Vacation Spot/Activity that was even BETTER than you imagined.

[Anonymous]

A lot of mine have already been mentioned.

South Dakota- so relaxing, great hiking,

Edinburgh- didn't know what to expect, but it was so enjoyable. So much to see and do, without being overwhelming. Also, for Europe, it's a very reasonably priced destination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For a family, the one that really blew me away and defied my (high!) expectations was a dude ranch week at the CM ranch in Wyoming. Extended on the front end and did Jackson Hole, amazing experience that we will never forget. Totally recommend.

Could you share the details? I'd love to do this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maine. We went because I didn't want to schlep internationally with a 5 year old. I was kind of resigned to it being a "back up vacation".

I LOVED it. More than I've loved most of Europe, actually. It was just the quaintest, most relaxing place, with the friendliest people. July had absolutely gorgeous weather for outdoor activities, everything was dog friendly (we had brought our little dog), and my son had a blast. I'd go back every year if I could.

Before becoming parents, we did Peru. I was nervous about the food/culture/etc as we hadn't traveled much, but oh my gosh, what an awesome country. We ate the best food we've ever had in our lives in Cusco, and everyone was amazingly friendly.

Where did you go in Maine? Sounds amazing to me, and we just spent the last four years living - and traveling - in Europe with our three children.

[Anonymous]

Sweden (4 days in Stockholm, 3 days in Vaxholm, 1 day at super small island ??? w/ amazing food and great sightseeing). Vaxholm was the highlight by far.

[Anonymous]

Kauai. So beautiful, so much to do, great food, great weather.

[Anonymous]

Park City Utah

[Anonymous]

Sicily— spent 2+ weeks there traveled all over and loved every single place we went. Would go back in a heartbeat. Hope they are doing ok.

[Anonymous]

Cornwall, England. We added it to our itinerary on a whim, but I loved it. Really want to go back. Rugged coastline, Arthurian legends, ruins, etc.

Easter Island. It was a bucket list trip for me, but actually being there was mind blowing. The accommodations were crap, and food is crazy expensive-but it’s all worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maine. We went because I didn't want to schlep internationally with a 5 year old. I was kind of resigned to it being a "back up vacation".

I LOVED it. More than I've loved most of Europe, actually. It was just the quaintest, most relaxing place, with the friendliest people. July had absolutely gorgeous weather for outdoor activities, everything was dog friendly (we had brought our little dog), and my son had a blast. I'd go back every year if I could.

Before becoming parents, we did Peru. I was nervous about the food/culture/etc as we hadn't traveled much, but oh my gosh, what an awesome country. We ate the best food we've ever had in our lives in Cusco, and everyone was amazingly friendly.

Where did you go in Maine? Sounds amazing to me, and we just spent the last four years living - and traveling - in Europe with our three children.

Yes PP where in Maine?

[Anonymous]

Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Boat ride through these canyons in Arizona

Munich with toddlers. The beer gardens all have playgrounds. Try to have one adult remain sober in order to wrangle the kids on the playground. If you take your kids to an indoor beer hall, no one will care if they are screaming because it's so noisy in there. WHo knew?

Custer State Park. We broke all the rules and petted the buffalo who were suprisingly friendly.

[Anonymous]

Not a vacation spot, but I dropped my kid off in Huntsville for Space camp one summer, and was surprised by how quaint their downtown area is. We enjoyed our short stay there.

[Anonymous]

Calabria (south Italy). Great food, pretty beaches with clear water, mountains, great food, hot springs, olive trees, great food ...

[Anonymous]

Resurrecting this thread to add Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. It was a dream. Dublin was kind of forgettable but I would spend weeks in Killarney without hesitation. The National Forest there is just stunning and on par with our hikes in Maui for the gorgeous, take your breath away, views

[Anonymous]

Disney World. I knew we would have fun with our kids but it was amazing. Can’t wait to go back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Resurrecting this thread to add Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. It was a dream. Dublin was kind of forgettable but I would spend weeks in Killarney without hesitation. The National Forest there is just stunning and on par with our hikes in Maui for the gorgeous, take your breath away, views

Totally agree. Killarney was an amazing surprise!