I'm only guessing that his wife is 'the boss' in their marriage.
He doesn't want to 'upset the apple cart', so to speak.
I would just accept that it's the way it is in his marriage. Almost all / or many marriages have their private 'rules' to keep things
rolling along smooth.
I would 'let it go', and plan my own trips with friends or with a tour group, if you are financially able.
Or just enjoy your life with community neighbors' events, classes, etc.
I'm sure that many others are in similar situations, and they just accept them and move on.
The best of luck to you.
Try to make 2023 as pleasant as possible
for yourself. 
'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).