By: Libby Keatinge
So your new relationship is moving right along just in time for a spring vacay. Yes! Or maybe you and your single pals are so over the dating scene you decide to get out of town for a little R & R, or perhaps a little mischief too! Simple etiquette can ensure when you are on holiday that you and everyone you are with have a great time. Here are five simple tips for vacationing together.
Be on Time
When you are trying to make flights or train schedules, showing up on time is crucial. Do not keep everyone waiting in a car to start a long road trip while you debate bringing that one extra bathing suit. When on a vacation date, your date may have plans booked ahead, held with his credit card, and unable to cancel or reschedule. Be extra considerate while traveling and always be punctual.
Does it take you a long time to get ready? Be considerate and plan accordingly. You are sharing a bathroom in a hotel room most likely, so be aware of the shared space and don’t hog the bathroom. Start getting ready early, or shower and then plug in your curling iron in the sitting area and do your hair there so he can have time to get ready, too.
Be Considerate of the Budget
Maybe you have cash to blow on your out-of-town excursion, but your date or some of your friends may not. Do not be hell bent on trying the top rated restaurant in town. Be open to sampling local food that may better fit into the budget. To the same effect, if you are low on funds, but your friends want to try a couple of expensive spots, budget accordingly so you can participate. Out of three expensive dinners, choose the one you wish to try the most and go to that one. During the other two, maybe you let them know you would rather hit the hotel gym and show up at the end for a cocktail so you can join for the post-dinner activities. If you are on a date, let the man lead the way. He may want to show you a new place he heard about or where he has a special in. Come with a variety of suggestions if he asks, but in general, let him make the plans (it’ll make him feel special!).
What Happens in _______, Stays in ___________!
Do not blog, post photos, or tweet about your vacation without the explicit permission of everyone involved in the trip. You never know what people have going on. Maybe your friend so badly needed this getaway that she told her boss she had a “family trip.” The last thing she needs is photos of her downing a margarita while sitting on the beach in a bikini on Facebook for her co-workers to see.
Same with your date. Keep your trip special and don’t put photos and information about it all over the internet unless you discuss it with him first. And what are you doing on the phone posting so much, anyway?! Put it down! Take advantage of the city you are in and what it has to offer. Go to museums, do activities, try sports, meet local people, attend a local event. Do not zone out on your phone. Lame! Which brings us to the next tip:
Put the Phone Down!
Do not constantly call and text friends or your mom with updates about what you are doing, where you are, etc, especially if you are on a date. You do not want your date seeing you give the play by play on every meal, activity, or outfit you or he is wearing. You may be excited in the moment, but your friends and family can wait - they can get a full recap when you return. The same goes for a trip with friends. Why are you all there together if everyone is sitting at dinner texting other people? Talk to each other and use the time to catch up or discuss plans.
Have fun!
Relax and be flexible with your plans. Just because this is the only time you have been to Italy, don’t act like you will never be there again and try to fit everything in. If you get tired and want to sit at an outdoor café and don’t get to see every museum, just go with it.
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Check out other great blogs from twoday magazine contributor, Libby Keatinge:
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