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My family and I had been planning a Spring Break vacation to Hawaii for some time now. It was something I was really looking forward to. We had the dates all set, March 24^th-28^th. As the date drew near, we started seriously looking at vacation packages. We were pretty shocked. For a family of three to have a decent vacation in Hawaii (any island) during those days would cost us around $8K. Now we’re talking nice, not luxury or five star, just nice. We were in a state of sticker shock and I was feeling pretty disappointed.

After checking out a few other options (Mexico, Atlantis resort, Florida), it was time to re-group. What did we really want out of this vacation? “To relax!” I told my husband. No, not relax. REEEEELLLLAAAXXXXX!!!!! Toes in the sand, drink in hand, everyone happy… that kind of vacation. Then, I had an epiphany… what about Vegas?

Now I know what you’re thinking. Not exactly top of the list for family destinations, right. “Sin City” and all that. However, I got on-line and did some searching. My husband and I had been the Las Vegas a few times in the past recently and really love it. But could it really be a good family destination? What I found was interesting.

First let me say that our son will be 14 next week, so we aren’t traveling with little kids. I think a teenage vacation is very different than a real “family” vacation. He also has a wicked sense of humor and loves fantasy. I quickly stumbled across something the whole family would love. The Broadway play Spamalot is showing at the Wynn. I was so excited! We all three love Monty Python and seeing this was a must. At Excalibur they have a horse and knight show (just like Medieval Times) that would thrill the most die hard Lord of the Rings fan (which my son is). If we stay at the Mirage, they have everything Hawaii has. Of course in the shiny, not-quite-real Vegas way… but have it just the same. We can even book a room with an erupting volcano view.

The more we looked at a Vegas vacation (the pools, waterfalls, cabanas, walking everywhere, M&M store, great family shows, beautiful aquarium full of sharks) the more I was actually excited about it. Sure it’s campy and silly, but it’s also fun, close and affordable. We all talked about it and decided it would be our vacation stop.

Cutting our budget a little (but living it up in Vegas) will also allow my son and me to take a special trip to our favorite place in the world this summer, Disneyland!

So now with my suit on order and our plans being finalized, I’m just as excited as if we were still going to Hawaii!