How To Survive (and Enjoy) Your First Couples Vacation

The first vacation together is usually a major milestone in a relationship. In a lot of ways, a vacation can serve as an accurate barometer for compatibility, putting the couple through a relationship gauntlet that can have a lasting impact on the union depending on how it is navigated. For many couples, this will be the first time they spend several days together without a break. That means having to compromise on where to eat, what places to visit, who’s got dibs on the window seat, and… well, you get the idea. With so many moving parts and potential pitfalls, it is best to be prepared when embarking on such a momentous journey. With that in mind, we have prepared a list of 5 Things To Consider When Traveling As a Couple.

 

Destination matters

First things first, where are we going? Make a list of destinations you’d each like to visit and see which, if any, you two have in common. The destination largely depends on what type of vacation you want to take. Do you want to sunbathe on a beach resort while drinking tropical cocktails and listening to Bob Marley, or do you want to trek through a desert and visit ancient artifacts? Perhaps there is a destination where you can do both. Choose an option that would make both parties happy and excited to travel. 

 

 

Start small 

If this is your first vacation together as a couple it might be a good idea to start with a shorter, more manageable trip. Try a trial-weekend and see how that works. This would be a nice, relatively painless way to test your travel compatibility. If you manage to get through a weekend without any major incidents, then you can consider taking that three week Indonesia excursion you’ve been thinking about. 

 

Plan things to do together

Vacations are a great opportunity to plan activities with your significant other that you may not be inclined to participate in back home. Sharing experiences doesn’t necessarily have to mean something extreme such as jumping out of an airplane or swimming with sharks, although those are perfectly fine activities (if you’re into that sort of thing). Simple moments such as watching the sunrise over the caribbean or sunbathing in Cabo can be just as fulfilling.

 

 

Spend time apart

Just as important as spending quality time together is setting aside some time to do your own thing. If your partner wants to go shopping and you’d rather take a jog on the beach, make the time to do so. Getting a chance to miss each other is never a bad thing. You can always come together and talk about your individual experiences over dinner. 

 

Be flexible

With the possibility of flight delays, missed connections and the hotel not having everything you were expecting, traveling can be a stressful experience.  Be flexible and open to change. If it happens to be stormy on the day you planned to go whale watching in Cabo, opt for plan B. Don’t get too hung up on plans falling through. You are on vacation and enjoying yourself should be your number one priority.