ISRAELSON FAMILY ADVENTURES
I’m planning a few adventures.
You’re invited.
I’m planning to start saving in January 2027 for some trips I’d really like to take, with a big adventure in early 2032 and a smaller getaway along the way. I’d love for you to join me. Take a look at the ideas and savings options below, and see if it’s something you’d enjoy. There’s no obligation to take part.
What I’m budgeting for
For the big trip, I’m aiming to cover airfare, lodging, two meals per person each day, rental cars or public transit at our destination, tickets and activities, taxes and tips, with room for unexpected costs.
My halfway-trip budget aims to cover the stay, two meals per person each day, and planned activities or park tickets. Each household covers its halfway-trip drive and getting to the departure airport for big adventures. Souvenirs, extra meals and other personal spending are yours on every trip.
If you’d like to join me
I’m planning to start saving January 1, 2027 for a big international trip in early 2032. If you’d like to come along, these are our starting monthly savings targets for different household sizes. Trip costs and contributions may need adjustments as the plan develops. You can join the big trip on its own or add the smaller halfway getaway.
1 · Big adventure only: About ten days together, choosing a good-value Costco Travel international package available when we book.
2 · Big + local halfway getaway: The same big adventure, plus an optional three-day, two-night local escape around summer 2029. We’ll keep reviewing Costco Travel getaways, such as the Disneyland or SeaWorld examples below, and compare their complete costs with our savings as new options become available.
| Starting monthly target per household | 2 adults | 2 adults + 2 children |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Big only | $199 | $371 |
| 2 · Big + local halfway | $238 | $427 |
You’re welcome to choose either option, or sit this one out. Only those joining the halfway trip save toward it. The estimates below assume the current example group; I’ll review the costs as people decide to join. Reviewed October 14: Costco-only trip choices, with the existing Portugal and Disneyland planning references, estimated inflation and a 5% contingency. The displayed amounts are starting targets and have not been changed in this October 16 wording update. They are not fixed trip prices or permanent contribution amounts. Nothing is booked.
Prefer to think by paycheck?
Weekly / every two weeks, as alternatives to monthly saving. Every two weeks means 26 payments a year; small rounding differences apply.
| Plan | 2 adults | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Big only | $45.93 / $91.85 | $85.62 / $171.24 |
| 2 · Big + local halfway | $54.93 / $109.85 | $98.54 / $197.08 |
Places I’m thinking about
I’m choosing from Costco Travel for both the big adventure and the halfway getaway. The current big-trip planning examples are Italy, Portugal, Cabo and Punta Cana. These are dated planning examples, not guaranteed future offers. I’ll continually add and review new Costco Travel ideas as they become available, compare complete trip costs with contributions collected and planned, and flag any funding gap or necessary adjustment for discussion before changing savings targets.
Cities, beaches or a bit of both?
Italy and Portugal: city-to-city Costco itineraries with time to explore. The cost breakdown includes flight estimates, meals, planned activities and the other costs beyond the package.
Mexico and the Caribbean: the Costco Hacienda del Mar example in Cabo and Ocean Blue & Sand in Punta Cana. Cabo’s resort beach is not swimmable; package inclusions and room availability must be checked for our dates.
See the research, sample costs and what still needs a quote →
A little closer to home
The current Costco halfway examples are a two-night Disneyland weekend with two park days, or San Diego with one SeaWorld day and resort/beach time. Both models include two substantial meals per day and the listed parking costs. The monthly savings amounts are starting targets. As these and new ideas are reviewed, we’ll reassess costs and the money being collected, including the effect of the halfway trip on the big-trip fund.
Found a Costco Travel idea you’d enjoy? Share its link below. I’ll review the full household costs, show what still needs pricing, and explain how the idea compares with our current savings targets.
Interested in coming along?
If you’re interested, you can let me know which option feels comfortable. This is completely optional; there’s no need to reply or explain if you’d rather not participate.
If you’d like to respond, send one preference for your household. You can send an updated preference if your plans change. Your response stays private and isn’t a payment commitment.
Thanks for sharing your household’s preference.
Stay in the loop
Want to hear how the plans are coming along? You can sign up for an update about once every three months, with affordable Costco Travel ideas, updated cost checks and confirmed progress. You’re welcome to follow along even if you aren’t planning to join a trip.
This is optional. Use your own email address. Your email address is stored privately for quarterly family trip updates and won’t be posted on this page. Please don’t enter children’s information or private financial details.
By selecting “Sign me up for quarterly updates,” you agree to receive these family trip emails. You can opt out anytime by replying to an update or contacting Erik directly and asking to be removed.
Thanks for joining our family trip updates!
Share a Costco trip idea
Come across a Costco Travel package that looks fun? Send its link and what appeals to you. I’ll add worthwhile ideas for review, check their complete costs against contributions collected and planned, and clearly label any missing prices or funding gap.
Costco Travel ideas come to me privately for review before being added above. Share the package link and what sounds fun; leave out personal details.
Thanks for sharing a trip idea!
Progress toward the plan
$0 saved together
Starting balance · October 8, 2026 · Big-trip goal: early 2032
START
January 2027 goal
HALFWAY
Optional: summer 2029
BIG ADVENTURE
Early 2032
I’ll keep this website updated with new Costco Travel ideas and regularly compare their complete costs with what we’re collecting and planning to collect. If prices, participation or trip choices mean adjustments are needed, I’ll review the options and discuss them with those taking part before changing anyone’s savings target.
You’re welcome, with no pressure.
I’m putting this plan together because these are trips I’d like to take. I’d enjoy having family along, and it’s completely fine if the timing, cost or idea doesn’t work for you. You don’t owe me an explanation. If you do join, skip a month if you need to and talk with me privately if your plans change. Contributions can be returned before we book, and anything left after a trip goes toward the next one.
For savings details or a change of plans, just contact me directly.
For the family · Erik · Ashley & Eric · Makayla & Isaiah · Smith & Lila
