Summer Vacay Update

At the beginning of the summer I did a post on Summer Vacations and I had every intention of going on one myself, but that didn't quite happen... but I wanted to do an update on the couple's trip since the summer's almost over and the beach trips are coming to a close.

Going on a couples trip can either go really wrong or really well. It will either bring you closer or farther apart. So it is very important to make sure it is something you are both ready for - financially and emotionally. Before you go on the trip you should be able to answer Yes to these three questions: 1) Can you spend more than 24 hours with this person? 2) Can you afford this trip? 3) Do you love this person? If the answer to these three questions is yes than you are probably in for a good trip. But if the answer to just one of these questions is no, then you're probably headed for a disaster.

If the roadtrip was not a disaster you have that as a milestone in your relationship to always remember. It is a huge roadblock that you've accomplished with ease, so pat yourselves on the back. You can now pass Go and collect $200. Feel free to post a Facebook album full of pictures for everyone to stalk you on and be jealous! But once you've taken care of that don't forget to send a love note. It's important to show your appreciation for a successful, stress-free getaway with your significant other. You've probably both been working hard all summer and really needed that time away together. So don't take for granted the fact that the trip went well or even happened at all. Via Facebook, e-mail, or snail mail tell your loved one that you enjoyed the time you spent, that the trip was lovely and well-planned, and that you can't wait to do it again. (only say this if you mean it) He or she will really appreciate the acknowledgement and will probably start planning the next trip right away.

If the roadtrip was a disaster. There is no need to run for the phonebook and seek couple's therapy and you don't necessarily have to break up right away. I do know one couple in particular who almost broke off their engagement because of roadtrip rage, but they are now still engaged and happy and have just realized how to better travel together. You have to completely assess the situation and decide if the issues that came up on the trip are major or minor. If the issues you had are major then you should probably talk about whether or not you should be together. But if the issues you had are minor then you need to talk about how to fix them and have a better trip next time. The key is to talk. Don't just ignore the problems and act like everything went well. It is, however, okay to tell your friends everything went well. They're just being nosey and there's no need to bring roadtrip drama home.


Below are a few Road Trip Tips for Couples who may venture out in the future.
1. Plan your trip together
2. Don't turn a roadtrip into a chore
3. While you're on the road, lavish your partner with extra consideration and kindness
4. Assign responsibilities, and then resist the temptation to interfere with how tasks are accomplished
5. Think carefully about the driving, as this is the biggest single task on a road trip
6. Don't let the grouchies get the upper hand
7. Keep a journal, and if you take pictures, take the time to organize them into an easy-to-enjoy format (i.e. Shutterfly's Photo Books)
8. Remember that the journey's the thing