Can You Two Go the Distance?
There’s nothing better than a vacation with your partner. You escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday lives and can soak up the sun halfway across the world. But unexpected hiccups quickly ruin any serenity, which is why we’ve compiled a few tips on how to travel together the right way.
1. Take a Short First Trip
If this is your first time traveling together, make it a short trip. You’ll learn plenty about each other’s habits during a weekend getaway over a week-long journey. You then can both play to each other’s strengths or learn to make peace with how messy one of you is.
2. Talk Openly About Money
You’ll never get anywhere without an honest discussion about money. Speak to each other about how much you’re willing to spend and whether things are too tight for scheduled activities. If anything, strict budgets are just another reason for a shorter trip!
3. Book Hotels Close to Activities
Couples rarely enjoy the exact same activities—try to find accommodations near both your scheduled events. Is there a hotel near the beach and the theater? Can you nab an Airbnb close to the pub and a guided tour? It’s always easier to meet in the middle than make one of you trek for miles.
4. Communicate
Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, but that goes double during travel. You need to speak freely with your partner, from discomforts and triggers to laughter and jokes. Don't expect a fun trip if you can’t share your feelings on the road.
5. Learn to Compromise
Relationships are all about compromise and travel is no different. Put yourselves in each other’s shoes to understand where you’re coming from. Try to book events you both want to see. Compromising helps you both achieve the best experience!
6. Give Each Other Space
As nice as it is to spend time together, make space for alone time too. There’s no shame in spending a little time on your own, whether it’s seeing something your partner didn’t want to or merely enjoying some quiet time.
7. Keep Your Humor
Life’s going to throw all kinds of crazy stuff at you, especially on vacation. Sometimes the best thing to do is roll with the punches and laugh it off. Keeping a sense of humor makes hardship easier on both of you, and it can turn an annoyance into a funny memory.
8. Make Detailed Plans
You won’t get far without detailed plans, so make a thorough itinerary beforehand. Remember, it’s always better to know what’s on the horizon so you can plan for any hiccups. That said, don’t be afraid to leave room for any changes. After all, you can’t plan everything!
9. Stick to Your Strengths
You’re a dynamic duo, an unstoppable force with opposite strengths! Play into those when you travel. If one of you is better with scheduling, stick to the itinerary. If one of you has an easier time speaking on the phone, deal with accommodations. Working together makes the whole trip more fun.
10. Try New Things Together
We all want to see fancy art galleries or go hiking through the mountains, but make time for new adventures too. Trying new things together brings you closer and makes the whole experience one for the ages.
11. Be Patient
Plan all you like, life’s still going to laugh. At the end of the day, you can’t plan for adverse weather or airport delays, so keep that in mind when you travel. It’s easier on your relationship and your mental health to stay level-headed when things go awry.
12. Keep an Open Mind
So, you’re the adventurous type while your partner likes to snuggle in bed with a new show. It might seem like a gargantuan hurdle, but it’s actually an opportunity to keep an open mind. There’s something to be said for ziplining for the first time or binging a show on a quiet day!
13. Make Time for the Relationship
It’s common to believe you don’t need time for romance on vacation. You’re already with each other every day, right? Wrong! You still need to make time for the mushy stuff. Head out for a nice dinner or schedule room service for the evening to keep that spark alive.
14. Resolve Issues
Arguments are going to happen. They’re completely normal and shouldn’t throw a long-lasting wrench in things—so long as you resolve the issue. Don’t hold grudges at home and definitely don’t hold them on vacation!
15. Schedule Time Apart
We talked about alone time, but we didn’t talk about scheduled time apart. There’s no harm in doing your own thing, so long as you make time for each other. If your partner really doesn’t want to go hang gliding, experience it on your own so you don’t miss out.
16. Don’t Do Too Much
It’s easier to plan than it is to do, which is why so many couples book a thousand sights to see. However, you likely won’t get to everything. Stick to a feasible list so you can get the most out of your trip without any added stress.
17. Be Realistic
Social media only shows the airbrushed side of life—don’t assume everything will be perfect. Trips together can include lots of unplanned headaches and the most important thing is to remain calm. It’s okay if there are bumps along the road.
18. Stay Organized
You need to stay organized if you’re doing a road trip or bouncing around from place to place. Make sure you always have important documents, toiletries, and a schedule onhand before moving to the next destination.
19. Know Your Stresses
Are you the kind of person who’s easily overwhelmed in crowds? Do you panic when you’re late? Communicate these triggers to your partner! By letting them know what bothers you, you can better anticipate which activities to avoid. Your partner can also help soothe your anxieties.
20. Make New Friends
Vacations are a great place to make friends, so get out there and meet some fresh faces. Making new friends is also a great way to sightsee together or peel off on adventures your partner might not be interested in.
