Are you planning to take a trip with your companion? This is a good idea that can strengthen your relationship. It can, however, cause problems since every person has different interests when it comes to traveling. Having a travel companion means sharing things such as personal space; therefore, you should consider all the relevant aspects to maintain the peace for each party to enjoy the journey. Here are some of the tips that you should not overlook.
Compare the different travel styles
You must first accept that you and your companion have different tastes. You may be an early bird while your partner is not into waking up early. One of you may also be a careful planner while the other like impromptu things. Travel styles differ a lot and identifying them can help your trip remain peaceful.
Remain open to the idea that some differences may bring issues and know how you will handle them if they arise. Try to predict the success of travel partnership before you embark on the journey. It is true that not all spouses make the best travel companions. Compatible travel styles improve the chances of a successful partnership.
Make important decisions together
When traveling with a companion, you must work as a team and not as individuals. Therefore, plan everything together so that you are on the same page to avoid a lot of differences. Apply for documents such as passports and Kenya e-visa together so that they can be processed at the same time to avoid delays from one party.
Choose the destination together as you consider your interest and that of your travel companion. Ensure that the destination has a lot of activities that both of you can enjoy so that no one gets bored at the expense of the other. When making decisions, give room for your partner to air their views since they could have good suggestions. Both of you should participate in the decision-making process to ensure everybody is satisfied.
Consider one another’s energy levels
Before you start traveling, consider how excited your companion is about the trip. You can easily tell their energy levels as you plan to travel together. You may have different stamina which can affect your attitude on the trip. Ensure that both of you are ready to travel and have the motivation to do it without feeling obliged.
Come up with a balanced schedule
Your travel partnership should be based on the same amount of time when it comes to the program. As you plan to travel, ensure that there are equal opportunities for each one of you to lead as the other follows. You can divide your itinerary to equal activities for each party to participate in if your interests are not the same.
If you plan to drag your travel companion to an activity that they don’t like, ensure that you make it comfortable for them. For instance, you can get tickets in advance when you want to visit a museum so that your partner will not worry about entry fees. Avoid overscheduling so that you don’t force your partner to stick to an activity they may not enjoy. Leave room for some downtime when making the schedule.
Know how to handle cultural issues
As you choose a destination, consider factors such as language barriers. If any of you understand the local language, they can make it easy for the other to cope with cultural issues. You can research together about different cultures before making the trip so that you have a rough idea as to what to expect.
Be accommodative of each other’s routine
Some people cherish their daily runs in the morning while others enjoy a leisure breakfast. Try to accommodate the other person’s routine instead of forcing them to do things like you. You can also make your routine fit that of your partner by doing some things early enough before they wake up. Reply to job emails when they are napping so that they don’t feel like you are not paying attention to them.
Get some space
Traveling together does not mean that you should always stick together all through your journey. It is good to have some space alone for a while. For instance, you can take a walk as your partner enjoys a volleyball game at the beach. Those few minutes alone can bring you closer at the end of the day.
Pack separately
In as much as you don’t want to carry a lot of belongings when traveling, it is wise to pack separately. This can reduce arguments since each party carries their bag without burdening the other. We also have different packing styles, and this can bring an issue if you pack all your belongings in one big bag. Some people may not be as neat as others, and you should spare yourself arguments about packing styles.
Discuss a general budget
Money is a sensitive issue that brings problems among travel companions. Traveling together may be more economical than taking a solo trip, but it can get tricky due to disagreements. You should seek common ground regarding how much each of you is willing to spend on the trip. Try to account for each dollar so that one party does not feel like the other is overspending. Decide before you start traveling on how you will spend the money to avoid complications.
Handle travel problems well
Sometimes while traveling, you may be faced by challenges such as airport delays or even lost luggage. If this happens, do not try to blame your travel companion for something they may have done or did not do. Try to remain calm and don’t utter hurtful things to them even if they arrived late at the airport. Leave the situation if you need to catch some air instead of saying something that you may regret all through the trip.
Remember the purpose
Travel companions plan for trips to improve their relationships. In as much as your differences arise during your travel, do not forget the goal. Use this opportunity to stay together and work on the difference so that at the end of the trip you can form a stronger bond.
