Couple Brings Boyfriend's Dad on Tropical Vacation

In early 2023, Jenna DeLaurentis found a rare travel opportunity: a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Papeete, Tahiti, for just $600. Rather than keeping this tropical escape a romantic getaway for two, she and her boyfriend decided to extend the invitation to his father. The resulting trip to French Polynesia was an unconventional experiment in multi-generational travel that ultimately proved to be a massive success.

The trio spent a week exploring the islands, specifically Mo'orea, balancing group activities with private moments for the couple. Despite the challenges of last-minute booking and limited accommodation options, the group navigated the trip with ease. DeLaurentis noted that the experience created lasting memories that might have been less significant had they traveled alone.

The trip originated from a specific find on the travel website The Flight Deal. During the winter of 2023, DeLaurentis spotted a fare that was too good to pass up: a round-trip ticket to Tahiti for only $600. The flight was scheduled to depart in less than two weeks, adding an element of spontaneity to the planning process.

French Polynesia is widely considered one of the world's most romantic destinations. However, the couple decided to share the experience. After securing their own tickets, they asked family members to tag along. Due to the last-minute nature of the booking, only the boyfriend's father was available to join them.

Initially, the couple debated whether they should postpone a family trip and travel as a couple instead. Ultimately, they decided that it would be a great bonding experience for the three of them. DeLaurentis noted that while she loves planning trips for just the two of them, sharing the experience with loved ones can be just as fun, if not more so.

Upon arrival in Tahiti, the group spent one night on the main island before taking a ferry to Mo'orea. They spent the next five days on this breathtaking island, filling their time with various outdoor activities. The itinerary included snorkeling among colorful reefs, eating freshly-caught seafood at local food trucks, and cycling around the island.

The group also enjoyed some of the most stunning sunsets they had ever seen. While they spent the majority of their time together, DeLaurentis and her boyfriend were able to find moments of privacy. They visited beaches together or enjoyed private meals while the father stayed behind.

Surprisingly, the father was often the one to suggest giving the couple space. He would frequently opt to stay at the rental to relax by the pool while the couple went out to explore. This dynamic allowed for a perfect balance of family time and couple time, proving that traveling with a group does not have to mean sacrificing privacy entirely.

Because the trip was booked less than two weeks before departure, accommodation options on the small island were limited. Most hotels were fully booked, and the iconic overwater bungalows of French Polynesia were far outside their budget. Consequently, the group opted for a budget-friendly Airbnb that cost $100 per night.

The rental offered several positives, including an ocean view, a small pool, and an outdoor kitchen. However, there was a significant downside: the unit had only one bedroom containing two beds. This setup was not ideal for a travel party consisting of a couple and a parent.

DeLaurentis admitted that they often laughed at the living arrangement, noting the irony of sharing a room with a parent in one of the world's most romantic destinations. While they had to take what was available for the last-minute trip, she stated that for future travels, she would definitely spend extra money to secure more private and spacious accommodations.

Looking back on the experience, DeLaurentis expressed that she and her boyfriend had no regrets about bringing his father along. Traveling with a parent or in-law can present extra challenges, but the trio traveled exceptionally well together. They made a conscious effort to respect each other's space when needed.

The trip may not have been the most romantic, but for the couple, traveling with the father made the experience more special than if they had gone alone. The group created wonderful memories and DeLaurentis indicated they would be willing to do it again. The trip served as a reminder that the company you keep matters more than the destination's romantic reputation.