When it comes to traveling as a couple, the last thing you want is for there to be problems or discord between yourself and your partner.
In fact, the real goal of traveling with your partner is to get closer together and build a stronger relationship.
Although every couple is different, it is important to remember there are a few things you can do to make traveling together work for you. Not only should you plan your trip together, but you should make sure that input from both of you is used to make the trip a success.
Since you want to plan your trip together, one of the best ways to do this may be to split up the responsibilities. With how much work it takes to not only plan a trip but to successfully execute it, the best way to travel efficiently is to each take on a role and make sure that whatever you are tasked with ends up getting done. There is nothing that says your partner can’t help you, but if each of you has a designated task, then things should run more smoothly.
Working together as a couple will also highlight your individual strengths and weaknesses, which means that you should be able to figure out how to help each other to maximize what each of you does best. Plan your trip together and then decide which person will do what and go from there.
While this might seem counterintuitive to going on a trip as a couple, it is important to make sure you spend time on your own as you travel. Much like couples do not spend every waking moment with each other when they are at home when you travel you should also try and work in some alone time. Maybe there is something that you want to see that your partner is not interested in, this is your chance to take the time and go see it. While you are off checking out an art museum or exploring the local shopping scene, your partner can be doing whatever it is they would rather be doing that you may not have an interest in.
Although there may be times when you have something you want to see that your partner does not, there will also be things that both of you want to see or do. During your travels, find something that you both feel like you have to see and go see it. This is a mutual vacation together and the only way you will both have fun is to find things you both want to do and see.
On the other end of the spectrum from spending time alone, you should also plan at least one date while you are traveling. Even though you are traveling together, the thing you do not want to happen is for the romance in your relationship to be forgotten. Get dressed up and go on a date like you would if you were home. This is a chance to be romantic somewhere new and keeps your dating life fresh.
While honesty is essential to all relationships, it is especially important when you are traveling. Be honest with your partner. Whether you are afraid of heights or would rather be sitting down in a café relaxing for a while, telling your partner how you are feeling is critical to both of you having an enjoyable traveling experience.
Try and meet other couples or really just new people in general while you are traveling. One of the best things about traveling is connecting with new people, even for a brief period of time. Even if you are traveling as part of a couple, getting to know others is a chance to learn about a different culture and not feel like your partner is the only person keeping you company on this trip.
Traveling can be a stressful experience and when you add in the pressure of a relationship can be even more so, however going away with your partner can also be an amazing chance to get closer and learn something new about each other and yourself. No matter where you go or what you do, this is an opportunity to grow as a couple and explore somewhere new together.
Image by Kevin Stolecki via Flickr