Am I dumb not to do this Europe vacation?

[ReenaP]

We are planning on TTC later this year, and wanted to get in one final big vacation before that. We decided on a London/Paris trip in Sept with a good couple friend of ours, as we’ve never been to Europe before. We were all very excited, but unfortunately the couple had to drop out due to money/work issues. This was a major buzzkill, and we kind of lost interest in the trip.

DH’s brother and his wife learned about this, and volunteered to join us (with their 2 yr old) if we were still interested in going. We are close with them, and have done brief vacations with them before. DH’s brother is totally cool, and I get along with his wife fairly well too, but sometimes she can get annoying (she really upset me once last month, but over it now). I’m not sure how it would go spending 9 straight days with her.

The other thing is the trip would have a much different feel to it with a baby around. I was looking forward to hitting up some London pubs and Paris nightlife, but now it would just be me and DH if we want to do that.

But on the other hand, I do really want to go as I’ve never been to Europe. Plus it might be our last chance for a trip for a while. We have the savings so affordability is not an issue. And we have a bunch of airline miles so we’d only need to pay about 1/3 for airfare.

What do you think..is this a no-brainer vacation? Am I dumb for even considering not going? If we don’t go, we’d probably do something like a coastal California trip instead.

[mdgirl]

I'd go without them. It doesn't sound like they're totally set on going, so I'd just tell them that you got excited about going again and they're more than welcome to join but they don't have to.

I could be a little biased about traveling with other people though. We went to Ireland with another couple and we split up 4 days or so into the trip because they wanted to do different things. We hadn't planned on it, but it saved the trip for everyone because our friend started being a bit of PITA and it was making things tense. So if they insist on going, maybe you can suggest splitting up for a bit so you can all do your own thing.

[basilosaurus]

Unless they'd be offended at you turning them down, I'd go as a couple without them. Why do you need anyone else to travel with you?

But, if you can't wiggle out of it, I'm sure they'll handle being with the kid, and it won't bother you that much. There's no reason you can't stay out late on your own just b/c they're stuck babysitting.

[sunshinedaydreams]

Yes, I think you're crazy not to go! With them or without them, I'd be all over that.

I guess I personally don't understand the feeling that you won't have fun on the town if it's just you and your H. I actually prefer it that way. We travel alone all the time and still have plenty of fun.

Like others have said, if they do come with you, you can agree to split up and do things separately so that you're not with each other for nine days on end. I'm sure a 2yo will need to take naps, etc. so that should give you and your H some time to explore alone.

Another thought - is there are a grandparent or someone who might be willing to keep the 2yo for a week while they come with you?

[knittable]

Why can't you go on your own?

Travel brings out the very worst in people, I would never travel with anyone I wasn't best friends with.

[travelingturtle]

I'd go without them. You'll still have a great time.

The thing I'd worry about with traveling with them is that it sounds like their offer to go with you is a favor since your friends dropped out. Maybe it's just the way I'm reading it, but if they're looking at is as doing you a favor, they may expect something in return. I can't help but think they'll want you to babysit for them so they can get a night or two out on the town. Unless that's something you want to do, I would just tell them that you guys are going it alone.

Of course, they can still go on their own if they choose to and maybe you all could meet up for a day in each city or something.

[anna7602]

I don't really see why you need to travel with anyone at all besides you and DH to Europe. Are there other friends who would be doing the Coastal California trip with you? Is that just the way you usually travel?

Personally, with the idea of TTC on the horizon, I would do anything possible to have one last "just the two of you" vacation and wouldn't even consider traveling with other people. If, however, your BIL & family join you, you can still go to pubs and enjoy nightlife just you and DH. They can stay at the hotel in the evenings with their child. It's not like you have to stay in, too. Why would you?

[MrsAxilla]

Go by yourselves. you will have an AWESOME time together and you don't need a travel buddy. Last vaca before kiddos - take full advantage.

[hz80408]

My H and I just went to Europe for the first time; we met up with friends at the beginning and end of our trip, but the time we enjoyed the most was when it was just the two of us. We went to Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona and London. London and Paris are definitely worth going to just the two of you!

[alithebride]

my first choice wouldb e to just go you and DH

i think it would be ok to go with the others and kid. you dont have to do the same exact things with them every minute of every day. if you want to visit pubs-GO!

[ReenaP]

Thanks all for the advice.

I think it would tough to swing the trip alone now, as they are the ones pushing to start the booking process. That is fine though, I like the suggestion of splitting up at times and doing our own thing (especially at night).

[mrsukyankee]

And just so you know, you can bring a baby into a pub, so they can join you if they want...

[Waffles]

I'd definitely go without them: your last big trip before TTC'ing doe not compute with traveling with a toddler IMO.

[ChiKate]

Definitely go. I'd prefer just DH and me but if you can't do that, still go with your in-laws. Just be sure to say upfront that you want separate time. You can swing it so it benefits them--i.e. maybe they want to go to a children's museum while you go to a bar or a long walking tour.

[Deleted]

I would hate to have my first European travel experience with a 2 year old that is not mine. lol But my H and I prefer to travel on our own anyways, especially if it is a long and expensive trip so we can get our money's worth doing what we want on our own schedule. We only travel with friends/family for short and inexpensive trips. London and Paris is very easy to explore if it is your first time to Europe.

[SJ]

In order of preference:

1) Go without them

2) Go with them, but urge them to leave the 2 year old at home.

...........BIG GAP......

3) Go with them & 2 year old

[ESquared423]

I'm with some of the other posters...why is a vacation with just you and your H undesirable? That's the best kind of getaway as far as I'm concerned! Plus, if you're hitting up the pubs you are bound to chat up other tourists and locals and have a great time.

I certainly would not look forward to a vacation with a 2-year-old and a woman who I wasn't super thrilled about spending time with. No way.