Okay... so I've been tasked with planning a relatively last minute summer vacation for 4.

The stipulations are: Beachy type location. Cannot be Bahamas, Hawaii or Costa Rica. Non-US destinations preferred but not an absolute requirement. And would prefer to stay reasonably close-ish...so nothing crazy far away like Fiji or Maldives.

Any suggestions?

How old are the kids, and what do yall like to do on vacation?

Both are high school age.

Generally beach / water activities.... offshore fishing, snorkeling, surfing, jet skis.... etc.

Turks and Caicos
Grand Cayman
30a Florida area
Always Mexico

I don't like to be hot on vacation. I get enough of that at home. As such, I would say pick someplace on the pacific. Puerto Vallarta would be great. If you look Cabo, make sure you are far enough North to be on the pacific, the sea of cortez isn't nearly as cold.
For a different spin, try Lake Tahoe. Tons of outdoor activities to keep the family busy and it isn't hot.

Gulf Shores or Orange Beach AL. You can drive there. Very relaxing and low key.

Punta Cana may be a good option. Lots of family-friendly resorts there with plenty of things to do for the kiddos. Mexico is always easy. Jamaica has some as well, but DR usually prices better and I find has more activities for the kids.

Happy to assist if needed and can send you some options. My email is in my profile.

Consider Aruba - small island but tons of activities!

There are a lot of great resorts in the Caribbean, including in the DR, Turks and Caicos and others. Each destination is definitely unique if you are not working with a travel advisor my contact info is in my bio. Going to leave you with a couple of pictures from my favorites and ideas I have.

Aruba or Bonaire. Aruba you can fly nonstop from DFW or Bonaire connect through Miami.

Tahoe, as someone suggested. If you haven't been before, you're missing out on one of the greatest gems America has to offer.

White water rafting, jet ski, fly fishing, hiking, just hanging out on the beach, ride bikes, zip lines, you name it. Golf? Rent a boat. Hot tub in evenings when it cools off.

Just got back from CDMX and anti US protests were picking up Tuesday and Wednesday (the day we left). I will be staying in the US until the tariff stupidity goes away.

For cooler beach plus trips in the US:
Had great summer vacations in the US with kids in Madeline Island (Wisconsin), Acadia National park (Maine), and Oregon/Washington Cannon beach and San Juan islands Friday Harbor. The water temperature is advertised as never below 68 degrees in July and August around Madeline island. The others are colder.

We got tired of everything in Florida and on the gulf by the time the kids were eight. California has some great beaches near LA, and you can mix in San Diego, Disney and some great parks.

a.froman said:

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Turks and Caicos
Grand Cayman
30a Florida area
Always Mexico

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I second Grand Cayman.

What I have found is I really like beaches without waves so I can stand in waist deep water and drink. We stayed at Palm Heights and only left the hotel a couple times. It is a bit pricy as their dollar is higher than ours but it was a great time. Also not all inclusive but they do have a happy hour with free drinks of the day and some food.

That being said I spent the summer 2018 all over Fiji and it was quite the experience. Stayed at The Shangri La, The Warwick, The Naviti, The Pearl, Fiji Backpacker's Beach House and a couple others. I highly recommend getting the curry at a small budget resort across from Shangri La called The Gecko.

***if anyone has some recommendations of calm beaches that would be appreciated.

uujm said:

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a.froman said:

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Turks and Caicos
Grand Cayman
30a Florida area
Always Mexico

---

I second Grand Cayman.

What I have found is I really like beaches without waves so I can stand in waist deep water and drink. We stayed at Palm Heights and only left the hotel a couple times. It is a bit pricy as their dollar is higher than ours but it was a great time. Also not all inclusive but they do have a happy hour with free drinks of the day and some food.

That being said I spent the summer 2018 all over Fiji and it was quite the experience. Stayed at The Shangri La, The Warwick, The Naviti, The Pearl, Fiji Backpacker's Beach House and a couple others. I highly recommend getting the curry at a small budget resort across from Shangri La called The Gecko.

