Author Topic: Vacationing with other couples (Read 4213 times)

Uncle Charlie · « **on:** January 02, 2014, 02:06:02 pm »

So my wife and I are headed to an island vacation with another couple to celebrate several things. We've rented a house so that we are not running into each other too much and assume that we will spend more than half, but not all, of the 3-4 days together. Quick question for those who have done similar - did you each rent cars to have personal freedom or did you share?

On one hand, sharing would save on money and not risk getting broken up when we go places together (dinner, beaches, shopping, etc) but on the other if the girls want to go shopping while the guys go diving or the couples want to go grab a quiet lunch it limits access other than with expensive cabs.

Thoughts?

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2014, 02:38:42 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on January 02, 2014, 02:06:02 pm

So my wife and I are headed to an island vacation with another couple to celebrate several things. We've rented a house so that we are not running into each other too much and assume that we will spend more than half, but not all, of the 3-4 days together. Quick question for those who have done similar - did you each rent cars to have personal freedom or did you share?

On one hand, sharing would save on money and not risk getting broken up when we go places together (dinner, beaches, shopping, etc) but on the other if the girls want to go shopping while the guys go diving or the couples want to go grab a quiet lunch it limits access other than with expensive cabs.

Thoughts?

If it's an island vacation, look into scooters to go along with the car. Or at least bikes.

NeilT · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2014, 03:24:29 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on January 02, 2014, 02:38:42 pm

If it's an island vacation, look into scooters to go along with the car. Or at least bikes.

If you're not doing most stuff together, is plenty of other stuff in walking distance? If it's Galveston, I'd say hire a second car, and then ask what the hell are you going to Galveston for anyway? If it's Nantucket, which rhymes with bucket, I'd say it depends on what part of the island you're on, and wonder why you're going there in January?

Other than that, the only Island vacations I recall were on Capri (hire a driver if you need one) and Britain (there was pretty good public transit, and taxis, and people kept driving on the wrong side of the road).

Really, I think it would depend on whether you feel that (1) there's no public transit, (2) there's no private alternative for what little you'll need a second car, (3) there's easy parking, and (4) stuff you want to do is just not walkable.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2014, 04:17:49 pm »

It's St. Martn's. Nice sized island. Taxi's are available, but expensive. I understand that a trip from the hotel to the airport would cover a day's rental of a car.

I like the idea of renting a bike. Since half the island is dutch, I'm sure those have to be available.

hostros7 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2014, 04:45:04 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on January 02, 2014, 04:17:49 pm

It's St. Martn's. Nice sized island. Taxi's are available, but expensive. I understand that a trip from the hotel to the airport would cover a day's rental of a car.

I like the idea of renting a bike. Since half the island is dutch, I'm sure those have to be available.

Where are you staying? I've only stayed at la samanna. It's awesome, but I would recommend renting a car if on that side of the island. Generally speaking, cabs take a long time to cover relatively short distances and cost quite a bit.

Also, hit the cliff side bar (I think that's the name) if it's open. Truly a unique paradise spot and very low key.

Bench · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2014, 04:49:10 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on January 02, 2014, 04:17:49 pm

It's St. Martn's. Nice sized island. Taxi's are available, but expensive. I understand that a trip from the hotel to the airport would cover a day's rental of a car.

I like the idea of renting a bike. Since half the island is dutch, I'm sure those have to be available.

My advice is to see what it's like when you get there and then decide what you should do.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2014, 04:49:16 pm »

Forget the car...are you all sharing a room? KnowwhatImean? Say no more...wink, wink...nudge nudge...

juliogotay · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2014, 08:47:54 pm »

did the island thing (St. John) one time with another couple and we had four teenagers with us in a rented house for a week. One rental car was plenty. But we did about everything together. I think you have to ask yourself that question. Do we want to spend most of our time together with this couple?
If not, two cars may be necessary.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2014, 08:54:16 am »

Also, if St. Martin is like St. John, they charge per person in the cabs. So renting would be advisable unless you want to cough up $30 every time you go somewhere.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2014, 12:51:01 pm »

We're renting a house near Orient Bay. I think we'll try the one car and then upscale to two if we need to do it. Cabs do look very expensive and bikes/scooters are not recommended evidetly. Cab rates are for 2 people, but there are all sorts of "extras" they pile on.

HH - I hate to dash your dreams, but no.

NeilT · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2014, 04:01:07 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on January 03, 2014, 12:51:01 pm

HH - I hate to dash your dreams, but no.

You're really very naive aren't you? Telling HH "no" is just so much tinder to the fire. He knows what's happening far better than you do.

Fredia · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2014, 07:31:49 pm »

wow maybe one day the tz can do a trip

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2014, 11:20:11 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on January 02, 2014, 04:49:16 pm

Forget the car...are you all sharing a room? KnowwhatImean? Say no more...wink, wink...nudge nudge...

Have you been watching Carry On movies?

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2014, 06:32:20 am »

I would plan on renting one car for the duration of the stay, and leave open the possibility of renting a second car for a day or two after arrival and determining what y'all might want to do together or separate.