For the best surprise holidays
Planning a getaway is a relationship test, so ace it by injecting some spontaneity.
The bags were packed and hiding under the bed. The flights and flashy hotel were booked. Bosses knew we would not be in on Friday (and probably not Monday, ‘‘we’ll keep you posted’’). Dinner reservations had even been made. My bank account was sufficiently depleted. Anticipation and anxiety levels were high (I’ll get to that bit later). If I could pull this surprise trip off without a hitch I would be rather chuffed.
In most couples – for travel in this instance, but it’s visible in any project – there tends to be a leader and organiser and a follower (with varying enthusiasm levels).
My relationship is an anomaly to this and it shows most often when deciding on the destination for our next getaway. Two forthright people come together, first hinting, then sharing links and photos of sand and surf, old town buildings, restaurants and bars. Then researching flights and the best places to stay, looking into tours or day trips.
There’s the inevitable progression to arguments and tears about the budget and the timing and the length of stay. Then compromising to a level nobody is happy with. Then ripping up the plan and starting again. Blather. Rinse. Repeat. All from the comfort of the living room. To ultimately get where you want to go, a little bit more stealth is required. The element of surprise.
Surprising your loved one, friends or family with a trip away is one of the best types of presents – and not just because you get to benefit from a holiday of your choosing, although this has always sealed the deal for me. Many of my ‘‘look what I’ve got you’’ moments tend to include accommodation at ski resorts, despite my alpine adverse girlfriend at the time.
The element of spontaneity and surprise has long been in our travelling DNA – think back to the 1990’s heyday of the Air New Zealand mystery breaks. The national carrier knew it and so