Netflix’s People We Meet On Vacation Has One Line That Really Hit Home For Me

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The new Netflix rom-com, People We Meet On Vacation, is a thoroughly enjoyable watch. It’s not groundbreaking for the genre, but if you’re looking for something feel-good and light, it’s a great choice. There’s one moment, early on, that particularly resonated with me: Poppy (Emily Bader) tells Alex (Tom Blyth), “You can be anyone you want on vacation.” I completely agree with that idea. Be warned: some spoilers follow!

I Don’t Reinvent My Whole Self, But I Do Things I Wouldn’t Do At Home

In a memorable scene from the movie, adapted from an Emily Henry novel, Poppy and Alex are on vacation in New Orleans and playfully pretend to be engaged. They continue the charade throughout their trip, despite not being a real couple—at least, not yet! It’s a bit more elaborate than anything I’ve ever done, but I definitely enjoy completely disconnecting and escaping when I get the chance to go on vacation.

I tend to overpack and try out new styles when I travel. I’ll often buy clothes I’d never wear in my everyday life – like a Panama hat for a trip to Mexico, or a brightly colored shirt I’d normally avoid. It’s funny, because my friend Poppy says she prefers the version of me who’s on vacation, and honestly, I do too! I enjoy the freedom to experiment with my look when I’m traveling.

I tend to be more adventurous when I’m on vacation – I’m more likely to try unusual foods that I’d normally avoid, and they always seem to taste better anyway. I also find myself being more social, like chatting with strangers at a bar. I’m not quite as dramatic as the characters in Poppy and Alex’s New Orleans story, but my vacation personality is definitely more outgoing than my everyday self.

This Is Hardly Unique Advice

It’s not the most groundbreaking idea, especially after someone like Anthony Bourdain, but it’s true that many of us are bolder and more open-minded when we travel. It’s a good reminder that vacations are a chance to be our best, most adventurous selves – to try new things and be whoever we want to be.

When Alex and Poppy are on vacation, Poppy sometimes pushes his buttons and doesn’t always respect his limits, and honestly, I think that’s a positive thing – within reason, of course. I enjoy being challenged when I’m traveling, and it’s a good reminder that it’s okay to let loose a little!

Netflix is kicking off its 2026 schedule with the romantic comedy People We Meet On Vacation in January, and I’m excited to see more movies like it throughout the year!

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2026-01-17 15:08