Planning your first vacation with your partner can be nerve-wracking. It’s a new experience for both of you, so understandably, you want to make the most of it. Going on vacation as a couple is a huge milestone that could determine whether you’re right for each other, or whether things probably won’t work out.
For example, if you find yourself arguing a lot during your vacation then that’s a sign that you’re probably not compatible. However, vacations can be stressful if you don’t plan thoroughly and there are ways you can avoid that. Here are a few tips for surviving your first vacation together.
Discuss what you want out of the vacation
During the planning stage, you need to both agree on a time and place for it to work. If one of you feels like you’re not being listened to, then it will probably lead to an argument. This shows whether or not you’re willing to compromise. Listen to what they want to do, and perhaps you could at least meet them halfway. You could take turns when it comes to choosing where you want to eat and what places you would like to visit. At least that way you’ll both be happy.
Plan everything before you leave
Being spontaneous can be great, but it doesn’t always work out. If it’s your first vacation together, then you should thoroughly plan how you are going to spend your time. There is nothing more stressful than being in a new place with no idea what to do or where to go.
Give each other some space
When you go on vacation with your partner, you expect to spend most of your time with them. Even though you might want to be with them twenty-four hours a day, you have to respect that they need to be on their own sometimes. It’s good to make time for yourself, even if that means taking a walk or reading a book. Being on vacation does not mean you have to be around that person all of the time. In fact, not giving each other space is more likely to cause an argument. It’s a good idea to talk to your partner about this beforehand to see if you’re on the same page.
Discuss the money situation
Money is a tricky subject for any couple to discuss but it’s especially hard if one of you is earning significantly more than the other. It’s not a fun conversation to have, but you need to talk about what you can or can not afford. There would be nothing worse than discovering you have no money left because you did not plan how you were going to spend it. If your partner is happy to pay for the hotel, then perhaps you could agree to pay for dinner. As long as you are both pleased with the arrangement, then that’s all that matters.
Do not leave everything to the last minute
Packing your luggage the day before you leave and arriving at the airport early are two ways you can avoid getting stressed. If you know you feel anxious when traveling then talk to your partner on the phone to make sure you have not forgotten anything important. It’s a good way to reassure yourselves as well. After all, the calmer you both feel, the less likely you are to argue.
Make it a short vacation
As it’s your first vacation together, you should make it a short trip as a way of testing the waters. A weekend away would be ideal as there’s no telling if it will go to plan. It gives you enough time to have fun and enjoy yourselves, and it’s a good indication if you could survive a longer vacation.
Be realistic about your expectations
Even though going on vacation with your partner should be a fantastic experience, it does not always go to plan. You should be prepared for something to go wrong. Maybe one of you will forget to bring something in your luggage, or it rains the entire time you are there, either way, it shouldn’t stop you from having a good time. If anything, it could make your relationship stronger.
Image credit: Pixabay