When you are getting remarried, you already know that you get along with your future spouse, but how well do you all get along as a blended family? A familymoon (family honeymoon with children) is a great way to ease into your blended “happily ever after.”
If all of your kids are about the same age, it will make your choices of possible family honeymoons a little easier. If your children span a wide range of ages and interests, I suggest catering to the oldest children and working your way down.
Of course, if your oldest kids are in a difficult teenage stage where nothing will please them, you might ask them to help with the planning and if nothing sounds feasible, give them the choice of opting out and staying with grandma.
Disney Cruise
If your kids are not teenagers, a Disney cruise would be the easiest crowd-pleasing vacation. Almost everything is included on a cruise, though usually not pop or alcoholic beverages. If you lay out the ground rules ahead of time, you can keep your budget close to the price you see when you sign up.
Choose the closest cruise destination. If you live in the South or on the East Coast, try to get a Caribbean cruise. If you live on the West Coast, take a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. My first cruise was to Alaska and, though sailing along the British Columbia shoreline was romantic, most children would be happier with a warm weather trip. Your kids can play in the pool and there will be less sulking around.
I’ve been on two Mexican Riviera cruises and you can spend most of your time on the ship and save money by ignoring many of the excursions. Also, you can save money by getting an inside room, and I would recommend that, especially if you have toddlers.
If you are frazzled trying to organize everything, just have your wedding on the Disney cruise ship. I’m really big on making things as simple as possible. Life throws enough curve balls without trying to complicate things on your own. Also, check out the new Aulani Disney Resort for a wedding in Hawaii.
Maui Honeymoon Familymoon
If your new family includes lots of different ages, and you can afford Hawaii, consider having your familymoon in a hotel or rented condo on Kaanapali Beach. Because Kaanapali has a long Beachwalk (boardwalk), your older kids can wander down to the Whalers Village mall to get lunch or ice cream and will probably make friends with other kids. Teenagers who might be bored on a Disney cruise will love the beach at Kaanapali.
Some adults prefer a fancy resort like Grand Wailea or the Four Seasons, but kids will be happier in a place like Kaanapali, which is made for all ages. If older teens want to go to the small town of Lahaina, there are free shuttle services up and down the resorts and to Lahaina proper. Playing on the beach and in the surf (or the pool) is all you really need, but you can also:
- Rent snorkels and boogie boards at a beach kiosk
- Try surfing lessons or rent a surfboard
- Go on a catamaran ride
- In winter, take a whale-watching cruise
- Sail to Molokini for fabulous snorkeling
- Go golfing
- Luau dinners: I’ve seen too many, but I like to listen to the music from a nearby spot. Old Lahaina Luau in Lahaina has been recommended as the best for kids
All-Inclusive Resorts
If you live on the East Coast or in the South, your best bet, budget-wise, may be an all-inclusive vacation in the Caribbean or at Club Med’s Sandpiper Bay in Florida. They have kid camps and you can have the resort put your wedding together for you. I would look for the place with the least amount of air travel. Just have fun. Let someone else pick out the cake.
European Vacation
If you have the money, lots of air miles, and only one or two teens, I think the best bonding of all takes place in Europe. When everyone else speaks a foreign language, it brings you all together in a good way. At this time, there is only one Rick Steves vacation geared towards kids ages 8-17. However, I can think of nothing better. Get married beforehand.
Walt Disney World Honeymoon
People come from all over the world to get married at Walt Disney World. I’m burnt out on mouse-land, but it might be a perfect way to start off your marriage. Older children usually love the roller coasters.
Put your budget together. Start with the oldest kids because they will set the tone for the little ones. Ask the older kids to help you plan your familymoon honeymoon. My vote is for Hawaii, but you know what your family likes.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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