A Christmas destination
 

Decided in lieu of retirement for the next year to help keep me going and make life interesting we would take some awesome (hopefully) vacations. We look forward and have scheduled going to Hawaii shortly.

Now I want to plant something for the Christmas holidays and was thinking Australia, Sydney in particular and maybe up the coast (I like warm weather) but 20 hours in a plane?

All Thoughts and alternatives would be appreciated
A. good for 2 teenagers (19 & 15)
B. Warm weather
C. We enjoy the water, fishing, snorkeling, food, reading/lounging in the sun,
D. Oh the wife has an irrational fear of all of Mexico.

RayinPenn.

sydney is 14 hours from LA..that's the usual way to go.

Personally, I think a trip that long at the holidays is tough. I've been to Sydney and I'm wondering how much there is to do for a 19 and 15-year-old once you get past the water stuff. Why not take a cruise? That might pose the same problem with the teenagers. Maybe a resort in the Caribbean? Also, one thing I know for sure is how expensive flights are at the holidays unless you can leave before the crunch and return after which might be difficult with school schedules. I know we are driving to TV at Christmas as it would cost close to $1,800 for 3 of us, and that's just from Chicago to Orlando!

Fewer hours on a plane: Madeira. it's a beautiful mountainous island off the coast of Portugal. Funchal is the main city, and that's where you should stay. The whole city puts on the most amazing Christmas Light display I've ever seen, with a miniature Christmas village down the middle of one of the main streets. It's moderate temps year around--70s. The port is great, salties coming in and out, lots of shops & cafes. There is a teleferico that goes up the mountain to a restaurant. Fantastic view of the city up there.

On New Years Eve we booked a harbor excursion on The Albatross (very funny fiasco, a story we still laugh about, being longtime sailors), which cruised the harbor during the fireworks display that were set up all along the harbor. (BTW, interesting to walk along the harbor during the day and watch them setting up the fireworks.)

We had our young adult children with us, and they found plenty to do, including some kind of live band thing in one of the squares on New Year's Eve. The city is safe to let them roam around. There's a (dry--no snow) toboggan ride you can take down the mountain that kids would like.

There's offshore islands you can take ferry to. I don't know about snorkeling. I'm not sure about fishing, but it is an island, so I imagine there's fishing. We rented a car and drove over the mountain, dodging cattle on the road, to a place on the opposite shore that had rock grottoes. You can drive up the mountain and hook up with a system of trails that go all over the place.

Really, it was one of the most interesting, different trips we have ever taken. We've talked about going back recently. So many places; so little time.

Jamaica is close, the culture is amazing, Christmas is a big deal there, and it's a country we've found can be enjoyed by multiple generations. You can live with a family on the side of a mountain and experience Jamaica first hand or go for the all inclusive.

We've found it to be the friendliest country in the Caribbean. Plus, who doesn't love Bob Marley!

I'll volunteer as your Au Pair!

Another way to go that we like better because you aren't waiting around LAX to catch an 11:45 pm flight is through Dallas/Ft. Worth. Very nice, comfortable airport with a restaurant near the gate. We've done round trip from there to Brisbane, but I think they go to Sydney from there too.

I agree with another poster about Sydney not so interesting for kids. Brisbane is a more laid-back town with a river twisting and turning through it and all sorts of stuff to do along the river. Not far from Brisbane are apartments to rent on the ocean. Noosa was great; Noosa Heads even greater, although a bit more expensive. But lots of shopping and activities in Noosa Heads, and it's walkable. I would choose Brisbane and the coast over Sydney or Melbourne. Further up is port Douglas, another lovely beach town with excursions out to the Great Barrier Reef.

Holiday apartment rentals abound in Australia, especially along the east coast. That's a cheaper way to go with a family.

Australia is extremely, extremely expensive. The cost of food alone is enough to choke a horse.

Madeira is a great suggestion. We were there a couple of years ago and could not believe how laid back and happy go lucky it is. Almost no crime (it's too small because everyone knows everyone and are probably related), food is exceptional and the wine is inexpensive and oh so good. Every night there is dancing in the streets, the youngsters dance and the oldies sit and watch! Very family oriented island, on Sundays and holidays (after church) the whole family goes out into their allotments and works their crops. Great place and so much fun. And, yes, there is fishing, they practically live on fish on the island. Makes me want to be there right now. Plus the weather is in the mid to high 70s all year long. Also, it is probably the least expensive place we have visited. I purchased tee shirts for my husband and grandson for 5 euros each, they wash and come out of the dryer better than some of our $50 shirts, and their linens are incredible, but then Portugal is known for it's linens.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, you're making me so nostalgic, Madelaine. We have been talking a lot recently about going back. that was a magical Christmas week. Flew there through Lisbon. Don't look down when the plane's landing. http://tinyurl.com/mz2w5le

Another thing... it has a great mix of tourists. It isn't all just Americans & Brits. You will hear many different languages. We did have to laugh, however, when we were sitting at an outdoor cafe and along comes a guy in a Pittsburgh Pirates sweatshirt. Of course we mobbed him.

We are going back next June before going on to Spain and Portugal. Doing a river cruise through Portugal and I cannot wait!

:cus:<<< That's me being jealous!