10 Ways to Go On Vacation Without Killing Him

This weekend is a glorious long weekend for those of us in the States (sorry to our international readers!) and it’s perfect for getting out of town with your guy for the first time. But going on vacation together means being together – 24/7. That’s a lot of time for things to go really well. Or really poorly. The first vacation I took with my guy was a disaster. We had really different ideas of what we wanted to do each day and there was constant friction between us. Let’s just say that we returned from the “relaxing” trip a little less than refreshed. Be sure to follow these tips instead to keep your trip fun instead of stressful.

1. Before you go: Talk, ask questions, figure stuff out

Do you get carsick? Is there something you absolutely must do? Is there something you absolutely won’t do? Are you going to have (or seek out) internet access? Are you going to want dedicate time to working out on vacation? Do you like to get to the pool early? Does he like to sleep in? Make sure you’re on the same page.

2. Be reasonable about what you’ll get done

This is my biggest problem. If you’re like me, you want to see and do it all! But if you plan 20 things every day, you’ll constantly be thinking of where to be next, you won’t spend as much time doing anything as much as you should, and you’ll probably fight about this. Let’s lower the bar. If you only have a few goals every day, anything else will be icing on the cake, and you can enjoy the whole thing as you go with the flow.

3. Bananagrams (Or any game.)

Bring Bananagrams. Just do it. It will make time fly, you can bring it anywhere, and you won’t get bored of it. The only caveat is that you might miss a flight or train if you’re too engrossed in the game. Kind of pay attention a little.

4. Snacks

They’re not for you, they’re for your boyfriend, who acts like a cranky toddler when he hasn’t eaten in 3 hours. A freak-out meltdown over getting lost can be assuaged with a handful of Beef Jerky or jelly beans (or a Snickers bar). Whether you have snacks or not might determine whether or not you are going to murder each other in a time of duress.

5. Always have your own cash money

You don’t know when the hell the next ATM is going to appear. And if you’re in a foreign country, you really don’t want to get stuck. There’s nothing worse than having to ask your boyfriend for €5 so you can buy a pretzel—especially if you two are already sort of on the edge.

6. Do something separate

This is a requirement. It’s the absolute best idea ever to spend time apart. You’ll be able to breathe, and you’ll have something to talk about when you find each other again.

7. Remember that this is not YOUR vacation

If you want it to be all about you, then go by yourself. But you’re with someone, and that is the whole point. You will probably do something you do not want to do. Your boyfriend will probably do something he does not want to do. Isn’t this fun?! (No seriously, it is.)

8. Don’t give a sh*t about getting lost

I think only bad people become irate about maps and directions—that is a huge red flag. You’re on vacation, not at work. This is the one time in your life that getting lost is okay. And remember: getting lost is awesome. I’m obviously not talking about if your vacation is trekking Everest or if you’re late for a flight or something. But don’t fret if you’re lost on city streets or driving around.

9. Take a moment

Look at you! You’re in a new, exciting place with someone you love! Nothing should bring this down, nothing. Think about your friends stuck at their work desks, your mom stuck in Ohio, everyone else who isn’t you right now. You are on vacation, goddamit. You will regret it if you waste any of this awesomeness being stressed or unhappy. You’ll later wonder, “why was I so stressed?” That is a promise.

10. Chill!

If you’re a control freak or a planner (like me), you are going to have to learn to just shut up and smile. It might be hard for some people at first, but you will have more fun in the end going with the flow than fighting for your way, then getting it. Plus, you won’t learn anything or get as many awesome new experiences if you are controlling the whole trip. That’s the #1 bonus about traveling with someone else—they help guide the trip to a place you didn’t know it could go.

Do you have any vacation horror stories? Or any tricks to help the rest of us stay sane? Share!

{Source: Glamour}

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