Family Vacation Frustration

[Alex39]

Every year my family goes on a big family vacation.  This year it would have been my parents, brother, his girlfriend,  and I. 

We were supposed to go in May. But we postponed it until August. 

My parents have their dog in intensive training to be ready to stay with a sitter. But our sitter isn't available now, so we have to use someone referred to us, but that we barely know. The dog trainer suggested her relative watches dogs and feels he can watch him for the week. That makes my parents nervous.

And because we had to postpone, the cost of stay and flights, the cost has gone up for all. 

I have a pet sitter to watch my pets at my house.

My brother and his girlfriend have to travel for two weddings around that time, and my brother's girlfriend just got laid off and is looking for work.

I'm saving my money for the trip, so excited to get away. But I could use that money for my home and some minor repairs.

Now my family doesn't know if the trip just isn't right for us. We are all sad to not get away and have fun family time, but it might not be the best time. Plus the area we are going to is going to be moved during August.

We don't know if fear is stopping us, because we are just anxious people,  or if we should postpone until next year, which might be better?

What do we do? If we cancel in a few weeks, we get our money back. 

[boltnrun]

This is the dog that bites and is poorly trained, right?  Your parents could be liable if whoever watches the dog is bitten.  Or a member of their household is bitten.

Do you want to go on the trip just because?  Or would you rather do it when everyone is better able to do so?

Don't go if everyone is going to be anxious, worried about money and concerned about the misbehaving dog.  That doesn't sound fun or relaxing.

[Starlight925]

Why couldn't your parents have waited until the dog was in intensive training to go on the vacation?  That way, the dog would be well taken care of, and you could all relax.

A friend had their dog in a 3-week intensive training place.  It was actually a huge ranch, with a lake, hundreds of acres, and other dogs, so they could train the dog in many ways.  My friend felt so comfortable leaving their dog there, as the place doesn't even want the dog owners to come back for the entire 3 weeks, so the dog is being trained by a stranger on purpose and the owner isn't there saying, "there there sweet puppy, here's a pat on the head".  It's a tried and true method.

IMO, you are all finding excuses.

How about a near-to-home staycation?  You can all find a resort hotel near your city and go on day hikes, spa treatments, pool time.  No, that costs money.  The hotel has sheets that are scratchy.  The hotel food won't be good.  There will always be some excuse.

[Alex39]

The dog is getting training twice a week in home and is doing good. His trainer thinks he is capable is staying while we go. But my parents are dishing out a lot for training and are nervous. It's his first time away from us. 

[boltnrun]

1 minute ago, Alex39 said:

The dog is getting training twice a q week in home and is doing good. His trainer thinks he is capable is staying while we go. But my parents are dishing out a lot for training and are nervous. It's his first time away from us. 

Seems like you want to go on this vacation.  So why not go?

[Wiseman2]

1 hour ago, Alex39 said:

  If we cancel in a few weeks, we get our money back. 

This may be a viable option since everyone seems to be struggling too much with logistics and finances to make it a happy trip.

[Seraphim]

No, need for massive family vacations at this age . You are too too too enmeshed in your family . Go on vacation by yourself . Fly free. 

[Batya33]

I'd postpone the family one and plan a vacation for yourself.  A lot of the logistical issues have to do with you all aging out of these sorts of family vacations.

[Wiseman2]

20 hours ago, Alex39 said:

. We are all sad to not get away and have fun family time, but it might not be the best time. 

It doesn't seem like "fun" if there's this much stress, anxiety, logistical problems and financial worries involved.

Perhaps it's time to rethink vacations such as singles tours for yourself. This way there isn't this many moving parts and family drama to contend with and opportunities to meet other singles. Check online and with travel agencies about packages for single travelers.

[Alex39]

5 hours ago, Wiseman2 said:

It doesn't seem like "fun" if there's this much stress, anxiety, logistical problems and financial worries involved.

Perhaps it's time to rethink vacations such as singles tours for yourself. This way there isn't this many moving parts and family drama to contend with and opportunities to meet other singles. Check online and with travel agencies about packages for single travelers.

Yes, we are too stressed. We have decided to postpone until next year it's just not the year.

[tattoobunnie]

On 5/14/2023 at 11:14 AM, Alex39 said:

What do we do? If we cancel in a few weeks, we get our money back. 

Cancel.  Learn to travel for fun on your own, and sign up for all the things and adventures.  Traveling with the entire family when you don't have kids, no reason.  Just do your own thing, and have fun.