How Traveling as a Couple Can Enhance Your Relationship

It’s a fact: travel is sexy. Studies have shown that most people prioritize finding a partner with similar levels of wanderlust, while including a holiday snap in your dating app profile improves your chances of scoring a first date.

The journey doesn’t end there, of course. From the first romantic city getaway to a round-the-world adventure for two, the highs and lows of traveling as a couple can deepen the bond you share with your partner. Here’s how.

You Work as a Team

Successful couples know how to problem-solve and compromise, and there’s no better place to hone those skills than on the road. Planning and navigating an unknown city and coping with unexpected challenges—such as late trains, lost credit cards, or even scammers—require teamwork. The buzz you’ll get from overcoming such obstacles together will undoubtedly bring you closer and build trust.

Couple’s Counsel: Making joint decisions isn’t always easy—particularly if you have different travel styles. If you find yourselves bickering, heed this Vanilla Ice-inspired motto: Stop. Collaborate and listen. If all else fails, you could always consider a rap battle…

You Experience New Things Together

You don’t want to grow apart, so why not grow together? Whether your tummies rumble in unison at the sight of unusual street snacks, or you share a gleeful smile when spotting an exotic bird in the wild, the joint encounters and learning opportunities globetrotting offers will help foster collective interests and strengthen your connection.

Couple’s Counsel: Take your new worldly wisdom home with you: learn to cook your favorite Thai dish and host a dinner for friends; hang that Moroccan mirror you haggled over in your love nest; or enroll in a Spanish language course.

You Enjoy a Vital Break from Routine

Binge-watching shows in your PJs and ordering takeout may be the norm for long-term couples, but wouldn’t you rather experience the real Colombia or India? Travel breaks your everyday routine, injecting a little spontaneity back into your relationship.

Couple’s Counsel: While away, you may reflect on your life at home and decide to make beneficial changes, such as taking more mini-breaks or minimizing screen time. If a trip inspires you to shake things up, make a pact and stick to it—it’s easy to fall back into old habits once you return.

You See Each Other at Your Worst

Hangry. Stressed. Sick. Chances are you’ll both feel these emotions at some point during your travels. If one partner is suffering, expectations are that you’ll bear the brunt of every complaint, with the understanding that roles will eventually reverse. If both of you are not at your best simultaneously, prepare for some good-natured squabbles.

Couple’s Counsel: Feeling vulnerable far from home means you’ll need each other more than ever. Support your partner and take the lead when they’re feeling down. You’d be amazed what a quick nap and a bite to eat can solve.

You See Each Other at Your Best

Travel puts a twinkle in your eye and a spring in your step. When exploring the world as a couple, you associate that feel-good factor with each other. Combine this with your partner’s sun-kissed glow and your newfound carefree attitude, and you’ll be looking at each other like love-struck teenagers.

Couple’s Counsel: Now is the time to be present. You will never again be as young as you are in this moment, nor will you always be as happy. Make the most of it.

You Get to Know Each Other’s Quirks

There’s a lot you can learn about a person by observing their behavior while traveling. Packing techniques, airplane etiquette, and breakfast buffet habits can all highlight character traits you may have been previously unaware of. Fortunate couples may find their quirks are complementary, while others may need to figure out how to balance their various strengths and weaknesses.

Couple’s Counsel: Patience is key here; you’ll need to embrace the rough with the smooth. Remember, your partner isn’t the only one with flaws.

You Gain New, Shared Perspectives

Travel can stretch time. Suddenly you have hours, days, or even weeks to discuss everything from childhood memories to global politics. A deeper understanding of each other’s views may arise, leading to shared priorities. Moreover, vague future plans can evolve into thought-out, achievable goals.

Couple’s Counsel: While travel can lead to many shared perspectives, it may also reveal differences you never noticed before. Use this travel time to address important issues in a stress-free atmosphere and work towards resolving any recurring concerns.

You Create Memories That Last a Lifetime

You don’t need to traverse the globe to create wonderful memories, but it certainly helps. Once you’ve tackled the Trans-Siberian, cruised along the Amazon, and road-tripped Route 66 together, you’ll have plenty of glorious experiences to reminisce over in your later years.

Couple’s Counsel: Keep a journal during your travels, and when you’re back, create a scrapbook and organize special photos. In your later years, these visual prompts will spark cherished memories of adventure and romance.