Travelling With a Partner

words by: Eve Davies design by: Sandra Mbula Nzioki

Despite providing once in a lifetime opportunities and filling what will be some of the best days of your life travelling can, at times, be a mighty scary and taxing experience. Therefore, having good company at your side can be vital to getting the most out of exploring the world and all it has to offer. I started seeing my boyfriend in October last year. By December we were ‘together’ despite the fact we had both, coincidently, planned to go away for three months as soon as the new year hit. He was going to Thailand and I was going to Australia. By January we had plans to meet in Melbourne mid-February, spend two weeks in a campervan together, then spend another two weeks in Thailand – brave, I know. Although our trip couldn’t have been better, I do have some pointers that should be considered before you travel with a partner, or even a friend. So, you’ve (hopefully) got past the first date and ‘talking stage’, or the first few weeks of living with your new flat mates, and you are ready to book your first trip away. You’re first challenge will be deciding where to go. Immediately, this poses a ton of questions – are you city dwellers or sandy beach worshippers? Urban-istas, rural-lites or coastal-lovers? Do you crave vitamin-D or cosy log fires? Beach or pool? Bars or shops? The decisions are endless, and although they do say opposites attract, I’m not so sure in this context.

Once you’ve selected your destination (preferably with minimal disagreements), it is important to consider the ins-n-outs of travelling together. I advise doing this before finalising any bookings, as it can be quite a task getting your money back from some travel companies in our money-hugging world.

Although an ambiguous question, it is important to ask; what kind of people are you? What do you both enjoy doing day-to-day? Do you itch to fill every waking minute with productivity, or are you happy to pass time lounging around? If you are opposites in this sense a clash is almost guaranteed. But to minimise that risk make sure your itinerary fits the interests of both and be prepared to give a little to your partner’s wishes. Perhaps fill the morning with an activity and take the afternoon to chill, or vice versa. That way neither can complain! Accommodation is another fundamental aspect to your travel experience. After all, we all need a safe place to rest overnight. Now is it

time to question whether you are the fivestar hotel kind of couple, or if you’re content in a fifteen-pound-a-night twin hostel room, sleeping on fish-finger single beds. Though, inevitably, your budget will have an influence here.

Furthermore, it is crucial to think about all things consumable. Travelling often revolves around dining out and trying out new foods, so travelling with someone with a similar taste palate is always an advantage. Are you enthusiastic about local cuisine, or accustomed to seeking out global chain restaurants? I encourage the former. It is paramount that you at least try local delicacies and dishes. After all, without sounding like a grandma, you can get a McDs at home. Cuisine is such a central aspect to many cultures that they use it to welcome their visitors; if you reject what they have to offer they often take offence. Other factors to consider are whether you are likely to order a pint, or a coffee come mid-day. Are you a boozer or a snoozer? Will you be partying hard and rolling into bed just before sunrise, or will you have an early night, waking up fresh to catch the sunrise? Passing ships in a hotel room every morning of the trip could become awkward!

Are you the type to opt for a half-hour walk to a destination or insist on paying for a taxi? If on a budget, I highly recommend walking. In fact, I advise walking in all circumstances. Some of the best spots you will find when exploring new countries will be unexpected hubs found only on foot. No doubt you will pass quirky gift shops, speciality coffee shops and restaurants, that would merge into a blur through a moving taxi window. Even better, you will have a chance to browse their menus on route, collecting a list of potential places for dinner. Getting some steps in is also a great way to avoid feeling sluggish after indulging on local treats.

With luck, after dissecting the foundations of your relationship, you will have booked your trip, had the best time on your travels, and, all being well as your adventures draw to a close, you will be heading home to book your next trip away.