No matter how long a couple has been seeing each other, travelling together for the first time will take the relationship to the next level. Being together 24/7 will show up all the little habits of one’s significant other.
One person may be an early bird, while the other is a night owl. One might prefer activities such as theme parks and water sports while the other might be more interested in chilling by the beach or a quiet dinner in the hotel.
It is best to go with an open mind and be prepared to enjoy each other’s company.
Here are a few things to ease the anxiety of travelling with a partner for the first time.
Before the journey
- Choose a destination both are interested in
Agreeing on the destination is the first step to a good trip. Discuss preferences to help decide on a place that offers something for both. Look at each other’s wanderlust bucket lists and try to pinpoint similar destinations on both.
- Research the activities the region has to offer
Travelling together for the first time is an adventure in itself but doing things together will help couples tighten their bond and learn to work together.
But remember, individuals may not enjoy everything a partner wants to do – one may want to go skydiving and the other may be afraid of heights.
It is important to speak up if one is not sure or thinks they will not enjoy an activity or you’ll start to resent your partner’s choices and not enjoy the trip to the fullest.
- Plan thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings
A little misunderstanding, such as who carries which bag or exchanges the money can ruin the trip before it begins. Once the flights and accommodations are confirmed, start planning. It sounds like fun to be spontaneous but an itinerary and a task list will help organise the trip.
When it comes to expenses, it is important to see eye to eye. Set a budget that takes into account the tangible and intangible expenses of travelling overseas.
Being transparent about both incomes will prevent financial disputes before, during and after the trip. Being in love doesn’t pay the bills.
- Compromise
A relationship does not work without compromise. Hopefully, couples would have realised this even before the point of planning the first trip together.
If one’s partner insists on a four-star hotel, accept it if they pay for it. Or, agree to compromise on a nice three-star hotel that will make both happy and not burn a hole in the pocket.
- Try something new
Don’t say no to everything just because it sounds stupid at first or feels odd. It is important to be open to new experiences. That is the good thing about a relationship. It motivates us to start every day afresh and dive into the world of one’s partner.
PRO TIP: The first couple vacation should not be a camping trip unless both are passionate campers and enjoy the wilderness. Oftentimes, compromising and saying yes is the best, but sleeping in a tent in the woods is not the romantic getaway of everyone’s dreams.
During the trip
- Do not demand too much
One thing about travelling is that one should never have high expectations. It is one thing to ask a partner to cook at home but it is another when you are overseas.
Being in a foreign environment can be stressful for both parties, so a partner should always be reassured that whatever happens, being together is the most important thing.
- Eat healthy
Of course, part of the fun of overseas travel is to eat the food of the country one is visiting. Pizza in Italy, dumplings in Hong Kong and burgers in the US are definitely worth a try during the trip.
But try to eat a salad occasionally and do some cooking if staying in a self-catering apartment. Sneaking in little healthy snacks will help prevent holiday weight gain.
Smoothies are a perfect alternative to a croissant or a roll in the morning while bananas, nuts and cereal bars are perfect as between-meal treats.
Greasy stuff and high-carb meals can sap the energy and part of healthy nutrition is to eat as many regional and seasonal products as possible.
- Take many pictures
For as long as cameras have existed, photographs have been the keepsakes of treasured memories, whether or not they are shared with family and friends or on social media.
Take pictures of each other and take pictures together. Do not just ask the significant other to take a #ootd shot, invest in a selfie stick or tripod to capture the perfect memories together.
- Relax
At the end of the day, travelling together is meant for both to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. If something goes wrong, laugh it off and talk it out. Communication is the best way to ensure that both will treasure this trip forever.
This article first appeared in The New Savvy.
The New Savvy is Asia’s leading financial, investments and career platform for women. Our bold vision is to empower 100 million women to achieve financial happiness. We deliver high-quality content through conferences, e-learning platforms, personal finance apps and e-commerce stores.
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