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Traveling as a couple can be tough. No matter how much you love each other, there will always be times when you end up frustrating each other.
But, traveling as a couple is also one of the most amazing things you can do. It strengthens your relationship to no end and lets you create incredible memories together.
So how do you make sure you don’t end up killing each other by the end of day 3? Whether you’re trekking in the jungle, or plan to enjoy a sunny holiday in Crete, use these tips for traveling with your partner in the best possible way.
6 Tips for Traveling as a Couple
Don’t Do Everything Together
No matter how similar you and your partner are, there are going to be some things they want to do that don’t interest you at all. And that’s absolutely fine!
If you’re spending months on the road together, you may find that the occasional day doing separate things is actually quite nice.
Obviously, you don’t want to end up spending too much of your time apart. That defeats the idea of traveling as a couple. But, if they want to check out a museum while you’d rather go on a hike – part ways for a few hours!
Your time apart will give you some much needed down time and will probably make you excited to see each other again.
Pick Your Battles
There will be times when you want to tear each other’s heads off. You can’t avoid it. But, the key to coping with these sorts of feelings is to be selective with what you choose to voice.
While being open and honest with each other is important, it is equally important to realise when something just isn’t worth fighting over.
For example, if you partner makes a comment that kind of annoys you it probably isn’t worth bringing up. If you can let it go without it bottling up inside you then do so. Keeping the peace is vital when traveling in a couple.
However, if they make the same or similar comments repeatedly then it’s time to speak up. Save your energy for the fights that matter!
Be Completely Honest With Each Other
Following on from the last point – honesty is key. You don’t have to launch into an argument every time one of you does something annoying but you should still be able to tell each other when you’re upset or hurt.
A simple “that really upset me” is all it takes. If your significant other is as good as you think they are, they should take this on board and change accordingly.
Being honest doesn’t mean battling things out. It means being mature enough to listen to each other and adapt your behaviour. You will be spending a lot of time together so try and make it as easy for one another as possible.
This will inevitably bring you closer and make your lives much easier.
Don’t Isolate Yourselves From Other Travellers
It is very easy when you’re traveling in a couple to alienate yourselves. You already have someone to talk to so the pressure to meet new people is off. Right? Wrong.
This is a dangerous mentality and could lead to you resenting each other. Couples who travel should still make an effort to meet fellow travellers. The stories you share and the bonds you will form are an important part of traveling.
Meeting new people while you’re on the road is easy. Be out-going, put on a smile and be willing to listen and you’ll have no problems.
You never know, you might meet someone in a hostel who ends up being your friend for life. Or you might take a travel suggestion from a stranger and end up having the best time ever.
Remember That You’re Are a Team
When you are traveling in a couple you need to be united. You’re a team and you should be working in tandem. This can be difficult to adjust to if you are used to traveling solo but it’s easy to get the hang of.
Learn each other’s preferences and look out for one another. Is your boyfriend forgetful? Remind him of things he should pack. Maybe your girlfriend is a nervous flier? Be reassuring and be pro-active in finding flight alternatives such as overnight buses.
These little attentions are always appreciated and show that you are in it together. If you really love each other, this should come naturally anyway.
Be Willing to Compromise
Being in a relationship is all about compromise and nowhere is this more evident than when traveling in a couple. Don’t dig your heels in and refuse to ever do anything you don’t fancy.
Yes, you don’t have to do everything together but sometimes it is nice to go along with whatever your partner wants to do.
The same advice goes when deciding where to eat and where to stay. You might have different tastes and different ideas of what makes a good hostel.
Take it in turns to decide where to go or work out some other system to make sure everyone gets what they want at some point.
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
2 Comments
Great tips Megan! Very handy for when my partner and I travel together :-)
Thanks Lesly, so glad the post was helpful :) Happy travels!