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Original poster

First holiday with girlfriend

36 replies

timjohn123 · 31/05/2022 17:28

I'm going on my first holiday to France with my girlfriend and would love some advice on how to go about planning in the right way...

So far we've agreed to go to Paris and then a few cities in the South of France for just over 1 week.

My girlfriend is pretty relaxed with planning and so am I so I thought it might be a good idea to take initiative.

So far I've created an excel sheet which has price comparisons on travel and accommodation. I've also put in a few ideas on what we might both like for the trip...I've shared it with her so she can put in her own ideas for the trip and where we could discuss everything together.

I don't want to be controlling or be overbearing with this. Usually when it comes to planning things she likes to take a back seat but because Its our first trip I want to approach it the right way where we work together so she doesn't feel uninvolved or all the decisions are mine.

It'd be great to get thoughts on if I've done this the right way or if there's anything I should change so its equal involvement.

OP posts:
Original poster
timjohn123 · 31/05/2022 17:30

*with price comparison I haven't actually selected any places to stay as I want this to be something we both agree on. Its just to give a rough estimate on how much everything could cost

OP posts:
Pinkflipflop85 · 31/05/2022 17:32

You lost me at excel spreadsheet...

BrutusMcDogface · 31/05/2022 17:38

Is she into excel spreadsheets, too? I would probably be a bit scared if you were my bf planning our first holiday. Maybe relax a little.

Pinkbonbon · 31/05/2022 17:38

I think that might be overkill mate.

I would have just asked her where abouts in Paris she wanted to be (eg: close to main attractions or happy to travel a bit for them) and if she wanted to go low budget, mid range or fancy.

Then sent her a link to a few hotels.so she could have input.

It's good when tje guy takes initiative. Spreadsheets though...sorry dude but id be thinking that was a bit fun-sucking if I were her Especially as youve said she is pretty chilled.

BuddhaAtSea · 31/05/2022 17:39

Excel sheet?! Dude, no, just no.

ChatterMonkey · 31/05/2022 17:42

Calm down. Relax. A holiday is meant to be relaxing. If you put an excel spreadsheet in front of me before a holiday i would run a mile.

Just book something and go...

StarlightLady · 31/05/2022 17:42

Do not overthink or over plan. you don't need a spreadsheet you need to communicate and be realistic if you are there for such a short time.

Also do not try to take on too much. Probably Paris and one other location if you are going south is enough. You are talking about 3-4 hours travel on a TGV train. If you are taking a car, the journey will take twice as long and you will need to factor in motorway tolls.

Aquamarine1029 · 31/05/2022 17:43

A spreadsheet? Sorry, but you're ruining it before you even go. This is supposed to be fun, not a work project.

Overthewine · 31/05/2022 17:45

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Pinkbonbon · 31/05/2022 17:47

A holiday to Paris should be largely spontaneity and romance. Not plans and spreadsheets.

By all means, check out the things to do locally. But don't timetable everything. Just be aware of the things to do so you can decide on the day what suits.

The only thing I would plan apart from the hotel locqtion and standard is to take her to a really nice restaurant one of the nights and let her buy whatever she wants as my treat. That's something you may need to book in advance. But keep it as a surprise from her. And I'd extra recommend this, considering this awful spreadsheet start you've got off too.

wusbanker · 31/05/2022 17:48

One of us always takes control of trips. The other might have a look at the hotel once it's booked but that's it. We both go on tripadvisor and create a folder of things we might want to do, and might both book a thing or two. There's no "together" planning really!

KangarooKenny · 31/05/2022 17:50

I’d dump you for the spreadsheet 🤣

bigbird50 · 31/05/2022 17:51

My 1st holiday with my now DH was a flight to corsica, jump into a hire car and find somewhere to camp. Beach day, restaurant and then a couple of days in a hotel with gorgeous views we happened to fall upon and booked at short notice. Still my favourite holiday ever. Now unless your partner wants it to be regimented that is fair enough as your in tune however if she is chilled i would suggest you dont push the completion of the excel!

ithoughtitmihtbenicetochat · 31/05/2022 17:52

To offer an alternative perspective, if you presented me with with an excel sheet and all that details I would make love to you then and there.
Can't get enough of spreadsheets, and love planning.
If find that so romantic. I appreciate I am in the minority.

EvenMoreFuriousVexation · 31/05/2022 18:12

ithoughtitmihtbenicetochat · 31/05/2022 17:52

To offer an alternative perspective, if you presented me with with an excel sheet and all that details I would make love to you then and there.
Can't get enough of spreadsheets, and love planning.
If find that so romantic. I appreciate I am in the minority.

Me too! I fucking love a spreadsheet. I'm a massive geek though. And I think the planning of a trip (or a house move, or a major purchase, or anything really) is often the best bit.

Sideorderofchips · 31/05/2022 18:34

Depends really

How long have you been together and is she happy for things to be planned to the minute details

Justmuddlingalong · 31/05/2022 18:38

Usually when it comes to planning things she likes to take a back seat
I'm not sure she's taking a back seat, possibly more 🙄 "oh here we go with the bloody spreadsheets."

GenderAtheist · 31/05/2022 18:44

ithoughtitmihtbenicetochat · 31/05/2022 17:52

To offer an alternative perspective, if you presented me with with an excel sheet and all that details I would make love to you then and there.
Can't get enough of spreadsheets, and love planning.
If find that so romantic. I appreciate I am in the minority.

Me too. I don’t understand the excel hate here 💻

LaFloristaCalista · 31/05/2022 22:17

I use excel to plan a lot of things in my life. I would not be put off at all by your planning. I even used it to plan baby feedings many years ago. I would be impressed by your initiative, providing you didn't impose your opinion and took mine into account

Manova14 · 31/05/2022 22:42

ithoughtitmihtbenicetochat · 31/05/2022 17:52

To offer an alternative perspective, if you presented me with with an excel sheet and all that details I would make love to you then and there.
Can't get enough of spreadsheets, and love planning.
If find that so romantic. I appreciate I am in the minority.

I'm with you for what it's worth. Excel makes my ovaries clang!

BluebellCockleshell123 · 31/05/2022 22:52

I’m an organiser and love nothing more than planning a trip with a spreadsheet for the pros/cons/ price comparisons etc. It’s not very romantic though! For a first trip to Paris with your girlfriend you should maybe take a different approach. Book a hotel in a reasonably central area. Plan one thing per day and lots of time to chill / soak up the atmosphere. Watch Amelie before you go.

ILoveAnOwl · 31/05/2022 22:54

I LOVE a spreadsheet. I would think this was great!

FairyLightPups · 31/05/2022 23:02

What's wrong with a spreadsheet?! They're amazing!

DramaAlpaca · 31/05/2022 23:04

My DH is big into spreadsheets. It's never bothered me.

I think OP is trying to fit too much into a week's holiday though. It won't be relaxing if there's too much rushing around.

RedSoloCup · 31/05/2022 23:19

Reading this I think OP is quite young so please be kind 💐

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