Hypothetical vacation

[sudsy]

This year is my 5th anniversary with my hospital. I have never taken a vacation other than a few weekend getaways with the kids nearby. My bestie/roommate is also celebrating her 5th year there and has also never taken a vacation.

Our boss told us that she is gifting us each $500 in either Hotel.com or AirB&B gift cards and giving us spending money to get the hell outta the hospital for several days. She doesn’t care when, she’ll work it out to have some substitute techs come in. She even said she’d plan the damn thing for us if we just give her a destination.

So. If you had that amount of money to work with, would you….
1) Make it a girl’s getaway without kids, or plan a fun vacation WITH kids (ages 7 and 9) knowing that you haven’t had the opportunity to really do either?
2) Where would you go? Driving distance from Chicago or a super cheap flight somewhere.

Just looking for ideas.

[kittyriot]

Fly to Montreal, not too far, but gets you out of the country and almost feels like Europe. Stay in Old Montreal down by the port.

You only need four days max to do the city well.

[sweptaway]

Oooooh so many choices. That's really awesome sudsy. You have a fantastic boss and totally deserve it.

Idk how far $500 gets you if you want to fly somewhere. But if it was a kid free girls trip I feel like I'd want a lazy beach vacation

With kids my first thoughts are Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks or Presque Isle. I've never been but they look so pretty in summer.

[hawkward]

B&B on a Great Lake beach this summer? Close enough to drive from Chicago, kid friendly, and pretty chill.

My friend took her kids to Mackinac island in the fall and couldn’t stop talking about how amazing it was.

[willow]

*chants “Minnesota, Minnesota”* 

brux get in here and sell it! 

[brux]

Minnesota!

But also Door County if you want something not Minnesota.

We stayed at this hotel. shallows.com/

They had free breakfast, a heated outdoor pool, a beach, sports courts, but it’s still rustic and rural. Close to a quaint small town in a chain of quaint small towns all the way up to Washington Island (a fun ferry ride day trip).

Eta: and magical frozen custard sundaes here www.notlickedyet.com/

[trueblue]

Is there a way to split the trip into two so you can do a fun short drive away vacation with the kids - swim, mini golf, touristy stuff, etc? And then book a night or two away for just the adults in nicer hotel in the city and do museums/shopping/drinks/etc? I haven’t had the opportunity to mid-west so no recommendations on where to go, only that hotels and air bnbs are still expensive so $500 inclusive of taxes, etc may not stretch as far as you would hope.

[brux]

We also really really liked a long weekend in Saugatuck, MI.

Stayed here and it was so great www.oldpikecottages.com/

Walking distance to a cute town. They have these cute old boats you can rent and cruise the lake. retroboatrentals.com/
It’s also near a state park with great sand dunes.

[peachesncream]

I know literally everyone in Chicago does this, but Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks are gorgeous. Not sure what time of year you're thinking about going but we went for spring break last year and they weren't too crowded. Galena is fun and Dubuque has some fun things to do as well.

Otherwise, using Google Flights to explore destinations without much of a time frame in mind, some fun destinations with flights under $100 would be Denver, Vegas, New Orleans, Phoenix, Miami - I think a weekend away could be amazing in any of those places.

[addymac]

I’d do mackinac island (yaaassss hawkward) or one of the beach towns along the west coast of MI- brux mentioned sagatuck but our personal favorite is South Haven. We’ve been going for 4 years now for 3-5 days and stay in a hotel or Airbnb and adore it. Mackinac is so fun. The kids would love it. We stayed across close to the ferry station and then ferried it over on a “real” pirate ship.

[kittyriot]

I also think a long weekend in Miami would be amazing. Great beach, beautiful people to people watch, amazing food scene. I know I watch tickets to there from Detroit and I always find awesome rates! I bet Chicago would be even better!!

[kayc]

Feb 8, 2024 21:03:58 GMT -6 addymac said:

I’d do mackinaw island (yaaassss hawkward) or one of the beach towns along the west coast of MI- brux mentioned sagatuck but our personal favorite is South Haven. We’ve been going for 4 years now for 3-5 days and stay in a hotel or Airbnb and adore it. Mackinaw is so fun. The kids would love it. We stayed across close to the ferry station and then ferried it over on a “real” pirate ship.

I love South Haven! But any of those Michigan towns are great.

Also I’m partial to northern Wisconsin. Minocqua is a great place to visit in the summer or fall. Lots to do for kids and adults.

[sudsy]

Feb 8, 2024 20:24:56 GMT -6 trueblue said:

Is there a way to split the trip into two so you can do a fun short drive away vacation with the kids - swim, mini golf, touristy stuff, etc? And then book a night or two away for just the adults in nicer hotel in the city and do museums/shopping/drinks/etc? I haven’t had the opportunity to mid-west so no recommendations on where to go, only that hotels and air bnbs are still expensive so $500 inclusive of taxes, etc may not stretch as far as you would hope.

This was definitely a thought I had. Long weekend x 2.

[Sweetjane]

I would go kid free. I know it's tempting to take your kids, but I know you often take them in fun adventures like hotel weekends with a pool, hiking etc.
I grew up with a single mom who rarely got adult time. Treat yourself and refill your bucket. 💜

I only skimmed replies but I think I'm in the minority.

[microworm]

Feb 9, 2024 8:08:09 GMT -6 Sweetjane said:

I would go kid free. I know it's tempting to take your kids, but I know you often take them in fun adventures like hotel weekends with a pool, hiking etc.
I grew up with a single mom who rarely got adult time. Treat yourself and refill your bucket. 💜

I only skimmed replies but I think I'm in the minority.

I'm of the same mind. sudsy you are a wonderful person and give so much. As mentioned, you are always doing fun stuff with your kids. I want to see you on beach with no responsibilities. 

[wedding]

If you can get someone to care for the kids go without them! Make it a true break. I have no idea where but definitely vote no kids!

[wedding]

Also what a great gift! Dhs work is doing something similar this year.