Do you allow friends to come on family vacation?

[springsgardner]

I am having a problem about not allowing my kids friends to come with us on our family vacation.  I have saved money for our family vacation.  I know that the friends family do not want to take a vacation saying they can not afford it.  I do let them know they are able to afford a vacation if you take 5 to 7 months to save for it.  We are not rich, just working  hard to save for things we want.  Our family vacation will be just for my kids and spouse.  We will go to Universal Studio for 2 days and go to several dinner shows like pirates and medieval dinner shows.  We will not go to Disney because my kids are bored with Disney all four parks.  I saved so my family will have a great time, but it is only for my family.  What do you think about this, am I wrong to feel like this?

Even if it wasn't a matter of how much money you've saved for the vacation, I wouldn't let their friends come. Vacation is a time when families solidify their bonds. Yes, there will be the inevitable fight, the lost whatever, getting lost, etc. Those are all part of the memories that the family will talk about for decades.

There were two times when my parents arranged for close family friends (their entire family). However, those two times were the exception to the rule. It was fun to have them there, sort of. But those aren't the vacations that I will remember most.

That's just MHO. Do with it what you want. Make sure your choice is something you can live with no matter what. Once you decided, stick to it.

[CHANEYLAKEGIRL]

I agree. If it is an expensive vacation that we have saved and planned for, then no. If it is an inexpensive weekend camping or going to my parents house on the lake, I'm more apt to allow friends.

[jenniferhoder]

It just depends. There are some trips that you could allow kids to bring their friends, and then there are others that I think you should just keep family!

[melinder]

I think that it depends because sometimes family vacations are more about hanging out with your family. If my friends were there I would spend most of my time with my friends.

[ejholt]

I would not like someone come along with me on vacation if they did not have the money to pay their way.  I retired 9 years ago and had to find another job a year later because SS does not pay enough to live on.  I have to save all year just to go on a 4 or 5 day vacation and when someone wants to come along they will not be invited if they want a free ride.  May God bless each of you and keep you safe.

[reiddb]

With the pressures of the world and everything pulling families apart these days, I think family vacations JUST for the family is precious and rare!  Do it without one tinge of guilt!  Enjoy the little time you can with your family.  Enjoy your vacation!!!

[Ash2293]

I would let them but only if they could at least pitch in some money not all but some.

[Shandara09]

I think it's ok to have friends go on vacation, but only sometimes.  And on top of that, they should be able to pay their own way.  Have a great time with your family! 

[sgluckadoo]

I dont have a good answer for this one. We dont have famly vacations (or didnt when i was growing up).

[shanmar]

I am having a problem about not allowing my kids friends to come with us on our family vacation.  I have saved money for our family vacation.  I know that the friends family do not want to take a vacation saying they can not afford it.  I do let them know they are able to afford a vacation if you take 5 to 7 months to save for it.  We are not rich, just working  hard to save for things we want.  Our family vacation will be just for my kids and spouse.  We will go to Universal Studio for 2 days and go to several dinner shows like pirates and medieval dinner shows.  We will not go to Disney because my kids are bored with Disney all four parks.  I saved so my family will have a great time, but it is only for my family.  What do you think about this, am I wrong to feel like this?
you are right.I brought friends  and thier kids recently and now I dislike their kids.

[shanmar]

I also spent alot of money on food and water and gas for the boat and they never offered me a dime.

[thtrngng]

Calling it a family vacation would be defeating the purpose if you would allow your friends to come along.

[11UCBearcats]

I have been invited on family vacations before, and this year is the first year that any friends have been invited on our family vacation.  I do have to say though that I am 23 now, so obviously the circumstances are a little bit different.  However my parents did invite two of my friends but not my fiance, I was told it is to be all guys, no girls.  I honestly don't see it being a bad idea, but it's a matter of how you feel being responsible for a child that isn't your own miles away from home for an extended period of time.

[bigedshult]

on short one if you do on long ones the may get home sick.

[dreamyxo]

I'm not quite understanding this.  Did they think they had the right to invite themselves to something they weren't invited to?  Just say no.  Tell them this vacation is for family only.  You should not feel bad for only wanting to go on vacation with their family.  Shame on them if they are trying to impose themselves on your life like that.