Help choose a location for a trip with friends and their families

[Anonymous]

Tone*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ohh I just posted about Charleston but I also really like the idea of the Midwest a good rental on a lake in Minnesota where you can fly into Minneapolis could be amazing!! Midwest in the summer is chefs kiss. I would personally avoid the pool with those ages and a big group because that’s the exact kind of scenario where accidents happen but obviously that’s a personal parenting call. What we’ve done with a big friend group at those ages is get a rental in a community that has a pool we can go to within walking distance but not AT the house to lower the risk of the non swimming time drownings (most common time it happens at those group type things with those ages) anyway sorry for the downer!

Ok coming back because I find this kind of thing a very fun puzzle. I would do something like this:

https://www.airbnb.com/l/ALwUTv0G

It’s not perfect but meets a lot of criteria - direct flights to Minneapolis from LAX and DCA (and flight is 2hr 50 min from dc). Lake instead of pool. There seem to be towns around this lake you all could go to. Not Florida. Only thing is it is 1.5 hr drive from Minneapolis instead of 1 hr but your lax friend wouldn’t have to fly all the way to the east coast so maybe those extra 30 min would be ok. Again, Midwest summers - so good! Lots of other houses on this lake this was just an example.

[Anonymous]

Also though there are other houses I swear this one may be perfect for you all - 4 bedrooms with queen beds for the three couples and other friend. One bunk room for the three from LAX (youngest of three is likely hearty and may sleep with sibs) plus the 5 year old and then the two younger (yours and 18 month old) are in pack and plays in their parents room or in the bunk room whatever parents prefer.

Beach right there for the kids, it has a playset, but also kayaks etc for the 6 and 9 year old. So much room for the kids to run. And the water is shallow so drowning risk much lower than the pool. It’s a good one.

[Anonymous]

Also has 5 bathrooms so pack and play could go in one of those… most of us have used that trick!

[Anonymous]

Ask ChatGPT

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask ChatGPT

Yeah it will just hallucinate a town in Montana with nonstops to LAX and Albany.

Agreed the lake houses near a Midwest city probably best option for these requirements. Some of them also do have private homes inside of communities with pools etc.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1013889659457554712?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask ChatGPT

Yeah it will just hallucinate a town in Montana with nonstops to LAX and Albany.

Agreed the lake houses near a Midwest city probably best option for these requirements. Some of them also do have private homes inside of communities with pools etc.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1013889659457554712?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

This is another good one op, lake Geneva is 1.5 hrs from Chicago so again you may need to change that criteria slightly but the flight to Chicago is suuper easy from dc and wouldn’t be bad from LA. Albany is kind of always going to be a pain/connection but you said she didn’t make requirements except no Florida..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask ChatGPT

Yeah it will just hallucinate a town in Montana with nonstops to LAX and Albany.

Agreed the lake houses near a Midwest city probably best option for these requirements. Some of them also do have private homes inside of communities with pools etc.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1013889659457554712?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

This is another good one op, lake Geneva is 1.5 hrs from Chicago so again you may need to change that criteria slightly but the flight to Chicago is suuper easy from dc and wouldn’t be bad from LA. Albany is kind of always going to be a pain/connection but you said she didn’t make requirements except no Florida..

United and American both have 3 nonstops/day between Albany and ORD. Nothing to MSP unfortunately, but could connect on Delta through Detroit very easily and quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Atlanta - funded aquarium visit for kids. Nashville or New Orleans

I'm from Nashville. Definitely not there. Not that much to do for the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask ChatGPT

I did it for OP. Here's what ChatGPT said:

1. Hudson Valley, NY (e.g. Hudson, Rhinebeck, Kingston)
Why it works:

Drivable for Albany, Boston, and DC friends.

Airports: Albany, Stewart (SWF), or even NYC area airports (~1 hr).

LAX Flights: Stewart Airport (SWF) and NYC airports have direct flights to LAX.

Kid-friendly: Splash pads, farms, small zoos, hikes, and kid museums (e.g. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum).

Vibe: Farmhouse rentals, stylish inns, or resorts with pools. Walkable towns with cute cafes and upscale restaurants.

Pros: Super charming towns, very family-friendly, lots of nature and rain-day alternatives.
Cons: You’ll need to double-check which airports have reliable direct LAX flights.

2. Southern Maine (e.g. Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, or Portland suburbs)
Why it works:

Drivable for Boston and Albany.

Airports: Portland (PWM) is ~1 hr from many southern coastal towns.

Flights: LAX has seasonal direct flights to Portland.

Kid-friendly: Beaches, tide pools, aquariums, trolley rides, mini golf, and small-town fun.

Adults night: Plenty of top-notch seafood and wine bars in Portland or local towns.

Pros: Beach + small-town New England charm; delicious food; easy to entertain the whole crew.
Cons: Rental availability can get tight in summer; plan early.

3. Lake George / Adirondacks, NY
Why it works:

Close for Albany, reasonable drive for DC and Boston.

Airports: Albany International (1 hr).

LAX flights: Albany has connecting options, but may require one stop.

Kid-friendly: Lake cruises, water parks, nature centers, hiking, and plenty of beach/pool options.

Lodging: Rent a big lake house or cabin resort with shared amenities and pool access.

Pros: Nature, water, and tons of family activities; many rental options.
Cons: Less of a "town" feel than others unless you’re near Lake George village.

4. Charlottesville, VA / Blue Ridge Region
Why it works:

Easy drive for DC, doable flight or drive for others.

Airports: Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO); 1 hr from Richmond (RIC) or even Dulles (IAD).

