2 of 23

Write now Article Tools

Oooh, what fertile ground for a string of stand-up comedy jokes. Jeff Foxworthy and his redneck TV pals could do ten hours on this without taking a breath. If Larry the Cable Guy were your in-law, would you want to go anywhere with him? Who in his/her right mind would ever, ever voluntarily vacation with in-laws?

The title requires me to assume some totally brain dead people are planning a vacation with the dreaded in-laws, and need some tips. My first tip is just three little words: DON'T DO IT. All right, all right! I'll give it a shot.

I'm not kidding when I offer my one suggestion: if the situation involves just two pairs of adults, and no kids, consider a group trip to Las Vegas. It seems, in my retirement years, I find I consider Sin City one of the best vacation destinations for almost any reason. I'm not losing it, so hear me out, and consider it for your trip with the in-laws.

The advantage is that each person and/or each couple can do many things separately. First, you get separate rooms, and definitely not share a suite and preferably not on the same floor. You don't want them knocking on your door, or lolling around your room when you have plans that don't include them. Use your cell phones to contact each other and make your schedules for the Vegas days and nights.

For activities, those who want to gamble can do so; those who want to take local tours to the Grand Canyon or Boulder Dam, can sign up for them; those who want to lounge by the pool, can sun all they want. Those who want to wander up and down the famed Vegas Strip, can enjoy the many free outdoor shows, such as the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, the Pirate show and the erupting volcano at the Mirage, the lion habitat at the MGM and downtown's enormous overhead light show.

To set up the minimum times required for togetherness with your in-laws, arrange to meet for meals, preferably just one a day. The best choice is at one of the city's famed buffets, where there'll be no need for arguments over menu choices. Vegas buffets are the favorite activity of the city's many senior visitors, and your in-laws will be delighted to join in on the feast.

Another togetherness choice you can make, if necessary, is to schedule one night for to attend one of Vegas' fabulous Broadway shows. For instance, within just a few blocks of each other, there may be productions of "The Producers", "Mama Mia", "Avenue Q" and others both the younger and older members of your group can enjoy.

Then, for other nights, feel free to split up and go your separate ways. There are many dance clubs for the young and young at heart, as well as hundreds of other kinds of entertainment from girlie to magic to animal shows. After sharing several meals and other activities, both couples will be more than ready to split up.

If you really must vacation with your in-laws, you may just get lucky by going to Vegas with them. Hey, it's worth the gamble.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for vacationing with in-laws?
We want to hear your view. Write now!