Holiday plans

Guess what? I'm going abroad this summer for the first time in five years! We're going to Greece for two weeks. Just me, my sister and her husband.

The plan is simple: a small island, a quiet beach, good food and no laptop. We're going to book the hotel tonight, before the prices go up. I've already found one with a pool and a view of the sea.

I'm so excited about this trip. A real vacation, finally! My sister says I always pack too much, so this time I'm only taking one small bag. Well, maybe one small bag and a big one. Are you going anywhere this summer?

OK guys, here's my idea for the summer. We have a small budget, so no fancy hotels. But that doesn't mean a boring summer.

Option one: a road trip around Colorado. We rent a car, go camping by the lakes and cook our own food. Option two: we fly to Portugal and stay in a hostel near the beach. Cheap flights, cheap food, lots of sun. We can take the train to Lisbon one day, too.

Whatever we choose, please bring sunscreen this time. Remember last year? Dan looked like a tomato for a week. Vote in the group chat by Friday!

Okan, help! I'm packing for the camping trip, and I don't know what to bring. I've never slept in a tent. I have a hair dryer, three pairs of shoes and a huge pillow. Is that a problem?

You're saying there's no electricity? Not even at the beach? OK, so no hair dryer. But I'm definitely bringing sunscreen. Last time I went to the beach, I looked like a lobster for a week.

What do you mean, it might rain? It's August! Oh, the Oregon coast. Right. Fine, I'll pack a rain jacket too. And you're bringing the tent, right? Good, because I have no idea how to open it. See you Friday, camper!

Mom, before you say anything, please don't panic. Josh and I are going abroad this summer. Just us! It's only a two-week trip, to Spain and Portugal.

Yes, I know. We don't have much money, so we're going to stay in hostels. No, they're not dangerous. They're cheap and full of students. I already booked the first one in Barcelona. It has a kitchen, and the beds are twenty dollars a night. Our budget is tiny, Mom.

Mom? Are you still there? You don't have to cry. I'm going to call you every day, I promise. And I'm going to eat vegetables. Some. Can I borrow your big suitcase, please?