Make the Most of Your Vacation

It's not the sand or the surf that make a vacation memorable. It's the time together that counts. How can you make sure that your get-away is everything you dreamed it would be?

Clay and I have taken two wonderful vacations lately: one to the mountains and one to the beach. Both were memorable, relaxing, and perfect for reconnection.

On the other hand, we have spent large sums of money traveling to more expensive resorts, eating more decadent foods and checking things off our "Lifetime To Do List", only to come back home tired and disconnected.

If more time and more money do not equal a more successful get-away, what are the secrets to a great vacation together? We have found that it's important to get on the same page before taking a trip. One person might be hoping to get rest while the other wants to see the sights. Knowing what your spouse needs is the first step to a harmonious trip.

Surprisingly, couples often do not communicate their expectations for holidays and breaks, so they can often experience disappointment. You have already spent money, taken time off work and invested a lot into this trip. Invest a few more minutes in good communication and it will pay off!

Questions to Ask Before Your Leave (or in the car, or at the airport)
- What are your expectations for this vacation?
- What is the most important thing you want to get out of this trip?
- Is there anything I can do to help you relax, unwind and feel a sense of peace?
- What sites do you hope to see, hear or taste?
- How much sleep do you plan to get?
- Will you need to work while we vacation? How much?
- Is there anything that could happen that could ruin this trip for you?

Remember...no one is RIGHT or WRONG about what they hope to gain from a vacation. Listen to what your spouse REALLY wants instead of assuming that you both have the same vision for your trip.