We really wanted to take a cruise again this year but our finances just won't allow it. We had such bad luck with our cars and it's really put a strain on our money.

We also did want to take a trip with his daughter. We've never gone on vacation with her so we decided to go to Williamsburg this year. I got a package deal at the Courtyard by Marriott for a suite for 4 nights and 2 three day passes to the parks. My stepdaughter wanted her own room but that's just not going to happen (she's 13), so a suite is a good compromise. We'll have the bedroom and she'll have the sleeper sofa.

We opted for the 2 passes only as I am not a big amusement park person. I can't handle the walking and I won't go on most of the rides since I'm afraid of heights. Instead, I'll spend one day visiting an old friend who lives 20 miles away, I haven't seen her since my wedding 5 yrs ago. Another day I'll take in an historic site or two and one day, I may just log on at the hotel and work 1/2 a day so I can get paid. I'm a contractor so I don't get paid if I don't work. Whatever time alone I have left will be spent poolside at the hotel and I may hit the water park with them one day.

We leave NY on a Monday and return late Friday. We can drive it in one day so that's good. The package was $800 plus tax so that's not too bad for a 5 day vacation for 3. I booked directly with the hotel so I can cancel up until 6PM on check in day if we have too. I've gone to a lot of sites and haven't found anything really negative about the Marriott Williamsburg. I saw some of the usual things we see, staff not smiling, slow check in, etc but nothing really bad like dirty rooms or bed bugs.

So we're off to Virginia on the 27th!