Do couples that travel together stay together? Think again. People say that traveling with your partner can strengthen the relationship and yes, that’s true if you guys are from the get go very compatible, but what happens when you are not? Traveling with your significant other can be a new discovery for your relationship.
My partner and I decided last year to take a few months to travel alone. Sounds so exciting and surely it was. My experience with him changed the course of our relationship and we are stronger now than ever. But, what if things go sour in the middle of your trip in India and you still have 3 weeks to go?
Here are 3 IMPORTANT things I discovered while traveling with a partner:
Decisions, decisions!
From what time to leave to the airport to what food to eat could mean a lot of planning and making decisions together when traveling. This could bring stress into the relationship if making decisions on a normal setting is difficult to execute. Like any other setting sometimes one of the parts has to comprise for something else they want or maybe things flow naturally. Every decision that is made should be together and if any of you start bickering from the get go, it’s a red sign.
Traveling together should be exciting, so any decision together should be what? exciting! Here you can discover if your partner is more laid back or more anxious to make a decision. You can discover if the person is more spontaneous with their choices or more of a planner. You will figure out their personality very quickly just by observing how they act while making a choice. Most important you will know if making decisions with your partner is an easy road, instead of one with a lot of cracks. So, open your eyes because while traveling together you will be making TONS of decisions.
Tip: Listen carefully to one another and have patience when things don’t go as planned.
Compatibility
Oh man, that word! But really, are you guys compatible? While making decisions together will show you how compatible you are, also there’s other things you can discover too that shows if you are compatible.
- Sleeping patterns – Not only will you be sharing a bed but you also find out if your partner snores like a dragon or is quiet. Do they move like they have ants in their ass or sleep still like a rock? Also, are they an early riser with a bunch or energy or grumpy in the morning? Does this person goes to bed at 1 am watching Netflix and wakes up at 11am or goes to bed at 8 pm and wakes up at 6am? You might think this doesn’t matter, but it does because it changes your whole schedule and mood for the trip. So, watch out!
Tip: Talk beforehand what’s the mindset for the trip in terms of sleeping patterns and schedules. This could avoid misunderstanding and surprises!
- Preferences – When doing things together, what do they prefer? Adventure or cultural sightseeing? Do they like the same music as you for that 8 hours car ride? Do they prefer fancier places to a local corner? Will your partner eat hot dogs the whole trip because it’s their favorite or try different types of food? Do they like to discover new places or they prefer to read a book on the trip? Whatever the preference this part will help you discover what they really like and if you like the same things!
Tip: Ask them what they envision for the trip. This could avoid any false expectations of a trip you only dream.
Talk about money
It’s all about the money
It’s all about the dum dum didudumdum
I don’t think it’s funny
to see us fade away
A trip can mean a lot of expenses for both. Money could be an issue if not discussed beforehand what will be expended and how the costs will be distributed. I suggest NOT traveling with your partner if you or they don’t have the money. This will save both a few uncomfortable situations.
However, DO travel if both already discuss how much money will be available to spend and to where the money is going. Once you do that, I hope everything goes smoothly. But again, keep an eye on spending habits. Will your partner spend $1,000 for a designer jacket out of the $3,000 they save for a trip of 3 months? Or will your partner avoid at all cost eating in a nice and average place, even if they have the money? Some people will go into the extreme with money. So, keep an eye on them because in the long haul this could mean trouble, or even better, a nice life with somebody that’s stable with their spending habits.
Tip : Although it could be uncomfortable, ask your partner how much money they have for the trip. This could avoid unnecessary arguments or leaving you with extra expenses.
Hope this list comes handy in the future. Although is more cater to a relationship these tips can also help you while traveling with a friend or family member. At the end, we all want to have a good time during vacations, right? So, discuss beforehand your style while traveling and hope for the best.
In honor to dancing (non related) here you go.. just change the lyric to “dance” to “travel”!!!
xoxo,
Cristina
