We loved Western Canada - where else would we want to go to ?

[rookiemere]

So next year is my 50th and I want us to have a big family summer holiday. We like outdoorsy locations and absolutely loved Tofino on Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Rockies. Am tempted to maybe go back and do a proper tour of Vancouver Island. Or should we try somewhere else - and if so where ?

DS will be 14 , he and DH enjoy adventure sport activities whilst I like to visit tamer attractions and do a bit of shopping and sushi eating.

Just bumping this for you, OP.

Iceland

Alaska is amazing, take a cruise or the state ferry up the inside passage, across the gulf of Alaska then the train up to anchorage, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. We rented an rv in anchorage which gives you freedom to explore the interior like Denali.

Both good ideas. Had thought of Alaska but would it be teen friendly?

Costa Rica; lots of companies do tours with other families which are great fun; loads to do and see and you can sit out the sporty stuff if you like

We’re off to the eastern Canadian seaboard. Like you we loved the Western side, now for the Eastern. Then a separate trip to the large cities. Love Canada.

New Zealand! But it may be too far/wrong time of year? But definitely loads of outdoor/adventure things to do plus some more relaxing things. And the food (and wine) is amazing. There’s also a strong Asian influence so you can get really good sushi!

Princesssarene we were in New Zealand at Easter and it was amazing just a little bit far to travel.

rookiemere I know! I wish there was a way to just teleport there!! Everyone says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but I’ve been twice so far and would love to go back

We loved it too princess already plotting how we can fo back.
Costa Rica looks interesting.

Costa Rica is great from a wildlife & scenery point of view. BA have direct flights & it doesn't cost a bomb to either hire a driver or hire a car & travel around. We did a multi centre trip 3 years ago & would happily go back & go to the places we missed last time. It will be rainy season in the summer - we went in August & typically we had one thunderstorm a day that lasted about an hour in the afternoon or evening. Not a biggie & on the plus side it was very green & as it's low season the prices are cheaper! It felt very safs.

SJane would you be able to share your Costa Rica itinerary please? Had a quick look at flights and it seemed doable and not too pricey, but I don't know where to start in terms of locations

We did San Jose, Arenal & Manuel Antonio. I wish we'd fitted in Monteverde Cloud Forest but maybe some other time! Sam Jose isn't lovely but gave us an insight into the history & culture of the country. It's not worth more than a day though (if that!). I liked Manuel Antonio - it's one of the most visited national parks but has a beautiful beach & it's easy to get around. I know others have preferred the less visited national parks but depends what you're looking for! We stayed at Tulemar which isn't a hotel but houses and bungalows spread out across a private area of rainforest with its own beach & a sloth institute - we had our tenth wedding anniversary there & it felt a special place to be. We saw as much wildlife in the grounds of Tulemar as we did in the national park itself - it wasn't cheap (and we were in the cheapest accommodation) but lying in a hammock with a glass of wine watching monkeys play is a very fond memory!www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g309274-d611938-Reviews-Tulemar_Resort-Manuel_Antonio_Province_of_Puntarenas.html

oh wow tulemar looks amazing. Thanks for putting Costa Rica on the list

We went to Newfoundland last summer - it was absolutely amazing, I'd definitely recommend it!

Bit further south, Seattle, Portland, Washington State, Puget Sound?

Eastern Islands of Canada. Fly into Halifax, few days in city then pick up a car and head north east to cape Breton, over to PEI, New Brunswick.

Thanks all some more great ideas to look at

I would second a summer holiday inIceland. I and my two teens loved it.

Also yucatan exploting Mayan pyramids, jungle and censored. Loved it but I'm not talking big cancun mega resorts...,

Argentina/chile/peru/Bolivia...

I live in Canada and almost booked eastern Canada this year. Have never been but have heard good things. Friend told me Newfoundland was their favourite.

Colorado is a lovely option if you loved western Canada.

What about Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, and the surrounding areas for both history and nature? St. Lawrence and the 1000 islands, and so on?