Ah the glorious idea of going on a lads holiday when you’re in your 30s. Now, don’t get me wrong, we all love a good laugh and a bit of banter, but there comes a time when even the most dedicated lad needs to hang up his party hat and embrace a more grown-up approach to life. So, let’s dissect the pitfalls of these so-called “lads holidays” in your 30’s (or older)!
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room: the age factor. When you’re in your 30s, you’ve probably got a bit more responsibility on your plate than you did in your early twenties. You might have a career that’s starting to take off, a mortgage to pay, or even a family to take care of. Now, I’m not saying you can’t let loose every now and then, but jetting off to some party hotspot with the lads for a week of debauchery might not be the best way to juggle those responsibilities. It’s about finding that balance. That’s not to say – that’s a load of rubbish. Balance comes in all sizes!
Now, let’s talk about stamina. Back in the day, we could handle those all-nighters like nobody’s business. But let’s face it, as we get older, our bodies start to rebel against us. Those late nights and excessive drinking sessions that were once a walk in the park suddenly turn into Herculean tasks. You find yourself needing a day to recover from a night out, and that’s not exactly the recipe for an unforgettable lads holiday, is it? We’ve got to be realistic about our limitations, my friends, and accept that we can’t party like we used to.
But it’s not just the physical toll that lads holidays take on us. There’s also the mental toll to consider. Think about it: you’re surrounded by rowdy lads, who are probably still in their twenties, with their carefree attitudes and endless energy. While you’re trying to keep up with their wild antics, there’s a voice in the back of your head reminding you of the deadlines and responsibilities waiting for you back home. It’s like trying to enjoy a rollercoaster while having a nagging thought about your looming tax return. It just doesn’t mix well, does it? So it might be worth checking out some of the more ‘calm’ settings for a lads holiday which we feature on this site such as Hvar.
And let’s not forget about the friendships. Lads holidays have a funny way of highlighting the differences between people. Some of your mates might still be stuck in a perpetual state of adolescence, while others have embraced the more mature side of life. This clash of priorities can lead to tension and even strain your friendships. You don’t want to end up resenting your mates because they’re dragging you away from your goals and responsibilities, do you? (or you could just lighten up a bit)
Lastly, we can’t ignore the impact of lads holidays on our relationships. If you’re in a committed relationship, going on a lads holiday can be a tricky situation. Your partner might have concerns about trust and fidelity, and rightly so. It’s important to have open and honest conversations about your intentions and reassure your partner that they’re still a priority in your life. Remember, a solid relationship is built on trust and communication, so make sure you’re on the same page before you hop on that plane to Ibiza.
So it’s time to reflect on the pitfalls of lads holidays in our 30s. It’s not about abandoning our laddish ways altogether, but rather about finding a balance that allows us to grow as individuals while still enjoying the occasional night out with the lads. Maybe it’s time to opt for a more relaxed getaway, where you can unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with your mates without waking up with a throbbing headache and a wallet emptier than your local pub on a Monday night.
However, of course, it’s also important to have time for yourselves and your friendship group. There will always be responsibilities back home and it’s very healthy to have time for yourself. The best thing is to choose a destination carefully which is in the budget range for everybody attending, so it doesn’t get awkward. And to loosen up a bit yourself!