They could give your relationship a surprising boost.
Here’s a secret many happy couples know—sometimes the most relaxing vacation involves neither your children nor your partner. And in fact, it may be the most convenient and practical way for each of you to get away for a much-needed recharge. You can always book that holding-hands-on-the-beach couples vacay for next year.
1
If You Both Work From Home
Whether you’re telecommuting, starting up your own business, or taking care of the kids, that’s a whole lot of together time. Taking a weekend by yourself at a country inn reading your favorite books with no one asking what’s for dinner or where the remote control is may be the best thing you can do for your peace of mind.
2
You Need Some Friend Time, and He Could Use Some Bro-Bonding
“I have a friend from college who is single and child-free, and we’ve discovered that we make extremely compatible travel partners,” says Fiona, from New Jersey. “She likes to wander, see museums, and shop at the same relaxed pace as I do. My husband has a buddy who lives on the other side of the country, and he always enjoys getting to spend time together on their 'mancations.’ It works out for all of us.”
3
You Have Completely Different Definitions of ‘Fun’
Dragging your partner to a crafts fair when he’d rather be fishing (or getting on that fishing boat when you suffer from seasickness!) is no fun for either of you. “My husband and I have been married 25 years, and we have different interests that the other doesn’t care for,” says Randi, from New York City. “His dream vacation usually involves landing in some obscure airport and watching the planes come in, and I love Disney, which he hates. We realized early on that if we give each other the chance to explore our individual interests without boring and irritating each other, we’re both happy!”
4
Your Work Calendars Don’t Always Mesh
“Because of some scheduling issues at my office, I had to take a week off in early November, when my husband’s work was at its busiest,” says Amanda, from Toronto. “I wound up convincing a few friends to go to a spa and hiking with me for a few days and it was the most fun I had in years!”
5
You Don’t Have Someone to Watch the Kids
Family vacations are definitely a must, but after eating chicken fingers at chain restaurants all week and singing “The Wheels on the Bus” through four different states, you probably need a vacation of your own. But what to do with the kids when you want some adult time? “It’s so hard to find someone to care for my 10-year-old twins for long periods of time,” says Melissa, from Brooklyn, New York. “Our parents are too old, and it’s too expensive to hire a babysitter for more than an afternoon. So instead, we each take a few days each year to go away on our own while the other stays home with the kids. It’s very relaxing, and we really appreciate each the other when we get back.”
6
You Want a Totally Stress-Free Getaway
No matter how much you love each other, you’re never going to agree 100 percent on every detail of every vacation. Whether you love to sleep in all day or get up at dawn to watch the sunrise, eat at the top-rated restaurant in the city or grab greasy takeout and go out dancing, the choices are all completely, 100 percent yours, no discussions or debates.
