Got a cool trip planned with your new partner? Feeling a bit nervous about it? Your first time going away as a couple is really exciting, but it’s also a big relationship milestone. Your first vacation is not something either of you will forget in a hurry. Going away together means coping with stressful situations as a team, adjusting to different vacationing styles, and being together for long periods of time with no breaks. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first vacation with your significant other and make it into a success.
Pick Somewhere Easy
If neither of you are big travelers, pick somewhere easy for your first trip together. A camping, city, or beach holiday somewhere local in the U.S. can be just as fun as going abroad, and less stressful. You could always go and visit some friends in another state, but make sure you also leave enough alone time so that resentment doesn’t build up.
If one of you has traveled a lot more, why not go somewhere where the traveler has been before so that they can easily show the other one around?
If you’re both comfortable with traveling, try to select somewhere that at least one of you is really excited about visiting, or then go for a neutral destination that both of you are equally into so nobody feels left out.
And if this partner travel trip is mainly about spending quality time together (which it probably is), select a destination where you can really focus on each other and don’t have to deal with the stresses of complex transfer and travel arrangements.
Think About Comfort and Convenience on This Vacation with Your Significant Other
Nothing kills romance like a seven-hour wait at a random airport or somebody having to take their laptop with them to work on a big presentation.
Keep the romance alive and select convenient flights and transport, and go on vacation when both of you have time to fully switch off.
And try to have a bit of time off before and after the holiday to help you adjust. A first trip away can be tiring.
Don’t Compare
It can be easy to compare your relationship and vacation with others, but don’t fall into this trap.
Even if all you can afford is a simple road trip to start with, or you and your partner won’t be posing in front of a blue lagoon in designer swimwear, it doesn’t mean that this won’t still be the trip of a lifetime. Some couples like to boast on social media and go on and on about their travel adventures, but don’t feel the need to do the same.
You might also get some ‘helpful’ opinions from friends and family about where you’re going, whether you’re ready for this move etc. Try to not let their opinions dampen your enthusiasm.
Pack Smart
Packing for your first trip away can be stressful. You want to look good and have outfit options, but you don’t want to overpack and have too much to carry.
Luckily, easy packing tips are on-hand to help you save space in your luggage and make the most of the space you have.
Pack your favorite pieces so that you feel confident and make sure you also have a few comfortable outfits for lounging about in.
Be Prepared to Compromise and Communicate
Be prepared for the fact that you won’t necessarily be getting everything you want on this vacation.
Traveling with a partner is very exciting, but it’s also a test of your relationship communication skills. Always listen with intent and compromise where you can.
Be open to meeting your partner in the middle and matching their holiday needs. Try to plan at least one thing that’s just for them that you wouldn’t necessarily do — whether that’s a trip to an art museum or a strenuous hike.
Have at Least One Honest Planning Session
A vacation planning session is where you lay down the ground rules and explore each other’s holiday styles.
Make your planning session fun and enjoyable — do it over a coffee or a glass of wine. (Try to do it before you’re on the plane though).
Questions to consider:
- What time do you want to get out of bed and get going every day?
- Do you want to go sightseeing?
- Are you looking to party on your vacation?
- Have you got a budget for extra excursions?
Make sure it’s an honest session where both of you get to talk and say what you really think.
Explore Each Other
As well as your travel destination, take this vacation with your significant other as an opportunity to find out more about each other.
Joint trips can be a big compatibility test, and this trip could be something you’ll cherish forever.
Take the time to talk, cuddle, and just be together. You might find completely new facets to your partner’s personality will start to surface once they get away from it all and start to genuinely relax.
(Photo by Michael Poley of Poley Creative for AllGo, offering free stock photos featuring plus-size people)
If at First You Don’t Succeed…
Even if your first vacation with your significant other doesn’t go to plan, don’t let it stop you from trying again. Sometimes it can take couples awhile to find their vacationing rhythm.
Learn from any mistakes you make and start afresh for the next trip.
Traveling with your partner can be great — this may be the first of many fun trips. Make the most of it and make some memories while you can.
