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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Surprise Holiday

17 replies

Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 20:29

Hi all,

I am posting here for traffic! I hope that is okay.

I really could do with some suggestions on a surprise holiday. I am planning for my husband for my 40th Birthday.

I have booked the trip to Barcelona for four nights next year, and he has the dates off university, but I need some ideas of how to make sure he takes time off work or does not arrange anything else for that week. I plan to surprise him with the trip the day before we fly out over lunch.

I did initially have the idea of texting his supervisor and explaining the situation but not sure if that is a good option.

Alternatively, it was a cover story like we are going somewhere else say London and then we end up in Barcelona. But I want to take him by surprise, and I feel this is giving away half the secret.

Please suggest your ideas and ways to make sure he is stunned. An airport reveal also would be great, but we fly at 7.4am, so it's a bit early for that. Anyways thanks for reading and looking forward to hearing your responses.

OP posts:
Summersunshine2 · 05/07/2019 20:34

Have you got children? If you don't have a childminder you could pretend you are going away with friends but he has to book time off to drop you off and look after the kids ?

Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 20:37

@Summersunshine2 No sadly not yet but hopefully, then I will be pregnant.

Also the day we leave is three days before his actual Birthday!

OP posts:
FunnyHappyGirl · 05/07/2019 20:38

My DP contacted my work when he did this for me but it is a slightly different situation as I'm one of the bosses so don't actually report to anyone anyway!

I like the idea of throwing a dummy and telling him one thing and doing another. Or just blatantly tell him you've booked a weekend away and it's a surprise.

I did this with my DP and he loved it. Drove him mad not knowing where we were going and demanded hints so I gave him the most obscure clues I could! He was totally clueless! 😂

Ragwort · 05/07/2019 20:42

I think you need to say ‘I have planned a surprise, keep these dates free’ ... & then just give him the details at the very last minute. (Are you 100% sure he will be thrilled? How will he pack? Make sure his passport is valid).

PooWillyBumBum · 05/07/2019 20:47

If someone asked me for time off for an employee it would put me in an awkward position. I’m not even sure I’d be allowed to allocate annual leave without their permission and it’d show on the system. Practicalities aside, I’d worry that they are saving A/L for something else, or are having issues with their OH and would rather not go, and how they’d manage their workload without knowing they’ll be away.

Why not make up a reason for him to take the A/L...like a project around the home (let’s take time off and tackle the garden/repaint the house) or suggest something really dull (let’s go and visit my DF and take him to the annual steam train convention) then spring the actual hol on him on the morning?

Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 20:49

I know my husband very well and he knows me. I really do not like the idea of telling him anything as I have been in the past very bad at keeping a secret. As soon as I say 'oh I have planned a surprise trip but I can't tell you where' he will guess straight away and the whole thing will be ruined sadly.

His passport is in date, I will pack most of his things for him but I plan to tell him the day before we leave and give him £100 as one of my presents so he can use the money to go out and buy himself some new clothes. I think springing it on him the morning we leave is crazy but the day before is great as he has time to get organised for any last minute things.

I figured that nearer the time I could subtly suggest he takes time off work just because it's his birthday week but there's no need telling him anything at the moment.

OP posts:
Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 20:54

If someone asked me for time off for an employee it would put me in an awkward position. I’m not even sure I’d be allowed to allocate annual leave without their permission, and it’d show on the system. Practicalities aside, I’d worry that they are saving A/L for something else, or are having issues with their OH and would instead not go, and how they’d manage their workload without knowing they’ll be away.

@PooWillyBumBum

This is the reason why I would instead not ask his work direct. But I have seen this response before where the manager may think there is something wrong between the couple and I find that a bit crazy. Why would wanting to do something lovely for your spouse suddenly mean there are issues in the marriage. I think from a professional perspective; you are accurate with booking A/L without the permission of the employee.

I may like you say suggest a cover story of why he needs time off work but as his birthday is that week I do not want to spill the beans or be caught out!

OP posts:
Treaclesweet · 05/07/2019 20:57

Can you drag someone else in? Like you're helping friends move or something? Are all the days his normal working days?

Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 21:02

@Treaclesweet

I did think about asking his friend with help and that's a good idea thanks.

Everything is a bit up the air at the moment. Normally he works full-time but he is going part-time in September for his masters. We are away Sunday to Thursday so really if he works weekends (which he plans) he will be only required to get annual leave for the weekend we leave. However, what if he takes over time?

I am probably looking into this too soon. Asking people to help me is great but we do not leave until May next year so its ages away.

OP posts:
mumwon · 05/07/2019 21:08

you have some surprise friends coming over & staying with you & you need to meet them at the airport???

Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 21:13

@mumwon

OMG, that is a great idea! Thank you. But is meeting them by 5 am believable?

OP posts:
Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 21:14

What about our suitcases?

OP posts:
Riverside85 · 05/07/2019 21:21

As it’s his actual birthday then anyway I’d just say “keep the weekend of your birthday free as I’ve got a special surprise planned!” and/or “make sure you book the Friday/Monday off around your birthday for a special birthday surprise!” with a wink and a twinkle in your eye. Then he knows to keep it free and can organise that himself and there’s no confusion/lying about make believe friends or the wrong place. Your actual destination is still a lovely surprise.

mumwon · 05/07/2019 21:23

is there a left luggage at airport?if not hide luggage the night before in boot of car you will have to tell him when you get to airport & yes 5am meeting is believable (says she having met relatives at that time -hence idea :) ) obviously some relative that will need entertaining - hang on a minute! idea! what if you are going to meet them & go onto local connection flight with them to somewhere in UK???

Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 21:28

@Freespirit24

This is most simple suggestion and thank you.

@mumwon

We do not drive that's the only problem. This suggestion is great but there is so many variables to consider.

OP posts:
Gazelda · 05/07/2019 21:36

You just tagged yourself! 😄
I think you've just got to tell him to keep the dates free, and then keep your lips firmly shut.

Original poster
Freespirit24 · 05/07/2019 21:37

@Gazelda

That is so funny I never realised and thank you that is most likely the most sensible and less stressful idea to go with.

I will do that nearer the time though.

OP posts:
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