What you should know about travelling with your partner before you go and how your relationship can stand the test of travel.
Gone are the days when that epic, movie-worthy proposal abroad is considered #goals – with almost a quarter (24%) of Zillennial Aussies ranking proposing or being proposed to abroad, being the last thing they want to do!
Young Aussie travellers are swapping scenes straight out of a rom-com for more candid moments abroad. According to new research from OG-youth tour operator Contiki, it has been revealed 87% of Zillennials agree that sometimes it’s the imperfect or unexpected moments that make a holiday or trip memorable. They want to make every moment count.
Keep up with the latest Victorian travel destinations, news and tips here.
While it is generally thought that travel is an experience best shared, travelling with your significant other can be the ultimate test for any relationship. As a Contiki Trip Manager, every day is different, with new people, challenges and experiences, which means I’ve become an expert in many things.
I know the best places to eat in no less than 17 capital cities, I can pack a suitcase like nobody’s business, and, believe it or not, I’m basically an unofficial dating coach. I’ve seen break-ups, make-ups, and even a few Contiki proposals – contrary to what the masses might prefer now.
So here’s everything you need to know about travelling with your partner and how your relationship can stand the test of travel.
You might get sick of each other
Sadly this one is bound to happen – but don’t get too down about it, it happens to the best of couples. There will be times abroad where you’re more than likely going to get irritated with one another. Couple potential flight delays, jet lag, or having to navigate the winding canals of Venice without Google maps, anyone could be ready to blow.
Thankfully, the fix is a simple one – just take a step away. The beauty of a group tour is there are plenty of people to turn to in those testing moments, with 49% of Aussies sharing that being with people on holiday is more important than ever. It helps to make those testing partners spats a little easier to handle when trying to cope with the test of travel.
You’ll both need to compromise to keep the spark alive
While you might want to spend the afternoon getting lost wandering through the Louvre, seeing Mona Lisa’s smile just might not be that high on your significant other’s travel bucket list. This is where the art of compromise comes in, make sure to take turns prioritising each other’s interest, or meet in the middle by finding an activity or experience that suits both your interests or one that you can do together.
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You’ll learn everything about them – and we do mean everything
Whether you’ve been together for four months or four years, the ultimate road test is to take your partner on the road. Those little habits that seem endearing at first may end up getting on your last nerve while travelling as you’re dealing with them 24/7. Travelling with a significant other can be a truly revealing, intimate experience. Yet, with close proximity comes acceptance as travelling with your partner helps teach you to accept and even love your significant other’s peculiar habits.
You’ll each find yourself together
Yes, we’re all guilty of rolling our eyes when we hear our friend talk about how they really found themselves on their European vacation – but hear me out. Travelling the world really is the ultimate recipe for growth and to push yourself, with 45% of Aussies saying stepping out of their comfort zone makes a trip memorable. It opens us up to new places, cultures, skills and ways of experiencing life – there’s something transformative about being able to experience and be in that moment with the person you love.
You’ll always have Paris
Whether it’s walking arm in arm by Amsterdam’s maze-like canals or indulging in a romantic picnic under the Eiffel Tower, nothing – and I mean nothing – will ever replace experiencing these dreamy, bucket list items with your other half for the first time. You’ll forever be bonded by your shared experience and be able to look back on the memories you made in that perfect moment.
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Ready to take your relo the distance? Book your European trip here.
