Have you ever gone on vacation with another family and left feeling deflated and inferior?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

Good luck at work, family life, roommates, and vacations with that misguided belief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP did say the adult kids have known each other and are friends. This is probably a family friend child situation from childhood pushed out to adult children. Still though many times those friendships are like cousins. A bit forced and sometimes they click genuinely and sometimes not.

But to answer your question OP yes I’ve been on a group vacation and felt bad about my family and I didn’t go with those people again.

OP here yes kind of like that. Known each other a long time, have grown into different people. I will admit my kids are not the easy going type, they have strong opinions and can even be judgmental at times. I guess in light of seeing the interactions of the other two families, it made me feel like mine was just not jiving and going along with things easily. I mean for 4 days, they could have been a little more flexible (my kids) and did it for us? I don't know maybe my expectations are too high given that they are now adults

Bottom line I probably won't do that again. Might work for some but not for others. Vacations are meant to relax and rejuvenate not leave even more stressed then when you arrive!

Did you discuss your expectations with your children? It sounds like you are perfectly comfortable with your family dynamics but you expected your children to fold in better with the larger group dynamics. It sounds you did not make this explicit and then were disappoint that your kids did not pick up on your cues.

My kids are only teenagers but I absolutely expect them to soften and go with the flow in a group situation. They can be quiet and zone out later, no problem, and i give them plenty of space. But I do expect them to show some social grace as well - I think you are the one who said your kids wont laugh because its' phony? Sounds kinds of haughty to me. As I said, I don't have adult children, but if I did and them didn't seem interested in folding into the group situation, I would be asking myself why i am encouraging them to come and not just a family-only vacation later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why the hell would adult children with their own fiancés want to spend vacation time with their parents’ friends and their children? I thought you were going to be telling a story about ten year olds and tweens not being into it. Your children are adults and surely would prefer to pick who they vacation with. I would have been surly too, if I was being asked to spend all my meals with other random adults I was not friends with. What were the circumstances of your kids coming? Did you ask as them to do you a favor where you would pay for it? And they didn’t realize how much of it would be spending time as a big group with the other families?

The whole thing just seems utterly bizarre that 31 year old children would be part of a “families” vacation organized by the parent generation

+1. WTF, OP. Is this the post-middle age version of keeping up with the Jones? Let’s force my adult kids and their family to ski with strangers so we can all decide who is more lovely and perfect? Are you a troll? Have you lived your entire life like this? Your poor children.

absolutely not. They could have said no. They said yes. No one forced anyone. And for the record, for the skiing, we are all different levels. My kids are all experts so went of on their own most of the time. Most of others were beginner or intermediate skiers. Lived my entire life like what? Your message is BIZARRE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

to the poster above, correct on all. They were not purposely being mean or spiteful they just literally did not want to do some of the activities, (lunches, dinners) they did do some though.
We went to an indoor place where they had all these sports activities, they only joined us once or twice where the others mostly were there (at least more of the time). Yes they are independent and are independent thinkers. A lot of the planning was done somewhat last minute, dinners were planned ahead of time. Yes bringing the SO was important for them and we had no issues with it. I think as I have done this post it boils down to different family dynamics. My kids are true free thinkers, we raised them that way. So to them, they did nothing wrong.
The other kids of the other 2 families are. much more obedient (if that's the right word), compliant and generally more laid back. Who knows what they told their parents after some of the dinners? Maybe they really let into them the way 2 of mine did. I have no idea. I do know I learned a few good lessons. Won't likely do a big family trip with other families again. I will do a better job of outline the loose game plan ahead of time with them so I do not have false expectations. And will likely just keep the socializing to the sets of two parents who we like very much and refrain from extended family get togethers. For all I know, they had some gripes and frustrations too (arguments behind the scenes, etc...), maybe just did a better job of hiding it. Lesson learned! Thanks to all who chimed in.

lol.

If this is OP pls stay in your self inflated bubble and don’t go out with others. You are obviously just too smart and “independent” for everyone. Just keep telling yourself that. Eventually read up on narcissism when your kids hit rock bottom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, your family is the normal and well adjusted family. Your kids know themselves and act accordingly. At that age, they don't need your approval. You've raised them well.

The other families (especially the adult children!) are doing some ingrained performative bullshit. Country Club families are full of this culture. It's weird!


+1
We used to vacation with a family where the kids would always unquestioningly do whatever they were told and my kids were always the “complainers.” Turns out the dad was a total hardass behind closed doors and the kids cooperated so they wouldn’t piss him off. Needless to say we don’t vacation with them anymore.

How hard ass do you have to be about showing up for a meal on a group vacation?

Don't think its being hard ass its being an adult with an opinion. If these kids were say 16 or under it would be expected but really.....why should they have to conform to the plans if they don't feel like going? None of us like feeling pigeonholed do we?

Just communicate ahead of time and do a mix of things. Dont agree and then sulk and mope and No Show like a prick.

What’s this “feel like going” BS?

The time for that was when responding if you are attending or not. Or when the schedule was getting planned and discussed for the day or weekend.

Basic respectful and courteous: you do what you agreed to do.

