If a couple were about to separate, would a vacation solve the problem?

My guess is that the vacation would smooth things over for the time being. But the problem is that it's not hard to get along with someone when you're in a stress free environment like a vacation. Once things are back to the "real world" and doldrums of everyday life, I'd bet that things would quickly escalate back to the problematic ways.

Sometime a change of scene gives you a chance to work things out but unless you deal with the underlying problems nothing is going to chance when you get back

The fighting would stop if you took separate vacations. I can't see how just changing geography together would solve any issues. You're just bringing them along.

I could see it helping if the purpose of the vacation is to go somewhere free from all other obligations in order to solve the problem(s).

I was thinking of my answer, then I read soxfan's. He wrapped it up well.

Vacations usually give perspective on things, if you're alone. Maybe the best thing is to separate for a little while.