Hawaii? Greek Cruise? Maybe I Need A New Idea!
 

Yes, I'm asking strangers!
This year my husband's business is closing over the week prior to July 4 and we have a "use it or loose" it week of vacation. I'm having a terrible time committing to anything.
A friend says I have vacation trauma as the last few have had issues.
My initial thoughts are either to go to Hawaii- probably Maui, maybe Kauai for about 10 nights or on a cruise of the Greek Islands.
I have access to good pricing on both these things.
I've never thought of myself as a cruise person, but the ship is Sea Dream I and that seems a little less oversize and gung ho than most. We were in Europe in March so the flight isn't something that excites me (we live in the SF Bay area).
Hawaii is easy, warm and familiar, but probably too familiar? It's hard to get excited!
I'd love to visit French Polynesia but the cost is prohibitive.
Bahia sounds interesting, but wrong time of year..
I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts or ideas. I am open to suggestions and don't want to sound like I'm whining. I'm just conflicted and want to spend my limited resources in the best way.

Well I LOVE Hawaii, and have a hard time understanding why it wouldn't be exciting to you. From San Francisco it makes such a perfect trip, not too bad a time change, not too long flight.

If you're talking only 1 week (as in 7 days) I think Greece or French Polynesia are too far to travel for such a short trip anyways. Have you really been to ALL of Hawaii? All the islands? All the different coasts?

I'm assuming Mexico is not of interest (another fabulous possibility with easy flights from SF)?

We could extend the week a few days on either side.
I had thought of Zihuatanejo as we've not traveled there, but this doesn't seem the the best time of the year.
The only Hawaiian Island we haven't traveled to is Lanai. This was our yearly vacation when our kids were young.

Zijuatanejo is a great choice (I often go to Puerto Vallarta just up the coast) but you're right, July could be rainy and will definitely be hot there.

yes i understand you've been spent time on each Hawaiian islands, I was questioning have you *really* seen and done everything on everyone of them? just seems like that could take a lifetime! :-)

We have done a few cruises, and one of the most memorable was from Istanbul to Athens, on Windstar. Small ship, and we had a wonderful time. To our surprise, we loved Turkey. (Really only went there to get over jetlag before the cruise started!) I believe Sea Dream is very luxe -- check Cruise Critic boards for info about all kinds of cruiselines.

We also did a Windstar cruise to Polynesia (they don't currently go there). That was also very good: but FP is a very different vibe from Hawai'i. Star Clipper still goes to FP I believe, maybe Princess too. It's such a honeymoon destination -- even more so that HI. Depends what you expect from a vacation...

Good luck with deciding: it's a nice dilemma to have!

I vote for Hawaii. You stated that was your yearly trip with your children. Well, time for some romance with just you and your husband! :) Mauai is too built up now but Kauai is still beautiful. Went there in February. Can never go to Hawaii too many times. And we have to fly for 8.5 hours to get there.

If you can go on SeaDream, do it. You will be pampered like never before - sleep outside under the stars, eat fabulous food and relax.

I just got back from a cruise from Venice to Croatia, Turkey, Korfu and Santorini in Greece. I enjoyed it, especially Santorini - scenery is wonderful. But, I wouldn't go in June, July or August - I think it would be way too hot, and especially in Santorini, it would be so crowded with tourists it wouldn't be enjoyable.

You have been to Hawaii so many times before, do not go there. See something new! Honestly, there is so very much to see in this great country of ours, why don't you consider the good ol U.S.A! You could tour the New England states, beautiful time of year, the beaches are terrific, Cape Cod National Seashore, take a day drip to Marthas Vineyard and/or Nantucket or the Pacific Northwest, so green and the many waterfalls and miles of undisturbed beaches- Portland, OR. is an incredible city, or NYC - there is no place like it. The other vacations people mentioned sound wonderful and exotic - but again, this country has alot to offer! Good Luck in whatever you do!

The decision making has been so difficult this year!
The cruise has peaked my interest in Greece, but is perhaps not the best way for me to go.
Hawaii is always beautiful.
I love Kauai, but this trip I want a little more pampering than is found on the North Shore.
Of course there are many interesting places in the US. I think I lived in every one of them when I was a child!
And I want warm. Living in the Bay Area, that's a given for me at this time of year.
So... tentatively it's Hawaii, but Europe isn't out yet!
We also thought of Asia. I know, we're all over the board. Nothing new for us. And we generally plan these trips last minute so it's same old, same old!

I am in the exact same position! My husband and I are want to take about eight days off at the end of July We live in San Francisco and have been to Hawaii lots of times. We love it there but I'd really like to find something a little more interesting, someplace different, nice weather but not unbearable hot this time of year. Would really appreciate ideas!!

Hi Bluelark!
Glad to hear we're not the only ones!
We ruled out the Caribbean- too far and muggy. Been there and we'd rather do Hawaii for the same kind of vacation.
Mexico is HOT! Although if you're interested in the Colonial Cities, it's not bad in July.
Prices to Europe are fantastic right now, but it's a long haul from the West Coast.
If you come up with a great idea, please post!