Family vacations can be costly and complicated.

The following story involves a woman who was invited to a trip for her husband’s stepmom’s 50th birthday.

She and her husband were initially open to going, depending on shared costs and planning.

But when she learned that the financial arrangements weren’t fair, she made a quick and spontaneous decision.

Let’s take a closer look!

AITAH for telling my in laws we won’t go on vacation with them?

My husband (27M) and I (24F) are having a debate.

Whether or not it was rude of me to completely decline an invitation to go on vacation with his dad and stepmom.

My husband’s stepmom is turning 50 next year.

She wants to do a 2026 Hawaii trip.

This woman said they would join the trip if their budget permits it.

In July 2025, they invited us to go with them if we were able.

My husband and I said that depending on the cost of shared spaces, food, etc., we could go.

They said okay and would keep us in the loop.

Today, while at a Christmas gathering, they asked if we could still go.

She learned that his stepmom’s children will be staying with them for free.

I asked how much would everything be shared.

They said we would have to get our own place and our own food, etc.

They also said we would have to come on specific dates.

They want four days solo of just her and my father-in-law.

All three of her kids from her previous marriage are coming and staying with them completely free.

Their airfare, food, etc., are all covered. She has two kids in college and one in high school.

She immediately rejected the offer.

I was a bit taken aback and immediately rejected the offer to go.

I said, “If we were all splitting an Airbnb or a hotel, then maybe we could go.”

But we can’t afford to plan everything completely on our own.

We will have to sit this out, unless you guys end up changing your mind on the lodging.”

His husband got annoyed.

My mother-in-law had just hinted they might change the Airbnb they had booked.

She didn’t get my hint and just said, “Maybe another year then.”

My husband didn’t want to write off the vacation immediately.

He was irritated that I rejected the offer to go before we could even look at our budget.

Now, she’s wondering if she was wrong to say no immediately.

He doesn’t think it’s rude because they never explicitly stated it was a family vacation.

He says we shouldn’t expect them to automatically include us in all of their planning.

I don’t know what to think here. I feel like I’m going crazy.

Am I the jerk?

Let’s find out what others have to say about this.

This person gives their honest opinion.

Here’s a valid point from this one.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

No, thank you, says this one.

Finally, short and sensible.

Nothing ruins a family vacation faster than realizing how expensive it’s going to be.

If you thought that was an interesting story, check out what happened when a family gave their in-laws a free place to stay in exchange for babysitting, but things changed when they don’t hold up their end of the bargain.