Anonymous wrote:I have a bucket list that’s a mix of choices from me, my partner, and teen. Subcategories for best time of year for that destination and for who would go on that trip (whole family, just me and my partner, mother-daughter trip, etc.). So if I know I want to plan a summer trip for the whole family, I have a significantly shorter list to choose from. So that’s always my starting point — who is going and when.

This is how I do it too. Then generally start to look at where flight times and prices are good.

I have a bucket list that’s a mix of choices from me, my partner, and teen. Subcategories for best time of year for that destination and for who would go on that trip (whole family, just me and my partner, mother-daughter trip, etc.). So if I know I want to plan a summer trip for the whole family, I have a significantly shorter list to choose from. So that’s always my starting point — who is going and when.

We generally take more active vacations than not. We come up with a short list and then we go where the ticket takes us.

Plan the trip you want, op…recognizing what your family will likely enjoy.

There are so many places we haven't been, so we try to go somewhere new. Different cities in Europe, different beaches, different destinations. We do tend to alternate between different types of vacations as some family members prefer a city, others prefer more activity based and others prefer more nature than city. Places we've been as a family include Costa Rica, London, Alaska, Yellowstone, Puerto Rico, Montreal, Acadia, Iceland, Munich and Garmish

I get it, OP. Analysis paralysis is real! I just finally booked summer vacation this week because I couldn’t make a decision for months. It’s hard to please everyone (and at the end of the day it probably won’t, alas)

Where do you want to travel? As in you, OP?
Where is your dream destination?

We start with what kind of vacation we want. Strictly relaxing? Exploring a city? More nature/active? That helps narrow things down a ton. Then, how long are we going for? That will narrow things down further. From there, we usually go to Google flights and see what various costs are.

Generally, we like to explore new places except for places like Puerto Rico (usually our go to when we want a beach vacation) and then a couple major cities in Europe we sometimes try to work into an extended lay over.

Do you have the opportunity to travel every year? (Or more)
Can you travel somewhere new every other year? And repeat a destination you enjoyed the other year.

Anonymous wrote:I like to mix cities and nature, as do lots of people. So pick a city or somewhere in nature you'd like to see. It can be a National Park, but there's a lot of beauty even outside of those.

So Seattle and then Puget Sound Islands. Niagara Falls and then upstate NY parks. Boston and then the Maine coast. San Francisco and then go see the Redwood forest (or a million other places). Chicago and then hit a cabin further north on a Great Lake.

This is our approach as well, it's been the best way to ensure overall happiness on our family trips. If we are out in nature too long we all want the "stuff" available in a city. If we are in a city too long we want to see some nature, so aiming for both in a 10-12 day trip has worked well.

Maybe see what's on sale? "Going", previously Scott's Cheap flights, provides info on flight deals. You can look at Costco travel for ideas. Etc. Maybe you don't need the "deal" but at least it will get you and your family some ideas and maybe save a few bucks.

I like to mix cities and nature, as do lots of people. So pick a city or somewhere in nature you'd like to see. It can be a National Park, but there's a lot of beauty even outside of those.

So Seattle and then Puget Sound Islands. Niagara Falls and then upstate NY parks. Boston and then the Maine coast. San Francisco and then go see the Redwood forest (or a million other places). Chicago and then hit a cabin further north on a Great Lake.

Yes, OP, it's a big world out there.

PP is right; narrow down what you want to do first. Relax or sightsee? Also, what time of year are you thinking about? Hot/ cold weather. Etc.

Finally, if no one jumps in to offer an opinion, make the decision yourself!

It should be based on interest, and maybe crowds.

Cities, mountains, beach? History, nature, museums, outdoor activities? Narrow that down.

How do you decide where to go? City, nature/national park, beach? Something new vs. a repeat you enjoyed.

Asking my family (husband and two teens) doesn't help. Husband will say anywhere is fine. One kid will ask for a repeat trip and the other will ask for something new but is pretty flexible. Ugh.