What are good but not too expensive family travel ideas?

I wouldn’t count on leaving this spring if you have to apply for 4 passports. The process is incredibly slow right now.

As the other poster stated, apply for the passports immediately.

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The process is incredibly slow right now.

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Is it? I know that it was horrible this past summer (my son-in-law literally got his passport the day before the wedding), but I thought that times had gotten more normal by now.

And OP, you can definitely travel for much less money outside of the US, especially in Latin America. When my daughter was a teenager, I took her and my nieces all over the world.

Your boys are old enough to do more than just sit on a beach. Some places that I've been that I'd suggest for y'all:

- Guatemala: Split your time up with three days in Antigua and three in Panajachel or another town on Lake Atitlan. That will be an awesome trip in terms of nature, history, and culture -- just let other people do the driving.

- Costa Rica: Has the most developed tourist infrastructure in Central America. You can do cloud forest, rainforest, beach, etc. Costa Rica is "easy" for Americans.

- Mexico City: Mexico City is full of amazing things to see and do. Your boys will enjoy Xochimilco and Teotihuacan. I also love nearby Puebla, the perfect Spanish colonial city -- you could split time in both.

- Peru: The Sacred Valley is awesome. Machu Picchu absolutely lives up to the hype. And the rest of the country is amazing too -- I spent 17 great days there with my daughter and niece when my niece was 13, but a week is plenty to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

- Argentina: If you're going for Spring Break, then it's not too late to hike in Patagonia. The hiking at El Chalten is some of the best in the world, and Argentina is very cheap once you get there.

- Roatan: Stay in West End near Half Moon Bay, and you can find plenty of inexpensive places to stay and eat, and the snorkeling there is incredible. Your boys will love it.


You're close enough to DFW to drive there and leave your car there for a trip like this, so search for airfares from there as well as from Shreveport.

I think the tulum cancun area is a good spot. Cheap to get there, many cheap lodging options, and plenty to do. Good place for someone that isnt well traveled to go imo.

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I would never consider Europe for 5-7 days and particularly so if you’re not well-traveled.

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lol

nothing wrong with going for that short period of time as long as you don't try to cram too much into it

Not everyone can take or even afford 2+ weeks in Europe

What do you want to do, relax all day, relax and maybe half-day of activities, or schedule activities all day? Flying to CA isn't too expensive, but activities there can add up and rental cars aren't cheap. CA is great for doing stuff (amusement parks, vineyards, tours, etc.) and seeing places, but the cost of all that can add up quick, not to mention meals. And CA can be a lot time driving around once you are there.

I would look into Puerto Rico or one of the US territories where you don't need a passport for this trip. You could rent a house cheap and save money by eating breakfast/lunch there. Another option is one of the all-inclusives in Mexico or DR. After airfare and paying the AI, you won't have to spend anything else if you want. These are great options if you want a relaxing, sit around the pool or beach trip.

I appreciate all the responses. She’d really like to do Mexico or similar so may look more closely into that

Europe for 5 days would be insane. Even a week is rough with jet lag.

Hey! We spent four days in Rome and slept the other day!

A cruise is what you want. Sail out of Galveston. You can choose a variety of trips from 5-7 days. A balcony room for you & the Mrs with an accompanying interior for the boys could cost you around $4k for a week not including excursions, hotel the night before, and parking. Food is included and you can hit multiple stops in the Caribbean.

It’s safe. The boys will have a blast. Teen clubs will keep the boys entertained while you & the wife do things on your own.

The best part: as long as you embark and disembark in the US, you don’t need passports. Just birth certificates.

RCCL: Harmony of the Seas
Carnival: Jubilee, Breeze
Norwegian: Prima, Viva, or Escape