This summer I'll have time and means for my first real vacation as an adult, and I have choice paralysis. Advise and suggestions welcome and needed, please!

I'm a female in my 30s in the US, and my boyfriend and I are trying to narrow down where we should go this summer (Late July, early August) on what amounts to my first real vacation as an adult. I'm new here, so I apologize if this is an obnoxious question, but I'd love some help. Some things I know for sure are:

-I'll have about a week to 10 days. Since it's right in the middle of summer, heat and crowds are a worry for me, but can be overlooked if everything else is right.

-I still have to be mindful of my budget, so something that won't take more than a few K to have a nice time would be lovely. I'm fine with reliable Airbnbs, houseboats, whatever, as long as it's clean and comfortable. (In fact, a houseboat with a usable dinghy sounds phenomenal!)

-I don't want to go anywhere that water quality safety is an issue. Maybe once I become a more seasoned traveler, but not for my first time out in a while. I'd like to avoid being benched by a stomach bug.

-I have already been to Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands. BUT-- I'd be down to go back if those end up being the most attractive and fun places to visit. My boyfriend has been everywhere and want me to choose (no pressure).

-The vibe I'm going for is: that kind of satisfaction you used to get as a kid after a long day of swimming, then hanging out with your pals. I'd like to have some kind of light activity, then a cocktail near some scenery. And I'd like to feel welcome (not like an annoying tourist).

• I love boats, the water, wildlife, food, liquor, wonderful people and MUSIC. If there is a lively and welcoming music scene, I am happy.

I hope this is enough to go on! Any suggestions or comments are appreciated. And I am happy to answer any questions. Many thanks, Travelers!

Submitted October 17, 2019 at 07:33PM by Commodore_Kangaroo https://ift.tt/32qCbXg