Sending our kids to summer camp was more expensive than a family trip to Europe. We enjoyed it so much we ended up moving to Portugal.

• Patrice Poltzer realized it was cheaper to go to Europe than pay for a summer camp for 10 weeks. 
• On their return, the mom and her husband realized more than ever that they were in the NYC rat race.
• They moved their family to Portugal in 2023, and Potzer said their new lifestyle was way better.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Patrice Poltzer. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I got sticker shock in 2017 when researching summer camps for my two oldest boys.