Look at Tauck tours...Bridges tours. We've been on two--one in Italy, and one down the Danube River. It's the perfect situation, no matter what the age or physical condition, all generations have fun.

We love being together but having down time too. Majority of us have no desire to do an extended cruise. We go to an amazing hacienda that only rents to one group at a time with no more than about 18 people (younger kids don’t count.) There are 9 cottages spread out over several
acres. Its a perfect set up with a perfect mix of togetherness and privacy. With an on-site spa, simple gym, pool, games room-interesting things to do there but we also arrange day trips that some or all of us go on. Perfect level of staff that caters to everything without being intrusive. Our family is 12 adults, 4 kids over three generations. We didn’t go last two years but planning now for a return. Friends have told us a similar property in the Champagne region that we may try too.

Anonymous wrote:We love to do this once every few years and we'll get a big house somewhere in Europe. It's always so fun. We went to Spain in 2019 and stayed at this house (https://www.elmolinospain.com/). Was wonderful - huge grounds with a pool and tennis and animals and fresh eggs from the chickens. And close to a lot of really great places. I think we went to Ronda, Granada to see the Alhambra, Malaga, and Seville.

We've also done this in Provence and Italy and it always works out well.

Any recs for specific houses in Provence or Italy?

We did Iceland for an anniversary trip like this. One of my kids' all time favorites.

Seattle for a couple of days and then Anacortes or then Orcas Island

African safari. I would go for Botswana. Maybe stay at Little Mombo where you would have the entire camp to yourselves. Lots of bonding time around campfires and in the cars looking for animals.

Anonymous wrote:For two weeks?
Hawaii.
That gives time to deal with the time change. Go to a resort during the first week so no one has to deal with too many decisions like cooking while adjusting to the time change and every family has their own space.

Then the second week, get a house on another island.

Agree times one million. Sure the flight will suck for the people with the baby but Hawaii is worth it.

For two weeks?
Hawaii.
That gives time to deal with the time change. Go to a resort during the first week so no one has to deal with too many decisions like cooking while adjusting to the time change and every family has their own space.

Then the second week, get a house on another island.

Another vote for a Disney cruise.

I think a vacation sounds like a lovely idea but with children so young, a flight and time change to a place like Hawaii is asking for stress.

We did a disney cruise, pay for the luxury accomidations/private deck and its flat out awesome. Kids clubs provide parents a break. First and likely last cruise of my life but so well suited to a trip like this with various ages (but a week is plenty, two weeks is too long, do none of you work?)

Other trips we have done: Ski trip out west together, Italian Villa in tuscany with chef and staff, and dude ranch in wyoming. All great options.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly- that sounds like a nightmare, not dream, vacation. Kids that are too young to appreciate/ behave should stay home.

I don't get this. Do you never leave the house because your kids might not remember what you do? I've travelled all over the world with my kids since they were very young and exploring the world through my children's eyes has been truly amazing. They also remember a surprising amount from when they were young! And we love going through pictures to relive the memories. I completely understand if monetary restrictions are holding you back but if you can swing it, I think you should give it a chance.

Anonymous wrote:A large rented house in the Outer Banks

With a pool!

So boring.

We love to do this once every few years and we'll get a big house somewhere in Europe. It's always so fun. We went to Spain in 2019 and stayed at this house (https://www.elmolinospain.com/). Was wonderful - huge grounds with a pool and tennis and animals and fresh eggs from the chickens. And close to a lot of really great places. I think we went to Ronda, Granada to see the Alhambra, Malaga, and Seville.

We've also done this in Provence and Italy and it always works out well.

Honestly- that sounds like a nightmare, not dream, vacation. Kids that are too young to appreciate/ behave should stay home.

Costa Rica, Peace Lodge