest decorated toilet seat museum - started by a retired plumber. You could travel to the ends of the Earth and never see such a fascinating collection of decorated bathroom seats. Truly a must-see-it-to-believe-it feature of this city.

San Antonio also is home to our nation's FIRST drive-in restaurant. It's called The Pig Stop, I think (but not 100% sure). "Buckaroo" and I didn't make it there as we stayed primarily in The Riverwalk area.

Well, I guess that's enough for my 2-cents worth...

 

[ohioMickey]

Hey BD...

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
Another half-day trip I recommend is to Bonnie Springs Ranch. A restored ghost town of sorts replicating the wild west. You can even become involved in a hanging.

Any recommendations on where I can become involved in a firing squad? Or maybe see a guy getting gassed? Hey, how about taking the kids to see an electrocution.

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

I would give Playa a try. You fly into Cancun Mexico and then are transferred via AC Bus to Playa del Carmen (45 minute ride). There are several all inclusive resorts to choose from. The price includes everything. The hotels are 5 star (there are also several Iberostar Resorts), the food is good and there is a variety, drinks (all) are unlimited. The beaches are white soft sand with gentle clear water. The people are nice, a lot of Europeans when we went and Mexican Nationals (wealthy ones). It is not touristy like Cancun or a party mecca. Plenty to do, XCaret, Mayan exucrsions etc. You can take the ferry over to Cozumel for a day and visist Cozumel and one of the national parks (Chakanab) for less than $15 RT per person. The Ferry looks like a mini cruise ship and goes fast straight across to Cozumel which you can see from land in Playa. The ride does not make you sea sick. We stayed at the Gala Resort last August and it was wonderful. I call it Mexico's little secret. People say it is like Cancun back before it became a tourist, spring break party place. I think it is one of the most beuatiful places I have ever been, it can be as fun and busy or quiet and relxing as you want it to be

Good luck!