Choose a time to “get away”, then hide your phones and focus on each other…
Introduction
Travelling together as a couple is fun. If you both are not living together, this might be exciting and at the same time, you get to know aspects of your partner you are unaware of – remember being open to his quirks and enjoying his new side should be taken in a light hearted manner, it will be fun to learn something new and at the same time have new experiences together. And vacation sex, there is something surreal about it. Being in a new bed in a new place is liberating and exciting and you’re more likely to open your mind and experiment new styles than when you’re wrapped up in your routine.
10.1 Travel buddy
Travelling together, even for couples in long term relationships is exciting. At the same time it is also a test of your relationship strength. Being out of your comfort zone and being vulnerable in front of your partner can be hard for some couples. Many couples fight at least once on a holiday or not more. Relationships are hard work – imagine how much harder it is when you are travelling and have decisions you have to make. Also if you do not live with one another, travelling together can introduce you to a whole new side of them you don’t know!
However, travelling together and experiencing new things as a couple is exciting and it can add the fun element to your relationship. Exploring new places and having new experiences with a loved one is a lot of fun and does leave a lot of good memories. Again it doesn’t have to be a lavish trip that drives you both broke. It is just a trip to get some time away to relax and en joy each others presence.
10.2 Beach Holiday
If both of you love the sun and the sea, a beach holiday is a must for any couple. I love bleach holidays simply because you do nothing but eat, sleep, make love, relax and repeat all that all over again. Beach holidays are relaxing and there is no pressure to do anything or be anyway. Also sometimes internet connection is not too beach friendly thus you get a good chance to spend time away from your gadgets and with each other. You can switch off from the world and bask in the sun. You can also see a relaxed side of your partner if you have not seen it before. Remember beach holidays though a favourite with many couples, I do have clients who absolutely hate the sun. My client Rosh doesn’t even beach holidays and when her boyfriend booked Maldives for their getaway she was furious and spent the entire week in the room! So both need to be beach buffs to enjoy the beach.
When going on a beach holiday, remember your sunblock ( but of course), your sexy bikinis and your carefree attitude. I know clients who get so hung up about getting their look right, they lose being in the moment. Be natural, be free and be relaxed. Enjoy waking up late, lazing in bed, having breakfast in bed or by the pool. Enjoying a massage together, sitting and reading by the beachside, taking luxurious afternoon naps, walking hand in hand along the beach, enjoying star gazing under the sky, and having a nice dinner by the beach. After a few days of such pampering, you will feel recharged and so much more in love. Beaches have a way to soothe – they are some of the greatest and most enjoyable natural features earth has to offer us. Both the sun and the waves combined work to completely relax your body and free you from daily stresses. Not only is serotonin released when you arrive on the beach, (serotonin is a key hormone for relaxation and happiness), but the sound and visuals of the beach and ocean are soothing and peaceful. Additionally, light therapy is definitely beneficial.
10.3 Adventure Holiday
If your idea of fun is being adventurous, you can plan to take adventure holidays together. Either it is hiking through lush greenery, monkey forests and uphill trails or going for as hot air ballon, being adventurous as a couple is definitely double the fun. If you are the sporty and adventurous type, having company and doing things together will help you build strong memories together. The constant contact means you are forced to work through every experience together, which can be a great catalyst for growth as a couple.
The initial appeal of an adventure vacation with your partner can cloud out the reality of the emotional and mental challenges that it can bring. On an adventure holiday together, you will see everything: the good, the bad and the ugly in each other and it can also challenge your relationship. You learn a lot about each other – your strengths and weaknesses and how to lean on one another when the going get tough. Adventure holidays can break people and their relationships. Some couples get caught up with the physical challenge of the adventure and this puts strain on their relationship. Exhaustion can bring out the worst in people and there will be times you won’t understand each other’s level of pain. Having said that, there are more pros than cons taking an adventure holiday with your partner. You really get attuned to your partner’s cues and behaviour and understand each other.
When I went on my first hiking trip with my boyfriend, it was the first time we saw each other unkempt and messy. His beard was growing and it was the first time I hadn’t styled my hair when I was with him. We only had basic rudimentary things on our trip as compared to all the five star things we were used to. It was rustic and raw and truly authentic. One of the best things about that trip was that it took us away from the noise of the real world and gave us one week with nothing but each other and our thoughts. You’d think that would mean I ended up having a lot of deep insights about the direction of my life, for example or how to be a good person. At times it did contemplate, but for us, we found ourselves paying attention to all the weird memories and emotions rambling around in our minds and sharing them. We also sang songs, named our future children and dissected fights that had happened before. Sometimes we didn’t talk at all and gave each other the space we needed. I feel if you’re able to get through these holidays together with minimal trouble then you can get through anything, One thing you can do before an adventure is promise to take the good with the bad and to be flexible.
