The installation process is like any Aspyr game. Run the installer and follow the on screen instructions, it's that simple.

The way the vacation expansion pack is implemented is very cool. When your Sims are ready to go on vacation, they can pick up the nearest telephone, and reserve a ticket on the Resort Island shuttle. When the shuttle arrives, your Sims all hop in, and get ready to have a great time away from the house.

The choice in vacation spots varies widely. You can have fun on the sunny beach, go on a camping trip, or head out to a ski resort. Each destination has it's own activities and people to meet, so your Sims will never run out of fun. Of course, this does cost money, 500 simoleans for the vacation, plus food, activities, and your hotel room all cost extra. Make sure you have enough dough in your bank before you leave, or you'll end up on one of those National Lampoon's movies.

Every vacation spot offers fun, unique activities. Volleyball, archery, snow boarding, arcade and carnival games, fishing, metal detectors, and more. Some of the games even allow you to win prize tokens which can be used to get great carnival like prizes. You can even bring these prizes home, as a souvenir of your trip. Wouldn't the giant stuffed animal look great next to the dining table?

Furthermore, you can even build your own dream vacation location. Using build mode, you can set up all kinds of activities for your Sims, at any of the locations you please. Then, you can take you Sims to that place, so they can have the time of their lives. That dream vacation spot can now become a reality.

However, vacations are not always fun and games. Most everybody has had a bad vacation before, and The Sims: Vacation includes that level of reality. There can be pickpocketers on the island, annoying bratty children, or your Sims can catch Montezuma's revenge. But don't let these things keep you away from a well earned vacation.

The game is stable, but can become extraordinarily slow when you are on vacation. Even on a system that doubles the minimum system specifications, this game will slow down when you are away from your house. However, this isn't so bad as to make it unplayable; you'll just have to get used to it.

If you are looking to expand your Sims' lives to other parts of the (simulated) world, look no further. Your Sims will be having the time of their lives, and you'll be able to take that dream vacation...well, sort of.

Pros	Cons
Go on vacation to many different parts of the world Each vacation spot is highly unique Actual vacation pitfalls like pickpockets or Montezuma's revenge Over 100 new items Build your own vacation spot Many different activities for your Sims to participate in	Game slows when on vacation No new careers
9/10 stars