https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:02:41 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926332 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:55:57 +0000 hellobeeboston 2926332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: I swear I wrote about it on here somewhere but it's buried and I have no idea where ;)</p> <p>We went in July of 2018 - my kids were 6 &amp; 3. We did 2 weeks - first week we just just outside of Lisbon in Cascais - a smaller coastal town with a train right into downtown Lisbon that we could walk to. We stayed in an AirBnB overlooking the ocean and there was a boardwalk and the condo had a garage as we rented a car for our entire 2 weeks. We did a day trip to Sintra to see the moorish castles which was amazing. We actually hiked up and the kids loved it... Could've done 2 days there. We took the train into Lisbon &amp; explored, did 1 or 2 full days and some quicker trips - the kids didn't love the city as much as we did - the aquarium there was amazing and that was a big hit. Then we drove out and did separate beach trips along the western coast - so stunningly beautiful.</p> <p>Week 2 we packed up and drove down south (maybe 4 hours?) and that was a more typical beach vacation week. We stayed at a fantastic hotel (Alba Suites) that was secluded but right on the cliffs by all of the famous beaches. Not a good spot if you don't have a car. We did a day boat trip out to see the Benagil Caves, and we hiked the coast, found hidden beaches, hung by the pool at the hotel (lots of pool time), drank smoothies, drove go carts, shopping, exploring the smaller less touristy towns, and out to dinner.</p> <p>Week 1 was a bit more culture and historic Portugal, Week 2 was more touristy beach vacation - BUT the beaches there are unlike here, huge massive cliffs, lots of caves. It's really so stunning. </p> <p>Ahh, that was fun re-living that trip. That was one of our favorite vacations ever and we are 100% going back to explore more of the country. It was very affordable, wonderful food, lovely people. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926331 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:36:30 +0000 agold 2926331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: Please share more about Portugal! Where did you stay? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926327 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:48:51 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>thanks everyone for your suggestions!! I am putting South Portugal on my list to go with my friend. We wouldn't go as a family of 4 to any beach area: my husband likes his phone. I don't love the beach but like it with good company (family, friend). We've put that whole plan to next year :( as too many houses are booked already. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926309 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:29:01 +0000 hellobeeboston 2926309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: it will probably be HOT, but we went to Hilton Head, SC last year and there are SO MANY beautiful homes right on the ocean with pools. It was affordable, and you could walk/bike to lots of restaurants/attractions depending on the house!</p> <p>The Algarve in southern Portugal is also amazing. It's a quick flight from Boston to get to Lisbon (5/6 hr flight)... we brought our young kids there a few years ago and absolutely loved it. </p> <p>The OuterBanks also has a ton of beautiful large homes oceanfront, also many with pools - not a ton to do down there but could be great for a large group gathering, and you'd be right on the beach. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926299 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 13:21:22 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2926299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Palmetto Bluff South Carolina? You may be able to find something throughout the Carolina’s. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926295 Fri, 04 Feb 2022 12:24:08 +0000 agold 2926295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: I don't like my kids to miss school, either. So if its my own family vacation that I'm planning, I do my best to not have them miss any. I'd be more flexible (a) if someone else was paying for it; or (b) if its to visit family who have their own scheduling difficulties. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926291 Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:00:29 +0000 karenbme 2926291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: Costa Rica is very safe. When we were there we rented a car and drove ourselves, stopped a few places on the side of the road, etc. and had no problems. Especially if you stick to tourist areas you’ll be fine.</p> <p>The level of wildlife depends on where you are. Near Manuel Antonio National Park the animals are everywhere so much that the hotel we stayed at warned us to lock our balcony doors so that the capuchin monkeys wouldn’t come in to steal food. They never went on the balcony when we were out there, but they were definitely there when we were inside. But it also means you may have a beach day with a sloth in the tree right above your beach chair, which happened to me. Outside of that specific area, though, the wildlife was much more similar to a US National Park, in that you can see animals but you usually have to look for them and/or have helpful locals point them out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926289 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:06:36 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: Gorgeous. I wish my kids were still in daycare. I wouldn't have to care about school. I am very against missing school for a vacation... too strict? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926288 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:05:27 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jess1483: How safe is Costa Rica? I wanted to be in a resort... I am also wondering about the wildlife. I like monkeys in the zoo... you know? not next to me... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926287 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:04:25 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: David Ortiz got shot in DR so to him, it's not safe. I was in DR before and know that if you stay close to a resort, you are OK. I wouldn't be driving around. I liked that house because you had access to a chef (but you had to buy the food) , you had a maid and you had access to the resort next door. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926286 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 16:16:55 +0000 karenbme 2926286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This has availability in late April/early May. Not staffed but so gorgeous! <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/1419659?adultsCount=14&#038;noDates=true&#038;unitId=1978141" rel="nofollow">https://www.vrbo.com/1419659?adultsCount=14&#038;noDates=true&#038;unitId=1978141</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926285 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 16:11:57 +0000 karenbme 2926285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: that house looks amazing! What’s the issue with the DR? Or is it that he would rather be home alone for a week? And, I agree with @Jess1483: there are probably some great houses at that price point in Costa Rica, too. Or if you want an easier flight from Boston, Jamaica, the Caymans or the Bahamas are also beautiful. Boston to Costa Rica’s not bad—I flew there from Boston in 2016 and it was less than one full travel day, but many of the flights layover in Panama City, which was a total zoo, and less English friendly than just about any other place I’ve traveled in Latin Am. I can’t imagine navigating that airport with 6 kids in tow. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926284 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:08:57 +0000 Jess1483 2926284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: There are some good VRBO houses like this in Costa Rica too! Have you looked there for VRBO? