Planning a Perfect Vacation

Every couple wants to have a perfect vacation, and sadly, it does not always meet our expectations. To prevent disappointment, it pays to make plans carefully, and this takes time and honest communication between partners. First of all, determine what kind of vacation you want. Each of you should be very open about your preferences. It helps to write down all the pros and cons for your choices, and please remember to be practical. Consider all of the aspects you can both think of in planning this special time.

It is very important to listen to your partner and share the kind of vacation you each want. This requires patience and understanding, as well as a willingness to give a little. Once, I was on a trip and witnessed a marriage dissolve before my eyes because travel conditions in a third world country put so much pressure on each person—the experience destroyed the relationship. While the trip sounded interesting and different the couple failed to be realistic with each other about what they wanted and liked and could cope with in an unfamiliar environment. Adventure travel is not for everyone. Here are some other things to think about.

The Perfect Time
What time of year will you be going? You should always pay close attention to the characteristics of the season in making your plans. We all know that quirks in the weather can ruin a nature outing or hamper site seeing. Study the area and tailor you plans to the nature of the place, then make lists of alternative things to do "just in case."

Mind Your Budget
Finances are a very important factor in your considerations. Unless you have won a trip or the lottery, set a reasonable budget and stick to it. You may have to decide that a vacation out of town is not practical for this year. Maybe is would be better to stay at home or make local weekend trips. If this is the case, you can still share in the planning activities. Be creative in listing fun things you can do together, checking on any events you might like to attend.

Make Time for You and Your Spouse
If your vacation involves sharing time with friends, family, and children, make sure you also include times to be alone as a couple. These times away from your routine can be quite special, giving you the chance to share new experiences with each other and see each other with new eyes. Vacations are renewal times for mind, body, spirit and romance. Vive la romance!

If you cannot agree on the type of vacation you want, you must be honest with each other. He may only want to fish, hunt and enjoy being in nature. She may love being in a city, sight-seeing, going to plays, visiting museums, shopping and trying out different restaurants. Under these circumstances, separate vacations may be the answer. If this happens to be your solution, more power to you and your relationship. Vacations can be all you want them to be with honesty and careful planning. Just make sure your decisions lead to genuine enjoyment and an appreciation of each other.

Lou Dunn Diekemper is the author of "Let us Share A Conversation On Growing Older".

Moving Forward From A Painful Past Your body is a living record of your past—both good and bad—and in order to move forward you must transform.

Moving Forward From A Painful Past
Your body is a living record of your past—both good and bad—and in order to move forward you must transform.