Top 10 Travel Tips For Couples
No matter how much
you are looking forward to spending some quality time with that special
someone, traveling together can be a bit stressful; regardless of
whether you have been married for decades or are just testing the waters
as a couple. So what can you do to ensure a blissful getaway? Here are a
few surefire ways to keep the fires burning without getting burned.
1. Both Contribute
to the Planning -
It’s important that you both feel like
you have a part in the trip’s success. A site, like
hotels.com,
is great because you can check out all accommodations from bed &
breakfasts to boutique hotels, vacation rentals to spa resorts. Take the
virtual tours, read the guest reviews, check out the location relative
to the sites you want to see and book it, together.
2. Work with Each
Other’s Strengths -
During planning, if
one of you is a savvy researcher then perhaps that person can do the
destination investigation while the other could be responsible for
booking the flights or hotels. Working with each other’s strengths is
even more important while traveling. Who’s the control freak (I mean
backseat driver) between the two of you? Come on! Admit it?! Maybe you
should drive while your partner navigates. Don’t be afraid to play to
each other’s strengths versus struggling through a situation.
3. Pace Yourselves
-
Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t see it all in one either. Trust
me! I know how fantastic it is to be on vacation sans work and children,
but take time for the small moments and some relaxation. Factor in
downtime for your vacation as well as extra time while sightseeing. You
never know when you will want to spend some additional time in a museum,
on the beach, or sampling the vineyard’s newest harvest. And you’ll
appreciate not having the pressure to be on time or the disappointment
of missing out on an opportunity.
4. Communicate -
Seems
simple enough, right? Are you tired? Are you hungry? Do you want to stay
in this town for another day? How quickly we forget that we are not mind
readers. Be sure to let your sweetheart know what you’re thinking before
it’s too late to do something about it. When traveling, you are out of
your normal rhythm and routine so it’s important that you are sharing
your needs and desires even if you are used to your honey knowing what
those things are.
5. Take Time for
Yourself -
It’s important on
vacation to have some time for you, whether to relax or explore. That’s
when the tips above are most useful by working together, communicating
and taking the time to really enjoy your trip; you should be able to get
some coveted “me time”. For example, you could check out the local
village shops while he takes in a round of golf.
6. Do Not Disturb
- Our
sleep patterns can really wreak havoc with our vacations. Is your
sweetie a snorer? Plan ahead and pack those earplugs. Who’s the morning
person? Be kind to your special someone and allow her that precious time
to sleep-in by perhaps following the tip above for your “me time” and
take a walk around town or read a few chapters of that book you have
been wanting to peruse.
7. Try Something New
to Both of You -
If you frequent the
same destination then make sure you change it up by finding something
new to do each time you go. Experiencing something for the first time
is a great way to bring a couple closer together. So whether the
destination is new to you or perhaps it’s that zip-line adventure that
you both have always wanted to try, give it a whirl…together.
8. Budgets and
Splurges -
Let’s face it money
is often an issue for most couples. It is important for a couple to
understand their vacation budget, if they have one, before they embark
on their trip. It’s not fair to either person to feel constrained or
overly frugal while traveling. So know before you go! Allow and
anticipate for splurges like dinner at that trés romantic restaurant you
stumbled upon or a piece of locally created art.
9. Use the Hotel
Concierge -
Here’s what frequent
travelers know; the concierge can make things happen. They often have
discount tickets to area attractions, know the best restaurants and want
to help make your hotel stay special. Tell the concierge if your stay is
to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc. and see how he/she can help
you make it memorable.
10. You Don’t Have
to Go Far to Get Away -
A vacation is merely
a break for the ordinary. And sometimes staying in a nearby resort can
feel like you are one million miles away. A staycation, or vacation
close to home, is often a great way for new couples to test the
traveling together waters as well as to have some fun. It’s also a great
way for couples with children to have some alone time without the worry
that comes with traveling away from your children.
Think you and your partner deserve a
vacation? Remember to enter the Hotels.com
“I Need A Vacation”
sweepstakes!
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