Do You REALLY Want to Travel With Your Spouse?
I love to travel. I really do. Even though I grew up with motion sickness, I just persevered through it as traveling was important to me. And now I hardly have motion sickness! Maybe I grew out of it or just sit in the front seat and look at the horizon? Funny thing is, my husband also has an affection to travel. Not cause of me. Because he was so limited to visiting family type of travels when he was a kid, such as in the same state of his birth or to another state for extended family.
But what about seeking other type of adventures? What about if you argue about places to visit? How much money you have to spend on vacation? That is a big one! Or even what type of traveling both of you want to do! Can you and your spouse find a happy median?
Do you REALLY want to travel with your spouse?
I believe it is possible without any arguments, or least very few!
Traveling can be so delightful and yet stressful. Stressful??? Well, when it comes to planning it can be stressful. I understand that some of you are spontaneous and I used to be like that. But I think age and having kids changed me where planning and communication are a necessity. Even though we are empty nesters, I still like to plan with my husband so I can get his input and we can agree where to go and what to do.
Here are some tips to help you and your spouse have the best vacation of your lives!
Brainstorm. Sit down with your spouse and write down ideas both of you come up with. A marriage is a 2 way street, meaning, you both have value in this brainstorming session and it is important to listen and speak when it is time. Do not interrupt each other!
Pick a place. Remember, your spouse also has valuable input. Come to a compromise. I know it can be hard as there are so many choices! But I know you can do it. Zero in on a place. Maybe a place that is on your or his bucket list or a place that may bring special meaning to you. Something you have wanted to visit as a child but never did; now is that time.
Bite the bullet. Meaning, if he wants to go to a place that you are not fond of, instead of arguing or refusing to go, look at the activities that you two can do together in his choice. You never know, you might end up declaring that is was the most fun vacation you ever had! And maybe next year you can pick a spot he is not fond of and show him what fun things could be done there!
Start planning. Get out a notepad, a tablet, your cell phone or a computer and start taking notes. Write or type all the information about the place.
Extras. This information would include air fare, hotel stay, eating out (I do mean all the places you would eat out, even if it is just a coffee shop), or if planning a cruise, plan for the finances that will include tipping. Even if you go to the grocery store for something or a souvenir shop, plan for extra spending. This is an area that a lot of people forget: the extra spending that was not in the budget.
Plan for a budget. I know, we all would like to go on vacation without worrying about money, but for some of us, a budget is important. This is the critical part of planning a vacation. It will take the two of you to be diligent in this part of the planning process. Plan to spend more than you might. It is better to know this ahead of time than to wait till the last minute and realize you do not have the money for something extra.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! In an expensive economy such as we have, it is important to save. Try to use cash rather than credit cards or borrowing money elsewhere. Cash is king! I understand that many vacations cost a lot of money, but maybe plan to go somewhere else. An old saying from back in my time, but still is relevant today, “Rob Peter to pay Paul.” Pay what you can afford. Maybe later you can afford a more expensive vacation.
Do research. Look in the area you want to vacation in and find out what activities that both you and your spouse would like to do. Whether it is sailing, hiking, museum hunting, a driving or flying tour or something else find a common ground with your spouse, stick to your budget and seek fun activities that will draw you two closer together.
The most important thing: HAVE FUN WITH YOUR SPOUSE! Remember, this is about the two of you. A vacation is supposed to be fun and relaxing, not like the movie, “Vacation,” even though that movie was funny. Make sure you plan for down time to rejuvenate your batteries.
So the answer to the question, “Do you REALLY want to travel with your spouse?” is YES! You REALLY want to! Enjoy the journey, the destination, your awesome spouse and be thankful. Sometimes people feel like coming home from a vacation is the real vacation because we plan so many things in the short amount of time we have during our vacation, we are exhausted and want to rest when we get home.
This is a special time with you and your spouse. Draw closer to your spouse through this experience. He is your best friend and a great traveling buddy, or at least a potential! This is about the two of you, not just you, or more than two, unless you are meeting up with friends!
When my husband and I plan for a vacation he will seek my input first, that is the way he is. I usually end up picking the spot and if it is agreeable to him (about 99% it is), we will plan for it. How do I plan for it? So glad you asked!
Here is an example of what I did to plan our vacation this year: I used a blank Word document and typed: dates we are camping (we only camp in full hookup campgrounds), the places we will camp, places we will visit while camping, activities to do and anything miscellaneous that I thought of last minute or close to it. Just something simple and easy for both of us to keep track of what we are doing and where we will be staying.
If you are looking for an awesome vacation experience and would like to hear it from someone that was actually there, click this link about a special vacation we had in Glacier National Park!
What are your vacation plans? Please share in the comments!
