Traveling has become a prevalent piece in so many lives. If you think about 20 years, 15 years, or even 10 years ago, travel has increased quite rapidly.
Check out the increase of US travel percentages based on region from ChampionTraveler. Remembering the days of no TSA pre-check or Global Entry and the fact that having these measures in place were once not needed because security lines at airports were never that long; that is no longer the case.
The reality is, having some primary travel tips to follow to make traveling easier is essential, and traveling with your significant other is meant to be a happy feat, but realistically, with two different personalities, frustrations can arise. Thinking ahead to prevent any unpleasantness is a smart call. If you are confused on where to start or maybe a brief refresher is needed, don’t fret we are here for you.
Couples Experience provides its Top 10 Travel Tips based on their experiences below.
1. Pick A Location
Seems easy enough, right? As an individual, you may know where you have always wanted to go, or where you would like to spend some much-needed quality time with your significant other. Just think with a couple, two separate ideas have to be combined. For the best Couples Experience, we say, talk about where you want to go and share why this place is on your list and just like with anything else in a relationship (communication is always needed). Consider all points made by one another, then together make an informed decision. Get your partner excited about your chosen destination. Get those pictures flowing and those IG tags shared so they too see your vision. When both of you are on the same page and excited, the vacation is sure to start off right!
2. Spend Time On All The Plans & Itinerary
Listen, the planning portion, although fun and exhilarating, takes plenty of time and more focus than you may feel like you have. Couples Experience is all about determining who is responsible for what to save some time. Overall, each of you may naturally do what you are good at, but designating responsibility for lodging, or research, or flights (especially with multiple destinations) is important. Remember too, all the decisions should be discussed prior to booking. So think times of flights, amenities desired for each place, hotel versus Airbnb, pricing, and of course our favorite question – is there food close by?!
3. Learn About Your Destination
This is super important to Couples Experience. Keep in mind you can never know everything, but knowing the basics will be helpful. Having an idea of what to expect is imperative to the experience. Learn about your selected neighborhood, learn about the culture (out of respect & to enjoy your stay more), learn some new words that may be helpful during your stay considering the fluent language may be different from yours. Learn about the cuisine, and of course the best sites to see.
Couples Experience Hot Tip: Keep the lines of communication open on what each person really wants to do and make sure to fit it all in.
4. Get TSA Pre-check or Global Entry
Making life easier is what Couples Experience is about and not having to rush is key to preventing frustration. We highly recommend investing in TSA Pre-check or Global Entry (for International travelers). The process for both are quite simple and all too worth it. No need to take off your shoes, or take out your electronics (unless in specific countries), but overall having this type of VIP status is valuable in managing your time. You and your partner can plan to arrive at the airport and seamlessly get through security with little headaches; just as long as you know how to pack properly.
Couples Experience Hot Tip: Check out options for Priority Lounge Passes with your airline. Lounges are a great way to get some free liquor, chill out with some snacks or work a bit with access to wifi prior to your flight departing. Note too, some credit cards offer complimentary passes to certain airport lounges so do your due diligence to find out if you can benefit from the offerings without paying any additional dollars.
5. Exchange Currency
As you may already know, most countries have a different currency so making sure to prepare to have the correct currency and paying minimal or no fees is beneficial to you for your travels. Make it a point to discuss with your partner how much cash you both think may be needed during the duration of your trip. Couples Experience typically has cash handy for street vendors, souvenirs, local restaurants & tips (car service, room service, and restaurants).
Couples Experience Hot Tip: Prior to your trip check with your local bank to exchange the currency. Normally there is no fee associated with the exchange and in the event you have any left upon return, to exchange back to your currency there should not be a fee. Allow up to a week for currency exchange.
6. Pack Lightly
“I love to pack,” says no one ever!
Someone may be reading this raising their hand like,
“That’s me, I love to pack.” If that is you, please come pack for us!
The biggest advice to remember is…to pack light! We have gone away for two weeks with each of us having one carry-on. Get all your clothing necessities, travel-sized toiletries, do and understand, thankfully, no one knows you wherever you are going, so bring your most comfortable clothes that you like to wear. We can all admit to having packed those really cute items for your trip because you plan on looking all spiffy on vacation and for some reason you think you will want to dress to impress. Reality sets in when you are away and your infamous comfy attire always gets worn while the “cute” items get neglected.Just know the less you have to worry about and lug around the better. If you plan to make plenty of purchases during your vacation, stuff a small duffel in your luggage to be used as an additional bag if needed.
Couples Experience Hot Tip: Consider doing laundry during your stay. Hotels typically offer the service at a reasonable rate or check to see if you will have access to do your own laundry at your Airbnb.
7. Research Transportation Options
Prepare yourself for how you will be getting around. We recommend car services to and from the airport to alleviate concern. Transportation services have done Couples Experience quite well in all countries visited thus far. Uber is great as well, but please note everywhere does not offer Uber services and though taxis are great too, the likelihood of being charged more than needed for a ride may be an issue, and Uber, if used with awareness is much safer, in our opinion.
8. Get The Party Started
Upon arrival don’t wait. No need to rest. Or rest poolside! Drop your items off in your room and head to eat, drink and experience. No need to delay the fun! If tired and jet-lagged, get some caffeine or take a brief nap (no more than a few hours). Most times though, if feeling exhausted getting through the initial phase of tiredness by staying on the go, you will soon be fine until it’s time for bed. Don’t be alarmed if you head to bed earlier on the first night.
Couples Experience Hot Tip: Be sure to always listen to your body!
9. Experience Like A Local
This is everything Couples Experience represents while traveling. Yes, we are tourists, but having the opportunity to see cities from the perspective of their residents creates true connective memories. As mentioned above, prior to arriving, make sure to research the best neighborhoods (most times we select the bohemian areas) to experience the real deal of the place.
Airbnb Experiences have become our favorite go-to as well. Airbnb Experiences offer various ways to experience your vacation spot from a local host. You can select experiences from outdoor activities, food & drink tours, boat cruises, etc, and all activities are different based on location. We highly recommend checking it out and learning from your local host the ins and outs of the city, along with their recommended things to do. Through our past Airbnb Experiences, we have made great friends from around the world. The experience alone creates an environment in which individuals can come together with a like-minded interest!
*Couples Experience Hot Tip: Book your Airbnb Experience prior to your arrival so you can plan around your scheduled outings.
10. Select Signature Mementos
This is really one of Couples Experience’s favorite tips to follow. When we first began traveling together, we made a deal that wherever we went, we would purchase certain things from our destinations to take home as mementos. Couples Experience selects one thing as individuals and one as a couple. Pending the location and availability, unique art pieces, magnets, and coffee mugs are what we return home with for our couple’s mementos. As for Logan, he loves finding the local soccer jersey (he loves Chelsea and Barcelona) and for Tamika, she loves to bring home a stylish hat from each of their destinations. Make a deal with yourself and one another to come up with what meaningful items you can bring back from your travels to remind you of where you have been and of course where you are going!
Couples Experience Bonus Tip:
Safety is beyond important. The best way to be safe is to fit in naturally. Limit the amount of cash and items you have during outings. Travel with minimal jewelry and most importantly, be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to how locals operate while walking down the street. They know their surroundings much better than you and noticing their behaviors will be helpful in understanding where to focus your radar. For women, small purses with zippers are ideal. Carrying your purse with the strap across your chest provides a bit more security than carrying on your shoulder.For men, if you have a wallet ensure to pocket it in the front pockets and not in the back where it can be easily snatched. Get ready for your travels and share your own signature travel tips with Couples Experience!
