5 Questions for Couples Before Taking Their First Vacation Together

[Mattie Elsner]

Finally it's time for you to embark on the long-awaited vacation with your beloved! Planning your first couple's vacation can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. This is probably the first time you will spend a considerable amount of alone time with him/her; consequently, you want to make sure you both have a wonderful time together as you navigate and explore a new destination.

Traveling as a couple is one of the best ways to know your partner and strengthen your relationship with him/her. According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association, couples who go on a vacation together enjoy healthier and happier relationships compared to those who do not.

Without a doubt, you will always remember your first vacation with your partner. The fun moments, the adventures, the squabbles, and difference of opinions will keep you smiling for years.

Planning your trip ahead of time can help you both know each other's preferences and tastes, helping you connect better as a couple when you are vacationing in a far-off destination.

Here are five questions you must consider when planning your first vacation with your significant other, enabling you to create rewarding life experiences.

1) What's Your Idea of a Couple's Vacation?

Going on your first trip with your partner is an important milestone in your lives, enabling you both to test your relationship compatibility and the ability to make compromises.

This simple question will help you understand your partner's expectations and whether your vacation style matches with him/her. For instance, he/she may desire to share an adventurous trip with you by going on a safari or river rafting tour.

Discussing the vacation experiences of the past is a great way to know the kind of vacations your partner has enjoyed and his/her travel preferences. Take a trip down the memory lane and list down your expectations from this trip.

For instance, you may want to explore the local cuisine of a particular city while your partner desires to spend some quiet time with you. If that is the case, discuss with your partner about visiting the most authentic restaurants in the city of your choice and plan enough romantic times together.

It's completely ok if your travel styles are not aligned. In fact, having varied vacation styles enables you to plan your trip in a creative manner, giving you countless opportunities to experience the world from your partner's point of view.

At this point, it is also advisable to ponder over the following points, enabling you to plan an enjoyable and relaxed trip together.

• • The Type of Accommodation - Does either of you enjoy being pampered at a luxury hotel or prefer a budget hotel or a local guesthouse?
  • The Packing Style - Does either of you like traveling light with backpacks or usually carries multiple suitcases for a week's vacation?
  • The Local Mode of Transport - Do you (or your partner) prefer traveling by the local public transport, cycling, a cab, or a chauffeur-driven car?

Having an open and in-depth discussion with your partner will give you several cues about your partner's tastes and his/her expectations, helping you both avoid any unwanted surprises.

2) Where Do You Want to Go?

Once you both have an idea of each other's travel expectations, it's time to decide on a suitable destination for your first vacation together. As it is with every group travel, going on a vacation with your significant other involves making a few compromises, enabling you both to enjoy your time together while exploring a foreign destination.

You may prefer visiting a hill station while your partner may want a quiet getaway on a tropical island. It's ok to have a difference of opinion; however, it is crucial that you agree on a destination that holds something exciting for you and your partner.

For your first vacation together, make sure you choose a destination that is well-connected and easy to explore. Planning a relaxed trip will help you both enjoy the moment while avoiding the travel-related fatigue and frustration.

3) What Travel Roles Would You Each Like to Play?

When a couple vacations together it is crucial that each partner volunteers to take up certain travel responsibilities, making the trip less stressful and strenuous. Dividing responsibilities enables you to enjoy the travel experience without getting into the routine aspects of vacationing together.

Sit with your partner and find out whether he/she loves to play the role of the trip organizer or is ok to let the other partner take the lead.

Since this is your first vacation together, you both may be excited about taking the lead in order to make the trip fun and memorable. If that is the case, make a list of the major travel responsibilities, namely the travel itinerary, the accommodation, the recreational activities, and the travel budget tracking. Work as a team and agree upon who is going to manage what. This simple exercise will help you strengthen your bond and know more about your partner's personality.

It is also a good idea to delegate roles according to one's strengths and preferences. For instance, if your partner has an unerring knack of finding the best deals on airlines and accommodation bookings, let him/her handle the same. That way you can take ownership of the other crucial aspects of the trip, namely packing the essentials, booking a cab for the airport, inquiring about airport parking, and/or coordinating with the airlines for the tele check-in process.

4) Are You Interested in Any Recreational Activities?

Although you may be already aware of your partner's interests, it doesn't hurt to check with him/her about his/her recreational choices before you go on a vacation.

Does he/she like to go on a nature trek? Is he/she a food connoisseur who would love to explore the local restaurants in a foreign city? Does he/she prefer going on a city walking tour to explore the famous tourist attractions?

Plan your couple vacation in a way that it includes activities that interest you and your partner equally. Without a doubt, it helps to have similar interests; however, if you and your partner have varied interests you may just experience something novel, making your holiday special and memorable.

5) Are You Fond of Spending Some Time Alone?

Alone time is crucial for the health and sanity of a relationship. According to Psychology Today, individual time allows couples to maintain their identities, offering them opportunities to pursue their interests and retain control over their lives.

Ask your partner what he/she likes to do in his/her alone time. If you or your partner aren't used to spending a lot of time together, take some time out and indulge in something that interests you. For instance, you may choose to go for a swim while your partner is engrossed in his/her favorite mystery novel.

A little 'me time' can work wonders for your relationship, enabling you both to take some time off, avoid arguments, and keep your relationship fresh and full of life.

Vacationing with your beloved partner for the first time is an exhilarating yet a stressful experience for you both. Mulling over the above-mentioned questions will help you plan an ideal vacation with your other half, helping you create lasting memories together.

(Image sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4)