melbourne to broome via tamworth

One of the good things about my SWMBO is that she just relies on me to do most of the trip planning and research. She is quite happy to get in the car and see what happens next and where we end up.

For the next trip from the Gold Coast to Adelaide I've just told her we're going via Bourke following the Darling River to Wilcannia and bush camping. All she cares about is if we'll be passing through Broken Hill to visit a friend!

I guess she assumes I've done all the right analysis and appreciation of the route.

Wizard, I reckon that if two people are doing a trip then two people might as well take responsibility for it - including the planning, the packing and the actual driving, setting up camp etc. There is even a safety consideration in having a backup driver/navigator etc should - heaven forbid - something unpleasant happen to a bullet proof alpha male!

The real upside is that both get to share the enjoymentof the trip.

I seriously doubt that many of us SWMBOs who actually go on trips want to be just a passenger. There is too much fun to be had at all stages from trip planning right through to enjoying the photos and the memories.

But sometimes I think there might be a bit of a (male) attitude along the lines that its easier to make plans if only one person is involved - and sometimes we SWMBOs are too content to just sit back and go along :-)). Upshot though is that SWMBO is not really fully involved in the trip so doesnt enjoy it as much, not too keen on the next trip and so the vicious cycle rolls on.

Cheers, from a fully involved SWMBO (Should I get my significant other to vet this before sending-- no way!!)

Val.

Val,

I assume it is Val due to the underlying anti-chauvenist tone I can detect. But not every travelling relationship should be judged by how you do things.

Thanks all the same but we're happy doing it our way. Just happy my wife isn't a control freak and leaves it to me. It also goes to show how much she must trust my judgement and planning, which hasn't failed us yet.

She hasn't mentioned her lack of worth because I plan the trips. Nor does she enjoy the trips any less.

I think it interesting how you think that you can comment on ALL partners and to what level they should get involved.

My partner sticks to her jobs and I do mine and it has worked just fine for over 10 years.

Hey, I even let her drive with the van on sometimes as well, how generous of me.

You still like us to open doors and pull the chair out now and again don't you.....