First holiday as a couple: 10 tips to make it holiday heaven
1. Make sure the ground rules are set with money
Finances can be a tricky area in a relationship, and this is amplified on holiday. Be sure to discuss this with your partner before you head away and decide some ground rules with regards to money and budgeting. Are you going to pool your money together and have a daily budget, or are you going to pay for yourself? People can have different ideas of what’s fair and this could easily lead to a very public scene over your tapas.
It can be simpler to combine money when you’re holidaying together, or at least, take turns with the bill so you both get equal amounts of champagne cocktails and seafood platters. However you work it, set the ground rules before you fly out to avoid any disputes.
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2. The secret to a great first holiday together? Compromise
No matter who plans the holiday, there should be no leader. You should make decisions together. Try to be a little bit adventurous if you’re a picky eater – exploring all the wonderful sights, smells and tastes of the world is what travel is all about.
Remember it’s always best to eat where the locals eat and at places that are busy. And if you’re not usually an outdoor type but your partner really wants to try paragliding or white water rafting, why not agree to the challenge one day and then the next day choose something more to your taste. Not only will this keep everybody happy, but you might just find a new passion…
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3. Go for a ‘trial run’
Instead of jumping in feet first with a two-week holiday together, why not take a trial run and test the waters with a romantic weekend break? Keep it simple: quick flight, nice hotel, Copenhagen? There are plenty of other short hop destinations you can reach from Ireland for your first holiday as a couple. This way, you can experience your first bout of 24/7 time together on neutral ground, and you’ll be more prepared for your fortnight away. Or you could even have a staycation in Ireland and go check out one of Ireland’s many historic castles.
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4. Use each other’s strengths and talents when planning your holiday
Take a moment to consider each of your strengths and how to leverage them, rather than arguing about who does what. For example, you could take charge of booking flights and car rentals if you’re better at organising. Foodies can have fun planning all your refuelling stops around town. If one of you is the better navigator, let them be in charge of the map while you drive. Maybe your partner knows French/Spanish/Swahili, so let them handle the hotel reception.
5. Don’t plan too tight a schedule
Jam-packing your schedule could become more of a chore than a relaxing holiday. One of you may want to chill on a sun lounger rather than go on an excursion, and always make allowances for just feeling like a lazy day and a lie-in when you wake up (or being hungover!). It’s best to reserve some options, rather than ‘must-dos’ for each day, and be prepared to shuffle things around according to each other’s mood. Accept that each of you is different, and you’ll get along great. Going with the flow while on holiday can offer opportunities you never would have experienced otherwise and often results in some of the best travel memories.
6. Don’t drink every night
Hitting the bar every night is easy and tempting, especially if you’re at an all-inclusive venue. However, the ‘holiday hangover’ will eventually catch up with you, if you aren’t careful with those cervezas. It can make you feel irritable, tired and likely to snap at each other, so try to take a few days off from the bar. You’ll have the most fun in your first holiday together if you feel fresh in the morning with a clear head.
7. Avoid unnecessary arguments
If you’re at the beach while the sun’s blazing and people are wearing next to nothing, then there’s a chance your partner might take a little too long appreciating the sights on the neighbouring lounge chairs. Whether or not you think this kind of ‘window shopping’ is acceptable, just don’t let it ruin your holiday. If your other half’s doing anything you’re not happy about, talk about it calmly at the time, rather than letting your anger spill out over dinner.
8. Don’t get tempted to propose straight away
With the sound of the Mediterranean surf in the background, a romantic sunset and a jug of sangria, it’s all too easy to get carried away. You haven’t been together that long, so remember, there’s no rush to propose on your first holiday as a couple. Take time to get to know each other. A drive-through chapel in Vegas or getting down on one knee in front of the Eiffel Tower may seem like a good idea at the time, but chances are it will come back to haunt you. When the time is right, you’ll know it.
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9. If a crisis happens – don’t blame the other person
We don’t like to think about it, but holiday disasters can happen. So if your luggage gets lost on the way home, or something gets stolen from your hotel room, try not to play the blame game – you’re on the same side, and it’s much better to resolve a crisis together rather than bickering over who left the door unlocked. You may come through stronger than ever and holiday horror stories can actually be fun to tell your friends and family once you return home from your first holiday as a couple.
10. Research your destination before booking
If you’re heading off on your first ever holiday with your better half, it’s important to find a holiday destination that interests both of you. Do your research thoroughly, and be fair with activities. So golf fans, don’t just book a week at a Spanish golf resort if your partner’s more interested in seeing the Alhambra of Granada. If you’re surprising your other half with a romantic holiday, you get marks for effort, but be mindful and make sure you’re not just booking what you like to do.
Couples holidays: 10 tips for your first holiday together
| 1. Make sure the ground rules are set with money |
| 2. Compromise |
| 3. Go for a ‘trial run’ |
| 4. Use each other’s strengths and talents when planning your holiday |
| 5. Don’t plan too tight a schedule |
| 6. Don’t drink every night |
| 7. Avoid unnecessary arguments |
| 8. Don’t get tempted to propose straight away |
| 9. If a crisis happens – don’t blame the other person |
| 10. Research your destination before booking |
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