You laugh together, cry together and spend almost every weekend with another couple “ or a few other couples “ so why not travel together?
Not so fast. A whole week away is different than a Friday night out for dinner.
If you and your partner are ready to book a trip with your best couple friends, keep these tips in mind to make sure you make it to the end of the week with your friendships intact:
1. Set expectations before you go. What does everyone want to do? What’s everyone looking forward to? Talk to your partner and the other couples you’re traveling with so you have an understanding of what everyone’s expectations are before you even leave home.
2. Similarly, make sure your partner knows where you’re coming from. He probably already knows if one friend gets on your nerves when he drinks too much, or if there’s a certain topic that should be avoided, but spell it out “ he can help divert situations that may go awry. It’s always good to be on the same page.
3. If you think you’ll want extra privacy at nighttime (or you know somebody else might be a bit loud, ahem), don’t book side-by-side rooms. It’s okay to be on a different floor or in a separate area of a resort from the people you’ve traveled with.
4. Be flexible. You don’t have to eat every single meal together or travel as a pack at all times. Maybe you can plan to meet for a meal, then go your separate ways. Or say, I plan on hitting the beach tomorrow. Maybe I’ll see you guys there! You’re on vacation! Plans don’t have to be hard and fast.
5. Spend time alone. Even if you do end up at breakfast, lunch, dinner and on the beach all at the same time every day, make sure you spend time with just your partner. You may not feel like you need time away from the other couples you’re with until it’s too late, so plan a dinner for two or a romantic night in your private Jacuzzi, then meet up again the next day. Your friends will get it, trust us! On the flipside, don’t be offended if another couple wants to break off and take a walk on their own or go on an adventure without you.
6. Don’t mother your friends. It’s okay to suggest to someone they reapply sunblock, but don’t go overboard. You’re there as friends “ not as a babysitter! They’re adults and they can take care of themselves.
Most importantly, always remember why you wanted to travel together in the first place: they’re your friends and you do get along, so have fun and enjoy your time away!
