So you’ve found a partner with a passion for travel and plan to explore the world together. Yay! There are many benefits to traveling the world as a couple, but as most travelers know travel isn’t as perfect as Instagram makes it appear. There will be disagreements, hangry moments, and travel hurdles along the way, however working through the tribulations helps forge a long-lasting bond. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Chris and I teamed up on this post to share the pros and cons of long term travel as a couple.
The Pros of Traveling as a Couple
Two Minds are Better than One
You are guaranteed to run into confusing situations while traveling. Working through these sticky situations together is part of the fun! Having another person with you makes these times a tad less stressful. Another benefit to traveling with your significant other is utilizing our different strengths. Chris’ ability to drive manual and my sense of direction has helped us in many situations.
Financially Advantageous
Traveling with someone else can help you save a lot money! If you are traveling solo, expenses such as accommodations and taxis can take a huge hit on travel budget. Having another person to share expenses can mean more comfortable accommodations and the option to utilize ‘easier’ transportation.
Someone by Your Side
Things are bound to go wrong while you travel. We’ve had to deal with stolen cash and numerous rental car issues include one car car breaking down in the middle of central Europe with no cell service. Luckily, having a co-pilot in these situations helps reduce the stress and worry.
View on the way to the Svartifoss
The Con’s of Traveling as a Couple
You’re Around Each Other 24/7
Of course it’s awesome to have someone to travel with…then you realize you are spending A LOT of time with only that person. It is important to remember that one of the reasons you are traveling is to experience other cultures. It is easy and comfortable to only talk your travel buddy, but it is nice to socialize with locals and fellow travelers. We have met some great people while traveling and continue to stay in touch with them!
Different Travel Styles
When you are traveling with someone else you should always take their interests and feelings into consideration when making travel plans. This includes deciding on what to see while traveling, where to eat, when to eat, etc. When you have limited time in certain places, prioritizing your must see or do itinerary items can be challenging. Chris may prefer checking out a history museum or trying local beer, while I would like to explore local neighborhoods or find places to hike. If we both have different interests in a location, we have found it works to solo travel for part of a day and then plan to meet later for dinner. The most important thing is to find a balance and compromise!
Let’s wrap up this list with one more pro of traveling as a couple:
Sharing Unforgettable Moments!
The best pro of traveling as a couple with your significant other is sharing unforgettable memories together. We have been fortunate to hike a glacier in Iceland, drink a few (too many) brews at Oktoberfest, go-kart through Tokyo, and spend a day caring for elephants in Thailand. These adventures make our relationship stronger and will be memories that we will never forget.
In summary, grab your adventure buddy and go explore and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
