Taking a Vacation with Your Lady

Taking the first vacation with your lady is a big step in any relationship, even if it is just overnight in the next town. It can take your relationship to the next level or send it spiraling down in a fiery crash. Here are some handy dos and don'ts to keep in mind when planning that magical getaway.

Dos:

• Amenities rule. Go for the nice hotel. It doesn't have to be some $500-a-night swanky joint, but you should avoid the place with the $19.99 sign.
• Know the local dining scene. Taking her out for a nice dinner with local flavor is money. Taking her out to a touristy joint you read about in your hotel mag is a waste of money. Ask around. The locals know best.
• Have a game plan. Have a couple of activities lined up. She'll appreciate that you're prepared. Something new and different is a plus. If you're on the ocean, try snorkeling or something you can't do in your backyard (sorry, horseshoe fans).

Don'ts:

• Plan on crashing at your cousin Vinny's place, unless cousin Vinny is a millionaire who has a posh beach house. Even then, it would be best if Vinny was somewhere else during your stay.
• Overplan. Make sure you have some free time scheduled in. There is no need to rush when you're on vacation, and you may stumble upon something she's interested in that neither of you thought of (parasailing, here we come)!
• Invite your family along. Or friends. Or that guy you met playing pool last week. This is a special time for you and your lady. Keep it that way.

Now that you know what to do and what to avoid, you're armed to whisk your lady away. If you can work the trip in the before the summer ends, when you get back you should be able coast through most of the football season without having to apologize for "working" every Sunday afternoon.

Also note that if time has come to end a relationship but you're not sure how to make that happen, these tips can be easily reversed to send a message of relationship incompetence that no woman in her right mind would put up with. Think cousin Vinny shacking up with you two in a one-bedroom at the $19.99 motel. Problem solved!