New York family holiday planning

WE ARE HOPING TO TAKE OUR CHILDREN AGED 16 AND 17 ON A THREE-WEEK HOLIDAY IN LATE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER. NONE ARE KEEN ON ASIA OR THE CARIBBEAN, CAN YOU SUGGEST PLACES THAT MIGHT SUIT A HISTORY ENTHUSIAST, A ZEALOUS SHOPPER, A NON-KEEN HIKER AND A PARENT HAPPY TO EXPLORE ANY OPTION?

L. KORUGA, CHATSWOOD

Sounds like any of the hothouse favourites are out of the question, but what about east coast USA, with New York City in the centre of the frame? The shopping is beyond fantastic, there's history and culture high and low by the bucket, you can hike in the Adirondacks and other parts of upstate New York provided you dress for the cold and there's Boston and Washington D.C. in post-presidential election mode close at hand. Air fares are pretty decent too, at under $1500 provided you head back before the mid-December peak season kicks in. Another destination that might fit the bill is Europe. Italy would be my primo choice since the weather is slightly warmer, there's a history that hits just about everywhere else out of the ball park, there's heaps to fascinate, entertain and stimulate those adolescent minds and bodies and there's fine hiking without blistering cold south of Rome. In three weeks you could start from Rome and explore the Amalfi Coast, head over to Puglia and down into Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. You might also put Venice on your list, chill but quiet, and Venice in winter is miraculous. Finally, South America. Here you've got warmer weather on your side, the shopping in cities such as Santiago and Buenos Aires is super great and cheap, the natural wonders are five star and there's plenty to chew over in the history department, a trophy destination all round.