***if anyone has some recommendations of calm beaches that would be appreciated.

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Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It's the longest stretch of white sand beach in the world, and the water is very calm and like a swimming pool.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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Tahoe, as someone suggested. If you haven't been before, you're missing out on one of the greatest gems America has to offer.

White water rafting, jet ski, fly fishing, hiking, just hanging out on the beach, ride bikes, zip lines, you name it. Golf? Rent a boat. Hot tub in evenings when it cools off.

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Just book for an anniversary. Please tell me more. We are adventurous hikers etc. staying at The Landing. Have dinner plans at Friday's Station and at The Edge thus far.

I'm a sucker for German beer and food and love the neighborhood feel of HimmelHaus.

Hike Mt. Tallac. Views are incredible.

We kayaked around Emerald Bay (google that…)

Go float the Truckee River.

The sushi place over next to Basecamp Pizza is good. Nice happy hour.

Catag94 said:

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ChoppinDs40 said:

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Tahoe, as someone suggested. If you haven't been before, you're missing out on one of the greatest gems America has to offer.

White water rafting, jet ski, fly fishing, hiking, just hanging out on the beach, ride bikes, zip lines, you name it. Golf? Rent a boat. Hot tub in evenings when it cools off.

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Just book for an anniversary. Please tell me more. We are adventurous hikers etc. staying at The Landing. Have dinner plans at Friday's Station and at The Edge thus far.

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when are you going? we will be there first week in september....

Next week.

Thank you.
I will definitely have MT Tallac on the itinerary followed by probably SUP in Emerald Bay. The rafting looks cool too.

Did you guys rent a car or use a shuttle to/from RNO? If shuttle, is there transportation within South Lake Tahoe?

If you're going to be traveling out and about the lake (hiking, going to emerald bay, rafting), rent a car.

There is uber as well but I feel that's better suited for a ski trip or something where you don't plan on leaving the state line area much.

Car reserved. You ever fly fish on the Truckee?

I've not. Maybe try and find a guide. Could be some raft fishing trips too which is way better than standing in a river.

Got a trip planned for Wednesday next week with Trout Creek Outfitters.

You're gonna love it.

We Tahoe every summer from OR.

Bullwheel and Bonanaza lots are the must knows. Get there early and walk/bus (we bike) to the beaches. Places like Sand Harbor will be full by 7. Even on weekdays.

In that same lot is Tunnel Creek cafe. Super great breakfast.

Also also in that lot is the MTB rental/shuttle (we're a big bike fam and the draw for us along with SUP ok the lake). I pedal it from Incline Village, but their shuttle will take you to Spooner. Minimal climbing, then you descend all the way back to the shop. Top 5 bike ride in all the US and the most epic views of the lake available. Truly epic. However, some of it is closed due to rock slide. Not sure how everything will work this summer.

We'll be there late August! + Mammoth/Bishop. The Hanger in South Lake is a fav of ours!

Great insight. Thank you.

In RNO about to head back to DFW.
Just wanted to say thanks again. We floated from Boca to Floriston on a guided fishing trip. We caught a fair number of rainbows and a few browns even. It was pretty awesome.
Got up early (02:00) the next day and hiked to the summit of Tallac. You and others were right, the views were stunning. The sunrise from there is spectacular. We were back at the resort by 09:30 for a shower and nap before messages.
Today, we started at Baldwin Beach and SUPd around to Emerald Bay where we spent most of the day before heading back. Had our last meal at The Grove which is a cool little place on the beach.

Other places we ate were Friday's Station in the top of Harrah's and The Edge which has just need totally redone. I highly recommend The Edge next time you're there; especially for sunset dinner.

We loved Tahoe and hope to go back.
Thanks again.

You're welcome. We haven't been back in the summer since before we had kids. It's an amazing place. If you like to ski, go back for that. Tons of snow and many resorts within driving distance.