Ok guys- a nice thing to think about- suggest a "building memories " holiday to me!

Alikay

We did one of these special holidays with our kids when they were 11,14 and 17. We went to Malaysia ...a few days in Kuala Lumpur then off to Penang and then off to the Jungle and a hill station for another few days. We spent almost 2 weeks there so it was a bit crammed in time-wise. We were only able to take a fortnight, though so you'll have loads of options with a longer break whatever destination you choose..

We did all the tourist "must-do's", and a few more - had a fabulous time! I found it really easy to arrange as I was a travel agent for many years, but wherever you go there are absolutely loads of resources out there for planning an amazing trip: National/regional tourist boards, tripadvisor.com, virtual tourist, lonely planet etc etc. The long haul tour operator brochures give lots of ideas for itineraries too which you can then adapt and book independently to your own requirements (try Virgin, Gold Medal, Titan tours etc).

We booked interconnecting rooms so we could relax and have normal family time back in the hotels, otherwise you can get very tired always being out and about...meant we could loaf around and read/watch TV together at the end of a busy day.

Lunar_Eclipse

ginvzt wrote: »

I would second NZ - We have spend there 3 weeks over last Christmas and it was fantastic - so much to do and to see.... If I could, I would go there this year again, but I'll have to wait a bit to go there again for various reasons.

You can learn so much about their tradition, culture, history - it is amazing. Nearly a year on, and we are still buzzing with excitement!

How old are your children and what were your trip highlights? Did you go to the Sth Island? We're going for 4 weeks this Xmas and not planned anything yet hence the question (although have been many times before since DH is a kiwi.)

Lunar_Eclipse

Alikay wrote: »

We did one of these special holidays with our kids when they were 11,14 and 17. We went to Malaysia ...a few days in Kuala Lumpur then off to Penang

I think Penang is the best beach I've ever been to - although for those who mentioned NZ, Cathedral Cove comes close. Was only four or five and remember it vividly; Dad lost his wedding ring in the huge waves.

Savvy_Sue

Alikay wrote: »

We booked interconnecting rooms so we could relax and have normal family time back in the hotels, otherwise you can get very tired always being out and about...meant we could loaf around and read/watch TV together at the end of a busy day.

I think that is something to remember. I expected to be shattered by our holiday, but the boys were pretty much as worn out as I was. So worn out that each night in NY we went to see a different film, just to be able to sit down in a cool place!

I would check whether there is anything they want to do from home though. Just because you CAN go away for the entire summer doesn't mean you HAVE to. If your wish list doesn't involve the other side of the world, then two short trips might work better, with a week in between to do the laundry!

Talking of laundry, we chose some of our hotels on the basis that they had a washing machine. Impossible to take enough clothes for everyone, and I hate coming back with a huge pile!

Oh, and DON'T fly back from a different time zone the day before your DH is due back at school.

ginvzt

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

How old are your children and what were your trip highlights? Did you go to the Sth Island? We're going for 4 weeks this Xmas and not planned anything yet hence the question (although have been many times before since DH is a kiwi.)

We don't have children yet, but we are definitely going to take them there when we have! There are lot of families around and kids were of different age and were having a great time. We did both islands - rented a car, and drove. Took a train from Christchurch to Greymouth and it was fantastic views. My highlights - whale watching and we saw dolphins there as well, Doubtful sound, Lake Wanaka - was amazing on Christmas morning, 20+ degrees at the lake and snow in the mountains! Queenstown is a place to be if you want to get some adrenalin rush and visit Lord of the Rings sites. These are St Island. In the north - a visit to Coromandel and get a Kiwi Dundee day trip - it was so nice to be shown around the bush, gold mines, sea views, hot water pools, you hear all the history and info on the place and we were even treated to linch and ice cream. I loved Russell - we went for a sailing trip with catamaran (it is a group trip and you acn experience the sailing) with BBQ on the catamaran and a stop on fantastic beach on an island, with different activities included. You could see children enjoying it - kayaking, walking on the island, just having a swim!

I would highly recommend the Kruz system for the car - it was a big help, as we would have missed quite a few panoramic stops and places. It was good to hear the history and legends. Really loved it. If you want any more info, feel free to PM me, but I am sure your DH has plenty of ideas!

pboae

If you need a cheaper option, my sis and I took her kids backpacking in Europe. They were younger than yours, but I think it would work just as well (maybe better) with older kids. Coaches and interailing are cheap, get a couple of guidbooks and the kids can take it in turns to decide which country or city to go to next. We stayed in Youth Hostels (most of them have family rooms or they let us book out a whole dorm). The kids carried their own packs for clothes, we took all the toiletries, first aid kit, towels, etc in ours. It was one of the best holidays we ever had, and so cheap.

Savvy_Sue

DO go whalewatching somewhere ... My lot are not huge nature fans, but even they were impressed.

poe.tuesday

what about the transyberian express through Russia into china and then do a tour of china ending in Hongkong - trains are such a fab way to see the world

for some ispiration why don't you have a look at vjv.com as they have some nice trips

if money is going to be more of a problem that you thought then how about hiring a camper can (one of the real posh ones) and drive around europe?

margaretclare

pboae wrote: »

If you need a cheaper option, my sis and I took her kids backpacking in Europe. They were younger than yours, but I think it would work just as well (maybe better) with older kids. Coaches and interailing are cheap, get a couple of guidebooks and the kids can take it in turns to decide which country or city to go to next. We stayed in Youth Hostels (most of them have family rooms or they let us book out a whole dorm). The kids carried their own packs for clothes, we took all the toiletries, first aid kit, towels, etc in ours. It was one of the best holidays we ever had, and so cheap.

Good idea.

We noticed a lot of 'Jugendherber' in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.