Parents: Surprise Trips

[phillymummer]

Hello! I know all family dynamics are different, but I want to ask this anyway.

This question is for parents who have planned surprise trips for their kids. Do you tell your family members about the trip (your parents, siblings, cousins) or do you keep it to yourself?

My hubby and I have differing views right now. Hubby won 2 free airline tickets at work and we put together a trip in Oct (also got FD! ). We decided to keep it a secret from my daughter and not tell her until we wake her up the day of the trip. I want to tell my parents and my sister, but hubby doesn't want to tell anyone . He is afraid that with each person who knows, the chances of someone telling her (by accident) increase. I see his point, but I don't want my family to think we were "hiding" the vacation from them or keeping secrets.

So, how do you handle "surprise trips?"

 

[DisFam11]

We surprised our son two different times. The first time we told family and they almost blew it on many occasions, the only reason we were safe was that he was only 7 and it was fairly easy to gloss it over. The second time we told no one until the day we left and explained we didn't want to risk it. If I were you I would keep it to myself, to much risk otherwise. It will be worth it when you see the look on her face and that's all that matters. If your family gets upset that is their problem. Have fun!

 

[Alysa]

We surprised our kids last August and it was completely spur of the moment, we decided to go the day we were to leave. No one in your family need know how long you have been planning the trip and I can't imagine anyone caring anyway. Go, have fun!

 

[phillymummer]

Thanks for your replies! It won't be a total surprise for my daughter bc we had been talking about going in March of 2013 before my hubby's business convention in Orlando. My daughter knows I am saving for a future trip.
I have decided to keep the secret until October, unless something happens beforehand that would require me revealing the plans.