10.4 Sightseeing and shopping holidays
Visiting new places gives opens you up to new experiences and teaches you many new things. Doing it as a couple would build your memories and the skills and experience you gain from traveling abroad can give you both life-long benefits and learning. Being in uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations and being out of your routine teaches you how to value each other more.It can be scary figuring different cultures and navigating foreign environments thus being with your partner can make you feel safer as well. And if your partner loves exploring new places ( the added bonus is he loves shopping too) you both enjoy new sights even more. Making friendships abroad can make this big world seem a smaller and help you both make connections. You never know when these connections will come in handy in the future. I’m going to talk about some of my favourite cities ( this list isn’t exhaustive of course)
Bangkok, Thailand -Check out the incredible floating market by day and explore their night scene. Learn to cook Thai delicacies in the city’s many culinary schools or spend some days in the outskirts of Chiangmai and Chiangrai. And thai food is something to really experiment together if you haven’t.
Jaipur, India – Known as the pink city in India, Jaipur has many lavish palaces and forts. Get an elephant ride or stay in some of the best hotels which were once residences of royalty. Jaipur also offers a great gastronomical experiences of the northern cuisine.
Bali, Indonesia – Bali is and will always be one of my favourite places to sightsee as a couple. From the beaches, the rich culture, rice fields and the old temples this is a paradise for couples who love sightseeing. There is a misconception that Bali is for beach lovers. There is so much richness in the history of Bali, it could be a photographer’s paradise.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Having lived here for the last 20 years I would definitely recommend it for its twin towers besides all the other fabulosity. Even the smaller cities like Penang and Langkawi boast some really beautiful sights worth capturing. Definitely a food paradise as well and if you are looking for great bargains, this is surely your place for shopping.
Singapore – Being a Singapore girl I am biased and think Singapore is the prettiest Asian country. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a must see, not forgetting Sentosa and Terminal 4 at the Changi Airport. This holiday will surely blow your mind away – and the food is another story altogether. From the local howler centres to the Michelin star restaurants, you need at least a week in Singapore to fully embrace its essence.
Paris, France
Paris is always a favourite shopping and sightseeing paradise for couples. It is not called the City of Love for nothing. Grab a baguette, some Brie, a bottle of wine and have a romantic picnic by the Seine. Paris is and will always be a top romantic destination for couples. If both of you love art head over to the Louvre and bask in the colours and if you love history visit the Palace of Versailles. I can’t talk about Paris and not mention shopping. If you both love shopping, this is a paradise.
Milan , Italy
One of my favourite Italian cities. The Duomo is a sight to see, not forgetting the other churches and the extensive sculptures and buildings. The other Italian cities are equally beautiful from Naples to Rome to Verona and Florence. I have traveled extensively in Italy and I find it one of the most romantic places especially in winter. The food is another delight altogether – you haven’t eaten a pasta if you haven’t eaten it in Italy. Sharing a delicious pasta in one of the small cafes with a hot espresso is one of the most romantic experiences you can ever have as a couple. And don’t even get me started in shopping. The shopping here is simply fabulous. If you and your partner love shopping, you will be spoilt for choice here.
Athens, Greece
Greece is a place for gods and goddesses. If you love sightseeing, Greece is your sweet spot. The ancient history is enough to keep you baffled for the entire week. Really one of the oldest cities in the world and simply a treat for beautiful pictures and amazing Greek cuisine.
Be in the moment
I can go on and on about all my favourite cities and the sights. Simply go with your gut. Make sure both of you are agreeable. It would be nice to try something new every time and of course budget matters. Remember it doesn’t have to be five star. It has to have a rich culture, preferable if it is somewhere both of you haven’t been away.
10.5 Staycation
Travelling is amazing, and we should all go on vacation. Unfortunately, going on vacation is often easier said than done. We have work commitments and it requires a lot of planning and budgeting. Staycations serve as the perfect solution. They aren’t overrated and make for a great weekend getaway. A staycation is like a vacation but you stay around locally in your city. It could be a hotel or an apartment. It is a good time to get some time alone and it is fun to be around the country but in a different place, not your home.
Staycations have the same benefits as travelling overseas and it is way cheaper. Couples can buy themselves 24-48 hours of uninterrupted time and privacy with their partners. They can seek liberation from their overbearing lives with the intention of spending time together away from their homes, and spend the majority of their stay holed up in the room ‘Netflix and chilling’. Staycations allow for experimentation before taking a real holiday together. Imagine spending all that money for a vacation and fighting like cats and dogs? So a staycation will be a goof trial run to “test” what travelling with him is like before making the commitment.
10.6 Conclusion
Travelling as a couple definitely adds the fun element into your relationship. Start off with a staycation, it is easier and cheaper and good way to test the waters. Of course it also shows you a totally unseen side of your partner. Having an open mind is the most important and bring in fun into your relationship.