Where should you go on your first vacation as a couple? With the winter temps in most of the country dropping to fuh-reezing and it even getting a bit chilly in LA (I had to use my heat last night! That’s a big deal in Southern Cali), I’m assuming just about everyone out there is planning to get away. There’s been enough time since the holidays to need another break and we’re months out from another three-day holiday. So, I totally understand why everyone’s itching to get out of town. And when you’re brand new in a relationship, it’s tempting to jump into planning a first vacation without enough thought and discussion. And one bad trip early in a relationship can definitely ruin a good burgeoning love. So, here are some things to discuss with your boo before you pick a place.
New vs. old – First Vacation
First, decide if you guys want to go somewhere either both or one of you has been or if you want to explore something totally new. Both options have their upsides. Showing someone a place you have special memories or getting to know a place you’re familiar with in a new light can be very romantic. On the other hand, there is something exciting about exploring somewhere new as a couple for the first time and making memories together.
Warm vs. cold – First Vacation
Here’s a biggie. What climate do you want? I’m going to be honest, I’m not that into cold weather vacations. I just don’t get them. Sure, skiing’s fun for an hour, but then it’s over, you’re achey from using muscles you haven’t used since your last ski trip, you’ve already drunk enough hot chocolate to drown a ship and you’re freezing cold to boot! So, I’m not going to be an unbiased judge here. But, do what’s right for you guys.
Relaxation vs. adventure – First Vacation
Vacation can mean very different things to different people. I actually get anxious after spending too much time relaxing, so I like a vacation where I can do something adventurous every once in a while, like go on a hike or do a zipline. But, to some people, activities like that feel like homework and could ruin a perfectly blissful day of nothing. Figure out what each of you looks for in a trip and find a place that accommodates both of your needs.
Spend vs. save – First Vacation
Talking finances is icky, especially early on in a relationship. But, you have to do it when you’re planning a trip. I had a girlfriend who planned a trip with a guy thinking he was treating for the entire trip. He thought they were going dutch on the hotel and airfare. This little miscommunication snafu ruined a perfectly nice trip. And ultimately ruined their relationship. Don’t let that happen to you and work out your budgets beforehand so no one has to wash dishes to pay for dinner their last night.
Connected vs. unplugged – First Vacation
To me, a vacation means being able to unplug for a bit and fully unwind. So, I need a place where that’s possible for a little while. But, the realities of running your own business are that you can never be fully unplugged. So, I can’t go to very remote islands with no cell service and no WiFi. Decide what’s reasonable for each of you two, especially in terms of your career and family responsibilities, and find a place that accommodates you both.
Once you’ve had this discussion and covered all of these topics, you two should have a much better sense of where to go and how to plan it. Enjoy!
