Summer 2025 Trip Reports

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Took my family (me, husband, 18 yo and 20 yo) to Italy. First time there for all of us. We stuck to northern-ish Italy and went in early June and succeeded in not being overwhelmed by crowds or heat. It was absolutely wonderful. I was worried that after 50+ years of hearing how amazing Italy is, it wouldn't live up to expectations, but it completely exceeded them.

So great to hear! Did you DIY the trip or use an agent?

We DIY'd it. We definitely spent more time planning this trip than I think we ever have on any vacation. But it was 100% worth it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Switzerland-amazing

We’re headed there sept 9. Anything I should know you wished you would have?

[Anonymous]

Punta Cana at an all inclusive in February. Never need to do an AI again.

Switzerland in early July. Absolute perfection for a four year old, and we immediately all wanted to go again the second we got home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Punta Cana at an all inclusive in February. Never need to do an AI again.

Switzerland in early July. Absolute perfection for a four year old, and we immediately all wanted to go again the second we got home.

Would love to know your Switzerland itinerary and how many days you stayed! Thinking of doing the same with my tweens next year.

[Anonymous]

Copenhagen. Totally loved it.

[Anonymous]

Virginia Beach, Ocean City and N. Myrtle Beach with my 19 and 17 year old. The first two for sports tournaments, and NMB for fun. Couldn't get over how good the restaurants were in VB, Ocean City was pure fun, and NMB had the most perfect weather and was relaxing.

[Anonymous]

Cusco, Machu Picchu- amazing and fun family trip.

[Anonymous]

Mexico City- beautiful and very fun

[Anonymous]

Italy in June, right when school got out. It was hot but we left before the heat dome arrived. We went to the Amalfi coast, Pompeii, and back to Rome before flying home. We had a great trip! So great that every few days or so, DH will say “Hey there are 3 seats on the flight to Rome tomorrow…”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mexico City- beautiful and very fun

Great. Going there for Thanksgiving. Can you please share your itinerary? Any restaurant recs?

[Anonymous]

South Africa - started in Durban for a family wedding. Stayed in uMhlanga at the Oyster Box which was fabulous. Durban is a beautiful and interesting city, gorgeous beaches, lots of different cultures melding together, great food.
Safari near Kruger in one of the private game reserves. Incredible. One of the most amazing trips ever!
Victoria falls - worth seeing and interesting for a day or two - the falls are spectacular- but not a ton to do for longer. We did a dinner cruise on the Zambezi as well as hiking the falls.
Cape Town - gorgeous city and environs, did the Cape tour, Robben Island (haunting and extremely well done tour with a former inmate guide), Table Mountain.
Winelands - gorgeous even in winter (June), loved the vineyards and the hotel and grounds along with activities were absolutely incredible - Babylonstoren.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We spent one week in Acadia with two kids (2 yo and 4 yo) and grandparents. We had a fantastic time! Everyone’s first time in Maine.

4 yo had fun hiking and the 2 yo loved looking at all the water.

We drove to save $$ so it was a pretty affordable vacation, all in about $3,500.

We also visited Acadia and loved it.

[Anonymous]

would love to see more costs here (or use of points, etc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:would love to see more costs here (or use of points, etc).

We had 2 week trip to Europe, used miles for the flights there and back (but about $400 in taxes/fees per person), and some credit card travel credits to cover 2 hotel nights. Total cost was about $12k. We are pretty frugal around food and kids don't like expensive food generally, so don't spend a ton there. Spent similar amount 2 years ago on a domestic trip- lodging and food in nice spots in the US are 10-15% more expensive than in Europe in my experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Virginia Beach, Ocean City and N. Myrtle Beach with my 19 and 17 year old. The first two for sports tournaments, and NMB for fun. Couldn't get over how good the restaurants were in VB, Ocean City was pure fun, and NMB had the most perfect weather and was relaxing.

which restaurants in VB? we didn't have much luck - it was our first time - but other elements were great!