Surprise Question

[srcamm]

First post here, so take it easy. My wife and I spent our honeymoon on STJ almost 14 years ago. Since then, we have spent numberous vacations in Jamaica and Mexico with the kids. She turns 40 this year, and I am surprising her with a trip to STJ Caneel bay sans kids (our first real trip without them in 14 years). Same beach as our honeymoon.

Question is for the ladies. How soon before the trip should I spring the surprise on her. I could do a good enough job of packing for her and buying new suits etc, but I know she will need to have some time to pack for herself.

I can't wait to get back, and will be investigating villas while there, so we can come back with the whole clan.

Thanks

[canucknyc]

How fantastic! She's a lucky gal. When is the trip (did I miss that part)? I only ask because that would influence my answer about how much notice to give her... if you are going soon, you might be able to give less warning - spring/summer clothes and bathingsuits are in the stores now, so she wouldn't have trouble finding stuff last minute. If the trip is later in the summer she might have more trouble with that as the stores will start selling their fall lines...

All that said, if clothing shopping is not an issue at all, I'd say give her a couple weeks notice. Enough time for her to get excited for the trip but not feel ill-prepared. Just my 2 cents

Good for you!!!

[srcamm]

thanks canuck. July 4th week, this summer. counting the days......

[mbw1024]

how about telling her there is a trip but not telling her where. tell her to pack light (HA) and tropical!
Enjoy Caneel .. we started our honeymoon there and will return one day!

[flip-flop]

If my husband did this for me it wouldn't matter (first because I'd probably pass out and die from shock --- I am the planner in the family) and 2nd if I was revived I would be so excited that I would not be able to see straight.

He could tell me 1 month ahead, 1 week, 1 day or while we were boarding the plane!!! What a good man. Your wife is a lucky woman.

[Diana2]

What a sweetheart you are for doing this for your wife!! I guess you know her better than anyone but I'm a planner and an organizer and if someone sprung this wonderful trip on me at the very last minute I'd freak out!! I need time to get organized so for me I'd need at least 3 or 4 weeks.

If she's a more spontaneous person maybe 1 week. Do you have children, pets or other things that she would feel the need to arrange for? These are important factors to consider. Don't worry about giving her too much notice about the upcoming trip. Believe me she's going to be thrilled. Why not give her some time to enjoy the anticipation of the wonderful gift you have given her.

She's a lucky gal!!

[cypressgirl]

The anticipation is half the fun, so give her a few weeks. Also get her on this board. That will really get her excited.

[PA Girl]

Personally, knowing ahead of time would add to the enjoyment for me.

The point about kids, pets, house, etc. is a good one. Depending on who in the family makes those arrangements, she may need to know about the trip sooner rather than later.

[srcamm]

As we have one special needs kid, and another with a rare disorder that requires a weekly treatment, I have planned for all contingencies.

And she thinks I'm oblivious... Ha....

[waterguy]

I'm not a girl even though I'm on the six on the beach tour But I'd tellher to pack for some where warm for so many days.
I took my wife for a long weekend to Vegas Showed up at her work Picked her up for lunch but wnt to the airport Had letters from her bosses and my sister who was taking care of the kids so she wouldn't freak She was worried on the flight what I packed for her she was pleased with my selection and she bought what I didn't think of.
It was a great 4 days
Tom

[Jerseyboy]

I need to reply to this based on my experiences with my wife. When she knows that there's a vacation scheduled, she also makes her own arrangements on when a certain female "event" takes place so as not to happen while on vacation. She has some control over this due to medical advances in the last few years. So, if your wife does the same, a few months notice would probably be appreciated especially since you'll be at the beach a lot.

[bj]

I agree with Mary Beth, maybe do not tell her where until you are on your way. I know you and your wife will have a wonderful time, however you choose to tell her.

I might add during your stay is also "The fourth of July Celebration" in St. John. You may want to attend some of the functions in Cruz Bay. Food and Craft Fair, Parade, J'ouvert, and the village where you can sample West Indian foods and be entertained by live music. It's a great, great time to be in St. John!

[obsessedmuch]

First, awesome thing you are doing! She's going to be so happy!

I think notice of a week or two is good (time for a spray on tan- ha!) but it sounds like you've planned for all the important stuff. If it were me, I wouldn't care when I was told, just that it was a surprise and that everything was taken care of would be fantastic!

[sea-nile]

Personally, I would like the surprise and I would probably faint. I could be ready in 10-15 minutes if it was to STJ. You may try to get help from a female friend as to what to pack though.
You are a great guy and she is lucky!

[alw1977]

Don't tell her where you are going. Just tell her she needs to pack for the beach. That way, you can maintain the surprise until you get to the plane (or maybe even longer, though she may be on to your plan at that point).

What a nice husband. Have a great time.