Tips & Tricks For Vacations with your Partner
So you’re thinking of going on baecation? Here are some tips for doing it and where to go with your partner. But first, here is a little background into my relationship:
When people ask my boyfriend and me, “When did you two meet?” they’re not expecting us to answer: “We met in Kindergarten.” Seems a little crazy, right? I know. We went to elementary and middle school together, and while he always had a crush on me, the feelings at the time were not mutual (LOL). It wasn’t until our junior year in college that we reconnected and started getting serious right before we both took off for 6 months to study abroad – he in Australia and I in Brazil. We both thought that spending this extended time away from each other would either make or break the relationship and fortunately for us, it made our bond stronger and fueled a desire to travel the world together.
We took our first baecation together as 21-year-olds looking to live it up in Vegas. This was the beginning of our adventures together. Bae, being the creature of habit and organization that he is, created an itinerary outlining various activities we could do, our hotel information, and any potential costs we would incur.
Over the 5 years we’ve been together, we have refined our planning process to go as follows:
1) We choose which one of my vacations (I’m a teacher, so I get a lot of time off throughout the year) we will use to travel.
2) We decide on a destination depending on our mood. For instance, do we want a relaxing beach getaway, or are we up for exciting adventures?
3) We research any activities and accommodations via Trip Advisor (our fav!) and travel blogs we already follow or come across via Pinterest. We also chat with any family and friends who have been to our chosen destination.
4) We set up an itinerary based on what we want to do and how much of that country or place we want to see. Here’s a sample itinerary we created for Puerto Rico.
5) We create a packing list because I hate forgetting things while away from home.
6) We get those passports stamped, and GO!
My Top 5 Baecation Places:
1. Romantic Retreat: Cartagena, Colombia
Where we stayed: We spent 4 nights in Casa Pombo, a beautiful, charming boutique hotel in the walled city of Cartagena. The service was excellent, and the complimentary, made-to-order breakfast was fresh and delicious! We also spent two nights at the Sofitel Legend Clara, a larger, “resort” like hotel. The room was nice, but I didn’t feel this was worth the money overall.
Where we ate: Cande, Café San Pedro, La Mulata, Gelateria Tramonti
What we did: Visited Museums, took a horse carriage ride around the city at night, chartered a boat to take us to “Las Islas del Rosario” and “Isla Cholon,” relaxed at the beach in Baru, and drove out to “Parque Tayrona” – a beautiful national park, where we saw dozens of monkeys on our hike.
What to know: We went in April, and it was scorching hot, so bring lots of sunblock and airy clothes. Bring plenty of cash and exchange your dollars beforehand, as credit card fees add up. Vendors can be aggressive, so be firm when saying no and be sure to haggle when you want something.
2. Adventurous Getaway: Costa Rica
Where we stayed: We visited three different regions. In Arenal, we stayed at Arenal Manoa Hotel and woke up to the view of a beautiful volcano in the morning. In Monteverde, we stayed at Ficus Sunset Suites, close to the Cloud Forest, where we zip-lined. In Tamarindo, we stayed at the JW Marriott Hacienda, which was beautiful and a relaxing way to end our trip.
Where we ate: We ate at the hotels and local restaurants called “sodas,” which are affordable and offer authentic, traditional Costa Rican food.
What we did: Lots of hiking (i.e., Arenal volcano, Cero Chato, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the Rain Cloud Forest). We also zip-lined in Monteverde, walked across many hanging bridges, and relaxed at hot springs and the beach.
What to know: While it’s warm in Arenal and Tamarindo, it can get pretty cool at night, especially in Monteverde, so bring clothing for both climates. Also, pack insect repellant, rain ponchos, sneakers, and water bottles. We rented a 4×4 jeep (driving was fine, and we felt safe) to get around because it is best when driving up rugged terrain and mountainous areas.
3. Beach and Adventure: Hawaii
Where we stayed: Since we scored free flights thanks to bae’s travel miles, we decided to splurge and stay at the Four Seasons in Maui. The service was top-notch; we even received complimentary champagne and a rose when they found out we were celebrating our anniversary. In Honolulu, we stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village; our room had a fantastic view of the ocean and the fireworks on Fridays.
Where we ate: While I don’t remember any names besides Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, we made sure to try local Hawaiian eats like “poi,” fish tacos, “loco moco” and, of course, shave ice from Ululani’s.
What we did: Traveled the “Road to Hana,” relaxed on the beach, snorkeled at Waimea Bay, ate Pineapple goodies at the Dole Plantation, learned about Polynesia at the Polynesian Cultural Center and attended a luau.
What to know: Hawaii is a part of the U.S. and can get pricey.
4. Quick Beach Escape: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Where we stayed: For the first part of our trip, we stayed at Embassy Suites, and for the second, we stayed at the Ritz-Carlton.
Where we ate: We tried Puerto Rican fast food (El Meson and Metropol) and nicer spots like Mojitos in Viejo San Juan, Asere Cuban Restaurant, and Oceano.
What we did: We rode horses at Carabali, hiked El Yunque Rain Forest, visited and snorkeled at the beautiful Playa Flamenco in Culebra, explored the old streets of San Juan, and danced salsa until our feet hurt.
What to know: If you want to visit the bioluminescent bays, plan your trip when there won’t be a full moon.
5. American “Staycation”: San Francisco
Where we stayed: Hotel Nikko, located in the heart of San Fran. The indoor pool was great because it was chilly out.
Where we ate: The only place that comes to mind is Kokkari Estiatorio, which had the bomb lamb.
What we did: We visited Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. We also rode cable cars, rented a tandem bike, rode it across the Golden Gate Bridge, and coincidentally ran into a colorful Chinese New Year Celebration.
What to know: The cable car system can get confusing (here’s some more info on this), and the lines can be long, so be patient and plan accordingly.
Tips on Traveling as a Couple:
Baecations can be awesome for many reasons, especially when you and your partner share the same vision for what you hope to get out of the experience. Having lived with my partner for over four years, we’ve gotten to know each other very well… some might say a little too well, so we understand our likes and dislikes and learn how to compromise with one another so that we’re both happy while traveling. For those of you looking to get away with your boo, here are some tips to ensure a happy time for both of you.
1) Discuss your travel vision. Ensure you’re on the same page about where you want to go, what you want to do, and how much you’re willing to spend on activities, food, accommodations, etc.
2) Share the planning workload. Since you’re both taking this trip together, be sure to each contribute to its planning. Play on your strengths; if you’re the organized one in the relationship, then take charge of making an itinerary or booking the accommodations. If you’re the creative one in the relationship, take charge of coming up with fun-filled, cool activities you’d both be interested in.
3) Stay off your phones! Baecations are a time to enjoy with your loved one, so take a few pics and then put the phones away. Enjoy the moment!
4) Communicate early, often, and honestly. Communication is key when traveling with anyone, so be sure to talk and debrief about things you both liked and didn’t like so that you can make things better for next time.
5) Be flexible. Things don’t always go as planned and that’s okay. You’re in a different place, go with the flow, adjust and make the best of it together!
For more invaluable baecation tips and beautiful pictures, follow Kathy’s IG @baecationbliss .
