V-Flyer

That's my dilemma.

Our only son is going to be 18 next August.

We aren't.

We don't shy away from a party but I know if we are on the guest list it's one our son might pop in and then straight out of.

Historically all of our holidays have been in the Caribbean and all have been in very nice resorts on AI basis (Turtle Beach, Eastwinds etc ).

MarshyJr has agreed to the (all expenses paid) holiday with his [aged] parents (perhaps for one last time?) We want to make it a great one.

Where to go? We've looked at our beloved Caribbean but nothing seems lively enough - we won't be taking a 'mate' for his this time - so it's just us, an hotel and the sunshine (for us) and a massive party for him!

Ideas welcome.

We've taken inspiration from here and TA and are leaning towards Mexico (never been) and Hard Rock.....

I would recommend the safari experience. With the right accommodation it's a great compromise between a party and something unforgettable.

pjh wrote:I would recommend the safari experience. With the right accommodation it's a great compromise between a party and something unforgettable.

I'd second that. We've been on them in a party with ages ranging from the young to the not-so-young and there's nothing so bonding as looking for game in their natural habitat. there's plenty to do in between the game drives. I'd recommend South Africa with a multi-destination option to include a safari and a different experience depending on your tastes.

The exchange rate with the rand is very much in your favour.

Hey! Welcome to the club! Our daughter will be 18 next August as well. She's had the opportunity to go London with us and on school trips to Italy and France. Honestly, if we could swing it she would want us to to to Japan. Maybe ask him? He might surprise you!

Ask your Son where he would want to go?

We've got our son's 18th and daughter's 21st next year. We discussed what they wanted to do and they both agreed they wanted to go to California. I've managed to book 4 upper class reward seats to San Francisco for us over next Easter so we are having a road trip. The kids are very excited to be in Upper class.

Thanks all for your suggestions.

I should have made it clear, we have asked him, wouldn't dream of not doing so. He would love "a Florida style holiday" (something we've done a few times) but being 18 he would like to have a beer and therefore the States are out.

He's too used to UC/CW to think there is any other way of travelling so the flight won't be the wow factor, it's definitely the destination/hotel.

I'm guessing your not limited to flying Virgin routes?
Is going East an option? cruise? multi stop tour of Europe (maybe inter-railing (but may work out cheaper just to buy train tickets on the day!)

Dubai, but then I am biased.

A short plane hop, sunshine and loads to do for all ages. Coupled with ultra cool hotels and bars for you all to enjoy.

There is a drinking age of 21; but I drank way before that in hotels and never an eye was batted or asked for ID. Unlike in the US where ID is asked for pretty consistently.

Dubaiification wrote:
There is a drinking age of 21; but I drank way before that in hotels and never an eye was batted or asked for ID. Unlike in the US where ID is asked for pretty consistently.

I was asked for my ID - and the beer removed from the table until I could present it - the same day I received my first senior citizen discount for entry to a museum in Tennessee.

Tangentially related to Dubai is the fact that 25 year old #1 daughter was asked for ID on all legs of our recent South Africa adventure using Emirates.

pjh wrote:

Dubaiification wrote:
There is a drinking age of 21; but I drank way before that in hotels and never an eye was batted or asked for ID. Unlike in the US where ID is asked for pretty consistently.

I was asked for my ID - and the beer removed from the table until I could present it - the same day I received my first senior citizen discount for entry to a museum in Tennessee.

I was told by a girl working behind a bar that she would be liable for laws broken (inc underage drinking), rather than the licence holder.
Also the licence holder could chase after her for any losses.
She gave an example that if someone had drunk to much & she carried on serving them & they fell over causing them self an injury, then she could be sued!
So I guess its easier to just ID everyone, than trying to judge who is & who isnt over 21 - as you could probably easily forget on a busy night if its not something you do routinely!

We definitely aren't up for breaking laws. When you are 18, the whole idea is that you are legally able to buy your pint.

Hard Rock hotel Cancun sure he'd love it

You'll rule yourself out of a significant amount of cruise lines if the 21/alcohol is a major factor.

NCL will only allow him to drink beer or wines whilst accompanied by you, RC is 21 unless all ports are under that drinking age and you'll still have to sign a waiver and MSC is also the same.

Cruising isn't our thing. I think AI in the Caribbean or Mexico in a very nice but large hotel will fit the bill. Thanks all.

As very large AI's go in Mexico you'll be hard pushed to beat Moon Palace, we were there in August and its a lovely resort let down only by the beach but you can always get a cab up to the hotel zone and use the facilities of the Sun Palace and Beach Palace if you like.

They've built a brand new Grand section which is opening in Feb which makes this resort even bigger:

http://www.moonpalacecancun.com/en