Choosing a travel destination as a couple

Puerto Rico: An Afro-Caribbean couple relaxes at San Juan’s Condado Beach. (Larry Luxner)

This may seem like a given when it comes to relationships, but there always has to be a little give and take in order to make a relationship work. When it comes to vacations, people work hard all year to take off a few days or a week and after saving up money all year, all anyone wants is to have a good time. But the biggest problem is in finding a destination that both parties can agree upon without a colossal fight ensuing. Sound familiar?

Couple A: Golf vs. Beach: John and Samantha. He wants a golf vacation where he can work on his game, have a couple of drinks (or more), and relax. She wants a beach vacation where she can lay out in the sun by the water and relax and maybe go to the spa. Clearly, they both want to relax, but somehow this doesn’t sound like the same vacation. Someone will have to give up the ide of a dream vacation in order to keep harmony in the relationship. In this case, John feels he probably has to give up his idea of a golf vacation to keep Samantha happy.

Couple B: All-Inclusive vs. Luxury: Ken and Barbie. He wants an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean because more than anything else, he doesn’t want to be nickeled and dimed throughout his vacation. She wants a vacation that includes gourmet food, fancy drinks, and great entertainment. Let’s face it – Barbie feels she is going to end up at some inferior resort with less than great food, drinks, and entertainment and feels frustrated before the trip because she already feels she isn’t going to have any fun.

How can these couples get on the same page and have a great vacation for everyone involved? This is where thinking outside of the box comes in handy. Instead of falling back on vacations of the past, they should definitely consult a travel agent to assist them with their travel plans. Why? Because there are infinite vacation possibilities out their to appeal to everyone, including couples that can’t agree.

Sandals Emerald Bay from Sandals.com
Sandals Emerald Bay from Sandals.com

For John and Samantha, they might consider an all-inclusive resort like Sandals. A few of the Sandals properties include all of the golf fees and they do have some amazing golf courses. In fact, Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma has a Greg Norman designed golf course. Now that’s something you won’t find anywhere else! Samantha could enjoy the beautiful 1.5-mile powder sand beach and also the largest Red Lane Spa available at any Sandals property. After doing things individually during the day, they could meet up and spend quality time together at 500-acre resort that was voted the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive. In the end, they didn’t have to compromise while still getting all that they wanted.

CrystalCruises.com
CrystalCruises.com

For Ken and Barbie, they might consider a cruise instead of a land vacation. Cruising is changing constantly and now there are a few cruise lines that offer all-inclusive rates. For example, they could opt for a luxury cruise that includes everything. Crystal Cruises offers cruise rates that include all beverages (including fine wines, champagne, beer and premium spirits as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees); prepaid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; specialty dining; 24-hour room service; personal Penthouse Butler service; enrichment workshop classes and more. Regent Seven Sea Cruises offers free unlimited shore excursions, free luxury 1-night pre hotel package, free unlimited beverages including free wines and premium spirits, free prepaid gratuities, free in-suite mini-bar replenished daily, free 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants, and so much more.

Celebrity Reflection from Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Reflection from Celebrity Cruises

Perhaps these cruise lines are a little out of their price point. They could always opt instead for a cruise with Celebrity Cruises for a premium cruise line experience and prepay for their premium beverage package. Included in their cruise fare are their accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Other options could include other premium cruise lines like Holland America or Princess Cruises or a contemporary cruise line like Royal Caribbean as long as Ken and Barbie kept tabs on their onboard spending.

Can couples with different expectations end up with a great vacation for both parties? Absolutely! You can each get what you want and hopefully, not want to kill each other on vacation. As I always say, plan ahead and then sit back and relax on your vacation. After all, isn’t that what you both ultimately want?

Are you in a relationship with vacation issues? Send me an email and let me know what your vacation problem and you could be featured in an upcoming post