9 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Romantic Couples' Trip
These mistakes can seriously kill the mood on your next couples’ vacation.
Whether you’ve been together for a few months or several decades, traveling as a couple creates a unique set of challenges. Even the most connected, communicative pair can run into hiccups. To help you tackle any issues before they arise and calmly handle problems while on a trip, we spoke to a few relationship experts and put together a list of nine common mistakes couples make on vacation (and ways to avoid them).
1. Not Defining a Purpose for the Trip
You’ve probably established the where (destination), but the why should be discussed before any plans are made. “Not every trip necessarily needs to have a purpose, but establishing one prior will help stave off conflict during the trip,” said Merlelynn Harris, clinical director emeritus for Bridge Counseling Associates, a nonprofit providing individual and family counseling. The purpose can be a way to reconnect, enjoy family time, relax, or have a purely adrenaline-filled adventure. Reverend Roxanne Birchfield (a.k.a. Rev. Roxy), a wedding officiant and marriage counselor who has appeared on Netflix’s Love is Blind, says doing this in advance will ensure there are similar expectations and fewer surprises.
2. Not Creating a Budget
Birchfield makes it clear: “If you fight over money constantly, it’s not a good idea to travel together. The finance issue will carry over into traveling.” Arguing about money is a pretty common issue, but when you combine finances and travel, it becomes a double whammy and a source of conflict. New York City-based lifestyle blogger Lindsay Silberman says she and her husband rarely fight while traveling, “but we’ve definitely had disagreements in the trip-planning process — mostly things related to budget.” Before finalizing plans, Silberman and her husband, Matthew, find a happy middle ground and always travel within their means. Most couples discuss a budget for big-ticket items, like flights and hotels, but the same should go for meals and any other daily spending.
3. Letting One Person Do All the Planning
In many relationships, there’s one person who loves to plan and one who can’t be bothered with details. However, Harris, who’s counseled thousands of couples, suggests, “Even if you’re the one doing all of the research and clicking the button to book, you still need to include your partner.” This ensures there are no surprises and that everyone’s on the same page. Additionally, both partners can use their individual strengths and character traits to contribute to planning, according to Tammy Shaklee, relationship expert and founder of H4M matchmaking service. “Often, an introvert will do all the research, and find the grandest location for the best deal and timing, while the extrovert will find the hottest nightlife spot or excursion. That makes for a great combo,” she said.
4. Diving Into Long or Group Trips Too Soon
“It’s best to start small with a weekend destination you can drive to or one that’s just a quick flight away. Whisking off to Japan for a 16-hour plane ride and a month-long stay is probably not the best idea,” says Rachel Federoff of Love and Matchmaking. Testing the waters with a shorter trip allows couples to determine how well they travel together. Federoff’s matchmaking and real-life partner (they’ve been married since 2011), Destin Pfaff, says the same goes for taking a group or family trip too soon. Sticking to short trips with just the two of you is the way to go early on.
5. Not Limiting Work and Screen Time
Whether you've just started dating or you've been married for years, Pfaff says “technology can be the ruiner of any trip.” One way to prevent this is to set limits on social media use or have a rule that there are no phones out during meals or excursions. Discussing this ahead of time can curb any resentment. For those who can’t fully unplug due to work commitments, there should still be a clear plan in place, like only responding to emails in the morning or while your partner is off exploring on their own.
6. Having a Jam-packed Schedule
Silberman says her biggest "don’t" for couples is packing too many activities into one itinerary. “Don't overschedule yourself. I've learned that lesson the hard way,” she said. There can be a natural desire to want to do everything, especially if it’s your first time in a destination, but this can quickly backfire. The combination of overextending yourself, stimulation overload, and jet lag can create stress and conflict between partners. Being flexible with plans or alternating a busy day with a relaxing day can create more balance.
7. Forgetting to Check in With One Another
“Once you’re actually on the trip, check in with each other and ask what they’re enjoying, or not so much,” said Pfaff. The conversation can sound like, “I’m having fun. I really want to try and squeeze in X, if we can. How about you?” Federoff describes this “daily download” as a way to have a clear idea of what the highlight of the day may have been and how to possibly address any issues.
8. Spending Too Much Time Together
Of course, you absolutely adore each other, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend every moment together. It’s acceptable, and even necessary, to take some time apart while on a trip. This is especially great if you and your partner have varying interests. “A day to sleep in may allow the other partner a city stroll and espresso. Then, meeting for a light lunch or an afternoon museum tour may provide a moment to reconnect, engage, and enjoy,” said Shaklee.
9. Not Discussing Challenges in the Moment
Though no one wants to argue, especially on a trip you’ve likely been looking forward to, it can happen. It’s all about how and when these issues are addressed. Travel blogger Alicia T. Chew recalls a trip early on in her relationship. The couple kept arguing and didn’t address the matter until they returned home. She says this was a mistake. Now, Alicia and her partner take an entirely different approach. “If I feel myself getting heated, I might leave the hotel room, or take a quick walk around the block, and once I've calmed down, [we] talk it out. We don't want major issues to linger any longer than needed.”
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