Before pinning that stylish new save-the-date card to your fridge, you notice the bride and groom plan to say their vows at a destination wedding. Instead of thinking you would never travel the globe for someone else’s “I do’s,” consider turning the opportunity into an exciting vacation. After all, you deserve it (we can tell). That’s why Flights.com teamed up with Destination I Do to help you transform your trip to a destination wedding – even one in an unusual location – from a burden to the perfect vacay.

Sit Back, Stay Awhile

Arrive at your distant destination a few days before the wedding and stay a few days after. This allows you to kick up your feet and relax awhile before you have to get gussied up for the ceremony. You should also book your room at a different hotel than other guests (sure, the wedding block gets a discount, but staying next door to Aunt Marge isn’t very vacation-like). You’ll still make it to the wedding on time and get to show off your funky chicken after a visit to the open bar, but you can return to your vacation the second the reception ends. Then, with your wedding guest duties behind you, you’re free to explore the destination at your own pace.

Treat Yourself

It’s not hard to turn your affirmative RSVP into a luxury vacation with a few extra upgrades. Go ahead, sit in first class on your flight, even if you have to cash-in the frequent flyer miles you’ve been hoarding. Booking a massage or spa treatment at your hotel will also make your trip feel like a pampered holiday. While you’re at it, reserve an upgraded hotel room or suite. That extra living space or jet tub will lend itself to a more comfortable stay and give you a place to relax after the wedding concludes.

Unfold Your Map

When you show up to a locale just for the wedding, you may be so tightly scheduled that you hardly set foot outside of a 5-mile radius. When you leave a window for vacation time, you get to explore nearby cities and investigate everything from natural wonders to theme parks. Spending time alone with your family or wedding date checking out local culture and food changes your mindset from “obligatory wedding appearance” to “exciting getaway.”

Next time you get an invite to a destination wedding, invest in yourself as well as the bride and groom. If you’re going to cash-in some PTO, you may as well turn your time abroad into a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!

To learn more about this Flights.com author, Lara Vukelich, click here.