Otherwise don’t agree and communicate that ahead of time to the group.

Then no one would be talking about this or OP wouldn’t be feeling bad. It’s truly that simple. Manners.

Communicate, and Be responsible for your decisions and behaviors. That’s adulting.

+1

OP and her kids misread the room on this trip.

They need to mature more before doing any more group trips or activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

to the poster above, correct on all. They were not purposely being mean or spiteful they just literally did not want to do some of the activities, (lunches, dinners) they did do some though.
We went to an indoor place where they had all these sports activities, they only joined us once or twice where the others mostly were there (at least more of the time). Yes they are independent and are independent thinkers. A lot of the planning was done somewhat last minute, dinners were planned ahead of time. Yes bringing the SO was important for them and we had no issues with it. I think as I have done this post it boils down to different family dynamics. My kids are true free thinkers, we raised them that way. So to them, they did nothing wrong.
The other kids of the other 2 families are. much more obedient (if that's the right word), compliant and generally more laid back. Who knows what they told their parents after some of the dinners? Maybe they really let into them the way 2 of mine did. I have no idea. I do know I learned a few good lessons. Won't likely do a big family trip with other families again. I will do a better job of outline the loose game plan ahead of time with them so I do not have false expectations. And will likely just keep the socializing to the sets of two parents who we like very much and refrain from extended family get togethers. For all I know, they had some gripes and frustrations too (arguments behind the scenes, etc...), maybe just did a better job of hiding it. Lesson learned! Thanks to all who chimed in.

"Free thinker" seems to be doing a lot of work here. Listen, OP, I was pretty sympathetic when I read your initial post, but during your updates, I have lost quite a lot of that. Your kids don't think it's important to show up to group activities during a group vacation, and ultimately you are okay with that (or it would have been a different conversation with your family). But you are embarrassed by how your choices and your families choices looked. Instead of owning that as you did in your OP, you are now resorting to this silly stuff about "Free thinking," "obedience," etc. Someone else could have easily said your adult kids -- who got a free vacation along with their SO -- were rude AF to skip on the group events that you, the parent and payer hoped they would attend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP did say the adult kids have known each other and are friends. This is probably a family friend child situation from childhood pushed out to adult children. Still though many times those friendships are like cousins. A bit forced and sometimes they click genuinely and sometimes not.

But to answer your question OP yes I’ve been on a group vacation and felt bad about my family and I didn’t go with those people again.

OP here yes kind of like that. Known each other a long time, have grown into different people. I will admit my kids are not the easy going type, they have strong opinions and can even be judgmental at times. I guess in light of seeing the interactions of the other two families, it made me feel like mine was just not jiving and going along with things easily. I mean for 4 days, they could have been a little more flexible (my kids) and did it for us? I don't know maybe my expectations are too high given that they are now adults

Bottom line I probably won't do that again. Might work for some but not for others. Vacations are meant to relax and rejuvenate not leave even more stressed then when you arrive!

Did you discuss your expectations with your children? It sounds like you are perfectly comfortable with your family dynamics but you expected your children to fold in better with the larger group dynamics. It sounds you did not make this explicit and then were disappoint that your kids did not pick up on your cues.

My kids are only teenagers but I absolutely expect them to soften and go with the flow in a group situation. They can be quiet and zone out later, no problem, and i give them plenty of space. But I do expect them to show some social grace as well - I think you are the one who said your kids wont laugh because its' phony? Sounds kinds of haughty to me. As I said, I don't have adult children, but if I did and them didn't seem interested in folding into the group situation, I would be asking myself why i am encouraging them to come and not just a family-only vacation later.

points above are well taken. No really did not discuss with them in advance, other than we had made some plans for dinner, sporting events, etc...I guess I expected they would join in or not, or maybe I knew they would be hardheaded so I didn't want to deal with it then (prior to trip dealing with an ill and aging parent)

Could they have been a little more easy going and go with the flow? Yes, and in fairness one of them was fairly cooperative. To say they won't laugh if they don'd find something funny is haughty is a real stretch however! It implies arrogance. I am this way too, I don't laugh if I genuinely don't find something funny. I think most are this way. Some people have more grace and consideration perhaps. I actually respect people who act like they feel. Nothing wrong with it IMO.

Looking back my mistake was not being clearer about both the plans and my expectations. If I had, perhaps I would never have felt compelled to write his post. and how knows maybe they would not have even come? But I think despite some hiccups, they did have a good time especially getting to ski. Lesson learned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

Again, independent would be having the self awareness to communicate your “independent wants” ahead of time. Not ducking out over and over again, saying nothing until later, if at all.

Independent would be saying up front what you want, why, and open it to discussion for others to also join or to understand you want alone time.

