Five Relationship Travel Tips!

I remember being amazed that we had very few problems the first time my boyfriend (now husband) and I took a major trip together.  In fact, it was after that six week jaunt in Australia that I came home thinking that I could actually marry him because we’d gotten along so well night and day for six weeks.

In reality though, traveling can be a relationship buster for some people.  The relationship doesn’t have to be your partner, travel can cause stress on friendships, and work and family relationships.  Here are a few relationship saving tips that may help you out the next time you travel with a friend, co-worker or loved one.

  • Money – It is vital to have a conversation with your travel partner about budget, money and spending.  You need to agree on what expenses you each will pay for and what expenses will be shared and split equally.  It even helps to develop a few scenarios involving financial disagreements and discuss how you would solve the issues.

  • Who is Going to Sleep Where? - It is just not going to be a fun trip if you share accommodations with a friend (say on a cruise ship), one of you is an early riser, and the other likes sleep in.  It goes without saying that snoring can be another traveling nightmare for the person who has to sleep with the snorer.  Again, have a conversation about your sleeping habits and try to come up with a plan that will make all parties happy.

  • Incompatible Plans – No matter where you go, there is going to be a long list of things to do, and you and your travel partner may have differing ideas as to where to go and what to see!  It is important to have a frank conversation before you go and lay out your goals for the trip.  For example, if are you interested in relaxing on the beach with a good book while your partner wants to see every last sight, then agree that you will split up and do your own thing for half of the day.  That ways, you both are satisfied that the vacation is living up to your personal expectations.

  • Meals – Another tricky thing to navigate is the type of food you will enjoy during your trip.  Budget factors into the discussion here as well, because one of you may be looking forward to gourmet meals in fine restaurants and the other may be more budget minded and fine with picking up some items at the grocery store to make a meal.  Setting out your expectations beforehand is the safest way to go.

  • Attitude – It is important when you travel to have a positive attitude – no one wants to travel with a whiner!  Remember that complaining incessantly can lead to arguments, which can ruin your vacation.  If you have a valid complaint, don’t whine about it to your travel partner; take positive steps to have your concerns addressed by speaking to the hotel manager, travel agent, restaurant manger etc.  If you find yourself with a negative attitude, make time to relax – it will help you feel better!

So, next time you travel with someone, make sure you are doing everything possible to make it a successful and positive experience for everyone.  Talking about expectations beforehand and keeping your attitude positive can result in a fabulous vacation that you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Posted by on 07/16 at 12:57 PM

Next entry: London On A Budget – It Can Be Done!

Previous entry: Five Best Things To Do In Barcelona Spain!

<< Back to main