Expectations vs reality of travelling as a couple

Expectations vs reality of travelling as a couple

Pretty sure many couples can relate to this.

Ever since we entered a relationship nearly 13 years ago, my boyfriend and I make it a point to travel together at least once a year. From climbing a volcano in Bali to getting embarrassingly lost in Manchester, we have had many amazing travel experiences as a couple - and it's never enough.

And during the times that I travel without him, I'd always wish he were there to see what I was seeing, to taste what I was eating, to bask in this incredible shared experience … you get the schmaltzy picture.

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But this isn't to say the thought of stabbing him with a fork doesn't cross my mind at least five times throughout each of our overseas trips.

Here, I present to you a list of reality checks I'm sure many couples who've travelled together before can identify with:

Expectation: You and your partner spend some time researching and planning your upcoming holiday, while excitedly sharing ideas and information with each other along the way.

Reality: One of you does the researching and planning.

Expectation: Getting the perfect couple shot is as effortless as the love flowing through you and your sweetheart. One take is all you need.

Reality: "Retake! Retake! Retake!"

 

Expectation: Having tracked down one of your travel destination's hard-to-find top recommended restaurants, you can hardly wait to savour your very first bite of the chef's glorious creation.

Reality: Bites. Well, at least something gets to.

Expectation: You and your lover wake up bright and early, obviously eager to explore the beautiful country.

Reality: Not very beautiful.

Expectation: Should you encounter a problem, you overcome it together through the power of love.

Reality: You overcome it through sheer lack of choice. Okay, and maybe a bit of love.

Expectation: You'll learn new things about each other that will take your relationship to soaring new heights.

Reality: "Who the hell is this person and why are we travelling together?!"

Expectation: You'll check off every single thing on your to-do list because even if he didn't share your interest in, say, cliff diving, he would do it for you.

Reality: Harsh. Too harsh.

Having said all that, I'm infinitely grateful for the opportunity to travel, and I cannot think of anyone better to share this opportunity with. In fact, I'm already looking forward to doing all that researching and planning for our next holiday - with my arsenal of restocked forks and all.

Go Away is a website with a strong focus on making travel and living meaningful without the need to spend a lot of money - it’s all about keeping it real here!

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