Independent used as a new PC word for self-centered and uncommunicative is truly bizarre.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

to the poster above, correct on all. They were not purposely being mean or spiteful they just literally did not want to do some of the activities, (lunches, dinners) they did do some though.
We went to an indoor place where they had all these sports activities, they only joined us once or twice where the others mostly were there (at least more of the time). Yes they are independent and are independent thinkers. A lot of the planning was done somewhat last minute, dinners were planned ahead of time. Yes bringing the SO was important for them and we had no issues with it. I think as I have done this post it boils down to different family dynamics. My kids are true free thinkers, we raised them that way. So to them, they did nothing wrong.
The other kids of the other 2 families are. much more obedient (if that's the right word), compliant and generally more laid back. Who knows what they told their parents after some of the dinners? Maybe they really let into them the way 2 of mine did. I have no idea. I do know I learned a few good lessons. Won't likely do a big family trip with other families again. I will do a better job of outline the loose game plan ahead of time with them so I do not have false expectations. And will likely just keep the socializing to the sets of two parents who we like very much and refrain from extended family get togethers. For all I know, they had some gripes and frustrations too (arguments behind the scenes, etc...), maybe just did a better job of hiding it. Lesson learned! Thanks to all who chimed in.

lol.

If this is OP pls stay in your self inflated bubble and don’t go out with others. You are obviously just too smart and “independent” for everyone. Just keep telling yourself that. Eventually read up on narcissism when your kids hit rock bottom.

Ok and your suggestions is........? What would you have done? Please tell me I am genuinely curious as to how you may have "righted" this ship.

[Anonymous]

OP the more you post, the more i think YOU are the one with severe social challenges, and that YOU are the one who was in over her head with this trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Sounds like loosy goosy let the kids be in charge, versus, cohesive best ideas all-in do it type families.

This.

op is a Troll or has very passive parenting style if any at all.

None of OP’s selective follow ups make sense at all.
Am going with another dcum TROLL thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

to the poster above, correct on all. They were not purposely being mean or spiteful they just literally did not want to do some of the activities, (lunches, dinners) they did do some though.
We went to an indoor place where they had all these sports activities, they only joined us once or twice where the others mostly were there (at least more of the time). Yes they are independent and are independent thinkers. A lot of the planning was done somewhat last minute, dinners were planned ahead of time. Yes bringing the SO was important for them and we had no issues with it. I think as I have done this post it boils down to different family dynamics. My kids are true free thinkers, we raised them that way. So to them, they did nothing wrong.
The other kids of the other 2 families are. much more obedient (if that's the right word), compliant and generally more laid back. Who knows what they told their parents after some of the dinners? Maybe they really let into them the way 2 of mine did. I have no idea. I do know I learned a few good lessons. Won't likely do a big family trip with other families again. I will do a better job of outline the loose game plan ahead of time with them so I do not have false expectations. And will likely just keep the socializing to the sets of two parents who we like very much and refrain from extended family get togethers. For all I know, they had some gripes and frustrations too (arguments behind the scenes, etc...), maybe just did a better job of hiding it. Lesson learned! Thanks to all who chimed in.

lol.

If this is OP pls stay in your self inflated bubble and don’t go out with others. You are obviously just too smart and “independent” for everyone. Just keep telling yourself that. Eventually read up on narcissism when your kids hit rock bottom.

Ok and your suggestions is........? What would you have done? Please tell me I am genuinely curious as to how you may have "righted" this ship.

Lol, this OP troll again?

[Anonymous]

I think OP is an overbearing immigrant mother based on her posts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you enjoy vacations with just your own family/kids at this point?

I do though they don't happen much anymore since they are all adults. I was thinking maybe we should try a family vacation just our family to see how it goes. My husband likes the idea a lot. My kids are very independent and I realized in looking at those other adult kids, they seem to be much more dependent on the parents and very compliant. Whatever the parents said is pretty much what they did. I guess I am just not used to that.

Some kids love to complain and do the opposite of what they’re told.
That’s not necessarily more “independent”.

Independent would be proposing a cool new thing to do and seeing who else was in, then doing that. Not being belligerent all weekend on an extended family vacation.

Also, bringing along a SO is a whole bag of tricks in and of itself.

Hmm, that doesn't sound independent to me. That sounds like a planner who is a little controlling, and it would annoy me.

To me, independent means someone who prefers to do what they want instead of just going along to get along. I have no problem with someone who decides to go take a shower and rest in their room after skiing, instead of joining everyone in the lodge for board games and snacks. If that's what they'd rather do, why would it bother me? There are times when I might do that too.

Also, why wouldn't an adult in their 20s bring their SO on a week long vacation? I think it's weirder to expect someone that age to NOT bring a SO on a trip like this. Especially when it's apparent that they are not close friends with the another adult kids on the trip. You only get so much vacation time at that age, I would have been nonplussed to spend 5 days of it on a family vacation with other families I was not that close to instead of with the person I was seriously dating at the time. And then what, when I want to go on a trip with my SO in the fall, I'm short on vacation days and we can only do a long weekend? I'd be pretty irritated by that, actually.

If you are so independent, then don't go on the vacation that irritates you. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

My kids are younger. We are a high functioning family. However, I often feel annoyed and not want to travel again with other families. We may be the family that other families think are tiring or inferior to. We are on a schedule meaning we eat meals at 8, 12 and 6pm. It is hard for us to travel with people who sleep all day or not planners. We always have the most money. Many people we travel with seem totally fine just lounging around and letting their kids be on their iPads.