We like road trips but only because I freaking hate to fly. BUT, road trips for 7 people are still really expensive. We generally need 2 hotel rooms a night, and every time we sit down to eat dinner together, we are spending at least $100. Fast food for lunch is usually about $80. IT ADDS UP, is what I am saying.
For our most recent trip to Hilton Head, here’s what we splurged on:
1. Meals! We had so much fun having drinks, ordering dessert, visiting our favorite places on the island and trying fun spots on the way down and back. And we figured as long as even a pizza dinner is $100, we might as ell enjoy ourselves. Faves:
The Salty Dog— we went here twice and also got ice cream and drinks to go
The Crazy Crab— a perfect spot for NYE with the kids. Lava cake, daiquiris, crab legs, and prime rib were the kids’ favorites, and I adored the crab fashioned so much I got it 3 times on the trip.
The Quarterdeck— Ben and I went here for dinner and drinks and really liked it.
Old Glory Distilling Co— we stopped in Clarksville on the way home (and it was not expensive, just festive), and the old fashioned at this place was off the chart. The kids also liked the desserts.
DePalma’s Italian Cafe— we ate here when we stopped in Athens on the way down and loved it- another great old fashioned for me. (My first day finding veggies again, so I had a salad with a side of spinach)
Lowcountry Produce— the 4 big kids and I went here for lunch one day when Minnie wanted a peanut butter sandwich and a banana at our villa, which she called “the repartment.” We have been coming to HHI for over 12 years, and this was our first time at this place— WE WILL BE BACK.
2. Souvenirs: Everyone might as well get something they really like and will wear/use. I was on the hunt for a sweatshirt that just said Sea Pines. Hilton Head was too broad. Harbour Town was too specific. I found one FINALLY— but it’s a kids’ sweatshirt. Tell me if I look dumb in it, won’t you?
3. Travel hotels. We end up spending so much on overnight stays along the way that we definitely could have flown for the same price. We could make the trip cheaper, but it is fun to really lean in to the journey, you know? On this trip, the best overnight was at the Homewood Suites in Athens. We had a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom suite and were really comfortable and had fun on the U GA campus.
Here’s what we saved on:
1. Location: it’s the HHI off-season, so all of the houses and villas were less expensive than they are in the summer. We ended up at a Marriott vacation club place that was terrific. We had a really big 2 bed/2 bathroom suite and villa with a pull out couch, laundry, and a full kitchen. It was walking distance to Harbour Town, which is where we went for NYE (super fun kid-focused dance party/ball drop) and date night and souvenir shopping, plus ice cream and the kids’ favorite playground. The Marriott had a heated pool and a huge hot tub, plus pool table (which was a surprising hit for all), foosball, games, etc. We always stay in Sea Pines, so all of the things we love— beach club, parks, forest preserve, etc— are included for resort guests, no matter where you stay in Sea Pines (house, condo, villa, Inn, etc).
3. Buc-ees on the way home vs. the way there: Everyone was sated in terms of souvenirs, and we only spent like $25 on random stuff.
Honestly? We had so much fun that even all the losing scratch-off lotto tickets I bought in every state (lol) were worth it.
Every time we've gone to Maui we stayed in a condo and shopped at the Costco and Safeway there. It just worked out well. There's something really nice about that but also it's nice to have room service. It looks like so much fun! Travel is expensive no matter what, I think, and travel for 7 would be a LOT.
ReplyDeleteFun! Because my husband cannot really eat out (with very few exceptions), we are the sort of people who do road trips with our own pots and pans and stay at places with kitchens so he can eat. The rise in AirBnBs and rental condos has been nothing but glorious for us. If only we ever left our house!
ReplyDeleteYou guys definitely know how to have fun! And I agree- somehow doing housework in a different home isn't so bad. I think with your crew a condo is the way to go. It's also nice not to have to eat out for every single meal. On that subject- I acn only imagine how expensive it is for your big family to eat at a restaurant! But, it's a vacation and it sounds like you had a blast.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip! Eating out is so expensive, especially with drinks and dessert. When I took the boys out for Will's bday when Phil had a work commitment, I think the total with the tip was $85! But it's such a treat to eat out so work the $$ when we do it.
ReplyDeleteWe are team VRBO/Airbnb. We've only stayed in rentals when vacationing with our boys. We need the extra rooms so everyone sleeps well and I like being able to get groceries and make breakfast and easy lunches at home so we only need to eat out for dinner typically. I have so many marriott points accumulating but I can't imagine staying in a hotel with the boys for several years, unless it was a 1:1 trip with one child!
Such lovely vacation pictures! I can just see relaxation vibes and glow in all of your faces :). Was it warm enough for swimming?
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