Sample Vacations

Below are 15 sample vacation ideas - 5 in each price tier - so you can see how detailed our plans are. The plans you buy are even longer and personalized to your exact family, budget, and preferences.

Budget Vacations

Budget

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Good for: Grandparents and grandkids, nature lovers, first-time travelers.

Estimated total: $450 - $750 for a family of four (3 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive in Pigeon Forge: Drive in mid-afternoon, check into a budget cabin or motel. Easy dinner at a pancake house. Walk the Parkway to see the lights.
• Day 2 - National Park Day: Drive Cades Cove loop in the morning (free, easy, lots of wildlife). Pack sandwiches. Afternoon stop at a swimming hole. Quiet dinner back at cabin.
• Day 3 - Easy Adventure: Morning Dollywood visit (kid favorite) or short Laurel Falls hike for adults. Lunch at a casual BBQ spot. Mini-golf or fudge shop in the evening.
• Day 4 - Relax and Drive Home: Slow breakfast, scenic drive through the mountains, lunch on the road.

Hotel style: Riverside cabins, Microtel, Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge

Food ideas: Pancake Pantry, Bennett's BBQ, Mama's Farmhouse

Activities: Cades Cove drive, Dollywood, easy waterfall hikes, mini-golf

Why families like it: Free park access, easy walking, calm pace, kid-friendly food

Budget

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Good for: Big families on a budget, beach lovers, kids who want a pool.

Estimated total: $600 - $1,000 for a family of four (4 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Settle In: Check into an oceanfront condo. Walk the beach at sunset. Pizza dinner in the room.
• Day 2 - Beach and Pool: Morning beach with chairs and umbrella. Lunch at the hotel snack bar. Afternoon pool. Evening boardwalk and SkyWheel ride.
• Day 3 - Family Fun Day: Ripley's Aquarium in the morning (kids love it). Lunch at Pirate's Voyage or a casual seafood place. Afternoon mini-golf.
• Day 4 - Slow Beach Day: Quiet morning, big beach session, ice cream, last sunset stroll. Pack up.

Hotel style: Family condos with kitchen and pool, Holiday Inn Resort

Food ideas: Sea Captain's House, Hot Stacks, Pirate's Voyage dinner show

Activities: Beach, Aquarium, mini-golf, boardwalk, SkyWheel

Why families like it: Cheap rooms, big beach, lots of kid stuff, easy walking

Budget

Lake George, New York

Good for: Northeast families, lake lovers, multi-generation trips.

Estimated total: $550 - $900 for a family of four (3 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive at the Lake: Check into a lakefront motel. Walk the village. Casual dinner at a pizzeria.
• Day 2 - Lake Day: Morning Minne-Ha-Ha steamboat ride. Lunch at the Boardwalk Restaurant. Afternoon swimming and paddleboats. Ice cream at Martha's.
• Day 3 - Theme Park or Hike: Six Flags Great Escape for kids, or a calm Prospect Mountain drive for grandparents. Dinner at the Adirondack Pub.
• Day 4 - Slow Morning, Drive Home: Breakfast on the lake, last walk, easy drive home.

Hotel style: Lakefront motels with pools, Quality Inn Lake George

Food ideas: Mama Riso's, the Log Jam, Martha's Dandee Cream

Activities: Steamboat, swimming, paddleboats, Six Flags, mountain drive

Why families like it: Walkable, calm water, all ages happy, short drive

Budget

Washington, D.C.

Good for: Families with school-aged kids, history fans, low-cost cities.

Estimated total: $700 - $1,100 for a family of four (3 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Stretch: Take the Metro from the airport. Light dinner near the hotel. Easy night walk past the White House.
• Day 2 - Free Museums Day: Air and Space Museum (free!) in the morning. Lunch at the food trucks on the Mall. Afternoon at Natural History (the dinosaurs). Dinner in Chinatown.
• Day 3 - Monuments and Memorials: Morning Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool. Afternoon Vietnam Memorial and WWII Memorial. Quiet dinner near hotel.
• Day 4 - Capitol or Departure: Capitol tour if booked. Or a slow breakfast and head home.

Hotel style: Holiday Inn Capitol, Hampton Inn DC, Pod DC

Food ideas: Ben's Chili Bowl, Old Ebbitt Grill (lunch), food trucks on the Mall

Activities: Smithsonian museums, monuments, Capitol tour, Metro rides

Why families like it: Almost everything is free, walkable, deeply educational

Budget

Branson, Missouri

Good for: Older couples, multi-generation families, value seekers.

