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.
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!