“My Husband’s Aunt Invites Us to the Beach, But I’m Against It. It’s Cheaper Not to Know Them”

Last summer, my husband’s aunt, Linda, invited us to spend a week at her beach house in Myrtle Beach. At first, it sounded like a dream come true. Who wouldn’t want a free stay at a beach house? But as the days went by, the dream turned into a nightmare.

Linda is one of those people who loves to plan every single minute of the day. From sunrise yoga sessions to late-night bonfires, she had an itinerary that left no room for relaxation. My husband, Tom, and I were exhausted by the end of each day. We barely had time to enjoy the beach because we were constantly shuttling between activities.

The worst part was the financial strain. Linda assured us that the trip would be inexpensive, but it turned out to be anything but. She had a knack for choosing the most expensive restaurants and activities. We ended up spending a small fortune on meals, boat rentals, and amusement park tickets. By the time we got home, our savings were depleted.

This year, Linda has extended another invitation for a beach getaway. Tom is excited about the idea, but I’m firmly against it. I’ve had enough of her overbearing nature and the financial burden that comes with these so-called “free” vacations.

I tried to explain my concerns to Tom, but he doesn’t see it the same way. He thinks I’m being unreasonable and that we should give it another shot. He argues that it’s a chance to bond with his family and create lasting memories. But all I can remember from last year is the stress and the empty bank account.

I suggested we take a different kind of vacation this year—something low-key and affordable. Maybe a camping trip or a weekend getaway to a nearby state park. But Tom insists that nothing can compare to the beach house experience. He’s convinced that this time will be different, that we’ll manage our expenses better and have more control over our schedule.

I’m not so sure. Linda is a force of nature, and once she gets an idea in her head, it’s hard to change her mind. I can already see us getting roped into another whirlwind of costly activities and rigid schedules.

I’ve even considered going on a solo trip or staying home while Tom goes to the beach house. But that idea doesn’t sit well with me either. I don’t want to be apart from my husband, especially during what’s supposed to be a vacation.

As the date of the trip approaches, I’m feeling more and more anxious. I don’t want to cause a rift between Tom and me, but I also don’t want to repeat last year’s mistakes. It feels like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.

In the end, I might have to bite the bullet and go along with Tom’s wishes. But I can’t shake the feeling that it’s going to be another disaster. Sometimes, it really is cheaper not to know certain people—even if they’re family.