You hear it a million times over; “traveling with your significant other will make or break your relationship.” Well I know I heard it a million times, hence why I was petrified when my partners and I recently took our first trip together to Mexico earlier this year. Was this trip going to break us? Were we going to fall apart traveling together? Would this be the end to our lovey dovey romance?
Sure, traveling together can be a challenge especially in newer relationships. I mean a recent study showed that almost 23% of Canadians are willing to throw in the towel if they aren’t on the same page as their partner when it comes to travel habits. How crazy is that??? Poor planning can lead to arguments, disagreeing on excursions can lead to arguments, basically there are so many things that can lead to a darn argument.
However, somehow, not only did we survive our first trip together as a couple but we grew stronger from it. We communicated and connected in a way I never thought possible. Since our trip we moved in together and are planning our next big vacation. Our trip did effect our relationship, but only in the sense it made me confident in it.
This trip topped all expectations. We swam with Whale Sharks, Paddle boarded in the Ocean, road ATV’s into the sunset. It was truly unforgettable, and now I am here to help you make sure your trip with your partner doesn’t break but rather strengthens the relationship.
Choose a Destination you are both interested in
When we were looking at places to visit, we both thought Mexico for New Year’s would be an easy destination, the only problem, we had both been to Mexico so many times. He wasn’t interested in going back to the Mayan Rivera while I couldn’t handle another trip to Cancun. We decided to try somewhere neither one of us had been before, Los Cabos.
It was amazing to be able to experience this brand new location together. We had a chance to make this trip our own and explore new adventures, beaches, and restaurants as a couple.
It is important to pick a destination that both partners want to see so that neither one of you feel you are making a compromise from the get go, and that you can be excited to cross something off the bucket list together.
Plan to avoid Misunderstandings
If both you and your partner are on the same page, then you can easily avoid arguments. For example, I like a lot of adventure, while my boyfriend likes quiet down time. Before even leaving for our trip we came up with some excursions we wanted to do together, but also made sure there was time for us to lay by the pool.
If you are both on the same page before you even step foot on the plane, train, or automobile, then you know what each other expects and have a game plan to make sure the trip is smooth sailing.
Budget
This one can always be a little tricky, especially for your first trip together, but budgeting is important. My boyfriend makes more money than I do therefore it was important to set a budget that I was comfortable with. We didn’t fly direct to save some money on getting there, and we left the whale shark excursion out because it would be too much for me (he later surprised me for my birthday and it was magical). At no point did I feel any pressure to live outside of my means which was really important to make sure I could have a relaxing and fun getaway.
It is important that you set a budget so that you are both comfortable during the vacation. If one partner earns a lot more than the other, and insists on staying in a fancier hotel, or doing an activity the other cannot afford, then it should be their responsibility to cover those extra costs. Whether we like it or not money is always going to be a concern in any relationship so it is important to address this ahead of your vacation together.
Going beyond just an overall trip budget, try and set a daily budget that both parties are comfortable with so that money doesn’t have to be a concern on the trip.
Try it first
Our first trip together was a 5 day all-inclusive to Mexico. It was the perfect amount of time to spend on our first trip without going crazy spending every second together. Basically what I am saying is dip your toes in before you jump. Let your first trip together be a weekend or a week, not a 2-week getaway. That was you can get used to each other’s travel patterns.
Try New Things
A first trip together is exciting as is, but if you get to try something neither one of you have done before, that is a true memory you can hold on to forever. My partner and I actually tried a few new things together, like RZR tours and swimming with whale sharks. We have these incredible memories that we get to share with friends and family, but also with ourselves.
Trying new things together helps strengthen the relationship. If you are scared, at least you have your partners by your side. If you don’t think you can do it, you have encouragement of someone else. You get to be each other’s rock, and that will only help your relationship long after the trip ends.
Plan some alone time
I know that my partner likes some quiet time, while I can be a little loud. It was important for us to make sure we each had some time to unwind without the other breathing down our neck. I wasn’t offended when he asked if he could take a nap alone, I just worked on my tan by the pool.
If you aren’t used to a lot of time together, you need to ease into this process or else it can be overwhelming. Also if you have interests that you don’t share, don’t be afraid to do an activity on your own. You may regret it and actually resent your partner if you miss out on an opportunity.
Compromise
I know I just said make sure you do everything you want to do, but the truth is, this trip is about the two of you. If one partner loves water activities and the other loves hiking, make sure you are coming to a compromise to make sure both of you get to do something you enjoy.
For example, my partner really wanted to visit the Arch in Cabo and I really wanted to try an outdoor activity, instead of taking a boat like he had wanted, we went by paddle boards. We both made slight compromises but at the end of the day we both got to see what we wanted and we got to do it together.
I am excited to say not only did we survive our first trip together, but we have endless adventures coming up this summer including a 2- week vacation to Greece. If you are willing to work together as a team, be there for one another, but also listen and understand when a partner needs space I know you can survive your fist trip together.
I promise traveling together isn’t the doom and gloom some people make it out to be. For us it was sunshine and butterflies (cheesy I know).
I would love for you to share some travel tips of your own when it comes to traveling with your partner for the first time! Make sure to leave a comment below,
xo
Mia