Estimated total: $500 - $850 for a family of four (3 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Show Night: Easy check-in at a budget hotel. Comfort food dinner. Catch a country music show.
• Day 2 - Lake Day: Showboat Branson Belle lunch cruise. Afternoon at Table Rock Lake. Casual BBQ dinner.
• Day 3 - Silver Dollar City Day: Theme park focused on old crafts and rides. Pretzels, fudge, family rides. Pizza dinner.
• Day 4 - Slow Drive Home: Light breakfast, last shop at outlets, head home.

Hotel style: Welk Resort, Castle Rock, Best Western Center Pointe

Food ideas: Mel's Hard Luck Diner, Showboat Belle, Florentina's

Activities: Music shows, Silver Dollar City, lake cruise, outlets

Why families like it: Very affordable, slow pace, lots for grandparents

Mid-Range Vacations

Mid-Range

Orlando, Florida

Good for: Families with kids, theme park fans, first big trip.

Estimated total: $1,800 - $3,500 for a family of four (5 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Pool: Land at MCO, check into a Disney Moderate or Universal Cabana Bay. Pool afternoon. Easy dinner at Disney Springs.
• Day 2 - Magic Kingdom: Early entry. Big rides first. Lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus. Afternoon nap. Evening fireworks.
• Day 3 - Animal Kingdom or Universal: Morning safari and Pandora. Lunch at Yak & Yeti. Afternoon at the resort pool.
• Day 4 - Off-Park Day: Mini-golf, dinner show, slow morning, mall trip. Recovery time matters.
• Day 5 - Last Park Day: Whichever park the kids loved most. Buy souvenirs. Early dinner at Beaches & Cream.
• Day 6 - Fly Home: Pool morning, late checkout, drive to airport.

Hotel style: Disney's Caribbean Beach, Universal Cabana Bay, Hyatt Regency Orlando

Food ideas: Be Our Guest, Earl of Sandwich, Margaritaville at City Walk

Activities: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal, mini-golf, pool

Why families like it: Magical for kids, lots of options, easy to scale up or down

Mid-Range

New York City Long Weekend

Good for: Couples, adult kids with parents, big-city first-timers.

Estimated total: $1,500 - $2,800 for two people (4 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Walk: Drop bags at a midtown hotel. Slow walk through Central Park. Dinner at a classic Italian spot.
• Day 2 - Iconic Day: Top of the Rock at sunset. Lunch at Carnegie Deli style. Broadway show evening.
• Day 3 - Downtown Day: 9/11 Memorial morning. Lunch in Little Italy. Afternoon Statue of Liberty ferry. Dinner in Greenwich Village.
• Day 4 - Museum Day: Met Museum morning. Lunch on Madison. Afternoon shopping on Fifth. Quiet dinner near hotel.
• Day 5 - Brunch and Home: Slow brunch in midtown. Cab to airport.

Hotel style: Pod 51, Hyatt Times Square, Refinery Hotel

Food ideas: Carmine's, Joe's Pizza, Russ & Daughters, Les Halles

Activities: Broadway, museums, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty, Central Park

Why families like it: Walkable, no car, world-class culture, every block is something

Mid-Range

San Diego, California

Good for: Sunshine seekers, calm beach families, older travelers.

Estimated total: $2,000 - $3,500 for a family of four (5 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Walk Coronado: Land at SAN, head to Mission Bay or Coronado. Walk the beach. Casual dinner at the pier.
• Day 2 - Zoo Day: San Diego Zoo morning (best in the world). Lunch in Balboa Park. Afternoon nap, then Old Town for dinner.
• Day 3 - Beach Day: La Jolla Cove morning to see seals. Lunch at George's. Afternoon at the beach. Sunset at Sunset Cliffs.
• Day 4 - Sea World or Midway: Sea World for kids, USS Midway for adults. Pier 1 dinner with the bay view.
• Day 5 - Easy Day: Morning paddleboat or harbor cruise. Lunch in Little Italy. Afternoon at the pool. Quiet last dinner.
• Day 6 - Fly Home: Beach walk, brunch, fly out.

Hotel style: Catamaran Resort, Hotel del Coronado vibe, Hyatt Mission Bay

Food ideas: Hodad's burgers, Phil's BBQ, George's at the Cove

Activities: Zoo, Sea World, La Jolla seals, Coronado beach, harbor cruise

Why families like it: Calm weather, easy beaches, friendly pace, great zoo

Mid-Range

Las Vegas + Grand Canyon

Good for: Couples, adult families, nature plus city combo.

