For better and for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death do us apart…

How do you make things work and not let all the problems take a toll on your relationship while still enjoying your time traveling together?

Rule of thumb for any successful relationship is COMMUNICATION!
Being on the road means you have a lot of time to kill. Use this time to bond with your partner. To maintain a healthy relationship, it is extremely vital that you communicate with your partner clearly and regularly. Not too casual, not too intense. Just make sure you keep your partner well informed about your realistic expectations from him, from the trip and from yourself. Show that you care by asking him about his expectations. Discuss over what you both can do to live up to those expectations. Disputes can be easily avoided when you have a plan in place that you both agree upon. It also helps keep misunderstandings at bay.

Don’t hesitate to say SORRY.
A small sorry can bring things back on track in no time. Accept your mistake. It’s not worth being adamant to nurture your ego. Playing the blame game would just take you in circles. Remember how much you love the person and that you swore to do anything in your power to continue loving him/her through tough times. Put your relationship ahead of everything and watch your perspective change. After all, it’s just the two of you out there and a long journey ahead.

Small gestures of love help rekindle the romance in your relationship. You’re well aware of your partner’s likes and dislikes. Take that to the next level, step up your game and see the astounding response you get. Be it serving breakfast in bed, drawing up a relaxing bath, booking a spa appointment or cooking up a special meal. No matter which corner of the world you are in, a small surprise is easy to plan. Every gesture strengthens the bond between you two. If you’re at the receiving end of it, don’t forget to reciprocate. 

Repeat the magic words “I love you”, as often as you can. It can’t be said enough nor can there be a wrong time to express your love. Sieze every opportunity to pelt your loved one with kisses. Sometimes even a warm hug can do wonders. Holding hands is a classic sign of showing your affection in a way that says you need him/her. Maximize the romance quotient of your trip.

Be thoughtful and supportive! If your partner is making compromises more often, they might feel taken granted for. Take a step back once in a while. It’ll be worth the effort. Achieve a middle ground when it comes to compromising, one person can’t take all the hits.

• More of an exercise than a tip, for deciding upon a destination.
  1. Put down the facts on a paper like number of days to travel, domestic/international.
  2. Both of you should list down names of countries/cities you want to visit. They should be in 3 categories – Must see, Good to see, Can skip.
  3. Pick most of the places you both listed under “Must see” category. Derive a route to cover those places.
  4. Check which places from “Good to see” category fall on your route. Pick the ones that do.
  5. What you have now is an almost concrete travel route chalked out.

• Plan it ahead! Agree to a plan that includes activities you like and the ones he likes. Strike a balance and stick to that plan! When you create a travel plan that interests both of you, it eliminates the possibility of impromptu changes to an extent, so you’re less likely to disapprove of anything. Making the trip enjoyable for both should be top most priority.

• Travel is not always about running to see places, booking tickets, sightseeing and photography. Keep a few days to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. You didn’t spend all that money and come that far just to keep up with a schedule. Spend a morning cuddling up in bed, lie in a hammock and read that book you’ve been meaning to for a long time, stroll on the beach without wanting to reach anywhere. It’s healthy to let loose once in a while. 

Do what helps you and your partner enjoy every moment of your journey.

It was hard for me to write this 2 part series because everything I mentioned was from my personal experience. I felt vulnerable divulging all the secrets. But I hope you find this article helpful and that it inspires you to take the leap. Happy travels!