The Vacation Take

The Vacation Take is about real trips, real costs, and figuring out what was actually worth it.

I’m Candace, and I started this site to share the kind of travel advice I’m always looking for myself: what we actually spent, what surprised us, what I’d absolutely pay for again—and what I’d skip next time.

My family’s trips have included Disney cruises, resorts, beach vacations, road trips, and plenty of decisions about when to splurge and when to save. I’m not a full-time traveler, and these aren’t sponsored fantasy itineraries. They’re vacations we’ve actually taken and paid for ourselves.

What you’ll find here

You’ll find firsthand trip reviews, honest cost comparisons, practical planning tips, and the little details I wish I’d known before we went. Sometimes the expensive option is absolutely worth it. Sometimes the cheaper option wins. And sometimes the answer depends entirely on the kind of trip you’re planning.

A little about me

I’m a wife, mom of three, and a full-time professional who loves planning a good vacation almost as much as taking one. I like nice hotels, ocean views, Disney magic, good food, and getting the details right—but I also want to know whether the upgrade is actually worth the money.

The Vacation Take is where I share what I learn along the way, so you can make better decisions for your own trips.

Have a trip decision you’re trying to make? Stick around. There’s probably a Vacation Take for that.