Even if you are a seasoned traveler or used to traveling with other people, taking a trip with a significant other is an entirely different scenario. Both you, and your person, are sure to have expectations of each other, and of the experiences that you are hoping to have, and that can create a lot of pressure.
Here’s what you need to know to make sure your trip together is memorable for the right reasons (and not because you had a huge fight in the middle of the Roman Forum).
Live in the moment
It can be hard to disengage from work, to-do lists, and everyday demands, but this is your opportunity to really escape from all the chaos of your everyday life and focus on where you are in the moment.
Remember that nothing kills the mood more than ignoring the person you are with by answering emails or scrolling through social feeds.
Sure, take a few selfies and post them on Instagram (#BestTripEver) if you must, but make sure to tuck your phones away (or even turn them off if you can bear it) so you can really be in the moment and focus on each other.
Don’t try and see everything
If you are heading to a destination that neither of you has been to before, it might be tempting to try and cram in as many popular tourist sights as you can. But, unless standing in line and fighting through crowds is how you want to spend your time together, consider cutting your must-see list down a bit.
Prioritize downtime, and don’t just rush from one place to another. Sleep in. Have breakfast in bed. Take an extra long shower together. Trust me, you’ll remember those slower, leisurely moments more than seeing a famous Monet painting with 100 other people in the Musee d’Orsay.
Take turns planning your days
Does this sound familiar?
“Where do you want to eat?”
“I don’t know, you pick.”
“Well, how about that Italian place down the street?”
“Hmm, I don’t really feel like Italian…”
“Well, where do you want to go?”
“It doesn’t matter. You pick… ”
Before your trip, agree to take turns being in charge of planning an afternoon, a day, or a special date night during your getaway. The other person will be treated to a lovely surprise and with one person in charge of the plans, there will be no frustrating decision-making moments!
Keep an open mind and be flexible
Opening hours change, restaurants close unexpectedly, and cars break down. Things will inevitably go wrong, or plans will need to change, and that’s okay!
The key is to not let it ruin your trip.
Try and put yourself in go-with-the-flow mode and focus on being happy no matter what you are doing. You are with the person you love after all!
Remember that romance doesn’t have to be expensive
Worried about your budget? No problem!
You don’t have to buy the most expensive champagne, have a reservation at a Michelin-star restaurant, or go to an opening night at the symphony in order to have a romantic evening.
Shop for food at a local grocery store and have a moonlit picnic dinner in front of a historic monument, take a sunset stroll through the city, or cozy up in the corner of a dive bar with live music.
Check in with each other
No matter how experienced you are, traveling can be disconcerting — especially if you are somewhere completely foreign.
Make sure to check in with each other to make sure you are both comfortable and having fun. If not, adjust! There will be no romance if one of you is feeling scared, jet-lagged, or displaced.
Throw these three items in your bag
Candles — A few candles in your hotel room (no matter how small) are sure to set the mood.
Bubble Bath — Perfect for when your apartment rental has a bathtub built for two.
Wine Opener — A must-have while enjoying a romantic picnic in the park!
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
