Thoughts on split-stay vacations?

[Anonymous]

We are heading out west this summer and DH has found a western ranch resort on the river where he wants to stay for the full 6 nights we will be there. The property itself is gorgeous, but the rooms, while it’s reported they are very clean, are outdated. On top of that, the resort is very isolated, and the dining options on-site are extremely expensive, the only other option being a half-hour drive to town. We plan on doing a white-water rafting excursion and a horseback riding excursion while at the resort, and then the rest of the time we will be exploring the surrounding nature attractions and the nearby city.

But it’s vacation, and while I know DH has this fantasy of being in the middle of nowhere surround by nature, I like to be pampered a little, too; things like a modern hotel room, poolside drink service, and easy access to restaurants and quaint shopping. I’m considering proposing a split-stay: three nights at the ranch resort, and three nights at the more luxury hotel in town. (The price per night is equal) I don’t know how to present it to DH without sounding like a spoiled brat, but I don’t think he’s considering things like access to food and other activities—we will be traveling with our young teen.

One thing I considered is that you sort of “lose” a day when transitioning, but I figured we could use this as an exploring day, pack up the car and visit one of the scenic locations we planned on visiting closer to town. So, anything I’m missing? Any advice on presenting this in a positive way to DH?

[Anonymous]

*Next summer, but planning now

[Anonymous]

I agree with you. My DH NEVER considers logistics with vacations and tells me to "calm down" when I raise issues like where will we get food for our 3 kids, how will we refrigerate medication, etc etc. Then we get to place and guess who is stuck dealing with it all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you. My DH NEVER considers logistics with vacations and tells me to "calm down" when I raise issues like where will we get food for our 3 kids, how will we refrigerate medication, etc etc. Then we get to place and guess who is stuck dealing with it all.

I’m glad I’m not the only one!

[Anonymous]

Go for it! We tend to do split stays for all sorts of reasons. I don't mind 'losing a day' as we are rarely in the room mid day anyways. Just plan accordingly. I love a remote resort, but I think 3 days is plenty.

[Anonymous]

I personally prefer split stays.

[Anonymous]

I'd be honest and tell him that three days on a ranch is plenty for me and I'd like to enjoy some of my vacation on my own terms.

[Anonymous]

I can always find a lot in the journey from one locale to another. Pull up the route on Google maps, then click on "Things to do" at the top and all sorts of things may pop up with minor detours. So I don't feel it is losing a day at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I personally prefer split stays.

+1 we always do this

[Anonymous]

Where is the western ranch resort and what is the name, please?

[Anonymous]

We do a lot of split vacations, 3-4 days each in two different places.

I'm more like your DH, I'd love the ranch resort and have no interest in a luxury hotel in town. I'd pick up non-perishable food for breakfast, lunch and snacks at a store in town on my way there, and just eat dinner at the ranch restaurant. But if the luxury hotel is what you want, it's your vacation too. Splitting the time sounds like a perfect compromise.

[Anonymous]

I'd say 90% of our vacations are split stay. Usually some sort of city or urban mixed with outdoorsy/beach/relaxing. Greece this summer was perfect for this. But we've also done things like Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, San Diego and LA (Disney), Edinburgh and the Highlands, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd say 90% of our vacations are split stay. Usually some sort of city or urban mixed with outdoorsy/beach/relaxing. Greece this summer was perfect for this. But we've also done things like Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, San Diego and LA (Disney), Edinburgh and the Highlands, etc.

Exactly the same here- usually around 5 days at each stop. Mixing up the environment has been great for our trips.

[Anonymous]

I always do split stays. A few days in the city, a few days in a quiet village. A few days at luxury five star hotel, a few days in a rustic cabin on the beach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are heading out west this summer and DH has found a western ranch resort on the river where he wants to stay for the full 6 nights we will be there. The property itself is gorgeous, but the rooms, while it’s reported they are very clean, are outdated. On top of that, the resort is very isolated, and the dining options on-site are extremely expensive, the only other option being a half-hour drive to town. We plan on doing a white-water rafting excursion and a horseback riding excursion while at the resort, and then the rest of the time we will be exploring the surrounding nature attractions and the nearby city.

But it’s vacation, and while I know DH has this fantasy of being in the middle of nowhere surround by nature, I like to be pampered a little, too; things like a modern hotel room, poolside drink service, and easy access to restaurants and quaint shopping. I’m considering proposing a split-stay: three nights at the ranch resort, and three nights at the more luxury hotel in town. (The price per night is equal) I don’t know how to present it to DH without sounding like a spoiled brat, but I don’t think he’s considering things like access to food and other activities—we will be traveling with our young teen.

One thing I considered is that you sort of “lose” a day when transitioning, but I figured we could use this as an exploring day, pack up the car and visit one of the scenic locations we planned on visiting closer to town. So, anything I’m missing? Any advice on presenting this in a positive way to DH?

Explain it without insulting the ranch. Focus on other aspects.
*Price will be the same
*Hotel amenities he might be interested in, too.
*Point out things to do on the in between day.
*Point out restaurants/menu items to be particularly excited by