Traveling
together as a couple, especially for the first time, can have its
challenges. There’s something about being together 24/7 that brings out a
side of each other that neither of you have ever seen before, no matter
the length of your romance.
Missing
a connecting flight or finding yourself lost on public transportation
is stressful on its own. Throw in a somewhat new romantic relationship,
and it’s easy to see where things can go awry.
In
reality, unless everything goes exactly according to plan — which it
rarely does — avoiding these bumps won’t be easy. All you two can really
do is problem solve and have a game plan for when things go wrong.
To
make life a little easier, here are some tips and tricks to ensure you
both stay away from as much tension as possible and spend more time
enjoying one another.
Speak up.
If
something is bothering you, say something. Even if it’s as simple as
wanting to walk to the next sight versus taking a cab. And on the flip
side, don’t forget to listen: It’s your partner’s vacation, too.
Remember the itinerary is simply a guide.
Unless
you have tickets or a scheduled event, don’t feel pressured to stick
with the original plan. Whether it’s a train delay or unexpected
weather, learn how to adjust as a team. Over-planning can also add
unnecessary pressure to the trip, so consider ditching the itinerary for
a bit and see where you end up.
Take a break.
Regardless
of how many days you and your special someone are on vacation, remember
there’s no shame in slowing down. After all, aren’t you both supposed
to be relaxing? If the sights get to be too much and one of you, if not
both, begin to fade, grab a drink and reboot. Taking a half hour to
chill can make all the difference.
Don’t play the blame game.
Once
a disagreement arises, the key is to remember you’re both on the same
team. Figuring out who’s right, wrong, or how you two even got into the
predicament in the first place is irrelevant and a waste of time. All
that matters is finding a solution to the problem.
Stop being a backseat driver.
Being
lost is the worst, and shouting out random street names when the other
person is trying to navigate isn’t going to help. Try staying calm,
whipping out your own Google Maps, or even asking a local for directions
to amend the situation.
Don’t forget to rest.
Jet
lag and not getting enough rest the night before a flight can heavily
impact one’s mood. If you or your significant other is grumpy and tired,
taking a nap may be the way to go. Even a short nap can really turn
things around and give the getaway a fresh start.
Remember why you’re there.
Not
every duo gets to the point where they want to travel together, so
don’t take the special opportunity for granted. Make the most of this
next step in your romance by not sweating the little things and showing
the other person just how much you care.