Time to plan Summer Trips

[waverly]

Feel free to weigh in on our plans and share your own.  We are doing a big trip for spring break, so we are planning something low key for summer.  DH and I are discussing it this weekend because campsites start opening up.

Options we have so far:
1. Camping near the beach in MI 2.5 hour drive, nice bathrooms etc. never been to that campground, but like the general area.  Been before, nothing super exciting.  Lots of beaches and things to do. Could grab a hotel if weather is bad. DS seems to be outgrowing swimming for fun, and onto more teenager stuff.  

2. Camping in WI, seems more remote with less things to do.  Very pretty area.  Camped there 1 night before. Not many hotels in this area.  We are now doing Milwaukee this winter, so we are already doing WI, so might cross this off the list....

3. I would like to do a week where we could see friends, but I don't really want to go back to that area in MI.  It's possible that friends aren't available and then the trip is a bust.  Maybe this might work out better as a weekend where we lie and don't tell family we are in the area.  If we tell family, my mom throws fits and demands all the attention, so I never see friends.

4. Rent an Airbnb place where we sold the lake house.  Could be painful to see what we miss out by selling, or could be a new family tradition?  Not sure we are ready to settle down to 1 place though as a family tradition since there is a lot to see.  Could invite friends over but it is farther away (2.5 hours) but we could do a mix of friends and fun possibly.  

5. Camping in North Dakota/ Badlands area?  We could do that this year and then do Yellowstone next year.  Could be a way to dip or toes into National Park camping. Not sure of a bad weather plan.  

We don't have to camp, we could do airbnb's especially since DH was going to invest in another rental but it fell through, so the budget is probably there, but we are doing a pricey trip for spring break.  We don't mind camping except for storms/ rain and all the gear.  We already own all the gear.  

Another suggestion?  

[rere]

Option #1 seems more doable, and would maybe leave room for another trip?

Our debate: I want to go somewhere tropical for our 25+ anniversary. We are thinking St. John's, Jamaica, Bahamas, Bermuda, etc... so if anyone has done some tropical vacations and has a recommendation, please feel free. We've done Aruba. Qualifications-white sand, blue clear water, all inclusive, safe. No cruise, the Posiden Adventure scarred me for life and I get motion sickness.

We are also thinking of meeting Ds in Charleston for a family trip this summer. This would be in coordination with jobs, the army, school schedule, so good luck to us.

[waverly]

rere, My sister did St. John's. I remember they rented a house and it was kind of a windy 30 minute drive to the house, but otherwise they liked it, and I am sure all inclusives are easier to get to. It's US, so not passport needed. I would look at Puerto Rico for those same reasons. Not sure how Puerto Rico and Bahamas have recovered from their respective hurricanes.

We loved Charleston. Very cute.

[sdlaura]

So far we are booked for the first half of 4th of July week for the San Juan Islands (we rented a whole B&B with 3 other families), then I think we'll drive East to Lake Chelan for the second half of the week (we've never been there before, if anyone has any recommendations).

Then we're trying to figure out what to do for my parents' 50th anniversary trip. I really want to go somewhere with childcare/kids camp that starts by age 4 (since that's how old DS3 will be) and is actually fun for the 11- and 12-year-olds (like jet skis on a lake for them -not crafts in a hotel kids club). We found a great looking resort in Vermont called Tyler Place, but as of now they don't have space for us (plus my sister's kids) in the kids program the weeks that we are free. So I'm hoping something opens up there or we can find a good backup option.

Then DH and I will try to get away for a few weeknights while our older kids do sleepaway camp and my parents watch the younger ones. Last year we went to Big Sur and it was lovely.

[librarychica]

rere, I really loved St Thomas when we stoped by on a cruise and want to go back directly sometime. I second at least taking a look at Puerto Rico.

My coworker stays at and raves about this place in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It’s more spendy than I usually go for but maybe for a 25th anniversary. Congratulations! www.jamaicainn.com/?nck=8442096751

[polecat8]

waverly, we did a road trip across South Dakota last year and had a blast! We spent 10 days driving from Minneapolis and back and stopping in various spots along the way, including Sioux Falls, Wall Drug, the Badlands, Wind Cave, Custer National Park, Mt Rushmore, and more. It seems like there is more to do near Rapid City on the eastern side of the state. Let me know if you want any info!


As for us, we are heading to Columbus OH right after Christmas to view the lights at the zoo.

Our big trip will be to Italy for two weeks in November/December. We'll actually spend Thanksgiving there. My whole family including my Mom, brothers, and their spouses and kids will be sharing a villa in Tuscany.

We might fit in something close by over the summer, but I'm not sure yet.

[campermom]

I have 6 days in a row without the kids this summer. Boyfriend also doesn’t have his. I have no idea where I want to go, but I want it to be tropical and relaxing.

[waverly]

Dec 23, 2023 16:19:32 GMT -5 polecat8 said:

waverly, we did a road trip across South Dakota last year and had a blast! We spent 10 days driving from Minneapolis and back and stopping in various spots along the way, including Sioux Falls, Wall Drug, the Badlands, Wind Cave, Custer National Park, Mt Rushmore, and more. It seems like there is more to do near Rapid City on the eastern side of the state. Let me know if you want any info!


