Going away without DH

I don't think you need to gauge his opinion first before telling him. Just say that your sister has invited you and you want to go and you are sure he won't mind. It's only a week!

I've been going away without DH for years, swimming, sailing in UK and overseas. We have different interests and he goes away on vintage car trips etc.

Sounds like he’s a control freak. And a sulker. Just tell him and book it.

I had lots of trips without DH on my own to visit family or with my daughters. He wouldn’t fly and had no objection to me going alone. I’d tell him before book it a shame if he objects.

I would just mention your sister has asked you and see what his reaction will be. Say you really fancy a walking break and want to get a bit fitter ( don't we all!) He may be ok about it so you can go ahead and book and no ill feeling. If he isn't so happy try talking about it and say you would value some time with your sister. Maybe suggest you and DH plan a holiday together too. Hope you can arrange it all peacefully.

How fortunate you are to have such a supportive and understanding husband Bellanonna.

Of course you must go. I have had walking and cycling holidays without DH both when he was at work and wanted to keep holidays for something he enjoyed and once he had retired. I have had lots of holidays with daughters and with groups that I’ve never met. I’ve always enjoyed them but tbh DH has never objected. He and I have had lovely holidays together too
You are probably better off telling him and then booking it. Don’t ask his permission just tell him the details and invite him too (you know he won’t come)!
Good luck and have a lovely time. And don’t worry!

There’s another thread running about leaving your OH at home and going on holiday without him and I’m one of those who does just that.

My personal view is that it would be best to just come straight out and tell him that you’re planning to go rather than confront him with a done deal because he might well get just as upset about what he’d probably see as deception and going behind his back. I can see your point though about not having to suffer months of sulky behaviour.

The first time I went without my husband it was at the invitation of a recently widowed friend who wanted a break away but couldn’t cope with going alone. I went but my husband went into a mega about it but he eventually accepted that it was unreasonable of him to expect me not to do things just because he doesn’t want to. I think it gets more important with age that we don’t allow ourselves to be shackled by inconsiderate partners and prevented from doing and seeing as much as we can and want to in the possibly limited years of good health.

I’m assuming of course that your husband is in good health and there are no practical caring reasons why leaving him wouldn’t be a great idea.

I hope you decide to go.