Forget horoscopes, travel is the true test of compatibility… Although we do love a good zodiac reading. At any rate, experts around the world agree that when you travel with your partner, you experience a variety of scenarios that develop your relationship in a way only travel can - for better or for worse.
Read on for five reasons why you should travel with your partner:
Reason #1: See each other at your worst - and best
At its worst, travel can be unpredictable and frustrating. While we do not wish food poisoning, delayed flights, or bed bugs on anyone, the unfortunate truth is that these things happen in travel. You and your partner could be enjoying a beautiful romantic weekend when one of you is suddenly struck by the bug (food or bed) - how do you work through this together? Only travel can show you!
And at its best, travel is a beautiful thing. It is known to bring out the best, most liberated version of ourselves. When you experience these happy feelings during travel, you also associate them with your partner. What could be more beautiful than seeing your partner sublimely happy, hungry for life, and sharing that brightness with you? Again, only travel can show you!
Reason #2: Experience new things and grow together
Travel is a guaranteed break from your everyday routine. It adds spontaneity to your relationship and opens the door for you and your partner to grow together and experience something new.
If you plan to be with your partner for the long haul, it is important to build a foundation of experiences together that stretches beyond the four walls of your apartment/home/condo. Whether it be trying escargot in Paris, staying out all night dancing in Barcelona, or deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean, you will learn new things together and see how each other reacts!
Reason #3: Travel will show you how you work as a team
From deciding who double-checks the travel documents before you head to the airport, to delegating who watches the bags while the other checks in at the hotel, to figuring out who finds the best restaurant for dinner - travel requires teamwork!
Travel forces you to plan, problem-solve, compromise, and hone your strengths while understanding your weaknesses; Successful couples - or teams - know how to navigate all of the above together. And if you’re curious to see how you and your partner face these challenges, travel is a great way to learn!
Reason #4: Create memories together
Travel is a vessel for memories - new experiences, sights, sounds, and smells are a guarantee when traveling. When you can experience them with your partner, it is a beautiful thing. Share a glass of wine at a street-side bistro in Rome, people-watching with your partner; scale the Alps of Switzerland together and stare in awe at the natural beauty; Bask in the warm ocean breeze while you watch the St. Lucian sunset hand-in-hand.
What’s more, is that when you come home from your trip you can relive and talk about these memories for years to come. Shared memories are a great way to keep the bond strong between you and your partner!
Reason #5: Get to know each other - Learn each other’s quirks
Finally, travel is the perfect way to get to know each other… And we mean truly get to know each other. What makes your partner tick? Do they get hangry (hungry + angry)? Are they a plan-every-second-of-the-day person, or a go-with-the-flow person? Are they a picky or adventurous eater?
These are the important questions. If you plan to share a life with someone, it is vital that you know how they operate in and out of their comfort zones. Travel is a great and exciting way to learn these quirks and habits!
Think you’re ready for the ultimate relationship test? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today with ELx and we’ll help you and your partner plan your dream trip.