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 The property itself is gorgeous, but the rooms, while it’s reported they are very clean, are outdated.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?

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.

Anonymous wrote:I personally prefer split stays.

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.