9 Signs You and Your Partner Are Truly Compatible for Travel | Catherine Behan

Traveling with your loved one always sounds rosy and romantic, but the truth is that swapping a king bed at home for a queen at a hotel, choosing where to dine and deciding who gets up early to help the kids can all ruin your idyll. leave.

Here are 9 signs that you and your partner are truly travel compatible:

1. Your watches are synchronized

Everyone has their own internal clock, because demonstrated in a 2003 study.. When you’re on vacation, it’s important to balance activities with times when you have the energy to do them.

Ask yourself: What time of day are you most focused? Do you thrive before noon? Does your partner need a nap? Do you like to sleep late and party until dawn? Do they turn into a pumpkin at midnight? Talk about what will be most refreshing for both of you and plan so that you both get what you need.

2. You have a similar balance of planning and flexibility.

Happy couple going outside with backpacks CarlosBarquero via Shutterstock

How many times will you have dinner? Will you have a picnic? What is your ideal? What is theirs? Plan specific tasks, and leave the rest to the holidays. Sharing my expectations will make it easier to adapt to the trip.

3. You understand the value of doing your own thing.

Contrasting shopping styles can be frustrating for everyone. If you are the browser and he is the buyer, this is a problem. Minimize the amount of time you spend on irrelevant activities.

While it’s good to be together, if your browsing is making them irritable, perhaps you can speed things up and spend the day alone to really “do some browsing” while they do something else to their liking.

4. You deal with travel breaks in the same way.

A clinical examination in British Journal of Psychiatry helps explain how irritability in even the most loving couples can increase when traveling due to the added stress and limited space – car, train, cabin or plane. Set aside some alone time each day to give yourself some space.

5. Your sleep patterns are similar.

If either of you snores or is used to sleeping separately, sleep arrangements should be considered in advance, especially if your trip will last more than two nights. Disputes over hotel room rates are common, but remember that sleep deprivation can cause trouble because demonstrated in a 2023 study.

Make sure you don’t sacrifice too much nighttime comfort to save a few dollars – it will have a tenfold impact and won’t be worth it. If your honey started snapping at you because sleep problemsbe compassionate.

If two separate beds and earplugs or a white noise machine don’t solve the problem, book a room if you can. If the problem is that children wake up at night, take turns getting up with them.

6. You know how to compromise

Happy couple sharing a fun moment Elena Yakobchuk via Shutterstock

If you’re not careful, angry words will often fly around when one partner feels obligated to please and the other doesn’t agree with the plan.

If this happens, let your partner know that you understand their feelings and try not to judge them. Keep breathing, discuss the topic rationally and be prepared to make a big compromise because supported by research in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. When a person feels heard and understood, they are much more likely to hear you.

7. You have similar expectations.

Everyone goes on vacation with grandiose thoughts about how they will “feel” on the trip and when it will end. Talk about these expectations before you get on the plane and figure out where your thoughts align and what adjustments need to be made to ensure you both get the vacation you want.

8. You have similar budgets

The root of many problems is still a problem when you travel, and the situation can get worse. Before you book a flight or rent a car, sit down with your loved one and have a drink Let’s talk about your vacation budget.

Do you have funds for the trip? Are you willing to take on a little debt to have a great time? Can you agree on how much you want to spend, who pays, and what kind of “crazy money” you’ll have on the road? Discussing this before you leave will save you hours of headaches when you return and your next credit card bill arrives!

9. You share a sense of humor.

Couple hugging and smiling in the park CarlosBarquero via Shutterstock

The sad fact is that all good things come to an end, and so does your vacation. Be prepared for the feelings that will arise during your trip as you anticipate returning to work, responsibilities, schedules, and other people.

If you feel your frustration is growing or notice this happening to your partner, take a few minutes to reflect on your surroundings. Yes, it’s time for you to go home. But at this moment you are still in heaven.

While every vacation has its ups and downs, most of them can be avoided. When traveling, bring a sense of humor and lots of hugs. These two ingredients will help you avoid (or at least reduce!) any problems that may arise. And remember, you’re on vacation; have fun!

Catherine Behan is a highly educated dating coach, freelance writer, and editor. She currently works as a Law of Attraction and Success coach and uses her experience in EFT to help people attract abundance into their lives.

Dr. Shoshana Bennett is a leading maternal mental health expert and clinical psychologist who has changed countless lives through her radio shows, books, lectures, interactive teleclasses, consultations and videos.