Estimated total: $1,800 - $3,000 for two people (5 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas: Strip walk. Casual dinner at Mon Ami Gabi watching Bellagio fountains.
• Day 2 - Show Day: Buffet brunch. Pool afternoon. Cirque du Soleil show evening. Late-night gelato.
• Day 3 - Drive to Grand Canyon: Easy 4-hour drive. Lunch at a roadside diner. South Rim sunset is unforgettable.
• Day 4 - Canyon Day: Easy rim walk in the morning. Mule overlook lunch. Afternoon helicopter tour optional.
• Day 5 - Drive Back to Vegas: Stop at Hoover Dam. Steakhouse dinner. Last casino night.
• Day 6 - Fly Home: Slow brunch, fly out.

Hotel style: The Cosmopolitan, Park MGM, Bright Angel Lodge at Grand Canyon

Food ideas: Bacchanal Buffet, Mon Ami Gabi, El Tovar dining room

Activities: Strip, shows, Grand Canyon rim walk, Hoover Dam

Why families like it: Two trips in one - bright city plus stunning nature

Mid-Range

Charleston, South Carolina

Good for: Couples, food lovers, history fans, calm long weekends.

Estimated total: $1,400 - $2,400 for two people (4 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Stroll: Check into a French Quarter B&B. Sunset walk on the Battery. Dinner at Husk.
• Day 2 - History Day: Carriage tour morning. Lunch at Hyman's Seafood. Afternoon Fort Sumter ferry.
• Day 3 - Plantation and Beach: Magnolia Plantation morning. Drive to Sullivan's Island for lunch. Afternoon beach walk.
• Day 4 - Food Day: Slow breakfast at Hominy Grill. Shopping on King Street. Cooking class evening.
• Day 5 - Brunch and Fly Home: Last brunch, drive to airport.

Hotel style: Wentworth Mansion, Andrew Pinckney Inn, Mills House

Food ideas: Husk, FIG, Hyman's Seafood, Hominy Grill

Activities: Carriage tour, Fort Sumter, plantation, beach, King Street shops

Why families like it: Beautiful, walkable, quiet pace, top food, deep history

Luxury Vacations

Luxury

Maui, Hawaii

Good for: Anniversary trips, dream vacations, multi-generation luxury.

Estimated total: $7,000 - $14,000 for two people (7 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive in Paradise: Direct flight to OGG. Resort transfer. Welcome lei. Sunset dinner at Mama's Fish House.
• Day 2 - Resort Day: Slow breakfast on the lanai. Beach cabana with butler service. Spa massage. Dinner at the resort's signature restaurant.
• Day 3 - Road to Hana: Private guided tour with stops at waterfalls and black sand beach. Picnic lunch. Quiet dinner back at resort.
• Day 4 - Snorkel Day: Private boat to Molokini Crater. Champagne lunch on board. Afternoon nap. Sushi dinner.
• Day 5 - Haleakala Sunrise: Pre-dawn drive to the crater. Late breakfast at Kula Lodge. Spa afternoon. Casual dinner.
• Day 6 - Beach Day: Wailea Beach morning. Lunch at Monkeypod. Afternoon golf or pool.
• Day 7 - Last Day: Brunch. Last beach walk. Sunset dinner at the cliffside restaurant.
• Day 8 - Fly Home: Slow morning, late checkout, depart.

Hotel style: Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Andaz Maui, Grand Wailea

Food ideas: Mama's Fish House, Morimoto, Spago, Monkeypod Kitchen

Activities: Road to Hana, Molokini snorkel, Haleakala sunrise, spa, golf

Why families like it: True paradise, top service, every sense covered

Luxury

Paris, France

Good for: Romantic couples, art lovers, retirement travel.

Estimated total: $6,500 - $12,000 for two people (6 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Walk: Private car from CDG. Check into a 5-star near the Louvre. Light lunch. Slow stroll along the Seine. Dinner at a Michelin bistro.
• Day 2 - Louvre Day: Private guide for the Louvre morning. Lunch at Cafe Marly. Afternoon Tuileries. Evening Eiffel Tower with champagne.
• Day 3 - Versailles: Private car to Versailles. Skip-the-line tour. Lunch in the garden. Afternoon return. Quiet hotel dinner.
• Day 4 - Montmartre: Slow morning. Walk Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur. Lunch at La Maison Rose. Afternoon shopping in Le Marais.
• Day 5 - Day Trip: Loire Valley wine tour or Giverny gardens. Picnic lunch. Return for dinner cruise on the Seine.
• Day 6 - Last Treat: Cooking class morning. Afternoon at Musee d'Orsay. Anniversary dinner at a 3-star restaurant.
• Day 7 - Fly Home: Slow breakfast, private transfer.