As for us, we are heading to Columbus OH right after Christmas to view the lights at the zoo.

Our big trip will be to Italy for two weeks in November/December. We'll actually spend Thanksgiving there. My whole family including my Mom, brothers, and their spouses and kids will be sharing a villa in Tuscany.

We might fit in something close by over the summer, but I'm not sure yet.

I think we are going to drive to the badlands. Can you PM some info from your trip?

[polecat8]

waverly, just sent you a PM!

[waverly]

Dec 30, 2023 15:59:02 GMT -5 polecat8 said:

waverly, just sent you a PM!

Thank you so much! Great info there!

[vasc]

DH and I have booked a cruise on Princess to the Norwegian Fjords in May.

[erbear]

Dec 22, 2023 12:19:26 GMT -5 rere said:

Option #1 seems more doable, and would maybe leave room for another trip?

Our debate: I want to go somewhere tropical for our 25+ anniversary. We are thinking St. John's, Jamaica, Bahamas, Bermuda, etc... so if anyone has done some tropical vacations and has a recommendation, please feel free. We've done Aruba. Qualifications-white sand, blue clear water, all inclusive, safe. No cruise, the Posiden Adventure scarred me for life and I get motion sickness.

We are also thinking of meeting Ds in Charleston for a family trip this summer. This would be in coordination with jobs, the army, school schedule, so good luck to us.

I’ve been to all these but Jamaica. What are you looking for? They are pretty different. Wait, we don’t do AI though so I might not be helpful but if you’re considering not AI, I can help!

[dglvrk2]

sdlaura, Chalan is really busy 4th of July week. A handful of my college friends venture there each 4th of July and remark on the crowds. I don't have any specific recommendations, but I would book now if you want to do this.

[mommyatty]

I really want to do an all inclusive for our summer vacation. We have never done anything like that, and I think it would be a great option. It means I don’t have to plan everything and cook, which would be awesome. Every year when we end up in Hilton Head, we have a great time, but I have to plan every activity and we end up having what we call “snacky dinner” every night, which means basically antipasti with some random chips, dips, and popcorn. It’s not a lot of work but it’s also not super exciting.

[sdlaura]

dglvrk2 yeah, we always travel that week and know things can be crowded, but we’re doing it anyway Last summer we were in Jackson Hole for the 4th and all the locals thought it was so crowded, but it didn’t seem bad compared to where we live in SoCal. With DH and I both working FT we take the tradeoff of crowds/things being more expensive for not having to work or do meetings while on vacation.

[mae0111]

We will spend a good amount of time at the beach house this summer. Last summer, DH stayed down there almost all summer while I shuttled the kids back and forth for various camps. He got a lot of alone/down time, and I... didn't. I spoke to him yesterday about the fact that DD2 will likely not go camping this year, so I lose my "vacation"... so I shall be taking some time alone at the beach house and he shall be doing all of the juggling for a period of time. He was... not a fan. No cares.

So, no big trips planned - we'll just go back and forth. I'm looking forward to it!

[twinmomma]

We have two trips booked in April, so our summer won't be anything crazy for vacation. We'll be going to San Diego for a family wedding and then to Washington DC over spring break.

This summer SIL and her family will be back for 2-3 weeks, so they'll stay with us for a chunk of that to get in tons of cousin time. We also have the bedroom space and the backyard required to keep 5 kids and 4 adults sane. MIL would love for us to all stay at her place, but a 1 bedroom Cambridge condo just isn't quite the same level of relaxing as our house... We may book a couple nights away somewhere with SIL just to mix it up while they're here, but it would be a staycation type deal just to give the kids a treat like a night in a hotel.

[librarychica]

H and I have started speculating about driving somewhere and “testing” a new city for a month this July to get away from the Florida swamp heat. Partly to see how we like living somewhere else and partly because, hell, we both work from home. Why do we never go anywhere?

This would obviously be quite the endeavor. We’d have to choose a place, drive ourselves and the kids and the dog and maybe a hamster there (possibly hamster could stay with a neighbor), pay for it all, figure out what the kids will do with themselves while we are working ….

Anyway! He’s pushing for Denver-area (specifically the Littleton/Englewood area where we have friends and I have an office), or Bozeman, Montana. I am skeptical of those drives and have suggested we start smaller — NC highlands maybe? Asheville area? Or maybe New England?

It’s a great debate. One kid wants to pack up and move NOW, the other flinches at the idea of being gone a few weeks.

Where would you go? We’d be looking for a place we might reasonably live in normal life (so like not international bc I have to stay in the US or Canada for work), where the kids could safely explore on their own a little via bike or feet, that isn’t 97 and swampy in July.

[mae0111]

librarychica, New England can be 97 and swampy in July (not FL swampy, but still pretty hot and humid). It could also be 60 and raining. You never know!!

[librarychica]

Jan 3, 2024 12:11:37 GMT -5 mae0111 said:

librarychica, New England can be 97 and swampy in July (not FL swampy, but still pretty hot and humid). It could also be 60 and raining. You never know!!