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926282 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:45:05 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChitownRo: @MamaCate: So after talking to my family, there are only interested in beach destination. Doesn't have to be in the Caribbean. I found a rental which I thought was really good<br /> <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/434777?adultsCount=8&#038;arrival=2022-07-02&#038;childrenCount=6&#038;departure=2022-07-09&#038;unitId=1017827" rel="nofollow">https://www.vrbo.com/434777?adultsCount=8&#038;arrival=2022-07-02&#038;childrenCount=6&#038;departure=2022-07-09&#038;unitId=1017827</a><br /> But my husband refuses to go to DR. So at this point, we are not going to go anywhere. He told me to go without him... to just bring the kids. My family wants him to be included, even though all he would do is look on his phone. Wifi is the most important thing.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926281 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:35:53 +0000 ChitownRo 2926281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: the big homes to rent near Zion (St George) are really affordable! My speculation is that the whole area is family friendly bc of the LDS population </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926275 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 21:00:30 +0000 MamaCate 2926275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: I am sure there are lots of places closer to you that have options! I didn’t actually price the fancy villas but they sounded so much like what might work for your needs. We are also on the west coast so the flight and everything were easier. </p> <p>I know we also discussed a big family trip to Puerto Rico or the Caribbean before Covid. You might try vrbo or another site to see what they have to meet your needs if there is a destination that appeals too? Like this: <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/9059677ha?adultsCount=14&#038;noDates=true&#038;unitId=8044127" rel="nofollow">https://www.vrbo.com/9059677ha?adultsCount=14&#038;noDates=true&#038;unitId=8044127</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926253 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:17:46 +0000 JJ2626 2926253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sunriver, Oregon might work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926252 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:06:03 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: I did look at Hawaii. I think if we all fit it wouldn't be too bad... but renting 2 houses is expensive. I think we will stay home :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926251 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:05:10 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: it looks amazing... but it's so out of my price range. A quick look at sleep-14... shows it cost 8500 per night :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926250 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:14:13 +0000 Jess1483 2926250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mommy Finger: I’ll report back in March! But I may or may not have multiple countdowns going on in my house/phone/head. I cannot wait!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926246 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:16:35 +0000 agold 2926246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Look into Punta Mita. Get a house with a staff. You will never consider vacationing with family any other way again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926244 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:21:26 +0000 Mommy Finger 2926244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jess1483: I am now obsessed with wanting to stay somewhere on this property! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926235 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 17:42:03 +0000 MamaCate 2926235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: don’t know if Hawaii is on your list to consider but we went to Maui last summer and stayed at the Honua Kai. They have new “Garden Villas” in the back of the property that looked great for a larger family group. I think for that many people you could rent two sides so you would have the whole villa with a kitchen, outdoor grill, living room etc. You can walk to the beach, there is a restaurant on site and multiple pools. We would love to go back with extended family someday:</p> <p><a href="https://www.honuakai.com/accommodations/luana-garden-villas" rel="nofollow">https://www.honuakai.com/accommodations/luana-garden-villas</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926234 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 15:05:27 +0000 ChitownRo 2926234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are going to the Southwest this summer. Our plan is to fly to Vegas, drive to Zion, day trip to Grand Canyon, then drive to Page Az (horseshoe bend and lake Powell).<br /> There are lots of fun communities and giant kid friendly rental homes near Zion. Lodging is a little trickier near the Grand Canyon and Page. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926233 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 12:37:17 +0000 bakingdoodle 2926233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all the suggestions!!<br /> 1) my parents are in Canada<br /> 2) I am in the Boston area.<br /> In the past we went to the Cape and my mom likes spending time with us... but missed the shopping and activities. We are also trying to stay away from having to drive cars to the beach... because with 14 people, it will take us at least an hour just to get out of the house...<br /> I think I have to go to a resort where there will be food available and activities for the kids. No shopping but my mom will be Ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926232 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 20:05:54 +0000 karenbme 2926232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, just throwing this out there, I’ve been looking at live aboard boats in the Galapagos for my 10th anniversary and most of those have a capacity of 15-20. Not the most practical with a baby, but would be so cool to do as a private group </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926231 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 20:02:45 +0000 karenbme 2926231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: I agree that a house will be a better option with a tiny baby. Staying at a resort with little little kids is a challenge because you can’t really feed them, put them to bed, and then hang out in common spaces—someone has to stay back in the room from like 7:00 on, which is a bummer. </p> <p>If it were me, I would lean towards planning something driving distance for anyone with kids who can’t be vaxxed yet unless you know they’re comfortable committing now to flying with unvaccinated babies just in case. Most beach towns up and down the East coast will have the types of houses you’re looking for though. The outer banks is great. I love downeast Maine, too. Personally I don’t love the cape, because of how crowded it is, but there are some amazing rentals there if you’ve got the budget.</p> <p>@Jess1483: You are going to have the best time! DH and I went to CR in 2016 and spent a week in the Manuel Antonio area and it is the most beautiful beach with SO much wildlife all around. Watch out for the raccoons and capuchins though, they can and do open tourists’ bags, not ours thankfully but we saw it happen multiple times. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926230 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 19:21:07 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2926230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Beach front home with a pool in myrtle beach. We’ve done it with family and it was a blast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926229 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 18:10:34 +0000 HappyBaker 2926229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about Outer Banks, NC? Not a resort or planned activities but you can get amazing huge houses with a pool and beach right out front. We’ve done trips there with 14-20 people and the houses are so big it feels fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-vacation-planning#post-2926228 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 17:07:48 +0000 Jess1483 2926228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: Oh bummer! I didn't look at the availability. It's kind of strange that they all look 100% booked all summer. It may be worth sending them a message (they're super responsive) and/or I bet they might have other suggestions of places nearby. </p> <p>And yes! I think if you're splitting a house with a group, it can end up being a decent price! </p>