When To Talk To Parents

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Our next trip is a while away but the second the rates come out we are booking. Since my oldest kids won't be going we would like to invite my son's friend. We were able to take dd's friend in 2012 and it worked out great. We know my his friend and family so this decision was pretty easy. We usually book well over a year in advance. So I guess my question is when should we ask or even mention. This to his parents?

 

[Alesia]

As soon as possible. Unless you think you might change your mind, I can't think of a single good reason to wait.

 

[ruthies12]

I agree with OP. Especially if whether or not he is allowed go to will affect any of your decisions as far as which resort and stuff.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thank you. I wasn't sure since it's a ways away. We most likely will still stay in the same reports just possibly a different type of room. Also we are offering to pay so we need to know how much to save and start saving sooner

 

[branv]

I'll be the dissenter and say don't invite anyone earlier than a few months out. Just save like you are taking someone, and if you don't, boom, extra money.

I say this because a year, or even half a year is an eternity in friend years for kids. We all remember friends we fell in and out with, best friends switching up, etc. It would be very awkward if it came time for your trip and the two of them were no longer getting along, or your child really wanted to take another friend they were now closer to. Or heck, your financial situation could suddenly change and it would be hard to suddenly have to uninvite someone, ask them to pay for something, or even just cancel and have to deal with the sadness of an extra child.

Have a great trip whatever you decide! I wish when i was a kid I'd had a friend whose parents were as generous as you

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thank you for the reply. I do think it is necessary to ask more than a few months out. It's a cross country trip that involves flights. About 6-9 months out is when we buy airfare and we book about 12 months out. We have to add everyone to the reservations.

 

[Figmentmommy]

Perhaps wait until you would be ready to book your airfare. Unless the friend joining you would affect the type of room you will be booking you can always add him to the reservation - I believe. If it comes to the time you would be selecting ADRs I would just reserve for your total party including the friend. This way you'll be covered.

 

[Pumbaa_]

what happens if you ask 1 year out and buy tickets then the friendship is no longer. then what?

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I say plan like you are taking the friend, get the different room and the extra ticket. If the friend ends up not coming, you can use the ticket on another trip or invite someone else along.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks to all for the replies. I think I will go ahead a book a room like he is going. I will ask his mom around the time we book airfare. We love to stay in deluxe resorts but we have to save so we can't just pay for an extra person if we aren't sure they can join us. We have known this boy for 7 years so if he can't come we do t feel comfortable enough with anyone else. Hopefully it will all work out like it did without dd.

 

[TinaLala]

As an only child who often brought a friend along on our trips, I'd say ask early on. However have the discussion of who is paying and paying for what, what happens if we don't end up going (sickness) what is expectation of child, when do the parents want to tell him, sleeping arrangements, etc.

If you haven't thought of those things no worries. But conversations to have.

 

[5stljayhawks]

I would save like your paying, then about a month - 2 month before making flight resies spring on them - Also you can book to hotel ressies if need be.