Going travelling, whether it is on one of those luxurious adult only holidays or getting down to basics and hiking across Europe is one of the most exciting ways to connect two people and to bring them closer together. However, it can also be quite stressful, particularly in the earlier stages of a relationship.
Here, we look at some of the ways that you can make your romantic couple getaways go smoothly and harmoniously – and you come back with an intact and stronger relationship.
Don’t dive in too big
If you are a new couple, long trips may not be the best choice for you. Even if you have been together for a considerable amount of time, suddenly spending all your time with one another can be challenging as there is still a lot to find out about one other. Play it safe if you are thinking about your first couples trip. Go on a long weekend before diving into a two week long break and see how you get on before making anymore plans.
Have a financial plan
Money and finances can be one of the biggest issues in a relationship, so before you set off on your break, have a financial plan in place. In many cultures and relationships, the male in a hetreosexual relationship is often the main earner and thus expected to pay for everything. However, many couples now see themselves as much more equal and are happier to split the bills, which is generally more reasonable and fair. However you want to do it, make sure that you are both in agreement before you go.
Who is doing what?
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but it is important to divide up responsibilities evenly. Is one of you better at cooking, so will take on that role while away, but the other is a more confident driver, so will do the lion’s share of the driving? By recognising each other’s talents and what they like and dislike doing will make it a fairer and more enjoyable experience all round.
Bear in mind that not everything will go to plan
Thanks to romantic films and social media we all have an over romanticized idea of what our couples vacation should be like – sipping cocktails on sunloungers while watching the sun set, moonlit walks on the beach, lazy breakfasts – and in reality, it can be a lot different. It can be arguments, stomach upsets, cancelled flights, lost luggage, nightmare hotels, sunburn. None of these are fun but if you try to think about practical, realistic ways to solve them and deal with them as positively as you can, you may well be able to come home laughing about them.
Experience new things together
You have both gone into the relationship with your own memories, experiences and interests, but why not use your holiday as a chance to make new memories and experiences and perhaps take up new interests as a couple? Try your hand at scuba diving, for example, or windsurfing. If nothing else, you will have fun.