Staying connected, having fun and getting to know your partner all over again is the key to keeping your relationship alive. We all know that traveling can be stressful, and at times difficult. Traveling as a couple can be a great way to energize your relationship…if it goes well.

Keep these tips in mind for a trip that will give you and partner the best of memories.

1. Share in the planning.

Planning a trip can be tedious work that requires thoughtful proactiveness. When traveling as a couple, you can get the trip off to a great start before you ever leave your home. When a couples plans a trip together, they’re able to get an idea of what’s important to the other person on the trip. Do this together also gives you motivation to go down the rabbit holes and explore the hidden secrets of travel destination.

2. Bring packing cubes

As travel gets more expensive, you might yourself sharing a suitcase to save money on luggage fees. When we’re traveling as a couple, packing cubes have saved my husband and I from a lot of frustration as the suitcase gets more and more chaotic. It allows us to find our stuff easily and avoid blending everything together.

3. Let it go

If you’ve designated you’re partner to make a decision, such as picking a restaurant or a place to stay, accept the decision that’s made. Too often we delegate a task, and then complain about what our partner chose. If you want to be selective, that’s ok, but it may be best for the relationship if you choose yourself.

4. Share food

One of the best ways to get to know another culture is by trying the food. Traveling as a couple affords you more opportunities to try new dishes because you can share 2 meals. If possible, pick out 2 dishes that sound good to you both and taste away.

5. Be willing to change plans

Even if you have perfectly planned your trip, things can go wrong and things can up. Be open to changing your plans and being spontaneous if something comes up that you want to do. If something goes wrong, well, move on. Make the best of your situation and enjoy the experience.

6. Do something you don’t want to

When you’re traveling as a couple, you’re likely not going to be able to do and see everything you wanted to. The more you’re able to compromise and negotiate, the better it will be for the relationship. And remember, when your partner wins, you win.

7. Don’t try to do too much

With so much to see and do, it can easy to pack too much in to your trip. Don’t forget to savor your experience. Slowing down and spending time talking, resting and relaxing can make the things you do more rewarding.

8. Take pictures of your partner

There’s usually one person who takes the fair share of the pictures, and that means there are usually no pictures of that person. It’s fun to look back and reminisce about the trip you took. Take pictures of your partner having fun and experiencing the trip.

9. Don’t be afraid to spend time alone

Even though you’re wanting to spend together, when your traveling as a couple, it’s also ok to spend time alone. Maybe you both want to do something different. Or maybe you just need some alone time to regroup. Whatever the reason, give yourself to be alone.

10. Watch your partner having fun

Sometimes it’s just as fun to watch your partner having fun, as it is to have fun yourself. If you find yourself doing something that wasn’t at the top of your travel list, enjoy the excitement of your partner.

11. Try new things

When traveling as a couple, my husband and I LOVE to try new things…except for the time he made me eat fermented shark! Traveling is all about getting out of your comfort zone and doing/eating/trying things you normally wouldn’t. That’s what makes traveling fun!

12. Meet people

When couples are traveling together, they tend to be a bit….exclusive. You know, in their own world. Try to meet other people and spark conversations. New friendships can be a great way to enjoy your time together.

13. Share logistics and travel chores

No one likes to be stuck the mundane travel chores….such as renting the car, checking in, getting gas, exchanging currency, etc. But it has to be done. Sharing in these travel chores will help relieve some of the burden.

14. Be Understanding

Even in the best of times, traveling is stressful. Go easy on each other, especially if your lost or late. Forgive each other and move on. You’re both doing the best you can.

15. Talk about your trip

Reflecting on your day is a great way to learn more about your partner. Ask you partner questions like:

• What’s been your favorite part?
• Would you have done anything differently now that we’ve been here?
• What are bummed we missed?

Traveling as a couple is such an exciting way to reconnect and grow your relationship. Following these tips will make your trip that much easier and will keep your travel ideas flowing!