Couples Travel: 5 Lessons Learned

Brooke and Pat on the Russian train

[A]t nearly 3 months into my big trip with my boyfriend, I must say I've gained a few insights into the world of couples travel. Sure, we may have met traveling, and we may have gone on a few week-long trips here and there, but 3 months is travel and closeness on a different level.

Above all, the most obvious and important lesson – one which can always be reiterated – is to communicate with your partner. On a trip where you are relying on each other, every day, you need to be extra sure the other knows what you feel and what you want.

Don't go thinking the other is a mindreader!

Besides that important lesson, here are my top five that perhaps other soon-to-be traveling couples will find helpful.

1. Keep Your Date Nights

I love travel because it's full of everything new. New restaurants, new environments, and new sights. Only, after a while, it gets tiring running around from place to place and trying to take it all in.

I recommend keeping a date night where you go out like normal, doing something familiar without the need to “see” or “do” in a travel sense. Get dressed up for a splurge dinner, or hit up the movies (hopefully in English).

The night that my boyfriend and I decided to head out to the American-style steakhouse in Russia for a splurge dinner on our own felt like the ultimate treat. We didn't take any food photos or worry about budgets; there was no menu decoding necessary either. Just relaxation and comfort.

2. Share the Burden

Since my other half works long hours in his normal Sydney life, I found myself taking care of most of the pre-trip prep.

When that involves 3.5 months, 7 countries, multiple visa applications, and a 3 week train trip through Russia coordinated with other travelers, it can get to the point where you're sitting at the computer balling your eyes out because of the stress.

While he wasn't able to help much in the pre-travel days, on the road delegation has saved us. With my continued writing responsibilities and multiple stops over 3.5 months, we've each researched hostels, transport, and tours in a manner that made it so one person isn't getting burned out more than the other.

I also recommend sharing translation/language duties if at all possible.

The amount of time and effort that went in to me playing Russian translator in Kyrgyzstan was exhausting, and that meant that I was more than happy to hand over the duties of Mandarin in China to my boyfriend who was willing to go the extra step to learn.

Riding camels with friends in Mongolia

3. Don't Keep to Yourselves

The joy of traveling with a loved one is the fact you get to have so much quality time together, especially since you don't have to worry about leaving to go to work every day.

And, even though it's great to take advantage of every minute together, don't forget to reach out and make friends with others along the way.

Some of our best moments have been befriending other travelers when out and about, and those connections help us to put not only our travels into perspective, but also our time together.

4. Keep the Plans Relaxed

When it comes to travel, you just never know how things are going to pan out until you get somewhere. If you're the type of person that wants to cram an itinerary full, keeping it busy from the time the plane lands and leaves, then chances are there is just more chance of things going wrong.

I personally think it is one thing to have plans foiled when you're alone, but to be with a partner and to deal with unmet expectations can cause stress, and stress often leads to bickering.

Another consideration is the fact that people get tired, or sick, or just prefer to take part in different activities that might pop up while on a trip.

When I got fairly ill back at the end of April, which I'm sure was the result of too much hectic travel up until that point, I couldn't do anything for a good week.

We were lucky to have a flexible schedule for the following few weeks that allowed us to kick back while I recovered without too much drama or a feeling like one partner was missing out on something amazing because of the inconvenience.

5. Keep a Little Distance So Your Heart Stays Fond

You don't have to travel to different cities for a few nights. The distance can be as simple as one person staying at the hostel while the other goes clothes shopping.

Our distance of choice on our trip has been my boyfriend heading off to the shops to pick up travel supplies and beer; it's always an adventure for him, and he always comes back with some great stories to share that are just his.

Other ideas involve popping headphones on and zoning out, getting lost in books, and just going for a walk or morning exercise alone. We all need breaks from time to time.

What would you recommend for couples heading out on an extended trip?

Brooke Schoenman

Brooke lives a thrifty lifestyle so that she can travel the world at every possible opportunity. Find more of her writing on her website: Her Packing List. Or follow her on Twitter.