Two family escapes for two budgets: Santiago or San Diego? Splurge for a jaunt to Chile’s capital, sparkling against the snowcapped Andes, or save with a stay in sun-soaked California.  By Chaney Kwak

Santiago

4-day, $23,000 splurge

Arrive fresh in the morning when you fly LAN’s overnight service from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Santiago, operated by American Airlines newly retrofit 777-200, which boasts fully lie-flat seats in business class. Round trip airfare from $18, 170 (including taxes) for a family of four.

Taking family cooking lessons and sampling local seafood specialties at Mercado Central are just two possibilities available on a bespoke guided tour of Santiago crafted by your advisor and one of Virtuoso’s on-site experts in Chile. From your base at the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, your clan can also explore city parks and museums; visit KidZania where children 4 to 12 get to act out grown-up professions; and even venture further afield to bike new tourist routes in Valparaiso. Departures: any day through December 31, 2015; four-day tours from $4,773 per family of four.

Ritz-Carlton welcomes little guests with a special check-in, arts and crafts programs, and a kid-friendly food and beverage amenity. Families also love the hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool, which offers views of the Andes Mountains. Included in stay.

TOTAL: from $22,943 per family of four.

San Diego

4-day, $2,500 steal

Watch family-friendly entertainment on your individual seat back screen and order a children’s meal box filled with healthy snacks and puzzles when you fly economy class with Virgin America from Dallas Love field to San Diego via San Francisco. Round trip airfare from $1,085 per family of four.

From surfing lessons to beach bonfires and treasure hunts, families have ample activities to choose from at the seaside Hotel del Coronado. At the Kidtopia activity center guests from 4 to 12 can dig for dinosaur fossils, make (and star in) short films, or take cooking classes. Older kids can indulge in “teen treats” spa treatments such as sugar scrubs and frosting massages. The Del’s diversity of dining options, including California coastal cuisine served at an haute beachside setting to artisan pizzas at an outdoor fire pit will keep everyone well fed. Three-night stays from $1,287 per family of four.

Set sail on a one-hour tour of San Diego’s harbor with Travel Bound. Admire the city’s skyline, spot sea lions or salute a Navy fleet along the way. Departures any day through August 31, 2015; from $106 per family of four.

TOTAL: From $2,478 per family of four

Ask Covington’s trusted advisors to help you plan a quality family getaway for any budget.

 

Article originally published in Virtuoso Traveler, February 2015. Republished with permission.