Compiled by Abby Yao
The first time you travel with your significant other is a major step forward in your relationship, giving a glimpse of how life in close quarters can be. If these signs describe both of you, chances are, it will be smooth sailing on the long road together.
You travel light
It isn’t fun lugging around a boulder down bad roads, so pack essentials that won’t wear you down. Even more importantly, leave behind emotional baggage that has no business travelling with you and your partner. If you can’t avoid certain places that bring back bad memories with exes, take a deep breath and exhale the heaviness of the past. The weight of history is too much to be carrying around. Let go.
You tolerate (and celebrate) quirks
Other people’s habits can drive you nuts, that’s true. But you have to live with your travel companion’s rituals. If you are bothered by how toothpaste tubes are pressed or if the toilet seat is left up or down, say so in the first instance. Undoing years of habit takes time. You are still individuals, not each other’s clones.
You live in the moment
Make a conscious decision to put your mobile phones down and enjoy the view together. Did you actually see the sunset or was it through a screen? Of course you want to share some shots on your social sites later, but do you really need more than 20 photos of the same thing? Be in the moment with your partner or miss the moment forever.
You appreciate the art of conversation
Hours of waiting before the next leg of the journey don’t have to be spent in isolation, reading books or surfing on your tablet. Now more than ever, face-to-face communication is precious. Talk about nothing and everything for hours with your significant other. Quiet moments together can also be wordless conversations that are meaningful. It’s only dead air when the silence becomes awkward.
You respect each other’s time
Say it takes you an hour to get ready for the day. It’s ok if your significant other doesn’t mind waiting. Even then, make the effort to value their time by not wasting it with unnecessarily long showers or putting the alarm on snooze five times. If you’re the one waiting, congratulations. Patience is a virtue.
You choose your battles
When someone spills coffee over your carefully art-directed breakfast, do you raise hell? No. It’s not worth the negativity. Say “please be careful” and get the mess sorted out. It’s only the first day of the trip. Making a big fuss now could only spoil the rest of it. Stay cool.
SEE ALSO: 9 Traits That Show You’re Ready to Travel Solo
You can give up your need to be right and in control
Do you need to have it your way all the time and exactly when you want it? The reality is, there’s a chance that you need to adjust your itinerary at some point or make a decision that is not in your favour. Tickets get sold out, attractions may close for renovation, the bus leaves when it’s full. Accept and adjust. Flexibility and generosity will make you a more gracious traveller (and increases the likelihood of a repeat trip).
You show gratitude every time
“Thank you” comes automatically to you. These two words never get old. If you can keep saying them under the most trying circumstances (touts ripping you off, communicating with someone who doesn’t speak a common language), you are a worthy travel companion and a class act.
You are independent
The ones who can take off on their own but can also follow a group are ideal travel companions. Clingy, needy people use up so much of their companion’s energy that they can be a burden. Take turns to lead or assign responsibilities even before setting foot on your destination. On an extended vacation, don’t feel pressured to be together 100% of the time just because it’s a couples’ trip. If you can go on your own way for a day and still be happy to be together the next day, you’ve got yourself a keeper.
You know your budget
Even on your anniversary, spend wisely and know who is paying for what, how to split the bill and all the little things that ensure this won’t be your last holiday together.
SEE ALSO: In Pursuit of Wellness
You get along
Disagreeing constantly is one thing, but arguing constantly is a recipe for disaster. If the two of you can’t even get to the neighbourhood mall without raising your voices, imagine the horror of a long-haul flight. Then again, if the purpose of the trip is to test your love and the strength of your bond, you might just find the answer.
You believe in small gestures
Getting all of the restaurant staff to come out with banners and sing a song for your partner may be sweet, but you don’t need so much preparation to make a day amazing. Unromantic as it sounds, doing your share of queueing, haggling and asking for directions shows that you believe in teamwork. After all, that’s what a relationship is supposed to be.
Think you’re ready to travel as a couple? Share this with someone special.
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