One week vacation ideas

Budapest obviously

https://youtu.be/1nd5AtZIrTk?feature=shared

For a short trip like that, I would choose Iceland. It has the advantage of being closer to the US so you won't be dealing with as much jet lag (an important consideration on a short trip). The scenery there is so incredibly different from anything you would see elsewhere. There is a lot of history there, a very interesting culture, and good food and drink.

It is true that Iceland is more expensive than most countries, but it is worth it. And just about everyone there speaks excellent English, which is always helpful.

From BWI to Reykjavik, Iceland there is a round trip nonstop flight on PLAY for less than $250pp: https://www.flyplay.com/en.

Agree with Mardee about Iceland. She's correct on every point.

Personally, I wouldn't spend the bucks to fly to Europe for only a week.

You mentioned Canada and Iceland, which are great ideas.

For eastern Canada, I would look for a cruise that stops in Nova Scotia, PEI and end in Quebec City. If you can't find one for your time period, consider flying to Quebec City for 3 days then taking the train to Montreal and spend the rest of the time there, then flying home from Montreal.

For western Canada, the Canadian Rockies are amazing, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.

We did a wonderful 8 day tour of Iceland with Nordic Visitor. It was the Ring Road Tour and great.
https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-deals/multi-day-tours/

You could visit Mexico City there is a lot to see in that city and nearby.

Mexico-while it's hurricane season, I think Oaxaca/Puebla or Mexico City would be a great idea. Abundant culture, incredible food and a bit more exotic than Europe.

Quebec and the Gaspe peninsula are delightful in September.
So are Nova Scotia and PEI - lots of great hiking opportunities there.

How about Newfoundland and Labrador?

Not sure if your question is a vote on Iceland, parts of Canada, Ireland and Portugal or if you are open to widening the horizons. I'm taking the second interpretation, so ignore the following if not relevant to your desires.

Unlike geovagriffith above, I prefer one city and don't mind European or Asian destinations for 7 - 8 days including travel. As separate trips, I've done Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Siem Reap, and Hong Kong in your time frame. If that isn't clear, I mean I flew to Singapore for 5 days, another trip was HK for 7 days, etc. Enough time to visit in depth and feel I had experienced the location. Similarly, I don't hesitate to travel to London or Paris or Berlin or Madrid with that kind of travel time. I find a one city stop (perhaps with day trips out) much more relaxing than trying to fit in multiple destinations in a week's time, but some people enjoy moving around.

When I've traveled with my young adults to major urban areas, we sometimes split up for parts of the day so each could explore their own interests. Not a problem if staying in one location that has lots to see and do.

Any possibility that the limited vacation time daughter would leave early leaving more time for the others? Or perhaps not the way to promote family harmony!

We spent a great week in Mexico City in 2019.

I dont get the love with Iceland. I saw pictures of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon and it pretty much described what I saw in Iceland. But I did have a blast for several days watching whales. That made it worth it. That and the best $20 burger I ever had (the only $20 burger i ever had). My goodness that place was expensive.

But each to their own. I love a lot of places people dont understand. Its life.

Thanks all for your great suggestions! We’ve narrowed down to either the Canadian Rockies or Ireland. I’ll check out other RS posts to help us.