Travelling as a couple is a very important and exciting step in all relationships.You share the experiences, adventures, accomplishments and joys of one another, all while messing around, squabbling and putting up with each others quirks. In short, travelling is a real challenge.
In order to cope when things get heated, many couples appreciate being able to take some time out from each other but, when travelling, this is often not an option.
This guide will help you to avoid any problems so you can have the best possible trip with your partner without having to die trying. Why not visit Europe with you partner on our Christmas Eurotrip!
Take notes:
1. Plan together when travelling as a couple
This is the first step when travelling as a couple in ensuring you both have an enjoyable trip. The destination is something you both need to be happy with. Choosing somewhere that only one person is excited about is not advisable as it’s likely the other person won’t be as impressed. Sometimes it is better to think of a new destination all together in order to please both people. Travelling together is one of the most beautiful things you can do, so make sure that wherever you go, you’re both happy.
2. No expectations
It is best not to set high expectations when travelling as a couple. It may not be the best, the most fun or the most romantic trip you’ve ever had so try not to compare it to something that doesn’t exist. If you’re imagining a wonderfully unique, once-in-a-lifetime, love filled experience you might be surprised to discover that you do, in fact, miss being single and miss having your alone time. This is pretty normal. You will begin to notice on your trip that you start to detach yourself from single life and realise that the person you are travelling with has become your second half. Don’t stress about this, be thankful. Relax and enjoy what you have to come.
3. Take it as an opportunity to get to know your partner better
You are going to spend several days living together on your couples trip which can be an intense situation in the life of a couple but it will give you the chance to test the water and see how you get along while living together. Make a mental note of, what you like and what could be improved, what you approve of and what you don’t, so that you can get an idea of what life would really be like living together but without the fears or ties. This is what you have chosen and if you have believed in it for so long then it’s because it’s the right thing, it’s what best defines you and it’s what will make your life complete.
4. Have you planned everything?
Best not! Leave certain times, or even full days, free for adventure. Having everything under control generates tension and can cause arguments. Relax and enjoy the unexpected and impromptu moments; it’s all part of the magic of travelling as a couple. Just go with it!
5. Don’t try to make it the same as a holiday with friends or try to do the same things as you would with your friends
Partying, clubbing, getting drunk or going to a student resort are not the best ideas when you’re with your partner. Sometimes you may feel as though your partner is your best friend, and in many ways they are, but you must remember that the fun you have in a friendship is very different to the fun you have in a relationship.
6. It’s good to talk to more people when travelling as a couple
Step outside your comfort zone, be daring and try to meet other couples taking a similar trip to you. Be sociable but don’t do everything with these people, simply learn to mix things up and don’t shut yourselves off. You will find friends that are in a similar situation to you, who are also in relationships, and you will come to realise that messing around and partying isn’t the be all and end all.
7. Be tolerant when travelling as a couple
There will be things, activities or places that one of you loves the idea of and the other is uncomfortable visiting. In this case, be tolerant; you’d want them to do the same for you. Try to come to a mutual agreement about what you definitely don’t want to do and places you definitely don’t want to visit and make this clear from the beginning. Arguing in a relationship is normal and everybody goes through it. It’s good to generate a bit of adrenaline in the things you do together, not everything is going to be sunshine and roses. That wouldn’t be fun, would it?
8. Enjoy the experience with your partner
You never know what’s around the corner. This is your time to be crazy in love, to give you’re all, to throw caution to the wind, to live this life together and to share new experiences together. To get to know what you want and don’t want from your partner.
You never stop learning. Live in the moment! Carpe diem!
Translated by Olivia Harrison, Leeds University Student
