Vacation Island
Released in March 2002, The Sims: Vacation is an expansion pack developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. In Europe it was released under the title The Sims: On Holiday. A Mac OS X version followed in September 2002, published by Aspyr Media. The pack adds Vacation Island, a separate destination where Sims can leave their home lot and spend time across three themed environments. Beach lots offer sand and ocean-side recreation. Forest lots provide a peaceful campground setting. Alpine lots bring snow-covered landscapes for winter activities. Sims book their trip by phone for 500 Simoleons, and once on the island there is no time limit for their stay. Mood decay rates are reduced and Sims are not required to go to work while vacationing.
Activities and souvenirs
Each zone on Vacation Island has its own set of things to do. On the beach, Sims can play volleyball and build sandcastles. In the forest, fishing and archery are available. Alpine lots feature snowboarding, snowball fights, snowman building, and a snow slide. A carousel ride is also available on the island. The pack tracks a hidden vacation score based on what Sims do during their trip. Souvenirs can be purchased, found with a metal detector, or won by exchanging tickets from carnival games at a prize booth. Back at home, Sims can display their souvenirs or sell them for Simoleons.
Accommodation and social features
Sims can check into hotel rooms through a concierge desk, with daily fees charged for the stay. Players who prefer a rougher setting can have their Sims pitch tents or build igloos instead. Beyond the vacation system, the pack also expanded social mechanics. Interest scores became viewable, relationships were split into daily and lifetime tracks, new interactions were added for child Sims, and players gained more direct control over conversation topics.