French Polynesia is one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations. However, my trip there was anything but romantic.
When my boyfriend and I came across a cheap flight deal to Tahiti, we jumped at the opportunity to visit. Yet instead of planning a romantic getaway for just the two of us, we invited his dad to come along.
Our travel group was certainly unconventional, but we were excited to make memories together in such a dreamy destination. Even though we love planning trips with just us, it can be just as (if not more) fun to share the experience with loved ones.
Throughout our trip, we had an incredible time exploring the islands, but also learned a few lessons about traveling with a parent.
In the end, despite our out-of-the-ordinary travel group, it was one of our best trips yet.
The flight deal was too great to pass up, so we asked family members to tag along
I love searching the web for cheap flight deals. There are countless websites listing low fares (and even some subscription models), but my personal favorite is The Flight Deal.
From time to time, I briefly browse the site to see what’s available, and it’s led to some great savings over the years. Yet in the midst of winter in 2023, I came across my most dream-worthy deal to date: a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Papeete, Tahiti, for $600.
The flight departed in less than two weeks, and leaving our snowy home behind to enjoy the tropics was enticing. I quickly called my boyfriend to propose the idea. With ample vacation time to spare, he was sold within minutes.
Although French Polynesia is known for its romantic atmosphere, the deal felt too good not to share. After securing our flights, we asked family members to tag along, too.
Due to the last-minute nature of the trip, my boyfriend’s dad was the only one available.
At first, we wondered if we should postpone a family trip and just travel as a couple, but ultimately decided it would be a great bonding experience for the three of us.
We spent most of our time together, but still had alone time as a couple
After landing in Tahiti, we spent a night on the island before traveling to the breathtaking island of Mo’orea, where we would spend the next five days.
The three of us spent our time snorkeling amongst colorful reefs, eating freshly-caught seafood at local food trucks, cycling around the island, and enjoying some of the most stunning sunsets we’ve ever seen.
We spent the majority of our time together, but my boyfriend and I still got alone time here and there, whether we visited a beach together or enjoyed a private meal.
Surprisingly, his dad was always the one to suggest this, explaining that he’d stay behind to relax at the pool while we explored.
Traveling with a group is all about balance, and our trip had the perfect mix of both family time and couple time.
I wish we booked more spacious accommodations, though
Since we booked our trip less than two weeks before departure, accommodation options were limited on the small island.
Most hotels were fully booked, and French Polynesia’s iconic overwater bungalows were outside of our budget.
Ultimately, we chose a budget-friendly Airbnb. For $100 a night, the rental was mostly perfect. It had an ocean view, small pool, and an outdoor kitchen.
Yet there was one major downside with the rental: It had just one bedroom with two beds — not exactly ideal for our travel party.
During the week, we couldn’t help but laugh at our living arrangement. Here we were, in one of the world’s most romantic destinations, sharing a room with one of our parents!
We had to take what we could find for our last-minute trip, but I’d definitely spend extra for more private, spacious accommodations next time.
Our trip was unconventional, but being together made the experience even better
In the end, my boyfriend and I had no regrets about bringing his dad on our trip to French Polynesia.
Going on a trip with a parent or in-law can come with extra challenges, but the three of us traveled exceptionally well together. We made sure to give each other space when needed, and ultimately loved creating such wonderful memories as a group.
It may not have been the most romantic trip, but for my boyfriend and I, traveling with his dad made our trip even more special than if we had visited alone.
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