Whether you're exploring the ruins of ancient Rome, strolling the beaches of Antigua, or hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, who better to share these experiences with than the person you love most in the world?
Traveling with your spouse can be an incredible experience that strengthens your bond as a couple. However, it can also be a stressful and challenging task if you don't plan it properly.
Here are five tips to help you travel successfully with your significant other.
Know Each Other’s Travel Style
Although it's ideal to share the same travel style and interests, it's also okay to have some differences. Suppose you prefer luxury hotels, but your partner likes rustic accommodations. In that case, you can compromise by splitting your time between the two. The key is to communicate and find common ground to ensure you both enjoy the trip.
Budget Planning
Before planning your vacation, discuss your budget. You don't need to know the exact amount, but you should agree on a rough estimate. Understanding your travel budget is essential while in destination to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. If your partner prefers granola bars and mixed nuts for sustenance, while you want 5-course dinners, it's best to have a conversation beforehand. If this is your first trip together, make sure to have this discussion before arriving at your destination.
Know Each Other’s Trigger Points
The goal is for your vacation to be an enjoyable experience for BOTH of you – so if you already know of something that will stress out you or your spouse, it’s best to plan for avoiding that.
For example, if you know that renting a car in a foreign country will be a stress point for your spouse, then you know that it shouldn't be part of your vacation. Instead of getting off of a ten-hour red-eye flight, lugging all of your suitcases to the car rental counter, and then having to navigate your way to the hotel in another country, hire a private driver to pick you up at the airport instead! All you have to do is pick up your luggage and find the person holding the sign with your name on it.
Maybe large crowds are a trigger point for your spouse. Consider hiring a private tour guide with skip-the-line tickets instead of standing in line with the masses. This way, you avoid the crowds and have a personal guide that will show you all the interesting details and answer your questions, giving you a behind-the-scenes look into your destination’s culture, and avoid stressing out your spouse!
Have Some Alone Time
You don't need to spend every moment of your vacation together. It's okay to have some alone time to pursue your interests. For example, you may want to take a pizza-making class, while your partner wants to stroll along the beach. There's no reason why you both can't do what you want and still have a fantastic trip together.
Plan a Surprise For Your Spouse!
Planning a surprise for your partner is a fun way to show them how much you care. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, like tickets to a Broadway show or a gourmet dinner for two on the beach. Even a simple gesture like a surprise picnic or a couples' massage can make your trip extra special.
Traveling with your spouse is an excellent opportunity to create lifelong memories and strengthen your relationship. With these tips, you can plan a stress-free and enjoyable trip that you both will cherish forever.
For more information and personalized vacation planning, contact us at Travel with Meredith.
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