We occasionally have traveled with friends or relatives. We’ve rarely had an issue because such trips have been few and far between. So, when I planned a Caribbean vacation for February, I was pleasantly surprised when friends showed an interest in going. I was excited about the possibility, but also a little concerned, “What if something went wrong? Would I wish we had gone alone?”
Well, it was a perfect trip and we all had a great time.
Later I read an article about advice for traveling with friends and, without knowing it, we positively checked off all ten points. The secret was being good friends and going on a cruise. My husband likes to say on a cruise your hotel goes with you —there’s no problem about where to stay or renting a car, where to eat and what to do.
There were eight of us (six from Naperville) and everyone was able to do what they wanted. We had multiple opportunities for excursions; could get up early or late; exercise in the fitness center; eat in different restaurants – yet dine together for the evening meal in the main dining room (no extra charge for four appetizers)! Even then, we all chose to do dinner separately at least once. Two couples watched the Superbowl on the upper deck while another visited a specialty restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.
We played trivial pursuit or cards in the lounges, sat by the pool, played basketball or ping pong, relaxed and read books on our balconies, ate well and stayed warm. Our trip also ended nicely when our late afternoon plane back to Chicago was not delayed. We got in just after the airport was open after that ten-inch snowfall.
I even took Positively Naperville along for a photo-op!
