PP you responded to- can you tell your sister you really don't want to go because of traffic and the kids sleeping (or not sleeping) habits (solidarity with you on that- I've been up since 4 am with my early riser). If she knows then maybe together you can come up with a different plan . I think everyone is probably secretly wanting someone to say no! (Esp your sun hating dad )

Anonymous wrote:To me it sounds like your parents are just trying to do what they hear other grandparents doing - like they are jealous of other families planning trips to the beach ? If your sister thinks it will crumble , maybe they won't care if you are the one to say it won't work- I imagine your siblings are thinking the same things as you but also don't want to be the one to say no. The car trip sounds horrible - the other PP warning about traffic is right . Maybe suggest a shorter trip closer in? Like something you can do in a weekend? Dutch wonderland or Hershey ?

OP here and you're exactly right. My sister and I aren't sure if my parents want to go, or just think that they should because it is what everyone else does.

Holy SHIT, just say you can’t go.

My only concern about delaying the trip for a year would be the age of the grandparents and how I would feel if something unexpected happened to one of them between now and then.

If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. But if you could manage to swing it at all, it could be a wonderful opportunity for the grandparents to spend some time with your children.

Is there any chance your parents would help you out financially if they knew this was such a stretch for you?

To me it sounds like your parents are just trying to do what they hear other grandparents doing - like they are jealous of other families planning trips to the beach ? If your sister thinks it will crumble , maybe they won't care if you are the one to say it won't work- I imagine your siblings are thinking the same things as you but also don't want to be the one to say no. The car trip sounds horrible - the other PP warning about traffic is right . Maybe suggest a shorter trip closer in? Like something you can do in a weekend? Dutch wonderland or Hershey ?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
How would 1000 set you back from getting a house 6 months? Are you putting 100/mo aside for car and a house? This whole thing just makes no sense.

I think there’s really a different reason the OP is hedging. The money is just an excuse, otherwise she would’ve said no right away. She’d drop the money with no hesitation if it was just a vacation for herself and her DH.

I don’t know OP’s family or their issues, but since she asked what I’d do — I’d go. Love the OBX!

Agree. Op's numbers don't make sense at all. If you don't want to go, just tell them it's not going to work for you this year.

Guys please, I’m not going to break down our finances for you. Im typing quickly, and thinking quickly. This is an anonymous forum, not a meeting with a financial advisor.

We cannot afford this trip.

The comments about going on another trip was in response to a post on page 1 (?) where PP said she went to Japan even though they couldn’t afford it.

I’m still confused what the issue is. Simply tell them you can’t go. ASAP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, the answer is no. Don't go into debt if you can avoid it.

The OP explained in a later post that they’d be dipping into savings, not actually going into debt.

And that spending the 1000 would set them back six months on being able to buy a house and car.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
How would 1000 set you back from getting a house 6 months? Are you putting 100/mo aside for car and a house? This whole thing just makes no sense.

I think there’s really a different reason the OP is hedging. The money is just an excuse, otherwise she would’ve said no right away. She’d drop the money with no hesitation if it was just a vacation for herself and her DH.

I don’t know OP’s family or their issues, but since she asked what I’d do — I’d go. Love the OBX!

Agree. Op's numbers don't make sense at all. If you don't want to go, just tell them it's not going to work for you this year.

Guys please, I’m not going to break down our finances for you. Im typing quickly, and thinking quickly. This is an anonymous forum, not a meeting with a financial advisor.

We cannot afford this trip.

The comments about going on another trip was in response to a post on page 1 (?) where PP said she went to Japan even though they couldn’t afford it.

you're asking for advice and starting off with bad information. And wasting everyone's time. Just don't go, but don't try to justify it by saying you would have to go into debt for a trip. Barring extreme circumstances, no one should do that.

Just don't go and stop wasting everyone's time. Honestly, I smell troll.

Anonymous wrote:OP, the answer is no. Don't go into debt if you can avoid it.

The OP explained in a later post that they’d be dipping into savings, not actually going into debt.

The only hesitation I’d have with the two small babies, a 9 month old and a 2-year old, is the car trip if you’re going during the peak summer season, because of the traffic. Travel really early or really late.

Otherwise, the kids will love it. The baby will love watching the older kids, and the older kids will enjoy playing with the baby. Being active outdoors everyday will burn up their energy and so they probably will sleep very well. The sounds of the ocean are also relaxing. Your parents may babysit or maybe you can trade off with your sister, and so you and your DH can have the chance to get out alone.

OP, the answer is no. Don't go into debt if you can avoid it.