I can relate, Jules, and it’s a tough spot to be in.  Can you temper your disappointment by taking one trip of your choosing every so many years?  Your family should appreciate that you usually put them first.  Surely it’s okay to do as you please every now and then.

I try to make required trips more pleasant by sightseeing along the way and taking a day or two to tour somewhere on along the same route.

Nice list!  I always pack a few rash guard shirts for when I’ve overdone it in the sun.  They’re great for added protection, and they keep my skin from feeling irritated.  Some of them have pretty patterns, too.

Nothing beats the sound of the ocean waves gently lapping at the sand.  I fall asleep to that soundscape every night, so no doubt about it, vacationing near the beach is my go-to for relaxation.