Entering the world of couples travel can be a bit shocking for those used to doing it solo. Couples must consider compromise with plans, issues with money and general breaks from one another when needed. It’s not an easy switch, but a rewarding one if you find the right person.

Most things couples must find out for themselves, but for some issues, they can look to couples who have already traveled together for advice. Couples like Mike and Luci of 1000 Fights, Laura and Roberto of Travel for Love and Amy and Kieron of Don’t Ever Look Back have logged quite a few miles with each other and still plan to do more. Here they offer some of tips and experiences to first time traveling couples.

Learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses – Don’t Ever Look Back

Our first trip together was to Bali and although it was unsaid, we each had our own roles to fulfil on that trip. For example, Kieron was responsible for the bargaining and negotiating at the markets while Amy took care of our belongings to make sure they were always safe and it worked perfectly! If we both tried to manage our budget, it most likely would have ended in arguments!

Originally from Australia, Amy and Kieron first traveled together in 2007. Their next big trip will start in Hawaii July 2011. Photo provided

Work together-1000 Fights

Traveling together is always going to force you to work together. You have to figure out where you are and where you are going. How you are going to find each other in a museum. You are going to have to work together to understand those you come in contact with.

Take some time for yourself – Travel for Love

You’ll be doing some compromising when you travel with a partner, so be sure to do some things just for you. It’s your trip too! I really enjoy visiting spas and getting pampered, and it’s not my fiance’s favorite, but I still take the opportunity to visit spas and indulge a little on the road. He gets to do his own thing and we look forward to spending the rest of the day together.

Compromise – Don’t Ever Look Back

On our last trip to the US, we went to the baseball and wrestling (Kieron’s choices) and to Disneyland and a Las Vegas show (Amy’s choice). While we may not have totally enjoyed each others choices, it was all part of the experience and had a good time nonetheless. Stubbornness has no place in couples travel so agree to disagree and compromise.

Learn to love – 1000 Fights

One of my favorite parts about travel is watching Luci interact with people of other cultures.  We have known each other for nearly all of our lives. Watching her in different situations, makes me love her even more. Take for example, our trip to the Amazon in Peru. The jungle is NOT Luci’s cup of tea.
With that said, she handled the challenge with grace and openness.

Communicate – Travel for Love

Early in a relationship you might not know your partner’s travel style and when you hit the road together you might be surprised to learn some things don’t mesh well with yours. If you communicate your expectations in advance you’ll be able to make plans that suit you both.

Travel is more than just a hobby, but a means of being together for Travel for Love. Laura hails from USA and Roberto from Brazil. This engaged couple meets in places around the world as they await on the US immigration process. Photo provided

*Bonus tip*

Expect to fight – 1000 Fights

You are going to fight. (When you do, please share them on our site.) Fights happen. They are a good thing. They are a clash of ideas held by passionate people. What’s so bad about that. The key is not being mad at each other. Realize that you simply have a difference of opinion. Simply work it out. Give in some times. Stay strong sometimes. It helps if you both take turns. Making up can be fun as well!

Mike and Luci's relationship stretches all the way back to the 2nd grade. They make sure to take time as a couple each year, visiting and fighting in some place. Photo provided

Thanks to 1000 Fights, Travel for Love and Don’t Ever Look Back for contributing to this post. Visit their sites to learn more about their trips as well as couples travel.