Traveling with another person is almost always a challenge, even when that other person is your husband. It takes practice and patience to travel as a couple.
My husband is a seasoned traveler, racking up almost 125k miles a year (that’s five times around the world if you’re curious) meaning a flight delay or cramped plane does not even phase him. Simply said, it drives me insane. After all our trips together (and a 16 hour flight –twice), we have been through it all. Here are some of our tips & tricks that get us through the “not so picture perfect” moments:
Take Personal Time.
This is key. Planes are small, hotel rooms are small, cabs are small. When traveling its 100 percent okay to take some time apart. Book a spa appointment for yourself, grab a cup of coffee and sit on the balcony or find a cozy spot of the beach. It doesn’t have to be long, but a few minutes alone will help you reset for your next adventure.
Find out what type of traveler you/they are.
Are you one that plans every little detail in advance? Do you need dinner reservations to put your mind to ease? Or you okay with finding your way? Do you use a map? It’s exciting to see how the other explores, but be sure to communicate what expectations (if any!) you might have for the trip.
Take pictures.
I know you don’t want to be “that couple,” but honestly, why not? You took the PTO, planned the itinerary, and are looking forward to an adventure together. Why not document the trip? Never be afraid to ask someone to take a picture; don’t just go for the #selfie.
When you get frustrated, just laugh.
Traveling can be full of mistakes, mishaps, and just really bad timing. And that’s okay. When you read the time table wrong, get mixed up with the 24 hour clock, or get stranded because of a train strike, our first instinct may be frustration. Resist and laugh, you’re making memories with one another!
Push each other outside your comfort zone.
Plan activities for BOTH parties. Share in each other’s interests and passions. There is nothing more exhilirating than cheering each other on! Book excursions that neither of you have experienced. The best time to do something different is with your significant other. If it ends up being a bust, at least you’ll have someone laughing by your side (and documenting every moment).
Plan a date night.
What’s more fun than a date night in a new location?
What tips do you have for traveling as a couple?
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Erin,
These are great! Thanks so much for sharing. Sometimes it’s hard to admit that when going places together it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Taking time for yourself is always needed.
Again, this was spot on.
Rachel
I’m so glad you agree! When we first started traveling, we felt the need to spend every moment together. Thanks for reading !
Others load shared cash onto a pre-paid travel card, which they use to cover all of their expenses, or they alternate city by city, with one person paying for everything in London and the other covering Paris.
Still others divide expenses by category – for example, one pays for flights while the other pays for accommodation.