Bali Family Vacation with 18 Members Turns into a Chaotic Nightmare

A family vacation to Bali, Indonesia, involving 18 relatives during Christmas 2022 turned into a challenging experience. The trip faced numerous issues, including disagreements over accommodations and dining preferences, leading to significant tension among family members.

The family had previously gathered every other year on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, but decided to try a new destination. Despite having visited Bali before, the dynamics of traveling with a large group proved to be overwhelming. The planning process alone took six months, as family members had differing preferences for accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. Eventually, a compromise was reached to stay in three different hotels over the 12-night trip.

Upon arrival, the excitement quickly faded as disputes arose regarding dining locations. Some family members preferred upscale restaurants, while others sought local eateries for a more authentic experience. The nightly debates over where to eat created unnecessary stress, prompting some to consider ordering room service instead.

Additionally, the festive season complicated logistics, as the group exchanged numerous gifts, leading to difficulties in transporting them back home. The situation worsened when many family members fell ill with digestive issues, commonly referred to as “Bali belly,” which affected nearly all but three of the group. This health crisis culminated in a challenging Christmas Eve dinner, further dampening the holiday spirit.

In reflection, the experience underscored the challenges of large family vacations, prompting a decision to limit future international trips to immediate family members only.

The Bali vacation highlighted the complexities of coordinating a large family trip, from planning accommodations to managing health issues. The experience has led to a reconsideration of future travel plans, favoring smaller gatherings over large international vacations.