Flights: Direct LAX flights to Dulles or Richmond.

Kid-friendly: Farms, petting zoos, kid museums, nature trails, pool clubs, etc.

Adult fun: Wineries, great restaurants, scenic views.

Pros: Elegant but chill, wine country with family activities.
Cons: Less built-up for rainy-day kid activities compared to others.

5. Cape Cod (e.g. Falmouth, Harwich, or Sandwich)
Why it works:

Drivable for Boston, Albany; DC is longer but could fly into Providence (PVD) or Boston.

LAX flights: Direct to Boston and PVD.

Kid-friendly: Beaches, playgrounds, kids' museums, ferry rides, mini golf.

Towns: Cute walkable villages with family and upscale dining options.

Lodging: Large vacation homes with pools are common, but book early.

Pros: Quintessential summer vacation with lots for all ages.
Cons: Traffic in summer; book early to avoid crowds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Me and three other college friends are kicking around a trip with our husbands and kids for next summer. Here's where everyone is coming from and the ages of kids involved:


- LA area with three kids (9 yr, 6 yr, 2 yr) and her husband. She's fine with going somewhere on the east coast as long as it's within an hour drive to an airport with a direct flight to LAX.
- Albany, NY with one kid (3 yr) and her husband. Hasn't said any specifics, other than that she wouldn't want to fly to the west coast, and doesn't want to go to Florida.
- Boston area. Just her (no husband or kids). She's fine with going anywhere that we decide.
- DC area (this is me). Two kids (5 yr, 18 mos) and husband. I'd be fine with going up to an 8 hour drive, or up to a three hour flight, as long as the location was within an hour of an airport with direct flights to one of the DC airports.


We'd want somewhere with a good amount of ammenities easily accessible where we can relax and hang out. Access to a pool is a requirement given the ages of the kids involved. We'd also want somewhere close to a small town that has kid appropriate activities in case the weather is bad, and potentially with a nice restaurant or two where just us friends could go out for dinner one night while the husbands stay back with the kids.

I can't imagine a vacation more unpleasant than one with kids 9, 6, 5, 3, 2, and 1.5 when you have none. Unless she's a teacher and is used to so many kids.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, trips like this rarely actually occur. They are all talk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Me and three other college friends are kicking around a trip with our husbands and kids for next summer. Here's where everyone is coming from and the ages of kids involved:


- LA area with three kids (9 yr, 6 yr, 2 yr) and her husband. She's fine with going somewhere on the east coast as long as it's within an hour drive to an airport with a direct flight to LAX.
- Albany, NY with one kid (3 yr) and her husband. Hasn't said any specifics, other than that she wouldn't want to fly to the west coast, and doesn't want to go to Florida.
- Boston area. Just her (no husband or kids). She's fine with going anywhere that we decide.
- DC area (this is me). Two kids (5 yr, 18 mos) and husband. I'd be fine with going up to an 8 hour drive, or up to a three hour flight, as long as the location was within an hour of an airport with direct flights to one of the DC airports.


We'd want somewhere with a good amount of ammenities easily accessible where we can relax and hang out. Access to a pool is a requirement given the ages of the kids involved. We'd also want somewhere close to a small town that has kid appropriate activities in case the weather is bad, and potentially with a nice restaurant or two where just us friends could go out for dinner one night while the husbands stay back with the kids.

I can't imagine a vacation more unpleasant than one with kids 9, 6, 5, 3, 2, and 1.5 when you have none. Unless she's a teacher and is used to so many kids.

Seriously. Why not just book a girls trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Me and three other college friends are kicking around a trip with our husbands and kids for next summer. Here's where everyone is coming from and the ages of kids involved:


- LA area with three kids (9 yr, 6 yr, 2 yr) and her husband. She's fine with going somewhere on the east coast as long as it's within an hour drive to an airport with a direct flight to LAX.
- Albany, NY with one kid (3 yr) and her husband. Hasn't said any specifics, other than that she wouldn't want to fly to the west coast, and doesn't want to go to Florida.
- Boston area. Just her (no husband or kids). She's fine with going anywhere that we decide.
- DC area (this is me). Two kids (5 yr, 18 mos) and husband. I'd be fine with going up to an 8 hour drive, or up to a three hour flight, as long as the location was within an hour of an airport with direct flights to one of the DC airports.


We'd want somewhere with a good amount of ammenities easily accessible where we can relax and hang out. Access to a pool is a requirement given the ages of the kids involved. We'd also want somewhere close to a small town that has kid appropriate activities in case the weather is bad, and potentially with a nice restaurant or two where just us friends could go out for dinner one night while the husbands stay back with the kids.

I can't imagine a vacation more unpleasant than one with kids 9, 6, 5, 3, 2, and 1.5 when you have none. Unless she's a teacher and is used to so many kids.

Seriously. Why not just book a girls trip.

Because the husbands suck and can’t deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask ChatGPT

LAX Flights: Stewart Airport (SWF) and NYC airports have direct flights to LAX.


Flights: LAX has seasonal direct flights to Portland.



Flights: Direct LAX flights to Dulles or Richmond.



LAX flights: Direct to Boston and PVD.

I love this.

1. There are no nonstop flights from LAX to SWF. The only flights (at all!) from SWF are Allegiant and Breeze to Florida and South Carolina beach destinations.

2. Portland, Maine does not have nonstops to LAX (seasonal or not)

3. It says Dulles is within an hour of Charlottesville. It's a 2 hour drive with no traffic.

4. The only nonstop option from LAX to PVD is Breeze Airways, which is 3 days a week, and 2 of those are redeyes.