First holiday with girlfriend

[timjohn123]

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.

I'm an accountant so I'd love a spreadsheet planned holiday 🤣

@timjohn123 this is so lovely! I remember my first holiday with my first bf and he planned each day and I loved it! He was perhaps a little strict with it as I didn’t have much of a say but it was all so lovely I didn’t mind!

id just suggest some ideas and see what she likes too … you’ll have a great time just being somewhere new and don’t forget it’s up to her to make effort too. Have a great time

One week
I would just go to Paris & not include trip to South of France

How are you travelling ? Car, train, plane ?

Travel insurance ?

Covid pass ?

Passports in date ?

Book hotel somewhere central, booking.com

Good luck

Or find local travel agent & get them to book you a package

I'm most impressed with the spreadsheet.

What's the difference between that and a paper list? Different strokes for different folks.

I recommend
Go to Amsterdam instead of Paris

I think its great that you want her to have a nice time so much. You are also very aware that others might see this as controlling, it's a good thing that you have that awareness.
I'm the organiser in our family (which includes several IT professionals) you can imagine the stick I get when I rock up with my old fashioned clipboard.

Honestly that would have me running for the hills.

Stop trying to control the situation

Relax

Chat about what you fancy doing on the plane there like people normally do.

No need to micro manage everything

A man after my own heart. I love an Excel spreadsheet

I know Amsterdam well and used to live in Paris. I like both. But why suggest Amsterdam to someone who has stated they wish to go to Paris? It’s not what they are asking.

Lost me too