Three Day Getaway Ideas for a Family Vacation

I believe this question was asked with regards to some good ideas for a family vacation during the Memorial Day weekend. I saw it back then, and wanted to write about it, but somehow it got postponed. Again, just before the recent 4th of July three day weekend, I remembered this question, but it was too late again. So finally I've decided to answer it after all, and you can refer to it (if its any good) for the next 3 day weekend, or any time you feel like taking a vacation with your family.

I'm guessing you'd be interested in something outside California, and definitely not anywhere near San Francisco. So, I suggest either Honolulu, Miami or New York City. Details of each, including kid-friendly attractions, where to stay, how much it costs, and where to eat, outlined below.

A Hawaii vacation this year is a bit different from previous years. Usually, hotels are packed to the rafters in summer, and the question of discounts, freebies or special deals doesn't even arise. But this year, considering that Hawaii has been rated by the AAA as the costliest destination in the U.S., air fares keep going up, and the fact that the recession has kept a whole bunch of people from taking a vacation, what you have a is a window of oppurtunity to enjoy the pleasures of Waikiki at surprisingly low rates. Photo by runnyc262 via flickr (creative commons).

The Ohana Hotels Group in Waikiki has a stimulus rebate special package, under which you'll be able to get a room for two people at $119 per night at the Ohana East Hotel. Cribs and rollaway beds available upon request (extra charges apply). The hotel is steps away from Waikiki Beach and within walking distance of all the major attractions and things to do in Honolulu, including the International Marketplace, Lewers Street, the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Ohana East Hotel - 150 Kaiulani Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96815; (808) 922-5353; Weblink

No shortage of good restaurants or fine cuisine in Waikiki, but one must-visit restaurant in Waikiki is the 'Top of Waikiki', a revolving restaurant on the 21st floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza on Kalakaua Ave. In addition to a breathtaking 360 degree view of Diamond Head and the beach, you also get a taste of the slider (three small ground-beef burgers with seared foie gras, pineapple syrup, and camenbert cheese). Evening sunset view from the rotating restaurant is truly something you should not miss, if you happen to be in Waikiki. Location: 2270 Kalakaua Ave # 18 Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 923-3877

Miami may have aquired a bad-ass rep, but its not all about hot beaches and wild nights. There's lots of touristy stuff to do, and that includes the Miami MetroZoo and Jungle Island, with a highly colorful collection of exotic squaking parrots. Then there's the Gold Coast Railroad Museum and the Miami Children's Museum. Photo by Mr. Usaji via flickr (creative commons). There's a full list of things to do in Miami here.

And to top it off, you can make your wife really happy by booking in at one of the posh South Beach oceanview hotels, most of which have fantastic spas which are way better than anything you're likely to have back in San Francisco. Suggested hotels include the Mandarin Oriental and the newly opened Gansevoort South on Collins Ave. Goes without saying that while these luxury South Beach resort hotels will treat you like royalty, they also charge rates which will likely give you the hiccups. And so, if you are looking for something a bit more modest, you might try one of the budget hotels in Miami.

On the face of it, one might that think that NYC has comparatively few offerings, for a family vacation, other than the landmarks and famed tourist attractions. But behind the tourist trap facade, there's many things to do in New York which everyone can enjoy, kids and adults alike. Photo by AndrewVDill via flickr (creative commons). Don't forget to take a Circle Line Manhattan cruise, and visit the Central Park Zoo (and the Tisch Children's Zoo inside). Kids all ages, from babies to 10 year-olds, love the water and the sights and the boats, and the Tisch Zoo is a favorite.

For the wife, a broadway show and pre-theater dinner at a posh place like the Firebird (NYC's best Russian restaurant with fine caviar and a great Vodka selection) will keep you in the good books until the next vacation. And don't let her anywhere near 5th Ave for shopping. You can get the same branded designer clothing and accesories, at 60 to 70% discounts, at stores like Century 21, Gabay's and Syms.

Where to Stay: New York City, again is a very costly place, especially for tourists. Booking a cheap but decent hotel in a good location is a bit of a challenge. So let's just leave it to the experts.

The Wolcott Hotel is located on 31st St, three blocks from the Empire State Building. And the Wolcott has been picked as New York City's best bargain hotel by both the New York Times' list of bargain hotels and by the editor of the City's official tourism website NYCTourist.com. Which basically means that it might not be as luxurious as the other $300 plus hotels on 5th Ave, but it is definitely comfortable, clean and offers all the basic amenities. The Wolcott has a family 'Triple room', with two connecting rooms (one with twin beds) which costs about $160 per night. The way the hotel charges is a bit hazy, so I suggest you talk to them before you make a booking online. Info: 4 West 31st Street New York, NY 10001; (212) 268-2900; Website