"For
a first time vacation, definitely choose a destination that caters to
your mutual interests," says Miller. "Not every guy wants to shop and
not every girl wants to go to the World Cup. But if you're both foodies
or ski bunnies, there is an ideal destination for everyone." Take it
from Megan, 28, who overlooked a few of her boyf’s comments before they
headed to her dream locale, Paris. "When we got there, I finally
realized not only was he not a big 'Europe' person, he hated all things
French! It was bad."
Limit Travel Time
Save
the 20-hour flight to Thailand for your third anniversary trip. For new
couples, Miller recommend going somewhere with little travel time: "The
more flights you have to catch, the more pressure on your trip."
Don’t Do High Maintenance
The
worst idea for a first time vacation with a guy is “doing something
extreme, like a camping trip in the Sahara Desert. You will have no idea
what to expect and chances are the cuisine will at least one of you in
the bathroom half the time," Miller points out. "Going somewhere with
extreme weather can be disastrous on your hair, skin and relationship.
If your boyfriend is allergic to the sun, don't take him to Atlanta
during the summer."
Make Sure You're Comfortable Around Him
Really
comfortable. Remember when Miranda laments how she was forced to use
the hotel lobby bathroom during her first time vacation with a
relatively new beau because she didn't feel cozy enough to go with him
in the room? That stuff actually happens. "It's definitely an issue that
will test your 'comfort level,' especially if you're in a destination
with really bad plumbing," Miller points out. Moral of the story: Don't
take a vacation with a guy after just a handful of dates. No matter how
cute he is.
Play Travel Agent
If
you're attending a show/concert, etc. during your trip, definitely
secure tickets beforehand. That way you're prepared with how much you're
going to pay, it doesn't come out of your budget when you get there,
and you have some fun plans to look forward to. Biggest bonus: More time
in your room and less chasing down ticket vendors.
Weigh Group Trips vs. One-on-Ones
"Group
trips can be a blast, but it's important to make sure everyone is on
the same page," cautions Miller. "If you have champagne wishes and
caviar dreams for your trip, make sure you aren't setting sail with your
boyfriend's buddy who is more beer and potato skins." A one-one-one
trip offers you control over the itinerary, and flexibility.
Don't Overpack
"Packing
is key to hassle-free traveling, and by that I mean DO NOT OVERPACK,"
Miller emphasizes. "I'm the first one to not want to wear the same
outfit in every pic, but that's when you have to get creative with your
favorite t-shirt and scarf."
Pamper Yourself
Touch
up those roots, clean up the bikini line, gets your toes done, and try
out a fun nail shade. When you get off the plane, you want to feel
comfortable when he rips off your clothes!
Where to Go?
Miller's
best recommendation is San Francisco: "It's a city with so much to do:
Great weather, it's a major sports town, and it borders so many great
places like Napa wine country, Sausalito and Half Moon Bay." Outside of
the U.S., she recommends the South of France during the summer. "I don't
care how masculine the guy is, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes
Film Festival make for a pretty romantic getaway." For winter,
high-rollers should hit St Barths, and she gives her most romantic vote
to The Ocean Club in The Bahamas.
By Carson Griffith
