Travel journalist shares tips for successful couples trip planning
7 reported
A travel journalist who had planned every family trip for years handed the reins to her husband for a “just us” getaway to Quebec, Canada. She consulted couples therapists and a financial coach to gather advice on making such trips successful. Key recommendations include identifying the trip’s purpose, prepaying expenses to avoid financial disputes, scheduling alone time, preparing for potential conflict, and carrying positive habits home. The journalist and her husband prepaid for flights, rental car, accommodation, and meals at an all-inclusive spa. They also decided to set their home Wi-Fi to turn off automatically each evening after enjoying being offline during the trip.
What’s reported
The journalist had planned every family trip before this year and was burned out.
Her husband took the lead on planning a “just us” trip to a spa in Quebec, Canada.
They agreed on a budget, then he booked flights, rental car, and the spa.
The journalist consulted couples therapists Marissa Nelson and Will Messer, and financial coach Jenny Whichello.
Advice included: find your “why” for the trip, prepay what you can, plan alone time, don’t fear conflict, and take good vibes home.
The couple prepaid flights, car, accommodation, and meals to avoid surprise bills.
After the trip, they set their home Wi-Fi to turn off automatically every evening.
Key figures
Amelia Edelman (writer, editor, content strategist; traveled to 38 countries)
Marissa Nelson (couples therapist and travel advisor)
Will Messer (couples therapist)
Jenny Whichello (financial coach who works with couples)
Malaka Gharib (editor of the story)
CJ Riculan (visual editor)
Sources: NPR