Hotel style: Le Bristol, Ritz Paris, Hotel Plaza Athenee

Food ideas: Le Jules Verne, L'Ambroisie, Septime, Pierre Herme pastries

Activities: Louvre, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise, Montmartre

Why families like it: Unforgettable, romantic, walkable, history at every step

Luxury

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Good for: Couples, food and wine lovers, milestone trips.

Estimated total: $8,000 - $16,000 for two people (7 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive in Positano: Private car from Naples. Cliffside hotel check-in. Aperitivo at the rooftop. Easy dinner at Chez Black.
• Day 2 - Beach and Boat: Private gozzo boat to Capri. Lunch at Da Paolino. Swim in the Blue Grotto. Sunset return.
• Day 3 - Pompeii: Private guide to Pompeii morning. Lunch in Sorrento. Afternoon spa. Dinner at La Tagliata under the stars.
• Day 4 - Cooking Day: Lemon farm tour. Hands-on cooking class with limoncello. Quiet hotel night.
• Day 5 - Ravello and Concert: Drive up to Ravello. Villa Cimbrone gardens. Dinner before a sunset concert at Villa Rufolo.
• Day 6 - Slow Day: Beach club lounging. Spa. Long Italian lunch. Romantic dinner at Don Alfonso.
• Day 7 - Last Boat Day: Private boat to Praiano caves. Champagne picnic on the water.
• Day 8 - Fly Home: Private car to airport.

Hotel style: Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, Hotel Santa Caterina Amalfi

Food ideas: Don Alfonso, La Tagliata, Da Paolino, Ristorante Pellegrino

Activities: Capri boat day, Pompeii, Ravello concerts, cooking class, spa

Why families like it: Stunning views, slow Italian rhythm, world-class food

Luxury

Los Cabos, Mexico

Good for: Couples, family reunions, easy luxury close to home.

Estimated total: $5,500 - $11,000 for two people (5 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive and Sunset: Private SUV transfer. All-inclusive resort check-in. Sunset on the beach. Tequila tasting.
• Day 2 - Boat Day: Private yacht to El Arco. Snorkel. Champagne lunch on board. Couples massage afternoon. Steakhouse dinner.
• Day 3 - Golf or Spa: Tee time at Cabo del Sol or full spa day. Lunch at Flora Farms. Quiet pool afternoon. Sushi dinner.
• Day 4 - Town and Whales: Whale-watching tour (winter) or ATV desert tour. Lunch in San Jose del Cabo. Art walk evening.
• Day 5 - Last Pool Day: Cabana with private server. Light spa. Sunset omakase dinner.
• Day 6 - Fly Home: Late checkout, private transfer.

Hotel style: One&Only Palmilla, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Esperanza

Food ideas: Flora Farms, El Farallon, Nick-San sushi, La Lupita

Activities: Yacht to El Arco, golf, spa, whale watching, ATV tour

Why families like it: Short flight, world-class resorts, warm year-round

Luxury

Aspen, Colorado

Good for: Active couples, multi-generation winter or summer trips.

Estimated total: $7,000 - $15,000 for two people (5 nights)

• Day 1 - Arrive in the Mountains: Private SUV from DEN. Check into the Little Nell. Welcome champagne. Walk to the gondola plaza. Dinner at Element 47.
• Day 2 - Mountain Day: Ski private lessons (winter) or hike Maroon Bells (summer). Lunch at Cloud Nine for fondue and dancing. Spa afternoon. Steak dinner.
• Day 3 - Slow Day: Yoga in the morning. Brunch at Pyramid Bistro. Afternoon shopping in Aspen Square. Wine dinner.
• Day 4 - Adventure: Snowmobile or jeep tour to ghost town. Picnic lunch. Hot springs evening. Casual dinner.
• Day 5 - Last Mountain Morning: One last gondola ride. Long lunch on the deck. Massage. Closing dinner at Matsuhisa.
• Day 6 - Fly Home: Private transfer.

Hotel style: The Little Nell, St. Regis Aspen, Hotel Jerome

Food ideas: Matsuhisa, Element 47, Cloud Nine, White House Tavern

Activities: Skiing, hiking Maroon Bells, gondola, hot springs, spa, ghost town tour

Why families like it: Clean mountain air, top service, both winter and summer magic