This is true! Once I was in Texas and H was in Ny and both were hotter than Orlando. Though, I don’t think the heat generally holds for an entire month?

I have begun a spreadsheet, lol

[mae0111]

Jan 3, 2024 12:30:34 GMT -5 librarychica said:

Jan 3, 2024 12:11:37 GMT -5 mae0111 said:

librarychica , New England can be 97 and swampy in July (not FL swampy, but still pretty hot and humid). It could also be 60 and raining. You never know!!

This is true! Once I was in Texas and H was in Ny and both were hotter than Orlando. Though, I don’t think the heat generally holds for an entire month?

I have begun a spreadsheet, lol

Usually not for a whole month, no! We would all melt up here.  But it can be consistently warm in the summer.  It can also be consistently cold and crummy, like it was last summer.  The weather didn't get hot until the kids went back to school after Labor Day - then it hit 98 degrees for 4 days in a row... then it dropped to high 50's and rain on the 5th day.  Woooo! New England weather! 

[sdlaura]

librarychica I think either Denver or Bozeman would be great. You could explore so many pretty places from either of them, and get out of humidity. We flew out of Bozeman last summer after spending time in Jackson Hole/the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. And I bet there are tons of fun places to stop and visit on the way.

[librarychica]

Jan 3, 2024 12:45:25 GMT -5 sdlaura said:

librarychica I think either Denver or Bozeman would be great. You could explore so many pretty places from either of them, and get out of humidity. We flew out of Bozeman last summer after spending time in Jackson Hole/the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. And I bet there are tons of fun places to stop and visit on the way.

The spreadsheet is beginning to indicate that H might be right and I should just buckle up for a 30 hour drive.

He’s also thrown Virginia into the ring.

[supertrooper1]

rere, I stayed here 4 years ago and loved it. The Zilara is adults only and the Ziva side allows kids. You can use the amenities and eat at the restaurants from both sides. We keep talking about going back but haven't yet because we also want to check out new places. I never felt unsafe in the DR. www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/dominican-republic/hyatt-zilara-cap-cana/pujia

sdlaura, I've stayed here before in Chelan and it was nice. At the time it was 16+ but they now mention kids on the website www.lakesedgechelan.com/
Everyone I know that visits Chelan usually stays at Campbell's resort. I've never stayed there, but their FB posts always look nice. Chelan isn't my jam, but I know a lot of people that love it and do annual trips there. One coworker even bought a vacation home there because he loved it so much. Renting jet skis was fun and there is lots of wine tasting if that's something you like.

[sdlaura]

librarychica Virginia is hot and humid and awful in the summer

[sdlaura]

Thanks supertrooper1! Usually vacation rentals work out better for our family size vs. resorts, so that's probably the route we'll go, but I haven't decided yet.

[k3am]

Dec 31, 2023 11:47:45 GMT -5 mommyatty said:

I really want to do an all inclusive for our summer vacation. We have never done anything like that, and I think it would be a great option. It means I don’t have to plan everything and cook, which would be awesome. Every year when we end up in Hilton Head, we have a great time, but I have to plan every activity and we end up having what we call “snacky dinner” every night, which means basically antipasti with some random chips, dips, and popcorn. It’s not a lot of work but it’s also not super exciting.

We did an AI for the first time ever for October break. We actually booked through Costco, so there was no thinking involved - airfare and transportation was included. I have nothing but good things to say about it. If I had to nit pick some complaints, we upgraded to "premium" or "preferred" or whatever it was, which got us a great room and unlimited top shelf alcohol. But the premium alcohol was only available at one bar, which required you to leave the pool area, dry off, get dressed, etc, so it was inconvenient and we ended up at the same bar as everyone else drinking well drinks most of the time. The food was nothing spectacular, but it was all good (minus one ill fated decision to order Pad Thai.. in Mexico), and I didn't have to plan it, make it, or clean up after it. 

[vasc]

Our cruise plans have changed! Princess is doing a sale on sailings plus kids sail free! So we switched our itinerary from Norway to a Greece/Italy/Spain itinerary. Kids are going too!

[waverly]

Jan 3, 2024 15:39:58 GMT -5 sdlaura said:

librarychica Virginia is hot and humid and awful in the summer

This! Take Virginia back off your list if you want cooler weather. I spent a summer in DC and the air quality was not good.

[librarychica]

Jan 3, 2024 17:25:10 GMT -5 waverly said:

Jan 3, 2024 15:39:58 GMT -5 sdlaura said:

librarychica Virginia is hot and humid and awful in the summer

This! Take Virginia back off your list if you want cooler weather. I spent a summer in DC and the air quality was not good.

Oh DC, definitely not, but I’ve traveled around other parts of Virginia in the summer and it wasn’t bad. Warm, but not really awful.

Idk maybe I am misremembering, or maybe it’s just what I’m used to, but we have settled on Colorado anyway. We haven’t decided on whether it’ll be a month stay or just a slightly-long vacation, but we have at least have a destination!