The scenario: You live afar from your family & friends and contemplating your next vacation. Your mother wants to organize a baptism for the baby and your childhood friend is getting married and asked you to be a bridesmaid. Very convenient since both events are in your hometown.

OPTION 1: Visit family & friends (for 3 weeks)

Pros:
+ Your mom & grandma can meet LO.
+ You'll be there for your friend's wedding
+ Having a baptism at home (IF it's possible, the requirements are strict & it may not be possible)

Cons:
- You, DH & baby will be stuck in a small room for the duration of your stay
- Your mother works long hours, so there's really only the weekends.
- Extra long travel time with a 7 month old!
- Extra costs include: a rent-a-car, gas, eating out, bridesmaid dress & accessories.
- Total costs will be at least 3 times more than Option 2.
- Any additional travel (while there) will increase costs to at least 4 times more.

OPTION 2: A real vacation at an all-inclusive resort (for 1 week)

Pros:
+ It costs 1/3 of Option 1.
+ You're getting away to a real vacation at a place you've never been to.
+ Much shorter travel time.
+ No worries about food & drinks since it's all inclusive.
+ Resort is family friendly.

Cons:
- This might be the last chance for your grandma to meet LO (although she's perfectly strong and healthy, she's getting old).
- You're going to miss out on your friend's wedding.

So, what would you do? Go on a real vacation or visit your family & friends?

Note: Going the following year would probably be a better option (when LO is a toddler), in either case no one will feel bad about you not making it. Friend and grandma would both understand.