Traveling is an inspiring and rewarding experience you can share with your partner. Going on vacation as a couple might challenge your relationship, but it can give you sweet memories to treasure too. Traveling literally takes you out of your comfort zone. Lots of things can happen when you are on vacation. You can have a wild ride or drive each other crazy. Learning how to handle travel challenges with your partner can strengthen your relationship.
Both traveling and being in a relationship is good for your soul. They make you feel whole and fulfilled. But just like everything else in life, they are not always a walk in the park. Vacations with your partner can be a life-changing experience. You can enjoy each other’s company without interruption. You can both take a break from work and your daily routine. Most of all, you can fall in love all over again.
Ready to go on an exciting adventure? Read on to find out what makes vacation a little crazy for happy couples.
1. Agreeing to disagree
What is your idea of a relaxing trip? What is their idea of a great vacation? Consider these things when planning so you can make the best out of your vacation. Compare it to your partner’s preferences and start building your vacation plans from there. Planning your trip is a chance to learn more about your partner and their preferences.
When planning your trip, make sure that both of you are clear on what you prefer to do. If you and your partner can’t agree on a particular matter, list your options, compromise, or just scratch it out. This prevents fights from breaking out. You'll find yourself loving your partner more when you see that he or she is willing to let go of the small things to make your vacation enjoyable.
2. Sharing the load of organizing your vacation
Planning your vacation can be the most stressful part. You need to agree where you want to go, where to stay, and what you want to do. There are a lot of things to consider. Language barrier, currency, transportation, and food are basic things you need to know about when traveling. The most important thing when you plan your vacation is that both of you are happy with your decisions.
You need to share the load between the two of you. Make sure your partner does their part when organizing the trip. Decide on who will buy plane tickets, book your accommodation, and create the itinerary. Sharing the responsibilities can help you understand the strength and weaknesses of your partner. It gives the two of you an insight on how you can support them and how they will support you in the future. When both partners invest time and effort to make the trip happen, it shows interest and enthusiasm for your upcoming vacation.
3. You can share expenses to save more
It might feel good to splurge when you’re on vacation, but you’re most likely to regret it later. When planning a trip, make a breakdown of all the possible expenses (include souvenirs too!) and stick to your budget. It would be best to divide basic expenses between you two so you don’t have to worry on who paid for what. Plus, it’s a great way to be economical. After all, you can reduce expenses when you share everything.
When on vacation, sticking to a budget makes traveling more comfortable. You don't have to worry about running out of money. It gives you fewer things to worry about. Agreeing with each other when it comes to financial matters is also a sign that you are ready for the next level of your relationship.
4. Relaxing during your vacation
Couples go on vacations so they can relax and deepen their bond. Fighting and getting stressed should not be part of your plans. Relaxing and having fun is your priority. At the end of the day, when both of you are tired from wandering around, relax. Try these tips with your partner:
- A wonderful massage will relieve aching feet or body. Bring your favorite castor oil to soothe your muscles. You will feel tension and stress melting away, and wake up energized.
- Cap off the night with a bottle of wine or hot cocoa. Talk about the things you enjoyed or didn’t like. Share your thoughts and make sure your partner feels more appreciated and loved at the end of the day.
- Cuddling can relieve stress and anxiety, which helps if you are on vacation. It improves your mood so you can deal with stress better too.
- Have your alone time. Don’t spend the whole vacation clinging to each other. Instead, try to spend some time for yourselves. Go to places and do activities that your partner doesn’t like.
5. Trying new things together
You will feel braver when you are with your partner. Brave enough to get lost and explore the nooks and crannies of an unfamiliar town. Brave enough to eat a local cuisine that looks super spicy. Brave enough to try something new you know you’d never do when alone. Knowing that you are with someone you trust will make you feel that you can take on any challenges.
6. Letting go and being spontaneous
An itinerary is a must if you want to make the most out of your vacation. However, you can have awesome adventures when you are spontaneous too. If it suddenly rained on a supposedly sunny afternoon, change your plans. Take shelter on the little deli you’ve passed earlier. Go visit souvenir shops and wait for the rain to stop. You can also get cheesy – dance in the rain and share a sweet kiss. Let go and just enjoy the wild ride. Being spontaneous might just be the highlight of your trip.
8. You learn how to be more patient and understanding
Is your partner acting a little annoying? Is the traffic delaying you further? Don’t let it get to you. Be a bit more understanding and patient when you are with your partner. Remember that you are on vacation to have fun and getting angry can spoil your precious time together. Practicing patience and understanding can help you grow both as individuals and as a couple.
Focus on positive things instead of mulling over things that frustrate you. If you are stuck in traffic, you’ll never be bored. Talk to each other, play little games, or plan your next adventure. There is always a silver lining, all you have to do is look for it.
9. Seeing your partner’s weaknesses and strengths
They say that traveling is the ultimate challenge for couples. It lets you see the best and worst parts of your partner. You can have crazy good times or drive each other crazy. However, it is definitely a learning experience for both of you. Use this time to find out how your partner handles situations and how they treat people.
When you are both out of your comfort zone, you are exposed to a lot of stressors. This can bring out the worst in you or your partner and you must learn how to handle their flaws. If your partner points out something you did that annoyed them, accept it graciously and talk it over. Who knows, you might go home from this vacation feeling more in love with each other.
9. Handling emergencies and stressful situations
A lot of unexpected things can happen when traveling like getting lost, getting sick, and having your flight delayed for a long time. What people need most during emergencies is a reliable companion that can help sort things out. Never lose your cool. If you are lost, remember that you are not alone and you can make the best of it by wandering around and discovering new things together. Being lost on a trip can be an exhilarating experience for both of you.
Vacations are all about immersing yourself in the place, its culture, and people. There is no harm in being lost as long as you have your partner with you. Moreover, there are now several location apps to help you out.
10. You’ll see if you make a good team
You are not alone when you go on this vacation. You’re stuck with your partner 24/7 and this means that you need to consider their needs and wants. There will always be a difference in opinion and preference and you need to talk them over. Being a good team means that you know when to back down or meet halfway.
Relationships are all about give and take. There will always be trouble in paradise so learn to compromise. You can argue about every little thing but don’t fight over it. Show respect and appreciation by accepting that you have different likes and dislikes.
Vacations are great ways to learn more about your partner and get closer to each other. Get lost together and find cozy cafes or hidden restaurants. Share a hearty breakfast in bed. Appreciate the small intimate moments with the person you love. Take this vacation as a chance to fall in love more with your beau. After all, it’s not every day that you can go wild exploring new things and places.
