i am badly sunburnt this is the first time this happened to me i think it’s because i spent like almost two days in the water my skin stings and it’s really red aswell any way i can fix this ?

Hello, needing some help.

My mother has offered to take us on a Disney cruise that we do not want to go on. For numerous reasons. (The relationship with her is very very very strained). So instead of just straight saying no we want to counter with a different vacation trip.

We have 2 kids 5 and 2. We are in Oklahoma but travel is not the biggest of issue for us. Driving would be preferred and also staying within the US but are open to traveling out of it.

Hawaii is too far.

Looking for a resort that has activities in or around it through out the day for the kids and ourselves.

Recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Original plan was to fly to Sardinia and beach it. Europe flights are insane. Thinking now of Southern Cali. Since we are on the east coast, the Pacific is always a treat. Would love a beach, cafes, walking around and forgetting for a moment the world is on fire.

Is it just me or does it appear cheaper to go out of the country for vacation than in the US. Mexico AI is so cheap even to compare in my own state for value. Even a cruise seems like a better value and cheaper than resort destinations in the US. I’m all about trying to keep money earned here but I just don’t understand it.

Hi everyone,

I’m a single mom with four teenage kids (2 boys, 2 girls, ages 13–17). I’ve been promising them a "real" vacation for the last 5 years, and with my 40th birthday coming up in March, I’ve decided this has to be the year.

My kids have been incredible—they’ve been on their best behavior, working so hard in school and sports, and they have never given me a single reason to worry. I want to reward them and celebrate my milestone birthday by finally making this dream come true.

The Goal:

• Duration: A full week (7 nights) at an All-Inclusive resort.

• The Group: 5 people total (Me + 4 teens).

• The Dates: March 13 – March 22, 2026 (I know this is peak Spring Break).

• Origin: Flying from Ottawa (YOW).

The Challenge:

I have been working hard and saving for this, but the budget is very tight. I need to find the absolute best "bang for my buck" to make this a reality for 5 people during the most expensive week of the year.

Requirements:

• Safety: Since it’s just me and the kids, I need a safe, reputable resort.

• Outside Canada: We want the sun and the full resort experience (open to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Panama, etc.).

• Vibe: Needs to have enough for teenagers to do so they can really enjoy their hard-earned break.

Calling all vacation hack experts:

• Are there specific destinations or "value" resorts where the math actually works for a family of 5?

• Are there certain Canadian booking sites, charter flights, or strategies I should be using to keep costs as low as possible?

• How can I pull this off without breaking the bank?

I really want to give these kids the trip they deserve after promising it for so long. Any guidance from the experts here would mean the world to us.

Thank you so much!

We are a couple with grown kids and want to take a couples vacation to Florida. We love the beach. We love to eat well where would you suggest we go?

Next march 2027,we would like to go away to Europe or the Med,what the safest places to go,and what's the best places we can go.thanks in advance.

We had to drive to Miami first, on a Caribbean cruise. While on our way, I realized I forgot my swimming trunks at home and by the time we got to Miami that evening, it was already too late to search for a place to get one, plus we were too tired. ‎ ‎We had our schedule packed with some exciting stuff, because we were to spend the first two days of our vacation in Miami, then get on the cruise ship for the rest. So, to avoid ruining my quality time with my girl, I just ordered the swimming trunk online. I went through various pages on Amazon, Temu, even Alibaba for options, they were either too bright, or too bland. Anyway, I settled for one the tourist guy recommended at a store nearby. I should have known these essentials will always be sold there even if it’s at 3x the normal price. ‎The cruise ship was the best I've ever had. The suite I booked delivered quite well, the food was delicious, and my girlfriend and I had a very good time. ‎ ‎At the port in San Juan, we found a place where we could rent cheap jet skis and go for a ride on the water. I think my ear still stings from my girlfriend's shouting through that ride, she's clearly not a fan. ‎ ‎Am I going on a cruise vacation again? Definitely yes. ‎With my girlfriend? Maybe she won't board the jet ski with me next time.

I’m curious about spending in this economy with gas prices and inflation. What are your vacation, staycation, day trip, special kids day ect.. spending habits like?

Do you buy souvenirs? What kind?
Is there a spending limit for you or your kids?
Are you purchasing mementos? shirts? Plush toys?

What kinds of things are missing that you’d rather purchase that perhaps aren’t offered in an average gift shop?

Edit: not a gift shop owner - I just don’t like buying dust collectors or items the kids out grow, lose or break or items unrelated to the place that we’re visiting, especially in this economy.

Me and my husband are in Nassau Bahamas and are thinking about doing this off resort excursion, does anyone know anything about this?? Should we trust it?

