First Friday Wild Post - Getting Along For the Long Haul by Andrea Spirov of InspiringTravellers.com

Our next First Friday wild Post comes courtesy of Andrea Spirov – one half of the duo behind Inspiringtravellers.com - a blog brought to you by a couple of  thirtysomething wanderers currently travelling the world full-time.  These guys continually take their inner nomad to the max, Australia, Europe, New Zealand and South America featuring on their list of destinations. One day we’re sure we can tempt them to visit Africa (you bet!!!), but in the meantime (and the picture says it all really), we couldn’t think of a better couple to quiz on getting along for the long haul… 

The decision to travel together as a couple long-term may evolve from a number of motivations. For us, the expat life takes us to foreign countries. Others may decide they want to take a sabbatical or fulfil a lifelong dream to see the world. Whatever the reason, couples travel will test any relationship. Take two constant companions and shuttle them along a maddening course of airports, plane rides, train trips, bus schedules and urban navigation, then see how harmonious they can keep it. A few simple strategies will increase the chances of success.

Start With a Solid Foundation

No relationship is perfect. If it was we’d be bored silly and what would be the point? But having a genuine, honest relationship with your partner before hitting the road is a key to survival. Big problems on the home front? Consider working through those before setting off. Lingering resentments will only be exacerbated when travelling. 

Communicate

image (c) Mike Cook

Many disputes boil down to a lack of communication and mismanaged expectations. Feeling a certain way? Fess up! People aren’t mind readers. This sounds like a very simple tip and yes, voiced opinions may lead to hurt feelings or disputes in the short-term. But in the long term everyone will get what they want minus the resentment.

Adopt a Short Memory (not a short fuse)

Travel days caused us problems for a long time. Rushing to make a bus or train, lack of sleep and dealing with outsiders at the airport resulted in sharp words and general bickering. We decided that nothing we said “counted” on travel days. And eventually we got ourselves together and stopped having issues on travel days entirely. Sometimes something is said that isn’t intended and it’s best to forgive and forget the minor squabbles that may crop up in pressure situations when travelling.

Keep a Good Balance

image (c) Essie Pedersen

Two people are never going to agree on everything all the time. One person may have a completely different idea of how he wants to spend a particular day. It’s okay to take time out for yourselves as individuals when travelling. If time doesn’t allow trade-offs when planning activities, do them on your own. Be sure to plan “date nights” as well. Constant travel and togetherness can be tiring, especially if you aren’t used to it. It’s important to make time for yourselves as a couple. 

Feeling the love? For more switched on travel tips from John and Andrea hop on over to InspiringTravellers.com and follow the travelling twosomes exploits as they circumnavigate the globe for good... As always, if you'd like to write a First Friday Wild Post, buzz us up on Twitter or Facebook and get your wanderlust out there!