The Order of Things
Eating
Our second biggest challenge is food. We have very different eating habits and they are noticeable when traveling. I do not eat meat or gluten. Meat makes me ill and gluten makes me bloated.
My husband’s favorite thing to eat anywhere is a baguette with ham. We will be walking around any city and both starving. He sees a sandwich shop (they seem to pop up when he is hungry) and inevitably that is what he will want to eat. Most sandwich shops in America will usually have a salad for me, but in Europe it is not always the case.
So, I will have a choice – make a fuss and have us both mad because we are hangry, or have a darn sandwich. I have eaten a ton of mozzarella sandwiches across Europe.
Perspective of Time
Personal Space Invaded
Have a Plan
Traveling with a partner, spouse, or anyone else for that matter can be tough. Consider your differences before the trip, and work on plans around them to reduce the stress. Yet, it is those little nuggets that you had no idea about that you must handle as they happen.
It is also good to remember to tell your partner what is bothering you before it becomes an issue. Plan on things bothering you and have a plan on how to handle it.
And to quote my favorite priest: When things get stressful have a nap. You will make everyone happy.
Below are pictures of places we called home for a few nights.
Elizabeth O says
I found your honesty about traveling with a partner quite refreshing. It’s not always easy but it can help deepen a relationship.
Ankit Agarwal says
hey these are some very good tips. you two sound exactly like me and my wife. will remember these tips when we plan our next travel
Notourguideneeded says
awesome! yes, we learned the hard way so if it helps I am glad!
eliza says
This is so true ““You do not really know someone until you travel with them” – I love to travel specially with my husband. I’ve seen character and known him well by going to places to places. Going back to your post, I’ve seen the place where stay and the hotel.. Sorry but it looks challenging to be there over a night or two.. 🙁
Notourguideneeded says
It was a bit challenging. And I wish I would have gotten a photo of the shower in some of these places. Needless to say, babywipes are my friend!
Anna K. says
Personal space invaded is difficult 😛
But what we do as that he needs to take a nap in the afternoon usually and this is where I take my laptop and start blogging 😀
Notourguideneeded says
Oh yes! I love it when he takes a nap and I can write!
Jennifer L says
Compromise and open communication is definitely key. And especially when traveling with partners or friends. Definitely help to alleviate those stressful situations that can occur otherwise.
David Elliott says
I know that when going with a partner there can be a lot of issues in travel and traveling brings those issues into focus. I just like that it took us out of our comfort zones and made us deal with each other more honestly because our expectations were different.
Notourguideneeded says
You are so right! You don’t really know yourself, much less others, until you are uncomfortable.
Sierra says
I think traveling with someone is a great experience and you definitely learn more about them then if you had just stayed at home. I think road trips and camping are especially useful in finding out how they react to things. Hotels can still be luxurious but going camping where there is no wifi or cell service is a time where personalities are shown. I really liked the line “It is also good to remember to tell your partner what is bothering you before it becomes an issue.” I think this applies to everything not just relationships. I went on a road trip with my dad and got car sick, I asked him to pull over the moment I felt as if I was going to throw up instead of asking him to slow down earlier in the trip.
Sabrina says
Traveling with your partner is a milestone in your relationship. I learned that my husband is not one for road trips which is why fly every where now 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Notourguideneeded says
haha! Well, flying has its advantages 🙂
Jen S says
Awesome tips for anybody traveling with someone. Hotel rooms like the one you took a picture of in Canaima are the reason why I bring a sleeping bag liner with me when I travel anywhere where I know I’m going to encounter dirty rooms haha.
Notourguideneeded says
That is an excellent idea!
five little doves says
I think travelling with a partner can come as a shock sometimes! When I first travelled with my best friend I was surprised by how different we were when it came to travel and not at all how I expected!
Notourguideneeded says
You definitely get to know people this way!
Ana De- Jesus says
I do not eat meat either as it makes me ill. I agree that you truly do not know someone until you travel with them but believe that to travel peacefully there always has to be a degree of compromise to an extent x
Notourguideneeded says
It is brutal. Especially when you want to eat meat and just can’t!
Becca Talbot says
I love this article so much! I’ve never done any proper travelling with a partner, but this has certainly given me some things to look out for for if and when I do 🙂 x
Notourguideneeded says
Good luck when it does happen!