Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 2/12/2005

Question
I am looking for a travel idea for March 6-12 or May 8-14 2005. It is for 2 - 55 year olds and our daughter and her husband 28 and 30.  She is in college and the dates are spring breaks.  We could leave out of Detroit or Toledo airports.  2 of us driving somewhere and the daughter and son-in-law flying to meet us is an option.  Then being we have more time we could stop along the way and see other sites.  My daughter is considering a cruise which neither of us has ever done.  Or just somewhere warm. In any case it has to be somewhere economical. We are both pretty open on any exiciting ideas.  Thanks, Diane  

Answer
Hi Diane:

FYI my wife and I are right up there in YOUR age bracket!

I would love to 'assume' that both couples have qualify for Free airline flights. This is the best 'money saving' component to almost all our trips. If not, then you SHOULD be flying Free and to this end here is the article I've just written and which contains much of the advice in our two books and updated for 2004-2005 travel.

Our Blog, which contains the articles is:

www.cheapskatetravel.blogspot.com

Also, we have traveled with Patty's grown sons and it is wonderful you have a relationship, as we do, that permits

such a joint vacation.

NOTE: Just realized, after writing the below advice, that you have SIX and NOT SEVEN nights available. As such NO ONE WEEK CRUISES WILL WORK since they are all seven nights long. Would be great if you all could wrangle that extra one day neede for a full one week cruise. Yes, there are some shorter durations cruises but I do not have any recommendations for them.
Off the cuff I would agree with your daughters thinking. As we note in our Cruise Guide, The Cheapskate's Guide to Cruises, one of the best bargain cruise vacations is the fun, sunny Mexican Riviera departing out of L.A. and/or San Diego.

Just search Google for available cruises. Princess would be a good bet. Carnival also runs these cruises. Unless Spring break involves higher prices the usual cost for this cruise is in the range of $500-$700 for a full one week with an inside cabin.

Of course, Caribbean cruises are always available. If you go that route I would suggest a cruise departing from Puerto Rico rather than Florida for less dead time at sea and at least one extra 'island' stop. More island hopping vacation and less time at sea is our way to go.

Our expertise is foreign travel and cruising. So, no special and exciting tips for local domestic travel.

NOTE: When it comes to Hawaii one can book any number of days so this could work out.  

Final tip is super cool, America's paradise....the island of Maui in Hawaii. Often voted the best tropical destination in the WORLD. You can check out a few pictures on our Author's web site: www.cheaptravel.net

For the past two decades we have owned two studios in the Royal Kahana Resort. Two studios would be perfect. That's what we've done on visits with family members. Again Free airline flights would help. Otherwise try: www.pleasantholidays.com since they specialize in Hawaii. You will see our condo listed. Our units for example, if rented directly with a 59% rack rate discount we are permitted to make would run about $105 or so per day per studio. You could share the car,  condo's permit  great poolside barbeque dinners that save big $$$ over  nightly restaurant dining. Also, a Hawaii Entertainment book will save $$$$ now $10 off plus free S/H at:

www.entertainment.com

You would need a condo/car/airline package (if free air is NOT in the equation). You can share one car or rent two cars for best freedom for all concerned. Ex. Youngsters want to stay all day on the beach!

Hope any or all of this helps. Steve Tanenbaum