You may have heard the news: Traveling together makes couples even happier than getting engaged or saying “I do.” Crazy right? But before you set off on your first trip together, it’s important to pause and remember that everyone has a different travel routine. Some people are seriously organized, while others are remarkably lax about everything. But your personal routine can definitely get thrown off when traveling with a partner for the first time—which leads to higher stress levels and possibly a lovers’ quarrel or two (we’ve all seen that couple bickering at the baggage claim).
The key is to respect each other’s travel expectations, needs and rituals, while finding ways to compromise and be flexible (you’re a team now, remember?). Here are few things to talk through before booking your flights so you can maximize your vacation time together.
Airport Behavior
Some people make backup transportation plans to get to the airport, arrive two to three hours early (especially for international flights) and always carve out time for some preflight meditation at the gate. Others hop in a cab and cut it as close to boarding time as possible—not even sure if they have their proper IDs on them. Chat about preflight schedule before the time comes. Not only will this ensure that everything goes smoothly logistically, but you’ll prevent unneeded and unwelcome stress due to any differing travel styles.
Budget
When you go on vacation are you a big spender or a frugal sightseer? You may want to take in the scenery without dishing out too much dough, while your partner might operate under a different, treat yourself type of philosophy where they like to take advantage of (read: indulge in) the best of the best your vacation spot has to offer. Talk about your vacation spending habits before you make any reservations for tours, restaurants, amenities and hotels. Set a mutual budget and stick to it so any varying spending expectations or behaviors won’t cause tension.
Itinerary
You might be super-organized when it comes to traveling: Your itinerary is always coordinated and confirmed to a T with little to no room for deviation. And that’s just how you like it, which is awesome—unless your partner is the spontaneous type who’ll go crazy if restricted to a rigid timeline. Now’s your chance to figure out a flow that works for both of you. If you’re a planner, arrange a few larger things, like dinner reservations at restaurants you’re dying to hit or scheduling a can’t-miss walking tour. But leave room to be a little spontaneous—you won’t need reservations for that random, charming café you happen upon and fall in love with.
Activity Preferences
Everyone falls somewhere on the travel behavior spectrum. On one end, there are the couch potatoes. You’ll find them lounging on the beach or poolside, enjoying breakfast in bed and spending afternoons at the spa. On the other end, you have the activity buffs. We’re talking sunrise hikes, a full museum lineup, a tour of every historic site and a zip-lining lesson all before lunchtime. Again, this one’s all about compromise. And, if you’re really at odds with your mismatched interests, be okay flying solo for a bit. Let your partner enjoy zip-lining while you take a catnap before meeting for lunch.