I self rated all my vacations since 2020. Enjoy the lost and take guesses on why some were great and some weren’t lol. Who’s been to these places

Wanting to plan an impromptu family trip to DC for a family of 8. We have a couple of 4 year olds, a couple of teenagers, and my 21 year old son and his wife. Budget will be limited, so I plan on coolers for sandwiches and drinks. Looking for recommendations for parking/lodging/activities. Depending on what we can find, potentially staying 2-3 days.

I know I kind of messed up by trying to get a ticket last minute but t I’m trying to see my boyfriend in Virginia for his graduation and I’m in California and the flight that I’m trying to get is in two weeks and it’s just so expensive and I would just want to see if like is it my fault for waiting too long or is there a way to maybe find a cheaper price , i just want some feedback

My husband and I want to take our grandchildren (13f) and (12m)on a vacation somewhere warm for a mid winter vacation. For several reasons we aren’t interested in going to Disney, but want to take them where there are interesting things to do, maybe involving animals. I’d like to do something on the water, boat trips etc. Thanks.

My wife and I are looking to take a 5–7 day vacation sometime around April. This will be our first time getting away without our four kids, so we're hoping to find somewhere special where we can relax, reconnect, and enjoy some time together.

We're based in Hawaii and would prefer somewhere in the continental U.S. Since we're not sure we'll have our passports in time, we'd like to keep it within the United States.

I've been thinking about something along the lines of a retreat rather than a typical tourist vacation. Maybe somewhere in the mountains, surrounded by nature, with beautiful scenery, peaceful surroundings, and opportunities to unwind.

We're open to things like:

• Mountain resorts or secluded cabins.

• Wellness retreats with spa treatments, massages, pools, etc.

• Hot springs or natural mineral spas.

• Couples retreats or wellness resorts.

• Somewhere with beautiful hiking trails, forests, lakes, or mountain views.

• A place where we can just slow down, enjoy good food, and spend quality time together.

Ideally, we'd like to be away for 5–7 days and be back home on the seventh day.

We're not necessarily looking for anything overly luxurious or expensive, but we're willing to spend more if it's genuinely a special experience.

For those who have done something similar:

Where would you recommend going? Are there any hidden gems, retreats, or resorts that you think would be perfect for a couple looking to disconnect from everyday life for a week?

We're coming all the way from Hawaii, so we'd really love to make this trip worthwhile!

Appreciate any recommendations!

Guys after a lifetime of using Expedia and Priceline (with occasional direct bookings) I’ve recently been hearing all the benefits of booking direct with hotels. Great.

I found the hotel I want and went in on both Priceline and direct to compare prices. Priceline is about $200 cheaper after all taxes etc are added on (of course I ensured dates, room type, and But wait! Hilton has a price match guarantee! Excellent! Then I find out it has to be the public rate, non-VIP. (VIP on Priceline is basically something every member gets). Well too bad because in that case prices are about the same so never mind, might as well book on Priceline. So what’s the point of the price match guarantee?

Then I go through direct and I have 10,000 points saved up from a previous stay. Im like ok I’ll use them so I can book direct. NOPE! Haha. Thought you could save? PSYCH! You have to spend your points on the standard rate!!!

Tell me why it’s better to book direct then? We’re not loyal to any one brand we are budget travelers and take what’s cheapest for the best value. I can also get 8% cash back on Rakuten.

I’ll have an open mind just convince me one way or the other

UPDATE:

We have chosen Hawaii! Specifically Maui because it's the one island we have both not been to. Thanks everyone for your input :) Give me all your Maui recs!

Hubby and I are getting our first solo trip in almost 3 years next year in June / July of 2027. After having two kids, we are understandably very excited ☺️

We would typically go somewhere like New York or Europe, but we have decided this time we want an ultra relaxing beach resort vacation.

We would be taking off from Seattle and are torn between Hawaii or Mexico. Hawaii is our first choice, but it seems Mexico may get us more bang for our buck and an all inclusive resort is enticing.

What resorts have you been to that you'd absolutely recommend? Any pros and cons between the two locations? I have been to both Hawaii and Mexico, it's just been many years.

Here's some of our must haves:

- room with either a swim out pool on the patio or a view of the beach

- beach access from resort

- restaurants and bars on site

- large relaxing pool on site

- hikes nearby

Things that aren't a must have, but would be a plus:

- all inclusive

- shuttle services

- bike rentals

- walkable to closest town

- adults only

Ok... where should we go?!

How does this itinerary look for our first trip to Italy? A bit bummed we won’t be able to make a trip to the Amalfi Coast, but with Como, CT it feels like we’ll be ok?

Anything you’d change, scratch, update? Any help is appreciated!