Couples Vacationing Together

 

Can couples vacation together? Many do quite successfully. Others might find they never want to do it again. 

How can you make it a memorable event for all? 

Friendship

It goes without saying, if you're embarking on a group enjoyed vacation, everyone in the group should know each other. It's not uncommon for a few guys who are best buddies that play basketball together to have wives/girlfriends who either haven't met or don't have that kind of thing in common. 

If it feels like you have to drag the wife along because she doesn't like the hot younger woman your buddy is dating, then perhaps she will spend the time at the beach wearing a coverup and reading a book. 

Foresee the communication and personality issues ahead of time when considering who to invite.  A really uptight type A person and a spontaneous drinker may not come together.

Expectations

Beforehand, it's a good thing to check your expectations. It sounds romantic to rent a van, go up to the location together, set up a campfire or check into a resort, and have some drinks. Everyone is unwinding from work stresses and wanting to just chill. 

Compromises are going to have to be the basis of an enjoyable vacation. One couple may want to get plowed the minute they arrive, while another couple may be hoping for a local meal and some conversation. Figure out how everyone at some point gets to do what they enjoy on vacations, whether it's reading on the beach, seeing historic sites, or trying a zipline. In an ideal situation, everyone is game for doing each thing at some time during the trip so that they can experience something new together in a supportive group.

Also recall, you may have as much as eight different personalities together. If this was going to be a way to get your men to all get along so you gals could have more group vacations, know that just because your girls are compatible, doesn't mean the men are too. 

Freedom

As fun as it is to have drinks, sit around and laugh, at some point couples need their alone vacation time too. If one couple wants to rent a fishing boat and another wants to see the museums, a day of couples separate activities might be called for. 

It's easy to get caught up in partying, music, dancing, and hanging out, but at some point couples do want to have "couple time" on their vacation. An early night or a late morning might be called for. Hours need to be flexible and if a couple wants to have breakfast in their room or time skinny dipping alone in the lake, it's important to the future of the group that it is allowed. 

No couple should resent that they had no private time or they won't want to vacay as a group again. 

Agreement

The location of the getaway is critical when it comes to everyone agreeing. The person with seasickness is not going to want to rent a yacht and the city girl who doesn't want to toilet in the woods isn't going to want to camp. 

One "leader" may wish to do a certain vacation destination but coercing others into going to your dream spot may cause resentment. It's best to pool everyone's ideas and see how many vote for one concept or the other until there is at least a member from each couple wanting that locale. 

Other logistics are important to - such as room sharing, how to pay for meals and activities, transport, length of stay, etc. Don't overplan everyone's time or folks will leave feeling they never really vacationed.  

Should you decide on something like a houseboat rental or RV trek, be sure there are volunteers for taking turns driving. No one person should spend their vacation at the wheel. If someone cannot drive, perhaps they can offer to cook or handle the mapping. 

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DO's

If you want to make a beneficial experience for everyone, here's some great tips for what TO DO - 

*Most couples love having a pic with the group at the location, but one thing that is missing is proof of them as a couple enjoying a trip. Silently and in the background, capture photographic moments of them together enjoying a sunset holding hands, laughing on the dance floor, sneaking a kiss.... When the trip ends, text the pics to them. There is nothing more reinforcing that they made the right decision than to realize those they traveled with were looking out for their happiness.

*Followup after you get home with an old-fashioned in-the-mailbox card (consider purchasing postcards where you're  staying for extra impact) that thanks them and reminds them of the fun y'all had.

*Remember that the trip is not just your trip, but others as well. Some of them may be comfortable, some may be awkward, some may need time alone, others may be nonstop partiers. Try to keep from telling anyone that they are ruining your fun. Ask what's up, see if they want to break free for a time from the group, and accept the answers. 

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MOVIES TO INSPIRE

Couples Retreat (comedy)

Four Seasons (comedy drama - my very favorite)

Amanda and Jack Go Glamping (comedy)

Wanderlust (comedy)

The Big Chill (drama) 

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (comedy)

The Great Outdoors (comedy) 

Race With the Devil (suspense horror) 

The Perfect Getaway (suspense thriller

swimsuit and coverup