Help me plan my vacation!

[mumomma13]

This is my first post on the forum, and I am looking for travel recommendations for a 2.5 week vacation that will begin on 6/19 and end on 7/4 or 7/5. I will try to give as much information as possible to help with recs.

We are a family of three—two mid-twenties and one 3.5 month old (at the time of the trip). This will be the only time for several years that my SO will have off for two weeks, so we prefer to do a trip that cannot be accomplished in only a week’s time. Our budget is roughly 6 or 7 K but is negotiable for the right trip. I am mostly concerned about the weather (extreme temperatures) and accessibility of the vacation for the baby. I can babywear and/or take the stroller. We prefer a destination(s) that would allow for a mix of relaxation and adventure (as much adventure as a 3.5 m.o. can tolerate). Below is a list of places we have visited thus far:



Together: Florida (basically every major city/area), NYC, Jamaica, Haiti, Cozumel, Grand Cayman



Me: Chicago, LA, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Rome (x2), Venice, Naples, Capri (x2), Athens (x2)



We were originally considering a trip that including the Grand Canyon, Arches, Las Vegas, LA, but I am concerned about the heat and baby-friendliness of some of those destinations. We were also thinking HI, but do not have any clue where to start on that front. My SO says he’s “not interested in Europe (?),” but I think this is our time to go before any additional babies enter the picture. ☺ So, please give me some recommendations both in the US and possibly Europe. We are in the Eastern US (if that matters). I know this is last minute, but that’s our style . TIA!

[orval]

Hawaii would be perfect. You can relax and hang out by the pool or ocean. There are plenty of outdoor activities. Not too hot. With two weeks you can do a two or three islands.

[ginkgoleaf]

Ditto Hawaii. I went for almost 2 weeks when pregnant and it was totally doable. You can see 2-3 islands in that time, explore some, hike some, beach time, and beautiful drives.

[sporky]

Since you also asked for a European rec or two, I'll throw my hat in the ring for Ireland. Temperatures won't be bad at all and it's great for a two week visit. You would have as much to see as you want, but could also plant yourself in a small town for a few days to just chill as needed. Ireland is perfection!

[osumelissa]

I like the Ireland suggestion. You might also want to consider the UK - Scotland is really pretty, and I really enjoyed northern England in the York area.

In the U.S., I would probably stay away from Arizona and Las Vegas as it will be extremely HOT (110+ temperatures in Phoenix and Las Vegas - northern Arizona will be cooler, but still warm). What about California - San Diego, LA, San Fran, and/or anything in between? Seems like that would be a nice two week trip or so.

[RoxMonster]

In the U.S., here are the trips I'd love to do if I had two weeks:

-Hawaii. You could get to probably 3 islands in that time or just spend more time on two. Lots of beautiful beaches and nice relaxing, but also plenty of hiking, water sports, etc. I know you have a baby, but even just having a rental car and going for drives along the coast would be nice.

-Alaska. I'd love to do Alaska on my own (not on a cruise - though I would be happy with that too!) My dream is to rent a car and drive all around Alaska, get up to Denali, etc. I would probably make it a very active vacation, though, so I'm unsure if that would be what you want. The weather would be cool (I would love that in the summer).

-California: I'd start with a few days in SF, rent a car and drive down the entire coast, taking my time, stopping for a night here and there in cute little beach towns, exploring the different cities, and then end in San Diego where I'd spend a few days and fly back home from there. We did the SF to Big Sur drive and it was one of my most favorite vacations. I'd love to do the whole coast.

A tour of national parks: I'd love to visit Glacier, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone NPs all on the same trip. I know someone who did this, driving from IL and taking her time doing hiking, sightseeing, etc. in all the different locations. Again, perhaps maybe a little more active than you were wanting, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

[origami]

Ireland s a good suggestion. I'll add France, or France + Switzerland. Very easy to travel on their trains. Beautiful sightseeing but not strenuous for the person baby carrying.